Soldevi HereticHow it works & interactions with other cards

What it Does

Soldevi Heretic has an activated ability that costs one white mana and tapping the creature. When activated, it creates a prevention shield for target creature, meaning the next 2 damage that would be dealt to it this turn is instead ignored. As part of the effect, you must choose an opponent who then has the option to draw a card.

How it Resolves Step by Step

First, you activate the ability by paying {W}, tapping Soldevi Heretic, and choosing a target creature. Once the ability resolves, a prevention effect is placed on that creature that lasts for the duration of the turn or until 2 damage is prevented. Immediately following the creation of this shield, the targeted opponent chooses whether or not to draw a card. Note that the opponent's draw is optional, but the damage prevention happens regardless of their choice.

Common Mistakes

A common misconception is that the opponent only draws if damage is actually prevented. In reality, the opponent may draw as soon as the ability resolves, even if the creature never takes damage later in the turn. Additionally, remember that damage prevention shields are consumed in order; if multiple effects are active, the game applies them one by one until the damage is fully prevented.

When to Play It

Soldevi Heretic is best used in multiplayer formats like Commander where you can offer the card draw to an ally or a player who is currently behind. It is also effective in defensive decks that need to keep key utility creatures alive against red damage spells or small combat trades, provided you can handle the extra cards your opponents will receive.

Interaction examples

Protecting the Golem

Solemn Simulacrum

If an opponent targets your Solemn Simulacrum with a spell that deals 2 damage, you can respond by activating Soldevi Heretic. The damage is prevented, keeping your Golem on the battlefield to provide its value later. However, the opponent you targeted with the Heretic's ability may draw a card immediately upon resolution.

The Limits of Protection

Roaming Throne

If Roaming Throne is about to take 5 damage, you can use Soldevi Heretic to prevent 2 of that damage. The Roaming Throne will still take the remaining 3 damage. Because the Heretic's ability is an activated ability and not a triggered ability, Roaming Throne (even if set to 'Human' or 'Cleric') will not cause the damage prevention to happen twice.