Speakeasy ServerHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Reward for Your Board

Speakeasy Server features a triggered ability that checks the number of other creatures you control at the moment the ability resolves. Since it has Flying, it serves a dual purpose as both a defensive lifegain tool and an offensive threat that can soar over ground blockers.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When Speakeasy Server enters the battlefield, its triggered ability is put onto the stack. When the ability resolves, the game counts every creature you control except for the Speakeasy Server itself. You then gain 1 life for each of those creatures. If Speakeasy Server leaves the battlefield before the ability resolves, the count still occurs based on your current creatures, and you will still gain life.

Timing and Strategy

Because the life gain depends on 'other creatures,' you want to cast this card when your board is most populated. It is often beneficial to cast other small creatures or tokens first to maximize the life total swing. Remember that tokens are creatures, so a field of 1/1 Soldiers will contribute just as much life as large legendary creatures.

Common Mistakes

The most frequent error is counting Speakeasy Server itself. The text explicitly says 'each other creature,' meaning if it is your only creature on board, you will gain 0 life. Additionally, if an opponent destroys one of your other creatures in response to the trigger, that creature will not be counted when the ability finally resolves.

Interaction examples

Scaling Up the Value

Solemn Simulacrum

If you already control Solemn Simulacrum and then cast Speakeasy Server, the Server's ability triggers upon entry. When it resolves, it sees one 'other' creature (the Golem) and you gain 1 life.

Doubling the Service

Roaming Throne

With Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Bird' or 'Citizen,' Speakeasy Server's ability triggers an additional time. If you control only these two, the first trigger resolves for 1 life (counting the Throne), and the second trigger resolves for 1 life, giving you a total of 2 life.

Managing the Stack

Solemn SimulacrumRoaming Throne

Suppose you control Solemn Simulacrum and Roaming Throne (naming Bird). When Speakeasy Server enters, it triggers twice. If nothing changes, each trigger sees 2 other creatures, resulting in 2 life per trigger for a total of 4 life gained.