Student of Elements // Tobita, Master of WindsHow it works & interactions with other cards

Learning to Fly

Student of Elements begins as a 1/1 Human Wizard. Its triggered ability constantly monitors whether it has the flying keyword. The moment it gains flying from any source—be it an equipment, an aura, or another creature's ability—the flip condition is met. Once flipped, it becomes Tobita, Master of Winds, a 3/3 legendary creature that provides a static buff to your team.

The Transformation Process

The flipping process happens in two distinct steps. First, the Student must actually gain the flying ability while on the battlefield. This triggers the 'flip it' ability, which goes on the stack. When that ability resolves, you turn the card 180 degrees to show the Tobita side. Notably, once flipped, Tobita provides flying to all your creatures, including himself, which ensures he stays in his powerful legendary form.

Mastering the Skies

A common mistake is forgetting that flipping is not the same as transforming or manifesting. If a flipped permanent leaves the battlefield and returns, it returns as the front side (Student of Elements). Additionally, if Tobita loses his abilities (for example, via a 'lose all abilities' effect), your other creatures will lose flying, but Tobita will remain flipped unless he changes zones.

Strategic Deployment

Play Student of Elements early to set up your board. Since it only requires the keyword 'flying' to flip, you can trigger it immediately by casting a cheap creature with flying or using a combat trick. Once Tobita is active, your ground-based threats like Foundry Inspector become evasive attackers that can end the game quickly.

Interaction examples

Taking to the Air

Ornithopter of Paradise

With Student of Elements on the battlefield, you cast Ornithopter of Paradise. While the Ornithopter has flying, it does not automatically give it to the Student. You must use an external effect to give the Student flying first. However, once you use an effect to flip the Student into Tobita, Master of Winds, his static ability will grant flying to the Ornithopter of Paradise (who already has it) and any other creatures you control.

Cost Reduction and Evasion

Foundry Inspector

If you have already flipped Student of Elements into Tobita, Master of Winds, his ability grants flying to all creatures you control. When you cast Foundry Inspector, it enters the battlefield and immediately gains flying from Tobita's static ability. This allows your Construct to attack safely over your opponent's blockers while still providing its cost-reduction benefit for your artifact spells.