Sultai RunemarkHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Dual-Purpose Buff

Sultai Runemark provides a static +2/+2 bonus to the creature it enchants. Beyond this physical boost, it grants the deathtouch keyword, provided you meet a specific color requirement. This makes the enchanted creature a nightmare to block, as any amount of damage it deals will be lethal to opposing creatures.

Navigating the Color Requirement

The deathtouch ability is a conditional static ability. As long as you control at least one green or blue permanent, the enchanted creature has deathtouch. If your only green or blue permanent leaves the battlefield, the creature loses deathtouch immediately. Note that Sultai Runemark itself is black, so it does not count toward its own condition unless it somehow gains another color.

Strategic Placement

Because the deathtouch bonus is contingent on other permanents, timing is key. You should prioritize enchanting creatures with high toughness or keywords like vigilance to make the most of the defensive threat deathtouch provides. Avoid overextending if your only green or blue source is vulnerable to removal.

Interaction examples

Standard Enhancement

When you cast Sultai Runemark on a creature, it immediately receives +2/+2. If you do not control any blue or green permanents, it simply remains a buffed creature without deathtouch.

Maintaining the Brood's Power

Black Market Connections

If you control Black Market Connections and use it to create a Shapeshifter token, that token has all creature types (changeling) but is colorless. Since neither Sultai Runemark nor the token are green or blue, the enchanted creature will not have deathtouch despite having two permanents on board.

Color Identity Check

Phyrexian Arena

With Phyrexian Arena and Sultai Runemark on the battlefield, you control two black permanents. Unless you play a separate green or blue permanent, the enchanted creature only benefits from the +2/+2 stat boost and will not gain deathtouch.