Sword of the ParunsHow it works & interactions with other cards

Dual-Natured Buffs

The primary function of Sword of the Paruns is to provide a static buff to your entire board based on the equipped creature's current status. If the equipped creature is tapped, every tapped creature you control gains +2/+0. Conversely, if it is untapped, every untapped creature you control receives +0/+2. Note that these bonuses are mutually exclusive for individual creatures; a creature is either tapped or untapped, so it can only benefit from one of these effects at a time.

The Transformation Step-by-Step

When you activate the Sword's ability for {3}, you choose to either tap or untap the creature. As soon as that creature's status changes, the static effect of the Sword shifts immediately. Because static effects do not use the stack, your army's stats update the instant the creature becomes tapped or untapped. This transition happens without any window for players to cast spells in between the status change and the stat update.

Strategic Deployment

This card is best utilized in decks that can generate a high volume of creatures or have ways to generate mana through creature tapping. It acts as a 'mana sink' that can protect your board from damage-based board wipes during your opponent's turn by granting toughness, then switch to an offensive power boost right before you declare attackers.

A Word of Caution

The most common mistake involves the timing of lethal damage. If an untapped creature you control has taken damage and you subsequently tap the creature equipped with Sword of the Paruns, your other creatures will immediately lose the +0/+2 bonus. If a creature now has damage marked on it equal to or greater than its new, lower toughness, it will be destroyed as a state-based action. Always calculate the health of your board before toggling the Sword's state.

Interaction examples

Ramping with the Simulacrum

Solemn Simulacrum

You cast Solemn Simulacrum and use its entry ability to fetch a basic land. You then pay {3} to attach Sword of the Paruns to it. While Solemn Simulacrum remains untapped, it and any other untapped creatures you control gain +0/+2. If you later attack with Solemn Simulacrum, it becomes tapped, and the bonus instantly switches: it (and other tapped creatures) now gets +2/+0, turning your utility Golem into a 4/2 threat.

Managing Mana for the Toggle

Commander's Sphere

Suppose your opponent casts a spell that deals 2 damage to all creatures. You have Sword of the Paruns equipped to a creature, but that creature is currently tapped (giving +2/+0). To save your untapped army, you can tap Commander's Sphere for mana and use it toward the {3} cost to untap the equipped creature. Once the creature is untapped, your army gains +0/+2, allowing them to survive the 2 damage.