Syr Alin, the Lion's ClawHow it works & interactions with other cards

Leading the Charge

Syr Alin, the Lion's Claw has two distinct features: First strike and a triggered ability that activates upon attacking. First strike ensures he deals damage before most blockers, while his attack trigger provides a +1/+1 buff to every other creature you control. Note that this bonus only applies to creatures already on the battlefield when the ability resolves; creatures entering later in the turn will not receive the boost.

Resolution Step-by-Step

When you enter the combat phase and declare Syr Alin, the Lion's Claw as an attacker, his ability immediately goes on the stack. The +1/+1 bonus is calculated and applied to all other creatures you currently control before blockers are even declared. Because he has first strike, Syr Alin will deal his damage in the first combat damage step, while your other buffed creatures (without first strike) will deal their increased damage during the normal combat damage step.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is assuming Syr Alin, the Lion's Claw gives himself the +1/+1 bonus. The text explicitly states 'other creatures you control,' so he remains a 4/4 while your army grows. Additionally, if Syr Alin is removed from the battlefield after he is declared as an attacker but before the trigger resolves, the ability still resolves and your other creatures still get the bonus.

Strategic Timing

To get the most out of Syr Alin, ensure you have a wide board presence before moving to combat. Since the buff lasts until the end of the turn, it helps your creatures survive combat and can even boost the power of creatures with secondary abilities that care about their stats.

Interaction examples

Doubling the Motivation

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield and chose 'Human' or 'Knight' as it entered, its ability will apply to Syr Alin. When Syr Alin, the Lion's Claw attacks, his triggered ability triggers an additional time. This results in all your other creatures receiving two separate +1/+1 bonuses, for a total of +2/+2 until end of turn.

Building the Mana Base

Solemn Simulacrum

In this scenario, you use Solemn Simulacrum to accelerate your mana to cast Syr Alin sooner. Once Syr Alin, the Lion's Claw attacks, the Solemn Simulacrum (which is normally a 2/2) receives the +1/+1 bonus, becoming a 3/3 for the duration of combat. This makes the Simulacrum a more effective attacker or a more threatening trade for your opponent.