Talons of FalkenrathHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Flashy Enhancement

Talons of Falkenrath is an Enchantment — Aura with the Flash keyword. This means you can cast it during your opponent's turn, during the combat phase, or in response to other spells. Unlike most Auras that must be played during your main phase, this card allows you to wait until the most opportune moment to buff a creature.

Activating the Ability

Once the Aura is attached to a creature, that creature gains a new activated ability: '{1}{R}: This creature gets +2/+0 until end of turn.' Because the creature itself gains the ability, you can activate it as many times as you can pay the mana. Note that if the Aura is destroyed or moved, the creature loses the ability, but any bonuses already granted until end of turn will remain.

Timing and Strategy

A common mistake is forgetting that the creature must be on the battlefield for the Aura to have a target. If the creature is removed in response to you casting Talons of Falkenrath, the Aura spell will fizzle and be put into the graveyard. Always ensure your creature is safe before committing the mana, or use the Flash speed to bait out your opponent's removal spells.

Interaction examples

Surprise Blocking Power

During your opponent's declare attackers step, they swing with a 4/4 creature. You block with a 2/2. Before damage, you cast Talons of Falkenrath using Flash. Once it resolves, you spend {1}{R} to activate the new ability. Your creature becomes a 4/2, allowing you to trade with their larger threat.

Escaping the Grave

Underworld Breach

If Talons of Falkenrath is in your graveyard and you control Underworld Breach, you can cast the Aura for its escape cost ({1}{R} and exiling three cards). Because the card still has Flash while in the graveyard, you can perform this escape at instant speed to surprise an opponent during their turn.

Impactful Entries

Impact Tremors

While Impact Tremors triggers when a creature enters the battlefield, casting Talons of Falkenrath will not trigger it. Even though the Aura is a permanent entering the battlefield, it is not a creature. You must first have a creature enter to trigger the damage, then you can attach the Talons to that creature to increase its combat threat.