Tempest AnglerHow it works & interactions with other cards

Harnessing the Storm

The core mechanic of Tempest Angler is its triggered ability that activates whenever you cast a noncreature spell. In Magic: The Gathering, a 'noncreature spell' is any spell that does not have the 'Creature' type in its type line. This includes Instants, Sorceries, Artifacts, Enchantments, and Planeswalkers. Every time you successfully cast one of these, you place a permanent +1/+1 counter on this Otter Wizard, increasing its power and toughness indefinitely.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you must cast a noncreature spell from your hand or another zone by paying its costs and putting it onto the stack. Second, Tempest Angler's ability triggers and is placed on the stack on top of that spell. Third, the ability resolves first, giving Tempest Angler a +1/+1 counter. Finally, your original spell resolves. This sequence is crucial because it means Tempest Angler grows even if the spell that triggered it is countered by an opponent.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is assuming that 'entering the battlefield' counts as casting. If an enchantment or artifact is put onto the battlefield without being cast (for example, through a blink effect or a specialized ability), Tempest Angler will not trigger. Additionally, remember that hybrid mana {U/R} can be paid with either one Blue or one Red mana, allowing for flexible turn-three plays regardless of your specific land draws.

When to Cast It

Tempest Angler is best played early to maximize the number of triggers you can accumulate. However, because it relies on noncreature spells, you should ensure you have a hand full of interaction or utility spells to protect it. It excels in decks that utilize cheap cantrips or defensive spells that serve the dual purpose of keeping you alive while simultaneously buffing your Otter.

Interaction examples

Otters and Artifacts

Solemn Simulacrum

If you cast Solemn Simulacrum while Tempest Angler is on the battlefield, the Angler will NOT receive a counter. This is because Solemn Simulacrum is an 'Artifact Creature'. Even though it is an artifact, the presence of the 'Creature' type prevents it from being considered a noncreature spell.

Doubling the Growth

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield and you chose 'Otter' or 'Wizard' as it entered, Tempest Angler becomes twice as effective. When you cast a noncreature spell, the Angler's ability triggers. Roaming Throne's replacement effect causes that ability to trigger an additional time, resulting in two +1/+1 counters for every single noncreature spell cast.

Lone Spellcasting

If Tempest Angler is your only creature and you cast a simple Sorcery, the Angler's ability triggers and resolves before the Sorcery does. This means if your Sorcery says 'target creature gets +1/+0 until end of turn,' you could target the Angler, and it would already have its new +1/+1 counter before receiving the temporary boost.