The Sound of DrumsHow it works & interactions with other cards

Forced Aggression and Doubled Damage

The Sound of Drums attaches to a creature and grants it the goaded keyword. This means the creature must attack each combat if able and must attack a player other than you if able. Additionally, its replacement effect modifies combat damage: if the enchanted creature would deal combat damage to a player or a permanent (like a planeswalker or another creature in combat), it deals twice that amount instead.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When you cast The Sound of Drums, you choose a target creature. Upon resolution, it enters the battlefield attached to that creature. From that point forward, the creature's controller is forced to attack with it during their combat phase. If the creature successfully connects with a player or blocks/is blocked, the damage calculation step checks for the double damage replacement effect before damage is actually dealt. Finally, if the Aura is put into your graveyard, you can pay its activated cost of {2}{R} at any time you have priority to return it to your hand.

Common Pitfalls

One frequent mistake is assuming the damage doubling applies to all damage sources; however, it only applies to combat damage. Abilities that trigger upon entering the battlefield or activated abilities do not benefit from this multiplier. Another important note is that goading only works if there are other players to attack; in a two-player game, the creature simply must attack you if able.

When to Play It

This card is most effective in multiplayer games when an opponent controls a high-power creature with trample or evasion. By enchanting an opponent's creature, you protect yourself from its attacks while forcing that opponent to deal massive amounts of damage to your rivals. The built-in recursion also makes it a safe investment against enchantment removal.

Interaction examples

Combat vs. Non-Combat Damage

Impact Tremors

If you enchant a creature while Impact Tremors is on the battlefield, and another creature enters, Impact Tremors deals 1 damage. This is non-combat damage, so The Sound of Drums does not double it. Only the creature's actual strikes during the combat phase are doubled.

Graveyard Synergy

Underworld Breach

While Underworld Breach allows you to cast nonland cards from your graveyard using escape, The Sound of Drums has its own built-in recursion. You can choose to pay {2}{R} to return it to your hand without needing to exile cards, providing a consistent way to re-apply pressure even if the enchanted creature is destroyed.