There Is No RefugeHow it works & interactions with other cards

Unpacking the Scheme

When you set There Is No Refuge in motion, it triggers a two-part effect. First, it deals 3 damage to up to one target creature, allowing you to pick off a pesky utility creature or weaken a larger threat. Second, regardless of whether you targeted a creature, you create a 3/3 black Horror creature token to join your ranks. Interestingly, this scheme also grants you the ability to play an additional land during your turn, a hidden layer of utility that helps you outpace the table.

Resolution Step-by-Step

When the scheme is set in motion at the beginning of your precombat main phase, you first choose your target creature (or choose no target). If you chose a target, the ability checks if it is still legal upon resolution. If the target is legal, the creature takes 3 damage and you create your 3/3 Horror token. If you chose no target at all, you skip the damage and proceed directly to creating the token. Finally, you gain the permission to play an extra land for the rest of the turn.

Common Pitfalls

The most common mistake involves target legality. If you choose a target creature and that creature leaves the battlefield or gains protection before the ability resolves, the entire ability is countered. This means you will not get your 3/3 Horror token. If you absolutely need the token, it is often safer to choose zero targets. Additionally, remember that the extra land play follows normal timing rules; you cannot play a land on an opponent's turn or while the stack is not empty.

When to Set It in Motion

This scheme is best utilized when an opponent has a critical creature with 3 or less toughness, such as a mana dork or a commander with a powerful passive ability. However, even on an empty board, it provides valuable board presence with the Horror token and helps you ramp into your larger Archenemy spells by utilizing the extra land drop permission.

Interaction examples

Expanding Your Domain

Command TowerHorror

After setting There Is No Refuge in motion and creating your Horror token, you can play a Command Tower as your normal land for the turn, and then play a second land because of the scheme's cumulative effect, doubling your mana development for the round.

Managing Targets Safely

Sol Ring

If your opponents have no creatures, you can choose 'zero targets' for the scheme. You won't deal damage, but the ability resolves successfully, giving you a 3/3 Horror token and allowing you to use your Sol Ring to cast even more spells alongside your extra land play.