Thorntooth WitchHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Witch's Vengeance

Thorntooth Witch features a triggered ability that triggers whenever you cast a Treefolk spell. This includes any spell with the Treefolk subtype, such as Treefolk creatures or Tribal spells with the Treefolk type. The ability is optional, meaning you choose whether or not to target a creature when the trigger goes on the stack.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you must cast a Treefolk spell by paying its costs and putting it onto the stack. This immediately triggers the ability of Thorntooth Witch, which is placed on the stack above the original spell. You choose a target creature for the +3/-3 effect at this time. The ability resolves before the Treefolk spell that triggered it, meaning the target creature will receive the stat change before your new Treefolk even enters the battlefield.

Strategic Considerations

A common mistake is forgetting that +3/-3 can be used as removal. Since a creature with 0 or less toughness is put into its owner's graveyard as a state-based action, you can use this to kill small utility creatures or weakened attackers. Conversely, you can use it on your own high-toughness creatures to push for an extra 3 damage if you are certain they will survive the -3 penalty.

Timing the Trigger

Because the ability triggers on 'casting,' it does not matter if the Treefolk spell is countered; the +3/-3 effect will still resolve. You should play Thorntooth Witch early in your Treefolk chain to maximize the number of triggers you get throughout the game.

Interaction examples

The Grim Reaping

Syr Konrad, the Grim

If you cast a Treefolk spell while Thorntooth Witch is on the battlefield, you can target a creature with 3 or less toughness with the +3/-3 ability. When that creature dies due to having 0 toughness, Syr Konrad, the Grim will trigger, dealing 1 damage to each opponent.

Boosting Devotion

Gray Merchant of Asphodel

While Gray Merchant of Asphodel is not a Treefolk and won't trigger the Witch itself, Thorntooth Witch provides a valuable {B} toward your devotion to black. If you cast a Treefolk spell to trigger the Witch and eliminate a blocker, your subsequent Gray Merchant of Asphodel will have a safer board state and a higher devotion count to drain your opponents.

Survival of the Fittest

If you cast a second copy of Thorntooth Witch while one is already on the battlefield, the first Witch's ability triggers. You may target the new Witch itself to make it a 7/1 creature for the turn, or target an opponent's 3-toughness creature to destroy it before your new Shaman arrives.