Timid ShieldbearerHow it works & interactions with other cards

Boosting the Board

Timid Shieldbearer has an activated ability that costs {4}{W}. When you pay this cost, every creature you currently control gains +1/+1 until the end of the turn. This is an area-of-effect buff, often called an 'Anthem' effect, that can turn a board of small tokens into a lethal threat or help your creatures survive unfavorable blocks.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you must have priority to activate the ability. You announce the ability and pay the total cost of five mana. The ability then goes on the stack. Once both players pass priority, the ability resolves. It checks which creatures you control at the moment of resolution; these creatures receive the +1/+1. Any creatures that enter the battlefield later in the turn will not receive the bonus.

Common Mistakes

The most common error is timing. Because the bonus is locked in when the ability resolves, activating it before playing more creatures is inefficient. Additionally, remember that Timid Shieldbearer also buffs itself, as it is a creature you control. If the Shieldbearer leaves the battlefield after the ability has resolved, the other creatures still keep their +1/+1 bonus until the cleanup step.

When to Play It

This card shines in the late game when you have excess mana. It is best utilized during the declare attackers or declare blockers step. By waiting until after blockers are chosen, you can use the +1/+1 boost to ensure your creatures win their respective combats or to push for those last few points of damage that your opponent didn't account for.

Interaction examples

Increasing the Tax

Esper Sentinel

If you have both creatures on the battlefield and an opponent casts their first noncreature spell, you can respond by activating Timid Shieldbearer. Once the +1/+1 resolves, Esper Sentinel's power increases. When the Sentinel's triggered ability resolves, your opponent will have to pay more mana to prevent you from drawing a card.

Mana Fixing for the Buff

Ornithopter of Paradise

Ornithopter of Paradise provides the acceleration needed to reach the five-mana requirement. You can tap the Ornithopter for {W} to contribute to the cost of the Shieldbearer's ability. Once resolved, both the Shieldbearer and the Ornithopter will be +1/+1 larger, allowing the Ornithopter to attack for 1 damage in the air.