Treefolk MysticHow it works & interactions with other cards

Natural De-Enchantment

Treefolk Mystic possesses a triggered ability that targets Auras. Specifically, whenever it blocks a creature or is blocked by one, every Aura attached to that opposing creature is destroyed. This happens regardless of whether the Auras are beneficial or detrimental, effectively stripping the opponent's creature of its magical upgrades before damage is even dealt.

Step-by-Step Combat Resolution

The process begins during the Declare Blockers step. Once Treefolk Mystic is declared as a blocker for an attacking creature, or once an opponent chooses a creature to block Treefolk Mystic, the ability triggers and is put onto the stack. This trigger resolves before the Combat Damage step. All Auras on the opposing creature are moved to the graveyard, and then the creatures proceed to deal damage based on their new, un-enchanted power and toughness.

Timing and Common Mistakes

A common misconception is that this ability destroys Auras on Treefolk Mystic itself; however, the text specifically targets the creature it is battling. Additionally, players should remember that this is a mandatory trigger. If a creature it blocks is enchanted, those Auras must be destroyed. Because this happens in the Declare Blockers step, it is too late for an opponent to cast an Aura on their creature to boost its stats for that specific combat encounter after the trigger has resolved.

Strategic Implementation

You should play Treefolk Mystic when you anticipate facing 'Voltron' style decks that pile Auras onto a single threat. While its stats are modest, the threat of losing multiple cards to a single block makes it an excellent defensive piece. It forces opponents to reconsider attacking with their most enchanted units.

Interaction examples

Defending Against the Golem

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent attacks with a Solemn Simulacrum that has been enchanted with several Auras, you can block with Treefolk Mystic. Upon blocking, Treefolk Mystic's ability triggers, destroying all Auras on Solemn Simulacrum. The two creatures then deal damage to each other; both will likely survive unless the Auras were the only thing keeping Solemn Simulacrum small enough to die or large enough to kill the Treefolk.

Aggressive Removal

Eternal Witness

If you attack with Treefolk Mystic and your opponent blocks with Eternal Witness (perhaps enchanted with a protective Aura), the Aura is destroyed immediately. Because Eternal Witness only has 1 toughness, it will then be destroyed during the combat damage step by Treefolk Mystic's 2 power, while the Treefolk survives.