Treespring LorianHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Treespring Lorian can be cast for its standard mana cost of six mana, but it is primarily defined by the Morph ability. Morph is a static ability that allows you to cast the card face down for three generic mana as a 2/2 creature with no name, types, or mana cost. At any point you have priority, you can pay its Morph cost of {5}{G} to turn it face up, revealing the 5/4 Beast underneath.

How It Resolves Step by Step

When you cast Treespring Lorian face down, you pay {3} and it enters the battlefield as a 2/2 creature. This action does not use the stack. To turn it face up later, you simply announce the action and pay the {5}{G} cost. Because turning a permanent face up is a special action, it happens immediately and cannot be responded to by spells or abilities like Counterspell. Once face up, it retains any counters or equipment it had while face down, but its base power and toughness immediately shift to 5/4.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is thinking that turning the Lorian face up counts as the creature entering the battlefield. It is already on the battlefield; it just changed its characteristics. Therefore, 'Enters the Battlefield' triggers do not fire when you pay the Morph cost. Additionally, if the creature leaves the battlefield while face down, you must reveal it to all players to prove it actually had a Morph cost.

When to Play It

Play Treespring Lorian face down early to establish board presence when you lack six mana. It serves as an excellent 'mana sink' in the late game or as a surprise blocker. Turning it face up during the declare blockers step can catch an opponent off guard, turning a simple trade into a crushing victory for your Beast.

Interaction examples

Hidden Power and Tribal Synergy

Morph

You cast Treespring Lorian face down using the Morph mechanic. It is now a 2/2 colorless creature. Your opponent attacks with a 3/3, thinking your creature is just a small Morph token. Before damage, you pay {5}{G} to turn it face up. It is now a 5/4 Beast, destroying their creature while yours survives.

Unlocking Mana with the Muse

Seedborn Muse

With Seedborn Muse on the battlefield, your lands untap during your opponent's turn. This gives you the mana needed to flip Treespring Lorian face up even if you spent all your mana on your own turn. Since turning a creature face up is a special action, you can do this during the opponent's combat phase to surprise them with a 5/4 blocker.

Token Production vs. Morph

Avenger of Zendikar

If you turn Treespring Lorian face up while Avenger of Zendikar is on the battlefield, the Avenger's 'enters' ability does not trigger. However, if you have both on the field, your Lorian (whether face up or face down) remains a creature and benefits from any board-wide buffs, though it won't receive the +1/+1 counters meant for the Avenger's Plant tokens.