Valiant FarewellHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

When you cast Valiant Farewell, you target a creature you control to receive a +2/+0 power buff until the end of the turn. The spell also sets up a delayed trigger: if that targeted creature leaves the battlefield for any reason during that turn, you earn a 'boon.' This boon is an invisible effect that waits for you to cast your next creature spell, at which point it grants that new creature a perpetual +2/+0 bonus.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, you choose a target creature you control and pay the mana cost. Upon resolution, the target gets +2/+0 and the game starts watching that creature. Next, you draw a card. If the creature leaves the battlefield (whether it dies, is exiled, or returned to hand) before the turn ends, the boon is granted to you. Finally, the next time you cast a creature spell, the boon triggers and applies a permanent +2/+0 modification to that spell and the resulting permanent.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is thinking the boon applies to the next creature that enters the battlefield; however, the card specifically states it applies when you 'cast' your next creature spell. Also, remember that 'perpetually' is a mechanic where the bonus sticks with the card even if it changes zones later, such as moving from the graveyard back to your hand. Note that if the targeted creature does not leave the battlefield before the turn ends, you will not receive the boon.

When to Play It

Valiant Farewell is most effective during combat or in response to an opponent's removal spell. Since it draws you a card, it is rarely a 'dead' card in hand. If you suspect your opponent is about to destroy your best attacker, casting this ensures that your next threat will be even larger than the one you are losing.

Interaction examples

Responding to Swords to Plowshares

Swords to Plowshares

If your opponent casts Swords to Plowshares on your 2/2 creature, you can cast Valiant Farewell in response. Your creature becomes a 4/2. Then, Swords to Plowshares resolves and exiles the creature. Because the creature left the battlefield, you receive the boon. You also draw a card. The next creature spell you cast will now perpetually have +2/+0.

Path to Exile and Resource Recovery

Path to Exile

When your creature is targeted by Path to Exile, responding with Valiant Farewell ensures you don't just get a land, but also a future power boost. After Valiant Farewell resolves, you draw a card. When Path to Exile resolves, you search for a land and the creature leaves the battlefield, triggering the boon. You have successfully turned a removal spell into a card draw, a land ramp, and a permanent buff for your next unit.