Vampire of the Dire MoonHow it works & interactions with other cards

Efficiency and Keywords

This creature features two keyword abilities: Deathtouch and Lifelink. Deathtouch means any amount of damage it deals to another creature is lethal, regardless of that creature's toughness. Lifelink ensures that whenever the Vampire deals damage—whether in combat or via an effect—its controller gains an equal amount of life.

How it Resolves in Combat

When Vampire of the Dire Moon enters combat, its keywords apply during the Damage Step. First, it assigns damage to its blocker or the player/planeswalker it is attacking. As soon as that damage is dealt, the Lifelink ability causes you to gain life immediately (this does not use the stack). If it dealt damage to a creature, that creature is destroyed as a state-based action immediately after because of Deathtouch.

Strategic Timing

Since it only costs one black mana, playing Vampire of the Dire Moon on turn one is often the best move. It discourages opponents from attacking with much larger ground creatures, as they risk losing their threat to a mere 1/1. It remains relevant late in the game as a 'rattlesnake' piece that can stall the board.

Interaction examples

The Ultimate Deterrent

Ornithopter of Paradise

If your opponent attacks with Ornithopter of Paradise and you find a way to block it (perhaps by giving the Vampire Reach or Flying), the Vampire's Deathtouch will destroy the Ornithopter of Paradise regardless of its 2 toughness. Meanwhile, you will gain 1 life from the Lifelink trigger.

Synergizing with Death Triggers

Blood Artist

With Blood Artist on the battlefield, the Deathtouch on Vampire of the Dire Moon becomes even more potent. When the Vampire trades with an opponent's creature, both creatures die. Blood Artist will trigger twice, causing an opponent to lose 2 life while you gain an additional 2 life on top of the 1 life already gained from the Vampire's Lifelink during combat.