Vigean GraftmageHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding Graft 2

Vigean Graftmage enters the battlefield with two +1/+1 counters. Its Graft ability is a triggered ability that triggers whenever another creature enters the battlefield. You don't have to move a counter if you don't want to, but if you do, the counter is moved from the Graftmage to the new creature. Note that this ability doesn't target, so you choose whether to move the counter when the ability resolves.

Untapping Mechanics

The activated ability of Vigean Graftmage allows you to pay {1}{U} to untap target creature with a +1/+1 counter on it. This is not limited to creatures that received counters via Graft; any creature you control (or even an opponent controls) can be untapped as long as it has at least one +1/+1 counter on it. This can be used multiple times in a single turn provided you have the mana.

Timing and Targeting

When a new creature enters the battlefield, the Graft trigger goes on the stack. If the Graftmage no longer has +1/+1 counters on it when the trigger resolves, you cannot move a counter. Similarly, for the activated ability, the target must have a +1/+1 counter both when you activate the ability and when it resolves. If the counter is removed in response, the ability will fizzle.

Strategic Implementation

You should play Vigean Graftmage when you have creatures with powerful tap abilities. By sharing its counters, the Graftmage effectively grants those creatures 'pseudo-vigilance' or allows them to use their activated abilities multiple times per turn cycle.

Interaction examples

Grafting a Golem

Solemn Simulacrum

When Solemn Simulacrum enters the battlefield, Vigean Graftmage's Graft ability triggers. As the trigger resolves, you choose to move one +1/+1 counter onto Solemn Simulacrum. Now that the Simulacrum has a +1/+1 counter, you can use Vigean Graftmage's activated ability to untap it later if it becomes tapped for any reason.

Doubling the Graft

Roaming Throne

If Roaming Throne enters the battlefield and you choose 'Wizard' or 'Mutant', its replacement effect will apply to Vigean Graftmage's triggered abilities. When another creature enters, the Graft ability triggers twice. You can move two +1/+1 counters to that new creature (if the Graftmage has them), or move one to that creature and keep the other, or move one each to two different creatures if multiple enter at once.

Resource Management

Solemn SimulacrumRoaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Wizard', and you then cast Solemn Simulacrum, the Graftmage triggers twice. You can move both of its initial +1/+1 counters onto the Simulacrum. While the Graftmage is now a 0/0, it remains on the battlefield as long as it has other toughness buffs, but it can no longer Graft onto future creatures until it receives more counters.