Vilis, Broker of BloodHow it works & interactions with other cards

Converting Life to Cards

Vilis features a static ability, an activated ability, and a triggered ability. The most important mechanic is his triggered ability: 'Whenever you lose life, draw that many cards.' Because damage causes loss of life, any source of damage dealt to you will result in drawing cards. Furthermore, paying life for costs—including his own activated ability—counts as life loss, ensuring you always get a return on your health investment.

The Timing of the Draw

When you activate Vilis's ability by paying 1 black mana and 2 life, the life loss occurs immediately as part of the cost. This triggers his last ability. However, the triggered ability to draw cards is placed on the stack on top of the -1/-1 ability. This means you will draw two cards before the targeted creature actually receives the -1/-1 penalty. If you pay life for a spell, you finish casting the spell and choosing targets before the draw trigger is even put on the stack.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is forgetting that Vilis must be on the battlefield for his ability to trigger. If an effect causes you to lose life at the same time Vilis is destroyed, you will not draw cards. Additionally, keep in mind that the card draw is mandatory; if you have fewer cards in your library than the life you just lost, you will lose the game by being forced to draw from an empty library.

When to Deploy the Broker

Vilis is best played when you have a stable life total and a way to protect him. Because he costs eight mana, he is a prime candidate for reanimation strategies. Once he is on the board, he acts as a deterrent for attackers, as any damage your opponents deal to you will simply result in you drawing more answers.

Interaction examples

The Self-Sustaining Cycle

You spend {B} and pay 2 life to target a creature. The payment of 2 life triggers Vilis. The draw trigger goes on the stack and resolves first, letting you draw 2 cards. Finally, the original ability resolves, and the target creature gets -1/-1.

Reanimation Synergy

Sheoldred, Whispering One

If Vilis is in your graveyard, Sheoldred, Whispering One can target him during your upkeep. Vilis returns to the battlefield for free. Now, any further life you pay or damage you take for the rest of the game will trigger Vilis, allowing you to draw cards while Sheoldred forces your opponents to sacrifice their blockers.

Targeting Priorities

Meteor Golem

If an opponent plays Meteor Golem and targets Vilis with its enter-the-battlefield ability, you can respond by activating Vilis's ability multiple times. You pay life and draw cards for each activation before the Meteor Golem destroys Vilis, ensuring you get maximum value before he leaves the battlefield.