Vito's InquisitorHow it works & interactions with other cards

How the Ability Works

Vito's Inquisitor features an activated ability that costs one Black mana and the sacrifice of another creature or artifact. Because the sacrifice is part of the activation cost, your opponent cannot respond to the sacrifice itself to stop the ability from being put on the stack. Once activated, the Inquisitor receives a permanent +1/+1 counter and gains the menace keyword, meaning it can't be blocked except by two or more creatures until the end of the current turn.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you pay the cost: one Black mana and sending another creature or artifact you control to the graveyard. Second, the ability is put onto the stack and players may respond. Third, as the ability resolves, Vito's Inquisitor receives its +1/+1 counter. Finally, the menace keyword is applied to the Inquisitor, lasting until the cleanup step of the turn.

Strategic Timing and Common Pitfalls

You can activate this ability at instant speed, including during the declare blockers step after your opponent has declared a single blocker (though this won't retroactively make the creature unblocked). A common mistake is trying to sacrifice Vito's Inquisitor to its own ability; the text specifically states you must sacrifice 'another' creature or artifact. Additionally, remember that while the +1/+1 counter is permanent, the menace keyword expires at the end of the turn.

Interaction examples

Sacrificing for Value

Solemn Simulacrum

You have Solemn Simulacrum on the battlefield. You pay one Black mana and sacrifice Solemn Simulacrum to Vito's Inquisitor's ability. Solemn Simulacrum's 'dies' trigger goes on the stack alongside the Inquisitor's ability. You will draw a card, and Vito's Inquisitor will get a +1/+1 counter and menace.

Type Synergy with Roaming Throne

Roaming Throne

If Roaming Throne enters the battlefield naming 'Vampire', it does not double Vito's Inquisitor's ability. Roaming Throne only doubles triggered abilities (starting with 'when', 'whenever', or 'at'). Since Vito's Inquisitor has an activated ability (indicated by the colon), the Throne does not interact with it. However, you can sacrifice Roaming Throne as an artifact to give the Inquisitor a counter.