Wren's Run PackmasterHow it works & interactions with other cards

Championing the Pack

When Wren's Run Packmaster enters the battlefield, its Champion an Elf ability triggers. To keep the Packmaster on the field, you must exile another Elf you control. If you choose not to, or if you control no other Elves, you must sacrifice the Packmaster. This ability creates a safety net; if the Packmaster later leaves the battlefield, the exiled Elf returns immediately to your control.

Deathtouch and Tokens

For three mana, the Packmaster creates a 2/2 green Wolf creature token. More importantly, it grants all Wolves you control deathtouch. This isn't limited to the tokens it creates; any Wolf permanent under your control becomes a lethal threat. The deathtouch ability is checked at the time damage is dealt, ensuring that even a small Wolf can take down the largest of foes.

Common Mistakes

Players often forget that the Champion ability is mandatory; if the Packmaster is your only Elf, it must be sacrificed. Additionally, keep in mind that the Wolf tokens only have deathtouch while the Packmaster is on the battlefield. If the Packmaster is removed before damage is dealt in combat, your Wolves will lose deathtouch and may fail to destroy their blockers.

Tactical Timing

Use the Champion ability to shield high-value creatures from board wipes. Since the exiled creature returns when the Packmaster leaves, it effectively gives you a 'second life' for your best Elf. In the late game, the Packmaster serves as a mana sink, allowing you to build an army of deathtouching blockers at the end of your opponent's turn.

Interaction examples

Protecting the Witness

Eternal Witness

You play Wren's Run Packmaster while you control Eternal Witness. When the Packmaster enters, you choose to Champion the Eternal Witness, exiling it. If an opponent later destroys the Packmaster, the Eternal Witness returns to the battlefield immediately, triggering its own ability and allowing you to return a card from your graveyard to your hand.

The Lethal Golem

WolfSolemn Simulacrum

You have Wren's Run Packmaster and a Wolf token on the battlefield. You attack with the Wolf, and your opponent blocks with Solemn Simulacrum. Because the Packmaster grants your Wolf deathtouch, any amount of damage dealt to the Golem is considered lethal. The Solemn Simulacrum is destroyed during state-based actions, and your opponent may then draw a card.