XenosquirrelsHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Xenosquirrels enters the battlefield with two +1/+1 counters, making it a 2/2 creature initially since its base power and toughness are 0/0. Its core ability is a replacement effect that triggers whenever you roll a die. You have the option to remove one of its +1/+1 counters to change the result of that roll by adding or subtracting 1.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you perform a die roll as instructed by another card or effect. Before that result is finalized, you decide whether to use Xenosquirrels' ability. If you choose to remove a counter, you then choose to either increase the number shown on the die by 1 or decrease it by 1. Note that you can only remove one counter per die roll, and the modification happens immediately after the roll but before the game checks the outcome.

Common Mistakes

Players often wonder if they can use this on a planar die during Planechase games; while you can technically remove a counter, the planar die does not have numerical values, so you cannot alter the result. Additionally, remember that you can push a die result beyond its normal range. For example, you can turn a 6 on a six-sided die into a 7, or a 1 into a 0, which might be crucial for specific card requirements.

When to Play It

Xenosquirrels is best utilized in decks that rely heavily on randomized effects or 'roll a d20' mechanics. Since it enters with two counters, it serves as a dual-purpose card: an early-game attacker and a safety net for your most important rolls. It is also a great recipient for other cards that add +1/+1 counters, effectively refilling its 'luck' supply.

Interaction examples

Manipulating the Outcome

You roll a six-sided die for an effect that requires a 6 to succeed, but you roll a 5. You choose to remove a +1/+1 counter from Xenosquirrels. You increase the result by 1, turning the 5 into a 6, and successfully trigger the effect.

Synergy with Death Triggers

Blood Artist

If you remove both +1/+1 counters from Xenosquirrels over two different rolls, its toughness becomes 0. Xenosquirrels is put into the graveyard as a state-based action. This triggers Blood Artist, allowing you to drain 1 life from an opponent and gain 1 life.

Fixing Mana and Counters

Ornithopter of Paradise

While Ornithopter of Paradise provides the colored mana needed to cast Xenosquirrels early, it does not directly interact with the dice-rolling mechanic. However, having Ornithopter of Paradise on the board ensures you have the resources to cast other spells that require dice rolls, which Xenosquirrels can then modify.