Zul Ashur, Lich LordHow it works & interactions with other cards

Restless Recruitment

Zul Ashur's primary ability is an activated ability that targets a Zombie creature card in your graveyard. When this ability resolves, it creates a continuous effect that allows you to cast that specific card during the current turn. It is important to remember that this does not change when you can cast the card; you must still follow normal timing rules, meaning you can typically only cast the Zombie during your main phase while the stack is empty.

The Price of Interference

Zul Ashur features Ward—Pay 2 life, a defensive keyword that triggers whenever an opponent targets it with a spell or ability. This includes everything from targeted removal spells to activated abilities of permanents. If the opponent chooses not to pay 2 life, their spell or ability is countered. This tax makes Zul Ashur a difficult target to remove without the opponent sacrificing their own health.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, activate Zul Ashur by tapping it and choosing a target Zombie creature card in your graveyard. Second, the ability goes on the stack and players may respond. Third, once the ability resolves, a permission is granted for the rest of the turn. Fourth, you may cast the Zombie card by paying its mana cost and any additional costs. Note that if Zul Ashur leaves the battlefield after the ability resolves, you can still cast the chosen card until the end of the turn.

Timing and Restrictions

A common mistake is assuming Zul Ashur allows you to cast cards for free or at instant speed. You must pay all costs associated with the Zombie spell. Furthermore, if you activate the ability on an opponent's turn, you cannot cast the Zombie unless it has Flash, as you must still follow the timing rules for creature spells. If the targeted card leaves your graveyard before you cast it, you lose the chance to use that specific permission.

Interaction examples

Establishing Mana with the Lich

Ornithopter of Paradise

If Zul Ashur is on the battlefield and you need mana, you can tap Ornithopter of Paradise to add one mana of any color to your pool. This mana can be used to pay for Zul Ashur's activated ability or, more importantly, to help pay the mana cost of a Zombie creature card you are casting from your graveyard via Zul Ashur's ability.

Draining Life through Death

Blood Artist

Suppose you have Blood Artist on the battlefield and a Zombie creature in your graveyard. You activate Zul Ashur to cast that Zombie. If that Zombie later dies, Blood Artist's ability triggers, causing a target player to lose 1 life and you to gain 1 life. This creates a loop of value where you can repeatedly cast and sacrifice your Zombies to drain your opponents.

Ward vs Removal

Blood Artist

If an opponent attempts to destroy Zul Ashur with a spell, the Ward—Pay 2 life ability triggers. If that opponent also happens to be at 1 life due to your Blood Artist triggers, they will be unable to pay the cost to prevent their spell from being countered, effectively making Zul Ashur immune to their targeting.