AI DraftFeb 26, 2026
Selvala, Heart of the Wilds + Umbral Mantle
Overview
You can loop Selvala, Heart of the Wilds with Umbral Mantle by tapping Selvala for X mana, using 3 of that mana to activate Umbral Mantle’s 
,
ability to untap and give Selvala +2/+2, then tapping Selvala again for a larger X and repeating. Selvala’s 
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ability is a mana ability and doesn’t use the stack [Ruling 2016-08-23]. The untap from a ability is paid as a cost and the untap itself can’t be responded to [Ruling 2008-05-01].
, ability to untap and give Selvala +2/+2, then tapping Selvala again for a larger X and repeating. Selvala’s , ability is a mana ability and doesn’t use the stack [Ruling 2016-08-23]. The untap from a ability is paid as a cost and the untap itself can’t be responded to [Ruling 2008-05-01].Step 1
Ensure Umbral Mantle is equipped to Selvala and you control both permanents.
Step 2
Activate Selvala’s mana ability by paying its cost and tapping it (,) to add X mana in any combination of colors, where X equals the greatest power among creatures you control. This is a mana ability and produces its mana immediately; it does not use the stack and can’t be responded to [Ruling 2016-08-23].
and tapping it (,) to add X mana in any combination of colors, where X equals the greatest power among creatures you control. This is a mana ability and produces its mana immediately; it does not use the stack and can’t be responded to [Ruling 2016-08-23].Step 3
With Selvala tapped and having produced mana, pay (for Umbral Mantle) and activate the granted ability , on Selvala. As part of that activation cost you untap Selvala; that untap is paid as a cost and can’t be responded to [Ruling 2008-05-01].
(for Umbral Mantle) and activate the granted ability , on Selvala. As part of that activation cost you untap Selvala; that untap is paid as a cost and can’t be responded to [Ruling 2008-05-01].Step 4
After the cost is paid, Mantle’s activated ability goes on the stack. Players may respond while it’s on the stack; when it resolves, the creature gets +2/+2 until end of turn.
Step 5
Now Selvala is untapped and has +2/+2. Activate Selvala’s mana ability again (paying as part of the cost) to add X′ mana where X′ is the new greatest power among your creatures. Because Selvala’s power has increased, X′ will typically be larger, allowing you to repeat the cycle.
as part of the cost) to add X′ mana where X′ is the new greatest power among your creatures. Because Selvala’s power has increased, X′ will typically be larger, allowing you to repeat the cycle.Resolution
Selvala’s , is a mana ability (it produces mana immediately and can’t be responded to) and Umbral Mantle’s , ability untaps Selvala as part of its activation cost (that untap can’t be responded to). Therefore the normal loop—tap Selvala for X mana, pay to activate Mantle (untapping Selvala as a cost), let Mantle resolve (+2/+2), then tap Selvala again for more mana—works as long as you can pay Selvala’s cost and Mantle’s cost each cycle [Ruling 2016-08-23] [Ruling 2008-05-01].
, is a mana ability (it produces mana immediately and can’t be responded to) and Umbral Mantle’s , ability untaps Selvala as part of its activation cost (that untap can’t be responded to). Therefore the normal loop—tap Selvala for X mana, pay to activate Mantle (untapping Selvala as a cost), let Mantle resolve (+2/+2), then tap Selvala again for more mana—works as long as you can pay Selvala’s cost and Mantle’s cost each cycle [Ruling 2016-08-23] [Ruling 2008-05-01].Feedback