Cathedral Membrane MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Phyrexian Wall |
| Abilities | Defender |
| Released | 2011-05-13 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | New Phyrexia |
| Set code | NPH |
| Power | 0 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 5 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Richard Whitters |
Text of card
({PW} can be paid with either or 2 life.) Defender When Cathedral Membrane is put into a graveyard from the battlefield during combat, it deals 6 damage to each creature it blocked this combat.
Cards like Cathedral Membrane
Cathedral Membrane holds a unique position within Magic: The Gathering as a creature that can provide a strategic defense. Comparable to Guard Gomazoa in its ability to halt an attacker, the Membrane sets itself apart with the “Whenever Cathedral Membrane dies during combat, it deals 6 damage to each creature it was blocking” ability, significantly impacting the battlefield upon its departure. Guard Gomazoa does not have such a threatening deterrent.
In the same sphere, we find the Wall of Omens. While it cannot match Cathedral Membrane’s offensive departure, it offers players card draw upon its entry to the field, maintaining card advantage rather than battlefield presence. Then there’s Fog Bank, another defender that prevents all combat damage that would be dealt to and by it. Unlike Cathedral Membrane, Fog Bank can indefinitely block attackers without getting destroyed, but lacks the capability to dish out damage upon its loss.
Ultimately, Cathedral Membrane serves a particularly versatile role in MTG, acting as a guardian that can significantly affect combat outcome with its damage-inflicting ability, standing out among defensive creatures in the game. Its blend of defense and offense gives it potent utility in any match.
Cards similar to Cathedral Membrane by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Cathedral Membrane brings a unique defensive mechanism to the battlefield which can deter opponent attacks, effectively preserving your other valuable cards on the field.
Resource Acceleration: This card can be paid with either colorless or white mana, offering flexibility in mana usage and potentially accelerating your strategy by fitting into various mana bases.
Instant Speed: With the capacity to be played at instant speed thanks to Phyrexian mana, it allows surprise defense tactics during the combat phase, disrupting opponent’s calculations and strategies.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Cathedral Membrane has a unique payment option for its phyrexian mana cost which can be paid with either life or mana. This feature, while flexible in theory, can force players into tough decisions about resources, potentially sacrificing much-needed life points or mana stability during critical phases of the game.
Specific Mana Cost: With its specific white mana cost, Cathedral Membrane’s inclusion can be restrictive, mainly confining it to decks that are based on or heavily feature white mana. This can limit the card’s applicability across the diverse array of decks in the MTG universe.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Considering its defensive capabilities, Cathedral Membrane’s mana value can seem high. For two mana, players may anticipate a more impactful creature or effect that can provide immediate board presence or utility. As such, its cost-effectiveness is often called into question when deckbuilding for competitive play.
Reasons to Include Cathedral Membrane in Your Collection
Versatility: Cathedral Membrane is not just a defensive tool; it also serves as a robust surprise element against aggressive strategies. With the ability to block any attacker and potentially destroy it, this card can be a game-changer.
Combo Potential: This unique wall offers intriguing interactions, particularly in decks that capitalize on sacrificing artifacts or creatures. Its death trigger couples well with various strategies that look for ways to manipulate or benefit from creature death.
Meta-Relevance: In a metagame steeped in aggressive decks, Cathedral Membrane shines by deterring attacks and keeping your life total safe. Its presence on the field can pivot the game’s pace in your favor, making it a strategic inclusion in your collection.
How to beat Cathedral Membrane
Cathedral Membrane presents an interesting challenge on the battlefield for players of Magic: The Gathering. This unassuming wall might appear easy to bypass, but its strength lies in its ability to deter aggression. With a mere cost of two mana and the potential to deal out six damage upon death, Cathedral Membrane can be a roadblock against sizable creatures.
Defeating this defensive artifact creature requires a thoughtful strategy. An effective method is using removal spells that don’t inflict damage but rather exile or directly destroy it, sidestepping its leaves-the-battlefield ability. Spells like Oblivion Ring or Path to Exile are prime examples that can handle the Membrane without triggering its damage response. Alternatively, employing flying creatures can soar over it, while spells that tap or incapacitate creatures without destroying them also effectively neutralize the threat posed by Cathedral Membrane.
In summary, defeating Cathedral Membrane isn’t about engaging it head-on but rather using tools and creatures that circumvent its dangerous ability. By carefully selecting your means of removal or evasion, you can ensure that this wall does not become a stumbling block in your path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cathedral Membrane MTG card by a specific set like New Phyrexia, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.
For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.
Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.
Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Cathedral Membrane and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cathedral Membrane has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Cathedral Membrane card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2011-06-01 | A card with Phyrexian mana symbols in its mana cost is each color that appears in that mana cost, regardless of how that cost may have been paid. |
| 2011-06-01 | As you cast a spell or activate an activated ability with one or more Phyrexian mana symbols in its cost, you choose how to pay for each Phyrexian mana symbol at the same time you would choose modes or choose a value for X. |
| 2011-06-01 | Cathedral Membrane’s ability will trigger no matter why it’s put into a graveyard during the combat phase, not just because of combat damage. |
| 2011-06-01 | If you’re at 1 life or less, you can’t pay 2 life. |
| 2011-06-01 | Phyrexian mana is not a new color. Players can’t add Phyrexian mana to their mana pools. |
| 2011-06-01 | To calculate the mana value of a card with Phyrexian mana symbols in its cost, count each Phyrexian mana symbol as 1. |