Invasion of Xerex // Vertex Paladin MTG Card
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Angel Knight |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Released | 2023-04-21 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | March of the Machine |
| Set code | MOM |
| Power | * |
| Toughness | * |
| Number | 242 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Transform |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Fajareka Setiawan |
Text of card
Flying Vertex Paladin's power and toughness are each equal to the number of creatures you control.
The literal-minded Phyrexians made the greatest mistake possible on Xerex: they tried to understand what they were seeing.
Cards like Invasion of Xerex // Vertex Paladin
The Invasion of Xerex // Vertex Paladin lives in a unique space within Magic: The Gathering. It shares traits with other transformative double-faced cards, akin to the strategic flexibility of Modal Double-Faced Cards (MDFCs) from the Zendikar Rising set. Vertex Paladin, on its flip side, resembles creatures that boast the ability to switch roles between a steady defender and an aggressive striker, similar to Delver of Secrets, which transforms into Insectile Aberration.
In terms of pure aggression, compare it to Adanto Vanguard from Ixalan, which presents an interesting spell cost to power balance and offers outstanding resilience for offensive plays. Both the Vertex Paladin and Adanto Vanguard stand out with their resolute combat capabilities, though they use different mechanics to achieve these ends. Invasion of Xerex offers the surprise element with the potential for a powerful creature flip, while Adanto Vanguard depends on player’s life as a resource to maintain board presence.
Additionally, cards that allow for a progression in game roles often recall the transformable Huntmaster of the Fells, which transitions from a creature generator to a destructive force. While Huntmaster’s versatility is well recognized, the Invasion of Xerex // Vertex Paladin brings a unique touch to the battlefield with its dual-faced dynamics, adding depth to decision-making during matches.
Cards similar to Invasion of Xerex // Vertex Paladin by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Increasing your hand size is key in MTG, and Invasion of Xerex is an example of a card that not only performs its primary function but also allows you to draw an additional card. This provides you with more options and potentially can tip the scales in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: Vertex Paladin serves as a catalyst to fast-track your gameplay by ramping up your resources. It can potentially unlock higher-cost cards ahead of the usual curve, providing a significant tactical advantage in the early to mid-game stages.
Instant Speed: The ability to act at instant speed with Invasion of Xerex gives you the flexibility to respond to your opponent’s threats at the end of their turn or during critical phases of the game. This adaptability is a potent tool that can surprise opponents and protect your board position effectively.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Invasion of Xerex prompts players to discard a card, potentially putting them at a disadvantage by depleting their hand, especially in game stages where maintaining card advantage is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: Vertex Paladin features a mana cost that is color-intensive, needing specific mana types that could restrict deck building flexibility and may not seamlessly fit into multicolored decks without proper mana fixing.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Vertex Paladin offers an impactful board presence, its high mana cost necessitates significant investment. This may slow down tempo for players against decks that operate on a quicker pace or that can deploy threats more efficiently at a lower mana curve.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Invasion of Xerex // Vertex Paladin proves to be a dual-faceted card that supports a variety of strategies. It can seamlessly integrate into decks emphasizing creature buffs or protection mechanics.
Combo Potential: With its ability to serve as both an enchantment and a creature, this card opens up numerous combo possibilities. It pairs well with effects that capitalize on card type switches or benefit from double-sided permanents.
Meta-Relevance: Given the shifting landscape of the current competitive scene, where flexibility can be as crucial as raw power, Invasion of Xerex // Vertex Paladin holds its own. Its utility in facing a diverse array of decks makes it a smart addition for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve.
How to beat
The Invasion of Xerex introduces a remarkable twist to the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. This card aligns with powerful strategies often seen in high-powered creatures and spells that dominate gameplay. With its ability to disrupt opponent strategies, players must craft a thoughtful approach to gain the upper hand.
The Vertex Paladin, a variant within the card’s split functionality, offers a resilient challenge for MTG lovers. Outmaneuvering this card requires efficient removal spells or the use of control strategies that neutralize key abilities. Counterspells and spells that force sacrifices emerge as crucial tools in dismantling the threat posed by the Vertex Paladin, hence prioritizing these can be a game-changer.
Ultimately, successful navigation through the Invasion of Xerex and its formidable Vertex Paladin hinges on recognizing the power spikes it brings to the table and pre-emptively setting up defenses or countermeasures that match or exceed its strength. Thus, a deep understanding of your own deck’s capabilities and the strategic foresight to anticipate its plays are essential to triumph against this MTG adversary.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Invasion of Xerex // Vertex Paladin MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine, 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 Invasion of Xerex // Vertex Paladin and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Invasion of Xerex // Vertex Paladin has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Invasion of Xerex // Vertex Paladin card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2023-04-14 | A Siege’s controller can’t be its protector. If a Siege’s protector ever gains control of it, they choose a new player to be its protector. This is a state-based action. |
| 2023-04-14 | A battle can be attacked by all players other than its protector. Notably, this means a Siege’s controller can attack it. |
| 2023-04-14 | A battle can be dealt damage and be target of spells and/or abilities that target “any target.” |
| 2023-04-14 | A battle’s “defense” is displayed in the bottom right corner of the card. A battle enters the battlefield with that number of defense counters. If another permanent enters the battlefield as a copy of a battle, it also enters with that number of defense counters. |
| 2023-04-14 | As a Siege enters the battlefield, its controller chooses an opponent to be its protector. |
| 2023-04-14 | Battles can’t attack or block, even if one also becomes a creature. If an attacking or blocking creature somehow becomes a battle in addition to being a creature, it is removed from combat. |
| 2023-04-14 | Damage dealt to a battle causes that many defense counters to be removed from it. |
| 2023-04-14 | If a Siege never had defense counters on it (perhaps because a permanent became a copy of one), it can’t have its last defense counter removed. It will be put into its owner’s graveyard. You won’t exile it or cast the other face. |
| 2023-04-14 | If a battle has no defense counters, and it isn’t the source of a triggered ability that has triggered but not yet left the stack, that battle is put into its owner’s graveyard. This is a state-based action. This doesn’t cause a Siege’s intrinsic triggered ability to trigger. |
| 2023-04-14 | If a battle that’s being attacked somehow stops being a battle, it is removed from combat. Similarly, if its controller changes in the middle of combat, it is removed from combat. |
| 2023-04-14 | If a non-battle permanent that is already on the battlefield become a copy of a Siege, its controller chooses one of their opponents to be that battle’s protector. However, it will most likely be put into its owner’s graveyard because it has no defense counters (see below). |
| 2023-04-14 | If a permanent that is represented by a transforming double-faced card becomes a copy of a Siege, it will be exiled as that Siege’s triggered ability resolves, then it will be cast transformed. Note that this applies only to transforming double-faced cards, not to modal double-faced cards that can normally be played using either face. |
| 2023-04-14 | If a token or a card that isn’t represented by a transforming double-faced card becomes a copy of a Siege, it can’t be cast as its triggered ability resolves. It will remain in exile. If it’s a token, it will cease to exist the next time state-based actions are performed. |
| 2023-04-14 | In a multiplayer game, if the protector of a battle leaves the game and that battle is not currently being attacked, its controller chooses a new protector for it as a state-based action. If it is being attacked, its controller chooses a new protector for it once no creatures are attacking it. This means that it continues to be attacked and can be dealt combat damage as normal. |
| 2023-04-14 | Only creatures controlled by a battle’s protector can block creatures that are attacking that battle. This means a Siege’s controller can never assign creatures to block for it. |
| 2023-04-14 | Sieges each have an intrinsic triggered ability. That ability is “When the last defense counter is removed from this permanent, exile it, then you may cast it transformed without paying its mana cost.” |