Kjeldoran Gargoyle MTG Card
2006-07-21 - Number 10
2023-01-13 - Number 11
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Gargoyle |
| Abilities | First strike,Flying |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Flying, first strike Whenever Kjeldoran Gargoyle deals damage, you gain that much life.
The gargoyles were taken from the walls of flooded Kjeldoran cities and brought upland to guard the outposts of New Argive.
Cards like Kjeldoran Gargoyle
The Kjeldoran Gargoyle remains a testament to the strength and lore of Ice Age-era cards in the world of Magic: The Gathering. This peculiar artifact creature offers a unique set of abilities compared to its elemental counterparts. While it shares the flying trait with creatures like Roc of Kher Ridges, the Gargoyle’s defensive utility through first strike and vigilance sets it apart. Unlike the Roc, it can serve as both a formidable attacker and a stalwart defender in the same turn.
Another card, Wall of Spears, also bears the first strike ability but is constrained by its defender status, unable to attack. Where Kjeldoran Gargoyle shines is its versatility, not being bound to defensive posture alone. Then we encounter cards like Marble Gargoyle, exhibiting the inherent gargoyle trait of flight but lacking the first strike ability, which diminishes its tactical value when facing off against speedier threats.
To sum up, Kjeldoran Gargoyle’s amalgamation of aerial power and vigilant defense creates a strategic advantage. It is this blend of offensive and defensive capabilities that solidify its position in the Magic: The Gathering pantheon, especially among players fond of blending aggressive tactics with defensive resilience.
Cards similar to Kjeldoran Gargoyle by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Kjeldoran Gargoyle itself doesn’t draw cards, it serves as a resilient threat that can pressure your opponent into unfavorable trades. Its flying ability offers a way to evade common ground blockers and its protection from red ensures longevity against one of the most popular removal colors in MTG.
Resource Acceleration: Kjeldoran Gargoyle doesn’t directly accelerate your resources; however, its role in controlling the board can indirectly lead to resource advantages by preserving your life total and pressuring your opponent to expend resources to handle it.
Instant Speed: This card doesn’t have flash or an ability that operates at instant speed, but being a vigilant defender can surprise attackers and dissuade assaults. It essentially allows you to maintain a board presence that can shift roles without sacrificing defensive readiness or the potential for offensive pressure.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the limitations of playing the Kjeldoran Gargoyle is that it forces a strategy adjustment, especially if your hand is already depleted or if you’re relying on a synergistic combo that requires keeping specific cards.
Specific Mana Cost: This card requires a precise mana commitment with both white and another color, which can be restrictive and may not always align with a player’s mana base, particularly in multicolored or non-white-centric decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost on the higher end for its abilities, players must consider whether the investment is worth it when other creatures or spells might provide more value or impact the game earlier.
Reasons to Include Kjeldoran Gargoyle in Your Collection
Versatility: Kjeldoran Gargoyle offers an adaptable tool for deck builders. Its ability to both fly and fend off attacks with vigilance allows it to serve multiple roles on the battlefield. This makes it a solid choice for decks requiring a strong defensive presence while still maintaining the capacity to pressure opponents’ life totals from above.
Combo Potential: Equipped with both flying and first strike, the gargoyle can be the linchpin in synergistic interactions. It pairs well with cards that bolster creatures with these abilities or benefit from them. Its potential to fit into artifact and flyer-centric combos makes it a versatile companion for a wide array of strategic plays.
Meta-Relevance: Given the current environment that often prizes versatility and dynamic card interactions, Kjeldoran Gargoyle holds relevance. Its robust defensive capabilities combined with offensive prowess enable it to stand firm against a variety of competitive decks that dominate the current game landscape, making it a valuable addition to your arsenal.
How to beat
The Kjeldoran Gargoyle is a defensive powerhouse in the trading card game Magic: The Gathering. With its flying ability and towering defense, it can easily blockade most attacking creatures. One effective way to overcome this sculpted sentinel is through spells that target regardless of defense stats, such as those dealing direct damage or that have the “destroy” effect. Additionally, enchantments that prevent activated abilities from being triggered can neutralize the gargoyle’s utility.
Control strategies, including counterspells or cards that force a player to sacrifice a creature, can also prove decisive. These can deal with the gargoyle before it becomes a formidable obstacle. Card types such as sorceries or instants with exile effects offer a bypass to its robust defensive capabilities, clearing the path for your creatures to swoop in for the win. It’s crucial to remember that the Kjeldoran Gargoyle, while resilient, has its vulnerabilities that can be exploited with the right strategy.
Collectively, addressing this high-toughness creature requires ingenuity rather than brute force, and knowing the right cards to include in your deck can make all the difference in claiming victory over such steadfast defenders.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Kjeldoran Gargoyle MTG card by a specific set like Coldsnap and Dominaria Remastered, 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 Kjeldoran Gargoyle 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
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Printings
The Kjeldoran Gargoyle Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2006-07-21 and 2023-01-13. Illustrated by Marcelo Vignali.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2006-07-21 | Coldsnap | CSP | 10 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Marcelo Vignali | |
| 2 | 2023-01-13 | Dominaria Remastered | DMR | 11 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Marcelo Vignali |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Kjeldoran Gargoyle has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Kjeldoran Gargoyle card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2022-12-08 | Kjeldoran Gargoyle’s triggered ability triggers when it deals any damage, not only combat damage. |
| 2022-12-08 | Unlike lifelink, Kjeldoran Gargoyle’s last ability is a triggered ability that goes on the stack and may be responded to. Notably, if Kjeldoran Gargoyle deals damage at the same time you’re dealt enough damage to reduce your life total to 0 or less, you’ll lose the game before you can gain any life. |