Guardian of Cloverdell MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	7
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Treefolk Shaman
Released	2007-10-12
Set symbol
Set name	Lorwyn
Set code	LRW
Power	4
Toughness	5
Number	216
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Jesper Ejsing

Key Takeaways

Swarming with Soldier tokens enhances board state, valuable in both attack and defense strategies.
Discarding for Elf tokens may reduce hand size, balancing its board impact with resource cost.
Despite high cost, it solidifies positions in token-centric decks, synergizing with green strategies.

Text of card

When Guardian of Cloverdell comes into play, put three 1/1 white Kithkin Soldier creature tokens into play. , Sacrifice a Kithkin: You gain 1 life.

Although they're protective of all creatures, many treefolk are especially fond of the empathic kithkin.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Guardian of Cloverdell shines in its ability to enhance your board presence by creating three 1/1 Kithkin Soldier creature tokens. This is especially beneficial in strategies focused on swarming the board with creatures, offering both a defensive and offensive edge.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly providing mana, the Guardian of Cloverdell can effectively act as a resource accelerator in decks that capitalize on the presence of numerous creatures. Its ability synergizes with cards that tap creatures for mana or benefit from the number of creatures you control.

Instant Speed: While Guardian of Cloverdell doesn’t operate at instant speed, its significant impact on the game state compensates for the timing restriction. In a way, it sets up your subsequent turns by providing a cluster of tokens that can be utilized for various strategies, from convoke to sacrifice effects.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Guardian of Cloverdell requires you to discard a creature card to create a 1/1 green Elf Warrior creature token. This can deplete your hand, particularly when you’re already struggling to keep card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a specific color combination of triple green mana, potentially restricting its incorporation exclusively to mono-green or green-heavy decks, thereby limiting its overall deck-building flexibility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a seven mana value required to cast Guardian of Cloverdell, its cost is substantial when compared to other creatures in the game. While it does produce tokens, there might be alternative cards that offer more immediate board presence or value at a lower mana investment.

Reasons to Include Guardian of Cloverdell in Your Collection

Versatility: Guardian of Cloverdell shines in builds centered around Elf or creature tokens. As a sturdy creature itself, it offers a stable board presence and aligns well with green’s wide array of support cards.

Combo Potential: This card works wonders in synergy with effects that benefit from creature tokens, such as life gain or sacrifice mechanics, amplifying the effectiveness of these strategies.

Meta-Relevance: In games that pivot on creature-based combat or go wide strategies, Guardian of Cloverdell can be a critical addition, fortifying your side and keeping pressure on opponents with its token generation ability.

How to beat

The Guardian of Cloverdell brings a unique presence to the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. With its abilities rooted in creature creation, it’s evident that controlling or diminishing its capacity to generate Kithkin Soldier tokens is crucial. Key strategies include removal spells that can bypass its bountiful 4/6 frame, such as exile effects or board wipes that don’t rely on dealing damage.

Cards like Path to Exile, a one-mana spell that can exile any creature, come to mind. This tool is especially valuable as it permanently removes the Guardian from the game, preventing any further token generation. Alternatively, employing board wipes like Wrath of God can clear the tokens alongside the Guardian, resetting the state of the game. It’s paramount to keep in mind the tempo and economy of the match—acting swiftly to derail your opponent’s plans before the Guardian’s token-producing ability overwhelms you.

Tight control over the board and proactive use of removal spells will ensure the guardian’s potential is kept in check. As such, staying ahead in resource management while maintaining board control is pivotal when facing a creature like Guardian of Cloverdell.

Cards like Guardian of Cloverdell

Guardian of Cloverdell is a unique creature in the realm of Magic: The Gathering, providing a blend of creature strength and token generation. This card makes for an interesting analysis alongside companions like Ant Queen, who also boasts the ability to generate creature tokens. However, Guardian of Cloverdell offers an initial surge of tokens upon entry onto the battlefield, while Ant Queen requires mana investment to create each token individually.

Additionally, comparing it to Mycoloth, a card that devours your creatures for a larger payoff in subsequent turns, Guardian of Cloverdell is more upfront with its benefits, offering an immediate impact on the board state. Unlike Mycoloth, it doesn’t impose a loss of resources but provides a decent body alongside additional creatures for a significant board presence. Another card worth mentioning is Deranged Hermit, which, similar to the Guardian, creates squirrel tokens. Deranged Hermit demands an echo cost for its benefits, which can be a downside compared to the Guardian’s one-time cost.

While analyzing these cards, it’s clear that Guardian of Cloverdell holds its ground as a potent force, combining immediate token generation with a strong creature presence, making it a powerful option for any player looking to build a formidable army on the battlefield.

Cards similar to Guardian of Cloverdell by color, type and mana cost

Stone-Tongue Basilisk - MTG Card versions

Thriss, Nantuko Primus - MTG Card versions

Beanstalk Giant // Fertile Footsteps - MTG Card versions

Somberwald Beastmaster - MTG Card versions

Molimo, Maro-Sorcerer - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Guardian of Cloverdell MTG card by a specific set like Lorwyn, 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 Guardian of Cloverdell and other MTG cards: