Manifestation Sage MTG Card
2021-04-23 - Number 205
2021-04-23 - Number 347
2021-04-24 - Number 205p
2021-04-24 - Number 205s
2002-06-24 - Number 90196
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Human Wizard |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
When Manifestation Sage enters the battlefield, create a 0/0 green and blue Fractal creature token. Put X +1/+1 counters on it, where X is the number of cards in your hand.
The first thing a Quandrix mage learns is the laws of metaphysics. The second thing is how to break them.
Cards like Manifestation Sage
Manifestation Sage brings a unique twist to creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. It can be compared to Master of Waves, which also produces creature tokens based on a player’s devotion to a particular color, but with Manifestation Sage, the tokens’ power and toughness are determined by the number of cards in the player’s hand when it enters the battlefield.
There is also a resemblance to Tatyova, Benthic Druid, which doesn’t create tokens but offers a valuable ability that lets a player draw a card whenever a land enters the battlefield under their control. While Tatyova can consistently provide card advantage, Manifestation Sage’s strength is in the immediate board presence it establishes. Another similar card is Murmuring Mystic, which produces 1/1 flying bird tokens whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell. Although the Mystic has the potential to create multiple tokens over time, Manifestation Sage gives you an immediate and potentially more powerful token upon entry.
Every card offers strategic benefits that can enhance numerous deck types. Manifestation Sage stands out with its potential to deliver a significant and impactful creature token right off the bat, making it a considerable pick for players who maintain a sizable hand.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: On entering the battlefield, Manifestation Sage creates a powerful momentum by generating a blue Fractal creature token with power and toughness each equal to the number of cards in your hand. This not only presents a sizable threat but also turns your current hand size into immediate board presence.
Resource Acceleration: While Manifestation Sage itself doesn’t directly produce resources like mana or tokens, its ability to potentially put a substantial creature into play can pressure your opponents and save your mana resources for other spells or abilities.
Instant Speed: Although Manifestation Sage is not an instant, its effect upon entry resembles the impact of an instant-speed spell, instantly altering board state. Additionally, the Sage can be synergized with flash enablers allowing deployment at instant speed, which can catch opponents off guard, especially during crucial phases of their turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One subtle drawback of Manifestation Sage is that it requires you to have a certain card combination to fully utilize its potential. Unlike a straightforward drop, you may need to plan turns ahead or set up the battlefield to maximize its effectiveness. This can sometimes translate to having to discard other valuable cards to meet the requirements, thereby potentially reducing your hand advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: Manifestation Sage demands a specific mana arrangement to cast, needing both blue and green mana. This predisposes it to play primarily in two-color decks or a deck with a reliable mana base to accommodate its casting cost. Decks that aren’t aligned to these colors or that have an unstable mana foundation may find Manifestation Sage less adaptable.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating the usefulness of Manifestation Sage, its mana cost is a consideration. Requiring four mana (specifically two blue and two of any color), it competes with a range of other impactful four-mana spells and creatures across various MTG sets. Players often weigh their options against other available cards that could potentially offer more immediate board presence or value for the same mana investment.
Reasons to Include Manifestation Sage in Your Collection
Versatility: Manifestation Sage is a unique card that can slide into a variety of blue and green decks. Its ability to create a Fractal token whose power and toughness are equal to the number of cards in your hand adds value both in the early game and late game stages.
Combo Potential: The fractal token generated by Manifestation Sage has synergy with strategies that proliferate or utilize +1/+1 counters. Additionally, this token can be leveraged in decks that capitalize on creatures entering the battlefield or those that require sacrifice fodder for various effects.
Meta-Relevance: With the evolving dynamics of deckbuilding, having creatures that can immediately impact the board state is crucial. Manifestation Sage fits well in metas where the presence of creatures can deter opponents or where having an instant board presence is key to outpacing control decks.
How to beat Manifestation Sage
Confronting Manifestation Sage on the battlefield requires a strategic approach. This card makes an immediate impact when it enters the game, bringing a formidable Fractal creature token into play that scales with your hand size. To counter this, hand disruption is key. Cards like Thoughtseize or Inquisition of Kozilek can reduce the card advantage your opponent has, minimizing the size of the Fractal manifestation.
Removal spells are also highly effective. Since the power and toughness of the Fractal token are directly tied to the size of your opponent’s hand when Manifestation Sage enters, eliminating the Sage before it settles could keep the board under control. Consider instant-speed removals such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile, which can be used in response to the Sage’s cast, ensuring the token never gets the chance to grow.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a well-timed board wipe. Clearing the table with a Damnation or Wrath of God after Manifestation Sage has played its card can flip the game in your favor. By staying one step ahead and managing both your opponent’s hand and the creatures on the board, you’ll stand a much better chance against the Sage’s potential to dominate the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Manifestation Sage MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Strixhaven: School of Mages, 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 Manifestation Sage 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 Manifestation Sage Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2021-04-23 and 2021-04-24. Illustrated by Darren Tan.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 90196 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Darren Tan | ||
| 2 | 2021-04-23 | Strixhaven: School of Mages | STX | 205 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Darren Tan | |
| 3 | 2021-04-23 | Strixhaven: School of Mages | STX | 347 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Darren Tan | |
| 4 | 2021-04-24 | Strixhaven: School of Mages Promos | PSTX | 205p | 2015 | Normal | Black | Darren Tan | |
| 5 | 2021-04-24 | Strixhaven: School of Mages Promos | PSTX | 205s | 2015 | Normal | Black | Darren Tan |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Manifestation Sage has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Manifestation Sage card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2021-04-16 | X is number of cards in your hand as Manifestation Sage’s triggered ability resolves. |