Manor Gargoyle MTG Card

Indestructibility and instant speed transformation make Manor Gargoyle a resilient board presence. Demands strategy with activation conditions and specific mana cost but rewards with flexibility. Distinct from other defenders, it can pivot roles to adapt to the changing game state.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Rare
Type	Artifact Creature — Gargoyle
Abilities	Defender
Released	2011-09-30
Set symbol
Set name	Innistrad
Set code	ISD
Power	4
Toughness	4
Number	228
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Matt Stewart

Text of card

Defender Manor Gargoyle is indestructible as long as it has defender. : Until end of turn, Manor Gargoyle loses defender and gains flying.

Nothing could break it but the fall.

Cards like Manor Gargoyle

Manor Gargoyle holds a unique spot in the roster of defensive creatures in Magic: The Gathering. It’s akin to cards such as Guardian of the Ages, a hefty defender with the potential to become a formidable attacker under the right conditions. Manor Gargoyle separates itself with its inherent indestructibility as long as it remains a defender. Guardian of the Ages, conversely, requires an opponent’s spell to trigger its offensive capabilities, lacking the default indestructible status.

Wall of Omens is another creature that can be drawn parallel to Manor Gargoyle. Although it does not possess the power to attack or indestructibility, it compensates with card draw upon entering the battlefield, contributing to card advantage which Manor Gargoyle does not directly offer. On the other hand, the Gargoyle can switch between defense and offense, presenting a flexibility that Wall of Omens lacks. Additionally, there is Steel Wall, which boasts a low mana cost and resilience as a defender, yet it does not share Manor Gargoyle’s ability to transition into an attacker or maintain indestructibility without external enhancements.

Exploring different aspects and functionalities, Manor Gargoyle stands out with versatility and a strong defensive stature among Magic: The Gathering’s creatures, especially in formats where enduring defenders can make a significant impact on the game’s outcome.

Guardian of the Ages - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Manor Gargoyle by color, type and mana cost

The Deck of Many Things - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Manor Gargoyle is a unique asset to any deck looking to maintain a strong presence on the board. With its ability to become indestructible until your next turn, it offers protection against sweeps and targeted removals, helping to preserve your valuable card resources on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: While Manor Gargoyle doesn’t directly generate mana or ramp, its durability and resilience can indirectly lead to resource acceleration by allowing you to invest in other areas of your strategy without having to worry about fortifying your defenses each turn.

Instant Speed: This card has the tactical flexibility of switching from a defensive wall to an offensive threat, which can be done at instant speed. This allows you to adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of the game, forcing your opponent to consider the Gargoyle’s transformations when planning their moves.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Players need to acknowledge that Manor Gargoyle has an innate limitation in that it cannot attack unless it transforms, which may not align with every strategy, especially for those that prefer immediate board impact.

Specific Mana Cost: The card requires two colorless and three generic mana, making it somewhat inflexible with mana bases that aren’t tuned to accommodate such a cost, potentially slowing down the pace at which it can be played.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total cost of five mana for a defender that only becomes a 4/4 flyer under specific circumstances, there may be other creature options that provide a more immediate or greater impact on the game state for the same or less mana investment.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Manor Gargoyle offers diverse utility as a defensive and offensive asset on the battlefield. Its ability to become indestructible at will means it can act as a formidable blocker, while its transformation into a flyer allows for aggressive plays when the coast is clear.

Combo Potential: This card can seamlessly integrate into artifact-based strategies or decks that capitalize on defensive stances to win. Its indestructible nature opens avenues for synergy with cards that require sacrificing a creature without the downside of actually losing board presence.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where creature strategies often dictate the pace, Manor Gargoyle can serve as an answer to intense aggression, making it a wise choice for decks that need time to establish their winning conditions or seek a versatile defender to adjust to the flux of the meta.

How to beat

Manor Gargoyle presents a unique challenge on the battlefield. With its innate indestructibility while untapped, this artifact creature can be a formidable defender. To effectively counter this vigilant gargoyle, removal spells that don’t rely on dealing damage or destroying are key. For instance, enchantments like Detention Sphere can exile it regardless of its indestructible status. Alternatively, forced sacrifice through cards such as Diabolic Edict bypasses indestructibility altogether.

Transforming it into a different creature type or negating its abilities also can prove effective. Cards like Frogify or Darksteel Mutation change its creature type and strip away indestructibility. Similarly, playing with the gargoyle’s tap status by using cards that force it to tap or prevent it from untapping, like Sleep or Claustrophobia, can make it vulnerable to conventional removal spells the following turn.

Lastly, remember that Manor Gargoyle’s offense is only activated when it is declared as an attacker. Countering this activation with instant-speed tap abilities or removal spells can neutralize its threat. Employ strategic maneuvers and keep these tips in mind to dismantle the defense of Manor Gargoyle, maintaining the upper hand throughout your match.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Manor Gargoyle MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad, 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 Manor Gargoyle and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Manor Gargoyle has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Manor Gargoyle card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2013-07-01	Lethal damage dealt to Manor Gargoyle while it has indestructible will stay marked on it that turn. If Manor Gargoyle loses indestructible after having been dealt lethal damage earlier in the turn, it will be destroyed.