Misthoof Kirin MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Kirin |
| Abilities | Flying,Megamorph, Vigilance |
| Released | 2015-03-27 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Dragons of Tarkir |
| Set code | DTK |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 25 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Ryan Barger |
Text of card
Flying, vigilance Megamorph (You may cast this card face down as a 2/2 creature for . Turn it face up any time for its megamorph cost and put a +1/+1 counter on it.)
It heralded Sarkhan's return to Tarkir's present.
Cards like Misthoof Kirin
Misthoof Kirin holds a unique position within the MTG realm of flying creatures, sharing some traits with its counterparts and boasting its own special features. The Kirin distinguishes itself with the vigilance ability, allowing it to attack without tapping and still be ready to block. This can be compared to other cards, like Sunspire Griffin, which also has flying and vigilance but at a higher mana cost and without the added flexibility of the megamorph ability. The latter allows you to turn Misthoof Kirin face up for a boost in power, giving it an advantage over the Griffin when combat strategies demand sudden power escalation.
Looking elsewhere, we can consider Aven Sunstriker as another comparison point, sporting flying, double strike, and megamorph. While Aven Sunstriker does not have vigilance, it can deal more damage when its double strike is utilized effectively. This trait gives the card a more aggressive edge compared to Misthoof Kirin’s defensive stance with vigilance. Furthermore, both cards offer the element of surprise through their megamorph capabilities, enabling dynamic shifts in battle.
Each creature has its situational strengths, but Misthoof Kirin’s low mana cost combined with its versatile abilities makes it a compelling choice for players aiming to maintain offensive pressure while fortifying their defenses in the versatile and strategic gameplay of MTG.
Cards similar to Misthoof Kirin by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Misthoof Kirin’s prowess ability makes it a preferable creature in decks focusing on noncreature spells. When you cast a noncreature spell, Misthoof Kirin gets bigger, effectively giving you an edge in terms of board presence without sacrificing card quality from your hand. This can lead to maintaining or growing your card advantage as you continuously apply pressure to your opponent with an increasing threat.
Resource Acceleration: The low mana cost of Misthoof Kirin means it can hit the battlefield early in the game. Its vigilance ability allows it to act as both an offensive and defensive asset without tapping, thereby accelerating your resource management. You can commit to the board while keeping mana available for other spells, which is crucial for tempo and maintaining control of the game pace.
Instant Speed: While Misthoof Kirin itself does not operate at instant speed, its flying ability gives you a strategic advantage. It allows you to keep a blocker open that can dodge many ground-based creatures, acting in a way that instant speed spells do in surprise tactics. This enables you to make more informed decisions at a faster pace, responding to threats or attacking opportunities with the nimbleness that the vigilance trait affords.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: A downside to Misthoof Kirin is that it may not seamlessly fit into all game plans. Without the proper setup, its ability to provide an advantage may be hindered, requiring you to consider your hand and plays carefully to avoid unwanted card discard.
Specific Mana Cost: Misthoof Kirin requires one white mana, which can be a bottleneck for multicolored decks needing flexibility in their mana base. This can limit the card’s potential usage in decks that aren’t heavily white or those that can’t consistently produce the correct mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When it comes to deploying flying creatures, Misthoof Kirin’s cost of three total mana, including one white, may be on the higher side, especially since it only boasts a 2/1 stat line—even with its upside of vigilance and the potential to gain flying. Agile decks might find more efficient options for occupying the three-mana slot.
Reasons to Include Misthoof Kirin in Your Collection
Versatility: Misthoof Kirin’s flying and vigilance abilities allow it to serve as both an offensive and defensive asset in your deck. Its Megamorph feature provides adaptability in gameplay, transforming it into a surprise blocker or an unexpected threat.
Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with deck strategies revolving around +1/+1 counters and can be a key piece in combos that capitalize on creature abilities. Integrating Misthoof Kirin into your deck can bring a new level of synergy and create opportunities for powerful plays.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where flying creatures are prevalent or where the battlefield is often stalled by ground forces, Misthoof Kirin’s evasion can be crucial for maintaining pressure on your opponent and staying ahead in the match.
How to beat Misthoof Kirin
Misthoof Kirin stands out in Magic: The Gathering due to its flying and vigilance attributes. This card becomes a notable threat when activated with its megamorph ability, soaring above ground creatures. To overcome this elusive creature, removal spells that bypass the flying ability are effective. Cards like Doom Blade, which unconditionally destroy target nonblack creatures, serve as a direct counter to Misthoof Kirin, ensuring it never has a chance to take advantage of its aerial prowess.
Alternatively, board wipes such as Wrath of God can circumvent its defenses, clearing the way for your strategy. Another approach involves utilizing reach creatures like Arborback Stomper to defend against flying threats. Counterspells also serve as preemptive measures, negating Misthoof Kirin before it can affect the battlefield. Each of these cards present an opportunity to manage your opponent’s threats, including Misthoof Kirin, allowing you to maintain control over the game.
Understanding when to deploy these answers is key—timing these spells effectively can be the difference between victory and defeat. By keeping these strategies in mind, you’ll be equipped to face Misthoof Kirin and maintain a dominant presence in the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Misthoof Kirin MTG card by a specific set like Dragons of Tarkir, 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 Misthoof Kirin and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
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- MTG Mint Card
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Misthoof Kirin has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Misthoof Kirin card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2015-02-25 | If a face-down creature with megamorph is turned face up some other way (for example, if you manifest a card with megamorph and then pay its mana cost to turn it face up), you won’t put a +1/+1 counter on it. |
| 2015-02-25 | Megamorph is a variant of the morph ability. You can find more information on morph on cards with morph from the Khans of Tarkir set. |
| 2015-02-25 | Turning a face-down creature with megamorph face up and putting a +1/+1 counter on it is a special action. It doesn’t use the stack and can’t be responded to. |
Guide to Vigilance card ability
In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.