Supply-Line Cranes MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Bird |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Released | 2014-05-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Journey into Nyx |
| Set code | JOU |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 4 |
| Number | 28 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Daniel Ljunggren |
Text of card
Flying When Supply-Line Cranes enters the battlefield, put a +1/+1 counter on target creature.
They are trained from hatching to deliver aid where it is needed most.
Cards like Supply-Line Cranes
Supply-Line Cranes is an intriguing card in the Magic: The Gathering universe, epitomizing the blend of creature play and board presence enhancement. When you look at a card like Kor Skyfisher, you observe a similar yet more cost-effective ability that allows you to return a permanent to your hand upon entry. Supply-Line Cranes, however, offers a noticeable edge with its +1/+1 counter upon entering the battlefield, bolstering its own stats instantly.
In comparing evasive creatures, there’s also Dust Elemental, which provides a sizable body that can be played at flash speed. Like Supply-Line Cranes, it can boost your battlefield position, albeit through a different mechanism that includes returning three creatures to your hand. This makes Dust Elemental both a tool for reactivity and a way to reuse enter-the-battlefield effects, contrasting the “one-and-done” impact of Supply-Line Cranes.
Each of these creatures shines in its own play strategy, making the decision between them a matter of the deck’s overarching synergies and game tempo requirements. Thus, while Supply-Line Cranes may not pivot the game as dramatically as other creatures, it solidly fulfills its role as a dependable mid-game flyer capable of consistently enhancing your board state.
Cards similar to Supply-Line Cranes by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Supply-Line Cranes card provides a distinct edge by adding a creature to the battlefield while bolstering an existing one. This dual benefit can help players pull ahead by effectively handling two tasks with a single card, reinforcing your presence on the board.
Resource Acceleration: As it enters the battlefield, Supply-Line Cranes give you the opportunity to put a +1/+1 counter on a target creature. This can act as a resource accelerator by enhancing a creature’s stats without the need for additional cards or mana on that turn, potentially tipping combat in your favor.
Instant Speed: Although Supply-Line Cranes operate at sorcery speed, its ability to immediately impact the board state can be seen as a pseudo-instant speed advantage. It allows you to develop your board at a critical moment, right upon casting, similar to the reactive nature of instant speed spells that keep opponents wary of your next move.
Card Cons
Specific Mana Cost: The Supply-Line Cranes card requires a specific mana combination to cast, which may not always be readily available depending on the deck’s mana base and the current board state.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Five mana—three of any plus two white—for a 2/4 flyer might not be the most efficient creature cost, especially when compared to other cards at similar mana points that offer additional benefits or higher stats.
Discard Requirement: While Supply-Line Cranes does not have a discard requirement, its high mana cost necessitates a significant investment, which could be a drawback if that mana could be better spent on other spells or abilities within your strategy.
Reasons to Include Supply-Line Cranes in Your Collection
Versatility: Supply-Line Cranes offer a unique blend of aerial presence and board impact. Upon entering the battlefield, they not only provide a flying creature but also bolster another one, adding to the dynamics of creature-based combat strategies.
Combo Potential: The +1/+1 counter that Supply-Line Cranes grants when they enter the battlefield plays well with decks emphasizing counter manipulation. This can enable various synergies, especially in proliferate decks or those focusing on bolstering creatures.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where flying creatures can dominate, Supply-Line Cranes become significantly advantageous. They shine in limited formats like Draft or Sealed where they can create substantial shifts in board state, making them a smart inclusion for players looking to enhance their game in these scenarios.
How to beat
Overcoming the impressive presence of Supply-Line Cranes on the battlefield is not as daunting as it may seem. This creature card shines in delivering an immediate bolster to a single creature’s strength and toughness upon entering the fray. However, despite the advantage it grants, the Cranes do come with their vulnerabilities. Clocking in at five mana, one might consider employing removal spells that target high-cost creatures. Oblivion Ring or Murder are exemplary choices for cleanly handling the winged aid without putting a dent in your mana pool.
For those preferring to keep their opponent’s creatures in check, a card like Pacifism ensures the Cranes remain grounded and non-threatening. Board wipes like Day of Judgment also serve as prime resets, erasing the temporary boost Supply-Line Cranes offer. It’s about strategy, timing, and keeping one step ahead. With attention to mana efficiency and disruption, ensuring the Cranes’ impact is as fleeting as their flight becomes an achievable task for any skilled player.
Thus, the Supply-Line Cranes, while potent in boosting abilities, are not insurmountable. Proper card selection and game plan execution can clip their wings and keep your chances of victory soaring high.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Supply-Line Cranes MTG card by a specific set like Journey into Nyx, 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 Supply-Line Cranes 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
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Supply-Line Cranes has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |