Stonewise Fortifier MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Human Wizard
Released	2014-05-02
Set symbol
Set name	Journey into Nyx
Set code	JOU
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	27
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Ryan Alexander Lee

Key Takeaways

Stonewise Fortifier secures the board by becoming an unexpected indestructible blocker at instant speed.
Its mana cost and color may limit its inclusion in diverse mana base decks, affecting its adaptability.
Fortifier’s ability to become indestructible can dramatically influence combat dynamics and deter attacks.

Text of card

: Prevent all damage that would be dealt to Stonewise Fortifier by target creature this turn.

Ephara taught some mortals to feel every vein in marble as though it flows with their own blood.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Stonewise Fortifier may not directly allow you to draw more cards, its robust defense capabilities can sustain your board presence, effectively preventing the loss of your creatures and maintaining your hand by deterring enemy attacks.

Resource Acceleration: This card doesn’t accelerate resources in the traditional sense of producing mana, but by defending your higher-value creatures, it enables them to stay on the battlefield potentially to accumulate more value and dominate the game.

Instant Speed: The Stonewise Fortifier’s strength lies in its ability to become an indestructible force at instant speed, making it a surprising and reliable defender capable of blunting the impact of surprise assaults or combat tricks your opponents may attempt.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: In the case of the Stonewise Fortifier, players don’t face a discard requirement, providing a strategic advantage in maintaining card advantage over your opponents.

Specific Mana Cost: Being an ally to white mana decks, this card demands a dedicated mana base. Its white mana cost means it cannot be seamlessly incorporated into many multi-colored decks without potential consistency issues.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Stonewise Fortifier offers a solid defensive capability, its cost is somewhat elevated for its stats and effect. This can be a setback when curving out against decks that field cheaper, more aggressive creatures early on in the game.

Reasons to Include Stonewise Fortifier in Your Collection

Versatility: Stonewise Fortifier offers robust defense options, being able to become indestructible until end of turn. This makes it a steadfast addition to decks that prioritize board stability and longevity.

Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with strategies that capitalize on preventing damage or leveraging indestructible creatures. Its ability can be a crucial part of a defensive combo, protecting key creatures or ensuring survival against sweeping damage effects.

Meta-Relevance: In a metagame where aggressive strategies are common, Stonewise Fortifier can be a linchpin in holding the defensive line. Its mere presence can deter opponents from attacking, making it a practical choice for those facing a barrage of combat-centric decks.

How to beat

Stonewise Fortifier is known for its defensive capabilities in MTG. This stalwart card can become a formidable obstacle for an opponent, mainly when used to protect more vital creatures or jeopardize combat calculations with its ability to gain indestructibility. To effectively bypass this roadblock, consider employing removal spells that don’t target or destroy but rather exile creatures or change the state of the battlefield. Cards like Path to Exile or Wrath of God, which bypass indestructibility, can be very effective.

Alternatively, taking advantage of spells that force a sacrifice can sidestep Stonewise Fortifier’s defensive power, since sacrifice does not target and therefore is not prevented by indestructibility. Therefore, including cards like Liliana of the Veil or Diabolic Edict in your deck could provide a reliable answer to the Stonewise Fortifier’s protection strategies and keep your path to victory clear.

A clever strategy involves shifting the tide of combat by using spells that alter combat itself, such as cards that tap creatures, preventing them from blocking or using abilities. By understanding the nuances of combat and incorporating these countermeasures into your gameplay, you can deflate the resilience that Stonewise Fortifier brings to the table.

Cards like Stonewise Fortifier

Stonewise Fortifier serves a unique role in Magic: The Gathering’s array of defensive creatures. Its distinguishing feature – the ability to prevent all damage that would be dealt to it for a small mana cost – echoes the functionality of cards like Benevolent Bodyguard. The Bodyguard sacrifices itself to protect another creature, whereas our Stonewise hero stands firm, fortifying its own defenses round after round.

Another member of this protective league is Selfless Squire. This creature prevents damage that would be dealt to you this turn and brings an additional benefit of gaining counters, unlike Stonewise Fortifier, which focuses solely on self-preservation. Then we have cards like Vigilant Martyr, capable of sacrificing itself to protect enchantments or simply block damage as a creature, providing a diverse range of defense compared to the single-minded resilience of our Stonewise ally.

In the realm of MTG, having versatile defenders can make or break a game. While Stonewise Fortifier may not boast the same versatility as some alternatives, its steadfast ability to shield itself repeatedly makes it a persistent and reliable guardian in any player’s deck.

Benevolent Bodyguard - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Stonewise Fortifier by color, type and mana cost

Voice of the Blessed - MTG Card versions

Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Stonewise Fortifier 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 Stonewise Fortifier and other MTG cards: