Algae GharialHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding Shroud and Growth

Algae Gharial has two distinct abilities. Shroud is a static ability that prevents it from being the target of spells or abilities, including your own. Its second ability is a triggered ability that triggers whenever another creature is put into a graveyard from the battlefield. Note that this includes your own creatures and your opponents' creatures.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When another creature dies, Algae Gharial's triggered ability goes on the stack. Because this ability says 'you may,' you choose whether or not to put the +1/+1 counter on it when the ability resolves. If multiple creatures die simultaneously, such as during a board wipe, the ability triggers once for each of those creatures. You choose the order they go on the stack, and you can get multiple counters even if Algae Gharial itself is about to be destroyed (though the counters won't help if it is already in the graveyard).

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is trying to target Algae Gharial with your own spells, such as combat tricks or Auras. Because Shroud prevents all players from targeting it, you cannot use your own spells to buff it or protect it further. However, because its growth comes from a triggered ability that does not use the word 'target,' the Shroud ability does not prevent Algae Gharial from receiving +1/+1 counters from its own effect.

When to Play It

Algae Gharial is best played early in a game where you expect a lot of creature combat or sacrifice outlets. Since it starts as a 1/1 for four mana, it is vulnerable to non-targeted mass removal like 'destroy all creatures' effects. It shines in decks that can facilitate many deaths while keeping the Gharial safe behind its Shroud protection.

Interaction examples

The Golem's Sacrifice

Solemn Simulacrum

If you have Algae Gharial on the battlefield and your Solemn Simulacrum dies in combat, two things happen. First, the Simulacrum's own ability triggers to draw you a card. Second, Algae Gharial's ability triggers. You can draw your card and put a +1/+1 counter on the Gharial, making it a 2/2.

Witness to the Growth

Eternal Witness

If your Eternal Witness is destroyed by an opponent's spell, Algae Gharial's ability triggers. Even though the opponent targeted the Witness, they cannot target the Gharial to stop the trigger due to Shroud. You may then place a +1/+1 counter on the Gharial as the Witness enters the graveyard.