Morkrut Necropod is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.
Official card text
Menace (This creature can't be blocked except by two or more creatures.) Whenever this creature attacks or blocks, sacrifice another creature or land.
Complete guide
Morkrut Necropod is a massive Slug Horror that demands a high price for its intimidating presence on the battlefield. While its menace ability makes it difficult to block, you must be prepared to feed its hunger every time it enters the fray. This creature excels in decks that want to move cards into the graveyard for extra value.
Understanding the Sacrifice Cost
Morkrut Necropod has a triggered ability that occurs whenever it is declared as an attacker or blocker. Unlike an additional cost to attack, this is a trigger that goes on the stack after the creature has already been committed to combat. You must sacrifice another creature or land you control. If you somehow control no other creatures or lands, the ability simply does nothing, and the Necropod continues combat as normal.
Combat Timing and Resolution
When you declare Morkrut Necropod as an attacker, the trigger is placed on the stack. This happens after the 'Declare Attackers' step is complete. Similarly, when it is declared as a blocker, the trigger happens after all blockers are chosen. Crucially, if you sacrifice a blocking creature to this trigger, the attacking creature it was assigned to remains 'blocked' for the rest of combat, meaning it won't deal damage to you unless it has trample.
Strategic Implementation
Because the sacrifice is mandatory, you should play this card alongside permanents that have already provided their value or benefit from dying. It is often better to sacrifice a land in the late game if your hand is empty, or a creature with a 'dies' trigger. Remember that since it has menace, your opponent must commit at least two creatures to stop it, which can lead to favorable trades if you use the sacrifice trigger to fuel your graveyard synergies.
Interaction examples
Gray Merchant of AsphodelYou cast Gray Merchant of Asphodel, draining your opponent for life based on your devotion to black. On your next turn, you attack with Morkrut Necropod. The trigger goes on the stack, and you choose to sacrifice the Gray Merchant of Asphodel. Since the Merchant has already provided its enter-the-battlefield effect, it is a perfect candidate to sacrifice, clearing the way for potential graveyard recursion later.
Syr Konrad, the GrimWith Syr Konrad, the Grim on the battlefield, you block an opponent's creature with Morkrut Necropod. The Necropod's trigger fires, and you sacrifice another creature you control. This causes Syr Konrad's ability to trigger, dealing 1 damage to each opponent. This combination turns the Necropod's drawback into direct damage, punishing your opponent for forcing you to block.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Morkrut Necropod
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
When Morkrut Necropod attacks, its trigger doesn't resolve until after all attackers have been chosen. The same is true for when it blocks. This means that another creature, such as one enchanted with Invocation of Saint Traft, can also attack or block and then be sacrificed. Sacrificing a blocking creature this way doesn't cause the creature it blocked to become unblocked.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #2· Wizards of the Coast
In the unusual situation that you control no other creatures or lands, the last ability won't do anything. Morkrut Necropod can attack or block with no penalty.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
Commentaires
- Sois le premier à commenter cette carte.
Read next
Meta decks with Morkrut Necropod
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.