Skirk MarauderHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Skirk Marauder features Morph, allowing you to cast it face down as a colorless 2/2 creature for three mana. While it is face down, it has no name, creature types, or mana cost. The key value lies in its triggered ability: when it is turned face up by paying its morph cost of {2}{R}, it deals 2 damage to any target.

Step-by-Step Resolution

Turning a creature face up is a special action that doesn't use the stack. First, you announce you are turning the creature face up and pay the {2}{R} cost. Once the creature is face up, the damage ability triggers and is put onto the stack. You then choose a target for that 2 damage. The damage is dealt only after the ability resolves, giving players a chance to respond.

Common Mistakes

A common misconception is that the ability triggers if the card is revealed or leaves the battlefield. According to official rulings, the ability only triggers specifically when the creature is turned face up on the battlefield. Additionally, because turning a creature face up is a special action, your opponent cannot respond to you paying the morph cost; they can only respond once the damage ability is already on the stack.

Strategic Timing

Skirk Marauder is best used during the combat phase or in response to an opponent's spell. Because you can turn a creature face up at any time you have priority, you can use it to pick off a blocking creature or finish off a planeswalker after blockers have been declared but before damage is dealt.

Interaction examples

Sniping a Mana Source

Ornithopter of Paradise

Your opponent controls an Ornithopter of Paradise. During their end step, you pay {2}{R} to turn your face-down Skirk Marauder face up. Its ability triggers, targeting the Ornithopter of Paradise. The 2 damage is enough to destroy the 0/2 artifact creature, depriving your opponent of mana for their next turn.

Clearing the Path for Menace

Professional Face-Breaker

You attack with Professional Face-Breaker, which has Menace and requires two blockers. Your opponent only has two small creatures. After they declare both as blockers, you turn Skirk Marauder face up to deal 2 damage to one of those blockers. If that creature dies, the Professional Face-Breaker is now blocked by only one creature; however, since it was already legally blocked by two, it remains blocked, but you have successfully removed a potential threat for future turns.

Survival Through Morph

If Skirk Marauder is cast face down as a 2/2, it can engage in combat. If it is blocked by another 2/2, you can turn it face up before damage. While its stats remain 2/1 in its face-up form, the 2 damage trigger can target the creature it is currently fighting, destroying the opponent's creature before it can deal lethal damage back to the Marauder.