Spire ManglerHow it works & interactions with other cards

Tactical Deployment

Spire Mangler features Flash, allowing you to cast it at any time you could cast an instant. When it enters the battlefield, it triggers an ability that grants a target creature you control with flying +2/+0 until the end of the turn. This makes it an ideal combat trick during your opponent's turn or a way to push for extra damage during your own.

Resolving the Trigger

As Spire Mangler enters, its triggered ability is placed on the stack. You must choose a target creature you control that has flying at this time. If Spire Mangler is the only creature you control with flying, you must target itself. The +2/+0 bonus is applied only once the ability resolves; if the target loses flying or leaves the battlefield before resolution, the ability will fail to resolve.

Strategic Considerations

A common mistake is forgetting that Spire Mangler's ability is mandatory. If you have other flyers that you want to buff, ensure you target them specifically. Additionally, because the buff only lasts until end of turn, casting this during your opponent's end step will result in the +2/+0 bonus expiring before your own attack phase begins.

Interaction examples

Self-Buffing Ambush

You cast Spire Mangler during your opponent's declare attackers step. When it enters, its ability triggers. Since Spire Mangler has flying, you target it with its own ability, making it a 4/1 flyer. You can then use it to block and destroy an attacking creature with 4 or less toughness.

Doubling the Sting

Roaming Throne

With Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Insect', you cast Spire Mangler. When Spire Mangler enters, its ability triggers twice because of Roaming Throne. You can target Spire Mangler with both triggers to give it +4/+0, or target two different flyers you control to distribute the bonus.

Resource Management

Solemn Simulacrum

If you control Solemn Simulacrum and cast Spire Mangler, note that Solemn Simulacrum does not have flying. Therefore, it is not a legal target for Spire Mangler's triggered ability. You must target Spire Mangler itself or another creature you control that possesses the flying keyword.