Spire MonitorHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Spire Monitor is a 3/3 creature that costs five mana. Its primary strength lies in its Flash keyword, allowing you to bypass the usual timing restrictions for creatures. While it is on the battlefield, its Flying ability ensures it can soar over ground-based defenses to chip away at your opponent's life total or intercept their airborne attackers.

How It Resolves Step by Step

When you have priority, you may cast Spire Monitor by paying its mana cost. Because it has Flash, you can do this during an opponent's turn or even during the declare attackers step. Once the spell is cast, it goes onto the stack like any other spell. If all players pass priority, the spell resolves and Spire Monitor enters the battlefield. It does not have any 'enters-the-battlefield' triggers of its own, so it simply becomes a permanent ready for combat or utility.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is forgetting that Flash only changes when you can cast the spell, not how much it costs or what it can do once it is on the battlefield. Additionally, players sometimes forget that while it can be cast at instant speed, it is still a creature spell and can be countered by spells that target creatures or spells in general. It is also important to note that Flash does not allow you to activate its abilities or cast it if an effect specifically says 'cast only as a sorcery.'

When to Play It

The best time to play Spire Monitor is during your opponent's end step, allowing you to untap with a fresh creature ready to attack. Alternatively, use it as a 'combat trick' by casting it during the declare attackers step to block a 1/1 or 2/2 creature your opponent thought was safe. Its Phyrexian and Drake types may also provide synergies with specific tribal effects.

Interaction examples

Flash and ETB Sequencing

Solemn Simulacrum

If you have both cards in hand, you can cast Solemn Simulacrum on your turn to ramp. During your opponent's turn, if they attack with a small creature, you can Flash in Spire Monitor to block. While Solemn Simulacrum provides value upon entering and dying, Spire Monitor provides the tactical flexibility of timing.

Tribal Synergies with Roaming Throne

Roaming Throne

If you cast Roaming Throne and choose 'Phyrexian' or 'Drake', it will gain those types. While Spire Monitor does not have triggered abilities for Roaming Throne to double, having Spire Monitor on the field ensures you have a creature of the chosen type to benefit from other tribal synergies you might control. You can Flash in the Monitor after Roaming Throne is already on the field to surprise an opponent with a reinforced board.