Orangutan With a Toolbox
Gearbane Orangutan is a compact, efficient threat you slot into red decks when you need interaction and a blocker against flyers. At three mana it brings Reach and arrives with a modal trigger that reads like a toolbox. You can remove an opposing artifact outright or trade one of your artifacts to bolster the ape with two +1/+1 counters. Both options present straightforward lines of play that reward forethought about board state and artifact synergies.
The card plays well in midrange and artifact light aggro strategies where a surprise removal or a sudden size upgrade matters. The flavor fits Murders at Karlov Manor: a creature that adapts to its surroundings, smashing thopters or scavenging junk to grow. Keep this as a low curve answer that can deter air attacks and turn incremental advantages into pressure on the opponent.
Card Details:
-
Mana Cost — {2}{R}
-
Card Type — Creature
-
Subtypes — Ape
-
Card Text / Rules Text (Printed) — Reach
When Gearbane Orangutan enters the battlefield, choose one —
Destroy up to one target artifact.
Sacrifice an artifact. If you do, put two +1/+1 counters on Gearbane Orangutan.
-
Power / Toughness — 2/2
-
Rarity — Common
-
Set — Murders at Karlov Manor
