Maned Serval

Description

Maned Serval (#23) is a fundamental white creature from the 2020 Magic: The Gathering expansion, Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths. As a Common rarity card, it serves as an accessible building block for players and collectors alike, representing the feline theme central to this era of the game. The card features a mana cost of one white mana, making it an efficient early-game option for decks focused on white mana strategies. The creature type is listed as Cat, a recurring motif within the Ikoria block that emphasizes the wild, untamed nature of the setting. Maned Serval possesses a power and toughness of 1/4, indicating a defensive role in gameplay rather than an aggressive one. Its most notable mechanical feature is the keyword ability Vigilance, which allows the card to attack without tapping. This ability provides strategic flexibility, enabling players to maintain board presence and block incoming threats simultaneously. Designed by artist Jonathan Kuo, the card captures the essence of the creature within the broader narrative of the set. The flavor text alludes to the dangers of the world of Ikoria, hinting at the predatory nature of servals in their natural habitat. For collectors, this card is a staple of the standard common pool from this release. It is frequently sought after for completing full set collections or for use in casual formats where the straightforward design and reliable ability are valued. The Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths set remains a significant part of Magic history, and cards like Maned Serval anchor the white mana identity of the expansion.