Runo Stromkirk // Krothuss, Lord of the Deep MTG Card


Transforming into Krothuss increases board presence with sea creature tokens at instant speed. Deck versatility is expanded through Krothuss’s synergies with various sea monsters. Meta relevance solidifies Runo’s role in creature-centred and tribal themed decks.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Vampire Cleric
Abilities Flying,Transform
Power 1
Toughness 4

Text of card

Flying When Runo Stromkirk enters the battlefield, put up to one target creature card from your graveyard on top of your library. At the beginning of your upkeep, look at the top card of your library. You may reveal that card. If a creature card with mana value 6 or greater is revealed this way, transform Runo Stromkirk.


Cards like Runo Stromkirk // Krothuss, Lord of the Deep

Runo Stromkirk is a unique and multifaceted mythic rare from the world of Innistrad. It presents an interesting comparison with other legendary creatures within MTG, such as Gisa and Geralf. While Gisa and Geralf cater to zombie tribal strategies by allowing you to cast zombies from your graveyard, Runo Stromkirk focuses on transforming into Krothuss, Lord of the Deep, and doubling up on Kraken, Leviathan, Octopus, and Serpent creatures upon attacking. This adds a rich layer of strategic depth to the gameplay.

Comparing further, Ludevic, Necro-Alchemist is another card that incites intrigue among player interactions, promoting card draw but in a group setting. Runo Stromkirk instead rewards individual strategy by incentivizing you to sculpt your deck around specific creature types to leverage its transformational abilities. Runo’s ability to exponentially increase the power on board with sea creatures positions it uniquely among MTG commanders.

Considering the intrinsic value of cards in MTG, a card as unique as Runo Stromkirk is compelling for players who enjoy a build-around commander that scales in power with a specific creature focus and adds an interesting twist to the tribal theme in their deck construction.

Gisa and Geralf - MTG Card versions
Kraken - MTG Card versions
Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Octopus - MTG Card versions
Ludevic, Necro-Alchemist - MTG Card versions
Gisa and Geralf - MTG Card versions
Kraken - MTG Card versions
Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Octopus - MTG Card versions
Ludevic, Necro-Alchemist - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Runo Stromkirk // Krothuss, Lord of the Deep by color, type and mana cost

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Urborg Emissary - MTG Card versions
Dimir Cutpurse - MTG Card versions
Dimir Doppelganger - MTG Card versions
Cemetery Puca - MTG Card versions
Gravelgill Duo - MTG Card versions
Wasp Lancer - MTG Card versions
Shore Snapper - MTG Card versions
Harbor Bandit - MTG Card versions
Nightveil Specter - MTG Card versions
Siren of the Silent Song - MTG Card versions
Jorubai Murk Lurker - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Runo Stromkirk has the strategic advantage of potentially transforming into Krothuss, Lord of the Deep, which, in turn, brings multiple creatures into the game without depleting your hand, offering a substantial card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: While Runo Stromkirk itself doesn’t directly provide resource acceleration, it incentivizes players to incorporate other cards that can mill or manipulate the library. These cards often help draw into more resources or retrieve them from the graveyard, subtly increasing mana access over time.

Instant Speed: Runo Stromkirk’s power lies in his setup, but once transformed, the ability to create token copies of Krakens, Leviathans, Octopuses, and Serpents at instant speed can catch opponents off-guard, especially during their end step or when they’re least expecting a board shift. This reactive capability enhances strategic depth and board presence.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Runo Stromkirk necessitates a strategic approach to your hand, as its transform condition demands discarding specific cards, challenging you to balance between maintaining card advantage and triggering its powerful transformation.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Runo Stromkirk is quite precise, with both blue and black mana necessary, potentially limiting its integration into more versatile or color-fluid decks that hinge on a broader mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost on the higher end for its initial abilities, players might ponder its efficiency when cheaper creatures can provide similar benefits or when ensuring a quick transformation is critical to your strategy.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Runo Stromkirk has the flexibility to adapt across various gameplay styles due to his ability to transform into the powerful Krothuss, Lord of the Deep. This opens up deck-building options, fitting comfortably into both tribal Vampire decks and those focusing on sea creature synergies.

Combo Potential: This card boasts high combo potential, particularly in a deck designed to exploit the numerous other creatures with kraken, leviathan, octopus, or serpent types. Unleashing a horde of massive beasts can be game-ending under the right circumstances.

Meta-Relevance: In fields where tribal themes are thriving or those that rely heavily on creature-based strategies, Runo Stromkirk can play a pivotal role. His ability to churn out large, game-swinging creatures makes him significant in a meta that prizes board presence and formidable creature threats.


How to beat

Runo Stromkirk poses a unique challenge on the battlefield. This commander’s transformation into Krothuss is a pivotal moment in the game, one that requires a carefully formulated strategy to counteract. To effectively outmaneuver Runo Stromkirk, one must prevent the transformation from occurring or manage it post-transformation. This is achieved by maintaining graveyard control, disrupting the library manipulation Runo Stefan favors, or by employing exile and bounce spells to keep Krothuss at bay.

Counterspells are also an ally in this duel of wits, blocking the initial casting of Runo Stromkirk. Don’t forget removal spells that can target him whether he’s a commander waiting on the board or a creature lurking in the depths. Board wipes, although drastic, can reset the playing field when dealing with Krothuss and the horde of horrors he brings from the dark watery abyss. Being proactive rather than reactive is key; monitor the graveyard and hand, and act swiftly to ensure Runo Stromkirk doesn’t turn the tide against you.


BurnMana Recommendations

Diving deep into the thrilling world of MTG, the dynamic Runo Stromkirk card adds a layer of complexity and excitement to any deck. Its ability to transform into Krothuss, Lord of the Deep can shift the tides of battle in your favor, spawning a legion of sea creatures to overwhelm your opponents. Whether you enjoy playing a transformative vampire lord or unleashing the krakens, understanding how to maximize Runo Stromkirk’s potential is crucial. Ready to master the depths of this powerful card? Follow us as we unveil strategies, combos, and playstyles that ensure your deck not only survives but thrives in the competitive currents of MTG.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Runo Stromkirk // Krothuss, Lord of the Deep MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad: Crimson Vow and Crimson Vow Art Series, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Runo Stromkirk // Krothuss, Lord of the Deep and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Runo Stromkirk // Krothuss, Lord of the Deep Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2021-11-19 and 2022-01-28. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12021-11-19Innistrad: Crimson VowVOW 3162015TransformBlackXiaobotong
22021-11-19Crimson Vow Art SeriesAVOW 662015Art seriesBorderless
32021-11-19Innistrad: Crimson VowVOW 2462015TransformBlackMatt Stewart
42021-11-19Innistrad: Crimson VowVOW 3272015TransformBlackNico Delort
52022-01-28Innistrad: Double FeatureDBL 5132015TransformBlackMatt Stewart

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Runo Stromkirk // Krothuss, Lord of the Deep has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Runo Stromkirk // Krothuss, Lord of the Deep card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2021-11-19 Although the token is attacking, it was never declared as an attacking creature (for purposes of abilities that trigger whenever a creature attacks, for example, like training).
2021-11-19 Any enters-the-battlefield abilities of the copied creature will trigger when the token enters the battlefield. Any “As
-his creature] enters the battlefield” or “
-his creature] enters the battlefield with” abilities of the copied creature will also work.
2021-11-19 If the copied creature had in its mana cost, X is 0.
2021-11-19 If the copied creature is a token, the token created by Krothuss copies the original characteristics of that token as stated by the effect that put it onto the battlefield.
2021-11-19 If the copied creature was copying something else, the token enters the battlefield as whatever that creature was copying.
2021-11-19 The token copies exactly what was printed on the original creature and nothing else (unless that permanent is copying something else or is a token; see below). It doesn't copy whether that creature has any counters on it or Auras and/or Equipment attached to it, or any non-copy effects that changed its power, toughness, types, color, and so on. Notably, it doesn't copy any effects that may have turned a noncreature permanent into a creature. If the token isn't a creature as it enters the battlefield, it won't be attacking.
2021-11-19 You choose which opponent or opposing planeswalker the token is attacking as you put it onto the battlefield. It doesn't have to be the same player or planeswalker Krothuss, Lord of the Deep is attacking.