Venerated Rotpriest MTG Card


Turn life gain into creature tokens and board presence with Venerated Rotpriest’s unique abilities. Venerated Rotpriest demands strategic deck building due to specific mana and graveyard interactions. It offers great combo potential in decks focused on counter manipulation, boosting flexibility.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Phyrexian Druid
Abilities Toxic
Power 1
Toughness 2

Text of card

Toxic 1 Whenever a creature you control becomes the target of a spell, target opponent gets a poison counter.


Cards like Venerated Rotpriest

Within the diverse realms of Magic: The Gathering, the Venerated Rotpriest offers a unique blend of abilities that conjure up comparisons with similarly intriguing cards. Much like the popular Deathrite Shaman, the Rotpriest manipulates graveyard contents for benefit, but with a spin focused on countering spells rather than mana acceleration. Both cards are exceptional in decks that capitalize on graveyard strategies.

Another card that echoes the strategic positioning of the Venerated Rotpriest is Ethersworn Canonist. Each of these cards places restrictions on the opponent, although Canonist is more expansive, limiting the number of nonartifact spells that can be played. The Venerated Rotpriest instead narrows its focus, specifically combating instant and sorcery spells by punishing opponents with life loss. This tight specialization can be pivotal in matches against decks that heavily rely on those spell types.

Venerated Rotpriest’s penchant for suppressing the arcane and its synergy with life drain set it apart in a niche that blends offense and control, carving a distinctive place in MTG’s vast card landscape. It exemplifies strategic depth, reinforcing the importance of tailored deck building for competitive play.

Deathrite Shaman - MTG Card versions
Ethersworn Canonist - MTG Card versions
Deathrite Shaman - MTG Card versions
Ethersworn Canonist - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Venerated Rotpriest by color, type and mana cost

Scryb Sprites - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Elves - MTG Card versions
Ghazbán Ogre - MTG Card versions
Shanodin Dryads - MTG Card versions
Wall of Wood - MTG Card versions
Rime Dryad - MTG Card versions
Village Elder - MTG Card versions
Willow Dryad - MTG Card versions
Spike Drone - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Elite - MTG Card versions
Elvish Berserker - MTG Card versions
Tree Monkey - MTG Card versions
Norwood Ranger - MTG Card versions
Ghazbán Ogress - MTG Card versions
Wild Dogs - MTG Card versions
Elvish Herder - MTG Card versions
Pouncing Jaguar - MTG Card versions
Taunting Elf - MTG Card versions
Sacred Prey - MTG Card versions
Stampede Driver - MTG Card versions
Scryb Sprites - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Elves - MTG Card versions
Ghazbán Ogre - MTG Card versions
Shanodin Dryads - MTG Card versions
Wall of Wood - MTG Card versions
Rime Dryad - MTG Card versions
Village Elder - MTG Card versions
Willow Dryad - MTG Card versions
Spike Drone - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Elite - MTG Card versions
Elvish Berserker - MTG Card versions
Tree Monkey - MTG Card versions
Norwood Ranger - MTG Card versions
Ghazbán Ogress - MTG Card versions
Wild Dogs - MTG Card versions
Elvish Herder - MTG Card versions
Pouncing Jaguar - MTG Card versions
Taunting Elf - MTG Card versions
Sacred Prey - MTG Card versions
Stampede Driver - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Venerated Rotpriest. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Bant PoisonBant Poison StandardBant PoisonStandard Challenge 32 2024-04-13
InfectInfect ModernInfect$10K RCQ - Modern - SCG CON Atlanta - Saturday - 9:00 am (Gold)
Bant InfectBant Infect ModernInfect$10K RCQ - Modern - SCG CON Atlanta - Sunday - 9:00 am (Gold)
Simic InfectSimic Infect ModernInfect$10K RCQ - Modern - SCG CON Atlanta - Saturday - 9:00 am (Gold)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Venerated Rotpriest might not directly let you draw cards, but its synergy with when you gain life can lead to repeatable advantage. In the right deck, this transforms incidental life gains into potential threats on the board, keeping your hand full and your options open.

Resource Acceleration: Though Venerated Rotpriest doesn’t produce mana or Treasure tokens, playing this card can strategically bolster your board state. By utilizing its ability to create tokens whenever you gain life, you can essentially convert health into creature resources, potentially accelerating your path to victory.

Instant Speed: Venerated Rotpriest itself isn’t an instant, but it complements decks that operate well during an opponent’s turn. In combination with instant-speed life-gain spells or abilities, the Rotpriest can generate a surprise battalion of tokens that can deter attackers or be poised for a swift counter-attack, keeping your adversaries on their toes.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Venerated Rotpriest asks of players to release a card into their graveyard to harness its abilities. This action might be cumbersome when hand count is precious and tilted towards survival or critical game plays.

Specific Mana Cost: This card comes with a demand for precise mana alignment. Requiring black mana, the Venerated Rotpriest calls for a deck that is tailored to utilize black mana sources, potentially limiting inclusion in decks that do not focus on black mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an investment of three mana to bring the Venerated Rotpriest into play, it stands at a higher end of mana costs in its category. This has implications for players seeking efficient mana-utilization wherein they could explore other cards for the same or lower mana costs offering similar or more impactful effects.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Venerated Rotpriest offers flexibility for players by being a strong standalone card that fits into various deck archetypes. Its ability to interact with -1/-1 counters makes it versatile in decks tailored around counter manipulation or those aiming for board control.

Combo Potential: With its potential to create an unstoppable momentum when paired with cards that dish out -1/-1 counters, this cleric adds depth to your strategy and opens up multiple combo avenues. It thrives in a synergistic environment where each card interaction can lead to an overwhelming advantage.

Meta-Relevance: Given the right meta conditions, Venerated Rotpriest can significantly disrupt your opponents’ plans. In a player landscape where creatures and creature interactions are vital, having a card that can tip the scales and consistently deteriorate opposing forces is a valuable asset to any collection.


How to beat

Venerated Rotpriest presents a unique challenge in the MTG realm with its ability to interact with the +1/+1 counters mechanic. When considering strategies to counter this card, it’s crucial to focus on preventing the accumulation of counters. Removal spells that can swiftly eliminate the Rotpriest before it becomes too large are essential. Consider cards like Fatal Push or Shock, which can target and take out the Rotpriest with minimal cost and before it poses a significant threat.

Another tactic involves minimizing the opportunities for the Rotpriest to engage with other cards that proliferate counters. Counterspells, particularly those that can be cast for a low cost such as Spell Pierce, can hinder your opponent’s attempts to build up their Rotpriest’s power. It’s also beneficial to limit their creatures’ combat abilities by employing cards that tap or freeze potential attackers, thereby controlling the battlefield and keeping the Rotpriest in check.

By integrating these strategies into your gameplay, you can neutralize the impact Venerated Rotpriest might have on the game, ensuring your deck maintains the upper hand against decks that utilize the +1/+1 counters synergy to their advantage.


BurnMana Recommendations

The journey into the depths of MTG strategy is ever-rewarding, especially when it involves the intricate dynamics of cards like the Venerated Rotpriest. Its unique ability to enhance game play by turning life gain into a resource poses an intriguing addition for any deck builder. Whether you’re fine-tuning an existing deck or seeking fresh synergy, this card demands consideration. Optimizing your deck takes careful contemplation and innovation, and we’re here to guide you through that process. Discover new strategies, upgrade your deck-building skills, and get insights into making each duel a showcase of your mastery. Dive deeper with us and add that edge to your next MTG session.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Venerated Rotpriest MTG card by a specific set like Phyrexia: All Will Be One and Phyrexia: All Will Be One, 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 Venerated Rotpriest and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Venerated Rotpriest Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2023-02-03 and 2023-02-03. Illustrated by Brian Valeza.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be OneONE 3922015NormalBlackBrian Valeza
22023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be OneONE 1922015NormalBlackBrian Valeza
32023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be One PromosPONE 192p2015NormalBlackBrian Valeza
42023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be One PromosPONE 192s2015NormalBlackBrian Valeza

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Venerated Rotpriest has restrictions

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

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Venerated Rotpriest card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2023-02-04 A player with ten or more poison counters loses the game. This is a state-based action and doesn't use the stack. In other words, it happens immediately and players can't respond to it, just like a player losing the game due to having 0 or less life.
2023-02-04 Any other effects of that damage, such as life gain from lifelink, still apply.
2023-02-04 Conversely, replacement effects that apply to the number of counters put on a player can modify the counters placed this way. For example, Vorinclex, Monstrous Raider's last two abilities can apply to counters placed this way.
2023-02-04 Damage dealt by a creature with toxic grants the same number of counters regardless of how much damage is dealt. Notably, if a replacement effect modifies the damage in some way (such as that of Gratuitous Violence), the number of counters given remains unchanged.
2023-02-04 If a creature with toxic deals combat damage to a creature or planeswalker, or if it deals noncombat damage, toxic has no effect and no player gets poison counters.
2023-02-04 Multiple instances of toxic are cumulative. For example, if a creature has toxic 2 and gains toxic 1 due to another effect, combat damage that creature deals to a player will cause that player to get 3 poison counters.
2023-02-04 Toxic doesn't change the amount of combat damage a creature deals. For example, if a 2/2 creature with toxic 1 deals combat damage to a player, that creature will deal 2 damage. The results of that damage are the player loses 2 life and gets a poison counter.