A-Elderleaf Mentor MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Elf Warrior |
| Released | 2021-02-05 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Kaldheim |
| Set code | KHM |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | A-165 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Zoltan Boros |
Text of card
When Elderleaf Mentor enters the battlefield, create a 1/1 green Elf Warrior creature token.
Cards like A-Elderleaf Mentor
Elderleaf Mentor is a unique piece in the vast puzzle of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. It shares a kinship with other cards like Impromptu Raid, wherein both bring additional creature presence to the battlefield. However, Elderleaf Mentor offers consistency with the guaranteed creation of Elf Warrior tokens upon entry, whereas Impromptu Raid depends on the luck of the draw and could end up whiffing.
Another card worth mentioning in comparison is Siege-Gang Commander. Like Elderleaf Mentor, it creates creature tokens, but Siege-Gang Commander provides three goblins and has the additional ability to sacrifice them for direct damage. This offers a player more versatility in both offense and defense strategies. Yet, Elderleaf Mentor’s lower casting cost and Elf synergies will appeal more to players focused on tribal themes or devoted to ramping in green decks.
Ultimately, while Elderleaf Mentor might not have the explosive power of Siege-Gang Commander or the unpredictability of Impromptu Raid, its dependable token generation and elf tribal support make it a solid pick in the right deck setup, illustrating the diverse strategies in which creature tokens play an integral role in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to A-Elderleaf Mentor by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Elderleaf Mentor offers a net positive impact on your board presence by creating an extra 1/1 elf creature token. Playing Elderleaf Mentor effectively increases your number of potential attackers or blockers, contributing significantly to your battlefield strategy.
Resource Acceleration: The 1/1 elf token generated can be instrumental for decks that capitalize on creature-based synergies, serving as fodder for convoke spells or enhancing the potency of tribal buffs in elf-oriented decks.
Instant Speed: While Elderleaf Mentor itself isn’t an instant, it pairs well with green’s instant-speed tricks and creature boosts. The ability to generate an additional creature can surprise opponents during combat or end phases, weaving seamlessly with the tactical flexibility that instant-speed spells offer to control the flow of the game dynamically.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Elderleaf Mentor doesn’t have a discard requirement, this particular mechanic when present in a card, can often be a setback especially in games where retaining hand advantage is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: Elderleaf Mentor requires both green mana and generic mana to cast, which can sometimes be restrictive for decks that are not heavily invested in green or lack mana fixing capabilities.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For three mana, you receive a 1/1 creature and two 1/1 elf tokens. This cost may be considered steep by some players, particularly when compared to other tokens generators that may offer larger creatures or additional abilities for a similar investment.
Reasons to Include Elderleaf Mentor in Your Collection
Versatility: Elderleaf Mentor offers an immediate board presence by creating a 1/1 green Elf Warrior creature token upon entering the battlefield. This allows the card to seamlessly integrate into elf tribal decks or strategies that capitalize on wide board states.
Combo Potential: Its ability to generate a creature token makes it a good match for decks that utilize sacrifice mechanics or benefit from having multiple creatures. It can also be leveraged in decks that buff creature tokens, making it a useful component in several combo setups.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Elderleaf Mentor can serve as an important piece, either by bolstering your army or by providing fodder for various synergistic interactions. Its inclusion could strengthen your position against opponents by diversifying your board and complicating their removal choices.
How to Beat Elderleaf Mentor
Elderleaf Mentor, found within the realm of Magic: The Gathering, brings a unique dynamic to the battlefield. This card not only adds a creature to your ranks but also generates additional Elf Warrior tokens. This kind of expansion in board presence can be a hassle to counter, especially if left unchecked. But like every card in MTG, there are strategies to overcome it.
To tilt the odds in your favor against Elderleaf Mentor, consider sweepers or removal spells that can deal with multiple creatures at once. Cards like Wrath of God or Blasphemous Act can reset the board, negating the token advantage that Elderleaf Mentor provides. Targeted removals such as Doom Blade or Path to Exile are less effective due to the card’s ability to leave creatures behind after its removal.
Focusing on cards that disrupt the opponent’s ability to amass a wide board is key. Utilizing cards like Tormod’s Crypt or Leyline of the Void can be extremely useful, as they hinder strategies revolving around the graveyard, which is often a secondary plan for decks featuring cards like Elderleaf Mentor. Controlling the pace of the game and keeping their board clear will ensure that the advantage Elderleaf Mentor provides is minimized.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase A-Elderleaf Mentor MTG card by a specific set like Kaldheim, 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 A-Elderleaf Mentor and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where A-Elderleaf Mentor has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Brawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |