A-Thornmantle Striker MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Elf Rogue |
| Released | 2021-02-05 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Kaldheim |
| Set code | KHM |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | A-387 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Magali Villeneuve |
Text of card
When Thornmantle Striker enters the battlefield, choose one — • Remove X counters from target permanent, where X is the number of Elves you control. • Target creature an opponent controls gets -X/-X until end of turn, where X is the number of Elves you control.
Cards like A-Thornmantle Striker
A-Thornmantle Striker enters the arena of creature-based utility cards, offering a unique approach to creature control within MTG. This card presents similarities to the likes of Selesnya Charm, which also provides a versatile choice between creature enhancement and removal. A-Thornmantle Striker’s niche lies in its elf tribal synergy, giving it a distinct edge in relevant decks, unlike Selesnya Charm, which doesn’t offer this tribal connection.
Additionally, comparing it with Reclamation Sage highlights A-Thornmantle Striker’s direct removal capability. While Reclamation Sage leans more towards artifact and enchantment removal at the moment of entry, A-Thornmantle Striker can directly challenge creatures in battle. Reclamation Sage cannot handle larger threats by itself, unlike A-Thornmantle Striker which can grow in power. Yet another parallel can be drawn with cards like Banisher Priest, showcasing the exile removal mechanic, though A-Thornmantle Striker opts for a fight mechanic that leverages its own power, rather than temporary exile.
Ultimately, in the diverse toolkit of green’s MTG cards, A-Thornmantle Striker stands out. It combines aggressive potential with strategic creature removal. Its inclusion in the right deck, particularly those focusing on elf synergies, can offer a dynamic and impactful play experience.
Cards similar to A-Thornmantle Striker by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: A-Thornmantle Striker provides a unique approach to card advantage by potentially removing an opponent’s key creatures from the board. This disrupts their game plan while indirectly contributing to your card superiority.
Resource Acceleration: While this card itself doesn’t provide direct resource acceleration like ramp spells, clearing the path of blockers can pave the way for your creatures to attack more efficiently. This can lead to increased damage and a faster route to victory.
Instant Speed: The convenience of instant speed spells cannot be overstated, and A-Thornmantle Striker boasts this feature. It allows stealthy play, enabling you to surprise your opponent during their turn or end step, making it a versatile tool in many strategies.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: A-Thornmantle Striker necessitates discarding a card as part of its activation, which can be problematic during the late game or when your hand is nearly empty. This discard can inadvertently deplete your resources at critical moments, potentially leaving you at a strategic disadvantage.
Specific Mana Cost: The card demands a specific combination of mana, one green and two generic, to cast. This specific mana requirement means it may not seamlessly fit into multicolored decks that have a tighter mana base or those that struggle to produce the necessary green mana consistently.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While A-Thornmantle Striker offers particular abilities that may align with green deck strategies, it does have a mana cost that is somewhat high when compared to other cards with similar effects. Players might favor alternatives that provide a better balance of cost to utility ratio, thus making it a less appealing choice in competitive play where efficiency is paramount.
Reasons to Include A-Thornmantle Striker in Your Collection
Versatility: A-Thornmantle Striker is not only a source of early aggression but can also serve as a useful tool for board control. Its ability to pick off key creatures can be pivotal in maintaining dominance on the battlefield.
Combo Potential: With its capacity to deal damage to creatures with hexproof, this card can seamlessly integrate into strategies that aim to eliminate problematic creatures often protected from targeted effects, reinforcing its combo utility.
Meta-Relevance: As the game ebbs and flows with various deck types rising to prominence, A-Thornmantle Striker can adapt to the shifting landscape. Its role in dealing with elusive creatures ensures that it remains a relevant choice for competitive play.
How to beat
A-Thornmantle Striker brings a unique dynamic to the battlefield in MTG, providing enthusiasts with both offensive and defensive versatility. Typically employed in strategies that focus on creature control, the Striker has the potential to sway the tide of a match when used effectively. Its power lies in its ability to distribute -1/-1 counters, thereby weakening opponent’s creatures and can be quite challenging to play against.
To counteract this card effectively, a few considerations can be beneficial. Prioritizing the removal of creatures with -1/-1 counters can mitigate the snowballing effect of the Striker’s ability. Such an approach may involve using spells that can specifically target creatures with counters or general sweep removal tactics to reset the board. Applying pressure by presenting an array of threats can divert attention from the Striker, thereby diluting its impact on the game. Utilizing hexproof or indestructible creatures also stands as a robust countermeasure, as these attributes naturally bypass the Striker’s weakening mechanic.
In essence, overcoming the strategic barrier posed by A-Thornmantle Striker entails a blend of proactive creature management and the deployment of counteractive measures that directly negate or minimize its ability to manipulate the board state to your opponent’s advantage.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase A-Thornmantle Striker 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-Thornmantle Striker 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-Thornmantle Striker has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Brawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |