Archdemon of Paliano MTG Card


Optimizes draft strategies, offering control over card selection for better synergies. Four mana cost ensures early game pressure; beneficial in quick-build decks. Potentially demands resources, requiring discard and specific mana for play.
Archdemon of Paliano - Conspiracy: Take the Crown
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Demon
Abilities Flying
Released2016-08-26
Set symbol
Set nameConspiracy: Take the Crown
Set codeCN2
Power 5
Toughness 4
Number39
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byEvan Shipard

Text of card

Draft Archdemon of Paliano face up. As long as Archdemon of Paliano is face up during the draft, you can't look at booster packs and must draft cards at random. After you draft three cards this way, turn Archdemon of Paliano face down. (You may look at cards as you draft them.) Flying


Cards like Archdemon of Paliano

The Archdemon of Paliano is a unique card in the world of MTG. It rivals other formidable creatures in the Conspiracy draft format like Exotic Orchard. Both cards have a distinct influence on the draft experience. The Archdemon asks players to draft face up, changing the drafting strategy significantly. By contrast, Exotic Orchard focuses on mana flexibility, tapping for any color that a land an opponent controls could produce. While not altering the draft itself, it does affect gameplay with its utility.

Another comparable card is Canal Dredger, which also contributes to the draft-focused mechanics by allowing a player to delve deeper into their deck during the draft. However, the Archdemon stands out for its ability to force opponents into a different drafting style. This strategic advantage can be pivotal in a draft game, making it akin to Leovold, Emissary of Trest, whose ability restricts opponents’ drawing while not having a direct impact on the drafting process itself.

In essence, the Archdemon of Paliano incorporates a level of draft manipulation that is rare, solidifying its place as an impactful choice in games centered around draft mechanics and bringing a unique twist to the Conspiracy draft experience.

Exotic Orchard - MTG Card versions
Canal Dredger - MTG Card versions
Leovold, Emissary of Trest - MTG Card versions
Exotic Orchard - MTG Card versions
Canal Dredger - MTG Card versions
Leovold, Emissary of Trest - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Archdemon of Paliano stands out as it incentivizes strategic drafting in formats like Conspiracy, letting you have control over your draft picks, which often translates into constructing a deck with superior card synergy.

Resource Acceleration: Its four mana cost is competitive, aligning well with other strategies in the game that focus on building a strong board presence swiftly. By being a key piece in your curve, it can put pressure on opponents early in the game.

Instant Speed: Although not deployed at instant speed, this card’s unique draft ability can unexpectedly skew the draft in your favor, creating surprise and a level of unpredictability during the draft phase that is akin to instant-speed surprises during play.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One limitation of the Archdemon of Paliano is that in certain formats, the mandatory discard to utilize its full potential can put players at a resource disadvantage. This cost may force players to make unfavorable decisions, especially when their hand size is critical for maintaining board presence.

Specific Mana Cost: Archdemon of Paliano demands a rigid mana composition which can be restrictive, seeing as its two black mana requirement confines it to decks heavily invested in black or those with a robust mana-fixing base. This aspect potentially limits its versatility across various deck types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that aligns with other high-impact creatures, the card can be a challenging play. Even within its own color, there are alternatives that either cost less or provide additional immediate value without the steep upfront mana investment.


Reasons to Include Archdemon of Paliano in Your Collection

Versatility: Archdemon of Paliano offers a unique twist, being able to shift your draft strategy mid-game. It can easily become a focal point in any deck that thrives on manipulating draft dynamics or leveraging key creature strategies in-game.

Combo Potential: The card’s ability to dictate draft choices opens up combo possibilities within the Conspiracy set and beyond. It can be a strategic piece in setups that aim to exploit creature type synergies or other draft-related conditions.

Meta-Relevance: Within specific draft formats, particularly Conspiracy drafts where Archdemon of Paliano shines, understanding and anticipating the meta can make this card a game-changer, offering unexpected advantages over traditional draft strategies.


How to beat

Archdemon of Paliano presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its peculiar draft-only mechanic and notable impact in a game of Magic: The Gathering. Players aiming to neutralize this formidable foe should focus on strategies that circumvent the draft condition or mitigate the demon’s board presence. To effectively combat this card, consider employing removal spells that can target it as soon as it hits the field. Cards like Murder, Go for the Throat, or Path to Exile provide a clean solution to the Archdemon’s intimidation.

Alternatively, countering it before it even gets a chance to influence the game is another viable tactic. Counterspells like Negate or Dissipate can be essential in your lineup to ensure Archdemon of Paliano never gets its claws into the match. Lastly, remember that board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation can also reset the playing field, clearing out the demon irrespective of its draft-originated advantage. Employing these strategies with precise timing is crucial to overcoming the Archdemon’s might while navigating the intricacies of both Draft and Constructed formats.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Archdemon of Paliano MTG card by a specific set like Conspiracy: Take the Crown, 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 Archdemon of Paliano and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Archdemon of Paliano has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2016-08-23 After you draft a card at random, look at it to determine whether it needs to be revealed as it’s drafted or drafted face up. If it does, follow its instructions as normal.
2016-08-23 If you have more than one face-up Archdemon of Paliano, keep track of the number of cards you’ve drafted at random for each one. Each card you draft at random counts toward the demands of all your Archdemons. While you’re doing this, consider carefully why the Archdemon seems to favor you.
2016-08-23 Once Archdemon of Paliano is turned face down, you may look at booster packs and draft cards as normal.