Asmira, Holy Avenger MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Human Cleric |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Released | 1996-10-08 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Mirage |
| Set code | MIR |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 256 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Rebecca Guay |
Text of card
Flying At the end of each turn, put a +1/+1 counter on Asmira, Holy Avenger for each creature put into your graveyard from play that turn.
"Omens lie in this early harvest's fruit." —Asmira, Holy Avenger
Cards like Asmira, Holy Avenger
Asmira, Holy Avenger finds a unique spot in the realm of creature cards. Standing out with its ability to accrue +1/+1 counters every time another creature you control dies, it bears a notable comparison to other cards like Mikaeus, the Lunarch. Mikaeus offers a slightly different approach, coming with a built-in method to distribute +1/+1 counters among creatures, though lacking the direct passive boost connected with death triggers like Asmira.
A juncture for comparison comes with Juniper Order Ranger, another creature that benefits from counters. Unlike Asmira, which capitalizes on sacrifice and death, the Ranger receives boosts whenever other creatures enter the battlefield. It’s a subtle yet significant variation that shifts the focus from the end-life events to the celebratory arrivals. Both cards align with a strategy promoting growth, though their paths diverge with their distinct synergies.
In essence, Asmira, Holy Avenger carves a niche within the Magic: The Gathering pantheon, blending elements of sacrifice, power growth, and careful battlefield management. While other cards like Juniper Order Ranger or Mikaeus provide alternative flavored mechanics, Asmira’s unique amalgamation of traits positions her as a compelling choice for decks focused on creature sacrifice and the profound strategy it entails.
Cards similar to Asmira, Holy Avenger by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Attracts decks that utilize creatures with a high turnover rate, effectively drawing from your creature’s power as they benefit from dying or being sacrificed. This can lead to substantial card quality advantage as Asmira, Holy Avenger becomes more formidable with each creature’s demise.
Resource Acceleration: Works well with token strategies, bolstering your mana resources as you swarm the battlefield with creatures that can be converted into power for Asmira. This tactic not only increases your board presence but also quickly ramps up to make her a substantial threat.
Instant Speed: While Asmira herself doesn’t have instant speed, she encourages a deck built around effects that operate at instant speed. Sacrifice effects, creature abilities, and other interactions that contribute to her growth can be executed on opponents’ turns, keeping them guessing and on the defensive.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Asmira, Holy Avenger demands a considerable commitment to a specific board state that involves creature sacrifice. If you’re unable to provide this requirement consistently, her ability becomes redundant and could leave you at a disadvantage.
Specific Mana Cost: This card requires both white and green mana to cast. This specific mana cost can sometimes be restrictive, limiting deck-building options and potentially complicating your mana base in a multi-color deck.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Sitting at four mana with one white and one green, Asmira can be challenging to play early in the game. In environments where lower-cost cards offer competitive alternatives for building up board presence or gaining life, the mana investment in Asmira might not always align with your strategy’s tempo.
Reasons to Include Asmira, Holy Avenger in Your Collection
Versatility: Asmira, Holy Avenger offers diverse play options, finding her place in a variety of decks that harness creature sacrifice for profit. She grows stronger with each creature put into your graveyard from play, fitting smoothly within self-sacrifice or token strategies.
Combo Potential: With Asmira, the battlefield becomes a canvas for numerous combos. Her ability to amass power from fallen creatures can lead to explosive turns, synergizing with cards that require powerful creatures or utilize death triggers for strategic advantage.
Meta-Relevance: Asmira can hold her own in environments where creatures are plentiful and combat is routine. In such a meta, she can quickly become a formidable threat, making her an excellent choice for players looking to exploit creature-based synergies and strategies.
How to beat
Asmira, Holy Avenger presents a unique challenge on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. As a card that grows in power with each creature you put into the graveyard from the battlefield, she can quickly become a significant threat. To effectively overcome this card, players must consider a strategy that avoids sending too many creatures to the graveyard at once. One approach is using exile effects which prevents creatures from hitting the graveyard, thus stifling Asmira’s ability to gain counters.
Spot removal spells that exile, such as Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares, are ideal for dealing with Asmira before her power escalates. Alternatively, counter magic can prevent Asmira from ever entering play, nipping the problem in the bud. Board wipes that exile, like Merciless Eviction, can also reset the board without feeding into Asmira’s strength. It’s vital to have a game plan that doesn’t rely on grinding through creatures. Instead, focus on direct removal, exile effects, or comprehensive control elements to keep Asmira, Holy Avenger in check.
By tailoring your approach and resisting the urge to trade creature-for-creature, you’ll deny Asmira the fuel she needs to become an unstoppable force in the game. Carefully navigating around her ability will secure your advantage and lead you toward victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Asmira, Holy Avenger MTG card by a specific set like Mirage, 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 Asmira, Holy Avenger 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 Asmira, Holy Avenger has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Asmira, Holy Avenger card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | The ability counts creatures that went to the graveyard before this card entered the battlefield. |