Aven Farseer MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Bird Soldier |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Released | 2003-05-26 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Scourge |
| Set code | SCG |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 3 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Luca Zontini |
Text of card
Flying Whenever a creature is turned face up, put a +1/+1 counter on Aven Farseer.
His enemies' trickery and deceit only fuel his righteous anger.
Cards like Aven Farseer
Aven Farseer boasts a unique place in deck strategies given its synergy with creatures entering the battlefield. It shares a kinship with cards like Soul Warden, whose ability also activates upon creature arrivals. Aven Farseer, though, focuses on bolstering itself with +1/+1 counters, in contrast to Soul Warden’s life-gaining trait. Both cards shine in creature-heavy decks, encouraging an expanding board presence.
Another card that resonates with Aven Farseer’s theme is Ajani’s Pridemate, which also accumulates +1/+1 counters, but as a result of gaining life, providing a sturdier offensive approach. While Ajani’s Pridemate grows through life gain, Aven Farseer leverages the momentum from fellow creatures appearing on the scene, paving the way for a potentially swift escalation in power. Yet, unlike Aven Farseer, Ajani’s Pridemate doesn’t have the flying attribute, which can offer an aerial advantage.
In evaluating Aven Farseer alongside its counterparts, one notes its singular charm within the array of cards that thrive on dynamic board states. Its capability to potentially outpace ground-based creatures gives it an edge, and when placed in a well-crafted deck, Aven Farseer holds its own as a formidable threat in the skies.
Cards similar to Aven Farseer by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Aven Farseer itself doesn’t allow direct card draw, it benefits from proliferating +1/+1 counters, which can lead to gaining multiple advantages on the battlefield. Playing cards that distribute +1/+1 counters can enhance Aven Farseer’s ability, indirectly adding value and strength to your board presence.
Resource Acceleration: The Aven Farseer can be a tool in strategies that accelerate your resources. Every time it receives a +1/+1 counter, its stature grows, potentially outpacing your opponent’s creatures without investing further mana—enabling you to allocate resources elsewhere whilst developing a stronger offense or defense.
Instant Speed: Although Aven Farseer isn’t an instant itself, it synergizes well with spells cast at instant speed. Counter placement at instant speed can happen during your opponent’s turn, for instance through combat tricks or end-step effects, allowing you to surprise your opponent by beefing up the Farseer when least expected.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: As a prerequisite for getting the full advantage of Aven Farseer’s abilities, players may find themselves having to discard, which could hamper hand advantage and strategic options if the card pool is already running low.
Specific Mana Cost: Aven Farseer demands a specific mana alignment to cast, which in this case includes white mana. This requirement potentially restricts deck building as it is less flexible for multi-color decks that may not prioritize white mana or white strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that might be deemed steep for its stat line and ability impact, there are alternative creatures or spells within the same mana range that may provide a more immediate or significant effect on the battlefield, giving players pause when considering its inclusion in a deck.
Reasons to Include Aven Farseer in Your Collection
Versatility: Aven Farseer features a broad appeal as it can be a staple in any deck that values flying creatures. Its ability to grow stronger with each occurrence of the proliferate mechanic or similar effects makes it a flexible addition to a variety of blue or white-based decks.
Combo Potential: This card shines when paired with effects that put +1/+1 counters on creatures. It’s ideally suited for synergistic combos with evolving creatures or when employing a strategy that includes a high volume of creatures entering the battlefield.
Meta-Relevance: In metas that favor creature-based strategies or decks that revolve around counters, Aven Farseer can become a recurring threat as it gains strength from ongoing interactions. Its bird creature type also makes it pertinent in tribal decks which could leverage its capability in the air.
How to beat
Aven Farseer is known in Magic: The Gathering for its ability to grow stronger with every spell cast. This bird wizard can become quite a threat if left unchecked on the battlefield. It gains a +1/+1 counter for each time you or an opponent plays a creature spell, making it progressively more dangerous.
To counter Aven Farseer’s growth, prioritize removal spells that don’t target it directly, as targeting it may cause unwanted growth through other creature spells being played. Board wipes such as “Wrath of God” or “Damnation” can effectively eliminate Aven Farseer without triggering its ability. Moreover, use cards that limit spell casting or creature abilities, such as “Silent Arbiter” or “Cursed Totem”, to prevent Aven Farseer’s ability from activating unnecessarily. Managing your removals wisely and disrupting your opponent’s strategy are key to neutralizing the escalating threat posed by Aven Farseer.
In conclusion, strategically timed removals and board control are essential tactics for combating Aven Farseer. By staying a step ahead and limiting its growth opportunities, you can maintain the upper hand against this potentially overwhelming adversary in Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Aven Farseer MTG card by a specific set like Scourge, 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 Aven Farseer 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 Aven Farseer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Aven Farseer card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2007-05-01 | Triggers when any permanent is turned face up, not just a creature. |