Bloodletter Quill MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Artifact |
| Released | 2005-10-07 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Ravnica: City of Guilds |
| Set code | RAV |
| Number | 254 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Dan Scott |
Text of card
, , Put a blood counter on Bloodletter Quill: Draw a card, then lose 1 life for each blood counter on Bloodletter Quill. : Remove a blood counter from Bloodletter Quill.
Cards like Bloodletter Quill
Bloodletter Quill stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a unique artifact card that brings versatility and strategy to the table. It invites comparison with Rod of Absorption, which also manipulates card drawing albeit in a different manner, by exiling and later casting cards played during your opponent’s turn. While not directly drawing cards like Bloodletter Quill, Rod of Absorption has its distinct advantage in potential card advantage and surprise factor.
Another card that echoes a resemblance in utility is Jayemdae Tome. However, while Jayemdae Tome allows for consistent card draw at the cost of mana, Bloodletter Quill’s approach involves a life payment and a buildup of counters to refresh its capabilities. This contrast in resources—mana versus life points—can be pivotal depending on the deck and the game’s scenario.
In contrast with these artifacts, there’s Alhammarret’s Archive which can double the life gained and cards drawn. Though it doesn’t draw cards by itself, when used in tandem with Bloodletter Quill, the Archive amplifies its effects, making the life investment more palatable. Hence, Bloodletter Quill’s ability to draw cards is a powerful asset, especially when synergized with life gain mechanisms within Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Bloodletter Quill by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Bloodletter Quill offers a sustainable draw mechanism that can help you keep your hand replenished over the duration of the match. By utilizing life as a resource, it ensures that you’re not falling behind in card count compared to your opponents.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly a mana acceleration tool, Bloodletter Quill can indirectly accelerate your resources. By drawing into more cards, you increase the likelihood of hitting land drops or drawing into ramp spells, thereby speeding up your gameplay.
Instant Speed: One of the versatile aspects of Bloodletter Quill is the ability to draw cards at instant speed. This allows for strategic plays where you can end your turn with mana untapped, keeping your opponents guessing, and then use the Quill’s ability if no immediate threats present themselves.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Bloodletter Quill requires players to discard a card in order to draw a card, which can be restrictive when your hand is already depleted or the cards held are too valuable to throw away.
Specific Mana Cost: This artifact card demands a precise blend of mana, one black and two of any other, which could clash with decks that are not tailor-made for such a cost, ultimately limiting its versatility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana and the additional investment needed to utilize its ability, Bloodletter Quill’s efficiency is debatable when compared to other draw engines or artifacts that might require less resource commitment.
Reasons to Include Bloodletter Quill in Your Collection
Versatility: Bloodletter Quill offers a unique functionality that can serve multiple roles in a deck. Acting as a draw engine, it fits comfortably into control or combo decks that aim to cycle through their libraries efficiently.
Combo Potential: With the right setup, this artifact enables intriguing combos. As you accumulate life, Bloodletter Quill’s ability to draw cards can be exploited, especially in tandem with effects that mitigate or leverage the life payment.
Meta-Relevance: Given a meta that favors prolonged interactions and resilience, the incremental card advantage and life point manipulation Bloodletter Quill provides can be instrumental in outlasting opponents.
How to beat Bloodletter Quill
Bloodletter Quill presents itself as a nuanced tool in Magic: The Gathering, allowing players to draw cards at a cost to their own health. Its uniqueness lies in the ability to use life points as a resource, reminiscent of the iconic ‘Greed’ or ‘Necropotence’. However, these alternatives provide more immediate value without the incremental life payment Bloodletter Quill requires.
When contending with Bloodletter Quill, it’s vital to apply pressure on the life total. Aggressive strategies can outpace the life-draining effect of the Quill. Removal of artifacts is also key—using cards like Naturalize or Disenchant, you can eliminate the Quill before its benefits outweigh its cost. Additionally, direct damage spells or abilities that target the opponent can negate the life gained from the Quill’s second ability. This strategy ensures that the Quill becomes a liability rather than an asset.
Ultimately, the way to eclipse Bloodletter Quill is through consistent application of pressure and strategic artifact removal. By staying ahead of the life curve and managing the board, the Quill’s impact dwindles, making it a less threatening piece in an opponent’s arsenal.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Bloodletter Quill MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica: City of Guilds, 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 Bloodletter Quill 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 Bloodletter Quill has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Bloodletter Quill card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2005-10-01 | You may activate the second ability in response to activating the first one. If you do, you’ll remove the blood counter that was just added before you lose the life. |