Cephalid Aristocrat MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Cephalid Noble |
| Abilities | Mill |
| Released | 2002-02-04 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Torment |
| Set code | TOR |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 27 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Rob Alexander |
Text of card
Whenever Cephalid Aristocrat becomes the target of a spell or ability, put the top two cards of your library into your graveyard.
It's easy to tell the difference between the devious cephalids and the trustworthy ones. The trustworthy ones are dead.
Cards like Cephalid Aristocrat
When evaluating the Cephalid Aristocrat from MTG, it’s important to consider its place in the realm of sacrifice-affecting creatures. It stands as a creature card that can be sacrificed to protect other creatures you control, somewhat similar to the Martyr of Dusk. However, while Martyr of Dusk leaves behind a token upon its demise, Cephalid Aristocrat offers card manipulation by allowing a player to target a card in their graveyard and shuffle it into their library.
Looking at other comparable cards, we might compare Cephalid Aristocrat with the likes of Stitcher’s Supplier, which also interacts with the graveyard. While the Supplier excels at milling cards to potentially provide a larger range of options, Cephalid Aristocrat focuses more on the strategic recycling of key cards. Then there’s Doomed Necromancer, offering a direct reanimation strategy as opposed to the Aristocrat’s subtler graveyard shuffling effect which may prove advantageous in decks built around specific combo setups.
Ultimately, the utility of the Cephalid Aristocrat in MTG may shine in scenarios that call for careful graveyard manipulation to continuously harness the potential of high-value cards, situating it as a unique piece within the intricate puzzle of sacrifice-themed decks.
Cards similar to Cephalid Aristocrat by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Cephalid Aristocrat can be a key component in strategies that benefit from card manipulation. By using its ability to sacrifice a creature, players can ensure the right cards stay on top of their library, granting them quality draws and improving consistency throughout the game.
Resource Acceleration: As a tool in sacrificing-based strategies, commonly known as “aristocrats,” this card effectively recycles creatures for added value. In decks where creatures entering or leaving the battlefield trigger beneficial effects, Cephalid Aristocrat can accelerate the accumulation of resources, whether that be via card draw, life gain, or mana generation.
Instant Speed: The flexibility of activating the Cephalid Aristocrat’s ability at instant speed cannot be overstated. This allows savvy players to wait until the most opportune moment—such as in response to removal spells or during an opponent’s end step. The ability to adjust tactics on the fly lends itself to a dynamic playstyle that can catch opponents off guard.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Cephalid Aristocrat’s mechanic demands the discarding of other cards to fuel its abilities. In scenarios where you’re running low on hand size, this requirement can be particularly taxing and might deplete your resources more than you’d like.
Specific Mana Cost: This card comes with a blue mana cost mandate, which means it slots primarily into blue-centric or multicolor decks. This specialized mana requirement can restrict deck-building options and potentially prevent inclusion in mono decks of other colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Given the aristocrat’s mana valuation, the investment might seem on the heftier side when put side by side with other cards in the format. Savvy players often weigh mana costs against potential impacts on the game, and in this case, there are alternatives in the same range that could provide more immediate or impactful benefits on the board.
Reasons to Include Cephalid Aristocrat in Your Collection
Versatility: Cephalid Aristocrat offers a dynamic role in a number of blue-centric or multicolor decks. The ability to sacrifice a creature to make Cephalid Aristocrat unblockable this turn provides strategic options whether you’re aiming for evasion or desiring to enact graveyard synergies.
Combo Potential: This card seamlessly integrates into decks that thrive on sacrifice mechanics. Its combo potential is clear, particularly in decks that are dedicated to exploiting death triggers or desiring reuse of enter-the-battlefield effects upon creature revival.
Meta-Relevance: With a flexible cost and easy integration into sacrifice and control archetypes, Cephalid Aristocrat can be a smart addition in a meta that favors interactive and recursive play styles. Not only does it present a threat that must be answered, but it also maneuvers well against decks that struggle with singular, evasive creatures.
How to beat
The Cephalid Aristocrat brings a unique twist to the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. This monarch of the deep-sea tribe can be a tactical nuisance with its ability to mill cards from its controller’s library. Knowing how to navigate against this tricky card can turn the tide in your favor. Typically deployed alongside a host of creatures, this aristocrat thrives on sacrificial strategies. The key to triumph over this card lies in restraining its milling power, which thrives through the sacrifice of creatures.
One effective strategy is removing the ability to sacrifice creatures. Cards such as Grafdigger’s Cage can prevent creatures from entering the battlefield from graveyards or libraries, hampering the cephalid’s milling engine. Another approach is to utilize graveyard hate cards like Rest in Peace to eliminate the benefits gained from self-mill and creature deaths altogether. When facing this deep-sea dweller, prioritizing removal spells or exiling abilities can be a game-changer. Swiftly dealing with the aristocrat before it can establish control or leverage its milling combo can secure you the upper hand in the match.
Ultimately, depending on the style of deck you wield, you may choose different methods to combat the Cephalid Aristocrat. Whether through graveyard disruption or direct removal, planning ahead and adapting your strategy proactively is paramount when countering this card’s influence on the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cephalid Aristocrat MTG card by a specific set like Torment, 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 Cephalid Aristocrat 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cephalid Aristocrat has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |