Chronicler of Heroes MTG Card
2013-09-27 - Number 190
2017-11-17 - Number 196
2022-07-08 - Number 193
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Centaur Wizard |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
When Chronicler of Heroes enters the battlefield, draw a card if you control a creature with a +1/+1 counter on it.
She paints pictures with words, though not all pictures show the truth.
Cards like Chronicler of Heroes
Chronicler of Heroes holds a unique place among creature spells in Magic: The Gathering. Its most direct comparator is perhaps Common Bond. Like Chronicler of Heroes, Common Bond interacts with creatures that have +1/+1 counters on them. However, while Common Bond is an instant that places counters, Chronicler of Heroes uses the presence of counters to draw a card, adding a layer of card advantage to the creature’s entry on the battlefield.
Abzan Falconer shares the thematic link of +1/+1 counters but serves a different function by granting flying to creatures that have them. Although Falconer does not provide card draw, it offers a strategic advantage by enhancing your board presence. Centaur Healer also falls within the same cost range but is designed purely for life gain, offering no card draw or interaction with +1/+1 counters, showcasing the versatility that Chronicler of Heroes brings to a deck.
Evaluating these cards highlights how Chronicler of Heroes affords a rewarding synergy for players focusing on +1/+1 counter strategies, combining the utility of a solid creature with the added bonus of replenishing your hand, positioning it as a multifaceted tool in such MTG builds.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Chronicler of Heroes offers you a draw when it enters the battlefield, effectively replacing itself in your hand and potentially netting you an extra card if the condition is met. Maintaining card flow is crucial to staying ahead in the match.
Resource Acceleration: Although not directly providing mana, the synergy with +1/+1 counters can expedite the deployment of other creatures in your deck. This can give you a crucial tempo boost, especially in decks built around these counters.
Instant Speed: While Chronicler of Heroes itself is not an instant, it synergizes well with other cards that operate at instant speed, allowing you to set up the board and maximize the benefit from its ability when it’s most advantageous.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Chronicler of Heroes demands that you have a creature with a +1/+1 counter on the battlefield to draw a card. If your board lacks such creatures, the card draw benefit is nullified, potentially making it a dead draw in some scenarios.
Specific Mana Cost: With a mana cost that necessitates both green and white, the Chronicler of Heroes can be a tricky fit in multi-colored decks that aren’t based on these colors. This may limit its adaptability and inclusion in various types of decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a cost of three mana, including two specific colors, the Chronicler of Heroes falls into a competitive slot where numerous other creatures offer more impactful presence or effects immediately on entering the battlefield. This cost could be prohibitive, especially if the card-drawing condition isn’t reliably met.
Reasons to Include Chronicler of Heroes in Your Collection
Versatility: Chronicler of Heroes stands out as it can easily find a place in a variety of green and white deck archetypes, particularly those focusing on creatures with +1/+1 counters. Its ability to draw a card upon entering the battlefield if you control a creature with a +1/+1 counter makes it a valuable addition, offering both a creature presence and card advantage.
Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with mechanics that rely on +1/+1 counters, making it a potential engine for combo decks. It can be part of an infinite draw combination with the right setup, making it a key piece for decks that want to capitalize on synergy and creature growth.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta that rewards incremental advantage and creature-based strategies, Chronicler of Heroes provides an edge by replenishing your hand, keeping the pressure on opponents with its card draw ability. It’s particularly useful against control decks that aim to deplete your resources.
How to beat
Chronicler of Heroes brings a unique twist to creature cards in MTG, with an ability that rewards players for managing their creatures with +1/+1 counters. Upon entering the battlefield, Chronicler of Heroes allows you to draw a card if you control another creature with a +1/+1 counter on it. This creates an excellent synergy with decks that focus on building up creatures incrementally.
To effectively counter this card, it’s crucial to manage the board state by removing or neutralizing creatures that can accumulate +1/+1 counters. Spot removal spells, board wipes, or counter spells are effective against these kinds of strategies, as they can pre-emptively deal with the creatures before Chronicler can leverage its benefit. Cards with exile effects can also be particularly potent, as they prevent the potential for recursion or any graveyard interactions. Additionally, consistent pressure on your opponent can limit their opportunities to set up their board and make the most of Chronicler of Heroes.
Understanding your opponent’s tactics and maintaining control over the board are key strategies when facing off against a card like Chronicler of Heroes. Thwarting their setup and countering their plays will diminish the value that this card can provide, leaving you in a favorable position through the course of the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Chronicler of Heroes MTG card by a specific set like Theros and Iconic Masters, 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 Chronicler of Heroes 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
Printings
The Chronicler of Heroes Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2013-09-27 and 2022-07-08. Illustrated by John Stanko.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2013-09-27 | Theros | THS | 190 | 2003 | Normal | Black | John Stanko | |
| 2 | 2017-11-17 | Iconic Masters | IMA | 196 | 2015 | Normal | Black | John Stanko | |
| 3 | 2022-07-08 | Double Masters 2022 | 2X2 | 193 | 2015 | Normal | Black | John Stanko |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Chronicler of Heroes has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Chronicler of Heroes card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2017-11-17 | Whether you control a creature with a +1/+1 counter on it is checked only when Chronicler of Heroes's ability resolves. |