Citadel Castellan MTG Card
Text of card
Vigilance (Attacking doesn't cause this creature to tap.) Renown 2 (When this creature deals combat damage to a player, if it isn't renowned, put two +1/+1 counters on it and it becomes renowned.)
"I am the first line of defense. You will not encounter the second."
Cards like Citadel Castellan
Citadel Castellan stands as a noteworthy member of creature cards with both vigilance and renown in MTG. It finds a kinship with cards like Topan Freeblade, a card with similar qualities. The Topan Freeblade also gets +1/+1 counters through renown, yet it’s more modestly costed and can fit into a lower mana curve. Both give players the potential for an early, aggressive presence on the battlefield.
Comparatively, another creature to consider is the renowned Undercity Troll. While it shares the renown mechanic with Citadel Castellan, this Troll also boasts the regenerative ability, enabling it to survive circumstances that Citadel Castellan may not. This capacity for resilience can be a game-changer, offering persistent pressure on opponents.
Lastly, Knight of the Pilgrim’s Road is another creature that showcases the might of renown. Although it doesn’t wield vigilance like Citadel Castellan, the creature still poses a growing threat as the game progresses. Citadel Castellan, with its green and white mana alignment, combines swift assault with defensive endurance, casting a notable shadow in its category.
Cards similar to Citadel Castellan by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Citadel Castellan stands out by providing a substantial board presence that can pressure opponents. When supported by other cards that bolster its abilities or protect it, the Castellan can effectively contribute to sustaining your card advantage.
Resource Acceleration: This vigilant knight doesn’t directly increase your mana resources, but by serving as a steadfast defender while still being an aggressive attacker, it allows you to allocate resources elsewhere, potentially accelerating your game plan.
Instant Speed: Citadel Castellan itself may not have instant speed, but its synergy with instant speed spells is noteworthy. Being able to cast combat tricks or removal during your opponent’s turn while still attacking with the Castellan each round amplifies its value on the battlefield.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: As Citadel Castellan enters the battlefield, it doesn’t demand you to discard cards, thus it avoids placing you at an immediate disadvantage in hand resources.
Specific Mana Cost: Deploying Citadel Castellan requires both green and white mana, demanding a deck tailored to Selesnya colors and potentially restricting deck-building flexibility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing three mana might seem reasonable, but in a game where efficiency is key, there are alternatives that may provide greater impact or versatility for the same or lower investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Citadel Castellan offers flexibility in deck-building due to its synergy with both aggressive strategies and those that favor +1/+1 counters. Its ability to gain vigilance can prove useful in a variety of situations, making it more than just a simple attacker.
Combo Potential: Given its renown mechanic, Citadel Castellan has the potential to grow in strength with each successful combat, blending well with cards that capitalize on counters or combat victories. This can open up numerous combo avenues in decks designed around such mechanics.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment that appreciates durable creatures that can serve as both attackers and defenders, Citadel Castellan can be particularly effective. As the meta shifts, its presence on the board can influence opponents’ strategies, especially in games that stretch into the mid-game phase.
How to Beat
Citadel Castellan, with its noteworthy vigilance and renowned ability, can be a formidable opponent on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. To effectively counter this creature, players should consider using removal spells before it becomes renowned to prevent it from becoming a larger threat. Cheap removal like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can do the job efficiently at a low mana cost.
Blocking the Castellan with creatures that can survive the initial combat or kill it in retaliation before it deals combat damage will also prevent it from getting the renowned bonus. Additionally, playing around the Castellan’s attacks by using flash creatures or instant-speed tricks can give players the upper hand. Moreover, keep in mind the importance of card advantage and board control when facing creatures with such growing potential in MTG.
Ultimately, preparing a strategy incorporating these elements can unlock the path to victory against Citadel Castellan and the strategies it supports. Understanding how to dismantle an opponent’s game plan is as crucial as developing one’s own in the dynamic world of Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Citadel Castellan MTG card by a specific set like Magic Origins and Mystery Booster, 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 Citadel Castellan and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
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- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Printings
The Citadel Castellan Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2015-07-17 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Anastasia Ovchinnikova.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015-07-17 | Magic Origins | ORI | 213 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anastasia Ovchinnikova | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1408 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anastasia Ovchinnikova | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | ORI-213 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anastasia Ovchinnikova |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Citadel Castellan has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Citadel Castellan card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2015-06-22 | If a creature with renown deals combat damage to its controller because that damage was redirected, renown will trigger. |
| 2015-06-22 | If a renown ability triggers, but the creature leaves the battlefield before that ability resolves, the creature doesn’t become renowned. Any ability that triggers “whenever a creature becomes renowned” won’t trigger. |
| 2015-06-22 | Renown won’t trigger when a creature deals combat damage to a planeswalker or another creature. It also won’t trigger when a creature deals noncombat damage to a player. |
Guide to Vigilance card ability
In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.