Demonlord of Ashmouth MTG Card


Increased board presence through undying fosters extended gameplay value and resilience on the battlefield. The card’s requirements can hinder less creature-focused decks or strain mana resources. With proper deck synergy, it can become a game-changer within resilient creature strategies.
Demonlord of Ashmouth - Avacyn Restored
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Demon
Abilities Flying,Undying
Released2012-05-04
Set symbol
Set nameAvacyn Restored
Set codeAVR
Power 5
Toughness 4
Number96
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byLucas Graciano

Text of card

Flying When Demonlord of Ashmouth enters the battlefield, exile it unless you sacrifice another creature. Undying (When this creature dies, if it had no +1/+1 counters on it, return it to the battlefield under its owner's control with a +1/+1 counter on it.)


Cards like Demonlord of Ashmouth

Demonlord of Ashmouth is an intriguing creature in MTG with a unique blend of abilities. It finds comparison with cards like Dread Wanderer, where reanimating from the graveyard is also possible, albeit under different conditions. Demonlord of Ashmouth requires other creatures as a sacrifice upon entering the battlefield if its undying was triggered, which is a costlier demand than the straightforward mana cost of the Dread Wanderer’s return.

Another similar card in form and function is Diabolic Edict, which forces opponents to sacrifice a creature. This control over the opponent’s board can be indirectly paralleled with Demonlord’s self-sacrifice mechanic. However, Diabolic Edict affects the opponent straight away without the need of bringing a creature into play. Then there’s Bloodsoaked Champion, with its relentless returning from the graveyard capability. Unlike Demonlord, it offers a recurring threat without the need for additional sacrifices but doesn’t boast the same power level or impact upon arrival.

All in all, the undying ability makes Demonlord of Ashmouth stand out as a potent recurring threat, striking a balance between cost and effect that can impact gameplay significantly, especially in a deck designed to exploit sacrificing creatures for greater advantage.

Dread Wanderer - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Edict - MTG Card versions
Bloodsoaked Champion - MTG Card versions
Dread Wanderer - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Edict - MTG Card versions
Bloodsoaked Champion - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Demonlord of Ashmouth by color, type and mana cost

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Phyrexian Debaser - MTG Card versions
Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions
Slinking Skirge - MTG Card versions
Gravedigger - MTG Card versions
Scandalmonger - MTG Card versions
Urborg Shambler - MTG Card versions
Whispering Shade - MTG Card versions
Filth - MTG Card versions
Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions
Bold Plagiarist - MTG Card versions
Dirge Bat - MTG Card versions
Toxin Sliver - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Spirit - MTG Card versions
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Bad Ass - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Demonlord of Ashmouth is not just a potent force on the battlefield; it paves the way for card advantage through its undying ability. When it dies, if it had no +1/+1 counters on it, it returns to the battlefield with one, potentially letting you recycle a powerful creature for extended value throughout the game.

Resource Acceleration: Offering a substantial four power for just four mana, this card can help win the race for battlefield dominance. Its ability to keep coming back when destroyed without counters offers a relentless increase in resource value, demanding repeated responses from opponents, which can drain their resources and accelerate your effective resource allocation by comparison.

Instant Speed: While Demonlord of Ashmouth itself is a creature card without instant speed, its undying ability has synergy with instant speed removal spells in your deck. This allows strategic removal of blockers or threats during your opponent’s turn, knowing you can rely on the resilience of the Demonlord to maintain your board presence.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Demonlord of Ashmouth, as part of its casting conditions, compels players to discard another creature or pay an additional mana cost. This can be particularly taxing in decks that are not creature-heavy or when your hand is already depleted of useful creatures you might otherwise not want to discard, resulting in a setback by potentially losing a valuable asset or ramping up the mana investment.

Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost for Demonlord of Ashmouth is not just steep but also color-specific, requiring two black mana. This can be restrictive as it demands a strong black mana base, making it less versatile in multi-colored decks that might struggle to consistently meet the black mana requirements.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, Demonlord of Ashmouth can be considered costly, particularly in aggressive decks that value speed and early board presence. In the context where a swift gameplay is paramount, there might be other creatures or spells that offer a more immediate impact on the game for a lower mana investment.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Demonlord of Ashmouth offers a powerful presence on the battlefield that can slide into a variety of black-centric or multicolor decks. Its capability as a flying threat makes it a versatile pick for any collection aiming to pressure opponents from the sky.

Combo Potential: This card’s Undying ability allows for multiple uses, particularly in strategies that involve sacrifice for benefit. Pairing it with ways to manipulate counters gives Demonlord of Ashmouth a potent combo potential, enabling it to return to the battlefield repeatedly.

Meta-Relevance: Given the right setup, Demonlord of Ashmouth can be a game-changer in a meta that appreciates resilient creatures. Its ability to come back after being dealt with once makes it relevant in games where board control is crucial.


How to beat

The Demonlord of Ashmouth presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its robust power and undying ability, allowing it to return to the field after being destroyed. To effectively counter this menacing force, players should consider using exile effects or graveyard disruption strategies that are capable of permanently removing the Demonlord from play. Cards that can exile creatures at instant speed such as Swords to Plowshares or Path to Exile offer a clean solution, circumventing the undying ability entirely.

Additionally, making use of cards that disrupt the opponent’s graveyard like Relic of Progenitus or Scavenging Ooze can prove pivotal. These not only prevent the Demonlord’s return but can also hinder other graveyard-based strategies. Keep in mind, countermagic is another line of defense; countering the Demonlord when it’s cast stops the threat before it takes effect on the board. In essence, having the right countermeasures in your deck can transform the daunting task of defeating the Demonlord of Ashmouth into a manageable one.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Demonlord of Ashmouth MTG card by a specific set like Avacyn Restored, 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 Demonlord of Ashmouth and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Demonlord of Ashmouth has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Demonlord of Ashmouth card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2012-05-01 Demonlord of Ashmouth’s enters-the-battlefield ability will trigger no matter how it entered the battlefield, including because of its undying ability.
2012-05-01 You don’t have to sacrifice another creature, even if you control one. You may choose to exile Demonlord of Ashmouth.