Derelor MTG Card

Derelor can grant card advantage by creating mana dilemmas for opponents. In resource-heavy decks, Derelor thrives, outpacing opponents without similar setups. Though not an instant, it significantly strengthens endgame plays in specific decks.

Fallen Empires (FEM)
1994-11-01 - Number 36

Fifth Edition (5ED)
1997-03-24 - Number 155

Classic Sixth Edition (6ED)
1999-04-21 - Number 120

Masters Edition (ME1)
2007-09-10 - Number 66

Card sets	Released in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Rare
Type	Creature — Thrull
Power	4
Toughness	4

Text of card

Your black spells cost an additional o B to cast.

"Strength it has, but at the cost of a continuous supply of energy. Such failure can bear only one result." —From the execution order for Endrek Sahr, Master Breeder

Exploring the Deep Mechanics of Derelor

Delve into the world of mana-heavy beating with the Derelor, a card that brings card advantage in a less conventional form. This black creature card draws comparison with the likes of Lord of the Pit in its hefty mana maintenance cost, demanding a significant resource investment that could make or break your gameplay.

Cards like Derelor

Derelor, from the early sets of Magic: The Gathering, compels players to sacrifice a black mana during their upkeep for each black creature they control. This mirrors Lord of the Pit’s costly upkeep in a way that it requires a resource, in this case a creature, to be sacrificed unless you pay its maintenance. Both cards require strategic resource management, lest they become detrimental to your board presence.

Contrasting with Hymn to Tourach, another early game black spell, Derelor impacts your resource pool whereas the Hymn targets your opponent’s hand with no upkeep cost to you. Though not as direct in disrupting your opponent like Hymn to Tourach, Derelor can be a powerful presence if your mana base is strong enough to support its upkeep cost.

In the realm of upkeep costs and powerful creatures, Derelor stands out for its potential in decks that are heavy on mana and able to continuously pay its upkeep, akin to Lord of the Pit, yet distinct in the way it affects gameplay and player strategy.

Cards similar to Derelor by color, type and mana cost

Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions

Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Derelor’s unique effect can disrupt your opponent’s hand, indirectly leading to a card advantage as they’re forced to deal with mana inefficiency.

Resource Acceleration: In decks designed around mana abundance, Derelor’s downside is mitigated, allowing for a resource acceleration strategy that rivals struggle to counter.

Instant Speed: Although not an instant itself, Derelor can be a crucial component in decks that operate at instant speed, giving you more leverage during the endgame.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Derelor requires the player to discard a card every time they wish to cast another black spell. This condition can hinder your strategy by depleting your hand, specifically when you need those resources to react or to maintain a presence on the board.

Specific Mana Cost: Derelor demands a precise mana combination to play—three generic and one black. This rigid cost can be challenging in multicolored decks where mana flexibility is key to casting a variety of spells efficiently.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an overall cost of four mana to summon, Derelor may appear costly, especially when considering its ability limitation. Other creatures available for a similar mana investment offer more value or powerful abilities without imposing a recurring cost on your other spells.

Reasons to Include Derelor in Your Collection

Versatility: Derelor may not be the staple of every deck, but it serves as a robust addition to any black deck that emphasises resource management and benefits from a solid creature presence.

Combo Potential: This creature thrives in environments where sacrificing or converting creatures is key. With the correct synergies, Derelor offers a balance of aggression and utility that can support combo-centric playstyles.

Meta-Relevance: While not a top-tier contender, Derelor can hold its own against certain archetypes in casual settings where its unique mana-cost twist can disrupt conventional play patterns. Its influence in niche strategies keeps it relevant in select circles.

How to beat

Derelor is a unique creature card that presents an intriguing challenge for Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts. With an ability that increases the mana cost of your black spells, it’s essential to adjust your strategy to overcome this potentially disruptive effect. Players who usually rely heavily on black mana spells must consider alternative tactics when facing Derelor on the battlefield.

One effective method to counter Derelor is to diversify your deck to include more cards that don’t require black mana, thus neutralizing Derelor’s influence on your game plan. Furthermore, removal spells that can target Derelor regardless of its color, such as Murder or Path to Exile, can quickly and efficiently resolve the problem it poses. Enchantment removals like Disenchant or enchantment-based abilities that bypass Derelor’s taxing effect can also provide a clean solution.

Strategically, it’s vital to manage Derelor’s presence by maintaining board control and avoiding overreliance on black spells as long as Derelor remains in play. Keep in mind that creature abilities that don’t require casting also sidestep Derelor’s taxing effect, offering another avenue to gain an advantage. By shifting your deck’s balance and focusing on versatility, Derelor’s impact can be mitigated, allowing you to claim victory in your Magic: The Gathering duels.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Derelor MTG card by a specific set like Fallen Empires and Fifth Edition, 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 Derelor and other MTG cards:

BUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer

Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Derelor Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1994-11-01 and 2007-09-10. Illustrated by Anson Maddocks.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1994-11-01	Fallen Empires	FEM	36	1993	Normal	Black	Anson Maddocks
2	1997-03-24	Fifth Edition	5ED	155	1997	Normal	White	Anson Maddocks
3	1999-04-21	Classic Sixth Edition	6ED	120	1997	Normal	White	Anson Maddocks
4	2007-09-10	Masters Edition	ME1	66	1997	Normal	Black	Anson Maddocks

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Derelor has restrictions

Format	Legality
Oldschool	Legal
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Oathbreaker	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal