Devout Witness MTG Card
1999-10-04 - Number 17
2014-06-16 - Number 24
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Spellshaper |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
o1o W, oc T, Discard a card from your hand: Destroy target artifact or enchantment.
The Cho-Arrim fought Mercadia's decadence with more than just swords.
Cards like Devout Witness
Devout Witness is an intriguing utility creature within the vast Magic: The Gathering universe. Its most direct comparison is with cards like Syndic of Tithes, both of which provide benefits beyond the battlefield impact with a mana and a tap activation. However, Devout Witness offers a unique ability to discard a card and destroy artifacts or enchantments, separating it from the monetary focused Syndic.
Another similar card is Leonin Relic-Warder, which can exile an artifact or enchantment upon entering the battlefield. This effect is more immediate compared to Devout Witness’s repeatable ability. Yet, the Witness’s flexible destruction option stands out as it can be used multiple times and is not limited to a one-time occurrence tied to the creature’s entry.
Considering these comparisons and the metagame implications, Devout Witness can be quite potent in environments that abound with artifacts and enchantments, giving it a spot in decks that prize versatility and consistent control over opponents’ strategies.
Cards similar to Devout Witness by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Devout Witness provides a repeatable way to turn any non-essential cards in hand into useful artifact disruption. Players can maintain pressure by selectively removing opposing artifacts that may otherwise tip the scales.
Resource Acceleration: Although the Devout Witness itself might not directly ramp up your mana, it ensures your resources aren’t wasted. By converting surplus cards into active plays, it effectively accelerates your game plan and outpaces opponents by denying them their key artifacts.
Instant Speed: The ability to activate Devout Witness at instant speed affords players the flexibility to adapt to a changing board state. You can wait until the most opportune moment during an opponent’s turn to disrupt their strategy, protecting your win conditions while keeping up the element of surprise.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Devout Witness demands the sacrifice of a card from your hand, which might deplete your hand faster than you’d like, especially in a game where every card counts.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost includes white mana, which constrains deck-building options and might not fit into a multi-color strategy that doesn’t focus on white.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost set at three mana, Devout Witness may not be the most mana-efficient option for the artifact removal ability it provides, especially when considering alternative cards with similar or more powerful effects.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Devout Witness works well across a plethora of deck themes, serving as a valuable tool for artifact-centric strategies or decks that take advantage of discarding cards as a resource.
Combo Potential: With the ability to turn any card in hand into an artifact removal tool, Devout Witness can combo with cards that recycle or capitalize on cards in the graveyard, allowing for repeated usage of its ability.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where artifacts play a crucial role, having a reliable method to disrupt opponents’ artifact strategies can be key to maintaining control of the board and securing your path to victory.
How to beat Devout Witness
Devout Witness serves as a powerful utility card that offers players a repeatable way to disrupt opponents in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to convert any card in hand to a potential removal tool makes it both versatile and dangerous if left unchecked on the battlefield. However, with strategic card choice and timing, you can mitigate its impact on your gameplay.
To effectively counter Devout Witness, consider using instant-speed removal spells before it can activate its ability. Cards such as Lightning Bolt or Fatal Push allow for swift elimination at a low mana cost. Additionally, making the most of your own hand by prioritizing threats can force the Witness’ controller to make tough decisions regarding resource allocation.
Another line of defense involves utilizing hexproof or indestructible creatures that are not vulnerable to artifacts or enchantment targeting. With careful planning and tempo control, the impact of Devout Witness can be contained, ensuring your potent artifacts and enchantments survive to further your own strategic game plan.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Devout Witness MTG card by a specific set like Mercadian Masques and Vintage 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 Devout Witness 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 Devout Witness Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1999-10-04 and 2014-06-16. Illustrated by Don Hazeltine.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1999-10-04 | Mercadian Masques | MMQ | 17 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Don Hazeltine | |
| 2 | 2014-06-16 | Vintage Masters | VMA | 24 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Don Hazeltine |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Devout Witness has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |