Dragon Bell Monk MTG Card
2015-01-23 - Number 10
2017-11-17 - Number 17
2019-11-07 - Number 84
2020-09-26 - Number IMA-17
Text of card
Vigilance Prowess (Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, this creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.)
He has spent years training his eyes and ears to detect the subtle signs of a dragon's approach.
Cards like Dragon Bell Monk
Dragon Bell Monk, a creature card in Magic: The Gathering, occupies a unique position with its prowess and vigilance abilities. Its parallels with Jeskai Student are evident, as both wield the prowess ability, enhancing their power and toughness whenever a noncreature spell is cast. However, Dragon Bell Monk gains an edge with its natural vigilance, allowing it to act both offensively and defensively within the same turn. Jeskai Student lacks this vigilance, potentially leaving it open to counter-attacks.
Seeking further comparison, we find Sultai Skullkeeper. While it doesn’t have prowess or vigilance, it offers a different advantage by milling the top two cards of a player’s library upon entering the battlefield, which can fuel graveyard strategies. Yet, it does not present the same on-board threat that Dragon Bell Monk’s prowess ability does over multiple turns.
Scouring the roster for a more defensively inclined creature, Guardian of the Pilgrims also steps forth. This card, like our featured monk, grants permanent vigilance to another target creature, showing how vigilance is a valued trait in MTG. Dragon Bell Monk stands out by embodying this trait inherently and continuously pressures opponents with the prowess ability.
Cards similar to Dragon Bell Monk by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Dragon Bell Monk doesn’t directly grant card draw, but its prowess ability incentivizes you to cast noncreature spells which can lead to drawing cards or controlling the flow of the game. Playing spells that draw cards not only pumps the Monk but replenishes your hand, maintaining the card advantage.
Resource Acceleration: While Dragon Bell Monk itself may not accelerate resources, its Vigilance allows for a continuous presence on both offense and defense, keeping mana open for other spells or abilities, thus effectively managing your resources efficiently.
Instant Speed: The Monk’s prowess triggers even at instant speed, offering a flexible response during your turn or in the middle of combat. This interaction can surprise opponents with an unexpected power boost, potentially turning the tide of battle in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: In gameplay, being poised to discard can often mean sacrificing pivotal strategy elements just to fulfill playing conditions. In the context of Dragon Bell Monk, a lack of such a mandate is beneficial as it preserves your hand, allowing for more robust play options.
Specific Mana Cost: Dragon Bell Monk requires a very specific mana combination to cast. This might not seem overly restrictive, but it can shape deck construction in a way that narrows down flexibility. Decks that don’t consistently generate both white mana could find Dragon Bell Monk somewhat cumbersome to play optimally.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its specific cost requirements, Dragon Bell Monk may sit on the higher end of the mana curve for creatures with its capabilities. There are creatures with similar or lower mana costs that offer additional abilities or better stats. This sometimes makes Dragon Bell Monk a less appealing choice for players looking to maximize efficiency and impact from each card they play.
Reasons to Include Dragon Bell Monk in Your Collection
Versatility: Dragon Bell Monk isn’t limited to a single deck archetype. This card shines in decks that appreciate creatures with vigilance and abilities that can be activated multiple times in a turn, thanks to it being untapped.
Combo Potential: With its prowess ability, Dragon Bell Monk can be paired with instant and sorcery spells to create powerful combinations. Each spell cast not only increases its power for the turn but also bolsters your overall board presence.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Dragon Bell Monk can serve as both an offensive and defensive asset. Its vigilance allows for consistent pressure on opponents while still being ready to block, making it a practical choice for combat-centric games.
How to beat
Dragon Bell Monk packs a useful combination of vigilance and prowess, making it a versatile creature in Magic: The Gathering. Its prowess ability, which gives it a +1/+1 boost for each noncreature spell you cast, can quickly turn it into a formidable opponent. Its vigilance allows it to attack without tapping, maintaining a solid defense.
To counteract Dragon Bell Monk, consider strategies that don’t rely on combat. Removal spells can effectively handle the Monk before it becomes too large. Options like Doom Blade or Path to Exile sidestep the Monk’s combat strengths. If you’re looking for a less permanent solution, spells that tap or freeze the creature will negate its vigilance, making it less of a threat. For those playing a more defensive game, enchantments like Pacifism or arresting effects can neutralize the Monk’s abilities altogether.
Overall, while Dragon Bell Monk can be a pain to face in combat, it is susceptible to targeted removal or disabling effects. Plan your deck with these strategies in mind, and you’ll find that the Monk’s gong isn’t so hard to silence after all.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Dragon Bell Monk MTG card by a specific set like Fate Reforged 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 Dragon Bell Monk 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
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Printings
The Dragon Bell Monk Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2015-01-23 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Lius Lasahido.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015-01-23 | Fate Reforged | FRF | 10 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Lius Lasahido | |
| 2 | 2017-11-17 | Iconic Masters | IMA | 17 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Lius Lasahido | |
| 3 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 84 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Lius Lasahido | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | IMA-17 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Lius Lasahido |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Dragon Bell Monk 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 Dragon Bell Monk card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2014-11-24 | Any spell you cast that doesn’t have the type creature will cause prowess to trigger. If a spell has multiple types, and one of those types is creature (such as an artifact creature), casting it won’t cause prowess to trigger. Playing a land also won’t cause prowess to trigger. |
| 2014-11-24 | Once it triggers, prowess isn’t connected to the spell that caused it to trigger. If that spell is countered, prowess will still resolve. |
| 2014-11-24 | Prowess goes on the stack on top of the spell that caused it to trigger. It will resolve before that spell. |
| 2014-11-24 | Prowess triggers only once for any spell, even if that spell has multiple types. |
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.