Drana and Linvala MTG Card


Drana offers graveyard recursion, setting up continuous threat generation and board control. Linvala can restrict mana abilities of creatures, providing a stealthy form of resource denial. Both cards support strategies that rely on surprise and well-timed plays for game advantage.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Vampire Angel
Abilities Flying, Vigilance
Power 3
Toughness 4

Text of card

Flying, vigilance Activated abilities of creatures your opponents control can't be activated. Drana and Linvala has all activated abilities of all creatures your opponents control. You may spend mana as though it were mana of any color to activate those abilities.


Cards like Drana and Linvala

In the realm of MTG, Drana, Liberator of Malakir, makes her mark with a unique blend of offensive prowess and team uplifting mechanics. Cards like Aven Brigadier share the trait of buffing other creatures, but Drana’s ability to add +1/+1 counters each time she deals combat damage offers a more permanent advantage. This even stands out against the likes of Yahenni, Undying Partisan, whose power increases individually based on other creatures’ demise.

In contrast, Linvala, Keeper of Silence also has a distinct presence by stifling opponents’ abilities. Much like Drana, she has an impact on the board, but through different means. She aligns more with cards such as Eidolon of Rhetoric in controlling the flow of the opponent’s game plan, albeit with a broader effect than Eidolon’s restriction to spell casting.

While comparing these noteworthy characters from MTG’s extensive card library, it’s evident that both Drana and Linvala can turn the tide of a match, each in their unique way—Drana through augmenting your attacking forces and Linvala by limiting opponents’ tactical options.

Aven Brigadier - MTG Card versions
Yahenni, Undying Partisan - MTG Card versions
Linvala, Keeper of Silence - MTG Card versions
Eidolon of Rhetoric - MTG Card versions
Aven Brigadier - MTG Card versions
Yahenni, Undying Partisan - MTG Card versions
Linvala, Keeper of Silence - MTG Card versions
Eidolon of Rhetoric - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Drana and Linvala by color, type and mana cost

Shaile, Dean of Radiance // Embrose, Dean of Shadow - MTG Card versions
Orah, Skyclave Hierophant - MTG Card versions
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Spiteful Squad - MTG Card versions
Shaile, Dean of Radiance // Embrose, Dean of Shadow - MTG Card versions
Orah, Skyclave Hierophant - MTG Card versions
Felisa, Fang of Silverquill - MTG Card versions
Elenda, the Dusk Rose - MTG Card versions
Ghost Council of Orzhova - MTG Card versions
Ostiary Thrull - MTG Card versions
Blind Hunter - MTG Card versions
Voracious Hatchling - MTG Card versions
Harvest Gwyllion - MTG Card versions
Alms Beast - MTG Card versions
Triad of Fates - MTG Card versions
Unyielding Krumar - MTG Card versions
Cliffhaven Vampire - MTG Card versions
Restoration Gearsmith - MTG Card versions
Aryel, Knight of Windgrace - MTG Card versions
Seraph of the Scales - MTG Card versions
Teysa Karlov - MTG Card versions
Basilica Bell-Haunt - MTG Card versions
Resolute Rider - MTG Card versions
Spiteful Squad - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Drana and Linvala. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Orzhov AngelsOrzhov Angels GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 06 2024
Orzhov GriefOrzhov Grief ModernOrzhov ScamGrand Open Qualifier Prague 2024
Esper MidrangeEsper Midrange StandardEsper MidrangeThe Pizza Box Open: Standard

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Drana and Linvala both bring a unique edge to the battlefield by giving you the ability to control the flow of the game. Drana, with her ability to recur creatures from the graveyard, ensures a steady stream of threats and defensive options. Linvala, on the other hand, can lock down your opponent’s creatures, providing a significant advantage in board presence.

Resource Acceleration: Linvala’s capacity to shut down mana abilities of opposing creatures can act as a form of indirect acceleration, by limiting your opponent’s resources while you continue to deploy lands and cast spells efficiently. Additionally, Drana’s ability can be a form of resource acceleration by effectively reusing your creatures, that have entered the graveyard, without spending additional mana on casting new ones.

Instant Speed: Though neither Drana nor Linvala have instant speed abilities themselves, they influence the battlefield in such a manner that you can optimize your instant-speed interactions. With Drana’s potential to bring back powerful creatures with flash or instants, and Linvala’s ability to silence opponents’ creatures, both cards strongly support strategies that rely on timing and surprise, bolstering your control over the game’s pace.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Both Drana and Linvala cards don’t inherently require discarding, but any strategic combination that includes discard mechanisms may inadvertently reduce your hand advantage. This is particularly detrimental if the synergy between Drana and Linvala pivots around maintaining a strong hand for control or combo purposes.

Specific Mana Cost: Drana’s mana cost includes two black, and Linvala’s includes one white and one blue, necessitating a dedicated mana base within your deck. This can be cumbersome in multi-color decks that may struggle with consistency in casting these specific characters when needed.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Both characters come in at four mana, which in high-speed play environments may prove costly. At this mana threshold, they compete with other mid-game powerhouses or with lower-cost creatures that can be played earlier, providing immediate board presence or acceleration in strategy. This casts a shadow on their viability in faster formats or decks with a curve that leans towards early game dominance.


Reasons to Include Drana and Linvala in Your Collection

Versatility: Both Drana and Linvala offer a high level of adaptability in various deck builds. Drana’s ability to control the board by giving your creatures +1/+1 counters can turn the tide in your favor, while Linvala’s capacity to shut down your opponents’ abilities serves as an excellent control mechanism.

Combo Potential: These two cards, when combined, can create powerful synergies. Drana can be used to continuously strengthen your forces, meanwhile, Linvala can protect Drana and your other key creatures, making for a formidable combo that can overwhelm opponents.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where creature-based strategies are prevalent, having Drana and Linvala in your collection can provide an edge. Drana’s aggressive stat boosting pairs well against various opponents, and Linvala’s ability to hinder opponents’ strategies ensures your plays remain unaffected by common disruptive tactics.


How to Beat Drana and Linvala in MTG

Drana and Linvala, iconic characters within the MTG universe, bring formidable abilities to the battlefield with their respective cards. To navigate the challenge they pose, understanding their strengths and weaknesses is crucial. Drana, the Last Bloodchief, allows players to return creature cards from their graveyard to the battlefield with an additional +1/+1 counter during each combat on their turn. Countering this recurring threat requires graveyard disruption. Options such as Scavenging Ooze or Bojuka Bog can prevent creatures from returning, diminishing Drana’s impact.

Linvala, Keeper of Silence, on the other side, is recognized for restricting the abilities of opposing creatures. She’s a roadblock for decks relying heavily on activated abilities. To trump Linvala, consider removal spells like Path to Exile or employing creatures that can fight or deal damage without relying on activated abilities. Alternatively, utilizing board wipes, such as Wrath of God, can reset the playing field, removing Linvala’s influence entirely.

Victory against these potent cards lies in preemptively including countermeasures in your deck. By staying one step ahead with the right spells and strategic plays, you can tilt the scales in your favor against anyone wielding the power of Drana and Linvala.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Drana and Linvala MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine and March of the Machine Promos, 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 Drana and Linvala and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Drana and Linvala Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2023-04-21 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 2222015NormalBlackRaluca Marinescu
22023-04-21March of the Machine PromosPMOM 222s2015NormalBlackRaluca Marinescu
32023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 3052015NormalBlackAnato Finnstark
42023-04-21March of the Machine PromosPMOM 222p2015NormalBlackRaluca Marinescu
52023-04-21March of the Machine Art SeriesAMOM 582015Art seriesBorderless

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Drana and Linvala has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2023-04-14 Drana and Linvala gains only activated abilities. It doesn’t gain triggered abilities or static abilities. Activated abilities contain a colon. They’re generally written “
-ost:
-ffect].” Some keywords are activated abilities; they have colons in their reminder texts.
2023-04-14 If an activated ability references the creature that has it by name, treat Drana and Linvala’s version of that ability as though it referenced Drana and Linvala by name instead. For example, if an opponent controls Onakke Javelineer, Drana and Linvala has the ability “: Drana and Linvala deals 2 damage to target player or battle.”
2023-04-14 If multiple players control a Drana and Linvala, exactly what abilities each of them has can get complex, based on what order they entered the battlefield. However, as none of those abilities can be activated, we won’t waste a lot of your time getting into it.
2023-04-14 Once an ability has been activated, it doesn’t matter if Drana and Linvala loses that ability because the opposing creature with that ability leaves the battlefield (or, more optimistically, you gain control of it).
Vigilance card art

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.