Elvish Impersonators MTG Card
Text of card
When you play Elvish Impersonators, roll two six-sided dice one after the other. Elvish Impersonators comes into play with power equal to the first die roll and toughness equal to the second.
"Uh-hunh."
Cards like Elvish Impersonators
Elvish Impersonators serves as an intriguing piece in the puzzle of creature versatility within Magic: The Gathering. Its kinship is seen with cards like Clone, which mirrors the power and toughness of any other creature on the battlefield. However, Elvish Impersonators adds a unique twist as its power and toughness are determined by the roll of two dice, leading to variable and unpredictable results. Clone offers consistency in replication, while Elvish Impersonators brings a fun and whimsical randomness to your creature lineup.
Delving further into this theme, we encounter Mirror Image, a creature that also copies other creatures but does so at a fixed power and toughness, completely devoid of the chance factor the Elves introduce. Then there’s the card Altered Ego, allowing a more controlled variability by letting you place additional +1/+1 counters on it when it copies, providing a more strategic choice.
When it comes to evaluating creature mimicry and adaptability in Magic: The Gathering, Elvish Impersonators undoubtedly captures a unique niche. With an unexpected roll of the dice, it can lead to game-defining moments, making it a card that keeps opponents guessing while still being comfortably nestled within the familiar mechanics of similar cards on the market.
Cards similar to Elvish Impersonators by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Elvish Impersonators can become a copy of any creature on the battlefield, which can equate to drawing into a powerful creature you might not have in your hand. This versatility provides a unique form of card advantage by effectively using your opponents’ creatures against them.
Resource Acceleration: When it eventually copies a mana dork or any creature with an ability to ramp, Elvish Impersonators offers an unexpected resource acceleration. This can help you outpace your opponent by increasing your mana production earlier than expected.
Instant Speed: The ability to choose when Elvish Impersonators transforms allows for strategic plays at instant speed. Although the card itself isn’t an instant, its copied abilities can be, which could include untapping lands, creating tokens, or other abilities tied to the creature it imitates when your adversary least expects it.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While this card can present a powerful facade, it comes with a downside. To benefit from the Impersonators’ effect, a player faces the steep price of discarding another card. This trade-off can be particularly hindering in the late game when every card in hand counts, or when playing against strategies that already put your hand size under pressure.
Specific Mana Cost: Decks that wish to include Elvish Impersonators must accommodate a specific mana cost. Even though Elves are traditionally associated with green mana, having the exact amount at the right time isn’t always a given, especially in multi-colored decks where mana resources are spread out over multiple needs.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When it comes to the battlefield impact versus mana investment, Elvish Impersonators might not always come out on top. The card demands a non-negligible amount of mana, which calls into question its efficiency compared to other options. Players may find that other creatures or spells at a similar cost could provide more immediate or versatile advantages without the extra baggage of a discard requirement.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Elvish Impersonators offers a flexible role in green-based decks. Its adaptable nature translates into fitting snugly into various strategies where creature numbers or unusual abilities can be leveraged.
Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with cards that respond to creature cast or enter-the-battlefield triggers. The quirkiness of its variable power and toughness can also be exploited with equipment or auras to surprise opponents within combo builds.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state where board presence and novelty play a role, Elvish Impersonators can shine. It may not top tier lists, but in the right environment, its unique properties can counteract prevalent deck archetypes and provide unexpected value.
How to beat Elvish Impersonators
Elvish Impersonators is an unusual card that brings an unpredictable twist to the field. Much like creatures that require a roll of the dice, these mimic masters can either be a game changer or an uncontrollable liability. Their power lies in the roll—getting an outcome of four or higher can suddenly shift the tides by creating a strong presence on the board.
Defeating Elvish Impersonators requires a strategy that diminishes the luck element they introduce. Efficient removal tools, such as instant-speed removal spells, can answer the Impersonators swiftly before luck has a chance to play out. Cards that offer direct damage or create unfavorable combat scenarios for the Impersonators ensure they don’t get the opportunity to capitalize on a good roll.
Board control is key; keeping the battlefield clear of potential synergies that Elvish Impersonators could exploit helps maintain dominance. Consider spells that can manipulate or reset the board, ensuring these unpredictable elves never get to imitate a threat too grand. In essence, fast responses and a tight grip on the game’s flow nullify the impact of the Elvish Impersonators in MTG.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Elvish Impersonators MTG card by a specific set like Unglued and Unsanctioned, 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 Elvish Impersonators 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 Elvish Impersonators Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1998-08-11 and 2020-02-29. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1998-08-11 | Unglued | UGL | 56 | 1997 | Normal | Silver | Claymore J. Flapdoodle | |
| 2 | 2020-02-29 | Unsanctioned | UND | 62 | 2015 | Normal | Silver | Phil Foglio |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Elvish Impersonators card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2020-02-29 | The two die rolls are separate and sequential. If you want to reroll the first die, you must do so before you roll the second die. |