Emissary of the Sleepless MTG Card

Generates value by creating a Spirit token with flying when a creature has died. Enhances decks focused on creature count and synergistic sacrifice mechanics. Flexible addition to decks that benefit from creature death and token strategies.

Emissary of the Sleepless - Shadows over Innistrad

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Spirit
Abilities	Flying
Released	2016-04-08
Set symbol
Set name	Shadows over Innistrad
Set code	SOI
Power	2
Toughness	4
Number	17
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Igor Kieryluk

Text of card

Flying When Emissary of the Sleepless enters the battlefield, if a creature died this turn, put a 1/1 white Spirit creature token with flying onto the battlefield.

Cards like Emissary of the Sleepless

Emissary of the Sleepless presents an intriguing choice for players looking to add creature and token generating cards to their MTG decks. A close comparison can be drawn to Mausoleum Guard, which also produces Spirit tokens upon death. Though both share this trait, Emissary of the Sleepless uniquely offers this benefit even when the creature wasn’t destroyed in the same turn it was played, thus widening the window of opportunity to capitalize on its ability.

Another similar card is Doomed Traveler – a low-cost creature that becomes a flying Spirit token when it dies. The advantage of Doomed Traveler lies in its mana efficiency, allowing players to activate its effect much sooner. On the other hand, with Emissary of the Sleepless, players get a larger body on the battlefield which potentially translates to a higher impact both offensively and defensively.

Considering the strategic value of these similar cards, Emissary of the Sleepless can stand tall among its counterparts. The card holds its ground particularly well in limited formats where its versatility and the potential for generating multiple tokens can shift the balance of a game, making it a worthy inclusion in many MTG strategies.

Cards similar to Emissary of the Sleepless by color, type and mana cost

Enduring Angel // Angelic Enforcer - MTG Card versions

Celestial Gatekeeper - MTG Card versions

Kiyomaro, First to Stand - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Emissary of the Sleepless shines when it comes to creating additional value on the battlefield. Upon entering the game, its ability can immediately churn out a 1/1 white Spirit creature token with flying if a creature died that turn, offering a two-for-one deal and bolstering your presence on the board.

Resource Acceleration: Although Emissary of the Sleepless doesn’t directly accelerate resources in the traditional sense of ramping up mana, the Spirit token it generates can be crucial. It contributes to strategies that capitalize on creature count, thereby accelerating potential synergies within decks focused on token generation or sacrifice mechanics.

Instant Speed: While Emissary of the Sleepless itself isn’t an instant, its ability to create a token can be triggered during the end step of a turn in which a creature you controlled died. This aligns well with the spirit of instant-speed plays, allowing players to potentially gain an advantage during the late stages of an opponent’s turn by setting up defenses or preparing for a more powerful offense on their next turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: This card may strain your hand by forcing you to lose a creature before you can summon it, potentially putting you at a card disadvantage in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: Emissary of the Sleepless requires a specific mix of white and generic mana, which can be restrictive if you’re not playing a deck tuned to accommodate that cost.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing a total of five mana, this card comes with a relatively hefty price tag, which might be inefficient compared to other creatures or spells that provide similar or greater value for the mana invested.

Reasons to Include Emissary of the Sleepless in Your Collection

Versatility: Emissary of the Sleepless can be a flexible addition to any collection, fitting seamlessly into a range of decks, particularly those that capitalize on creature presence and death triggers. Its ability to create an additional 1/1 spirit token when another creature died the turn it was cast offers multiple strategies within one card.

Combo Potential: With its capacity to generate a spirit token on entry, it pairs well with mechanics like morbid, revolt, or any other setup that rewards strategies for having creatures enter the battlefield or die.

Meta-Relevance: Given its ghostly synergy, Emissary of the Sleepless excels in a meta where graveyard interaction or token strategies are prevalent, making it a strategic asset against certain lineups that are common in the current landscape.

How to beat

Emissary of the Sleepless is a creature card that can be a surprising challenge in your opponent’s arsenal. It brings value by creating a 1/1 white Spirit creature token with flying, provided a creature died under your control in the turn you cast it. This effect can tip the scales in a stalled board state, giving your opponent air superiority and potential chump blockers.

To effectively counter this card, having instant-speed removal to dispatch the Spirit token before it can start chipping away at your life total is beneficial. Sweepers like wrath effects that clear the entire board can be particularly powerful, resetting the state regardless of how many tokens have been amassed. Additionally, graveyard hate can stop the Emissary from ever triggering its ability, as no creatures would be considered to have died. Lastly, efficient creature control, including bounce spells, ensures that the Emissary never reaches your opponent’s battlefield, to begin with. A well-timed Counterspell is also a universal answer to prevent the Emissary of the Sleepless from resolving and complicating your game plan.

When navigating a match against an opponent who is using Emissary of the Sleepless, it’s imperative to maintain control of the board and monitor graveyard interactions, ensuring that the additional value Emissary offers through tokens doesn’t become a deciding factor in the game.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Emissary of the Sleepless MTG card by a specific set like Shadows over Innistrad, 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 Emissary of the Sleepless and other MTG cards:

BUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer

Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Emissary of the Sleepless 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 Emissary of the Sleepless card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2016-04-08	Emissary of the Sleepless’s last ability checks only if a creature died earlier in the turn. The creature card doesn’t need to still be in the graveyard.
2016-04-08	Emissary of the Sleepless’s last ability doesn’t create additional Spirit tokens if more than one creature died this turn.
2016-04-08	Token creatures that are destroyed or put into a graveyard from the battlefield for other reasons do die—they go to their owner’s graveyard before ceasing to exist.