Forerunner of the Legion MTG Card


Optimizes decks by fetching key Vampires, thus accelerating your strategic plays. Enhances interactivity by setting the stage for instant-speed creature advantages. Requires strategic hand management, balancing tutoring benefits against resource allocation.
Forerunner of the Legion - Rivals of Ixalan
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Vampire Knight
Released2018-01-19
Set symbol
Set nameRivals of Ixalan
Set codeRIX
Power 2
Toughness 2
Number9
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byJosh Hass

Text of card

When Forerunner of the Legion enters the battlefield, you may search your library for a Vampire card, reveal it, then shuffle your library and put that card on top of it. Whenever another Vampire enters the battlefield under your control, target creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.


Cards like Forerunner of the Legion

Forerunner of the Legion serves as a pivotal card for Vampire-themed decks in Magic: The Gathering. It shares its creature-searching ability with cards like Forerunner of the Empire, which allows players to search their library for a specific creature type. However, Forerunner of the Legion is unique in its synergy with Vampire cards, offering a buff to other Vampires when another Vampire enters the battlefield. This ability to tutor a card and immediately impact the board with a power boost creates dynamic play situations.

Imperial Recruiter is a card of comparison, allowing players to search for a creature card with power 2 or less when it enters the battlefield. Though it lacks the tribal focus, the broader search criteria can be used advantageously in a variety of deck builds. Captain’s Call is another relevant card, producing three 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens, providing immediate board presence but not the targeted search strategy that Forerunner of the Legion offers.

Ultimately, in the ecosystem of creature-supporting cards in Magic: The Gathering, Forerunner of the Legion stands out for players looking to optimize Vampire tribal decks. Its combination of utility in searching the library and boosting Vampire allies gives it a unique and valued role on the battlefield.

Forerunner of the Empire - MTG Card versions
Imperial Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Captain's Call - MTG Card versions
Forerunner of the Empire - MTG Card versions
Imperial Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Captain's Call - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Abzan VampiresAbzan Vampires PioneerAbzan Amalia ComboUOL MKM Pioneer League

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Forerunner of the Legion effectively sifts through your deck to locate a key Vampire ally, placing it atop your library and thus paving the way for your next draw or any subsequent shuffling effects to ensure that you access important cards faster, and maintain a steady flow of threats.

Resource Acceleration: As Forerunner of the Legion enters the battlefield, it acts as a catalyst, not in terms of adding mana but by allowing you to streamline your creature plays. This tutoring effect compresses your game plan, ensuring that you can execute your strategy with increased efficiency and speed by bringing you closer to the cards that matter most in your tactical blueprint.

Instant Speed: While the Forerunner itself might not boast instant speed, it prompts instant-level interactivity in your deck by fetching creatures that could have flash or grant your team immediate benefits upon hitting the battlefield. This preemptive setup can instantaneously build momentum and fortify your board presence in the blink of an eye.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While not directly needing a discard to play, Forerunner of the Legion’s ability to search your library for a Vampire card places an indirect pressure on hand resources. Balancing this tutor effect means players often have to decide between holding onto key cards or optimizing their battlefield presence.

Specific Mana Cost: Forerunner of the Legion’s specific mana requirements restrict it to white-mana heavy or Vampire-centric builds. This specific cost can challenge deck flexibility, especially for those that want to maintain a broader color palette in their build.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Three mana for a 2/2 creature may seem steep to some players, especially given that there are other creatures with similar or better stats for a lower cost. The real value of Forerunner lies in its tutoring ability, but in fast-paced games, this cost can lead to a tempo loss when quicker board presence is necessary.


Reasons to Include Forerunner of the Legion in Your Collection

Versatility: Forerunner of the Legion offers a dynamic choice for any deck running white and focusing on Vampire tribal synergies. Its ability to search your library for a Vampire card adapts to various game states, ensuring you find the creature best suited for the moment.

Combo Potential: This card shines in combination with other Vampire cards, amplifying their abilities and setting the stage for powerful plays. Its triggered ability providing a +1/+1 boost offers incremental value that can be pivotal in tipping the scales of the battlefield in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: Given its specific role within a Vampire archetype, Forerunner of the Legion can bolster your deck’s resilience against certain meta trends. It reinforces strategies centered around creature synergy and board presence, which remain pertinent as the competitive landscape shifts.


How to beat

Forerunner of the Legion is a unique creature card that integrates seamlessly with Vampire decks in the vast universe of MTG. A pivotal advantage of this card comes into play with its ability to search your library for another Vampire card, thus setting the stage for subsequent turns and strategy. By providing this level of deck manipulation, Forerunner of the Legion becomes more than just a creature; it’s a utility piece to construct your game plan.

However, to effectively counter this card, disrupt the player’s strategy before it unfolds. Utilize removal spells as soon as the Forerunner hits the battlefield, preventing the search ability trigger entirely. This disruption not only disrupts their play but also wastes their turn. A more subtle approach involves graveyard manipulation, rendering any searched Vampire card less potent or outright unusable. Utilize board wipes to handle multiple threats post-search, and always be ready to adapt to the dynamic battlefield environment.

Champions know that recognizing pivotal cards and strategically dismantling their synergies is crucial. Neutralizing Forerunner of the Legion quickly is key, ensuring that the advantage it offers through deck manipulation and synergy is never fully realized, keeping you one step ahead in the match.


BurnMana Recommendations

Strategic deck building in MTG can be as intriguing as the matches themselves. Forerunner of the Legion is a prime example of how a single card can influence your game plan, especially within a Vampire tribal deck. Understanding its strengths and potential drawbacks helps in crafting a winning strategy. Through our detailed insights, we aim to help you optimize your deck, whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the scene. We encourage you to dive deeper into strategic play and deck building with us. Let’s sharpen your skills together and discover how Forerunner of the Legion can elevate your MTG experience.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Forerunner of the Legion MTG card by a specific set like Rivals of Ixalan, 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 Forerunner of the Legion and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Forerunner of the Legion has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2018-01-19 If an effect refers to a “
-ubtype] spell” or “
-ubtype] card,” it refers only to a spell or card that has that subtype. For example, March of the Drowned is a card that benefits Pirates and features Pirates in its illustration, but it isn’t a Pirate card.