Forge, Neverwinter Charlatan MTG Card

Forge, Neverwinter Charlatan - Secret Lair Drop

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Rare
Type	Legendary Creature — Human Rogue
Abilities	Menace,Treasure,Ward
Released	2019-12-02
Set symbol
Set name	Secret Lair Drop
Set code	SLD
Power	2
Toughness	4
Number	1239
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Liangliang Zhang

Key Takeaways

The Charlatan’s ability to clone itself at instant speed can significantly impact board presence.
Discard requirement and specific mana needs can limit its playability in diverse decks.
Despite these drawbacks, its versatility in gameplay makes it a worthy addition to collections.

Text of card

Menace Ward—Sacrifice a creature. Forge, Neverwinter Charlatan gets +2/+0 for each Treasure you control. Whenever one or more players sacrifice one or more creatures, you create a tapped Treasure token. This ability triggers only once each turn.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Neverwinter Charlatan’s ability to create copies of itself inherently builds card advantage. Multiple creatures on the battlefield from a single card is an effective way to overwhelm your opponent.

Resource Acceleration: If utilized with cards that benefit from having multiple creatures enter the battlefield, the Forge mechanic can accelerate your resources by synergizing with permanents or spells that trigger upon creature casts or enters the battlefield effects.

Instant Speed: The copy ability can be activated at instant speed, providing tactical flexibility during gameplay. You can adapt to the board state reactively, making it harder for opponents to preempt your strategies.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Engaging a powerful ally or deploying a tricky spell in the magical world of MTG often comes with a cost. For the Forge, Neverwinter Charlatan card, this translates to a discard requirement, compelling players to relinquish another card from their hand. While this can sometimes benefit strategies that thrive on a stocked graveyard, it can also deplete your hand, leaving you at a disadvantage when your card options are already dwindling.

Specific Mana Cost: Every spellcaster knows the importance of a well-prepared mana base, and with the Forge, Neverwinter Charlatan, the need for a particular mana alignment is evident. The card’s specific mana cost ensures that it’s not just any mage who can summon this trickster – you’ll need access to both red and blue mana. This necessity can sometimes restrict the card’s inclusion, especially in decks that value mana flexibility or operate outside the Izzet color pairing.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The balance of power and cost is a delicate one, and in the case of the Forge, Neverwinter Charlatan, some players might find the mana investment steep. Weighing at four mana, the cost is non-negligible, and for those looking to optimize their plays, there may be alternatives that offer similar, if not more efficient, outcomes for a lower mana expenditure. In a game where tempo can mean victory, carefully considering the cost-effectiveness of your spells is crucial.

Reasons to Include Forge, Neverwinter Charlatan in Your Collection

Versatility: Forge, Neverwinter Charlatan offers a unique flexibility in gameplay, easily slipping into a myriad of decks that capitalize on redirecting spells or abilities. Whether you’re playing casual kitchen table magic, Commander or participating in a local tournament, its ability to disrupt opponents’ strategies is a game-changer.

Combo Potential: Its unique ability to swap targets opens up a diverse range of combo possibilities that can unsettle your opposition. In conjunction, with cards that permit multiple activations of abilities, this can lead to unexpected wins and thrilling board states.

Meta-Relevance: Given its capability to intervene on crucial spells or combat tricks, Forge, Neverwinter Charlatan holds its own in varied metagames, particularly where stack interaction is decisive. Its presence can deter opponents from executing key plays, making it a pertinent pick for your strategic arsenal.

How to beat

Forge, Neverwinter Charlatan, is a unique creature card in Magic: The Gathering that can create tricky board states. One key to overcoming this card is by bypassing its ability to swap with other creatures. Direct removal spells that don’t rely on the creature attacking or blocking, such as Murder or Path to Exile, can single out the charlatan without giving your opponent the chance to deceive you.

Additionally, board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation are effective in clearing the board, including this sly trickster, without having to target it specifically. Playing around the charlatan’s ability is essential—avoiding attacks or blocks when exchanges could be unfavorable or utilizing abilities and spells that affect the entire board, rather than targeting, prove to be efficient strategies for getting past the Neverwinter Charlatan’s defenses.

Remember to keep up the pressure and not allow your opponent to take advantage of the deceptive powers offered by Forge, Neverwinter Charlatan. Keeping removal or board wipes at hand ensures this card’s impact remains minimal, helping you to maintain control of the game.

Cards like Forge, Neverwinter Charlatan

Forge, Neverwinter Charlatan offers MTG players a unique twist on creature abilities and control. It can be closely compared to cards like Hijack, which allow temporary control over an opponent’s creature or artifact. Where Forge stands out is in its potential for repeated use throughout the game, offering more strategic depth and longer-term value. Hijack, meanwhile, offers a burst of control but only for a single turn.

Another card worth mentioning is Act of Treason, which similarly grants control of a target creature until the end of turn. Forge, Neverwinter Charlatan takes this concept further by providing an opportunity to permanently keep the creature, provided it survives the combat phase. This offers a more permanent solution compared to Act of Treason’s short-term control. Lastly, there’s Portent of Betrayal, a spell granting not only immediate control but also a scry ability to plan future moves. While it offers that extra bit of foresight, Forge, Neverwinter Charlatan allows for ongoing manipulation of the battlefield, setting it apart as a formidable option in player’s decks.

Evaluating Forge, Neverwinter Charlatan’s capabilities affirm its value in long-term strategy and board control in MTG, making it a powerful asset for players who enjoy commanding their opponents’ forces.

Cards similar to Forge, Neverwinter Charlatan by color, type and mana cost

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Forge, Neverwinter Charlatan MTG card by a specific set like Secret Lair Drop, 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 Forge, Neverwinter Charlatan and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Forge, Neverwinter Charlatan has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal