Ghitu Journeymage MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Wizard |
| Released | 2018-04-27 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Dominaria |
| Set code | DOM |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 126 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Jason Rainville |
Text of card
When Ghitu Journeymage enters the battlefield, if you control another Wizard, Ghitu Journeymage deals 2 damage to each opponent.
The Ghitu of Shiv are as fierce and uncompromising as their volcanic home.
Cards like Ghitu Journeymage
Ghitu Journeymage follows in the vibrant tradition of red creatures in Magic: The Gathering that offer direct damage upon entering the battlefield. It is closely associated with cards like Thermo-Alchemist or Guttersnipe, which both hold the potential to deal damage to each opponent. Yet, Ghitu Journeymage is notably different in its requirement that you have two other Wizards on the battlefield to trigger its ability, which can sometimes be a steep condition compared to the aforementioned cards that have less restrictive triggers.
Comparatively, there’s Viashino Pyromancer that also deals two damage to an opponent when it enters the battlefield. Although it lacks the potential for repeated damage, it does not stipulate the presence of other Wizards, making it a more straightforward choice for inflicting early game damage. Similarly, Firebrand Archer, another card worth mentioning, deals damage whenever you cast a noncreature spell, offering a consistent damage output without the need for additional creatures.
The role Ghitu Journeymage plays in Wizard-centric decks cannot be overstated. It has a precise synergy that scales effectively with other Wizards, situating it as a deft piece in such a strategy within the realm of Magic: The Gathering. This distinctive requirement for tribal association sets it apart in terms of deck building and strategic planning.
Cards similar to Ghitu Journeymage by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While the Ghitu Journeymage doesn’t directly allow you to draw cards, it facilitates card advantage by potentially dealing direct damage to your opponent when cast, effectively removing smaller threats without expending additional cards.
Resource Acceleration: The card is a solid inclusion in decks that aim to ramp mana quickly. As a creature that benefits from wizards or spellslinger strategies, playing Ghitu Journeymage can lead to significant mana savings, allowing you to cast more spells or use abilities earlier in the game.
Instant Speed: Although Ghitu Journeymage is a creature card and doesn’t operate at instant speed itself, pairing it with cards that allow you to play creatures as though they had flash can surprise opponents by dealing unexpected damage, thereby providing tactical advantages at instant speed.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Although Ghitu Journeymage doesn’t have a direct discard requirement, players should be wary of potential hand depletion when playing multiple spells to trigger its ability, especially in spell-heavy decks.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a precise blend of mana, specifically two generic and one red, which may necessitate a mana base tailored specifically for red or multicolor decks, potentially limiting deck-building flexibility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value of three, Ghitu Journeymage faces competition from other three-drop creatures or spells that might offer greater impacts or synergies on the game state, making its cost a hurdle in tightly curated decks.
Reasons to Include Ghitu Journeymage in Your Collection
Versatility: Ghitu Journeymage offers flexibility for decks aiming to capitalize on the prowess of Wizards or spellslinger strategies, fitting well with red’s quick playstyle.
Combo Potential: When paired with other Wizard cards, Ghitu Journeymage can help trigger direct damage, fitting synergistically into Wizard-tribal or instant and sorcery-focused decks.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where aggressive red strategies are prevalent, Ghitu Journeymage provides an additional creature that can seamlessly slot into existing builds, enhancing the archetype’s impact on the battlefield.
How to beat
Ghitu Journeymage is a red creature card that packs a punch in Magic the Gathering. Often found in aggressive red decks, its ability triggers when you have another Wizard on the battlefield, causing direct damage to opponents. While it shines in a wizard-centric deck, overcoming this fiery mage requires strategic planning.
To effectively counter Ghitu Journeymage, consider using cheap removal spells such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile to dispatch it before its ability deals too much damage. Playing a deck with lifegain capabilities can also help negate the impact of its enter-the-battlefield effect. Swarming the board with creatures can prevent the Journeymage from breaking through your defenses easily. Importantly, keeping your opponent’s wizard count low will limit the Journeymage’s potential, disrupting the synergy it seeks.
Thus, with mindful card selection and a proactive defense strategy, the heat from Ghitu Journeymage can be extinguished, allowing you to maintain control of the game and eventually secure victory against decks that utilize this card.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ghitu Journeymage MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria, 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 Ghitu Journeymage 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ghitu Journeymage has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Ghitu Journeymage card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2018-04-27 | Ghitu Journeymage’s ability doesn’t trigger if you don’t control another Wizard immediately after it enters the battlefield. If it does trigger but you don’t control another Wizard as it resolves, it does nothing. |
| 2018-04-27 | Ghitu Journeymage’s triggered ability doesn’t deal more damage if you control more than one other Wizard. |
| 2018-04-27 | In a Two-Headed Giant game, Ghitu Journeymage’s ability causes the opposing team to lose 4 life. |