Hyalopterous Lemure MTG Card
1995-06-03 - Number 133
2007-09-10 - Number 72
2023-01-13 - Number 89
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Spirit |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
: Flying and -1/-0 until end of turn
"The Lemures looked harmless, until they descended on my troops. Within moments, only bones remained." —Lucilde Fiksdotter, Leader of the Order of the White Shield
Cards like Hyalopterous Lemure
Hyalopterous Lemure is an intriguing creature within the realm of Magic: The Gathering. It draws comparisons with its doppelganger of the night, Skulking Ghost. Both creatures carry the essence of evanescence with their abilities to vanish upon becoming the target of a spell or ability. Although the Lemure offers more robustness with its four toughness compared to the Ghost’s two, this spectral rodent lacks the ability to attack unless you have played a creature spell on the same turn, which Skulking Ghost does freely.
Delving into similar functionality but with a twist, we encounter the likes of Fledgling Djinn, which mirrors the Lemure’s fragility trait. The Djinn, while more aggressive with a higher power, also perishes when targeted. Its flying ability does give it an advantage, but it comes with the drawback of a cumulative upkeep cost, something the Lemure is free from. These subtle differences in mechanics and attributes highlight the fine line between choosing a disposable attacker or a slightly sturdier defensive option.
The strategic depth in selecting either Hyalopterous Lemure or its counterparts lies in individual deck synergy and the preferred balance between resilience and offensive potential within Magic: The Gathering gameplay.
Cards similar to Hyalopterous Lemure by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Hyalopterous Lemure offers the capability to discard a card at random in exchange for a power boost, which can incidentally enable strategies focused on the graveyard. It tricks opponents into thinking you’re disadvantaged, all while you strategically place key cards into your graveyard to be utilized later in the game.
Resource Acceleration: This card, while not directly a source of mana acceleration, plays well in decks built around sacrificing creatures. By using it alongside cards that thrive on creature death or sacrifice, you can effectively turn the Lemure into fuel for more ominous effects and plays, indirectly speeding up your resource generation.
Instant Speed: The ability to increase its power at instant speed gives you the flexibility to surprise an opponent during combat or in response to spells targeting Hyalopterous Lemure. This can result in favorable trades or unexpected combat math that can swing the game in your favor without committing to the board on your turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Hyalopterous Lemure demands the discard of a creature card to regenerate, constraining your hand and resource management, which might leave you vulnerable in the game.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost requires both black and generic mana, potentially restricting deck flexibility and synergy in multicolor builds that may not always have the right color mana available.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At five mana for a creature with these specific abilities, it may not be the most mana-efficient play, especially when faster, lower cost creatures are available that could be more impactful on the battlefield earlier in the game.
Reasons to Include Hyalopterous Lemure in Your Collection
Versatility: Hyalopterous Lemure shines as a multifaceted card that can adapt to various strategic needs. Its ability to regenerate makes it a persistent threat on the battlefield, capable of fitting into defensive strategies as well as aggressive ones that focus on endurance.
Combo Potential: Thanks to its regenerative ability, this card works well in combos within decks that exploit creature survival. It can be used in synergistic plays with cards that reap benefits from undying creatures or those that necessitate sacrificing a creature without truly losing board presence.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where attrition wars are common, the Hyalopterous Lemure proves to be a valuable asset. It weathers spot removal and makes it through sweepers, ensuring that you maintain creature presence against decks that rely on controlling the board through removal spells.
How to beat
Hyalopterous Lemure is a creature card that, at first glance, may not seem particularly formidable within the complex landscape of Magic: The Gathering. Distinguishable by its peculiar power-fluctuating ability, the card requires a careful approach, not unlike the strategies you might employ against cards with similar adaptability. The key to defeating Hyalopterous Lemure lies not in direct combat, but rather in navigating its ability to modify its power.
Effective removal spells are your allies here, as the ability of Hyalopterous Lemure to adjust power based on mana investment makes it a slippery target. Employing instant speed removal when the Lemure’s power is at its lowest will ensure that your opponent’s mana investment goes to waste. Strategic patience can turn the tables, as you wait for an opportune moment when your opponent is tapped out or the Lemure’s guard is down. Additionally, evasion tactics, such as making your creatures unblockable or employing various forms of counterspells, can mitigate the Lemure’s impact on the game. It’s a nuanced dance, but one that’s well within the capabilities of a seasoned player.
Remember, like many unique creatures in Magic: The Gathering, overcoming the Hyalopterous Lemure is a matter of timing, resource management, and anticipating your opponent’s plays. With these strategies in your arsenal, this enigmatic creature won’t stand in your way for long.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Hyalopterous Lemure MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age and Masters Edition, 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 Hyalopterous Lemure 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 Hyalopterous Lemure Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1995-06-03 and 2023-01-13. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1995-06-03 | Ice Age | ICE | 133 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
| 2 | 2007-09-10 | Masters Edition | ME1 | 72 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
| 3 | 2023-01-13 | Dominaria Remastered | DMR | 89 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Pavel Kolomeyets |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Hyalopterous Lemure has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |