Icatian Javelineers MTG Card
1994-11-01 - Number 8a
1994-11-01 - Number 8b
1994-11-01 - Number 8c
2006-01-01 - Number 2
2006-01-02 - Number 2
2006-10-06 - Number 10
2008-09-22 - Number 15
2015-02-27 - Number 14
2023-01-13 - Number 9
2002-06-24 - Number 59639
2002-06-24 - Number 35980
| Card sets | Released in 11 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
When Icatian Javelineers is brought into play, put a javelin counter on it. oc T: Remove the javelin counter to have Icatian Javelineers deal 1 damage to any target.
Cards like Icatian Javelineers
Icatian Javelineers stand out in the realm of utility creatures in Magic: The Gathering. They share a category with cards like Savannah Lions, both presenting as one-mana creatures. However, the Icatian Javelineers carry a unique ability – tapping to deal damage to any target creature or player. Unlike Savannah Lions, which is a straightforward 2/1 creature, the Javelineers provide strategic options for early board control.
Another similar card is Elite Vanguard, a one-mana 2/1 creature that provides aggressive stats but lacks the utility of the Javelineers. Where Elite Vanguard excels in offensive pressure, Icatian Javelineers offer more versatility with their damage-dealing ability. Comparatively, we also have Suntail Hawk, a one-mana flyer, yet it doesn’t deliver the tactical edge of the Javelineers, focusing instead on evasion and consistent air attacks.
In summary, while there are numerous one-mana creatures in Magic: The Gathering, Icatian Javelineers’ ability to ping targets presents a significant tactical advantage, making it an interesting choice for players looking to manage the board from the early turns of the game.
Cards similar to Icatian Javelineers by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Icatian Javelineers arrives on the battlefield prepared to throw a spear at any opposing creature, potentially removing an early threat without costing an additional card. This preemptive strike can pave the way for a more stable board, effectively giving you an advantage in resources over your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: While Icatian Javelineers doesn’t directly accelerate resources in the conventional sense of providing mana or ramp, its low casting cost aids in curving out your plays efficiently. Deploying a creature for just one white mana ensures that your resources are optimally allocated in the early game, keeping the pressure on your adversary while developing your own board presence.
Instant Speed: Though the javelin ability is not at instant speed, having the threat of damage up as soon as Icatian Javelineers enters the game can deter an opponent from casting creatures until they deal with it. It creates a strategic pacing that can be almost as disruptive as an actual instant, forcing the opponent to play around the potential for their creature to be picked off by the javelineer the moment it hits the field.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: To fully utilize Icatian Javelineers’ ability, you’ll need to discard another card. In a game where holding onto key cards is critical, this might not always be a favorable or feasible option.
Specific Mana Cost: Icatian Javelineers requires white mana to play. This specific mana cost can restrict its inclusion to decks that run white mana, potentially limiting the card’s versatility in a diverse range of deck builds. Players who don’t often play white may find this card outside their usual strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana cost to get Icatian Javelineers onto the battlefield can be considered high for its effect. Although it provides a reusable source of direct damage, there are other cards in the MTG universe that could offer more impactful board presence or abilities for the same or lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Icatian Javelineers is a card that can be seamlessly woven into numerous deck builds, especially those seeking to establish early game board presence. The ability to deal damage upon entering the battlefield makes it a flexible choice for players.
Combo Potential: This card holds potential for combo plays, as it can interact with cards that care about dealing damage, removing creatures, or even using counters. Its utility in a well-sythesized deck can lead to powerful plays.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where small creatures reign or early interactions are crucial, Icatian Javelineers can serve as a valuable tool. Whether it’s stopping aggressive starts or picking off key creatures, the impact on the game can be significant.
How to beat
Icatian Javelineers is a unique card that brings a tactical advantage to early game strategies in Magic: The Gathering. With its ability to deal damage as soon as it enters the battlefield, it can be quite a nuisance for players facing it. Its strength lies in its utility to pick off opponent’s key one-toughness creatures or to finish off a weakened foe.
To effectively neutralize Icatian Javelineers, consider using cards that prevent damage or spells that can give your creatures temporary boosts in toughness. Since the Javelineers are limited to one damage per summoning, increasing your creature’s toughness can easily thwart their initial jab. Utilizing instant-speed removal can also catch your opponent off guard, ensuring that the Javelineers’ ability is wasted without significant impact. It’s equally wise to focus on creature development that outpaces its reach, allowing you to build a board presence it cannot easily disrupt.
In essence, while the Icatian Javelineers can serve as a beneficial tactical tool, its impact is minimized against well-prepared decks that counteract its one-time damage burst or rapidly outgrow its damage potential, making it manageable for seasoned players in the MTG arena.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Icatian Javelineers MTG card by a specific set like Fallen Empires and Fallen Empires, 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 Icatian Javelineers 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 Icatian Javelineers Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 1994-11-01 and 2023-01-13. Illustrated by 4 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-11-01 | Fallen Empires | FEM | 8a | 1993 | Normal | Black | Melissa A. Benson | |
| 2 | 1994-11-01 | Fallen Empires | FEM | 8b | 1993 | Normal | Black | Edward P. Beard, Jr. | |
| 3 | 1994-11-01 | Fallen Empires | FEM | 8c | 1993 | Normal | Black | Scott Kirschner | |
| 4 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 59639 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Michael Phillippi | ||
| 5 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 35980 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Michael Phillippi | ||
| 6 | 2006-01-01 | Gateway 2006 | PGTW | 2 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Michael Phillippi | |
| 7 | 2006-01-02 | DCI Promos | PDCI | 2 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Michael Phillippi | |
| 8 | 2006-10-06 | Time Spiral Timeshifted | TSB | 10 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Scott Kirschner | |
| 9 | 2008-09-22 | Masters Edition II | ME2 | 15 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Melissa A. Benson | |
| 10 | 2015-02-27 | Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. Kiora | DDO | 14 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Michael Phillippi | |
| 11 | 2023-01-13 | Dominaria Remastered | DMR | 9 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Michael Phillippi |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Icatian Javelineers has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |