Skyblade of the Legion MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Vampire Soldier
Abilities	Flying
Released	2017-09-29
Set symbol
Set name	Ixalan
Set code	XLN
Power	1
Toughness	3
Number	37
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Daarken

Key Takeaways

Indirect card advantage from deterring attacks, without directly affecting card draw.
Its low casting cost aids in quick board presence and strategic mana allocation.
While not instant, flying and vigilance provide combat versatility during any turn.

Text of card

Flying

Vampires call the gift of flight "exultation." For their enemies, it brings only sorrow.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Skyblade of the Legion isn’t directly related to card draw, but its presence can lead to indirect card advantage by deterring opponents from attacking with flyers, potentially causing a stalemate where you’re not losing cards to combat.

Resource Acceleration: While Skyblade of the Legion does not provide direct resource acceleration, its low casting cost means it enters the battlefield quickly, allowing you to establish a board presence and maintain mana for other strategic plays.

Instant Speed: Although Skyblade of the Legion is not an instant card, its flying and vigilance abilities offer strategic advantages during combat on both your turn and your opponent’s turn, resembling the tactical versatility often valued in instant speed interactions.

Card Cons

Specific Mana Cost: Skyblade of the Legion requires both white mana and generic mana to cast, which makes it less flexible in multicolored decks that might struggle with consistent access to white mana sources.

Discard Requirement: While Skyblade of the Legion itself does not have a discard requirement, it is susceptible to discard effects from an opponent, which could be a setback if you’re trying to maintain a board presence against a strategy focused on making players discard.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of two mana for a 1/3 creature, Skyblade of the Legion could be considered to have a high mana cost compared to other one-drop creatures that may offer more aggressive stats or additional abilities.

Reasons to Include Skyblade of the Legion in Your Collection

Versatility: Skyblade of the Legion is a solid choice for decks requiring steadfast defenders. With flying, it serves well for blocking opposing flying creatures, making it a versatile option for various situations.

Combo Potential: As a Vampire Soldier, this card has synergy with decks that capitalize on these tribes. It interacts well with cards that benefit from having either Vampires or Soldiers, allowing for creative combo constructions.

Meta-Relevance: In formats where flying creatures are prevalent, Skyblade of the Legion can be an effective sideboard card. Its ability to block flyers can be crucial in certain matchups, giving your deck an edge in the aerial control department.

How to beat

Skyblade of the Legion is a utility card in Magic: The Gathering that players often slot into decks for its Vampire and Soldier synergies as well as its flying ability. Overcoming this card requires a solid strategy, as its two toughness makes it resilient against some damage-based removal spells. A good tactic is to use removal spells capable of dealing at least two damage or offering alternative ways to get around its flying, such as Reach or cards that can block flying creatures without flying themselves.

Consider incorporating spells like Shock or Lightning Strike, both efficient and direct methods to take down creatures with two toughness. Furthermore, enchantments that hinder abilities, like Dead Weight or Pacifism, can neutralize Skyblade of the Legion’s advantages without inflating your mana expenditures. Players may also utilize board wipe spells that clear out multiple creatures at once, mitigating the impact of its loss within a larger strategy.

Ultimately, focusing on versatile removal and control elements in your deck can ensure you’re prepared for flying threats like Skyblade of the Legion, enhancing your chances for victory in your MTG matches.

Cards like Skyblade of the Legion

Skyblade of the Legion holds a place in the community of MTG as a staple white creature, closely paralleling the utility of cards like Concordia Pegasus. Both are two-mana creatures with flying, yet Skyblade of the Legion stands out with its vampire soldier synergy, making it a favored choice in vampire-themed decks. The strength of this card is in its tribal interactions which Concordia Pegasus lacks.

Moorland Inquisitor is another card that shares the same mana cost with Skyblade of the Legion. Although it doesn’t have flying, its ability to gain First Strike could make it more favorable in certain gameplay situations. On the flip side, Skyblade of the Legion’s flying ability gives it an edge to evade ground blockers and maintain a consistent presence in the aerial offense and defense of the game.

Tallying the attributes and the synergies with other cards, Skyblade of the Legion is a card not to be underestimated within the myriad of two-drop creatures. It brings to the table not only a reasonable cost and evasion but also the potential for powerful interactions in vampire-centric decks in MTG.

Cards similar to Skyblade of the Legion by color, type and mana cost

Voice of the Blessed - MTG Card versions

Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

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

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Skyblade of the Legion 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