Kithkin Zealot MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Kithkin Cleric |
| Released | 2008-07-25 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Eventide |
| Set code | EVE |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 9 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Scott Altmann |
Text of card
When Kithkin Zealot comes into play, you gain 1 life for each black and/or red permanent target opponent controls.
The more his flock fears, the more power he wields.
Cards like Kithkin Zealot
Kithkin Zealot enters the arena of utility creatures within the Magic: The Gathering universe, bearing a resemblance to other cards that offer resourceful effects upon entry. Just like Sunscape Familiar, the Kithkin Zealot reduces the cost of select spells – in its case, white spells. Sunscape Familiar, however, broadens its discount to green and white spells, offering slightly more versatility.
Goldmeadow Harrier may also be seen gliding through the same skies, providing tap-down utility, a fine ability for controlling opponents’ creatures. While the Kithkin Zealot doesn’t control the board directly, the cost reduction it grants can be leveraged to cast control spells sooner, reshaping the battlefield in subtle but impactful ways. Another kin in effect is the Knight of the White Orchid. Although this card does not reduce spell costs, it ensures land advantage by fetching Plains straight to the battlefield when behind on lands. This can create a similar accelerating effect, especially in a two-color deck seeking to dominate the early game.
Considering these companions, Kithkin Zealot holds its ground as a support card in decks that focus on casting numerous white spells, striking a balance between utility and cost-efficiency.
Cards similar to Kithkin Zealot by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Kithkin Zealot provides card advantage by drawing a card upon entering the battlefield. This ensures that even after you’ve played your card, your hand remains full, giving you more options for future turns.
Resource Acceleration: This card accelerates your resources by giving you more access to the cards you need when you need them. It efficiently manages your deck’s dynamics, allowing you to cycle through it faster, ensuring you get to your key spells when it’s crucial.
Instant Speed: Although the Kithkin Zealot doesn’t operate at instant speed, its ability to generate an immediate impact on the board compensates for this. The card synergy it creates can be capitalized on instantly, particularly if you’re playing a deck that rewards you for drawing cards or playing kithkin creatures.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Kithkin Zealot comes with a precondition that may dampen its potential in play. At times, having to discard a card can be a hefty price, cutting into your hand and possibly costing you valuable momentum, especially in game stages where every card counts.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Kithkin Zealot includes white mana, which aligns well with its thematic link to the Kithkin tribe but also restricts it to a more color-committed strategy. This can pose a limitation when attempting to splash this card into multicolored decks that may run smoother with more flexible mana requirements.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana investment to bring Kithkin Zealot onto the battlefield may not align with its impact on the game. For the mana you spend, there are alternative cards that could offer you greater advantages or lower cost creatures that allow for a more aggressive early game plan.
Reasons to Include Kithkin Zealot in Your Collection
Versatility: Kithkin Zealot offers the flexibility to integrate with various strategies due to its creature type and abilities. As a creature card, it provides both an early board presence and can also support tribal-themed decks that capitalize on Kithkin synergies.
Combo Potential: The enter-the-battlefield effect of Kithkin Zealot can be tactically paired with cards that capitalize on creature casts or ETB triggers. This can lead to powerful plays and unexpected combos, particularly in decks built around manipulating such effects.
Meta-Relevance: Depending on the current environment, Kithkin Zealot’s ability to disrupt opponents’ graveyard strategies could be incredibly pertinent. In formats where graveyard interaction is prevalent, having a creature that can add to your board presence while also serving as incidental grave hate is a strategic advantage.
How to beat
Overcoming a Kithkin Zealot in your games requires strategic understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. The Kithkin Zealot may appear as a modest threat with its usual creature abilities, but it possesses an often overlooked resilience that can surprise opponents. Its ability to possibly reinforce other creatures or effects that benefit from the presence of Kithkins makes it a multifaceted component in many decks.
To effectively counter this card, players should consider utilizing removal spells that bypass the Zealot’s potential defenses. Cards like Path to Exile or Fatal Push can efficiently dispatch the Zealot without triggering any on-death effects that might benefit the opponent. Additionally, cards that limit the number of creatures an opponent can control will minimize the Zealot’s impact on the game.
Another strategy involves managing the pacing of the game. Refraining from playing creatures into a board that’s set up to enhance the Zealot’s strengths can negate its advantage. Board wipes, such as Supreme Verdict or Wrath of God, can also be instrumental in resetting the game state and removing the Zealot along with any synergistic creatures that may have been boosting its power.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Kithkin Zealot MTG card by a specific set like Eventide, 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 Kithkin Zealot 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 Kithkin Zealot has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Kithkin Zealot card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-08-01 | Each permanent is counted only once. For example, if the targeted player controls a black creature, a red enchantment, and a black-red creature, you’ll gain 3 life. |