Kjeldoran Javelineer MTG Card


Kjeldoran Javelineer ensures longevity and tactical advantage by inflicting damage while conserving hand resources. Its instant-speed ability grants players control to shape the battlefield dynamically. Despite certain limitations, it offers solid defense and combo potential in a control-oriented deck.
Kjeldoran Javelineer - Coldsnap
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Soldier
Abilities Cumulative upkeep
Released2006-07-21
Set symbol
Set nameColdsnap
Set codeCSP
Power 1
Toughness 2
Number11
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byDave Dorman

Text of card

Cumulative upkeep (At the beginning of your upkeep, put an age counter on this permanent, then sacrifice it unless you pay its upkeep cost for each age counter on it.) : Kjeldoran Javelineer deals damage to target attacking or blocking creature equal to the number of age counters on Kjeldoran Javelineer.


Cards like Kjeldoran Javelineer

The Kjeldoran Javelineer is an interesting piece within the pool of early game creatures in Magic: The Gathering. It bears comparison to other one-mana creatures such as the Savannah Lions, a classic creature that boasts a powerful two power for one white mana. Unlike these aggressive one-drops, the Javelineer prioritizes a defensive role, allowing you to toss javelins, or +1/+1 counters, to deal damage without engaging in combat.

Another card worth comparing is the Elite Vanguard. It follows the ideology of Savannah Lions with a straightforward approach of two power for one white mana. The Kjeldoran Javelineer, however, brings a tactical edge to the battlefield. It might have just one power, but its ability to deal direct damage gives it an additional dimension of utility. Then there’s the Benalish Veteran, which also thrives on attacking but gets stronger each time. Despite the potential for higher power, the Javelineer excels in its flexibility to strike without the perils of the red zone.

Looking closely at these options, the Kjeldoran Javelineer offers a unique playstyle. It’s not just another creature; it’s a facilitator for control strategies, allowing you to manage the board state while supporting a long-term game plan.

Savannah Lions - MTG Card versions
Elite Vanguard - MTG Card versions
Benalish Veteran - MTG Card versions
Savannah Lions - MTG Card versions
Elite Vanguard - MTG Card versions
Benalish Veteran - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Kjeldoran Javelineer by color, type and mana cost

Savannah Lions - MTG Card versions
Benalish Hero - MTG Card versions
Icatian Infantry - MTG Card versions
Icatian Scout - MTG Card versions
Icatian Javelineers - MTG Card versions
Kjeldoran Warrior - MTG Card versions
Trade Caravan - MTG Card versions
Vigilant Martyr - MTG Card versions
Honor Guard - MTG Card versions
Nomads en-Kor - MTG Card versions
Volunteer Militia - MTG Card versions
Soul Warden - MTG Card versions
Resistance Fighter - MTG Card versions
Tundra Wolves - MTG Card versions
Cho-Arrim Alchemist - MTG Card versions
Honorable Scout - MTG Card versions
Eager Cadet - MTG Card versions
Devoted Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Faerie Guidemother // Gift of the Fae - MTG Card versions
Kor Duelist - MTG Card versions
Savannah Lions - MTG Card versions
Benalish Hero - MTG Card versions
Icatian Infantry - MTG Card versions
Icatian Scout - MTG Card versions
Icatian Javelineers - MTG Card versions
Kjeldoran Warrior - MTG Card versions
Trade Caravan - MTG Card versions
Vigilant Martyr - MTG Card versions
Honor Guard - MTG Card versions
Nomads en-Kor - MTG Card versions
Volunteer Militia - MTG Card versions
Soul Warden - MTG Card versions
Resistance Fighter - MTG Card versions
Tundra Wolves - MTG Card versions
Cho-Arrim Alchemist - MTG Card versions
Honorable Scout - MTG Card versions
Eager Cadet - MTG Card versions
Devoted Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Faerie Guidemother // Gift of the Fae - MTG Card versions
Kor Duelist - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Gain an edge with Kjeldoran Javelineer as it can repeatedly deal damage without spending additional cards. This repeatable effect helps you maintain board presence while conserving cards in your hand.

Resource Acceleration: The Kjeldoran Javelineer may not directly accelerate your resources, but by keeping opponent creatures at bay, it allows your more pivotal resource generators to operate without hindrance, effectively saving you mana and preserving your life total to deploy your strategy.

Instant Speed: The ability to deal damage at instant speed gives Kjeldoran Javelineer tactical flexibility. Respond to threats in real-time or strategically remove blockers or attackers during the combat phase, shaping the course of the game on your terms.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Kjeldoran Javelineer doesn’t require you to discard cards, but its ability to tap and deal damage is dependent on the removal of Javelin counter, which is a one-time use and can leave you with a less effective creature afterwards.

Specific Mana Cost: The Kjeldoran Javelineer requires white mana to cast. For players running a multicolor deck, this could pose restrictions and may cause the card to be a dead draw if the necessary mana isn’t available when needed.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the Javelineer is not excessively costly, there are scenarios where you might opt for lower mana cost creatures that offer more immediate board presence or creatures with reusable abilities that may contribute more to your strategy over time.


Reasons to Include Kjeldoran Javelineer in Your Collection

Versatility: Kjeldoran Javelineer’s unique ability to deal damage to attacking or blocking creatures adds a level of flexibility to your defense strategies. Its capacity to fit into various deck builds, particularly ones that leverage tapping and untapping creatures, makes it a smart addition to your arsenal.

Combo Potential: This card works well within decks focusing on damage prevention and redirection. Its strength can be magnified with cards that increase its power or untap it, giving you more opportunities to utilize its ability and support intricate combo plays.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where aggressive, creature-heavy strategies prevail, the Kjeldoran Javelineer can serve as a reliable line of defense. Its presence on the battlefield can deter opponents from attacking and provide ongoing control to influence the board state in your favor.


How to beat

Kjeldoran Javelineer stands out in the pantheon of early defensive creatures in Magic: The Gathering, notable for its ability to deal damage to attacking creatures without tapping. This unique feature creates a deterring effect, warding off early aggressive plays. However, surpassing the Javelineer’s defense isn’t insurmountable. To effectively overpower this card, consider adopting strategies that circumvent direct combat. Spells that enchant or target creatures without requiring attacks, such as Pacifism or Removal spells like Doom Blade, can neutralize it without triggering its ability.

Additionally, one might utilize flying creatures that the Javelineer can’t directly harm, as its ability is limited to targeting attackers with flying. Moreover, overpowering it with creatures that have high toughness can nullify its damage-dealing capability. In a broader scope, playing around its one-time damage prevention feature and exploiting its lower toughness can also lead to success. Deploying a strategy that involves forcing multiple blocks or using combat tricks can quickly render the Javelineer obsolete on the battlefield.

Ultimately, while the Kjeldoran Javelineer provides a sturdy early-game obstacle, a tailored approach that emphasizes tactical removal, evasion, or overwhelming force can assure victory against it during matches.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Kjeldoran Javelineer MTG card by a specific set like Coldsnap, 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 Kjeldoran Javelineer and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Kjeldoran Javelineer has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Kjeldoran Javelineer card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2008-10-01 Paying cumulative upkeep is always optional. If it’s not paid, the permanent with cumulative upkeep is sacrificed. Partial payments of the total cumulative upkeep cost can’t be made. For example, if a permanent with “cumulative upkeep ” has three age counters on it when its cumulative upkeep ability triggers, it gets another age counter and then its controller chooses to either pay or sacrifice the permanent.