Krovikan Whispers MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Enchantment — Aura |
| Abilities | Cumulative upkeep,Enchant |
| Released | 2006-07-21 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Coldsnap |
| Set code | CSP |
| Number | 39 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Nick Percival |
Text of card
Enchant creature Cumulative upkeep or You control enchanted creature. When Krovikan Whispers is put into a graveyard from play, you lose 2 life for each age counter on it.
Cards like Krovikan Whispers
Krovikan Whispers adds a unique twist to the enchantment landscape in Magic: The Gathering. It echoes the mind-control essence seen in cards like Mind Control or Control Magic, which allow players to seize command of their opponents’ creatures. However, Krovikan Whispers enhances the mechanic by necessitating the removal of cards in the graveyard to maintain control. Unlike its counterparts, which grant control with no ongoing costs, Krovikan Whispers requires a strategic approach to resource management.
Then we have Treachery, yet another spin on this theme. It may not have the ongoing cost of Krovikan Whispers but instead untaps up to five lands when it enters the battlefield. This provides an immediate mana advantage. On the other hand, Sower of Temptation offers a similar take, with the added benefit of being a creature that can be used tactically for both control and board presence, although it can be more vulnerable to removal than an enchantment like Krovikan Whispers.
Therefore, Krovikan Whispers stands out in MTG for those who prefer a more nuanced control playstyle, rewarding players who are adept at graveyard manipulation and strategic planning.
Cards similar to Krovikan Whispers by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Krovikan Whispers provides a continual source of disruption by enabling control over an opponent’s creature until they find a way to remove the enchantment. This ongoing effect can deny the opponent key resources while providing you tactical benefits turn after turn.
Resource Acceleration: By utilizing an opponent’s creature against them, you effectively gain additional board presence without expending your own spells. This can lead to acceleration in your game plan by forcing the opponent on the defensive and allowing you to allocate resources elsewhere.
Instant Speed: Though Krovikan Whispers itself is not an instant, it has the capability to garner an effect at instant speed. If the enchanted creature has any abilities that can be activated at instant speed, this card grants you access to those abilities, effectively adding instant-speed utility to your side of the field.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Krovikan Whispers requires the frequent discarding of cards to maintain its control over a target creature. This ongoing cost can deplete your hand quickly, potentially leaving you at a strategic disadvantage, especially if you’re unable to draw more cards to replenish your options.
Specific Mana Cost: Casting this enchantment demands an exact mana composition—two blue and two of any color. This specific requirement can be restrictive, as it necessitates a strong blue mana base, which may not be ideal for multicolored or mana-flexible decks that thrive on a more diverse mana pool.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total cost of four mana to cast, Krovikan Whispers can be considered costly for the effect it provides. There are alternative cards with lower mana requirements that can perform similar or even superior functions, which might make them preferable choices in a tightly curated deck.
Reasons to Include Krovikan Whispers in Your Collection
Versatility: Krovikan Whispers brings a level of adaptability to blue-based control or combo decks. Its ability to disrupt your opponent by taking control of their creatures can swing the game in your favor.
Combo Potential: This card shines in interactions with sacrifice or flicker mechanics, allowing you to permanently gain control of the targeted creature or benefit from other triggered effects.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based strategies prevail, Krovikan Whispers proves to be a potent tool, providing a recurring threat and changing the board state significantly.
How to beat Krovikan Whispers
Krovikan Whispers stands out in MTG as a card that enables control over your opponent’s creatures through its cumulative upkeep cost. To tackle this enchantment, it’s crucial to disrupt this control. Cards that can counter enchantments, like Disenchant or Naturalize, are excellent at removing Krovikan Whispers from the battlefield. Using enchantment removal swiftly is key, as the longer Krovikan Whispers remains, the more of a toll it will take on your resources due to the cumulative upkeep.
Additionally, efficiently managing your own creatures is important. Refrain from over-committing to the board if you suspect your opponent is running Krovikan Whispers. Playing creatures with hexproof or shroud makes your board less susceptible to being seized by such control enchantments. If you can, holding up mana for counterspells such as Negate when your opponent tries to cast Krovikan Whispers ensures you maintain control of the game.
Ultimately, knowing when and how to respond to Krovikan Whispers can determine the outcome of a match. Prepare your deck with responses to enchantments, and remember that the right timing can neutralize this threat and keep your opponents at bay.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Krovikan Whispers 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 Krovikan Whispers 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 Krovikan Whispers has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |