Drowner of Secrets MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Merfolk Wizard |
| Abilities | Mill |
| Released | 2007-10-12 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Lorwyn |
| Set code | LRW |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 58 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Rebecca Guay |
Key Takeaways
- Tap Merfolk for strategic milling and potential card advantage in graveyard-based synergies.
- Drowner of Secrets enhances resource acceleration and fits in instant-speed interactive decks.
- Deck inclusion limits due to specificity in mana cost and reliance on Merfolk presence.
Text of card
Tap an untapped Merfolk you control: Target player puts the top card of his or her library into his or her graveyard.
Merrows consider themselves the keepers of Lorwyn's past—and consider it their duty to edit when necessary.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Drowner of Secrets allows you to strategically mill cards from your opponent’s library, which can be leveraged for card advantage when paired with mechanics that benefit from the number of cards in an opponent’s graveyard.
Resource Acceleration: By utilizing tap abilities of not only Drowner of Secrets but also other untapped Merfolk you control, you efficiently maximize the potential of your creatures, speeding up your deck’s resource engine without the need for additional mana investment.
Instant Speed: Although Drowner of Secrets itself does not operate at instant speed, it synergizes well in decks that do, allowing you to hold mana for instant-speed responses while still providing the threat of activating its ability at the end of your opponent’s turn, maintaining pressure and control over the flow of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Drowner of Secrets allows you to tap an untapped Merfolk you control to make your opponent put the top card of their library into their graveyard, it requires you to have a Merfolk on the battlefield. This can restrict its effectiveness in non-Merfolk or mixed tribal decks, limiting its versatility.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring one Island among its three-mana cost can sometimes be an obstacle, especially in multi-color decks that might struggle to have the necessary blue mana available at the right time.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The three mana (one of which must be blue) needed to cast Drowner of Secrets can be quite steep, considering its ability is contingent upon having other Merfolk to tap. In many cases, players may opt for lower-cost cards that don’t require additional board presence to be effective.
Reasons to Include Drowner of Secrets in Your Collection
Versatility: Drowner of Secrets is a flexible card that can be easily incorporated into blue-based decks, particularly those emphasizing control or mill strategies. Its tap ability provides ongoing utility and works well with untap mechanics.
Combo Potential: This card shines when combined with creatures that have untap effects or when used with cards that generate multiple tokens, amplifying its mill ability. It’s a key piece in assembling powerful milling combos.
Meta-Relevance: Against decks that rely heavily on specific draws or graveyard strategies, Drowner of Secrets can disrupt opponents by milling key components. In metas where mill is viable, this card can be a game-changer.
How to beat
Drowner of Secrets can be a pivotal card in MTG, particularly within decks that focus on milling opponents. It leverages the power of Merfolk and untapping abilities to incrementally deplete an opponent’s library. To counteract this, removal spells are your best allies. Utilizing instant-speed removal like Path to Exile or Fatal Push can eliminate Drowner of Secrets before the ability is used. Additionally, board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation are effective at clearing multiple threats, including the Drowner.
Another strategy is to target the player’s hand with cards like Thoughtseize or Inquisition of Kozilek, potentially discarding the Drowner before it’s even played. Counterspells such as Counterspell or Mana Leak also offer a direct way to prevent Drowner of Secrets from hitting the battlefield. Moreover, graveyard disruption, through cards like Tormod’s Crypt, can minimize the impact of any milling that has occurred.
It’s important to act swiftly against Drowner of Secrets, as the card’s milling capability can quickly turn the tide of a game when left unchecked. Effective sideboarding and anticipating the need for removal can be the key to overcoming this strategic threat.
Cards like Drowner of Secrets
Drowner of Secrets is a unique fixture in MTG, acting as a linchpin in decks that capitalize on merfolk synergy and tapping mechanics. It bears comparison to Stonybrook Schoolmaster, which also revolves around the tapping strategy, but Drowner of Secrets specifically allows you to mill an opponent’s deck, offering a strategic pathway to victory.
Similar in function, Merrow Commerce is another card that unlocks potential in tapping-based strategies, yet it only untaps merfolk during your untap step, without the direct milling effect offered by Drowner of Secrets. Conversely, Lullmage Mentor stands as a fellow merfolk which taps to counter spells, only synergizing with other merfolk, thus requiring a more creature-focused approach compared to the solitary effectiveness of Drowner of Secrets.
In evaluating these cards, Drowner of Secrets emerges as a tactical tool in merfolk decks that can not only enhance your army but also disrupt your opponent’s strategy by targeting their library—the essence of alternate win conditions in MTG. Its utility in the right deck often makes it a standout choice for control players who favor a methodical road to victory.
Cards similar to Drowner of Secrets by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Drowner of Secrets MTG card by a specific set like Lorwyn, 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 Drowner of Secrets and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Drowner of Secrets has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Drowner of Secrets 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 | You can tap any permanent with the Merfolk creature type to pay for the ability, including noncreature tribal permanents such as Merrow Commerce. |
