Mari, the Killing Quill MTG Card
2022-04-29 - Number 89
2022-04-29 - Number 97
2024-04-19 - Number 138
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Vampire Assassin |
| Abilities | Treasure |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Whenever a creature an opponent controls dies, exile it with a hit counter on it. Assassins, Mercenaries, and Rogues you control have deathtouch and "Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, you may remove a hit counter from a card that player owns in exile. If you do, draw a card and create two Treasure tokens."
Cards like Mari, the Killing Quill
Mari, the Killing Quill is an intriguing new character on the MTG battlefield, blending the elements of assassination and stealth with tactical card advantage. A card that shares a similar theme is Dark Confidant, another card that leverages a player’s life total for the potential of drawing extra cards. Where Mari, the Killing Quill excels is in its ability to both provide card draw and remove opposing threats, offering a unique two-in-one role.
Vendilion Clique presents another point of comparison. While it doesn’t draw cards outright, it plays in the space of influencing hand dynamics by allowing its controller to meddle with an opponent’s hand. However, Mari, the Killing Quill takes this one step further by threatening the board state directly through its elimination capacity. Then there’s Shadowmage Infiltrator, which shares the theme of damage leading to card draw, albeit without the removal aspect that makes Mari stand out.
Ultimately, Mari, the Killing Quill finds a distinctive niche amongst character-driven cards that influence card advantage and the balance of power on the board. It’s a testament to its integrated design that enables players to maintain momentum and control while chipping away at their opponent’s resources.
Cards similar to Mari, the Killing Quill by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: With Mari, the Killing Quill, players not only get a well-statted creature but also a built-in advantage through her ability to draw a card whenever you cast an Assassin, Rogue, or Ninja. This synergistic trait ensures that your deck’s momentum remains strong as you continue to replenish your hand and press your advantage.
Resource Acceleration: Mari adds value to your mana economy by providing cost-efficient plays. Her dexterity in reducing the mana cost of certain spells tied to creature types like Assassins underpins a strategy focused on deploying threats quickly and efficiently, keeping you ahead on both board state and options.
Instant Speed: A defining feature of this card is the instant speed removal it offers, presenting strategic flexibility in gameplay. Able to disrupt an opponent’s play at a critical juncture, this card becomes a powerful tool in the hands of a player adept at reading the flow of the match and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. This level of control can often be a decisive factor in swinging a game in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Venturing into Mari, the Killing Quill, players must navigate the waters of strategic card management carefully. With an ability tethered to discarding a card, those without a robust hand may find themselves at a disadvantage. This demand for a discard not only subtracts from a player’s already limited resources but also requires careful timing to ensure the move aligns smoothly with one’s overall strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Diving into the mana aspect, Mari, the Killing Quill demands a precise blend for its casting cost. The necessity of two black mana crystals alongside others makes for a stringent casting requirement, potentially pigeonholing it into a more mono-color or dual-color deck—diminishing its versatility across the broad spectrum of decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The cost efficiency of cards plays a pivotal role in the pace and power of a game. With Mari, the Killing Quill clocking in at a higher mana value compared to some alternatives, players must weigh their options. Is the investment in mana congruent with the advantages yielded? Other cards available within the format may present themselves as more economical options, providing similar or greater benefits without the heftier mana commitment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Mari, the Killing Quill slips smoothly into a variety of decks, offering strategic options whether you’re aiming for control or striking with a rogue’s precision.
Combo Potential: Her ability to draw a card upon the death of a token she created, not only supports card advantage but also synergizes with sacrifice-centric builds, enhancing your gameplay with each strategic demise.
Meta-Relevance: Given her aptitude for disruption and fostering card advantage, she holds her ground in environments where maintaining hand superiority can turn the tide of battle.
How to beat
Mari, the Killing Quill presents a unique challenge on the battlefields of Magic: The Gathering. As a card that can potentially disrupt your play by sniping your key creatures, it becomes crucial to develop a strategy that minimizes its impact. Techniques to counter this card include utilizing instant-speed removal to prevent its assassination ability from becoming a repetitive nuisance. Cards like Fatal Push or Path to Exile ensure Mari doesn’t linger long enough to dominate the board state.
An alternative strategy involves prioritizing the casting of creatures with hexproof or indestructible attributes, as these characteristics make them impervious to Mari’s targeted removal abilities. If your deck contains counterspells, holding mana up to counter Mari when your opponent casts it can be a decisive move to maintain the momentum. Lastly, remember that the most efficient plan against any threat is to adapt your playstyle, considering your deck’s strengths against the potential weaknesses Mari brings to the game.
Beating Mari, the Killing Quill ultimately relies on preemptive planning and staying one step ahead of your opponent. Understand the card’s mechanisms well, and with the right cards and tactics, your chances of subduing the threat amplify significantly.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Mari, the Killing Quill MTG card by a specific set like New Capenna Commander and New Capenna Commander, 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 Mari, the Killing Quill 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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Printings
The Mari, the Killing Quill Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2022-04-29 and 2024-04-19. Illustrated by Rob Rey.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2022-04-29 | New Capenna Commander | NCC | 89 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Rob Rey | |
| 2 | 2022-04-29 | New Capenna Commander | NCC | 97 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Rob Rey | |
| 3 | 2024-04-19 | Outlaws of Thunder Junction Commander | OTC | 138 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Rob Rey |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Mari, the Killing Quill has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |