Marshland Bloodcaster MTG Card


Marshland Bloodcaster excels in providing players card advantage through its unique ability. It enables earlier plays of high-cost cards, giving an edge over opponents. Bloodcaster’s instant speed activation allows for flexible, surprise maneuvers.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Vampire Warlock
Abilities Flying
Power 3
Toughness 5

Text of card

Flying , : Rather than pay the mana cost of the next spell you cast this turn, you may pay life equal to that spell's mana value.


Cards like Marshland Bloodcaster

The Marshland Bloodcaster stands out in the realm of Magic: The Gathering as a unique addition, crafting a niche with its ability to let players cast spells using blood tokens. This distinctive mechanic echoes certain traits found in other spells, yet the Bloodcaster’s blend is singular. For example, Whispering Wizard allows for the creation of creature tokens whenever you cast a noncreature spell, which provides board presence but not the alternative casting route that the Marshland Bloodcaster offers.

Analogous to our focus card, Tetzimoc, Primal Death, offers a different approach to spending resources; instead of blood tokens, you use mana to place prey counters and clear the board at your command. It’s a more direct manipulation of the battlefield compared to the Bloodcaster’s passive yet strategic alternative spellcasting ability. Liliana Untouched by Death is another card worth mentioning – her minus three loyalty ability allows you to cast Zombies from your graveyard, which again introduces strategic casting similar to what the Bloodcaster encourages but within a tighter tribal focus.

In the grand tapestry of Magic: The Gathering cards, Marshland Bloodcaster allows players a unique strategic depth, standing as a noteworthy among cards with alternative casting conditions, enriching the overall gameplay experience.

Whispering Wizard - MTG Card versions
Tetzimoc, Primal Death - MTG Card versions
Whispering Wizard - MTG Card versions
Tetzimoc, Primal Death - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Marshland Bloodcaster by color, type and mana cost

Skyshroud Vampire - MTG Card versions
Entropic Specter - MTG Card versions
Predatory Nightstalker - MTG Card versions
Fallen Angel - MTG Card versions
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Gluttonous Zombie - MTG Card versions
Vermiculos - MTG Card versions
Woebearer - MTG Card versions
Wei Elite Companions - MTG Card versions
Halo Hunter - MTG Card versions
Malakir Bloodwitch - MTG Card versions
Caustic Crawler - MTG Card versions
Shriekmaw - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Vampire - MTG Card versions
Entropic Specter - MTG Card versions
Predatory Nightstalker - MTG Card versions
Fallen Angel - MTG Card versions
Stone Catapult - MTG Card versions
Sengir Vampire - MTG Card versions
Hollow Dogs - MTG Card versions
Grotesque Hybrid - MTG Card versions
Earwig Squad - MTG Card versions
Indulgent Tormentor - MTG Card versions
Sootfeather Flock - MTG Card versions
Zombie Cutthroat - MTG Card versions
Gluttonous Zombie - MTG Card versions
Vermiculos - MTG Card versions
Woebearer - MTG Card versions
Wei Elite Companions - MTG Card versions
Halo Hunter - MTG Card versions
Malakir Bloodwitch - MTG Card versions
Caustic Crawler - MTG Card versions
Shriekmaw - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The versatile ability of Marshland Bloodcaster to convert mana into cheat casting powerful spells or creatures provides a strategic edge in card utility, enhancing your hand without depleting it.

Resource Acceleration: Rather than simply accelerating your mana, Marshland Bloodcaster accelerates your board presence by enabling you to drop high-cost cards much earlier, potentially turning the tide of the game in your favor.

Instant Speed: The Bloodcaster’s activation at instant speed lets you adapt swiftly to the evolving board state, keeping your opponents guessing and allowing for surprise shifts in the flow of the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Marshland Bloodcaster demands that you discard a card to activate its Bloodcasting ability. This could deplete an already strained hand, hindering your strategic options.

Specific Mana Cost: Casting this card requires black and blue mana. This specificity can be restrictive, confining the card’s fit to decks that can readily produce both colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana, this card might come into play too late against fast-paced aggro decks. Alternative, lower-cost creatures may provide more immediate board presence or effects.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Marshland Bloodcaster offers a unique flexibility by allowing you to cheat high-costing creatures or spells onto the battlefield. This black-aligned card adapts seamlessly into a variety of deck strategies, particularly those that rely on big plays.

Combo Potential: With the ability to turn mana into aerial threats without casting, this card enables powerful interactions. It synergizes well with setups that profit from casting spells without paying their mana costs or from putting creatures into play unexpectedly.

Meta-Relevance: Due to the evolving nature of the game, having a card that can adapt to various meta shifts is crucial. As both a flying creature and a game-altering spell caster, Marshland Bloodcaster holds value in a meta that favors flexibility and surprise elements.


How to Beat

Marshland Bloodcaster is a unique card that brings a significant strategic advantage, allowing you to cast spells using bats rather than mana. This ability can catch opponents off guard and lead to sudden and overwhelming shifts in the game’s momentum. To combat this, it’s essential to disrupt your opponent’s flow and eliminate the Bloodcaster before it can be utilized effectively.

Removal spells are, by far, the most straightforward method to handle Marshland Bloodcaster. By running a sufficient amount of direct removal like Doom Blade or Path to Exile in your deck, you create opportunities to eliminate the Bloodcaster promptly. Moreover, considering that this creature operates best in the late game, ramping up your pressure early and maintaining board control minimizes the chances for your opponent to leverage its ability.

Another tactic involves the use of counterspells. By keeping mana open and staying vigilant, waiting for your opponent to attempt to cast the Bloodcaster or activate its ability, you can strategically counter their plays to maintain the upper hand. By prioritizing the control of the battlefield and staying one step ahead, you can efficiently neutralize the threat of Marshland Bloodcaster in your MTG matchups.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the advantages and limitations of Marshland Bloodcaster is key to leveling up your MTG gameplay. This card is a clever tool for outpacing opponents by casting influential spells at crucial moments. However, remember to create decks where its particular mana requirement and late-game appearance fit smoothly. If you’re intrigued by the concept of strategy and unpredictability in your matches, incorporating Marshland Bloodcaster could provide you with that edge. Want to integrate it effectively into your deck, or curious about countering this unique threat? Continue your journey with us for comprehensive insights and strategies to refine your MTG experience and claim victory on the battlefield.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Marshland Bloodcaster MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Commander 2021, 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 Marshland Bloodcaster and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Marshland Bloodcaster Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2021-04-23 and 2024-04-19. Illustrated by Jodie Muir.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 900782015NormalBlackJodie Muir
22021-04-23Commander 2021C21 3702015NormalBlackJodie Muir
32021-04-23Commander 2021C21 432015NormalBlackJodie Muir
42024-04-19Outlaws of Thunder Junction CommanderOTC 1392015NormalBlackJodie Muir

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Marshland Bloodcaster has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2021-04-16 Even after the ability resolves, you may choose to not pay life rather than pay mana cost of the next spell you cast that turn. However, if you do this, you won’t have the opportunity to pay life for any other spells you cast that turn (unless you activate the ability again).
2021-04-16 If the next spell you cast has in its mana cost, you must choose 0 as the value of X if you pay life rather than pay its mana cost.
2021-04-16 If you cast a spell for another cost “rather than pay its mana cost,” you can’t choose to cast it for any alternative costs. You can, however, pay additional costs. If the card has any mandatory additional costs, such as that of Draconic Intervention, those must be paid to cast the card.
2021-04-16 Marshland Bloodcaster’s ability affects the next spell you cast after the ability has resolved. If you cast any spells in response to the ability, those spells are cast as normal.