Messenger Falcons MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Bird |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Released | 2009-04-30 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Alara Reborn |
| Set code | ARB |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 145 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | David Palumbo |
Text of card
Flying When Messenger Falcons comes into play, draw a card.
So many aven had died scouting the distant fronts that the knight-captains recruited Nayan falcons as couriers.
Cards like Messenger Falcons
Messenger Falcons is a unique flyer in the world of Magic: The Gathering, reminding us of cards like Mulldrifter that also serve as airborne threats with card draw abilities. What distinguishes Messenger Falcons is the combination of card draw with a multicolor identity. While Mulldrifter may offer a greater volume of cards drawn upfront, the Falcons require an additional step to trigger their ability via spells or abilities.
Comparing these birds with Skywise Teachings illustrates the Falcons’ advantage—being creatures themselves, they provide an immediate board presence. Skywise Teachings, by contrast, is an enchantment that waits for noncreature spells to summon tokens that can draw cards. Yet, the guerrilla tactics and synergy of Skywise Teachings in the right deck shouldn’t be underestimated.
Analyzing these avian aids reveals that Messenger Falcons are a solid addition to any MTG deck that benefits from multicolor spells and flying operatives. They hold their own within their category, offering a blend of immediate and potential value that can pivot the flow of a game substantially.
Cards similar to Messenger Falcons by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Messenger Falcons present players with the opportunity to gain card advantage as casting this card can potentially let you draw another card. This is essential to keep the hand filled with options and to outpace the opponent’s resources.
Resource Acceleration: Featuring both flying and vigilance, this card provides players with a resilient creature that can serve as a consistent presence on the board. Its ability to attack without tapping leaves it available to defend and affect the board state, aiding in the resource race.
Instant Speed: As creatures go, Messenger Falcons have a distinct edge due to their ability to be cast at instant speed. This gives players the flexibility to play reactively, maximizing the use of mana each turn and keeping opponents guessing about your next move. Instantaneous casting ensures that you can adapt swiftly to the ever-changing landscape of a match.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Messenger Falcons demands that you discard another card as part of its casting cost. This can be a setback, particularly if your hand is already running low on cards. It’s a trade-off that requires careful consideration of the value of the card in hand versus the anticipated outcome of playing the Messenger Falcons.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost for Messenger Falcons includes specific mana symbols, which could pose a challenge. With a combination of blue, white, and generic mana required, it could strain your mana base if you’re not playing a deck that comfortably supports these colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that totals four, including multiple colors, players might find the card a bit too cumbersome when other options could be more accessible. It’s essential to weigh the cost against the benefit, as there are other creatures or spells that might provide similar or even increased value for the same or lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include Messenger Falcons in Your Collection
Versatility: Messenger Falcons is a card with flexible uses, suitable for decks focusing on flying creatures or those looking to benefit from the draw and defense potential it offers upon entering the battlefield.
Combo Potential: Its ability to draw a card upon entering play pairs well with decks that capitalize on card advantage or with bounce effects, allowing you to repeatedly gain value from a single card.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where flyers are prevalent or the board states often reach a stalemate, Messenger Falcons can provide both an offensive and defensive edge while keeping your hand replenished.
How to Beat Messenger Falcons
Messenger Falcons presents an interesting dynamic in Magic: The Gathering with its ability to fly over the battlefield and draw a card when it enters play. As a four-mana creature card with limited power and toughness, overcoming it requires some forethought.
To effectively neutralize the advantage Messenger Falcons grants, consider employing spot removal spells that can take it down without requiring a creature to block it. Cards like Doom Blade or Path to Exile can handle the task efficiently, ensuring no card advantage is gained by the opposing player. Another route is to utilize counter spells when the card is cast. Counterspell or Mana Leak can prevent the bird from ever taking flight, thereby avoiding its enter-the-battlefield effect entirely.
Messenger Falcons excels in decks that leverage flying creatures, where it will thrive the most, but maintaining control over the skies with anti-air cards like Windstorm or creatures with reach can provide recurring solutions to such aerial threats. Ultimately, while Messenger Falcons can swing the game if left unchecked, its impact is easily mitigable with the right responses in your deck.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Messenger Falcons MTG card by a specific set like Alara Reborn, 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 Messenger Falcons 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Messenger Falcons has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |