Burrenton Shield-Bearers MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Kithkin Soldier
Released	2008-02-01
Set symbol
Set name	Morningtide
Set code	MOR
Power	3
Toughness	3
Number	4
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Daren Bader

Key Takeaways

Offers indirect card advantage by saving crucial creatures from being destroyed in battle.
Utilizes instant speed ability for strategic defensive plays during the opponent’s turn.
Demanding specific white mana can limit its inclusion across various deck types.

Text of card

Whenever Burrenton Shield-Bearers attacks, target creature gets +0/+3 until end of turn.

Soul and bones, kithkin are woven into their clans. They fight fiercely and without self-interest.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Burrenton Shield-Bearers can be a key piece in decks looking to maintain card parity with opponents. While it doesn’t draw cards directly, its ability to protect important creatures can indirectly lead to card advantage by preventing loss of creatures on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: While Burrenton Shield-Bearers doesn’t provide direct mana or resource acceleration, its low casting cost and efficient use of mana can help maintain tempo and allow players to establish board presence without sacrificing their pace of play.

Instant Speed: The card’s ability might be used to respond at instant speed, giving players the flexibility to react to threats or tactics during the opponent’s turn. This instant-speed interaction provides a tactical advantage, as players can decide the best moment to use the card’s abilities, potentially outmaneuvering opponents and protecting key creatures when it’s most critical.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Burrenton Shield-Bearers requires you to discard another card in some scenarios to leverage its full potential, which could set you back if you’re already struggling with card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Burrenton Shield-Bearers demands a specific white mana cost that could restrict its playability to certain decks, making it less versatile in a broader range of strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Given its mana cost, evaluating Burrenton Shield-Bearers against other options reveals that there might be more cost-effective creatures or spells that serve a similar defensive role without depleting your mana pool as significantly.

Reasons to Include Burrenton Shield-Bearers in Your Collection

Versatility: Burrenton Shield-Bearers’ ability to bolster your creatures’ toughness makes it a solid addition to various deck types, particularly those that require durable defenders to protect valuable planeswalkers or set up for a late-game win condition.

Combo Potential: With synergies in decks that capitalize on counters and creature abilities, this card can be a linchpin in strategies seeking to create impenetrable defenses or to exploit “toughness matters” archetypes.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where aggressive decks are prevalent, Burrenton Shield-Bearers provides a crucial buffer to outlast early onslaughts and transition into a formidable board presence in the mid to late game.

How to beat

Burrenton Shield-Bearers may seem like a formidable opponent on the battlefield with its ability to guard other creatures with its battalion effect in Magic: The Gathering. This unique creature can quickly turn the tide by boosting its fellow warriors’ resistance, making your path to victory a bit more challenging. However, like all cards, it has its Achilles heel. Targeted removal spells can efficiently deal with these stalwart defenders before their ability becomes a nuisance, so keeping a Murder or Path to Exile in hand could be beneficial.

Another effective strategy is to use board wipes that can clear multiple creatures at once. This negates the Burrenton Shield-Bearers’ protective abilities, as it can’t shield against an all-encompassing spell such as Wrath of God or Damnation. Additionally, outpacing your opponent by focusing on aggressive tactics can pressure them before they have a chance to leverage the Shield-Bearers’ defensive capabilities, leaving them vulnerable.

In essence, while the Burrenton Shield-Bearers can be central to an opponent’s defensive strategy in Magic: The Gathering, it is far from invincible. A mindful approach incorporating timely removal, sweeping effects, and a robust offense can ensure that these guardians become a minor setback rather than a colossal barrier.

Cards like Burrenton Shield-Bearers

The Burrenton Shield-Bearers find their place among the many creatures that offer defensive advantages in Magic: The Gathering. When looking at cards of a similar nature, Brave the Elements stands out as it provides protection for any number of target creatures from a color of your choice for a single turn. While not a creature itself, it’s a cost-effective way to shield your forces from specific threats. Conversely, the Burrenton Shield-Bearers offer ongoing protection through their ability to absorb damage dealt to other creatures you control.

Shield Mate is another creature with a similar flavor, boasting a simple yet effective ability that also centers on protection, though its focus is on buffing a single other creature. On one hand, Shield Mate, as an Aura, can be removed along with the creature it enhances, potentially costing you two cards. On the other hand, Burrenton Shield-Bearers’ impact persists on the battlefield, offering a blanket of safety across your board.

In terms of continuous protective capabilities within the game, the Burrenton Shield-Bearers create a steadfast line of defense, positioning themselves as a respectable choice for players looking to fortify their ranks and safeguard their key creatures.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Burrenton Shield-Bearers MTG card by a specific set like Morningtide, 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 Burrenton Shield-Bearers and other MTG cards: