Murmuring Phantasm MTG Card
2013-05-03 - Number 15
2020-07-17 - Number 157
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Spirit |
| Abilities | Defender |
| Power | 0 |
| Toughness | 5 |
Text of card
Defender
"The most insidious thing in the world is nonsense that sounds just plausible enough to listen to." —Lazav
Cards like Murmuring Phantasm
Murmuring Phantasm stands as a unique defender within Magic: The Gathering. This card offers a cost-effective way to deter early-game aggression with its substantial 5 toughness for a mere two mana investment. Comparable cards include Fog Bank, which can block any amount of damage with its 2 toughness while also possessing flying. The advantage of Fog Bank is its ability to nullify damage entirely, but it lacks the substantial staying power of Murmuring Phantasm’s higher toughness.
Wall of Frost is another similar card that packs a mighty defensive punch. While it demands a higher mana cost for its 0/7 stats, Wall of Frost has the added benefit of freezing any creature it blocks, preventing that creature from untapping during the next untap step. Despite the formidable defense capabilities, the added utility comes at the cost of a higher mana investment compared to Murmuring Phantasm.
When evaluating choices for a reliable defensive line in a deck, Murmuring Phantasm’s low mana cost and significant toughness make it a stalwart guardian. Its contributions in stalling opponent’s early threats offers immense value within Magic: The Gathering’s vast library of defenders.
Cards similar to Murmuring Phantasm by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Though Murmuring Phantasm doesn’t draw cards directly, its ability to block numerous ground attackers can lead to an indirect card advantage. As a defender, it deters opponents from attacking, which can preserve the cards on your side of the battlefield.
Resource Acceleration: While Murmuring Phantasm doesn’t provide a traditional acceleration, its low-cost presence can save mana for other spells. With a mere two-mana commitment, you can establish board presence early in the game, allowing you to allocate resources elsewhere more efficiently.
Instant Speed: Murmuring Phantasm isn’t played at instant speed, but its existence can influence decisions regarding instant-speed interactions. Knowing you have a reliable blocker may change how and when you play your instants, potentially leading to more strategic and improvised maneuvers during an opponent’s turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Though the Murmuring Phantasm provides a decent defensive utility, it comes with a potential drawback. Players must often discard another card to derive the full benefit from similar types of creatures or spells, which can be a hindrance if you’re attempting to maintain card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: Costing two blue mana may restrict its integration in decks. This specific mana requirement could make it challenging for multi-colored or colorless decks to utilize the Murmuring Phantasm without appropriate mana fixing.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a creature that offers no offensive capabilities, the investment of three mana might seem steep. In the realm of blue creatures, there could be alternatives with additional abilities or stats that provide a greater impact on the game state at a similar cost.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Murmuring Phantasm’s ability to be a stable defender makes it a solid addition in decks that need to stall the game. Its ownership of defender ensures it can hold off aggressive creatures while you set up your board.
Combo Potential: As a spirit, it fits well with cards that benefit from having a certain creature type in play, potentially unlocking synergies in spirit-themed decks and combos with cards reliant on creature types.
Meta-Relevance: Given its ability to serve as an early blocker, it can be particularly valuable in a meta filled with early aggressive strategies, allowing you more time to draw into your game-winning moves.
How to beat
Successfully navigating MTG matches often hinges on your ability to handle various threats your opponent presents. Murmuring Phantasm, known for its high toughness and ability to stonewall early game creatures, can pose a particular conundrum. It may be tempting to try and overpower it directly, but smarter strategies usually pay off. Amidst strategies to tackle this defender, card removal shines as the most efficient method. Direct damage spells may fall short due to its five toughness, so instead, consider using removal spells that don’t depend on the creature’s toughness like Doom Blade or Path to Exile.
A well-timed mass removal spell can also clear the board, including troublesome defenders like Murmuring Phantasm. This approach is particularly effective when you’re facing an opponent who relies on an impenetrable defense wall to buy time and set up their game. Furthermore, in formats where enchantments like Pacifism can be played, you can neutralize the phantasm without having to remove it, paving the way for your creatures to push through.
Clever play choices go a long way against defenders that may seem impassable. By choosing the right cards and timing your removal spells effectively, you can ensure that Murmuring Phantasm’s presence on the board is short-lived and that your path to victory remains clear.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Murmuring Phantasm MTG card by a specific set like Dragon's Maze and Jumpstart, 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 Murmuring Phantasm 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
Printings
The Murmuring Phantasm Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2013-05-03 and 2020-07-17. Illustrated by Peter Mohrbacher.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2013-05-03 | Dragon's Maze | DGM | 15 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Peter Mohrbacher | |
| 2 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 157 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Peter Mohrbacher |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Murmuring Phantasm has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |