Mystic Familiar MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Bird |
| Abilities | Flying,Threshold |
| Released | 2002-02-04 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Torment |
| Set code | TOR |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 11 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Edward P. Beard, Jr. |
Text of card
Flying Threshold Mystic Familiar gets +1/+1 and has protection from black. (You have threshold as long as seven or more cards are in your graveyard.)
They soar, and the mystics follow.
Cards like Mystic Familiar
Mystic Familiar stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a low-cost creature with solid utility. Its flying ability makes it akin to cards such as Healer’s Hawk, which also offers aerial agility. However, Mystic Familiar takes it up a notch with its potential to fuel spellcasting strategies through its ability to decrease the cost of spells with the affinity mechanic. Healer’s Hawk, in comparison, brings in lifelink but lacks the synergy with spell-heavy decks.
In the same realm of cost-reducing birds, we find cards like Stormscape Familiar, which also reduces the mana cost of certain spells. Even though its effect is more narrow, impacting only specific color spells, it supports a more focused strategy. Another parallel exists with Nightscape Familiar, which similarly decreases the cost of red and blue spells, but it trades flying for regenerative capabilities.
Balancing the aspects of these creatures, Mystic Familiar offers a unique blend of aerial defense and cost efficiency. This positions it as a versatile choice for players looking to enhance their spellcasting without sacrificing their board presence with evasive creatures.
Cards similar to Mystic Familiar by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Mystic Familiar can contribute to a significant edge in card flow, enabling you to sift through your deck more efficiently and access pivotal spells or creatures when you need them the most. By providing an option to draw extra cards, it helps in maintaining a robust hand throughout the match.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly generating additional mana, Mystic Familiar often synergizes with enchantments or other effects that do. This can lead to accelerated mana production, affording you the ability to cast more formidable spells earlier in the game than your opponent which, in turn, can shift the tide of the match in your favor.
Instant Speed: The ability to play Mystic Familiar at instant speed offers strategic flexibility, allowing you to adapt reactively to the unfolding board state. This characteristic is essential when optimizing the use of your mana each turn, making it possible to respond to your opponent’s moves with precision and without committing prematurely during your own turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Mystic Familiar demands a card to be discarded to activate its important abilities. This trade-off can be a setback when your hand size is dwindling and every card counts.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Mystic Familiar includes colored mana, which necessitates a specific mana base. It can be restrictive for decks that value flexibility or those running multiple colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When analyzing Mystic Familiar’s mana cost relative to its benefits, it becomes evident that there are alternatives that may provide more impact or versatility for the same or lower cost, challenging its inclusion in optimized decklists.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Mystic Familiar has a flexible role in decks that capitalize on spellcasting or require flying creatures. Its ability to become stronger with each spell you cast on the same turn makes it adaptable to various strategies.
Combo Potential: Its synergy with instant and sorcery spells can bolster combos that pivot on spell-casting frequency or on powering up creatures. Whether you’re looking to go on the offensive or set up for a larger play, this card slots in neatly.
Meta-Relevance: Given the current dynamics of popular formats, the Mystic Familiar can prove to be a reliable contributor. In metas where flying creatures shine or spell-slinging is prevalent, it becomes an even more compelling pick for your deck.
How to beat
Mystic Familiar may seem inconspicuous at first glance, but underestimating this card can cost you the game in Magic: The Gathering. This creature often acts as an enabler for spell-heavy decks, particularly those that exploit the prowess mechanic or strategies that gain an advantage from casting multiple noncreature spells. To counteract the Familiar, it’s crucial to use removal spells efficiently. Aim to disrupt the Familiar before your opponent can gain too much value from casting spells that would trigger its abilities.
Direct removal spells, such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile, are a surefire way to eliminate the Familiar from the board. As with any flying creature, spells that specifically target flying creatures can provide a cost-effective removal solution. Moreover, you should maintain board control and apply pressure, forcing your opponent to use their spells defensively rather than optimizing them with Mystic Familiar. Finally, always stay vigilant for the chance to disrupt your opponent’s game plan while the Familiar is on the battlefield—timing is everything.
By keeping these strategies in mind, you can neutralize Mystic Familiar’s potential and keep your opponent’s synergies in check, preserving your path to victory in Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Mystic Familiar MTG card by a specific set like Torment, 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 Mystic Familiar 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 Mystic Familiar has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |