Nalathni Dragon MTG Card
1996-10-01 - Number 1
2002-06-24 - Number 35956
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Dragon |
| Abilities | Banding,Flying |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Flying; banding (Any creatures with banding, and up to one without, can attack in a band. Bands are blocked as a group. If any creatures with banding you control are blocking or being blocked by a creature, you divide that creature's combat damage, not its controller, among any of the creatures it's being blocked by or is blocking.) : Nalathni Dragon gets +1/+0 until end of turn. If this ability has been activated four or more times this turn, sacrifice Nalathni Dragon at the beginning of the next end step.
Cards like Nalathni Dragon
Nalathni Dragon is a unique piece of Magic: The Gathering’s history, similar to other Dragon cards that evoke a sense of power and fantasy. It’s often compared to Dragon Whelp, another classic flying creature which also requires mana to increase its attack power. But Nalathni Dragon stands apart with its banding ability, allowing players to create a strategic defense unlike the straightforward approach of Dragon Whelp.
Moving forward in time, we see cards like Furnace Whelp, that also embody the Dragon spirit with flying and the capability to boost its strength. While it lacks banding, it compensates with a more flexible power boosting effect. Then there’s Dragon Hatchling, a smaller but still fierce contender. It’s more manageable to cast but doesn’t carry the same impact on the battlefield as Nalathni Dragon might.
In essence, the comparison of Nalathni Dragon with its counterparts boils down to its unique banding ability and the rarity of the card. This card holds its ground in the pantheon of Dragons with a special blend of nostalgia and tactical advantage that can tip the scales in a duel.
Cards similar to Nalathni Dragon by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Nalathni Dragon provides a tactical edge in terms of card functionality. Its ability to grant flying to another creature does not require the card to leave your hand, effectively giving you an aerial blocker or attacker while still maintaining the presence of Nalathni Dragon in your hand for later use.
Resource Acceleration: This card does not directly contribute to resource acceleration in the traditional sense of providing additional mana or resources. However, its low activation cost allows for efficient mana usage, ensuring that players can still deploy other spells and abilities alongside Nalathni Dragon’s activation.
Instant Speed: Nalathni Dragon can be activated at instant speed, offering the player flexibility to respond to threats or create opportunities during the opponent’s turn. This ability to react immediately can be pivotal in high-pressure situations where board control is contested.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: A player must discard another card to unleash the Nalathni Dragon’s full potential. This can be particularly strenuous during the late game when your hand may already be depleted, potentially causing a strategic setback.
Specific Mana Cost: Nalathni Dragon requires a specific combination of one red and three other mana to play. This necessity can be restrictive and often requires a deck build around the mana base, making it less flexible for multi-color decks that do not focus on red mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a card of its caliber, the Nalathni Dragon’s mana cost is on the higher side. Players might find other creatures or spells that provide a greater impact on the game at a lower cost, leading to more efficient mana usage.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Nalathni Dragon adds an adaptable tool to any collection, easily slotting into decks looking to harness the power of flying creatures or those utilizing a red-based strategy.
Combo Potential: With the capacity to pump its power for each red mana spent, this card syncs well with strategies centered around mana generation, offering the potential for explosive plays.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state where small creatures dominate the battlefield, the Nalathni Dragon can be a game-changer with its mid-air combat prowess and quick adaptability in dynamic situations.
How to beat
Nalathni Dragon poses a unique aspect in magic duels with its ability to boost its power for a single red mana. To tackle this card, it’s critical to incapacitate or remove it before buffs stack up. Cards that deal damage or force a sacrifice are effective here, like Lightning Bolt or Diabolic Edict. Swift action is key, as a well-timed removal can neutralize the threat the dragon presents before it has the opportunity to deal significant damage or garner an insurmountable board presence.
Cards managing multiple creatures can also serve as a safeguard against Nalathni Dragon. Mass removal spells or those causing creatures to tap are crucial in this strategy. Ensnaring Bridge or Wrath of God are fitting examples, restricting its attack potential or clearing the board. Preventing the dragon from taking off either by stalling or eliminating it promptly ensures it doesn’t become a recurring danger, leading to a successful defensive strategy against this aerial menace.
Remember, effective removal and controlling the board state are your best bets against Nalathni Dragon. Engage with your best strategies and keep your removal spells at the ready to extinguish its fiery threat from the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Nalathni Dragon MTG card by a specific set like Redemption Program and Magic Online Promos, 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 Nalathni Dragon 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
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Printings
The Nalathni Dragon Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1996-10-01 and 1996-10-01. Illustrated by Michael Whelan.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1996-10-01 | Redemption Program | PRED | 1 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Michael Whelan | |
| 2 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 35956 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Michael Whelan |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Nalathni Dragon has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Predh | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Nalathni Dragon card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-10-01 | A maximum of one nonbanding creature can join an attacking band no matter how many creatures with banding are in it. |
| 2008-10-01 | Creatures in the same band must all attack the same player or planeswalker. |
| 2008-10-01 | If a creature with banding attacks, it can team up with any number of other attacking creatures with banding (and up to one nonbanding creature) and attack as a unit called a “band.” The band can be blocked by any creature that could block a single creature in the band. Blocking any creature in a band blocks the entire band. If a creature with banding is blocked, the attacking player chooses how the blockers’ damage is assigned. |
| 2009-10-01 | If a creature in combat has banding, its controller assigns damage for creatures blocking or blocked by it. That player can ignore the damage assignment order when making this assignment. |