Niblis of the Breath MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Spirit |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Released | 2012-02-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Dark Ascension |
| Set code | DKA |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 44 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Igor Kieryluk |
Text of card
Flying , : You may tap or untap target creature.
"Why do the dead remain among us? Where is Flight Alabaster to lead them home? Where is Avacyn?" —Eruth of Lambholt
Cards like Niblis of the Breath
Niblis of the Breath is an intriguing creature card in the world of MTG, offering a unique blend of abilities that interact with the battlefield. When compared to other creatures, its closest relatives could be cards like Frost Lynx or Gideon’s Lawkeeper, both influencing the pace and state of combat. Frost Lynx, akin to Niblis of the Breath, enters the battlefield and taps a target creature an opponent controls, but it doesn’t offer the repeated use that Niblis does with its activated ability.
Then there’s Gideon’s Lawkeeper, a card that similarly can tap creatures, but it doesn’t need to tap itself as Niblis does. However, Niblis of the Breath’s ability to untap another target creature adds additional flexibility and potential for combo plays that Gideon’s Lawkeeper lacks. Another similar card to consider is Icefall Regent. Though it’s a dragon with a higher casting cost, it taps down a creature and makes it more expensive for the opponent to untap it, putting it in a related role of controlling opponents’ creatures, much like Niblis of the Breath.
Each of these cards offers strategic value in controlling opponents’ creatures, but Niblis stands out for its unique mix of versatility and control, establishing its place in the tactical landscape of MTG. Its ability to disrupt opponents while maintaining board presence through reusable tapping and untapping can be a game-changer in many situations.
Cards similar to Niblis of the Breath by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: With the ability to untap another target nonland permanent, Niblis of the Breath can be strategically used to reuse enter the battlefield effects or other tap abilities, potentially providing multiple benefits with a single card and thereby swinging card advantage in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: Though not directly serving as a ramp card, Niblis of the Breath can be employed to untap mana-producing creatures, effectively accelerating your resources and affording more flexibility in your plays. This can be especially useful when combined with creatures that tap for more than one mana.
Instant Speed: Its activated ability can be used at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to disrupt your opponent’s strategies during their turn or end step. This allows for tactical plays where you can decide how to best utilize your mana after more information is revealed throughout the course of each turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Niblis of the Breath’s ability can be potent in controlling the board, but its activation requires the player to discard a card. This can be particularly detrimental when your hand is running low, restricting its utility and potentially costing you valuable resources.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost for Niblis of the Breath is relatively specific, demanding both blue mana and generic mana. This can sometimes be a hurdle in multicolored decks that might not always have the necessary blue mana sources available when needed.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, including two which must be blue, Niblis of the Breath can be considered a higher investment on the mana curve for its tap/untap ability. When deck building, it’s important to consider whether the return on investment is worth the slot, as there may be alternative creatures or spells that provide greater versatility or board presence for the same or lower mana cost.
Reasons to Include Niblis of the Breath in Your Collection
Versatility: Niblis of the Breath offers flexibility in gameplay through its tap and untap abilities. This card can be a strategic addition to decks that require a creature with the ability to control combat or manipulate potential blockers and attackers.
Combo Potential: This creature shines in decks built around tap and untap mechanics. Its ability can be used to repeatedly trigger enter-the-battlefield effects or other abilities that benefit from creature manipulation, opening the door to multiple combo avenues.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where tempo plays a significant role, Niblis of the Breath could impose on opponents by disrupting their combat strategies. It’s a utility card that finds its place in formats where controlling the pace of the game can lead to a strategic advantage.
How to Beat Niblis of the Breath
Niblis of the Breath is a card that can pose significant challenges in MTG due to its ability to tap or untap creatures. This control effect can hinder or bolster strategies significantly, depending on which side of the battlefield you are on. Understanding how to effectively neutralize this threat is essential for maintaining control of the game.
To counteract Niblis of the Breath, consider cards that can remove it from the board efficiently. Instant-speed removal spells, such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile, can dispatch the Niblis before it becomes an oppressive force. Additionally, employing creatures with hexproof or shroud can prevent the Niblis from targeting them, thus diminishing its influence on the game.
Another strategy involves outpacing the opponent’s tempo. Niblis of the Breath requires an investment of both mana and a creature card, therefore deploying a more aggressive game plan with low-cost creatures could overrun an opponent before they stabilize the board with cards like Niblis. In summation, successful tactics against Niblis of the Breath center on swift removal, utilizing untargetable creatures, or simply outpacing your opponent with a faster deck build.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Niblis of the Breath MTG card by a specific set like Dark Ascension, 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 Niblis of the Breath and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Niblis of the Breath has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |