Nightscape Apprentice MTG Card

Nightscape Apprentice’s tap and untap abilities offer indirect card advantage and battlefield control. Mana color requirements and discard costs are potential downsides that affect deck versatility. This card’s ability to shift combat dynamics makes it a relevant choice in certain metagames.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Zombie Wizard
Released	2000-10-02
Set symbol
Set name	Invasion
Set code	INV
Power	1
Toughness	1
Number	112
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Andrew Goldhawk

Text of card

o U, oc T: Put target creature you control on top of its owner's library. o R, oc T: Target creature gains first strike until end of turn.

Cards like Nightscape Apprentice

Nightscape Apprentice is an intriguing option for deck builders who enjoy manipulating the battlefield with tap and untap abilities. This card offers similar utility to that of other creatures with tap abilities, such as Icy Manipulator, however, the Apprentice brings a creature element into play. The creature-to-creature comparison is more apt with cards like Cerulean Wisps that, despite being an instant, also untap a target creature, providing a similar strategic advantage with the added benefit of drawing a card.

Delving deeper into the roster, the Apprentices’ ability to give a creature first strike can be a game changer, aligning with cards like Swiftfoot Boots that offer an ongoing effect while also granting hexproof to the creature equipped. The capability to manipulate combat outcomes is a key trait shared amongst these cards. In contrast, Avalanche Riders carry an echo cost but have the immediate impact of land destruction, showcasing a differentiation in versatility and immediate board impact when compared to the subtler, ongoing control that the Nightscape Apprentice affords.

Overall, the multi-faceted abilities of the Nightscape Apprentice provide tactical diversity that, while mirrored in aspects by these similar cards, offers unique advantages in creature-based strategies within the game.

Cards similar to Nightscape Apprentice by color, type and mana cost

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Nightscape Apprentice offers utility beyond its initial casting by providing abilities that can manipulate the battlefield to your favor. The exchange of creatures through its tap ability is a form of indirect card advantage, as properly timed interference can disrupt your opponent’s strategies and preserve your resources.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana acceleration, Nightscape Apprentice aids in resource acceleration by its untap ability, which can be used to untap a creature with a tap ability for additional uses or to reuse a blocker, thereby maximizing your available resources each turn.

Instant Speed: The second ability of Nightscape Apprentice can be activated at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to respond to your opponent’s actions during their turn. This can be particularly potent when you use it to alter combat outcomes or surprise an opponent with an unexpected blocker.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Nightscape Apprentice could be a tough play for players who find the discard requirement counterintuitive to maintaining card advantage. Discarding can deplete your hand, leaving you with fewer options in upcoming turns.

Specific Mana Cost: This card necessitates both black and blue mana, which may not align seamlessly with multicolor decks that don’t feature these colors. This limitation constrains deck building and can affect the card’s overall versatility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When assessing the card’s abilities and the mana spent to activate them, Nightscape Apprentice faces stiff competition from other cards at the same cost. Players may find more impactful cards for a similar investment, potentially overlooking the Apprentice for alternatives with greater effect or lower mana requirements.

Reasons to Include Nightscape Apprentice in Your Collection

Versatility: Nightscape Apprentice is a multifaceted card that easily adapts to a variety of strategies. With its abilities to both manipulate combat and recycle your pivotal creatures, it fits into a broad array of decks, enhancing both aggressive and control tactics.

Combo Potential: This card’s abilities enable intricate interactions, setting the stage for powerful combos. Its first ability can protect your key creatures or disrupt opponent’s blockers, while the second can reutilize enter-the-battlefield effects or save creatures from removal, opening the door for numerous synergistic plays.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state where creature-based interactions and combat tricks are influential, Nightscape Apprentice offers relevant abilities. It can give you an edge in tight board states and shifts the balance by offering subtle yet impactful control over the battlefield, making it a timely addition in specific metagames.

How to beat

Nightscape Apprentice is a versatile creature card in Magic: The Gathering that can impact the battlefield with its tap abilities. To effectively counter this card, it’s crucial to limit its activation opportunities. One strategy is to keep the board clear of other creatures, reducing the Apprentice’s potential to manipulate combat outcomes or expedite graveyard strategies.

Removal spells like Shock or Fatal Push can be employed swiftly to remove the Apprentice before its abilities can be utilized. Alternatively, instant-speed interaction is key; being able to react to the activation of its abilities can mitigate and often negate the Apprentice’s impact, preserving your strategic advantage. It’s also beneficial to force the opponent to decide between using the Apprentice or developing their board, which can be achieved by applying continuous pressure.

Dismantling an opponent’s game plan that includes Nightscape Apprentice involves awareness of their mana availability and potential graveyard synergies. By staying one step ahead and disrupting these elements, you stand a strong chance of outmaneuvering decks that rely on the utility of this flexible MTG card.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Nightscape Apprentice MTG card by a specific set like Invasion, 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 Nightscape Apprentice and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Nightscape Apprentice has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal