Norin the Wary MTG Card


Norin’s evasive ability preserves card advantage without needing to draw additional cards. Integrates seamlessly with cards that capitalize on creatures entering the battlefield. Instant speed activation makes Norin unpredictable and a versatile component in game plans.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Warrior
Power 2
Toughness 1

Text of card

When a player plays a spell or a creature attacks, remove Norin the Wary from the game. Return it to play under its owner's control at end of turn.

"I have a bad feeling about this."


Understanding Norin the Wary’s Uniqueness

Delving into the realm of MTG, Norin the Wary presents itself as an intriguing character, deftly dodging harm’s way at the faintest hint of danger. Within the spectrum of creatures, it’s this evasive trait that establishes Norin as a distinct entity. Let’s ponder over cards like Squee, Goblin Nabob or Endless Cockroaches, which embody resilience through their ability to persist beyond death, returning to hand or play. While they assure a lasting board presence, Norin bypasses threats by momentarily fading out of the battlefield entirely.

Cards like Norin the Wary

While Norin the Wary offers a unique twist with its shy behavior, it shares common ground with cards that focus on survivability. Squee, the Immortal, for instance, can be cast from your graveyard or from exile, suggesting a resilience that mirrors Norin’s slippery nature. Yet, unlike Norin, Squee doesn’t leave the battlefield, which means he can be susceptible to board sweeps. Bearer of the Heavens also makes an appearance in discussions of reusability, given its inevitable return when pulled out of play.

However, Norin the Wary edges out a niche for itself with its continuous and automatic evasion. This characteristic allows players to consistently dodge targeted removals and board wipes without extra mana costs, a subtlety that gives Norin an upper hand in terms of protection and surprise. Thus, for those who value a card that has mastered the art of avoidance, Norin the Wary stands alone as a commendable selection in MTG.

Squee, Goblin Nabob - MTG Card versions
Endless Cockroaches - MTG Card versions
Squee, the Immortal - MTG Card versions
Bearer of the Heavens - MTG Card versions
Squee, Goblin Nabob - MTG Card versions
Endless Cockroaches - MTG Card versions
Squee, the Immortal - MTG Card versions
Bearer of the Heavens - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Norin the Wary by color, type and mana cost

Goblin Balloon Brigade - MTG Card versions
Hurr Jackal - MTG Card versions
Primordial Ooze - MTG Card versions
Gorilla Shaman - MTG Card versions
Goblin Swine-Rider - MTG Card versions
Mons's Goblin Raiders - MTG Card versions
Orcish Conscripts - MTG Card versions
Mountain Goat - MTG Card versions
Jackal Pup - MTG Card versions
Flailing Soldier - MTG Card versions
Branded Brawlers - MTG Card versions
Scarred Puma - MTG Card versions
Mogg Fanatic - MTG Card versions
Grim Lavamancer - MTG Card versions
Kessig Wolfrider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Guide - MTG Card versions
Skirk Prospector - MTG Card versions
Crazed Goblin - MTG Card versions
Akki Avalanchers - MTG Card versions
Mons's Goblin Waiters - MTG Card versions
Goblin Balloon Brigade - MTG Card versions
Hurr Jackal - MTG Card versions
Primordial Ooze - MTG Card versions
Gorilla Shaman - MTG Card versions
Goblin Swine-Rider - MTG Card versions
Mons's Goblin Raiders - MTG Card versions
Orcish Conscripts - MTG Card versions
Mountain Goat - MTG Card versions
Jackal Pup - MTG Card versions
Flailing Soldier - MTG Card versions
Branded Brawlers - MTG Card versions
Scarred Puma - MTG Card versions
Mogg Fanatic - MTG Card versions
Grim Lavamancer - MTG Card versions
Kessig Wolfrider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Guide - MTG Card versions
Skirk Prospector - MTG Card versions
Crazed Goblin - MTG Card versions
Akki Avalanchers - MTG Card versions
Mons's Goblin Waiters - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Norin the Wary. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
HumansHumans ModernHumansModern Challenge 64 2024-04-20
Boros AggroBoros Aggro ModernHumansNRG Series $10,000 Showdown - Madison, Wisconsin (Modern)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: A key element of Norin the Wary’s design is its ability to dodge removal and thus maintain your presence on the board. This single red mana creature may not directly draw cards, but by evading threats, it helps retain card advantage by not costing you another card to replace it.

Resource Acceleration: Norin the Wary pairs excellently with cards that trigger upon creatures entering the battlefield, like Purphoros, God of the Forge, or Impact Tremors. By consistently leaving and re-entering the battlefield, Norin the Wary can exponentially increase the value of such cards, effectively accelerating your resource advantage with every fearful flight.

Instant Speed: While not an instant itself, Norin’s ability triggers at instant speed. This means any time a spell is cast or a creature attacks, Norin will zip out of harm’s way, only to return at the end of turn, ready to trigger enter-the-battlefield effects all over again. This constant state of flux makes Norin a reliable and unpredictable tool for enacting game plans on the fly.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Norin the Wary presents a unique challenge as he doesn’t have a discard requirement but instead asks players to work around his anxious nature, effectively exiling himself whenever a player attacks or plays a spell. This can make it difficult for a player to maintain a stable board presence with Norin, particularly when planning strategies that rely on consistent creature availability.

Specific Mana Cost: Norin the Wary requires a single red mana to cast, which might seem insignificant, but in multicolored decks, having a card that’s strictly red can sometimes be a liability. Access to red mana needs to be guaranteed to cast him on curve, potentially limiting the card’s inclusion to decks prominently featuring red mana sources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although his initial casting cost is low, Norin’s ability’s subtle impact on gameplay may not justify even this small investment for some players. In a game filled with creatures that offer immediate and tangible effects upon entering the battlefield, Norin’s tendency to flee can seem comparatively less effective, especially when big plays are crucial for a game’s outcome.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Norin the Wary offers adaptability in deck designs that favor evasiveness and resilience. His ability to dodge danger means he can be a constant presence on the battlefield, making him a perfect fit for strategies looking to benefit from creatures entering or leaving the field.

Combo Potential: This card can be the engine in combos, especially with cards that trigger on creatures coming into play or leaving the battlefield. Pair Norin the Wary with cards like “Purphoros, God of the Forge” to deal damage each time he flickers in and out of play.

Meta-Relevance: In metagames where board wipes and spot removal are prevalent, Norin the Wary excels. His ability to avoid such removal makes him a persistent threat that can frustrate opponents, aligning well with meta-shifts towards control or removal-heavy decks.


How to beat

Norin the Wary is a unique card in MTG, known for its ability to frustratingly dodge almost any form of removal thanks to its quirky trait of flickering out of play. Whenever a player casts a spell or a creature attacks, Norin makes a quick exit, only to return at the end step. This elusive nature can make Norin seem invincible at a glance.

To counteract Norin’s evasive tactics, players must think creatively. Utilizing cards that can impose effects across entire turns can trap Norin out of the battlefield. For instance, continuous board sweepers or cards that punish or restrict creatures from entering the battlefield, such as Torpor Orb, can effectively nullify Norin’s ability. The key is to apply pressure without targeting Norin directly, which is futile given his slippery nature.

Adaptation is essential when facing Norin the Wary. Whether you’re baiting the opponent to commit to the board before wiping it clean or setting up a scenario where Norin cannot escape without consequence, your strategy must account for timing and patience. By focusing on these tactics, overcoming Norin’s elusive antics is not only possible but becomes a rewarding conquest for any MTG player.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive deeper into the MTG world with Norin the Wary, a card that’s as elusive as it is alluring. Perfect for decks that thrive on enter-the-battlefield (ETB) effects and evasion tactics, Norin can be a game-changer for creative strategists. While his uniqueness can be a double-edged sword, the potential for synergy with other cards makes him a fascinating study. If you’re looking to refine your play style or branch out into new deck-building terrains, understanding the intricate play patterns of Norin the Wary is key. Join the ranks of players who’ve mastered the art of the flicker with Norin. Learn more and adapt your decks to harness the full potential of this sneaky survivor.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Norin the Wary MTG card by a specific set like Time Spiral and Mystery Booster Retail Edition Foils, 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 Norin the Wary and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Norin the Wary Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2006-10-06 and 2020-03-08. Illustrated by Heather Hudson.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12006-10-06Time SpiralTSP 1712003NormalBlackHeather Hudson
22020-03-08Mystery Booster Retail Edition FoilsFMB1 552003NormalBlackHeather Hudson
32020-09-26The ListPLST TSP-1712003NormalBlackHeather Hudson

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Norin the Wary has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Norin the Wary card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2006-09-25 Norin the Wary will be exiled if it attacks.