Norn's Inquisitor MTG Card


Enables card reuse, boosting hand presence without traditional draw, enhancing strategic gameplay options. Facilitates resource acceleration indirectly, setting up efficient turns and potential early powerful spellcasts. Instant speed activations disrupt opponent strategies, offering surprise plays and game state adaptation.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Phyrexian Knight
Abilities Incubate,Transform
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

When Norn's Inquisitor enters the battlefield, incubate 2. Whenever a permanent you control transforms into a Phyrexian, put a +1/+1 counter on it.


Cards like Norn's Inquisitor

Norn’s Inquisitor is a recent entrant to the roster of cards in Magic: The Gathering that emphasizes creature control through -1/-1 counters. A kin to the classic Fume Spitter, which also distributes a -1/-1 counter upon demise, the Inquisitor presents a more substantial challenge on the battlefield with its higher toughness. However, unlike Fume Spitter, the Inquisitor doesn’t offer the same instantaneous counter placement as it requires a creature to be blocked or blocking.

Comparatively, Skinrender stands as another member of the -1/-1 counter ensemble, albeit at a different mana value. It allows you to place not one, but three -1/-1 counters immediately when it enters the battlefield, offering a significant swing in board control. What differs notably is that Skinrender slots into a higher mana curve, unlike Norn’s Inquisitor’s lower cost, which can be more manageable in the early game.

In the grand scheme, Norn’s Inquisitor carves out its niche among MTG’s -1/-1 counter creatures for offering a defensive angle that can be highly effective in the right deck. Its presence may not be as immediate as some alternatives, but it holds strategic value by dissuading adversaries from attacking, bolstering its role in the complex ecosystem of control cards.

Fume Spitter - MTG Card versions
Skinrender - MTG Card versions
Fume Spitter - MTG Card versions
Skinrender - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Norn's Inquisitor by color, type and mana cost

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Luminarch Aspirant - MTG Card versions
White Knight - MTG Card versions
Soul Shepherd - MTG Card versions
Soltari Monk - MTG Card versions
Talon Sliver - MTG Card versions
Keeper of the Light - MTG Card versions
Faith Healer - MTG Card versions
Angelic Page - MTG Card versions
Avenger en-Dal - MTG Card versions
Royal Falcon - MTG Card versions
Spirit Weaver - MTG Card versions
Voice of the Blessed - MTG Card versions
Stoneforge Mystic - MTG Card versions
Drannith Magistrate - MTG Card versions
Leonin Lightscribe - MTG Card versions
Silver Knight - MTG Card versions
Longbow Archer - MTG Card versions
Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions
Flumph - MTG Card versions
Soltari Priest - MTG Card versions
Luminarch Aspirant - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Norn's Inquisitor. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Azorius Artifact AggroAzorius Artifact Aggro StandardAzorius Artifact AggroStandard League 2024-02-11
Azorius TempoAzorius Tempo StandardAzorius Artifact AggroAfter Showdown: Murders at Karlov Manor
Azorius AggroAzorius Aggro StandardAzorius Artifact AggroBLACK - FRI - 11AM - Chicago 75K Standard Open
Mono-White AggroMono-White Aggro StandardAzorius Artifact AggroJapan Standard Cup: Murders at Karlov Manor
Bant Artifact AggroBant Artifact Aggro StandardBant Artifact AggroStandard Preliminary 2024-02-02 (1)
Naya AggroNaya Aggro StandardNaya AggroStandard Qualifier 2024-01-01

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Norn’s Inquisitor offers the opportunity to reuse or recycle creatures. Though not a traditional card draw engine, its ability to potentially bring creatures back to your hand from the battlefield or graveyard means more options and maintaining hand presence during play.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly increasing your mana pool, the Inquisitor’s synergies with artifact or creature combos can lead to an indirect acceleration of resources. This can pave the way for more efficient turns and enable casting of powerful spells ahead of schedule.

Instant Speed: Norn’s Inquisitor’s abilities can sometimes be activated at instant speed, depending on its interactions with other cards on the battlefield. This allows for strategic plays that can be adapted to the state of the game, thus surprising opponents and disrupting their strategies.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Norn’s Inquisitor demands discarding another card to utilize its full potential, which can backfire if your hand is already depleted of valuable cards.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires both white and another color of mana to cast, potentially complicating its inclusion in decks that aren’t two-color focused or that struggle with mana flexibility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the abilities it offers are noteworthy, the mana expenditure is substantial when compared to other creatures in the same casting cost bracket, which might provide similar or greater value on the battlefield.


Reasons to Include Norn’s Inquisitor in Your Collection

Versatility: Norn’s Inquisitor brings a level of adaptability to gameplay, supporting decks that capitalize on life gain strategies or those requiring solid defensive creatures with its lifelink ability.

Combo Potential: This card can seamlessly integrate into combos that benefit from creatures entering the battlefield or leaving play, making it a good fit for sacrifice-based synergies or enhancing life total changes for victory conditions.

Meta-Relevance: Given the ever-shifting MTG landscape, Norn’s Inquisitor maintains relevancy by balancing aggressiveness and defensive stances, thus fitting in with a variety of meta scenarios where life total manipulation is key.


How to beat

Norn’s Inquisitor in Magic the Gathering has become a notable presence on the battlefield thanks to its damage prevention ability. To effectively counter this sturdy creature, focus on removal spells that bypass its defensive capabilities. Cards like Doom Blade or Go for the Throat can target and eliminate it without having to engage in combat, where Norn’s Inquisitor shines. Another strategy involves using board wipes such as Day of Judgment, which clears the field irrespective of individual creature abilities. It’s also beneficial to manage your battlefield presence and not overcommit creatures that might be stymied by Norn’s Inquisitor’s abilities. With proper removal or broad strategies, you can neutralize its advantage and maintain control of the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

The strategic depth of MTG never fails to impress, and with cards like Norn’s Inquisitor, players can discover new ways to manipulate the battlefield to their advantage. Crafting a deck that capitalizes on its strengths while mitigating its weaknesses can provide a rewarding challenge. Incorporating the Inquisitor into your repertoire can open up a realm of reactive and resourceful plays that add a thrilling dimension to your matches. If delving into nuanced strategies that blend offense and defense excites you, learn more about perfecting your playstyle with Norn’s Inquisitor and similar cards designed to outmaneuver your opponents for that triumphant victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Norn's Inquisitor MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine and March of the Machine, 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 Norn's Inquisitor and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Norn's Inquisitor Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-04-21 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by Denis Zhbankov.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 3812015NormalBlackDenis Zhbankov
22023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 292015NormalBlackDenis Zhbankov

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Norn's Inquisitor has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal