Novellamental MTG Card
2017-12-08 - Number 41c
2017-12-08 - Number 41a
2017-12-08 - Number 41d
2017-12-08 - Number 41b
Text of card
Flying Novellamental can block only creatures with flying.
"The chain fit my neck perfectly, but my heart fluttered with chills as the cool metal came to rest against my chest. I closed the clasp and waited, silent."
Cards like Novellamental
Novellamental adds a new layer to the landscape of two-mana creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. This blue elemental bears resemblance to cards like Faerie Miscreant, as both are airborne creatures for a single blue mana that trigger an effect when entering the battlefield. However, Novellamental’s unique ability to enable card draw when targeting spells sets it apart. Faerie Miscreant requires the presence of another to draw, making Novellamental’s condition easier to satisfy in a typical game.
Comparing it to another creature, Cloudkin Seer, we see that the Seer draws a card upon entering the battlefield unconditionally, but it costs three mana instead of two. Novellamental’s lower casting cost potentially allows for quicker plays and flexibility in a deck’s early strategy. Omenspeaker is another card to consider with a utility-focused entry ability, scrying two cards. Yet it doesn’t provide the card draw that Novellamental does, which can be critical in maintaining hand advantage.
Ultimately, Novellamental emerges as a worthwhile option in blue decks seeking agile creatures that couple an offensive presence with a spell-triggered draw mechanic, ensuring players maintain card momentum in their spell-slinging endeavors.
Cards similar to Novellamental by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Novellamental enables you to reveal cards from the top of your library until you reveal a nonland card, putting that card into your hand. This creates immediate card advantage as you have the potential to dig through your deck for key spells while bypassing lands that may not be as impactful during later stages of the game.
Resource Acceleration: By potentially drawing into ramp spells or mana-producing creatures, Novellamental can indirectly lead to resource acceleration. This can set you ahead of your opponent in terms of available mana and the ability to cast more influential spells sooner.
Instant Speed: Since Novellamental operates at instant speed, it provides flexibility to your strategy. You can opt to play it at the end of your opponent’s turn, keeping your mana open for counterspells or other interactions during their phase. This adaptability allows you to align your plays in response to the dynamic environment of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Novellamental compels the player to discard another card to cast this spell. This condition can be particularly detrimental during crucial game moments where maintaining a full hand gives you a distinct advantage over your opponent. If you’re not well-prepared, the discard cost can set you back, forcing tough decisions about resource management.
Specific Mana Cost: This element requires a precise combination of blue and green mana to cast. In mixed-color decks, especially those spanning beyond Simic guild colors, meeting this requirement can be challenging without the proper fixing. It also can’t be overlooked that sometimes mana bases may not align perfectly, restricting the card’s timely deployment.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost demanding two blue and two green mana, Novellamental might seem steep when you consider the pace of competitive gameplay. The cost can be especially cumbersome in early turns where setting up one’s board is crucial. Besides, other cards in the mana cost bracket offer more impactful effects or bodies, potentially leaving Novellamental overshadowed when deckbuilding decisions are made.
Reasons to Include Novellamental in Your Collection
Versatility: Novellamental easily slides into a variety of blue-centered strategies, adeptly fitting into decks that benefit from having a creature with flying. Its ability to draw a card when it enters the battlefield makes it a multifaceted asset, well-suited for control and tempo decks seeking card advantage.
Combo Potential: This card harbors inherent synergies, especially with mechanics like flicker or bounce that allow you to repeatedly exploit its enter-the-battlefield effect. Linking Novellamental with such effects can result in substantial card draw, filling your hand and advancing your game position.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state that rewards information and tempo, Novellamental proves its worth. It aligns well with strategies designed to outpace opponents and can be a pivotal component in a deck that aims to maintain a steady flow of resources while putting pressure in the air.
How to Beat Novellamental
Novellamental finds its place in the world of MTG as an intriguing creature card with the potential to outpace opponents through card draw acceleration. Its abilities resonate with the mechanics of ponderous creatures like Sea Gate Oracle, which allow for card filtering. Unlike Sea Gate Oracle, Novellamental provides the added advantage of drawing a card while granting a power boost through its novel ‘chapter counter’ mechanic.
When facing such a card, the key to success lies in a strategy of pre-emption and resource control. Playing cards that restrict your opponent’s card draw capabilities, such as Narset, Parter of Veils, can curb the advantage Novellamental brings to the table. Additionally, the creature’s susceptibility to spell-based removal can be exploited using targeted spells like Fatal Push, further countering the tempo gain from its continuous card draws.
Effective strategies also include employing cards that surpass Novellamental in power and toughness in the early game, which will negate its impact on the board. With careful planning and the right countermeasures, one can navigate around the strengths of Novellamental and maintain a competitive position in the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Novellamental MTG card by a specific set like Unstable and Unstable, 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 Novellamental 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 Novellamental Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2017-12-08 and 2017-12-08. Illustrated by Tom Babbey.