Oran-Rief Invoker MTG Card
2015-10-02 - Number 182
2016-09-02 - Number 17
2019-11-07 - Number 1284
2020-09-26 - Number DDR-17
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Shaman |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
: Oran-Rief Invoker gets +5/+5 and gains trample until end of turn.
"The world was not hostile to us—we were beneath its notice, and presented no danger." —*The Invokers' Tales*
Cards like Oran-Rief Invoker
Oran-Rief Invoker is part of the creature array in Magic: The Gathering that can scale its power throughout the game. When compared to other creatures like Snapping Gnarlid, which also derives benefits from lands, the Invoker surpasses in late-game potential due to its 8-mana ability to gain +5/+5 and trample until end of turn. Despite Snapping Gnarlid having a landfall ability, which can provide immediate, albeit, smaller advantages, it does not offer the same level of game-ending threat that the Invoker does when the game extends.
Looking at Undergrowth Champion, another creature that reacts to land plays, we see a different application of land synergy. While the Champion can be harder to remove due to its damage prevention counter mechanism, it doesn’t have the straightforward raw power increase that the Oran-Rief Invoker offers. Ultimately, the Invoker stands out due to its ability to become a massive threat by itself, offering an option for players to end the game on the spot if unblocked. This creates strategic depth in playing and deck-building around the Invoker that appeals strongly to certain MTG players who enjoy evolving their battlefield presence.
The key takeaway here is that Oran-Rief Invoker shines as a late-game powerhouse amongst creatures that grow with land interactions, positioning it uniquely in certain MTG strategies.
Cards similar to Oran-Rief Invoker by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Oran-Rief Invoker doesn’t inherently provide card advantage in the traditional sense. However, it can become a significant threat without requiring additional cards, thus allowing you to keep other cards in hand while still developing your board presence.
Resource Acceleration: This card has the potential to accelerate your resources on the battlefield. Its late-game activation allows you to convert excess mana into a substantial power boost, effectively turning any surplus land draws into an offensive advantage.
Instant Speed: While the Invoker itself isn’t an instant, the ability to activate its 8-mana ability at instant speed offers versatility. You can pass your turn with mana open, representing other instant-speed interactions, and then, if unchallenged, pump the Invoker before the end of your opponent’s turn to swing in with an inflated creature on your next attack.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While the Oran-Rief Invoker doesn’t have a discard requirement itself, its inclusion in a deck may necessitate discarding other potentially valuable cards when it proves less useful in a given matchup or situation.
Specific Mana Cost: Accessing the real power of Oran-Rief Invoker involves a specific mana acceleration. It requires green mana for its initial casting, potentially restricting its compatibility with non-green or multicolored decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Activating the Invoker’s formidable ability costs a steep eight mana. There are instances where this can impede momentum as you might allocate resources that could otherwise be used for playing multiple spells or establishing board presence.
Reasons to Include Oran-Rief Invoker in Your Collection
Versatility: The Oran-Rief Invoker is a flexible addition, fitting into decks that prioritize scaling threats. Early game, it serves as a two-mana creature, and late game, it converts mana surpluses into substantial power boosts.
Combo Potential: This card’s late-game ability to gain trample allows it to synergize with effects that increase creature size, potentially turning it into a game-ending threat.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta that allows for ramp or big mana decks, the Invoker thrives by providing an ever-present threat that must be answered lest it overpowers opponents in the late game.
How to beat Oran-Rief Invoker
Oran-Rief Invoker presents a unique challenge in MTG play. This creature card becomes a significant threat once the player has amassed eight mana, allowing them to buff the Invoker with the formidable ability to gain +5/+5 and trample until end of turn. One strategy to tackle this creature is to remove it before your opponent accumulates enough mana for activation. Efficient removal spells such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile can dispatch it at a minimal cost, keeping the field in your favor.
Alternatively, scheduling a block during its attack phase with a creature that can either destroy it or withstand the increased damage is vital. Placing creatures with deathtouch such as Typhoid Rats on the battlefield can discourage an opponent from investing mana into the Invoker’s ability, as it would result in a likely trade regardless of the power boost. Controlling the battlefield tempo and keeping Oran-Rief Invoker from becoming an active threat is essential to maintaining the upper hand.
Overall, dealing with Oran-Rief Invoker requires forethought and swift action. Either dismantle it preemptively or prepare to neutralize its enhanced state to ensure your victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Oran-Rief Invoker MTG card by a specific set like Battle for Zendikar and Duel Decks: Nissa vs. Ob Nixilis, 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 Oran-Rief Invoker 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 Oran-Rief Invoker Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2015-10-02 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Anastasia Ovchinnikova.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015-10-02 | Battle for Zendikar | BFZ | 182 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anastasia Ovchinnikova | |
| 2 | 2016-09-02 | Duel Decks: Nissa vs. Ob Nixilis | DDR | 17 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anastasia Ovchinnikova | |
| 3 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1284 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anastasia Ovchinnikova | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | DDR-17 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anastasia Ovchinnikova |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Oran-Rief Invoker has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |