Ragged Recluse // Odious Witch MTG Card
2021-11-19 - Number 127
2022-01-28 - Number 394
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Peasant |
| Abilities | Transform |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
At the beginning of your end step, if you discarded a card this turn, transform Ragged Recluse.
"Forgive my manners. It's been so long since I had a guest for dinner."
Cards like Ragged Recluse // Odious Witch
Ragged Recluse // Odious Witch is a compelling entry in the roster of transforming cards in the game. Its likeness can be found in Delver of Secrets, which also undergoes a transformation but is rooted in the prowess of its creature abilities rather than card dependency. Delver of Secrets flips into a powerful flying creature, whereas Ragged Recluse transforms into Odious Witch when specific conditions involving an empty hand are met, highlighting a focus on hand manipulation.
Comparably, Bloodline Keeper is another card with a night-and-day mechanic unfolding into Lord of Lineage, a creature that both empowers other vampires and generates tokens. While Bloodline Keeper requires an activation cost to transform, Ragged Recluse seamlessly shifts into the Odious Witch based on the hand size, offering a condition that can meld smoothly into certain strategies without additional mana investment.
Pondering these parallels allows players to weigh their deck-building options. Ragged Recluse // Odious Witch offers a unique blend of transformation conditions and reward, standing out particularly for strategies that naturally reduce hand size, thus leveraging its potential at optimal times within the game.
Cards similar to Ragged Recluse // Odious Witch by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Ragged Recluse gives you the opportunity to transform it into Odious Witch, presenting the prospect of shifting the dynamics on the board by simply discarding a card. This opens avenues for additional hand modulation and potential synergies within graveyard strategies, bolstering your grip on the game’s flow.
Resource Acceleration: The transformation from Ragged Recluse to Odious Witch doesn’t just change its stats and abilities but also paves the way for resource acceleration. The witch comes with an inherent capability to generate more resources under the right conditions, enabling you to potentially expedite your game plan and outpace your opponent’s development.
Instant Speed: While the initial Recluse doesn’t have any abilities that operate at instant speed, the adaptability it offers allows you to keep your options open. Managing when and how you discard to transform the Recluse into the Witch can be strategically essential, making it a versatile addition to decks that aim to capitalize on instant-speed interactions and graveyard mechanics.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Ragged Recluse necessitates parting ways with a card to unlock its transformative potential. For some players, this trade-off can dent their hand, leaving them at a strategic deficit if they’re already low on card options.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost for Ragged Recluse demands a precise combination of one black mana and one generic mana, which might not always align with the fluid mana base of some decks. This specificity can be a barrier, particularly in multicolor builds that crave flexibility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Turning Ragged Recluse into its nightbound counterpart, Odious Witch, requires a setup that may not always be mana-efficient. Considering the array of alternative two-drops available, the mana investment can occasionally seem too steep for the benefits received, especially in a resource-competitive environment.
Reasons to Include Ragged Recluse // Odious Witch in Your Collection
Versatility: Ragged Recluse // Odious Witch offers dual functionality, adapting to the tempo of the game. Whether you’re building a slow-paced control deck or aiming for a faster flip to leverage Odious Witch, this card can find a place in various deck strategies.
Combo Potential: As a card that transforms under specific conditions, it can work well in decks focusing on discard mechanics. This can be paired with cards that benefit from graveyard strategies, setting the stage for powerful interactions.
Meta-Relevance: With a meta that fluctuates between aggressive and control orientations, the card’s ability to either be a reliable blocker or an aggressive threat makes it a worthy consideration for keeping pace with shifting trends.
How to beat
Ragged Recluse // Odious Witch presents players with an intriguing challenge in Magic: The Gathering. During the day, it acts as a modest 2/1, but when the night falls and it transforms into Odious Witch, this spell inflicts grave threats with its 3/3 stat line. To effectively counter this duality, the key lies in maintaining day status. This can be done by playing at least two spells on your turns which prevents the transformation into the witch, keeping the recluse’s power checked.
Another strategy is to remove Ragged Recluse before it gets the chance to change. Instant speed removal such as Shock or Fatal Push are excellent tools to dispatch it in time. Managing graveyard size is also critical; with fewer than four card types in your graveyard, the transformation can be averted. Lastly, keep watch for the opportune moment. Since the transformation into Odious Witch happens at the beginning of upkeep, acting during the preceding end step can deprive your opponent of the stronger creature without giving them the chance to react.
Ultimately, by staying proactive and vigilant with the resources at your disposal, Ragged Recluse // Odious Witch can be kept at bay, ensuring it doesn’t cast its ominous shadow over your chances of victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ragged Recluse // Odious Witch MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad: Crimson Vow and Innistrad: Double Feature, 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 Ragged Recluse // Odious Witch 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
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Printings
The Ragged Recluse // Odious Witch Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-11-19 and 2022-01-28. Illustrated by Lie Setiawan.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2021-11-19 | Innistrad: Crimson Vow | VOW | 127 | 2015 | Transform | Black | Lie Setiawan | |
| 2 | 2022-01-28 | Innistrad: Double Feature | DBL | 394 | 2015 | Transform | Black | Lie Setiawan |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ragged Recluse // Odious Witch has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |