Rimewind Cryomancer MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Wizard |
| Released | 2006-07-21 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Coldsnap |
| Set code | CSP |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 43 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Dan Scott |
Text of card
, : Counter target activated ability. Play this ability only if you control four or more snow permanents. (Mana abilities can't be targeted.)
"The Thaw brings flooding, disease, and death. We will do all in our power to bring frigid peace back to the world."
Cards like Rimewind Cryomancer
Rimewind Cryomancer, a unique creature card in MTG, finds its peers in cards like Coldsteel Heart and Icefall Regent. Much like these cold-themed cards, Rimewind Cryomancer offers control elements that rely on the snow mechanic, an ability that synergizes with snow lands. However, what sets the Cryomancer apart is its ability to counter spells unless opponents pay an additional two mana, assuming you control another snow permanent.
Comparatively, Coldsteel Heart provides mana acceleration and color fixing but lacks any control over opposing spells. In the realm of dragon cards, Icefall Regent stands out with its ability to tap a target creature an opponent controls, and also makes it costlier for that player to cast spells targeting Icefall Regent. While both cards lean into the snow theme, the tempo advantage provided by Rimewind Cryomancer is a tactical edge that can be repeatedly leveraged across multiple turns.
Ultimately, within the array of Magic: The Gathering cards that manipulate the battlefield with frosty dominance, Rimewind Cryomancer offers a unique blend of control and deterrence, securing its niche in decks that capitalize on snow permanents.
Cards similar to Rimewind Cryomancer by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Rimewind Cryomancer’s ability to lock down opponents’ resources can effectively lead to a significant card advantage. By denying the opponent the use of their creature’s abilities, you are essentially nullifying potential threats without having to remove them completely.
Resource Acceleration: This card fits well within decks that capitalize on snow permanents. By using snow lands and other snow permanents, you can ensure that the activation cost for the Cryomancer’s ability is easily met, essentially accelerating your control over the game’s resources.
Instant Speed: The usefulness of Rimewind Cryomancer is in its ability to operate at instant speed. This provides flexibility in gameplay, granting the ability to respond to an opponent’s actions during their turn, potentially disrupting their strategies and maintaining the upper hand.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Rimewind Cryomancer demands a significant setup to activate its ability, as you must control four or more snow permanents. This requirement can be restricting, especially in games where you’re unable to assemble the necessary permanents quickly or facing removal-heavy decks that consistently clear your board.
Specific Mana Cost: Rimewind Cryomancer has a mana cost that requires both blue and generic mana. The need for blue mana means it seamlessly fits in mono-blue or blue-inclusive decks. However, this specificity can limit its inclusion in multicolored decks that may not support the necessary mana base as efficiently.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana and an activation cost for its ability, the Cryomancer can be seen as a steep investment. Considering that many other cards with disruptive abilities come at a lower cost, strategizing the most effective time to play Rimewind Cryomancer is crucial to ensure you’re not falling behind on board development or tempo.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Rimewind Cryomancer offers flexibility across multiple deck archetypes. It provides a control aspect to any blue-based deck and thrives in environments rich with activated abilities, allowing for on-the-fly tactics adjustment.
Combo Potential: This card presents a synergy with decks that capitalize on tapping and untapping permanents. It can be a combo piece in lock-down strategies or as a utility to consistently hinder opponents’ strategies.
Meta-Relevance: With a meta that appreciates utility creatures and control elements, Rimewind Cryomancer can be a key card. Its ability to potentially disrupt many popular strategies makes it a valuable addition to savvy players’ arsenals.
How to beat
Rimewind Cryomancer can be a challenging card to handle in Magic: The Gathering since it has the ability to lock down the game by countering spells unless the opponent pays an extra cost. To overcome this icy mage, it’s important to neutralize its abilities. Creature removal spells like Doom Blade or Lightning Bolt can dispatch the Cryomancer before its controlling capacities take hold. Alternatively, using spells that don’t allow a response, such as Supreme Verdict, can clear the board without the threat of being countered.
In addition, playing around the Cryomancer’s ability by keeping extra mana open is key to ensuring that your spells resolve. Cards that ramp your mana, like Cultivate or Birds of Paradise, can provide the necessary resources to pay the additional costs imposed by the Cryomancer. Remember, the Cryomancer’s power lies in its player’s strategy, so attacking that strategy directly is vital. Making efficient use of your spells, prioritizing threats, and managing resources cleverly can help turn the tables on the Rimewind Cryomancer and tilt the match in your favor.
Overall, a strategic approach combined with the right spells makes it possible to neutralize Rimewind Cryomancer’s disruptive potential and maintain the upper hand in your MTG matches.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Rimewind Cryomancer MTG card by a specific set like Coldsnap, 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 Rimewind Cryomancer 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Rimewind Cryomancer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Rimewind Cryomancer card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2016-06-08 | Activated abilities contain a colon. They’re generally written “ -ost: -ffect].” Some keywords are activated abilities and will have colons in their reminder text. |