Rowan, Scion of War MTG Card


Provides card advantage and takes control of the game through additional card draws during combat. Enables resource acceleration, boosting one’s tempo significantly in the right deck setup. Instant speed abilities of Rowan add strategic depth, allowing for real-time tactical responses.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityMythic
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Wizard
Abilities Menace
Power 4
Toughness 2

Text of card

Menace : Spells you cast this turn that are black and/or red cost less to cast, where X is the amount of life you lost this turn. Activate only as a sorcery.

"No more days withering at a negotiating table with my brother. I will rebuild Eldraine myself—the old way, with power."


Cards like Rowan, Scion of War

Rowan, Scion of War is a compelling piece in the arsenal of planeswalker cards in Magic: The Gathering. It draws a certain resemblance to other red planeswalkers like Koth of the Hammer, which also empowers creatures and builds up the board’s offensive capabilities. Where Rowan distinguishes itself is through its ability to dash opponents’ plans by forcibly activating their loyalty abilities. Unlike Koth, which focuses more on ramping up mana from mountains.

Another parallel can be drawn with Chandra, Torch of Defiance, who offers a more versatile toolkit that includes card advantage, mana acceleration, and board control. Rowan, on the other hand, leans heavily on aggressive strategies, enhancing and protecting your warrior tribe for dominant attacks. While Chandra provides a wider range of options and direct damage to opponents or creatures, Rowan capitalizes on synergistic tribal benefits, potentially changing the tide of battle in your favor.

Reviewing these characteristics, Rowan, Scion of War certainly holds its own in a combat-centric deck, delivering unique advantages that mesh well with warrior-type creatures, setting itself apart from its counterparts in the dynamic environment of Magic: The Gathering.

Koth of the Hammer - MTG Card versions
Chandra, Torch of Defiance - MTG Card versions
Koth of the Hammer - MTG Card versions
Chandra, Torch of Defiance - MTG Card versions

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Sedge Troll - MTG Card versions
Shauku's Minion - MTG Card versions
Army Ants - MTG Card versions
Pyre Zombie - MTG Card versions
Vicious Kavu - MTG Card versions
Hooded Kavu - MTG Card versions
Lava Zombie - MTG Card versions
Sarcatog - MTG Card versions
Anathemancer - MTG Card versions
Avatar of Discord - MTG Card versions
Vial Smasher the Fierce - MTG Card versions
Cryptborn Horror - MTG Card versions
Lyzolda, the Blood Witch - MTG Card versions
Rakdos Augermage - MTG Card versions
Rakdos Ickspitter - MTG Card versions
Sedge Sliver - MTG Card versions
Ashenmoor Gouger - MTG Card versions
Pestilent Kathari - MTG Card versions
Shambling Remains - MTG Card versions
Hellhole Flailer - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Rowan, Scion of War provides strategic edge with her ability to potentially generate additional card draw. Connecting with an opponent often leads to accessing more of your deck, keeping your hand filled with options to outplay the adversary.

Resource Acceleration: As Rowan hits the field, her dynamics could potentially ramp up your resources. In the right deck, she amplifies the speed at which you can deploy your threats or respond to those of your opponents, giving you a substantial tempo boost.

Instant Speed: The adaptability offered by Rowan’s prowess can be a game-changer. With abilities that can be activated at instant speed, you maintain the flexibility to react during your opponent’s turn, keeping them guessing while you optimize your strategy in real-time.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Rowan, Scion of War requires discarding a card to activate one of its key abilities. This can put players at a disadvantage, particularly when their hand is nearly empty or holding crucial strategies they wish to retain.

Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost for casting Rowan is strictly red, making it less versatile for inclusion in multicolor decks that may struggle to consistently produce the necessary red mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that includes two red and four additional mana, Rowan, Scion of War can be quite a taxing play. Players might find other cards that fulfill similar roles without committing as much of their mana pool, allowing for more flexibility during gameplay.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Rowan, Scion of War can be a flexible addition to decks that thrive on aggressive strategies as well as those that utilize Planeswalkers. With its abilities to deal damage and draw cards, it fits well in a variety of red-centric builds.

Combo Potential: This card works excellently in synergizing with abilities that activate upon dealing noncombat damage to an opponent or when drawing cards. These interactions can help build a powerful board presence and resource advantage.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state where Planeswalkers or red aggro decks are prevalent, Rowan, Scion of War has the potential to be a game-changer. It aligns well with current strategies that emphasize direct damage and rapid tempo.


How to beat

Rowan, Scion of War is a dynamic force to be reckoned with in Magic: The Gathering. This formidable planeswalker card often turns the tide in battle with its ability to deal direct damage while empowering your own attacking creatures. To successfully counter Rowan, it’s essential to have instant-speed removal spells at your disposal. Cards like Murder or Heartless Act can efficiently remove Rowan from the battlefield before its loyalty abilities can be used.

Incorporating counter spells such as Negate or Dovin’s Veto into your deck can also prove crucial. They provide a shield against Rowan’s effects, intercepting the planeswalker before it even touches the battlefield. Additionally, playing swiftly to put pressure on your opponent forces them to defend rather than build Rowan’s loyalty. Focus on maintaining control of the board and avoid leaving your planeswalkers exposed without protection.

Ultimately, understanding the rhythm of the game and anticipating your opponent’s moves can lead to crafting a strategy that renders even the most powerful cards like Rowan, Scion of War manageable. Concentrate on crafting a balanced deck equipped with removal, counters, and pressure tactics to ensure you’re ready to confront any challenge that comes your way.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Rowan, Scion of War MTG card by a specific set like Wilds of Eldraine and Wilds of Eldraine Promos, 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 Rowan, Scion of War and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Rowan, Scion of War Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2023-09-08 and 2023-09-08. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-09-08Wilds of EldraineWOE 2112015NormalBlackMagali Villeneuve
22023-09-08Wilds of Eldraine PromosPWOE 211p2015NormalBlackMagali Villeneuve
32023-09-08Wilds of Eldraine Art SeriesAWOE 312015Art seriesBorderless
42023-09-08Wilds of Eldraine PromosPWOE 211s2015NormalBlackMagali Villeneuve
52023-09-08Wilds of EldraineWOE 3002015NormalBorderlessAbigail Larson
62023-09-08Wilds of Eldraine Art SeriesAWOE 592015Art seriesBorderless

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Rowan, Scion of War has restrictions

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

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Rowan, Scion of War card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2023-09-01 Rowan's activated ability can't reduce the amount of colored mana you pay for a spell. It reduces only the generic mana component of that cost.
2023-09-01 Rowan's activated ability counts the total amount of life you lost without taking into account any life you gained during that turn. For example, if you gained 3 life and lost 3 life earlier in the turn, the cost of black and/or red spells you cast this turn will be reduced by .
2023-09-01 Rowan's activated ability doesn't change the mana cost or mana value of any spell. It changes only the total cost you pay.
2023-09-01 The value of X is determined only once, at the time Rowan, Scion of War's activated ability resolves.