Scalespeaker Shepherd MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Human Druid |
| Released | 2023-12-05 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Alchemy: Ixalan |
| Set code | YLCI |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 21 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Quintin Gleim |
Text of card
When Scalespeaker Shepherd enters the battlefield, draft a card from Scalespeaker Shepherd's spellbook. Dinosaur spells you cast cost less to cast.
Cards like Scalespeaker Shepherd
Scalespeaker Shepherd emerges as an intriguing creature within Magic the Gathering’s diverse array of green cards. It holds a resemblance to cards such as Woodland Mystic in terms of mana acceleration. While both are green creatures that influence mana, Scalespeaker Shepherd boasts an additional layer. It transforms into Scalespeaker Serpent, providing a larger creature capable of formidable attacks. Woodland Mystic lacks this transformative ability and stays as a consistent source of mana instead.
Elvish Mystic presents another parallel, being a one-mana green creature that taps for mana. It’s a staple for its efficiency yet doesn’t offer Scalespeaker Shepherd’s potential for growth. Then there’s Llanowar Elves, sharing the mana-producing trait but, like Elvish Mystic, it doesn’t match the Shepherd’s late-game presence. The transformability into a potent creature allows Scalespeaker Shepherd to remain relevant throughout the game, an edge it has over these staples.
Assessing Scalespeaker Shepherd alongside these similar cards highlights its unique positioning. It’s not only a tool for early game acceleration but also a strategic late-game threat, making it a versatile pick for MTG green deck strategies. This duality sets it apart from others that focus solely on one aspect of play.
Cards similar to Scalespeaker Shepherd by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Scalespeaker Shepherd shines in providing consistent card advantage. Its ability to convert Clues, the tokens obtained from various card interactions, into actual creature cards is a powerful way to get ahead in the game.
Resource Acceleration: This card serves as a potent catalyst for resource acceleration. By transforming Clues into creatures, Scalespeaker Shepherd accelerates your board presence without the need for additional mana, leveraging the resources you’ve collected throughout the match.
Instant Speed: The ability of Scalespeaker Shepherd to activate its transformative effect at instant speed adds a layer of tactical depth. It allows players to wait for the perfect moment to surprise an opponent, adapting swiftly to the evolving state of play.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Engaging with Scalespeaker Shepherd’s ability necessitates discarding another card, which could be a setback during moments where maintaining a full grip of cards is crucial for your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s mana cost is exclusive to green mana pools, potentially making it a tough fit in mutlicolored decks that can’t consistently produce the necessary green mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Scalespeaker Shepherd affords some interesting synergies, its mana cost is on the higher side. This positions the card at a delicate point in the curve where players might prefer to drop more impactful creatures or establish board presence with lower cost spells.
Reasons to Include Scalespeaker Shepherd in Your Collection
Versatility: Scalespeaker Shepherd offers multifaceted utility for green decks, easily slotting into strategies that capitalize on creature synergies and mana acceleration.
Combo Potential: The card can act as a linchpin in combos that revolve around creature types, such as Elves or Druids, potentially unlocking powerful abilities or board states.
Meta-Relevance: With a shifting MTG landscape that often values adaptable creatures, Scalespeaker Shepherd could prove its worth against a range of deck archetypes prevalent in the current meta.
How to beat Scalespeaker Shepherd
Scalespeaker Shepherd is unique in its ability to transform human and werewolf creatures within Magic: The Gathering. With the Shepherd on the field, a strategic approach is necessary. To undermine its transformative power, removal spells are highly effective. Cards like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can efficiently dispatch the Shepherd before its effect becomes a concern. Additionally, controlling the pace of the game through counterspells like Counterspell or Mana Leak can prevent the Shepherd from ever entering play.
Denying the Shepherd the chance to activate its ability by maintaining a balance between casting spells on your turn and the opponent’s is also crucial. Consistent pressure and removal of the shepherd’s werewolf associates limits the Shepherd’s influence. Wraths or board wipes, such as Supreme Verdict, can clean the slate and nullify the Shepherd’s impact. Be proactive and vigilant in monitoring the Shepherd’s ability to escalate the board state, strategizing with the forethought of chess to stay one step ahead.
Understanding the risks and benefits of Scalespeaker Shepherd within the dynamics of MTG gameplay ensures that when facing it, one can adapt and overcome the challenges it presents, maintaining control of the game’s outcome.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Scalespeaker Shepherd MTG card by a specific set like Alchemy: Ixalan, 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 Scalespeaker Shepherd 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Scalespeaker Shepherd has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |