Scarland Thrinax MTG Card
2009-02-06 - Number 123
2013-11-01 - Number 209
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Lizard |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Sacrifice a creature: Put a +1/+1 counter on Scarland Thrinax.
"There is only one way of life in Jund: feed on the weak until you are cut down by something stronger." —Jorshu of Clan Nel Toth
Cards like Scarland Thrinax
Scarland Thrinax occupies a unique niche in the Magic: The Gathering arsenal of creature cards. As an integral part of the Jund deck’s strategy, it stands out for its capacity to grow power by sacrificing other creatures. Looking to other cards, Mitotic Slime offers a parallel utility by providing a cascade of smaller creatures upon death rather than an immediate increase in power like the Thrinax does.
Then we have Ivy Lane Denizen, another creature that thrives on the act of other creatures entering the battlefield, giving you a +1/+1 counter on a target creature. While different in approach, it similarly revolves around creature interaction to amass greater strength. Carrion Feeder is also worth mentioning – it shares the sacrifice aspect with Scarland Thrinax but lacks the ability to accumulate counters over multiple turns. Instead, the Feeder’s power boost lasts only as long as it remains on the battlefield.
Comparatively, Scarland Thrinax provides enduring value by permanently bolstering its strength and serving as a formidable threat if left unchecked. Although each card has its strengths and synergies within different gameplay strategies, Scarland Thrinax’s capability for continuous power scaling makes it an exceptionally potent player on the MTG landscape.
Cards similar to Scarland Thrinax by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Scarland Thrinax has the potential to be a significant source of card advantage on the battlefield. Players can sacrifice other creatures to put +1/+1 counters on Scarland Thrinax, transforming the initial investment into a larger threat. This can deter opponents from attacking or enticing them to trade with a single creature that holds multiple creature’s worth of power.
Resource Acceleration: In MTG, any increase in a player’s assets can be seen as resource acceleration. Scarland Thrinax does this by providing a repository for +1/+1 counters when you have an excess of creatures or when their sacrifice will thwart an opponent’s strategy, effectively accelerating your board presence without a direct increase in mana.
Instant Speed: While Scarland Thrinax’s abilities do not work at instant speed, its interaction with instant speed spells and effects in MTG is pivotal. Players can wait until the last possible moment before sacrificing creatures to it, in response to removal spells or during combat to mislead an opponent’s calculations, making it a flexible tool during the heat of play.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Scarland Thrinax demands a sacrifice, not just any card, but a creature. This can be a tough ask, especially when your board presence is running thin or you’re setting up for a combo play. Letting go of another creature to empower the Thrinax is sometimes a steep price to pay and can lead to a decrease in your field advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: Locked into a strict Jund color alignment, Scarland Thrinax can be a bit of a hard fit for decks outside of these colors. Its demand for one black, one red, and one green mana can complicate your mana base, making it tougher to cast on curve, especially in multicolored decks that are not heavily invested in Jund.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While it starts as a robust 2/2 creature, the requirement to sacrifice other creatures for it to grow means that you might end up investing more resources than you initially planned. When you’re committing three mana for Scarland Thrinax, you must weigh if the potential growth is worth the initial expense and the ongoing cost each time you want to bolster its power and toughness.
Reasons to Include Scarland Thrinax in Your Collection
Versatility: Scarland Thrinax offers a flexible role within various deck archetypes. As a creature that connects well with token and sacrifice strategies, its ability to grow stronger through creature sacrifice makes it a great fit for numerous aggressive and mid-game focused decks.
Combo Potential: This card shines when paired with decks that generate an abundance of creature tokens. These decks can rapidly increase the Thrinax’s power, turning it into a formidable threat. Additionally, it holds significant synergy with effects that capitalize on creatures dying, such as those that trigger “when a creature dies” abilities or graveyard mechanics.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where creature-based strategies prevail, Scarland Thrinax stands out as a resilient component. Its presence in your collection ensures that you’re prepared to face decks that hinge on removals, as it can quickly become a sizable creature that demands an answer from your opponents.
How to beat
Scarland Thrinax presents a formidable challenge on the battlefield. This card, nestled within the strategic landscape of MTG, is a juggernaut for counter-based strategies. With its ability to devour your creatures to grow stronger, it can quickly become an overwhelming force. Addressing this powerhouse requires a multifaceted approach. Spot removal spells like Fatal Push, Path to Exile, or Assassin’s Trophy can take it down regardless of how large it has grown. Board control spells like Wrath of God or Damnation also work wonders, resetting the playing field.
Timing is crucial when dealing with a Scarland Thrinax. Engage it with removal before it gets the chance to become too large to handle. Counter spells like Counter spell or Dovin’s Veto can prevent it from hitting the board in the first place. Keeping your creatures on the board instead of sacrificing them will limit the power of the Thrinax. Cards that restrict the opponent from sacrificing creatures can also neem to neutralize it effectively. Moreover, exile effects bypass the Thrinax’s strength in using death for growth, offering a cleaner solution.
Any player facing Scarland Thrinax should prioritize their removal resources and watch the battlefield state to decide when to strike. An unchecked Thrinax can spell disaster, but with the right tools and timing, you can ensure it remains a minor threat.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Scarland Thrinax MTG card by a specific set like Conflux and Commander 2013, 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 Scarland Thrinax 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 Scarland Thrinax Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2009-02-06 and 2013-11-01. Illustrated by Daarken.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2009-02-06 | Conflux | CON | 123 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Daarken | |
| 2 | 2013-11-01 | Commander 2013 | C13 | 209 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Daarken |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Scarland Thrinax has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |