Seascape Aerialist MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Merfolk Wizard Ally |
| Released | 2009-10-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Zendikar |
| Set code | ZEN |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 64 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Andrew Robinson |
Text of card
Whenever Seascape Aerialist or another Ally enters the battlefield under your control, you may have Ally creatures you control gain flying until end of turn.
"The sky is like another sea. It teems with currents, life, and endless possibility."
Cards like Seascape Aerialist
Seascape Aerialist stands out in Magic: The Gathering as it synergizes with the Ally creature type to offer incremental advantages. When compared to other flying creatures, it’s the Aerialist’s ability to grow stronger with each Ally that enters the battlefield that separates it from the likes of Welkin Tern, which, despite its lower casting cost and baseline flying ability, lacks any progression in power or toughness.
Another card worth mentioning in relation to the Aerialist is the Windrider Patrol. Although both creatures capitalize on flying to stay clear of ground-based threats, the Patrol provides a straightforward card advantage by scrying whenever it deals combat damage to a player. However, this does not impact its stats directly like the Aerialist’s potential growth with Ally synergy. Meanwhile, the Jubilant Skybonder also allows for evasive maneuvers but prioritizes restricting opponent interactions with flying creatures rather than enhancing its own power level based on the battlefield presence.
In assessing the unique contribution of each card, Seascape Aerialist affords a dynamic playstyle for MTG enthusiasts who enjoy the strategic element of managing and deploying Allies to bolster their air force. This mechanic encourages interactive and responsive gameplay, setting it apart in a compelling way within the deckbuilding landscape.
Cards similar to Seascape Aerialist by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When Seascape Aerialist enters the battlefield, you are rewarded with an additional card drawn should you have another creature enter the battlefield under your control during the same turn. This plays into strong synergies with flicker or creature tokens, leveraging the momentum and keeping your hand full.
Resource Acceleration: As a key part of any blue-based deck’s strategy, this card’s ability to capitalize on creature play can result in frequent card draws, indirectly speeding up your deck’s tempo and resource availability. This may not directly generate mana but consistently drawing cards will ensure you hit your land drops and key spells more reliably.
Instant Speed: The alliance mechanic allows you to trigger Seascape Aerialist’s ability at instant speed by casting creatures on your opponent’s turn or through end step mechanics. This flexibility can catch opponents off guard and ensure you gain maximum value from the card during various phases of the game. By keeping your opponents guessing, you maintain a tactical edge.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Seascape Aerialist demands you part with a precious card from your hand to unlock its full potential. This can backfire, especially when your hand is almost empty, leaving you at a strategic disadvantage.
Specific Mana Cost: The aerial prowess of Seascape Aerialist comes at the specific price of blue mana. This necessitates a commitment to blue sources within your deck, potentially cluttering your mana base or restricting deck diversity.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Allocating four mana to summon the Seascape Aerialist could be a steep price to pay. In the landscape of MTG, where efficiency is king, you might find other creatures or spells that provide greater value or impact on the game at a similar or lower cost threshold.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Seascape Aerialist thrives in environments where allies take center stage. Any collection that values allies as a theme will appreciate how this card scales in power based on the number of allies under your control, becoming a potential game-changer in multiplayer formats.
Combo Potential: This card shines when combined with other cheap ally creatures, allowing for powerful synergies and a rapidly scaling threat. Its ability to grow in both power and toughness can turn the tide of the game quickly in ally-centric strategies.
Meta-Relevance: In formats where tribal decks are popular, Seascape Aerialist can be a critical piece of the puzzle. Its scaling ability reflects the dynamic nature of ally decks and can quickly become a force to be reckoned with against unsuspecting opponents.
How to beat
Seascape Aerialist is an intriguing creature in the realm of MTG, rewarding you with a prowess-like ability for having allies. Understanding its mechanics is key to countering its impact on the game. Like most creatures that scale with board presence, removal is your best avenue. Instant speed spells that can pick off the Aerialist before it accumulates too many +1/+1 counters and becomes an insurmountable threat are essential. Cards such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile are prime examples of efficient removal that can handle the Aerialist before it takes over the skies.
An alternative strategy is to mitigate the Aerialist’s ability by controlling the number of allies a player can have on the board. Board wipes like Wrath of God or Supreme Verdict can reset the field, removing the advantages that allies build up. In a more direct approach, countering key ally spells with Negate or Essence Scatter ensures that the Seascape Aerialist never gains its bonuses, keeping the aerial threat manageable.
Ultimately, staying proactive and disrupting your opponent’s strategy forms the core of overcoming the Seascape Aerialist. Keep removal at the ready, limit the growth of ally forces, and the skies will remain clear for your victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Seascape Aerialist MTG card by a specific set like Zendikar, 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 Seascape Aerialist 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 Seascape Aerialist has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Seascape Aerialist card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2009-10-01 | The ability affects only Allies you control at the time the ability resolves. |