Separatist Voidmage MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Wizard |
| Released | 2015-07-17 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Magic Origins |
| Set code | ORI |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 72 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Jason Rainville |
Text of card
When Separatist Voidmage enters the battlefield, you may return target creature to its owner's hand.
"As long as each side thinks it can win, the balance holds, and the mage-rings stand." —Alhammarret
Cards like Separatist Voidmage
Separatist Voidmage holds a unique position among creature cards that allow you to return other creatures to their owner’s hand in Magic: The Gathering. Much like its functional predecessor Man-o’-War, this creature provides a form of temporary removal while simultaneously developing your board presence. The critical difference is Man-o’-War can target any creature, while Separatist Voidmage is restricted to opposing creatures, offering a more focused control play.
In comparison, there’s also Exclusion Mage, a creature with a similar ability to Separatist Voidmage. Both creatures have the same mana cost and power/toughness distribution. However, Exclusion Mage’s ability to bounce a creature is limited to ones that the opponent controls. A small, but sometimes crucial difference.
Another card worth mentioning is Aether Adept, which shares the same mana cost and effect. It doesn’t have the same creature type synergy but can still serve a similar role. Choosing between these cards largely depends on deck strategy and the type of control players want to exert on the game. In short, Separatist Voidmage offers a reliable way to remove threats while advancing your game plan, making it a solid choice for many blue control decks in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Separatist Voidmage by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Effective at removing creatures, Separatist Voidmage grants a subtle form of card advantage by bouncing an opponent’s creature back to their hand. This disrupts their game plan and sets you up for more favorable trades or attacks.
Resource Acceleration: While this card does not directly accelerate resources, the ability to clear the way by sending a blocker back to an opponent’s hand can pave the way for your attacks, potentially leading to more damage and quicker wins.
Instant Speed: The magic of Separatist Voidmage lies in the surprise factor. Although the ability is not at instant speed, playing this at the right moment can feel just as impactful, as it can undo your opponent’s plays and leave them vulnerable during your turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Separatist Voidmage doesn’t ask you to discard cards, but its abilities may not be as impactful when you’re struggling to keep cards in hand. This can make it less attractive compared to other options that bolster your hand without any sacrifice.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands two blue mana in its casting cost, which could restrict your deck-building choices. Decks not heavily invested in blue might find it challenging to reliably play Separatist Voidmage when needed.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost of four, including two that are color-specific, the ability to bounce a creature to its owner’s hand can be seen as costly. There are many other creatures and spells in the game that offer similar or better effects for less mana, making Separatist Voidmage a potentially less efficient choice in a mana-tight situation.
Reasons to Include Separatist Voidmage in Your Collection
Versatility: Separatist Voidmage boasts a flexible design that allows it to adapt to various deck builds. Its ability to bounce creatures back to an opponent’s hand can serve multiple purposes, from disrupting enemy combos to clearing the path for a decisive attack.
Combo Potential: This card shines in combination with spells and abilities that trigger upon casting a creature or when creatures enter the battlefield. Utilizing its return-to-hand ability can repeatedly activate such synergies, offering great value over the course of a game.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment that’s populated with formidable creatures and intricate token strategies, Separatist Voidmage provides a counterbalance. It can effectively remove problematic permanents from the board, making it a strategic addition to your arsenal against dominant creature-based decks.
How to beat
Overcoming a Separatist Voidmage on the battlefield can be pivotal to maintaining control in your Magic: The Gathering match. The card’s main strength lies in its ability to return target creature to its owner’s hand, potentially disrupting your opponent’s strategy. When facing off against this card, timing is everything. Playing your creatures after the Voidmage has used its ability ensures they won’t be the targets of this temporary setback.
It’s beneficial to consider cards that counteract creature-based strategies or spells that negate the Voidmage’s bounce effect. Instants that grant hexproof or indestructible at a moment’s notice can safeguard your key creatures. Moreover, having cards with haste enables immediate retaliation even if your creature was returned to hand on a previous turn. Keep in mind that the Separatist Voidmage’s ability targets only one creature; as such, broadening your battlefield presence with multiple threats can dilute the impact of this unwelcome mage.
Adapting to the battlefield and understanding the scope of Separatist Voidmage’s influence can turn the tide in your favor. Bolster your deck with answers to bounce effects, and the disruption this card introduces will be nothing more than a minor hindrance in your path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Separatist Voidmage MTG card by a specific set like Magic Origins, 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 Separatist Voidmage 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 Separatist Voidmage has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Separatist Voidmage card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2015-06-22 | Separatist Voidmage’s ability can target itself. |