Servant of Volrath MTG Card


It offers card advantage by reclaiming creatures from the graveyard at key moments. Enables resource acceleration, outmaneuvering opponents with creature availability. Instant speed activation provides surprise plays and strategic choices.
Servant of Volrath - Tempest
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Minion
Released1997-10-14
Set symbol
Set nameTempest
Set codeTMP
Power 3
Toughness 3
Number156
Frame1997
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byBrian Snõddy

Text of card

If Servant of Volrath leaves play, sacrifice a creature.

"Volrath is a harsh master. My reflection is a constant reminder of that." —Greven *il*-Vec


Cards like Servant of Volrath

Servant of Volrath stands as an intriguing creature card within Magic: The Gathering, drawing comparisons to other cards that enable creature manipulation. Striking similarities can be seen when looking at cards like Æther Adept. Both cards allow for the return of creatures to their owner’s hand, albeit Servant of Volrath comes with the additional stipulation of sacrificing it in the process. While Æther Adept doesn’t have that sacrifice cost, it lacks the element of surprise and reusability that a card like Fallen Shinobi offers, which also interacts with the opponent’s creatures.

Another card worth comparing is Man-o’-War, which, like Servant of Volrath, creates disruption in the opponent’s battlefield but through a different mechanism. Man-o’-War bounces a creature upon entering the battlefield without the need for a sacrifice. This makes Man-o’-War more suited for aggressive strategies that require a repeated bounce effect.

In essence, Servant of Volrath’s niche within Magic: The Gathering emerges from its flexible sacrifice mechanic, potentially clearing a path or saving it for a decisive moment. Despite its ability to manipulate the battlefield, its comparison with similar cards highlights the importance of strategic sacrifice and timing in gameplay.

Fallen Shinobi - MTG Card versions
Man-o'-War - MTG Card versions
Fallen Shinobi - MTG Card versions
Man-o'-War - MTG Card versions

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Mindstab Thrull - MTG Card versions
Mischievous Poltergeist - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Servant of Volrath grants incremental advantage as it allows for the return of key creatures from the graveyard to your hand. This retrieval is a form of card advantage that can lead to sustained pressure on your opponent and recuperation from removal spells.

Resource Acceleration: With its ability to recur creatures, Servant of Volrath can effectively accelerate your resources by giving you access to more creatures than your mana might suggest. This can dramatically shift the pace of the game, allowing you to outpace your opponent’s resources.

Instant Speed: The ability to use Servant of Volrath’s Return ability at instant speed offers strategic flexibility. Activate it during the end step of your opponent’s turn to surprise them with a creature they didn’t account for or respond to an opponent’s action by recovering just the creature you need in the moment.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Servant of Volrath necessitates the surrender of another card in your hand, which can be a steep price if your hand is already dwindling in options.

Specific Mana Cost: This creature demands a blend of generic and specific mana to summon, including the need for black mana, potentially restricting play to decks with corresponding resources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Investing three mana for its capabilities may be unwieldy when you might deploy creatures or spells of greater impact for the same, or lower, cost.


Reasons to Include Servant of Volrath in Your Collection

Versatility: Servant of Volrath offers strategic flexibility to various deck builds. As a creature with the regenerate ability, it can be a resilient threat that sticks around, enhancing decks that thrive on maintaining a board presence.

Combo Potential: With its ability to return to the battlefield, Servant of Volrath pairs well with cards and strategies that reward creature recurrence or death triggers, enabling a range of powerful interactions.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where constant removal is prevalent, Servant of Volrath’s tenacity and recurring nature can make it a viable option against decks that aim to control the board through destruction.


How to beat

Servant of Volrath is a creature card with a set of skills that demand attention from players looking to dominate the game. This card, similar to proliferate-type cards, can become a threat by enhancing its strength through various in-game mechanics. To effectively counter this menacing card, a strategic approach is key. Utilizing removal spells like Path to Exile or Fatal Push can swiftly eliminate the Servant of Volrath from the battlefield, preventing any chance of growth or activation of its abilities. Cards offering exile effects are especially potent, as they ensure the Servant doesn’t return to wreak havoc.

In matches where Servant of Volrath plays a crucial role, keeping a watchful eye on the graveyard is vital. Cards such as Tormod’s Crypt provide an efficient way to clear out graveyards, effectively neutralizing strategies that hinge on bringing creatures back from the dead. Incorporating graveyard management into your deck can be a decisive factor in maintaining control. Timing and a keen sense of your opponent’s strategy can turn a potential defeat at the hands of Servant of Volrath into a victory in your column.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Servant of Volrath MTG card by a specific set like Tempest, 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 Servant of Volrath and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Servant of Volrath has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal