Sibilant Spirit MTG Card
1995-06-03 - Number 97
1997-03-24 - Number 123
1999-04-21 - Number 98
2008-09-22 - Number 67
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Spirit |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 6 |
Text of card
Flying Whenever Sibilant Spirit is declared as an attacker, defending player may draw a card.
"Relax. I'm sure it's just a snake hissing." —Avram Garrisson, Leader of the Knights of Stromgald
Cards like Sibilant Spirit
Sibilant Spirit is an intriguing creature within the realms of Magic: The Gathering, reminiscent of many spirits and flying creatures. It shares characteristics with creatures like Phantom Monster, a classic flier with a straightforward 3/3 stat line. Where Sibilant Spirit shines is in its ability to deal direct damage to the opponent whenever it’s blocked, allowing for advantageous trades and pressuring the opponent’s defenses.
Drifting Djinn is another card worth comparing, which also has flying and operates on a recurrent mana cost to maintain its presence on the battlefield. While Drifting Djinn typically has higher power and toughness, Sibilant Spirit requires no upkeep, making it a reliable and persistent aerial threat. Similarly, Air Elemental is a stable yet vanilla flyer that lacks the direct damage potential of Sibilant Spirit but offers a solid body in the air.
Ultimately, Sibilant Spirit holds its own within the echelon of offensive fliers in MTG. Its distinct blend of evasion, consistent damage output, and absence of upkeep cost positions it favorably among its ethereal peers.
Cards similar to Sibilant Spirit by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Sibilant Spirit offers a strategic edge as it can potentially force opponents to draw multiple cards, nudging them closer to deck depletion if used in a mill strategy.
Resource Acceleration: While this card doesn’t directly produce mana or ramp, it pressures opponents and can escalate your board state by keeping their defenses at bay with its flying ability, indirectly accelerating your game plan.
Instant Speed: Sibilant Spirit’s ability to be played at instant speed provides a tactical advantage by giving you the flexibility to respond to opponents’ actions, or deploy it as an unexpected blocker or attacker during combat.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Sibilant Spirit forces players to discard a card whenever it deals damage to an opponent. This effect requires careful hand management, as it can deplete your own resources and potentially leave you at a disadvantage if you’re unable to maintain card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that includes two blue mana, Sibilant Spirit necessitates a solid commitment to blue within your mana base. This requirement can restrict deck-building flexibility and make it challenging to include in multicolored decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At six mana, Sibilant Spirit’s cost is on the higher end, which can make it a less-than-ideal play in the early to mid-game when tempo is critical. Given its mana investment, it competes with other high-impact cards that may offer immediate board presence or game-altering effects.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Sibilant Spirit adds a unique twist to blue decks, blending both offensive and defensive strategies. Thanks to its flying ability, it serves as a reliable attacker in the air, while its ability to force opponents to draw cards can disrupt their strategy or synergize with yours.
Combo Potential: This card’s forced card draw effect pairs well with blue’s numerous hand disruption mechanisms. It encourages the use of strategies that punish the opponent for drawing or holding too many cards, which could open up opportunities for punishment-based win conditions.
Meta-Relevance: As the game evolves, having tactics that accelerate your opponent’s deck can lead to unexpected victories, especially in formats where players carefully plan their draws and hand composition. By inserting Sibilant Spirit into your deck, you’re adding an element that can upset the equilibrium on the board.
How to beat
Sibilant Spirit is an intriguing card that can pose quite a challenge in Magic: The Gathering matches. This flying creature becomes a threatening presence the moment it graces the battlefield due to its unique ability to dodge most removal spells. Its resilience stems from the fact that it can only be targeted by spells when it’s on the offensive, attacking your life points.
To circumvent the protection this spectral entity affords, one effective strategy is to implement spells or abilities that do not target. This includes board wipes such as Wrath of God, which can clear the board of all creatures, including the elusive Sibilant Spirit, without specifically targeting it. Another approach is to use creatures with reach or favorable blocking abilities to neutralize it in combat. Lastly, employing indirect damage through cards that reduce life totals or affect all creatures on the battlefield can effectively erode the Spirit’s impact.
Navigating around the restrictions Sibilant Spirit poses requires a blend of strategic card choice and timing. Being prepared with non-targeted removal or damage spells ensures that when Sibilant Spirit makes its presence felt, you’re ready to counter and maintain control of the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sibilant Spirit MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age and Fifth Edition, 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 Sibilant Spirit 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 Sibilant Spirit Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1995-06-03 and 2008-09-22. Illustrated by Ron Spencer.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1995-06-03 | Ice Age | ICE | 97 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer | |
| 2 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 123 | 1997 | Normal | White | Ron Spencer | |
| 3 | 1999-04-21 | Classic Sixth Edition | 6ED | 98 | 1997 | Normal | White | Ron Spencer | |
| 4 | 2008-09-22 | Masters Edition II | ME2 | 67 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Sibilant Spirit has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Sibilant Spirit card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | Your opponent does not have to draw a card if they don’t want to. |