Skymarch Bloodletter MTG Card
2017-09-29 - Number 124
2018-07-13 - Number 119
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Vampire Soldier |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Flying When Skymarch Bloodletter enters the battlefield, target opponent loses 1 life and you gain 1 life.
From the perpetual shadowsmoke that hung above the ship, a silent form emerged, lips curled with malice and anticipation.
Cards like Skymarch Bloodletter
Skymarch Bloodletter serves as an intriguing creature card within the Magic: The Gathering arena. It finds parallels with another flying vampire, such as ‘Falkenrath Noble’, which also offers both flying and an effect triggered upon entering the battlefield or when other creatures die. Skymarch Bloodletter differentiates itself by targeting a player directly upon arrival, causing loss of life and thus incrementing your own life total. Falkenrath Noble, while being costlier in terms of mana, has greater flexibility affecting all players and triggering off any creature’s demise.
We can also draw a comparison with ‘Thief of Hope’, a specter that focuses on reducing an opponent’s life while you gain that same amount. Thief of Hope, however, hinges on the presence of other Spirit or Arcane cards to activate its ability. At a lower mana cost, Skymarch Bloodletter stands out due to its standalone impact without the need for such synergies.
Comparing these cards showcases Skymarch Bloodletter as a valuable asset, particularly in decks centered on life modifications and vampire synergy. Its straightforward vitality exchange, airborne prowess, and vampire lineage make it a card worthy of attention for players looking to add a touch of aggression and resilience to their MTG strategies.
Cards similar to Skymarch Bloodletter by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When Skymarch Bloodletter enters the battlefield, its ability to cause your opponent to lose 1 life and you to gain 1 life has an indirect effect on card advantage. This minor life swing can help you stabilize in the game and outlast your opponent, potentially leading to gaining more cards than them over time.
Resource Acceleration: Although Skymarch Bloodletter itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, it’s a low-cost creature that effectively fits into your mana curve. By maintaining momentum in the early to the mid-game, it helps keep resources available for more significant plays later on.
Instant Speed: While Skymarch Bloodletter isn’t an instant, its flying ability offers a strategic advantage by potentially allowing for unblocked attacks, especially in a deck built to capitalize on instant-speed interactions or when combined with flash granting spells to surprise an opponent.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Skymarch Bloodletter doesn’t specifically require a discard, but its effectiveness can be impacted in a hand with limited options, restricting strategic plays.
Specific Mana Cost: This vampire ally comes with a strict color requirement, needing one black mana in addition to two generic mana, which may prove to be a restriction for multi-colored or colorless decks seeking flexibility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana for a 2/2 creature, Skymarch Bloodletter’s immediate impact on the board may not be as substantial as other options available at this cost bracket, especially considering alternative creatures that could provide a stronger board presence or additional abilities for the same investment.
Reasons to Include Skymarch Bloodletter in Your Collection
Versatility: Skymarch Bloodletter serves as a functional tool in various deck styles, notably those looking for flying creatures or ways to incrementally decrease opponent life while bolstering their own.
Combo Potential: This vampire ally can be a cog in life-gain strategies or particularly synergize with cards that capitalize on life total changes or creature presence in the air.
Meta-Relevance: Given its ability to affect life totals directly, it plays well against decks that are vulnerable to early flying pressure or depend on maintaining a higher life count. In the right meta, Skymarch Bloodletter’s influence can be unexpectedly impactful.
How to beat
Skymarch Bloodletter, a creature card from Magic: The Gathering, has made a name for itself in the vampire deck archetype. Its strength lies in the ability to deal direct damage to an opponent while simultaneously providing a health boost to the player. This subtle yet vital combination of draining life can swing the momentum in favor of the player who casts it.
To counter Skymarch Bloodletter effectively, consider adding removal spells to your deck. Cards such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile are prime examples of how one can manage such threats with minimal effort. Additionally, incorporating creatures with a higher toughness into your strategy can minimize the impact of the Bloodletter’s entrance ability. These methods prevent the vampire from taking too much control of the game by dealing with it swiftly or mitigating its influence on the battlefield.
Playing around this card requires anticipation and the inclusion of strategic defenses. Remember that this creature thrives in decks that capitalize on life discrepancies. By adjusting your deck with Skymarch Bloodletter in mind, you improve your chances of maintaining control in matches where it could pose a significant threat.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Skymarch Bloodletter MTG card by a specific set like Ixalan and Core Set 2019, 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 Skymarch Bloodletter 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Skymarch Bloodletter Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-09-29 and 2018-07-13. Illustrated by Tomasz Jedruszek.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-09-29 | Ixalan | XLN | 124 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Tomasz Jedruszek | |
| 2 | 2018-07-13 | Core Set 2019 | M19 | 119 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Tomasz Jedruszek |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Skymarch Bloodletter has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |