Soltari Monk MTG Card
1997-10-14 - Number 45
1998-08-12 - Number bh45
2015-05-06 - Number 31
2020-09-26 - Number TMP-45
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Soltari Monk Cleric |
| Abilities | Protection,Shadow |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Protection from black; shadow (This creature can block or be blocked by only creatures with shadow.)
"Prayer rarely explains." —Orim, Samite healer
Cards like Soltari Monk
Soltari Monk is a unique creature card that finds itself in a niche corner of Magic: The Gathering’s pantheon of creatures. It shares some similarities with other white creatures like the Soltari Priest and Soltari Champion, all members of the shadow creature family. Like other Soltari creatures, the Monk boasts the elusive shadow ability, making it only blockable by creatures with the same ability.
When compared to the Soltari Priest, the Monk mirrors its capability with its power and shadow, but stands alone with protection from red, as opposed to the Priest’s protection from black. This gives the Soltari Monk an advantage in matchups against red decks. On the other hand, the Soltari Champion, while also a shadow creature, steps forward as more of a team player by pumping up other creatures when it attacks, something the Monk does not facilitate.
Analyzing these nuances among similar cards reveals the strategic choice embedded in including Soltari Monk in a deck. Its specific protections combined with its enemy’s ineligibility to block advantages the card well for defensive white strategies, especially in formats where shadow abilities are scarce, making the Monk a card to consider for evasion-focused MTG decks.
Cards similar to Soltari Monk by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Soltari Monk offers a unique form of card advantage by providing consistent damage that can be difficult for the opponent to block, thanks to its shadow mechanic. This allows you to pressure the opponent’s life total while maintaining your hand count.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly contributing to resource acceleration, this card can quickly become a must-answer threat. Its presence can shift the opponent’s focus and resources away from their own development, indirectly accelerating your game plan.
Instant Speed: With Instant Speed removal and tricks being central to MTG gameplay, the monk’s protection from black characteristic makes it an excellent card for circumventing common black-based instant-speed interactions, especially in formats where such cards are prevalent.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While playing Soltari Monk, the absence of a discard requirement can be missed as such mechanics often synergize with graveyard strategies. Not interacting with the graveyard can limit tactical options in some deck builds.
Specific Mana Cost: Soltari Monk demands precise mana in white, meaning it fits best in mono-white or two-color decks. This can restrict deck diversity and make it less compatible with multicolor or splashy mana bases.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing two white mana might not seem much, but in a fast-paced game environment, the mana investment for a 2/1 creature could be put towards more impactful creatures or spells. The mana efficiency of Soltari Monk is sometimes questioned when compared to other two-drops in the format.
Reasons to Include Soltari Monk in Your Collection
Versatility: Soltari Monk is not only a solid creature due to its protection from black, but it also effortlessly slides into white weenie or protection-based decks. Its ability to be unblockable by a common color makes it a strategic choice for many battles.
Combo Potential: As a creature with shadow, this monk works wonders in tandem with other shadow or evasion-centric cards. Its synergy with equipment and enchantments that boost its combat prowess makes it a sneaky threat in any duel.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where black spells and creatures are prevalent, Soltari Monk gains considerable value. Being able to evade common removal spells and blockers gives it a steady place in many game environments.
How to beat
Soltari Monk presents a unique challenge on the battlefield due to its shadow ability, meaning it can only block or be blocked by other creatures with shadow. This elusive quality often gives the impression that it’s difficult to manage in MTG games. Nevertheless, there are several tactics players can employ to handle this intangible threat efficiently.
Spot removal spells that don’t require blocking, such as Path to Exile or Doom Blade, are excellent for dealing with Soltari Monk. Alternatively, using board wipes like Wrath of God clears the field regardless of a creature’s abilities, ensuring that the Monk is swept away with the rest. Additionally, direct player-targeted damage spells or abilities can circumvent the need to deal with the Monk altogether, shifting the game’s focus.
In sum, the key to overcoming the Soltari Monk lies in creative strategy and employing the vast array of non-blocking spells that MTG offers. By thinking outside the confines of combat, the Monk’s advantage can be mitigated, and players can reclaim the upper hand.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Soltari Monk MTG card by a specific set like Tempest and World Championship Decks 1998, 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 Soltari Monk 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 Soltari Monk Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1997-10-14 and 2015-05-06. Illustrated by Janet Aulisio.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1997-10-14 | Tempest | TMP | 45 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Janet Aulisio | |
| 2 | 1998-08-12 | World Championship Decks 1998 | WC98 | bh45 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Janet Aulisio | |
| 3 | 2015-05-06 | Tempest Remastered | TPR | 31 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Janet Aulisio | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | TMP-45 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Janet Aulisio |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Soltari Monk has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |