Soratami Rainshaper MTG Card
2004-10-01 - Number 89
2005-08-22 - Number H43
2005-08-22 - Number H30
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Moonfolk Wizard |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Flying , Return a land you control to its owner's hand: Target creature you control can't be the target of spells or abilities this turn.
Cards like Soratami Rainshaper
Soratami Rainshaper is a unique creature in Magic: The Gathering, neighing gently into decks focused on protecting key pieces on the board. It sits alongside other cards such as Kira, Great Glass-Spinner which provides a broader blanket of protection against spells or abilities your opponents control, targeting your creatures. While Kira’s effect is continuous without further costs, the Soratami Rainshaper requires mana investment for each protective instance.
Another card worth mentioning is Alexi’s Cloak, a spell that not only shields a creature from being the target of spells or abilities but also gives it shroud as long as the Cloak is attached. Here, the trade-off is between the permanency of bestowed protection and the flexibility of activating the Rainshaper’s ability at instant speed, albeit at an additional cost. Mother of Runes offers a more directed approach, where protection is granted color-specifically and without a mana requirement, underscoring the versatility of creature-based abilities over those provided by enchantments.
Considering the dynamics of “flicker” or “bounce” decks that benefit from recurring creature-based abilities, Soratami Rainshaper can be especially effective. It offers a repeatable, though mana-dependent, spellshield that can be essential in safeguarding key creatures against targeted removal or disruptive spells.
Cards similar to Soratami Rainshaper by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Soratami Rainshaper provides an effective way to protect your key creatures or enchantments, potentially saving them from targeted removal. This defensive flexibility can indirectly lead to card advantage, as opponents may waste removal spells on threats that you can shield.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly affecting your mana pool, Soratami Rainshaper can be a form of resource acceleration. By defending your mana-producing creatures or other valuable permanents, it effectively accelerates your game plan by ensuring your resources remain on the board and available for your use.
Instant Speed: The ability to activate Soratami Rainshaper’s protective effect at instant speed gives players substantial strategic versatility. You can decide the best moment during an opponent’s turn to deploy its effect, whether that’s in response to removal, during combat, or simply to bluff having counter magic, keeping opponents guessing.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: As a part of the activation cost for Soratami Rainshaper’s ability, you must discard a card. For players striving to maintain card advantage, this can be a drawback, especially in tight situations where every card in hand counts.
Specific Mana Cost: Its casting requirement of one blue and one generic mana could pose a constraint. Afflicting decks that run multiple colors might struggle to have the blue mana available when needed to summon this creature to the battlefield.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While not exorbitant, the total mana cost to bring Soratami Rainshaper into play and activate its ability might be considered steep for what it provides. There are alternatives that could perform similar protective functions or offer additional benefits for the same or less mana investment.
Reasons to Include Soratami Rainshaper in Your Collection
Versatility: Soratami Rainshaper has the utility to be a key player in multiple deck archetypes. Its ability to shield your other creatures or itself from targeted spells adds a protective dimension to your game plan, suitable for both aggressive and defensive strategies.
Combo Potential: Leveraging its ability to create a shield effect, this card can be the linchpin in combos that rely on creature survival. Its interactions open up avenues for synergy with cards that benefit from activated abilities or need protection to execute combos effectively.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state crowded with targeted removal or control elements, Soratami Rainshaper emerges as a tactical asset. Its potential to counteract opponent’s strategies by safeguarding key creatures can shift the tide of the match, making it a relevant addition in various meta scenarios.
How to beat
Soratami Rainshaper serves as a protective aegis for other creatures within MTG by granting them the ability to dodge targeted spells through its unique ability – for a small cost. This monkey-like creature from the Kamigawa block embodies the defensive strategies of blue, making it somewhat tricky for opponents who rely heavily on targeted spells and abilities.
Overcoming the Soratami Rainshaper’s ability requires a strategic adaptation. Utilizing board wipes like Wrath of God or global effects like Pyroclasm can bypass the Rainshaper’s shield by not targeting creatures individually. Additionally, playing cards that cause opponents to sacrifice creatures, such as Diabolic Edict, can neatly sidestep the protection afforded by the Soratami Rainshaper. Spot removal spells won’t always cut it, so a savvy player will pack their deck with these types of global solutions.
Ultimately, while the Soratami Rainshaper can present a hiccup in the plans of many MTG players looking to clear the board with precision, it also requires a mana investment from the controller to use its ability. This gives a crafty opponent the opportunity to bait out mana use, and strike with cost-effective removal or sweeping effects that are unaffected by the Soratami’s skillful influence on the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Soratami Rainshaper MTG card by a specific set like Champions of Kamigawa and Salvat 2005, 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 Soratami Rainshaper 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 Soratami Rainshaper Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2004-10-01 and 2005-08-22. Illustrated by Ittoku.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2004-10-01 | Champions of Kamigawa | CHK | 89 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Ittoku | |
| 2 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | H43 | 2003 | Normal | White | Ittoku | |
| 3 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | H30 | 2003 | Normal | White | Ittoku |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Soratami Rainshaper has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |