Streambed Aquitects MTG Card
2007-10-12 - Number 91
2017-10-24 - Number 18
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Merfolk Scout |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
: Target Merfolk creature gets +1/+1 and gains islandwalk until end of turn. : Target land becomes an Island until end of turn.
"We look in the river and see scattered stones. A merrow looks and sees a map of Lorwyn." —Illulia, flamekin soulstoke
Cards like Streambed Aquitects
Streambed Aquitects serves as a multifaceted utility card in Magic: The Gathering’s Merfolk tribal decks. When assessing its similarities to other cards, Merfolk Sovereign often swims into view. Both cards empower other Merfolk, with Sovereign offering a blanket boost in power and toughness. Streambed Aquitects, however, takes a different route by providing the option to make a Merfolk unblockable for the turn.
Another card to consider is the Merrow Reejerey. This creature not only provides a power increase to other Merfolk but also allows you to untap or tap a permanent whenever you cast another Merfolk spell, amplifying the potential plays per turn. Streambed Aquitects does not affect the board as broadly but can be a strategic play to ensure key creatures swing in unimpeded.
Tidebinder Mage enters the fray with a different approach, aiming to control the opponent’s battlefield by locking down red or green creatures. While Streambed Aquitects doesn’t offer such control, its ability to affect combat can be equally pivotal. Each of these cards serves a unique purpose in MTG’s deep pool of Merfolk synergy, and the Aquitects’ low-cost versatility in maneuvering through enemy defenses marks its territory within the tribe.
Cards similar to Streambed Aquitects by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Streambed Aquitects allow you to potentially draw a card each time it or another Merfolk you control becomes tapped. This consistent source of card draw can keep your hand replenished as you deploy other strategies.
Resource Acceleration: The tap ability of Streambed Aquitects can be a form of resource acceleration. It can untap a land, effectively netting an additional mana source that you can use immediately or during your next main phase.
Instant Speed Flexibility: While Streambed Aquitects is itself not an instant, its tap ability can be used at instant speed. This grants you the flexibility to respond to your opponent’s actions or to maximize your mana efficiency by untapping lands at the end of your opponent’s turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Streambed Aquitects’ ability to potentially strengthen your other Merfolk can come with the steep price of discarding a card. This can be especially cumbersome in the midst of a tightly-contested match where each card in hand is critical.
Specific Mana Cost: The Aquitects require a specific blend of mana, one blue and two others, to cast. This can sometimes be restrictive for players who aren’t running a deck that’s heavy on blue resources or those with a more diverse mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Streambed Aquitects offer an intriguing effect for Merfolk enthusiasts, their mana cost is on the higher side compared to other creatures with similar support abilities. Savvy players might be inclined to seek out cheaper options that free up mana for other strategic plays.
Reasons to Include Streambed Aquitects in Your Collection
Versatility: Streambed Aquitects offers a flexible role in your deck-building, fitting seamlessly into merfolk strategies or any blue-based control decks that need to manage board states effectively.
Combo Potential: This card works well with mechanics that capitalize on creature types such as “islandwalk” or benefits from increasing the number of merfolk or wizard creatures you control.
Meta-Relevance: With a shifting landscape in competitive play, Streambed Aquitects can adapt to the meta by either enhancing your creature-centric tactics or acting as a tricky obstacle for your opponent’s creatures.
How to Beat
Streambed Aquitects presents a unique challenge in the MTG arena. As a card that adeptly powers up other Merfolk, it can quickly become the linchpin of an imposing tribal deck. Most players underestimate how quickly this card can enhance the battlefield in favor of your opponent.
To counteract the Aquitects’ influence, prioritize removal spells that can dispatch the creature before its ability is used. Direct damage spells, efficient kill spells, or even counterspells will do the trick. Beyond individual removal, consider board wipes that can cleanse the battlefield of all creatures, including any Merfolk that have already benefited from the Aquitects’ boon.
Focusing on non-creature strategies may also provide an advantage, steering clear of the tribal synergies that this card promotes. Enchantment-based control decks, for instance, don’t hinge on creature combat and can navigate around Merfolk tribal strengths. In essence, staying adaptable and prepared with a variety of answers in your deck will keep you one step ahead of the Streambed Aquitects’ game plan.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Streambed Aquitects MTG card by a specific set like Lorwyn and Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. Goblins, 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 Streambed Aquitects 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 Streambed Aquitects Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2007-10-12 and 2017-10-24. Illustrated by William O'Connor.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2007-10-12 | Lorwyn | LRW | 91 | 2003 | Normal | Black | William O'Connor | |
| 2 | 2017-10-24 | Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. Goblins | DDT | 18 | 2015 | Normal | Black | William O'Connor |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Streambed Aquitects has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |