Syndicate Messenger MTG Card

Afterlife ability ensures a continued presence with a Spirit token even after Syndicate Messenger’s removal. Flying tokens pressure opponents, accelerating the game and potentially leading to resource advantages. Instant-speed Spirit token adds a surprise factor and grants strategic flexibility mid-game.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Bird
Abilities Afterlife,Flying
Power 2
Toughness 3

Text of card

Flying Afterlife 1 (When this creature dies, create a 1/1 white and black Spirit creature token with flying.)

"Many wings haunt the skies these days. Few of them bear good tidings." —Lavinia

Cards like Syndicate Messenger

Syndicate Messenger offers Magic the Gathering players an interesting dynamic in creature-based strategies. Like the celebrated Squadron Hawk, it brings more than just a body to the battlefield; both have abilities that extend their value beyond their summoning. Squadron Hawk’s ability to fetch other hawks from the deck enhances card advantage, which contrasts with Syndicate Messenger’s afterlife ability that leaves behind a flying token upon its demise.

Another card worth noting is Doomed Traveler, which also leaves a lingering presence after it’s gone by creating a flying token, similar to Syndicate Messenger. However, Doomed Traveler is easier on the mana with a single white cost, emphasizing early game presence. Nonetheless, Syndicate Messenger compensates for its higher mana cost with a sturdier body that can impact the board state more significantly.

When evaluating cards for inclusion in decks, especially those that capitalize on creatures dying, such as afterlife mechanics or token generation, Syndicate Messenger demonstrates a robust blend of survivability and post-removal value. Its dual-purpose utility solidifies its status within its creature card peers.

Squadron Hawk - MTG Card versions
Doomed Traveler - MTG Card versions
Squadron Hawk - MTG Card versions
Doomed Traveler - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Syndicate Messenger is known for its afterlife ability, creating a 1/1 white and black Spirit creature token with flying after it dies. This effectively leaves you with another creature even after removal, maintaining or potentially growing your presence on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly influencing your mana resources, having flyers like Syndicate Messenger and its afterlife token can expedite the game’s clock, exerting pressure on opponents. This can indirectly lead to resource advantages by forcing your opponent to respond, potentially wasting their resources to deal with threats from the air.

Instant Speed: Although Syndicate Messenger itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, the creature token it creates upon death does, adding immediate value during combat or at the end of your opponent’s turn. This can be a surprise element, offering strategic flexibility during gameplay, especially when paired with other spells and abilities you may have at the ready.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One setback for players using Syndicate Messenger is the absence of a discard requirement, which limits synergy in strategies that capitalize on discarding as a benefit.

Specific Mana Cost: The requirement of white mana to cast Syndicate Messenger may restrict deck-building options, as it cannot be seamlessly incorporated into multicolor decks that are not tailored for white mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The four mana expense to summon Syndicate Messenger can be somewhat steep, especially when other creatures with similar or better abilities can be played at a lower cost, potentially putting players at a tempo disadvantage.

Reasons to Include Syndicate Messenger in Your Collection

Versatility: Syndicate Messenger fits seamlessly into decks that revolve around flying creatures and those that require bodies for various sacrifice mechanics. Its flying trait allows it to be a consistent damage-dealer that evades many ground-based blockers.

Combo Potential: When Syndicate Messenger dies, it creates a 1/1 white Spirit creature token with flying, offering synergy with cards that capitalize on creature death or token generation. This can become a cornerstone in decks that thrive on such interactions.

Meta-Relevance: In formats where board presence is crucial, Syndicate Messenger serves a dual purpose by applying pressure in the air while providing additional value upon leaving the battlefield. Its presence can give you an edge in a meta filled with creature-based strategies.

How to beat

Syndicate Messenger is a unique card that presents itself as a challenge on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. This creature with flying ability can return from your graveyard to the battlefield, a feature many MTG players appreciate for its resilience. Yet, there are strategic ways to ensure this winged adversary does not keep coming back to thwart your plans.

One effective tactic is to contain the creature using spells that exile rather than destroy. Cards like Path to Exile provide a clean solution, removing the Messenger from the game entirely. Keep in mind, however, that relying solely on spot removal may not be the most efficient strategy in a game rife with threats. Board control cards, which reset the field entirely, can help mitigate the impact of multiple threats, including Syndicate Messenger. This approach helps control the pace of the game and keep the opponent’s strategies at bay. Always consider your mana curve and deck synergy when selecting the ideal countermeasures to this and similar cards.

Ultimately, understanding card interactions and maintaining a diverse set of responses are key in gaining an advantage over Syndicate Messenger. This demonstrates the importance of a well-rounded deck and a keen sense of timing during gameplay in Magic: The Gathering.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Syndicate Messenger MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica Allegiance and Ravnica Remastered, 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 Syndicate Messenger and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Syndicate Messenger Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2019-01-25 and 2024-02-23. Illustrated by Viktor Titov.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12019-01-25Ravnica AllegianceRNA 252015NormalBlackViktor Titov
22024-01-12Ravnica RemasteredRVR 292015NormalBlackViktor Titov
32024-02-23Ravnica: Clue EditionCLU 752015NormalBlackViktor Titov

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Syndicate Messenger has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Syndicate Messenger card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2019-01-25 Because blockers are chosen all at once, you can’t block with a creature with afterlife, wait for it to die, then block with the resulting Spirit tokens.