Talon Trooper MTG Card
2009-04-30 - Number 14
2017-03-17 - Number 192
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Bird Scout |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Flying
"The volcanic winds make a maze of the skies of Jund. If we mean to invade, we must first learn their invisible paths."
Cards like Talon Trooper
Talon Trooper carves out a niche in the world of flying creatures in Magic: The Gathering. This card is akin to others like Concordia Pegasus, both boasting the flying ability with a power of 2. However, Talon Trooper stands out by having an additional point of toughness, making it slightly more resilient in combat. Unlike the Pegasus, which is mono-white, Talon Trooper calls for one additional blue mana, which could blend better in multicolored decks.
Another creature to consider is the beloved Welkin Tern, known for its lower casting cost and the flying feature. Despite this, the Tern cannot block creatures without flying, a limitation that Talon Trooper does not share, allowing for a greater defensive flexibility. Then there’s Skyknight Legionnaire, which also shares the flying trait and even boasts haste, but it comes with a higher mana cost and specific color requirements, potentially making it less adaptable than the versatile Trooper.
Comparing these options, Talon Trooper finds its strength as a balanced choice for players seeking a cost-effective, sturdy flier to navigate the aerial battlefield of Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Talon Trooper by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Talon Trooper may not directly translate into drawing more cards, but it contributes to an aerial presence that can help maintain board advantage. Having a creature with flying in play could indirectly lead to card advantage by pressuring the opponent into unfavorable trades or by sustaining steady damage each turn.
Resource Acceleration: While Talon Trooper itself does not offer mana acceleration, its moderate casting cost means that you can deploy it early in the game and still have mana resources available for other plays. It fits into a mana curve well, allowing for efficient use of resources throughout the game.
Instant Speed: As a creature, Talon Trooper doesn’t have instant speed. However, its flying ability makes it a resilient threat that can remain on the board, potentially serving the same purpose as an instant by consistently applying pressure during each combat phase without the need for instant-speed interaction.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Talon Trooper doesn’t require a discard upon casting, the lack of an additional effect means it provides no discard-related benefits or synergies for decks that capitalize on such mechanics, potentially rendering it less versatile.
Specific Mana Cost: Talon Trooper demands a specific blend of mana comprising one white and one blue. This can be restrictive as it cannot fit seamlessly into mono-colored or certain multicolor decks that don’t align with its color identity.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Bearing a casting cost of three mana for a mere 2/3 flyer, Talon Trooper might be overshadowed by other creatures in the same mana range offering more impactful abilities or presenting a greater board presence.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Talon Trooper’s ability to slot into numerous deck archetypes is a prime reason for its collection merit. As a flying creature, it offers evasion tactics, fitting comfortably in both aggressive and mid-range decks seeking a reliable airborne threat.
Combo Potential: With its avian type, Talon Trooper has synergies in bird-themed decks and can benefit from tribal buffs. Furthermore, its moderate casting cost makes it a suitable option for decks focused on curving out efficiently and exploiting tribal interactions.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta that appreciates creatures with flying, Talon Trooper provides an accessible aerial presence that can consistently apply pressure or serve as a blocker. It holds relevance in certain metas where the ability to evade ground-based defenses is paramount.
How to beat
Talon Trooper soars onto the battlefield as a dependable flyer in Magic: The Gathering. Its presence provides players a steady aerial threat for an early game advantage. Deploying creatures that can block flying creatures is a straightforward strategy for grounding the Trooper. Cards like Spiderweb Sentinel come in handy, boasting reach along with an affordable casting cost, providing an excellent defensive line against the winged menace.
Removal spells serve as a reliable fallback, with options like Murder swiftly eliminating the Trooper without breaking a sweat. As it boasts neither hexproof nor other protective abilities, it’s susceptible to a range of common spells. Investing in instant-speed removals like Lightning Bolt or Path to Exile empowers players to eliminate the Talon Trooper swiftly while staying mana-efficient. It enables them to maintain tempo and board control throughout the game.
Ultimately, beating Talon Trooper comes down to a well-constructed deck with either potent removal spells or creatures that rival its formidability in the skies. Maintaining flexibility and control allows players to swiftly dismantle the Trooper’s aerial dominance and secure their standing on the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Talon Trooper MTG card by a specific set like Alara Reborn and Modern Masters 2017, 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 Talon Trooper 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 Talon Trooper Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2009-04-30 and 2017-03-17. Illustrated by Matt Stewart.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2009-04-30 | Alara Reborn | ARB | 14 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Stewart | |
| 2 | 2017-03-17 | Modern Masters 2017 | MM3 | 192 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Matt Stewart |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Talon Trooper has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |