Thalakos Dreamsower MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Thalakos Wizard |
| Abilities | Shadow |
| Released | 1997-10-14 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Tempest |
| Set code | TMP |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 92 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Susan Van Camp |
Key Takeaways
- Generates card advantage by taking control of opponent creatures during blockade.
- Resource acceleration achieved indirectly through commandeering mana-abled creatures.
- Encourages opponents’ cautious play, gaining a psychological edge in matches.
Text of card
Shadow (This creature can block or be blocked by only creatures with shadow.) You may choose not to untap Thalakos Dreamsower during your untap phase. If Thalakos Dreamsower damages any opponent, tap target creature. As long as Thalakos Dreamsower remains tapped, that creature does not untap during its controller's untap phase.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Thalakos Dreamsower shines when it comes to generating card advantage. Its unique ability to take control of an opponent’s creature every time it becomes blocked translates to a significant tactical gain. Securing an extra creature not only bolsters your battlefield presence but also depletes your opponent’s resources, often leaving them at a negative card balance.
Resource Acceleration: Although Thalakos Dreamsower doesn’t directly generate mana or treasure tokens, its ability to consistently swipe creatures can indirectly lead to resource acceleration. By obtaining key creatures with abilities or those that can tap for mana, you effectively speed up your resource generation, which could tip the scales in your favor during a match.
Instant Speed: While Thalakos Dreamsower itself does not operate at instant speed, its effect creates a dynamic where your opponents must always consider the potential risk of engaging it in combat. This psychological advantage encourages them to play more carefully, potentially leading to sub-optimal plays on their part. Furthermore, including support cards that operate at instant speed can amplify the Dreamsower’s impact, making it a formidable threat on the board.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Engaging with Thalakos Dreamsower demands that you let go of a precious card from your hand. For players who rely on maintaining card advantage, this requirement might be too steep a cost, putting them at a disadvantage if their hand is already dwindling.
Specific Mana Cost: Thalakos Dreamsower comes with a mana cost that includes not just one, but two blue mana symbols. This specificity means that only decks with a strong blue mana base can reliably cast it, potentially limiting its versatility across various deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Commanding a total of four mana to cast, this intriguing creature’s cost might give some players pause. While its ability to become unblockable is notable, when weighed against other cards in the same mana range, there may be alternatives that offer a more impactful presence on the battlefield or greater strategic advantage.
Reasons to Include Thalakos Dreamsower in Your Collection
Versatility: Thalakos Dreamsower offers a unique dimension to blue decks that emphasize control and evasion. With the ability to slip past defenses, it pairs well with strategies looking to capitalize on unblockable creatures.
Combo Potential: This card’s ability to gain control of an opponent’s creature when it becomes unblocked presents numerous combo possibilities. It can be paired with cards or abilities that unlock creatures, reinforcing its role in a deck designed around manipulating the control of the board.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based strategies prevail, Thalakos Dreamsower can serve as a potent tool. It disrupts the opponent’s plans by threatening to take away their key creatures and can turn the tide of a game in your favor by repositioning critical threats.
How to beat
Thalakos Dreamsower is an intriguing card that presents a unique set of challenges on the battlefield. This stealthy creature can be a formidable opponent, capable of taking control of an opponent’s artifacts when unblocked. Players facing this card should focus on reliable removal spells or creatures with reach or flying to keep the Dreamsower in check, as it can only exercise its power when successfully dealing combat damage.
Deploying an efficient and rapid strike force can also pressure your opponent, potentially forcing them to hold Thalakos Dreamsower back for defense rather than offense. Moreover, employing cards that restrict the opponent’s ability to attack with impunity may neutralize the Dreamsower’s ability. Consider strategies like increasing your artifact count with hexproof or shroud, as this will prevent him from targeting your valuable pieces.
Remember, while Thalakos Dreamsower might not be the most aggressive creature, its ability to bypass your defenses and disrupt your game plan is not to be ignored. An early solution to this threat is critical for maintaining control over the artifacts that are key to your strategy.
Cards like Thalakos Dreamsower
Thalakos Dreamsower stands out in the realm of creature control within MTG. It carves a niche for itself with the unique ability to gain control of an opponent’s creature for as long as you control Thalakos Dreamsower. This card can be likened to the classic Control Magic, which also allows you to take over an enemy’s creature. However, Thalakos Dreamsower requires a more strategic setup and affords temporary control, contrasting with Control Magic’s ongoing commandeering.
Another relative in this comparison is Sower of Temptation. Both cards involve seizing creatures, but Sower of Temptation’s impact is immediate upon entering the battlefield, offering an advantageous tempo swing. Conversely, Thalakos Dreamsower necessitates a shadow attack to trigger its ability, which may not be as directly impactful. Moreover, Ray of Command provides a similar creature-stealing effect at instant speed, allowing for surprise plays during combat. Yet it only lasts for the turn, making Thalakos Dreamsower’s control potentially more enduring.
When considering cards that change the flow of battle by manipulating control of creatures, Thalakos Dreamsower holds a curious position. It requires a nuanced approach to maximize its potential, setting it apart with a distinctive tactical edge in MTG gameplay.
Cards similar to Thalakos Dreamsower by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Thalakos Dreamsower MTG card by a specific set like Tempest, 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 Thalakos Dreamsower and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Thalakos Dreamsower has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Thalakos Dreamsower card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | Can be used on a creature that is already tapped. |
