Tephraderm MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Beast |
| Released | 2002-10-07 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Onslaught |
| Set code | ONS |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 5 |
| Number | 239 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Paolo Parente |
Text of card
Whenever a creature deals damage to Tephraderm, Tephraderm deals that much damage to that creature. Whenever a spell deals damage to Tephraderm, Tephraderm deals that much damage to that spell's controller.
Cards like Tephraderm
Tephraderm introduces an intriguing dynamic to creature protection in Magic: The Gathering. It evokes comparison with cards like Indestructibility, which provides a creature with the ability to shrug off most forms of damage. Yet, Tephraderm offers a nuance with its ability to deal damage back to a source when attached to a creature. Indestructibility, while offering straightforward defense, does not give this kind of offensive edge.
Another kindred spirit in this space would be Darksteel Plate. This card also grants a creature indestructibility, ensuring its survival against many challenges. But like Indestructibility, the Plate does not have Tephraderm’s retaliation capability. Additionally, there’s Brash Taunter, a creature that not only can withstand damage but also reflects it back—similar to Tephraderm. However, Brash Taunter is limited to its own body and lacks the versatility of being an aura that can be moved between creatures.
Sussing out the particulars of these cards, Tephraderm stands out in its niche. Its dual protective and reactive nature can pivot strategies, showcasing its unique role in a defense-oriented MTG deck, beyond the mere resilience offered by its counterparts.
Cards similar to Tephraderm by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Tephraderm offers potential card advantage through its triggered abilities. By dealing damage or taking hits, it could draw out more resources from your deck, staying ahead of your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: This card can expedite your gameplay by accelerating resource availability. Its interactions with other cards can tap into alternative mana sources, pushing you forward in the game.
Instant Speed: While Tephraderm itself isn’t an instant, its synergy with instant-speed spells and abilities can catch opponents off guard, creating unexpected shifts in the battlefield dynamic.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One drawback of Tephraderm is the necessity to discard another card to activate its ability. This condition can be a steep price, particularly in game stages where your hand size is dwindling and every card counts.
Specific Mana Cost: Tephraderm has a mana cost that requires both red and white mana, which can be a challenge in decks that aren’t specifically suited to those colors. Players running multicolor decks or those that don’t focus on red and white might find it difficult to accommodate this card.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total cost that’s quite high for its capabilities, Tephraderm demands a significant investment of resources. In a game where mana efficiency can be key to victory, there may be alternative creatures or spells that provide greater value or impact on the game at a lower cost.
Reasons to Include Tephraderm in Your Collection
Versatility: Tephraderm offers flexibility for deck builders, easily integrating into strategies that emphasize damage distribution and creature strength. It can serve as a deterrent for opposing players, making attacks or blocks against your creatures less appealing.
Combo Potential: This card presents numerous combo opportunities, particularly in decks that can manipulate or enhance the damage done to creatures. Pairing Tephraderm with enablers that allow it to deal and receive damage can create potent synergies and game-winning tactics.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where creature interactions are key, Tephraderm can become an unexpected trump card. Its ability to scale with the damage dealt and received can turn the tides, especially in matchups that involve a lot of creature combat.
How to beat
Tephraderm represents an innovative mechanic in the landscape of creature cards in MTG. Its shielding ability presents a unique challenge, as it redirects damage from any source to itself, potentially prolonging the lifespan of other creatures on the battlefield. This redirection facet is reminiscent of cards such as Pariah, yet it stands alone due to its inherent nature and doesn’t necessitate to be attached as an enchantment.
Given Tephraderm’s defensive capabilities, the key to overcoming this obstacle lies in bypassing its damage redirection. Strategic use of removal spells that don’t target creatures, like board wipes or sacrifice effects, can nullify Tephraderm’s protection. Spells such as Wrath of God or Toxic Deluge cleanse the board without triggering Tephraderm’s damage redirection. Alternatively, compelling an opponent to sacrifice creatures through effects like Liliana’s Triumph thwarts Tephraderm’s defense as it circumvents the damage redirection mechanic entirely.
Regardless, the strategic implications Tephraderm brings to the game of MTG cannot be overlooked. It requires opponents to craft a specific approach, heavily weighing their removal options. Players who incorporate versatile answers into their decks will likely maneuver around Tephraderm’s protective prowess with greater ease.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Tephraderm MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught, 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 Tephraderm 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Tephraderm has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Tephraderm 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 | The second ability triggers even if this card is dealt lethal damage. |