Thalakos Mistfolk MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Thalakos Illusion |
| Abilities | Shadow |
| Released | 1997-10-14 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Tempest |
| Set code | TMP |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 93 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Richard Kane Ferguson |
Text of card
Shadow (This creature can block or be blocked by only creatures with shadow.) o U: Put Thalakos Mistfolk on top of owner's library.
"They are 'between' in every way." —Lyna, Soltari emissary
Cards like Thalakos Mistfolk
Thalakos Mistfolk stands out in the world of MTG with its unique blend of abilities, offering a certain strategic flexibility on the battlefield. Its core resemblance to other creatures, particularly those with phasing, such as Teferi’s Veil, allows players to temporarily evade harm or strategically avoid certain spells. However, what sets Thalakos Mistfolk apart is its ability to phase out at will, given the control player’s discretion.
This ability can be strategically similar to the hexproof ability found on cards like Slippery Bogle, protecting it from targeted spells. Though both cards shield themselves effectively, Thalakos Mistfolk has a repeatable option, giving players repeated chances to save the creature from unfavorable confrontations. Conversely, the Mistfolk’s need for mana investment to activate its phasing ability contrasts Slippery Bogle’s automatic hexproof attribute.
Assessing the unique aspects of phasing and comparing them to other protective mechanisms, Thalakos Mistfolk presents players with a dynamic tool for evasion and defense within the game, distinguishing itself within the subset of creatures capable of protecting themselves from targeted spells and board wipes in MTG.
Cards similar to Thalakos Mistfolk by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Thalakos Mistfolk provides a tactical edge by offering the opportunity to return to hand, therefore ensuring that it can be replayed for its beneficial effects, circumventing removal and subtly building card advantage.
Resource Acceleration: In decks synergizing with return-to-hand mechanics, Thalakos Mistfolk may enable engine-like behaviors. By returning to the hand, it can re-trigger enter-the-battlefield effects of other cards or activate abilities requiring a card to be returned as a cost, potentially accelerating resource advantages.
Instant Speed: Equipped with the ability to utilize its shadow mechanic effectively at instant speed, Thalakos Mistfolk can dodge removal or unfavorable blocks during combat. This can disrupt an opponent’s strategy while maintaining a presence on the board for consistent pressure.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: When activating Thalakos Mistfolk’s ability to phase out, you’re required to discard a card. This could potentially put you at a card disadvantage, especially if your hand size is already reduced or if you’re holding key cards necessary for your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Thalakos Mistfolk demands a specific set of mana colors to cast – one blue and two other mana. This can sometimes be restrictive, as it fits primarily in decks that can reliably produce blue mana, potentially limiting its playability across various deck types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana for a creature that offers a 1/1 stat line and a phasing ability, it might seem steep compared to other creatures in its mana range. There are creatures that can offer more robust abilities or higher stats for a similar or even lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Thalakos Mistfolk offers a unique role in decks looking for reliable evasive creatures. Its ability to phase out not only provides a form of protection but also can cleverly dodge board wipes, allowing for strategic plays and maintaining board presence.
Combo Potential: The phasing ability of Thalakos Mistfolk can be leveraged in combos that require creatures to leave and enter the battlefield, potentially triggering enter-the-battlefield or leave-the-battlefield effects multiple times throughout a game.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where targeted removal is prevalent, Thalakos Mistfolk excels. Its inherent ability to avoid spot removal makes it a resilient threat that can consistently apply pressure while surviving the removal spells that dominate certain metas.
How to beat
Thalakos Mistfolk is a unique creature in the realm of Magic: The Gathering, offering players the ability to phase out at will, for a cost. This ability allows it to dodge removal spells and combat damage, essentially making it temporarily untouchable. However, players have developed tactics to work around these elusive creatures.
One effective method involves utilizing spells that don’t target or using global effects that hit all creatures on the board, completely bypassing the phasing ability. Cards like Wrath of God or Supreme Verdict can clear the board regardless of phasing. Additionally, leveraging counterspells when Thalakos Mistfolk is cast prevents it from entering the battlefield in the first place, ensuring this tricky creature never gets the chance to phase out and evade your strategies.
Furthermore, timing is crucial when facing Thalakos Mistfolk. Since its controller may choose to phase it out before the adverse effect occurs, players can bait this action out and respond accordingly with instants or abilities in the remaining window of opportunity. Ultimately, while Thalakos Mistfolk presents a challenge with its phasing ability, understanding and anticipating this interaction can lead to triumph over the misty ministrations of this distinctive Magic: The Gathering card.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Thalakos Mistfolk 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 Mistfolk 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Thalakos Mistfolk has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |