Thorn Thallid MTG Card
1994-11-01 - Number 80d
1994-11-01 - Number 80b
1994-11-01 - Number 80c
1994-11-01 - Number 80a
2007-09-10 - Number 135
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Fungus |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
During your upkeep, put a spore counter on Thorn Thallid. : Remove three spore counters from Thorn Thallid to have it deal 1 damage to any target.
"Scholars still debate whether the Thallids were truly sentient." —*Sarpadian Empires, vol. III*
Cards like Thorn Thallid
Thorn Thallid offers a unique blend of abilities in the realm of creature cards within Magic: The Gathering. It finds kinship with cards like Fungal Behemoth, both drawing from the lore-rich category of Thallids – fungal entities known for their spore counters. Fungal Behemoth leverages these counters for a power boost, while Thorn Thallid uses them as ammunition to pick off creatures, giving players a more direct influence on the board state.
Another relative in this spore-slinging family is Psychotrope Thallid. This particular card diverges in utility by focusing on card draw instead of direct removal, yet it maintains the iconic spore counter mechanic. Moreover, Savage Thallid provides a different avenue of utilizing these counters by granting regeneration to other creatures. Each of these plays a distinct role while preserving the thematic cohesiveness.
Ultimately, the judicious use of Thorn Thallid can be a deciding factor in games. Its capacity to eliminate key creatures while still advancing your fungal forces marks it as an intriguing option among its counterparts, balancing offensive capabilities with the thematic allure that engulfs the Thallid tribe in MTG.
Cards similar to Thorn Thallid by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Thorn Thallid provides a form of card advantage through its ability to create Saproling tokens each turn. Over time, these tokens can accumulate, offering a steady stream of creatures that can be used for both defensive and offensive strategies without expending additional cards from your hand.
Resource Acceleration: The generated Saprolings from Thorn Thallid can effectively accelerate your resources, as they can be sacrificed for various effects in other cards that synergize with token creatures. Additionally, simply having more creatures on the field can lead to enhanced power through cards that benefit from a wide board presence.
Instant Speed: Thorn Thallid’s ability to put a spore counter on itself isn’t directly at instant speed, but the action of removing three spore counters to create a Saproling can be done at any time. This gives you the versatility to create a new blocker on an opponent’s turn or to unexpectedly bolster your forces right before your turn begins, catching your opponent off guard.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Thorn Thallid does not have a discard requirement, making it free from the setbacks of having to deplete your hand to trigger abilities or effects.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature card requires a specific combination of green mana, which might not be a perfect fit for multi-colored decks looking for seamless mana flexibility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost that could be seen as steep for its base stats and abilities, Thorn Thallid may not always be the go-to choice, especially when faster or more impactful options are available.
Reasons to Include Thorn Thallid in Your Collection
Versatility: Thorn Thallid offers diverse options for deck builders with its ability to progressively deal damage, representing a threat in decks focusing on counters and passive damage strategies.
Combo Potential: As part of a deck that manipulates +1/+1 counters, Thorn Thallid can serve as a consistent damage source or be combined with proliferate mechanics to enhance its impact, making it a silent but deadly force on the battlefield.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where small creature removal is common, Thorn Thallid finds its place. It can chip away at an opponent’s life total or control pesky creatures, which could prove to be a crucial advantage in the right deck configuration.
How to Beat Thorn Thallid
Thorn Thallid, from the Fallen Empires set, presents a unique challenge in MTG. This creature comes with an ability that allows it to chip away at opponents by removing spore counters to deal damage. Beating this card requires a strategic approach. Since it operates on a timer, the key is removing it before it accumulates enough counters to be a threat.
Effective strategies include utilizing removal spells that can target creatures regardless of their size, like Doom Blade or Path to Exile. Intervention before the spore counters grow too numerous can save you from a slow defeat. Another tactic is to employ creatures with the “First Strike” attribute, which can defeat Thorn Thallid in combat before it gets a chance to use its ability. Alternatively, you can use board wipes, such as Wrath of God, to clear the field of all creatures, including those with pesky abilities like that of Thorn Thallid.
In summary, prompt removal, strategic combat techniques, and comprehensive board control are key to overcoming the pernicious effects of Thorn Thallid in your MTG games.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Thorn Thallid MTG card by a specific set like Fallen Empires and Fallen Empires, 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 Thorn Thallid 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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Printings
The Thorn Thallid Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1994-11-01 and 2007-09-10. Illustrated by 4 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-11-01 | Fallen Empires | FEM | 80d | 1993 | Normal | Black | Mark Tedin | |
| 2 | 1994-11-01 | Fallen Empires | FEM | 80b | 1993 | Normal | Black | Heather Hudson | |
| 3 | 1994-11-01 | Fallen Empires | FEM | 80c | 1993 | Normal | Black | Jesper Myrfors | |
| 4 | 1994-11-01 | Fallen Empires | FEM | 80a | 1993 | Normal | Black | Daniel Gelon | |
| 5 | 2007-09-10 | Masters Edition | ME1 | 135 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Mark Tedin |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Thorn Thallid has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |