Thornscape Battlemage MTG Card
2001-02-05 - Number 94
2001-08-08 - Number jt94
2002-08-14 - Number bk94sb
2006-10-06 - Number 87
2010-03-19 - Number 42
2017-03-17 - Number 142
2019-11-07 - Number 1354
2020-09-26 - Number MM3-142
| Card sets | Released in 8 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Elf Wizard |
| Abilities | Kicker |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Kicker o R and/or o W When Thornscape Battlemage comes into play, if you paid the o R kicker cost, Thornscape Battlemage deals 2 damage to target creature or player. When Thornscape Battlemage comes into play, if you paid the o W kicker cost, destroy target artifact.
Cards like Thornscape Battlemage
Thornscape Battlemage makes a unique mark within Magic: The Gathering’s array of multicolored creatures that offer flexibility and utility. Notably, it bears resemblance to Naya Hushblade in its multicolored nature but Thornscape Battlemage advances further with its kicker ability options, allowing it to destroy artifacts or deal damage to flying creatures. This flexibility gives it an edge in versatility.
Comparatively, we can look at Reclamation Sage which offers a similar single-use artifact or enchantment destruction upon entering the battlefield. However, it lacks the modal choice and damage-dealing capabilities to flyers that the Thornscape Battlemage possesses. Aura Shards, though not a creature card, also springs to mind for its ability to consistently remove opponents’ enchantments or artifacts with the trigger of creatures coming into play, providing a recurring utility that the Battlemage doesn’t have, yet in a more passive form.
In sum, Thornscape Battlemage is a stellar option for players who value choice and immediate impact on the game state. Its distinctive blend of utility and choice of role on entry—a single instance burst of efficiency—renders it both versatile and situationally invaluable in decks that capitalize on such traits.
Cards similar to Thornscape Battlemage by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Thornscape Battlemage offers versatility in handling multiple scenarios on the battlefield, presenting options to disrupt your opponent’s strategy while maintaining your own board presence.
Resource Acceleration: Though this card doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its kicker abilities can be a form of indirect resource advantage, effectively combining multiple spell effects into one card and saving crucial slots in your deck for other strategic pillars.
Instant Speed: With the ability to cast Thornscape Battlemage at instant speed thanks to its Flash ability, you gain significant tactical leverage, being able to respond to threats immediately or simply wait for the moment that will yield maximum impact.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Thornscape Battlemage does not inherently require you to discard a card, but its kickers demand additional card investment—specifically lands or spells to generate the mana necessary for its abilities, which can weigh down your hand and resources.
Specific Mana Cost: Its casting cost comes with a predetermined color combination of green and red mana. This specificity can limit the card’s versatility as it necessitates a deck built to accommodate such mana requirements, potentially restricting it to multicolored green-red deck strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the battlemage brings utility with its kicker abilities, its potential total mana cost—including those kickers—can climb high. This comparatively steep investment can affect tempo, especially when rapid board development is crucial against aggressive decks. You may find that in many scenarios, there are other creatures or spells that offer similar effects with less mana strain on your game plan.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Thornscape Battlemage is a flexible addition to your collection, able to adapt to different situations on the battlefield. Its kicker abilities allow it to destroy artifacts or deal damage to flying creatures, making it a valuable card against a variety of threats.
Combo Potential: This card can be a key component in combos, particularly in decks that capitalize on spell and ability triggers. Utilizing its two kicker options can lead to powerful synergies with other cards that react to spell casting or targeted effects.
Meta-Relevance: As decks evolve and certain archetypes become more prevalent, Thornscape Battlemage remains a relevant choice. Its ability to handle artifacts and fliers makes it a handy tool in any meta where these elements are common.
How to Beat Thornscape Battlemage
Thornscape Battlemage enchants players with its flexibility in Magic: The Gathering. Its kicker abilities offer the chance to destroy artifacts or deal damage to creatures with flying, making it a versatile choice in games. However, its true strength lies within its capacity to influence the board, requiring strategic moves to best it.
To overpower the Thornscape Battlemage, you must anticipate its arrival. Having counter spells ready can negate its casting effectively. Equally important is managing the battlefield; prioritize eliminating the Battlemage before it can utilize its kicker effects. Keeping mana open for instant-speed removal can spell the difference between maintaining control and being overcome by its disruptive powers.
Alternatively, dodging the Battlemage’s effects is key. Using hexproof and indestructible methods can render its ability useless. Similarly, deploying creatures that can’t be targeted by red or green spells grants you immunity against its targeted damage. Judicious play and a well-timed strategy can neutralize the Thornscape Battlemage’s impact, securing your advantage on the path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Thornscape Battlemage MTG card by a specific set like Planeshift and World Championship Decks 2001, 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 Thornscape Battlemage and other MTG cards:
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Printings
The Thornscape Battlemage Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 2001-02-05 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Matt Cavotta.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2001-02-05 | Planeshift | PLS | 94 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
| 2 | 2001-08-08 | World Championship Decks 2001 | WC01 | jt94 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Matt Cavotta | |
| 3 | 2002-08-14 | World Championship Decks 2002 | WC02 | bk94sb | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Matt Cavotta | |
| 4 | 2006-10-06 | Time Spiral Timeshifted | TSB | 87 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
| 5 | 2010-03-19 | Duel Decks: Phyrexia vs. the Coalition | DDE | 42 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
| 6 | 2017-03-17 | Modern Masters 2017 | MM3 | 142 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
| 7 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1354 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
| 8 | The List | PLST | MM3-142 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Thornscape Battlemage has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Thornscape Battlemage card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2017-03-14 | If Thornscape Battlemage is put onto the battlefield as the result of a spell or ability, there’s no opportunity to kick it. |
| 2017-03-14 | Kicker costs don’t change a spell’s mana cost or mana value. |
| 2017-03-14 | You can pay any particular kicker cost only once. You can’t pay it multiple times to get multiples of either triggered ability. |
| 2017-03-14 | You choose whether to kick a spell as you cast it, and you pay that much along with the spell’s mana cost at the same time. Kicking a spell is always optional. |