Embereth Paladin MTG Card


Embereth Paladin - Throne of Eldraine
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Knight
Abilities Adamant,Haste
Released2019-10-04
Set symbol
Set nameThrone of Eldraine
Set codeELD
Power 4
Toughness 1
Number121
Frame2015
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred byRandy Vargas

Key Takeaways

  1. Embereth Paladin offers card advantage, presenting a noteworthy threat that demands opponent resources.
  2. Limited deck versatility due to red mana requirement, higher mana cost can be a setback.
  3. Potent addition to aggressive red decks, necessitating strategic play to extract value.

Text of card

Haste Adamant — If at least three red mana was spent to cast this spell, Embereth Paladin enters the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter on it.

"The king would die for the realm. I would not hesitate to do the same for him."


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Every MTG player knows the importance of maintaining a strong hand. The Embereth Paladin allows for potential card advantage courtesy of its ability to draw cards upon meeting certain conditions during the game, keeping your hand full and options open.

Resource Acceleration: While Embereth Paladin itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, it represents a significant threat that may require opponents to spend resources to deal with it, indirectly impacting resource allocation in your favor. Additionally, in the right deck, Embereth Paladin can enhance your battle strategies by synergizing with other cards that favor high power creatures for acceleration benefits.

Instant Speed: Embereth Paladin plays at sorcery speed, which encourages strategic planning for your combat phase. Though it cannot be played at instant speed, its presence on the board can influence opponents’ decisions during their turn, as they must consider the potential for substantial damage or the impact on the board state if left unchecked.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Embereth Paladin’s ability to gain haste hinges on you having another red card in hand to discard, which isn’t always optimal. Forcing a discard can be a pitfall when your hand is already strapped for cards, putting you at a potential disadvantage.

Specific Mana Cost: With an exclusive red mana cost, this paladin finds its home only in mono-red or red-heavy decks. This stipulation can be restrictive, limiting the card’s versatility across various deck types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Four mana for a 4/1 creature that requires a specific set-up to utilize its haste attribute might not be cost-effective. Considering other options in the same mana range, there might be creatures or spells that offer more stability and consistent impact on the game.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Embereth Paladin can be a strong addition to aggressive decks looking to capitalize on high power. Its ability to gain haste via the Adamant mechanic allows for immediate impact on the board, and can swiftly adapt to various red-centric or knight tribal strategies.

Combo Potential: In decks that focus on the Adamant mechanic or red mana acceleration, Embereth Paladin seamlessly integrates, serving as both an aggro piece and a substantial body for buffs, equipments or auras, enabling dynamic interactions and board presence.

Meta-Relevance: For players facing a field heavy with slower, control-oriented decks, the Paladin’s haste and formidable attack stat make it a relevant threat. Its inclusion can force opponents to alter their playstyle or deplete resources, keeping the aggressive player in control of the game tempo.


How to Beat

Encountering Embereth Paladin in your opponent’s lineup can certainly raise the stakes in a game. This red human knight brings an aggressive punch, especially in decks that capitalize on its Adamant ability, which enhances its power if you’ve spent three or more red mana on it. To effectively counter this card, consider cards that prevent it from attacking or neutralize it without combat.

Removal spells are your best friend against Embereth Paladin. Since it must attack each turn if able, a well-timed ‘Murder’ or ‘Doom Blade’ can take it out before it becomes a problem. Control strategies can also be effective. Cards like ‘Frost Lynx’ can lock it down temporarily, while ‘Pacifism’ or ‘Arrest’ keep it under wraps indefinitely. And don’t forget the value of chump blockers—small creatures that can be sacrificed to buy time. By anticipating your opponent’s moves and combining these strategies, you can ensure that Embereth Paladin’s fiery charge is extinguished before it ever truly ignites.

Understanding the battlefield and staying prepared for such heavy hitters will keep your life total safe and bolster your winning edge in the game.


Cards like Embereth Paladin

Embereth Paladin holds its own in the realm of aggressive creatures within Magic: The Gathering. It bears resemblance to creatures like Rimrock Knight, which provides a notable burst of power for a low cost. However, Embereth Paladin distinguishes itself with the added ability to bolster its strength through adamant, potentially becoming a formidable 5/2 attacker.

Contrarily, we notice Skyknight Legionnaire from the roster of comparable creatures. This card offers consistent flying damage and doesn’t hinge on a specific mana color to reach its full potential, unlike the conditional power boost of the Embereth Paladin. And yet, another analogue in this category includes Anax, Hardened in the Forge, which thrives in decks filled with red permanents, though without the haste advantage of Embereth Paladin.

Ultimately, Embereth Paladin’s presence in a deck geared towards red mana can be impactful due to its haste and potential as a heavy hitter. While other cards may be more versatile or cost-effective, the adamant mechanic of Embereth Paladin gives it a unique edge in the right deck setup, especially for those who prefer an aggressive play style.

Skyknight Legionnaire - MTG Card versions
Anax, Hardened in the Forge - MTG Card versions
Skyknight Legionnaire - Arena League 2005 (PAL05)
Anax, Hardened in the Forge - Theros Beyond Death (THB)

Cards similar to Embereth Paladin by color, type and mana cost

Dragon Whelp - MTG Card versions
Keldon Warlord - MTG Card versions
Crimson Manticore - MTG Card versions
Márton Stromgald - MTG Card versions
Reckless Embermage - MTG Card versions
Wildfire Emissary - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Giant - MTG Card versions
Rathi Dragon - MTG Card versions
Mogg Bombers - MTG Card versions
Warmonger - MTG Card versions
Bloodfire Kavu - MTG Card versions
Whipkeeper - MTG Card versions
Anger - MTG Card versions
Nalathni Dragon - MTG Card versions
Everquill Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Goblin Goon - MTG Card versions
Lesser Gargadon - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Engineers - MTG Card versions
Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - MTG Card versions
Ogre Taskmaster - MTG Card versions
Dragon Whelp - Limited Edition Beta (LEB)
Keldon Warlord - Unlimited Edition (2ED)
Crimson Manticore - Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border (4BB)
Márton Stromgald - Ice Age (ICE)
Reckless Embermage - Mirage (MIR)
Wildfire Emissary - Mirage (MIR)
Flowstone Giant - Tempest (TMP)
Rathi Dragon - Tempest (TMP)
Mogg Bombers - Stronghold (STH)
Warmonger - Mercadian Masques (MMQ)
Bloodfire Kavu - Apocalypse (APC)
Whipkeeper - Odyssey (ODY)
Anger - Judgment (JUD)
Nalathni Dragon - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Everquill Phoenix - Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths (IKO)
Goblin Goon - Legions (LGN)
Lesser Gargadon - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Krark-Clan Engineers - Fifth Dawn (5DN)
Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - Champions of Kamigawa (CHK)
Ogre Taskmaster - Ninth Edition (9ED)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Embereth Paladin MTG card by a specific set like Throne of Eldraine, 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 Embereth Paladin and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Embereth Paladin has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Embereth Paladin card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

DateText
2019-10-04 Adamant effects check what mana was actually spent to cast a spell. If an effect allows you to spend mana “as though it were mana” of any color or type, that allows you to spend mana you couldn't otherwise spend, but it doesn't change what mana you spent to cast the spell.
2019-10-04 If an effect allows you to cast a spell without paying its mana cost, you can't choose to cast it and pay unless another rule or effect allows you to cast that spell for a cost. Similarly, you can't waive a cost reduction unless that effect says you may.
2019-10-04 If you copy a spell that has an adamant ability, no mana was spent to cast the copy at all, so that ability won't apply.

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