Locthwain Paladin MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Human Knight
Abilities	Adamant,Menace
Released	2019-10-04
Set symbol
Set name	Throne of Eldraine
Set code	ELD
Power	3
Toughness	2
Number	93
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Zack Stella

Key Takeaways

Locthwain Paladin provides card advantage through its two-for-one adventure ability, enhancing in-game tactics.
Can accelerate resource utilization by exerting early pressure and fitting well in aggressive strategies.
Flexible play possible with “Curry Favor” sorcery, adding a surprise element and strategic timing.

Text of card

Menace (This creature can't be blocked except by two or more creatures.) Adamant — If at least three black mana was spent to cast this spell, Locthwain Paladin enters the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter on it.

"I will find the king if I have to ride from summer to winter and back again."

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Locthwain Paladin may not directly allow you to draw additional cards, but its adventure mechanic offers a two-for-one deal. By casting “Curry Favor” before putting the Paladin onto the battlefield, you essentially get two spells in one card, leveraging your tactical position without losing hand resources.

Resource Acceleration: Although not inherently a resource acceleration card, the Paladin’s potential to come out early through its adventure ensures that you can apply pressure and curve out efficiently. Playing a four-power creature on turn three can be significant in setting the pace of the match.

Instant Speed: The adventure portion of Locthwain Paladin, “Curry Favor”, can be cast as a sorcery; however, this still gives you the flexibility to cast a spell without committing the creature to the board immediately. This sequencing can sometimes offer a surprise element similar to instant speed plays during later stages of the game where timing can be pivotal.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: To maximize the potential of Locthwain Paladin, a player often needs to engage in the adamant mechanic, which requires discarding a card. For decks that rely on card advantage, this can present a serious drawback, particularly in tight situations where every card in hand counts.

Specific Mana Cost: The Paladin comes with a specific mana requirement, demanding a significant commitment to black mana sources within a deck. This can be restrictive for players wanting to incorporate the Paladin into more flexible or multi-colored deck builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that is on the higher side for its stats, the Paladin may not be the most mana-efficient creature available. As players evaluate their curve and assess the overall tempo of their game plan, there are ample options that could potentially yield greater impact for the same or lower mana investment.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Locthwain Paladin can be a flexible addition to any black deck. Its adaptability comes from its straightforward mana cost and synergy with knight and human tribal themes, making it a convenient choice for both aggro and midrange decks.

Combo Potential: This card pairs well with mechanics that benefit from sacrificing creatures, as it can be a cost-effective creature to bring back with recurring effects. Its menace ability also makes it an ideal candidate for equipment and auras, enhancing its threat level on the battlefield.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where aggressive strategies are prominent, Locthwain Paladin shines as a solid creature with a reasonable power and toughness. Its menace ability poses a challenge for blockers, allowing it to apply consistent pressure in combat-heavy metas.

How to Beat

Locthwain Paladin is a formidable card that presents itself as a challenge for many players in the Magic: The Gathering realm. This black-aligned Knight boasts a solid 3/1 body and can be a menace on the battlefield with its Adamant ability, which can turn it into a 4/2 if you spent at least three black mana on it. Despite its strengths, facing this card isn’t a checkmate situation.

Dealing with the Locthwain Paladin effectively often hinges on timing and clever removal. Instant-speed removal like Shock or Fatal Push can eliminate the Paladin before its Adamant bonus becomes an issue. Counteracting this card also revolves around understanding your deck’s assets. For example, blockers with at least 2 toughness will force the Paladin to think twice before attacking. Additionally, enchantment-based removal or pacifism effects will neutralize it without triggering death-related effects that can sometimes work to your opponent’s advantage.

Always remember, strategy and forethought in Magic: The Gathering can turn an imposing card like Locthwain Paladin into an opportunity rather than an obstacle. Assess your in-hand resources, plan your mana accordingly, and take control of the game’s pace to keep the Paladin’s threat at bay.

Cards like Locthwain Paladin

The Locthwain Paladin is an intriguing creature card that carves its niche in the black mana archetype of Magic: The Gathering. A knight at heart, it parallels creatures like Order of Midnight. Both resonate with knight synergy and boast an allegiance to black mana strategies. The Order of Midnight, however, offers a flying advantage and a remarkable Alter Fate ability, allowing players to retrieve cards from the graveyard, a feature that the Paladin lacks.

Contrastingly, we have the Smitten Swordmaster, another knight that links harmoniously with the Locthwain Paladin. Both echo the black mana’s thematic richness and come with additional perks. The Swordmaster separates itself with its Lifelink ability and “Curry Favor” sorcery aspect, which the Locthwain Paladin doesn’t provide. The Paladin, on the other hand, stands proud with a solid 3/2 body that, supported by the Adamant mechanic, can potentially become an even more formidable 4/2 force should you commit three black mana to its casting.

In evaluating the suitability of knights in a black-aligned deck, the Locthwain Paladin is a sturdy contender, offering a valuable blend of power and strategic flexibility that is sure to find a place in many MTG deck builds.

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

Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions

Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Locthwain 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 Locthwain Paladin and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Locthwain Paladin has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
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.