Totem Speaker MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Elf Druid |
| Released | 2003-02-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Legions |
| Set code | LGN |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 141 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Darrell Riche |
Text of card
Whenever a Beast comes into play, you may gain 3 life.
"Elves and beasts are tied together, and I am the knot that binds them."
Cards like Totem Speaker
Totem Speaker finds its place in Magic: The Gathering as a piece in the deckbuilder’s toolkit for creature-focused strategies. A parallel can be drawn with Tolsimir Wolfblood, which also grants a boost to creatures of a particular type. While Totem Speaker emphasizes on creatures of a chosen type no matter where they are, Tolsimir buffs only those on the battlefield and creates a legendary wolf token as well.
Another card that echoes the thematic design of Totem Speaker is Murmuring Bosk, a land that can be tapped for mana of any color if it’s spent on a creature of the chosen type. The Bosk doesn’t provide the static power and toughness increment but does help with mana fixing. Beastmaster Ascension is also a comparison point, offering a significant power boost to creatures as long as you meet its attack requirement, which represents a more aggressive approach compared to the flexible and continuous effect of Totem Speaker.
Evaluating Totem Speaker against its kin, it’s clear that it offers unique advantages in creature-based MTG decks, standing out by its omnipresence effect that supports a wide variety of tribal synergies across the entire game.
Cards similar to Totem Speaker by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Totem Speaker shines in terms of card advantage by enabling you to consistently draw additional cards each time a creature with power 4 or higher enters the battlefield under your control. This passive ability can transform every sizable creature play into a valuable opportunity to gain an upper hand in the match.
Resource Acceleration: Depending upon its abilities, Totem Speaker can actively participate in resource acceleration for your strategy. With creatures triggering its effect, you ensure that you are not just developing your board but also enriching your hand, effectively racing ahead of your opponent in resources.
Instant Speed: While Totem Speaker may not have an instant speed ability, it complements instant speed actions well. With this card on the field, holding back creatures to play at the end of your opponent’s turn with flash or similar effects becomes even more rewarding, giving you the double benefit of surprise and card advantage.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Totem Speaker could require you to give up another card from your hand to play or trigger an effect. This condition might lead to a disadvantageous exchange when you’re trying to maintain card advantage against your opponent.
Specific Mana Cost: This card might have a demanding color alignment in its mana cost, potentially restricting it to decks that can consistently provide the right type of mana, which could exclude it from more flexible or color-diverse strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With mana requirements that could be on the upper end for its effects, Totem Speaker may not be the most mana-efficient option available. Players might find the cost a bit steep compared to other cards that could fulfill a similar role in the deck with a lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include Totem Speaker in Your Collection
Versatility: The Totem Speaker card is a dynamic addition to any collection due to its ability to slot into a variety of deck archetypes. Its synergy with creature-based strategies allows for greater flexibility in deck construction and enhances the user’s ability to adapt to a diverse set of gameplay situations.
Combo Potential: Totem Speaker is known for its potential to create powerful interactions with other cards. This card can be integral to combos that capitalize on the number of creatures you control, magnifying the impact of your creature summons and providing you with a steady source of card advantage and board presence.
Meta-Relevance: Understanding the ebb and flow of the MTG meta is crucial and having Totem Speaker in your arsenal ensures you’re well-equipped to tackle prevalent strategies. Considering the current environment where creature-based decks are common, Totem Speaker can give you the edge needed to stay ahead of the competition.
How to beat
Totem Speaker is a unique magic the gathering card that brings a distinctive dynamic to the game. With its potential to boost creatures under specific conditions, it can be a thorn in the side for many players. Dealing with this card effectively requires targeted strategies such as removal spells, for instance, to take it off the board before its benefits can be realized. Creature control is central; disabling creature abilities or negating the effects of activated abilities can weaken its impact significantly.
Counterspells also play a critical role against Totem Speaker, as preventing it from entering the battlefield is often easier than dealing with it once active. Board wipes can reset the state of play, eradicating the advantage Totem Speaker grants. Efficient mana curve management ensures ample resources for these defenses. Moreover, understanding the deck archetype Totem Speaker fits into can guide preemptive measures, adapting your gameplay to anticipate and disrupt this card’s synergy within an opposing deck.
It’s crucial to maintain board presence and not let Totem Speaker’s influence grow unchallenged. Assertive play and smart resource management can help conquer the challenges posed by this MTG card and tip the scales in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Totem Speaker MTG card by a specific set like Legions, 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 Totem Speaker 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Totem Speaker has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |