Triskelavus MTG Card
2006-10-06 - Number 266
2011-06-17 - Number 263
2018-06-08 - Number 226
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 7 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Construct |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Flying Triskelavus comes into play with three +1/+1 counters on it. , Remove a +1/+1 counter from Triskelavus: Put a 1/1 Triskelavite artifact creature token with flying into play. It has "Sacrifice this creature: This creature deals 1 damage to target creature or player."
Cards like Triskelavus
Triskelavus holds a unique position among artifact creatures in Magic: The Gathering, sharing functional similarities with other modular-themed cards. Its closest comparison could be Pentavus, which also offers the ability to create smaller creatures albeit in a slightly different manner. Triskelavus differs in that it grants its tokens the capability to fly and operate independently, potentially causing aerial disruption for opponents.
Another card of note is Thopter Assembly, which embodies a similar ethos of generating flying tokens. Though it produces tokens en masse once per turn rather than on demand, Thopter Assembly can quickly populate the skies with blockers or attackers. Contrastingly, Triskelavus affords more finesse and control, dispersing tokens at the player’s discretion and even dealing damage when the tokens expire.
Considering the versatility and strategic value of on-demand token generation, Triskelavus stands out with its precision token control. This feature solidifies its role in decks emphasizing utility and tactical advantage through creature tokens. While each of these cards carries its own merits, Triskelavus certainly carves a unique spot in the realm of artifact creatures in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Triskelavus by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Triskelavus is designed to create multiple token creatures, granting you incremental gains in card equivalency. The ability to produce and sacrifice these tokens at will not only buttresses your board presence but can consistently nibble away at your opponent’s life total or their creature contingent.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly accelerating your mana resources, Triskelavus can function as a recurring investment. Each mana spent on Triskelavus has the potential to convert into further pressure on the opponent, effectively turning your resources into sustained advantage as the game progresses.
Instant Speed: Although Triskelavus itself does not operate at instant speed, the flexibility to sacrifice its tokens whenever you choose allows for strategic maneuvering. This versatility is akin to having access to instant-speed effects, as you can respond to your opponent’s actions by adjusting your board state on the fly, disrupting their plays or creating opportunities for your own.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: At times, utilizing Triskelavus can force you to discard valuable cards to make the most out of its ability, hence deck strategies that rely on hand size or specific cards might find this disadvantageous.
Specific Mana Cost: Triskelavus requires a specific combination of colorless and black mana to cast. This might not always align smoothly with mana bases geared toward multi-colored decks, potentially causing delays or hindrances in play.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that can be considered steep for its abilities, Triskelavus might not always be the best option. Players may prefer creatures or artifacts with lower mana costs that provide more immediate board presence or other advantages.
Reasons to Include Triskelavus in Your Collection
Versatility: Triskelavus offers dynamic options in gameplay. As a flying artifact creature card, it fits well into artifact-centric decks as well as those needing evasive threats. Its ability to divide itself into multiple Triskelion tokens upon death keeps opponents guessing and provides a persistent board presence.
Combo Potential: This card plays well in synergies that exploit entering or leaving the battlefield triggers. Each token can be used independently to fuel sacrifice outlets or effects that count artifacts or creatures you control, opening doors to numerous combos and interactions.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where board wipes and removal are prevalent, Triskelavus’s resilience can shine. The ability to break down into Triskelions even in response to being destroyed makes it a tenacious asset against control decks that rely on spot removal to maintain dominance.
How to beat
Triskelavus stands out in the artifact creature landscape of Magic the Gathering due to its unique ability to create Triskelavite tokens. These tokens not only serve as a formidable offensive tactic but also an effective defensive strategy, becoming a deterrent for opponents. While formidable, this card has its vulnerabilities. Key to overcoming a Triskelavus lies in its reliance on counters to generate tokens. Remove the counters and you diminish its power.
Spot removal spells that don’t involve damage, such as Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares, can efficiently handle the creature before the counters are put to use. Direct artifact destruction spells like Shatter or Naturalize can also dispatch Triskelavus without triggering its leave-the-battlefield effect. Additionally, strategic use of counter spells when Triskelavus is cast can preemptively neutralize it before it becomes a threat. Employ these tactics, and the path to victory against a Triskelavus is well within reach.
Finally, keeping up the pressure and removing the creature swiftly before the board is overwhelmed with Triskelavite tokens is crucial. In essence, promptly addressing Triskelavus is the most effective strategy to counter this unique threat in your Magic the Gathering matchups.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Triskelavus MTG card by a specific set like Time Spiral and Commander 2011, 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 Triskelavus 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 Triskelavus Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2006-10-06 and 2018-06-08. Illustrated by Mark Zug.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2006-10-06 | Time Spiral | TSP | 266 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Mark Zug | |
| 2 | 2011-06-17 | Commander 2011 | CMD | 263 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Mark Zug | |
| 3 | 2018-06-08 | Commander Anthology Volume II | CM2 | 226 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mark Zug |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Triskelavus has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |