Vodalian Illusionist MTG Card
1997-06-09 - Number 58
2020-09-26 - Number WTH-58
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Merfolk Wizard |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
o Uo U, oc T: Target creature phases out.
"Torahn gore these shifty fishtails! You can't even get close to one." —Tahngarth of the *Weatherlight*
Cards like Vodalian Illusionist
Vodalian Illusionist stands out in the realm of MTG for its unique ability to phase out creatures. This blue card functions similarly to other protective spells within the game, such as the classic Flicker spells. However, unlike Flicker, which temporarily exiles and returns a creature to the battlefield, Vodalian Illusionist phases the creature out, making it treated as if it does not exist until the next turn. This subtle difference can be instrumental in dodging board wipes or avoiding unfavorable combat scenarios.
Another card echoing a semblance in function is Ghostly Flicker. While Ghostly Flicker also targets creatures, it brings them back instantaneously, allowing for immediate reuse of enter-the-battlefield effects. Conversely, Vodalian Illusionist offers a more defensive tactic, sheltering allies from harm for a whole turn. Additionally, there’s Teferi’s Time Twist which also provides a layer of protection and the added benefit of countering spells or abilities aimed at your creatures. Yet, it lacks the continuous protective mechanism offered by Vodalian Illusionist’s phase-out ability.
To sum up, Vodalian Illusionist may well be a unique card among its peers, providing strategic depth and defensive versatility that can pivot the tide of a match in the hands of a tactical MTG player.
Cards similar to Vodalian Illusionist by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Vodalian Illusionist is a unique utility creature that can disrupt your opponent’s strategy by temporarily phasing out key threats or blockers, this can potentially lead to advantageous board states, allowing you to press the attack or secure a better defense.
Resource Acceleration: Although not directly providing mana, by phasing out potential mana-producing creatures of your opponent, the Illusionist can indirectly slow down your adversary’s resource acceleration, giving you a tempo advantage.
Instant Speed: The Illusionist’s ability, which is usable at instant speed, grants you flexibility to respond to threats on the fly or creatively use it during your opponent’s combat phase. This tactical versatility can be a game-changer in close matches, offering surprise interactions and turning the tide in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Vodalian Illusionist requires strategic hand management as it doesn’t incorporate any discard mechanics. Holding onto this card without having a clear plan in play could lead to missed opportunities for more immediate board presence or other advantageous plays.
Specific Mana Cost: Vodalian Illusionist demands a specific blend of mana, including blue, which aligns it with a certain archetype. This mana strictness can confine it to decks that heavily lean towards blue, potentially limiting its versatility in a broad set of strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that could otherwise summon creatures with larger bodies or provide more impactful control elements, Vodalian Illusionist might end up being a costly choice for the effect it offers. Tactical deployment is crucial, lest its cost outweigh its benefits in tempo-driven matchups.
Reasons to Include Vodalian Illusionist in Your Collection
Versatility: Vodalian Illusionist offers flexibility in any collection. As a blue creature with the ability to phase out other creatures, it can be a strategic addition to decks that require temporary removal of threats or protection of key creatures.
Combo Potential: This card excels in combinations, effectively utilizing its phasing ability. It can disrupt opponent strategies, save your creatures from board wipes, or enable surprise attacks. It works seamlessly with cards that capitalize on creatures entering or leaving the battlefield.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state that’s ever-changing, Vodalian Illusionist can adapt to a variety of situations. Whether the meta is aggressive or control-oriented, the ability to phase out creatures at will can be invaluable, making it a worthy contender for decks designed to control the tempo and flow of the game.
How to beat
The Vodalian Illusionist commands a unique place in the rich tapestry of Magic: The Gathering. As a card adept at disrupting your adversaries’ calculations, the Illusionist can temporarily remove a target creature from the game, bypassing an opponent’s defenses, or saving your own creatures from imminent threats. This deceptively simple ability can make the Illusionist a puzzling challenge to overcome.
To counteract the influence of a Vodalian Illusionist, players should consider using spells that can’t be countered, granting your creatures hexproof to protect themselves from being targeted, or deploying aggressive removal strategies to ensure the Illusionist leaves the battlefield before its abilities can be activated. Furthermore, instant-speed spells like Stifle can nip the Illusionist’s ability in the bud by countering the activation. Planeswalkers adept at controlling the board may also serve as effective deterrents for the Illusionist’s menacing tricks.
Anticipating the presence of such undersea sorcery and building a versatile deck capable of rapid adaptation is key. When well-prepared, players can turn the tides against the Vodalian Illusionist, maintaining the upper hand in their strategy despite its elusive skills.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Vodalian Illusionist MTG card by a specific set like Weatherlight and The List, 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 Vodalian Illusionist 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 Vodalian Illusionist Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1997-06-09 and 1997-06-09. Illustrated by John Matson.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1997-06-09 | Weatherlight | WTH | 58 | 1997 | Normal | Black | John Matson | |
| 2 | The List | PLST | WTH-58 | 1997 | Normal | Black | John Matson |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Vodalian Illusionist has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |