Vraan, Executioner Thane MTG Card
2023-02-03 - Number 114s
2023-02-03 - Number 441
2023-02-03 - Number 114p
2023-02-03 - Number 114
2023-02-03 - Number 309
2023-02-03 - Number 24
| Card sets | Released in 6 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Phyrexian Vampire |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Whenever one or more other creatures you control die, each opponent loses 2 life and you gain 2 life. This ability triggers only once each turn.
"Soon enough each praetor will have hired me to kill the others, and I will stand alone as the true Father of Machines."
Cards like Vraan, Executioner Thane
Vraan, Executioner Thane introduces a robust arsenal for MTG players keen on utilizing death-trigger abilities. Its comparison with other cards such as Yahenni, Undying Partisan showcases a definite similarity, given that both cards gain value from other creatures dying. However, Vraan steps ahead with its potential to control the board by destroying creatures and gaining power for each creature dying the same turn.
While looking at a parallel, Vindictive Lich offers a multifaceted approach on creature death with options for card disadvantage, life loss, or sacrificing, yet it lacks the buildable destructive capacity of Vraan. Mikaeus, the Unhallowed is another creature that interacts with death triggers, granting undying to your creatures. Though Mikaeus doesn’t directly destroy other creatures, it enhances resilience in a way that Vraan may appreciate in a synergistic strategy.
In essence, Vraan, Executioner Thane has a distinct place among MTG creature cards with death-related abilities, excelling in games that thrive on creature removal and employing a strategy around maximizing the impact of each death on the battlefield.
Cards similar to Vraan, Executioner Thane by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Vraan, Executioner Thane. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Rakdos Aggro | Standard | Rakdos Aggro | Traditional Standard Ranked Decklists: April 22, 2024 |
 | Mono-Black Midrange | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 15 2024 | |
 | Rakdos Vampires | Standard | Rakdos Midrange | The Pizza Box Open: Standard |
 | Orzhov Flash | Standard | Orzhov Flash | Traditional Standard Ranked Decklists: April 1, 2024 |
| Mardu Sacrifice | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 09 2024 | |
| Mardu Midrange | Standard | Mardu Aggro | The Pizza Box Open: Standard |
| Mardu Aggro | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 11 2024 | |
 | Rakdos Sacrifice | Standard | Rakdos Sacrifice | Japan Standard Cup: Murders at Karlov Manor |
 | Rakdos Midrange | Standard | Rakdos Midrange | Traditional Standard Ranked Decklists: March 4, 2024 |
| Esper Legends | Standard | Esper Legends | BOP! Standard Open |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Vraan, Executioner Thane grants you the ability to exile an opponent’s card from their graveyard whenever a creature you control deals combat damage to a player. This not only disrupts your opponent’s plans but can also provide you with significant card advantage over the course of a game.
Resource Acceleration: By exiling cards with the distinct ability of Vraan, Executioner Thane, you can cast those cards and use them as your own, using mana as though it were mana of any color. This not only accelerates your resource pool but also gives you access to your opponent’s best spells and strategies.
Instant Speed: While Vraan, Executioner Thane’s abilities aren’t at instant speed, the card allows you to utilize exiled cards at instant speed. This flexibility lets you adapt on the go and outmaneuver opponents by casting their spells during times they least expect, potentially during their own turns.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Vraan, Executioner Thane’s ability demands players to discard a card, which can often result in a tough decision, especially when hand size is already depleted or when every card in hand is vital to maintaining board presence or executing your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: This card requires a precise blend of mana, including at least two black mana sources. This necessitates a strong mana base within your deck to consistently cast it on curve, potentially restricting its inclusion to mainly black or two-color decks that can reliably provide the necessary mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing four mana to bring into play, Vraan, Executioner Thane might be considered costly when compared to other creatures in the same mana range. This could lead to slower gameplay, giving your opponent more time to establish their board or counter your strategy before you can make the most of Vraan’s abilities.
Reasons to Include Vraan, Executioner Thane in Your Collection
Versatility: Vraan, Executioner Thane offers a dynamic role in any deck, adapting to various game phases with ease. Whether you need an offensive leader or a strategic defender, this card has the flexibility to support different play styles and deck builds.
Combo Potential: With abilities that could potentially remove opponent’s creatures, Vraan can be a linchpin in combos that revolve around clearing the board or benefiting from death triggers. Its synergy with other cards can create game-changing moments and turn the tide in your favor.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where creature-based strategies are prevalent, having Vraan in your arsenal means you’re well-equipped to handle a variety of threats. Its relevance in the current meta makes it a smart inclusion for players who want to stay competitive and dictate the pace of the game.
How to beat
Vraan, Executioner Thane presents a unique challenge on the battlefield due to its ability to grow stronger with every spell cast. As a card that can potentially become a severe threat in the game, players need to adopt effective strategies to deal with it. One way is to limit the number of spells you cast when Vraan is in play. This includes avoiding unnecessary spells during your turn, which prevents Vraan from accumulating too many +1/+1 counters.
An alternative approach includes using removal spells that can by-pass Vraan’s protection abilities. Consider removals that don’t target or those that change the battlefield state, such as board wipes. Additionally, playing around Vraan’s attack triggers is vital. You can do this by controlling the pace of the game, using instant speed removal when Vraan attempts to attack, or by including creatures with deathtouch or enough blocking power to neutralize the threat without triggering its ability.
Lastly, employing exile effects can be tremendously effective. Since Vraan, Executioner Thane relies on being in play to have an impact, removing it from the game entirely can diminish your opponent’s strategy. By integrating these techniques, you can maintain control over the game and mitigate the impact of Vraan, Executioner Thane.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Vraan, Executioner Thane MTG card by a specific set like Phyrexia: All Will Be One Promos and Phyrexia: All Will Be One, 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 Vraan, Executioner Thane and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
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- MTG Mint Card
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Printings
The Vraan, Executioner Thane Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2023-02-03 and 2023-02-03. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2023-02-03 | Phyrexia: All Will Be One Promos | PONE | 114s | 2015 | Normal | Black | Helge C. Balzer | |
| 2 | 2023-02-03 | Phyrexia: All Will Be One | ONE | 441 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Shikee | |
| 3 | Phyrexia: All Will Be One Art Series | AONE | 24 | 2015 | Art series | Borderless | |||
| 4 | 2023-02-03 | Phyrexia: All Will Be One Promos | PONE | 114p | 2015 | Normal | Black | Helge C. Balzer | |
| 5 | 2023-02-03 | Phyrexia: All Will Be One | ONE | 114 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Helge C. Balzer | |
| 6 | 2023-02-03 | Phyrexia: All Will Be One | ONE | 309 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Shikee |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Vraan, Executioner Thane has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |