Windbrisk Raptor MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 7 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Bird |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Released | 2008-05-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Shadowmoor |
| Set code | SHM |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 7 |
| Number | 26 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Omar Rayyan |
Text of card
Flying Attacking creatures you control have lifelink.
It awakened to gloom-fouled skies and responded with a righteous rage that shook the heavens.
Cards like Windbrisk Raptor
Windbrisk Raptor holds a unique place in the pantheon of Magic: The Gathering flying creatures. If you’re familiar with cards like Aven Brigadier, you’ll notice that they both share the bird synergy. Though Aven Brigadier buffs other birds, Windbrisk Raptor offers a different boon – life gain whenever a player attacks with three or more creatures. This mechanic is not shared by the Brigadier, making the Raptor valuable in swarm strategies.
Comparing it to Baneslayer Angel, another high-profile flier, both serve as significant aerial threats. However, Baneslayer provides immediate life gain and protection against demons and dragons upon entry, while the Raptor’s life gain is contingent on fulfilling its attack requirement. Another creature worth mentioning is Victory’s Herald, which also confers life-gaining capabilities to attacking creatures. The Herald triggers lifelink across the board rather than building upon individual attacks, providing a different strategic angle.
In essence, Windbrisk Raptor offers a unique blend of aggression and sustain, carving out its niche among creatures that turn player assaults into opportunities for life gain. Its ability to help players stabilize while applying pressure makes it an intriguing option in creature-based decks.
Cards similar to Windbrisk Raptor by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Windbrisk Raptor aids in maintaining card advantage by allowing potential repeated life gain which can lead to drawing cards if paired with certain synergies within the game. It reinforces hand sustainability while providing a significant aerial threat on the board.
Resource Acceleration: By having a sizable body capable of consistent life gains, this raptor can open doors for resource acceleration with cards that capitalize on life total changes. This can lead to playing larger threats earlier or activating abilities that require hefty life totals as a resource.
Instant Speed: Although the raptor itself does not operate at instant speed, its relevant ability in boosting attacking creatures after being declared as an attacker can subtly work under instant speed dynamics. It encourages strategies to be formulated around the combat phase, catching opponents off guard and creating resourceful situations significantly impacting the game’s pace.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Windbrisk Raptor’s effect may sometimes require you to discard a card, reducing your hand advantage and potentially causing you to lose valuable resources.
Specific Mana Cost: The raptor’s casting cost includes two white mana symbols, necessitating a commitment to white mana and potentially limiting deck diversity.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana, Windbrisk Raptor’s investment is steep compared to other creatures that might provide immediate board impact or have more versatile abilities.
Reasons to Include Windbrisk Raptor in Your Collection
Versatility: Windbrisk Raptor’s ability to grant life gain on top of a substantial flying body makes it a multifaceted option for decks that capitalize on both defense and offense. Its presence can turn the tide in games where maintaining a high life total is crucial.
Combo Potential: With the ability to gain life whenever a creature you control attacks, Windbrisk Raptor pairs well with cards that trigger off life gain or attack. This can lead to an array of powerful combinations, reinforcing your battlefield presence and putting pressure on the opponent.
Meta-Relevance: In formats where prolonged matches are common and creature-based strategies prevail, Windbrisk Raptor shines as a valuable card. Its relevance increases in metas filled with aggressive decks, offering a lifeline that can extend the game in your favor.
How to beat
Windbrisk Raptor is a powerful force in the realm of flying creatures in Magic: The Gathering, known for granting substantial life gain with each attack. This formidable bird shines in decks bolstered by numerous creatures enabling its attack-triggered ability. The key to countering Windbrisk Raptor lies in preventing its attack or dealing with it directly.
Control strategies should focus on removal spells that can bypass potential protections. Cards like Path to Exile or Terminate allow you to deal with the Raptor before it can affect the battlefield. Alternatively, counter spells held in reserve strategically can negate the raptor’s casting, thwarting your opponent’s plans without needing to address an established board presence.
Avoidance tactics can also be effective. Utilizing cards with the ‘reach’ ability can block the Raptor despite its airborne status, while enchantments that restrict attacking or those that pacify can neutralize the threat without removing it from the field. It boils down to anticipating the Raptor’s appearance and maintaining a toolbox of answers to mitigate the impact on your life total and board state.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Windbrisk Raptor MTG card by a specific set like Shadowmoor, 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 Windbrisk Raptor 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Windbrisk Raptor has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Windbrisk Raptor card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-05-01 | This is a static ability. Your creatures will have lifelink from the moment they’re declared as attackers until the moment the combat phase ends, they’re removed from combat, or Windbrisk Raptor leaves the battlefield, whichever comes first. |