Zephyr Scribe MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Monk |
| Released | 2015-03-27 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Dragons of Tarkir |
| Set code | DTK |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 85 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Lius Lasahido |
Text of card
, : Draw a card, then discard a card. Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, untap Zephyr Scribe.
"Ojutai's rule has allowed Tarkir's monks to learn from the truly enlightened." —Sarkhan Vol
Cards like Zephyr Scribe
Zephyr Scribe takes its place in the realm of looting effects within Magic: The Gathering. Standing shoulder to shoulder with other looters like Merfolk Looter, it offers players the ability to draw and then discard a card. While Merfolk Looter needs only a tap, Zephyr Scribe’s edge is its untap ability. When you cast a noncreature spell, Zephyr Scribe untaps, potentially providing multiple activations in a single turn.
Another noteworthy peer is Jeskai Elder, which not only loots upon dealing combat damage but also brings a prowess-like ability to the table, increasing its power and potentially facilitating damage to your opponent. However, it doesn’t provide the same frequency of loot action that Zephyr Scribe does, as it requires combat involvement and damage to trigger.
Considering versatility and combo potential, Zephyr Scribe may hold its own among its kin, especially in decks that chain noncreature spells. Although it lacks the inherent power increase of Jeskai Elder, its multiple untap potential can be crucial in the right deck, proving that Zephyr Scribe’s utility transcends mere card filtration.
Cards similar to Zephyr Scribe by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Zephyr Scribe provides a repeatable looting effect, allowing you to draw a card and then discard a card, which keeps your hand refreshed with new options and can set up powerful graveyard strategies.
Resource Acceleration: With its looting ability, this card can help churn through your deck to find necessary land drops or mana sources, smoothing out your draws and helping to ensure you have the resources you need when you need them.
Instant Speed: Zephyr Scribe’s untap mechanic can be utilized at instant speed, which means you can take advantage of unused mana at the end of your opponent’s turn to loot, thus optimizing the efficiency of your mana usage and keeping your options open.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Engaging in Zephyr Scribe’s looting ability necessitates discarding a card, potentially draining your hand when resources are scarce or when every card counts.
Specific Mana Cost: Zephyr Scribe’s activation cost requires blue mana, making it less flexible and thereby relegating it to blue-centric or multicolored decks that can consistently provide this mana type.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, Zephyr Scribe may be outpaced by other lower-cost options that facilitate card drawing or selection without the uptick in mana expenditure.
Reasons to Include Zephyr Scribe in Your Collection
Versatility: Zephyr Scribe offers utility across various deck types, given its capability to untap through its looting ability. This makes it a flexible addition for builds that need repeated card filtering to find key components efficiently.
Combo Potential: The card’s untap feature allows for synergistic plays with cards that trigger on casting spells or when noncreature permanents become untapped, providing solid grounds for inventive combos within strategies looking to exploit such mechanics.
Meta-Relevance: In game environments where developing a strong board presence and maintaining card advantage is crucial, Zephyr Scribe acts as a resilient tool. Its role in sustaining draw engines and interacting with the current tempo of the game makes it a strategic pick for decks that need to stay responsive and ahead in resources.
How to beat
Zephyr Scribe offers players in Magic: The Gathering an intriguing utility by allowing for card filtering and potential untapping through Looting, which is the act of drawing a card then discarding a card. Players looking to overcome the advantages provided by Zephyr Scribe should consider strategies that limit its untap ability. Removal spells that can target creatures at instant speed disrupt the Scribe’s utility without allowing the controller an opportunity to gain value through the Loot ability.
Moreover, employing cards with the “can’t be countered” attribute can be quite effective since Zephyr Scribe’s controller might hold up mana for other instants or abilities expecting to untap the Scribe through noncreature spell casts. Denying an opponent the chance to Loot provides a tangible setback, especially in formats where card selection is vital for executing a strategy. In addition, applying pressure through aggressive strategies may force the Scribe’s controller to use their resources defensively, which reduces the opportunities to use Zephyr Scribe’s abilities for their advantage.
Effectively, understanding and anticipating the moments when an opponent may rely on Zephyr Scribe’s capacities, and being ready to neutralize it quickly is key to diminish its impact on the game, ensuring your path to victory remains clear.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Zephyr Scribe MTG card by a specific set like Dragons of Tarkir, 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 Zephyr Scribe 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 Zephyr Scribe has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |