Writ of Passage MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Common
Type	Enchantment — Aura
Abilities	Enchant,Forecast
Released	2006-05-05
Set symbol
Set name	Dissension
Set code	DIS
Number	37
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Luca Zontini

Key Takeaways

Enables unblockable attacks when ciphered, creating opportunities for recurring card draw and combat damage.
Assists in board control by protecting key creatures, indirectly aiding in resource acceleration and maintaining advantage.
Although enchantment speed, its cipher ability adds flexibility, mimicking instant-speed interaction and boosting strategic gameplay.

Text of card

Enchant creature Whenever enchanted creature attacks, if its power is 2 or less, it's unblockable this turn. Forecast , Reveal Writ of Passage from your hand: Target creature with power 2 or less is unblockable this turn. (Play this ability only during your upkeep and only once each turn.)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Writ of Passage ensures that your creature becomes unblockable for a turn when its cipher ability is utilized properly. This grants the potential for repeated card draws if paired with creatures that have beneficial effects when they deal combat damage to a player.

Resource Acceleration: Although Writ of Passage does not directly accelerate resources, it aids in maintaining board presence by safeguarding key creatures from being blocked. This indirect protection helps preserve your assets, keeping pivotal creatures in play that can contribute to resource generation.

Instant Speed: Writ of Passage works at enchantment speed, but once ciphered onto a creature, it offers the flexibility similar to that of instant speed. This allows you to safely navigate through your opponent’s defenses and enables strategic plays without the need for instantaneous interaction. The recurring ability to make a creature unblockable is a powerful tool when timing attacks or planning ahead.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Writ of Passage grants evasion, it necessitates discarding a card. This can be potentially problematic when you’re managing a tight hand and need to maintain card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting requires both blue mana and generic mana. This specificity may not sync well with multicolor decks that struggle with mana consistency or those that have a heavier emphasis on other colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost to activate the ability, it’s considerable when assessing the value of the card in a fast-paced game where speed and efficiency could be pivotal. There are other cards that provide evasion or protection at a more economical cost.

Reasons to Include Writ of Passage in Your Collection

Versatility: Writ of Passage provides a unique ability to make creatures unblockable in the right decks, such as those built around evasion or focusing on connecting with the opponent to trigger certain effects. It’s a great addition to decks that aim to sneak past blockers and deliver critical hits.

Combo Potential: With the azorius guild’s affinity for synergistic play, Writ of Passage can be a key piece in combos that capitalize on dealing combat damage to a player. The card’s forecast ability also allows for repeated use, proving to be a consistent combo enabler over multiple turns.

Meta-Relevance: In metas where creature combat is prominent, giving your key creatures unblockable each turn can be a game-changer. Writ of Passage ensures your impactful creatures can always press your advantage or defend against aggressive opponents effectively.

How to beat

Writ of Passage is an intriguing enchantment in MTG, known for granting unblockability to creatures through its forecast ability. When facing a deck that utilizes this card, the key is to adapt your strategy around the mechanics. Unlike spells that permanently make creatures untargetable, Writ of Passage requires a recurring mana investment each turn.

Therefore, to counteract this card, consider using removal spells that don’t target, like wrath effects, which can clear the board regardless of any unblockable creatures. Single-use removal spells might seem wasted on creatures that can easily be made unblockable again, but global effects will reset the board and challenge your opponent to rebuild. Additionally, since Writ of Passage relies on the forecast mechanic to be effective, cards that restrict or tax abilities can also be a formidable countermeasure.

Ultimately, the secret to outmaneuvering a Writ of Passage is to focus on broad strategies that reduce your opponent’s ability to make repeated use of the enchantment’s capabilities, thus maintaining a more powerful position on the battlefield. By doing so, you proactively handle threats and diminish the value your opponent gains from this card.

Cards like Writ of Passage

Writ of Passage is an interesting charm within Magic: The Gathering that offers creatures the chance to slip past defenses. Comparable in function is the card Distortion Strike which not only gives a creature unblockable for a turn but also boosts its power. However, Distortion Strike rebounds to be usable a second time, whereas Writ of Passage requires the forecast mechanic, demanding a more strategic setup.

Artful Dodge follows a close relationship with our theme card, granting unblockable as well but at a fraction of the mana cost. Unlike Writ of Passage, Artful Dodge can be flashed back from the graveyard, giving players more flexibility at a lower expense. Then we have Cloak of Mists, which affixes unblockable to a creature permanently. This offers a persistent threat but lacks the repeatability and surprise element of Writ of Passage which can be activated under the radar.

Evaluating the unique approaches to rendering creatures unblockable, Writ of Passage appeals to players who prefer to plan ahead and surprise opponents with a well-timed evasion. Each card provides a valuable tool for different gameplay strategies, with Writ of Passage standing out for its potential recurring advantage.

Cards similar to Writ of Passage by color, type and mana cost

Cloak of Invisibility - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Writ of Passage MTG card by a specific set like Dissension, 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 Writ of Passage and other MTG cards: