Hivis of the Scale MTG Card


Hivis of the Scale - Mirage
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Viashino Shaman
Released1996-10-08
Set symbol
Set nameMirage
Set codeMIR
Power 3
Toughness 4
Number182
Frame1997
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byAndrew Robinson

Key Takeaways

  1. Steals creatures at instant speed, providing strategic advantage and forcing opponents to play cautiously.
  2. Demands specific mana and a discard, challenging integration and usage in varied decks.
  3. Can define board presence, particularly in dragon-themed decks, enhancing both versatility and strategy.

Text of card

You may choose not to untap Hivis of the Scale during your untap phase. oc T: Gain control of target Dragon. If Hivis becomes untapped or you lose control of Hivis, lose control of that Dragon.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Hivis of the Scale provides access to additional cards by potentially stealing opponents’ creatures. This ability to convert your opponent’s strength to your own not only increases your options but can tip the balance of the game in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: Although Hivis itself doesn’t directly create additional mana or treasures, the act of assuming control of your opponent’s creatures can effectively broaden your resources. This usurpation translates to a more versatile board state, allowing you to utilize enemies’ abilities and mana without spending your own, leading to a potent form of acceleration.

Instant Speed: Hivis’s ability to change the board at instant speed is significantly advantageous. This allows you much-needed flexibility during the game, providing the potential to disrupt your opponent’s strategies at a moment’s notice. Additionally, it forces opponents to play more cautiously, knowing that any high-value creature they play could be swiftly turned against them.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Hivis of the Scale necessitates a player to discard another card to unleash its full potential. This can be particularly taxing during moments when hand resources are scarce, compelling players to make tough decisions about which cards to sacrifice.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting of Hivis requires a blend of both red and green mana, which means it naturally fits into Gruul decks but may not be as easily integrated into decks that don’t support this specific color combination, potentially restricting its versatility across various deck types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a requirement of a substantial amount of mana to play, Hivis of the Scale may compete unfavorably with other creatures in the same mana range. Players could find this hinderance in tempo, particularly in faster-paced formats where lower-cost creatures can provide a more immediate impact on the battlefield.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Hivis of the Scale offers a unique blend of abilities that can integrate into various deck archetypes. Its power to gain control of dragons not only strengthens your board but disrupts your opponent’s strategy, making it a flexible addition to any collection.

Combo Potential: With Hivis of the Scale, players can craft numerous synergies, particularly in dragon-centric builds. This card can function as a key piece in combos that capitalize on stealing and utilizing opponents’ creatures, or even simply for enhancing dragon tribal tactics.

Meta-Relevance: As the game evolves, control and creature-based strategies often emerge. Hivis of the Scale can be a game-changer in such environments, offering an edge by shifting the balance of powerful creatures in your favor, thus keeping your collection competitive.


How to beat Hivis of the Scale

Hivis of the Scale is a notable dragon card that offers a unique ability in the realm of MTG. With the power to gain control of red or green creatures, Hivis changes the dynamic of the battlefield dramatically. One of the key strategies to counter this effect is to limit Hivis’s opportunities by restricting the number of red or green creatures in your lineup. Alternatively, rely on creature types or colors that are not susceptible to Hivis’s influence. Protection spells or abilities that shield your creatures from being targeted can also undermine Hivis’s control ability.

Removal spells are another effective tool. Hivis’s dependency on staying on the battlefield to exert its influence means that instant-speed removals can be a game-changer. Therefore, keeping available mana for such spells when Hivis hits the table is important. Additionally, including cards with shroud or hexproof in your deck can nullify Hivis’s ability, as these creatures are immune to his power. Engaging with cards that offer such defensive capabilities will ensure that Hivis of the Scale does not tip the scales in your opponent’s favor.


Cards like Hivis of the Scale

Hivis of the Scale marks its territory in the realm of red Commander creatures within Magic: The Gathering with its distinct ability to gain control of dragons. This power closely mirrors that of Dragonlord Silumgar, yet Hivis exclusively targets the commanding dragon subtype. While Dragonlord Silumgar can affect any creature or planeswalker, Hivis offers a more focused approach, tailoring to dragon-centric decks.

Delving into dragon commanders, we encounter Beguiler of Wills, which offers a broader control ability not limited by creature type. However, it requires a strong board presence for optimal use. In comparison, Hivis of the Scale specifically caters to those who prefer a targeted grip over dragon creatures, potentially commandeering massive threats from opponents with ease. Another similar card, Olivia Voldaren, shares the control theme but applies it within a vampire context and adds additional layers of gameplay through her transformative abilities.

Each of these cards underscore themes of usurping control, though they do so in different contexts and creature focuses. Hivis of the Scale stands as a favorable option for dragon enthusiasts looking to sway the aerial battlefield in their favor within Magic: The Gathering.

Dragonlord Silumgar - MTG Card versions
Beguiler of Wills - MTG Card versions
Olivia Voldaren - MTG Card versions
Dragonlord Silumgar - MTG Card versions
Beguiler of Wills - MTG Card versions
Olivia Voldaren - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Hivis of the Scale by color, type and mana cost

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Eron the Relentless - MTG Card versions
Balduvian War-Makers - MTG Card versions
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Fire Elemental - MTG Card versions
Earth Elemental - MTG Card versions
Eron the Relentless - MTG Card versions
Balduvian War-Makers - MTG Card versions
Hulking Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Flame Spirit - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Salamander - MTG Card versions
Ma Chao, Western Warrior - MTG Card versions
Covetous Dragon - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Strike Force - MTG Card versions
Volatile Arsonist // Dire-Strain Anarchist - MTG Card versions
Tephraderm - MTG Card versions
Avarax - MTG Card versions
Bonethorn Valesk - MTG Card versions
Frost Ogre - MTG Card versions
Heartless Hidetsugu - MTG Card versions
Shard Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Soul of Magma - MTG Card versions
Hunted Dragon - MTG Card versions
Torchling - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Hivis of the Scale MTG card by a specific set like Mirage, 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 Hivis of the Scale and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Hivis of the Scale has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

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