Vulshok Battlemaster MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Human Warrior |
| Abilities | Haste |
| Released | 2003-10-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Mirrodin |
| Set code | MRD |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 110 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Kev Walker |
Key Takeaways
- Gains massive card advantage by equipping all battlefield artifacts instantly upon its arrival.
- Enhances existing resources, utilizing equipment without additional mana costs for equipping.
- Impacts the game immediately with instant-speed potential, altering combat dynamics unpredictably.
Text of card
Haste When Vulshok Battlemaster comes into play, attach all Equipment in play to it. (Control of the Equipment doesn't change.)
"I could demonstrate how the leonin sunsplicer works, but then you'd be too dead to buy one."
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When Vulshok Battlemaster enters the battlefield, it attaches all Equipment on the battlefield to itself, potentially resulting in significant card advantage. This can turn the tide of a game as you effectively commandeer your opponent’s artifacts without spending additional cards from your hand.
Resource Acceleration: Although the card itself does not accelerate resources in the traditional sense of ramping mana, it maximizes the utilization of already existing resources on the battlefield. By hijacking equipped artifacts, you can increase your resources’ efficiency and affect the board state without expending extra mana on equipping costs.
Instant Speed: Vulshok Battlemaster’s ability triggers as a state-based action upon entering the battlefield, meaning that it works seamlessly with flash effects or instant speed spells that can put it onto the battlefield. This allows you to surprise an opponent by shifting the balance of power instantaneously during combat or at the end of their turn, upsetting potential combat math and planned interactions.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Vulshok Battlemaster requires players to discard a card to activate its ability. This can deplete your hand, potentially leaving you at a disadvantage if you’re already struggling to maintain card advantage on the battlefield.
Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that necessitates both red and generic mana, this card demands a commitment to red mana sources. This can challenge deck building for those who prefer a more varied mana base or multicolor decks with less focus on red.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Casting Vulshok Battlemaster comes at a notably high mana value, considering its overall impact. Players may find the cost prohibitive, especially in fast-paced games where lower-cost creatures could be more beneficial and allow for a more agile playstyle.
Reasons to Include Vulshok Battlemaster in Your Collection
Versatility: Vulshok Battlemaster effortlessly adapts to various deck builds, shining in those that capitalize on equipment and auras. This card can turn any creature into an immediate threat, making it a flexible pick for your red-based decks.
Combo Potential: This card’s ability to inherit all equipments upon entry ramps up its synergy with artifact-centric strategies. It could enable explosive turns where the Battlemaster becomes a colossal force by assembling multiple equipments that were lying dormant on the board.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta that values speedy threats and surprise combat prowess, Vulshok Battlemaster serves as a game-changing asset. It can swing battles in your favor, especially in environments where players may not be expecting such an immediate and significant shift in board state.
How to beat
Vulshok Battlemaster can be a formidable foe in any MTG game. Known for its ‘when enters the battlefield’ ability, it immediately equips all Equipment on the battlefield to itself. Handling a well-equipped battlemaster can turn the tide of the game in your opponent’s favor if left unchecked.
But fear not, there are strategies to neutralize this threat. One effective tactic is to prioritize the removal of equipment before the Battlemaster hits the board. This preemptive strike limits its impact. If the Battlemaster has already landed, instant-speed removal spells become your best friend. Turn to reliable removals such as Path to Exile or Lightning Bolt, which can dispatch the creatue before combat engages and minimizes equipment synergies.
Artifact control cards can also disrupt the Battlemaster’s strategy, hindering the opponent’s ability to build up their arsenal. By focusing on maintaining control of the board and keeping key threats like Vulshok Battlemaster in check, you ensure a more manageable battlefield and increase your chances of emerging victorious in your MTG matches.
Cards like Vulshok Battlemaster
Vulshok Battlemaster is a unique creature in Magic: The Gathering, falling under the category of equipment-themed cards. Its ability to instantly equip any number of equipment upon entering the battlefield mirrors the likes of Puresteel Paladin. However, while Puresteel Paladin allows for an equip cost of {0} as long as you control three or more artifacts, it does not automatically snatch all equipment like the Battlemaster does.
Armory Automaton is another card that shares similarities, with the capability to attach all equipment on the battlefield to itself whenever it attacks. Unlike Vulshok Battlemaster, the Automaton requires a combat phase to trigger its ability, providing a different strategic usage. Comparatively, Brass Squire offers an instant attachment of a single equipment with its tap ability, giving players control over equipment distribution but falling short in the immediate impact that the Battlemaster delivers.
Analyzing these similar cards, Vulshok Battlemaster holds a unique position. Its immediate and blanket equipment grab can create a significant shift in board state, establishing it as an aggressive and potentially game-ending play for Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts looking for a sudden edge in battle.
Cards similar to Vulshok Battlemaster by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Vulshok Battlemaster MTG card by a specific set like Mirrodin, 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 Vulshok Battlemaster and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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 Vulshok Battlemaster 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 Vulshok Battlemaster card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-12-01 | If an Equipment can’t equip Vulshok Battlemaster, it isn’t attached to the Battlemaster, and it doesn’t become unattached (if it’s attached to a creature). |
| 2004-12-01 | Other players’ Equipment is moved onto the Battlemaster as well as your own. This doesn’t change who controls the Equipment or who can activate its equip ability to move it onto another creature. |
| 2004-12-01 | The enters-the-battlefield effect moves all Equipment onto the Battlemaster, regardless of whether that Equipment was attached to other creatures. |
