Ayara, First of Locthwain MTG Card


Ayara enables card draw by sacrificing black creatures, providing a consistent hand presence and deck thinning. Instant speed sacrifice with Ayara allows strategic responses, giving players control during pivotal moments. Despite mana cost and specificity, Ayara’s inclusion offers versatility and combo potential in black-centric MTG decks.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Elf Noble
Power 2
Toughness 3

Text of card

Whenever Ayara, First of Locthwain or another black creature enters the battlefield under your control, each opponent loses 1 life and you gain 1 life. , Sacrifice another black creature: Draw a card.

Mourning shifts seamlessly to celebration as she chooses her next suitor.


Cards like Ayara, First of Locthwain

Ayara, First of Locthwain holds a unique position in the landscape of black creatures in Magic: The Gathering. She shares similarities with other cards such as Priest of Forgotten Gods, which also provides an avenue to sacrifice creatures for value. Priest of Forgotten Gods offers immediate mana and card advantage, but lacks the ability to deal direct damage that Ayara can provide.

Another card worth mentioning is Blood Artist, which like Ayara, capitalizes on the death of other creatures. Blood Artist’s effect triggers upon any creature’s demise, granting broader reach, while Ayara requires the sacrifice of your own creatures, but includes the additional benefit of life drain with each activation.

Falkenrath Noble is another card that draws comparison. This vampire also thrives on the death of other creatures but offers a flying body. Despite this, the life-draining effect is less controlled compared to Ayara’s targeted ability. When evaluating these cards, Ayara, First of Locthwain is recognized for its strategic depth and the direct life-draining potential it provides within the mono-black archetype.

Priest of Forgotten Gods - MTG Card versions
Blood Artist - MTG Card versions
Falkenrath Noble - MTG Card versions
Priest of Forgotten Gods - MTG Card versions
Blood Artist - MTG Card versions
Falkenrath Noble - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Ayara, First of Locthwain by color, type and mana cost

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El-Hajjâj - MTG Card versions
Frozen Shade - MTG Card versions
Scathe Zombies - MTG Card versions
Sorceress Queen - MTG Card versions
Lost Soul - MTG Card versions
Mindstab Thrull - MTG Card versions
Mischievous Poltergeist - MTG Card versions
Strongarm Thug - MTG Card versions
Razortooth Rats - MTG Card versions
Ghastly Remains - MTG Card versions
Lord of the Undead - MTG Card versions
Deepwood Ghoul - MTG Card versions
Dross Prowler - MTG Card versions
Nim Abomination - MTG Card versions
Vesper Ghoul - MTG Card versions
Hypnotic Specter - MTG Card versions
Dusk Imp - MTG Card versions
Severed Legion - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Ayara, First of Locthwain. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-Black MidrangeMono-Black Midrange GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League
Orzhov AristocratsOrzhov Aristocrats ModernDEN24 Sun 9:30 - Modern $10k Open 8-slot RCQ
Mono-Black AggroMono-Black Aggro PioneerMono-Black MidrangePeasant Pioneer Showdown - A Josh and Pat's MTG Bazaar Sponsored Event
Mono-Black ControlMono-Black Control GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ayara, First of Locthwain’s ability to draw a card whenever you sacrifice another black creature not only helps to maintain hand presence but also thins your deck, boosting the chance of drawing into your key cards.

Resource Acceleration: While not providing traditional mana acceleration, Ayara can indirectly contribute to resource development by using her sacrifice mechanic to enable synergistic interactions within a deck that may result in additional mana production or cost reduction effects.

Instant Speed: Ayara’s ability to sacrifice another black creature at instant speed allows for strategic plays that can disrupt opponents’ calculations. This flexibility ensures that you can respond to threats or opportunities on the battlefield with precision, maintaining the upper hand.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Players using Ayara, First of Locthwain must often manage their hand with care as the card necessitates sacrificing another black creature. This card can be less desirable for those who do not wish to diminish their board presence or those with a low creature count.

Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost of Ayara is entirely in black. While typical for mono-black decks, this can be restrictive for multi-colored decks and can hinder its inclusion in a deck that cannot consistently provide the needed black mana sources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At three black mana, Ayara can compete with other valuable three-drop cards in a deck. With other options that may not require a sacrifice or offer immediate impact without depending on board state, her cost can be a sticking point for players looking for more efficiency or versatility in that mana slot.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Ayara, First of Locthwain fits seamlessly into a vast array of black-based decks, chiefly those leaning on the synergy of Elf or Sacrifice themes. Her ability to provide consistent life drain for opponents while drawing cards makes her a valuable asset in both aggressive and control strategies.

Combo Potential: The card excels in creating powerful interactions, particularly in decks utilizing creatures that enter the battlefield or die often. Combining Ayara with cards that generate multiple tokens can result in significant life swings and card advantage.

Meta-Relevance: As the metagame evolves, cards like Ayara, First of Locthwain remain pertinent due to their intrinsic value in games. She can be a game-changer in matchups that grind out for longer periods, providing sustained benefits that can overwhelm opponents over time.


How to beat

Ayara, First of Locthwain presents a unique challenge in Magic: The Gathering. Her ability to drain life with every black creature’s entrance on the battlefield can quickly turn the tides in favor of her controller. To counteract Ayara, focus on limiting her interactions. Strategies such as removing black creatures before they enter the battlefield, or using exile and bounce effects to handle Ayara directly, can stifle the life drain effect. Cards like Scavenging Ooze can also be effective by removing creatures from graveyards, thus hindering any recurrence synergies.

Another technique is to attack the player’s mana base to prevent Ayara from being cast early on. Land destruction or counterspells can be crucial in delaying or completely stopping Ayara from entering the fray. Additionally, since Ayara thrives in a deck with many creatures, board wipes like Shatter the Sky can prove devastating to your opponent while also dealing with Ayara. Remember, timing these interactions is key, as you want to minimize the value your opponent gets from the life drain and card draw that Ayara provides.

Securing victory against a deck featuring Ayara requires a blend of proactive and reactive plays. By managing the battlefield and keeping your opponent’s creature count low, you can effectively neutralize Ayara’s life-draining threat and tip the scales in your favor.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the intricate dynamics of Ayara, First of Locthwain can be instrumental in your MTG journey. With the insights gained on card pros and cons, you’re equipped to make informed decisions about weaving this card into your deck. The strategic depth offered by Ayara’s abilities enable both aggressive and control tactics, enhancing your gameplay experience. If you’re looking to harness the full potential of this powerful card, understanding the various interactions and deck types where she shines is key. Elevate your game by discovering new deckbuilding strategies and mastering the art of sacrifice mechanics. Embark on this exciting path with us and delve deeper into the strategic aspects of MTG.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ayara, First of Locthwain MTG card by a specific set like Throne of Eldraine and Throne of Eldraine, 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 Ayara, First of Locthwain and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Ayara, First of Locthwain Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2019-10-04 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12019-10-04Throne of EldraineELD 752015NormalBlackRyan Pancoast
22019-10-04Throne of EldraineELD 3502015NormalBlackRyan Pancoast
32023-04-21Multiverse LegendsMUL 782015NormalBlackRyan Pancoast
42023-04-21Multiverse LegendsMUL 143z2015NormalBlackOmar Rayyan
52023-04-21Multiverse LegendsMUL 132015NormalBlackOmar Rayyan
62023-04-21Multiverse LegendsMUL 1432015NormalBlackOmar Rayyan

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ayara, First of Locthwain has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Ayara, First of Locthwain card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2019-10-04 In a Two-Headed Giant game, Ayara's first ability causes the opposing team to lose 1 life twice, and you gain 1 life once.