High Priest of Penance MTG Card


Enables targeted destruction at the cost of sustaining damage for strategic board control. Utilizes its defensive capabilities best in specific two-color (Orzhov) decks. Demands inclusion in collections that prize versatility and combo potential.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Human Cleric
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

Whenever High Priest of Penance is dealt damage, you may destroy target nonland permanent.

"All I require is faith, loyalty, obedience, trust, and complete and utter devotion."


Cards like High Priest of Penance

High Priest of Penance is a unique creature card that offers both defensive and offensive versatility in MTG. A parallel can be drawn between it and Spitemare, as both have abilities that trigger upon taking damage. While Spitemare requires a cost of three mana and can redirect the damage to any target, High Priest of Penance has a lower cast cost and instead destroys any nonland permanent, providing a precise answer to threats on the board.

Comparatively, Boros Reckoner holds a place in this niche of creatures that interact with damage. It shares the damage-triggered ability but translates any damage dealt to it into damage to any target, offering a more aggressive approach. Though more mana-intensive compared to High Priest of Penance, its impact is amplified in matchups where direct damage can change the tide of the game.

In weighing options, High Priest of Penance stands out for its low mana requirement and potent removal capabilities. Within the sphere of reactive creatures in MTG, it holds its own as an efficient piece for controlling the board and deterring opponents from engaging in combat without careful consideration.

Spitemare - MTG Card versions
Boros Reckoner - MTG Card versions
Spitemare - MTG Card versions
Boros Reckoner - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to High Priest of Penance by color, type and mana cost

Putrid Warrior - MTG Card versions
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Shaile, Dean of Radiance // Embrose, Dean of Shadow - MTG Card versions
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Suture Spirit - MTG Card versions
Nightsky Mimic - MTG Card versions
Cloistered Youth // Unholy Fiend - MTG Card versions
Loyal Cathar // Unhallowed Cathar - MTG Card versions
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Cartel Aristocrat - MTG Card versions
Chief of the Edge - MTG Card versions
Chief of the Scale - MTG Card versions
Karlov of the Ghost Council - MTG Card versions
Wayward Servant - MTG Card versions
Legion Lieutenant - MTG Card versions
Syndicate Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Cruel Celebrant - MTG Card versions
Corpse Knight - MTG Card versions
Wintermoor Commander - MTG Card versions
Putrid Warrior - MTG Card versions
Triumphant Adventurer - MTG Card versions
Shaile, Dean of Radiance // Embrose, Dean of Shadow - MTG Card versions
Silverquill Silencer - MTG Card versions
Mourning Thrull - MTG Card versions
Suture Spirit - MTG Card versions
Nightsky Mimic - MTG Card versions
Cloistered Youth // Unholy Fiend - MTG Card versions
Loyal Cathar // Unhallowed Cathar - MTG Card versions
Vizkopa Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Cartel Aristocrat - MTG Card versions
Chief of the Edge - MTG Card versions
Chief of the Scale - MTG Card versions
Karlov of the Ghost Council - MTG Card versions
Wayward Servant - MTG Card versions
Legion Lieutenant - MTG Card versions
Syndicate Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Cruel Celebrant - MTG Card versions
Corpse Knight - MTG Card versions
Wintermoor Commander - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using High Priest of Penance. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Esper HumansEsper Humans ModernHumansGrand Open Qualifier Prague 2024
Rakdos AggroRakdos Aggro ModernMardu MidrangeF2F Tour Championship - Ottawa Round 5 (Regional Championship)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: High Priest of Penance shines in situations where you can utilize its destruction ability to effectively deal with troublesome permanents on the board. Every time it’s dealt damage, it lets you target an artifact, creature, enchantment, or planeswalker your opponent controls and destroy it, potentially providing a one-for-one trade or even better, if protected or recurring in-game.

Resource Acceleration: Though High Priest of Penance itself doesn’t directly contribute to resource acceleration, the removal of key pieces of your opponent’s strategy can indirectly accelerate your own game plan. By eliminating their resources, you pave a clearer path for your plays, effectively letting you stay ahead in the race to victory.

Instant Speed: With its ability triggering upon being dealt damage, High Priest of Penance allows for flexibility akin to instant speed interaction. This means during any combat phase, or in response to any action that causes it damage, you can disrupt your opponent’s board, forcing them to reconsider their strategy mid-turn and potentially ruining their momentum.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While High Priest of Penance has no direct discard requirements, it necessitates careful board management. This may indirectly result in a discard when strategically retaining removal spells to trigger its ability, constraining your hand and potentially costing precious resources.

Specific Mana Cost: High Priest of Penance demands both white and black mana, making it specifically tailored for Orzhov or multi-colored decks. This mana specificity can restrict deck-building flexibility, as including it in a mono-colored or a differently aligned strategy wouldn’t be viable.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although costing only two mana, it’s noteworthy that other two-drop creatures might provide a more immediate impact on the game. The value of High Priest of Penance is situational, dependent on it being targeted and destroyed, which can be a significant drawback when faster board presence is required.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: High Priest of Penance offers a unique defensive option for your deck, acting as a deterrent to opponents considering attacking you. This card can slot into a variety of deck builds, particularly ones that need to control the board and protect life totals.

Combo Potential: With the right setup, such as enablers that allow it to deal damage to itself, High Priest of Penance can repeatedly destroy any nonland permanent. This synergizes well with mechanics like indestructibility or regeneration.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where valuable enchantments, artifacts, and creatures dominate the field, the High Priest acts as a potential one-card solution to multiple threats. Its relevance in the meta is solid as it can be part of strategies that disrupt opponent’s key pieces.


How to beat

The High Priest of Penance is a unique creature card in Magic: The Gathering, capable of deterring opponents’ attacks due to its potential to destroy any nonland permanent if it’s dealt damage. To navigate around this strategic blockade, players often resort to indirect removal spells. These can bypass the Priest’s effect by not dealing damage but rather exiling the card or forcing a sacrifice, as seen with cards like Path to Exile or Diabolic Edict.

Alternatively, leveraging abilities that reduce toughness can effectively eliminate the High Priest of Penance without triggering its destructive capability. For example, using instant-speed spells such as Fatal Push during your own turn ensures the Priest is removed without repercussions. In a broader strategy, preventing the High Priest from reaching the battlefield altogether through counter spells also proves to be an effective measure.

The key to surpassing the High Priest of Penance’s shield-like nature lies in a well-curated deck that includes versatile removal options. By meticulously selecting spells that can sidestep the damage clause, players can maintain control over the board without fear of losing valuable permanents to the High Priest’s penance.


BurnMana Recommendations

Diving into MTG’s strategic depths showcases cards like High Priest of Penance as pivotal pieces in your arsenal. Understanding its nuanced role in the delicate dance of destruction and board control takes finesse and insight. With its ability to disrupt opponents at a moment’s notice, the High Priest becomes a force that demands an answer. As you refine your collection and elevate your gameplay, incorporating this card could be a game-changer. Ready for a deeper dive into strategies that can mold your MTG experience? Embrace the wisdom of the High Priest of Penance and fortify your deck. Unlock more insights and strategies with us and advance your journey to becoming a formidable player in the MTG realm.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase High Priest of Penance MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash and Commander 2018, 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 High Priest of Penance and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The High Priest of Penance Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2013-02-01 and 2022-06-10. Illustrated by Mark Zug.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12013-02-01GatecrashGTC 1712003NormalBlackMark Zug
22018-08-09Commander 2018C18 1832015NormalBlackMark Zug
32022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 8482015NormalBlackMark Zug

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where High Priest of Penance has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2013-01-24 High Priest of Penance's ability triggers once for each instance of damage dealt to it, not once for each 1 damage. The ability will trigger even if High Priest of Penance is dealt lethal damage.