Hyalopterous Lemure MTG Card


Hyalopterous Lemure can be a strategic graveyard enabler with its unique discard ability. Improves decks by utilizing instant speed power modifications for resourcefulness. The card requires careful consideration in deck building due to specific cons.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Spirit
Power 4
Toughness 3

Text of card

: Flying and -1/-0 until end of turn

"The Lemures looked harmless, until they descended on my troops. Within moments, only bones remained." —Lucilde Fiksdotter, Leader of the Order of the White Shield


Cards like Hyalopterous Lemure

Hyalopterous Lemure is an intriguing creature within the realm of Magic: The Gathering. It draws comparisons with its doppelganger of the night, Skulking Ghost. Both creatures carry the essence of evanescence with their abilities to vanish upon becoming the target of a spell or ability. Although the Lemure offers more robustness with its four toughness compared to the Ghost’s two, this spectral rodent lacks the ability to attack unless you have played a creature spell on the same turn, which Skulking Ghost does freely.

Delving into similar functionality but with a twist, we encounter the likes of Fledgling Djinn, which mirrors the Lemure’s fragility trait. The Djinn, while more aggressive with a higher power, also perishes when targeted. Its flying ability does give it an advantage, but it comes with the drawback of a cumulative upkeep cost, something the Lemure is free from. These subtle differences in mechanics and attributes highlight the fine line between choosing a disposable attacker or a slightly sturdier defensive option.

The strategic depth in selecting either Hyalopterous Lemure or its counterparts lies in individual deck synergy and the preferred balance between resilience and offensive potential within Magic: The Gathering gameplay.

Skulking Ghost - MTG Card versions
Fledgling Djinn - MTG Card versions
Skulking Ghost - MTG Card versions
Fledgling Djinn - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Hyalopterous Lemure by color, type and mana cost

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Predatory Nightstalker - MTG Card versions
Fallen Angel - MTG Card versions
Stone Catapult - MTG Card versions
Sengir Vampire - MTG Card versions
Coffin Puppets - MTG Card versions
Hollow Dogs - MTG Card versions
Grotesque Hybrid - MTG Card versions
Earwig Squad - MTG Card versions
Indulgent Tormentor - MTG Card versions
Sootfeather Flock - MTG Card versions
Zombie Cutthroat - MTG Card versions
Gluttonous Zombie - MTG Card versions
Vermiculos - MTG Card versions
Woebearer - MTG Card versions
Wei Elite Companions - MTG Card versions
Halo Hunter - MTG Card versions
Malakir Bloodwitch - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Hyalopterous Lemure offers the capability to discard a card at random in exchange for a power boost, which can incidentally enable strategies focused on the graveyard. It tricks opponents into thinking you’re disadvantaged, all while you strategically place key cards into your graveyard to be utilized later in the game.

Resource Acceleration: This card, while not directly a source of mana acceleration, plays well in decks built around sacrificing creatures. By using it alongside cards that thrive on creature death or sacrifice, you can effectively turn the Lemure into fuel for more ominous effects and plays, indirectly speeding up your resource generation.

Instant Speed: The ability to increase its power at instant speed gives you the flexibility to surprise an opponent during combat or in response to spells targeting Hyalopterous Lemure. This can result in favorable trades or unexpected combat math that can swing the game in your favor without committing to the board on your turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Hyalopterous Lemure demands the discard of a creature card to regenerate, constraining your hand and resource management, which might leave you vulnerable in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost requires both black and generic mana, potentially restricting deck flexibility and synergy in multicolor builds that may not always have the right color mana available.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At five mana for a creature with these specific abilities, it may not be the most mana-efficient play, especially when faster, lower cost creatures are available that could be more impactful on the battlefield earlier in the game.


Reasons to Include Hyalopterous Lemure in Your Collection

Versatility: Hyalopterous Lemure shines as a multifaceted card that can adapt to various strategic needs. Its ability to regenerate makes it a persistent threat on the battlefield, capable of fitting into defensive strategies as well as aggressive ones that focus on endurance.

Combo Potential: Thanks to its regenerative ability, this card works well in combos within decks that exploit creature survival. It can be used in synergistic plays with cards that reap benefits from undying creatures or those that necessitate sacrificing a creature without truly losing board presence.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where attrition wars are common, the Hyalopterous Lemure proves to be a valuable asset. It weathers spot removal and makes it through sweepers, ensuring that you maintain creature presence against decks that rely on controlling the board through removal spells.


How to beat

Hyalopterous Lemure is a creature card that, at first glance, may not seem particularly formidable within the complex landscape of Magic: The Gathering. Distinguishable by its peculiar power-fluctuating ability, the card requires a careful approach, not unlike the strategies you might employ against cards with similar adaptability. The key to defeating Hyalopterous Lemure lies not in direct combat, but rather in navigating its ability to modify its power.

Effective removal spells are your allies here, as the ability of Hyalopterous Lemure to adjust power based on mana investment makes it a slippery target. Employing instant speed removal when the Lemure’s power is at its lowest will ensure that your opponent’s mana investment goes to waste. Strategic patience can turn the tables, as you wait for an opportune moment when your opponent is tapped out or the Lemure’s guard is down. Additionally, evasion tactics, such as making your creatures unblockable or employing various forms of counterspells, can mitigate the Lemure’s impact on the game. It’s a nuanced dance, but one that’s well within the capabilities of a seasoned player.

Remember, like many unique creatures in Magic: The Gathering, overcoming the Hyalopterous Lemure is a matter of timing, resource management, and anticipating your opponent’s plays. With these strategies in your arsenal, this enigmatic creature won’t stand in your way for long.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Hyalopterous Lemure MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age and Masters Edition, 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 Hyalopterous Lemure and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Hyalopterous Lemure Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1995-06-03 and 2023-01-13. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11995-06-03Ice AgeICE 1331993NormalBlackRichard Thomas
22007-09-10Masters EditionME1 721997NormalBlackRichard Thomas
32023-01-13Dominaria RemasteredDMR 892015NormalBlackPavel Kolomeyets

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Hyalopterous Lemure has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal