Servant of Nefarox MTG Card


Servant of Nefarox can indirectly favor card advantage by hampering enemy creatures. Not instant speed, its exalted effect can nonetheless surprise opponents during combat. While powerful, it requires hand card sacrifices and a specific mana mix.
Servant of Nefarox - Magic 2013
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Cleric
Abilities Exalted
Released2012-07-13
Set symbol
Set nameMagic 2013
Set codeM13
Power 3
Toughness 1
Number108
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byIgor Kieryluk

Text of card

Exalted (Whenever a creature you control attacks alone, that creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.)

"My cause is power, and at the altar of power I will gladly forfeit my soul."


Cards like Servant of Nefarox

Delving into the realm of black-aligned minions in Magic: The Gathering, Servant of Nefarox stands as a study in obedience and aggression. This card mirrors others like Tormented Soul in its uncanny ability to slip past defenders. Yet, Servant of Nefarox distinguishes itself with its exalted feature, empowering another creature during the combat phase when it attacks alone. In contrast, Tormented Soul lacks this bolstering ability.

Duty-bound Dead is another comparable creature that offers exalted. However, at the cost of mana, it can become indestructible, protecting its tactical advantage on the board. Meanwhile, Servant of Nefarox lacks such a self-preservation mechanic and instead relies on its exalted ability to swing the momentum of the match. Knight of Infamy is also in this cohort, complete with exalted and a handy protection against white, which Servant of Nefarox does not possess, potentially carving a niche where it can function without fear of white spells or blockers.

Analyzing these cards highlights the nuanced balance of abilities and costs in the design of Magic: The Gathering cards. While each has its significance in a strategic context, Servant of Nefarox offers a unique blend of aggression and support to black-aligned decks.

Tormented Soul - MTG Card versions
Knight of Infamy - MTG Card versions
Tormented Soul - MTG Card versions
Knight of Infamy - MTG Card versions

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Servant of Nefarox offers a notable benefit by potentially disabling enemy creatures, thereby indirectly contributing to card advantage by restricting your opponent’s resources on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly impacting mana resources, the Servant of Nefarox can influence the game tempo in your favor, giving you an edge by slowing down your opponents’ strategies and allowing you for more tactical plays.

Instant Speed: The ability to activate the Servant of Nefarox’s exalted effect is not instant speed, but the nature of the exalted mechanic can create sudden power shifts during the combat phase, catching opponents unprepared and making combat more favorable for you.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The design of Servant of Nefarox necessitates the loss of a card from your hand to unleash its full potential. This trade-off can sometimes backfire, especially when you’re struggling with card availability.

Specific Mana Cost: Servant of Nefarox demands a precise blend of one black mana and two other mana to cast. This requirement can be restrictive and hinder its integration into multicolored decks that are mana-flexible.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Charging three mana for its offering, players might find that Servant of Nefarox’s capabilities do not align with the resource investment. In a game where speed can be critical, there are alternatives that may accomplish similar results without the significant mana commitment.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Servant of Nefarox can be included in an array of black-aligned decks due to its role as an efficient mana curve filler. Its exalted ability provides additional utility, making any solitary attacker more formidable.

Combo Potential: This card works well with strategies that capitalize on exalted triggers or those that require a robust line of defense while selectively strengthening a single attacker to deliver substantial blows.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where combat tricks and single-creature pressure are key, Servant of Nefarox can shine. It serves as a relevant play by boosting your offensive while holding the line against aggressive early game opponents.


How to beat

Servant of Nefarox may pose certain challenges on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering, given its exalted ability that can strengthen your opponent’s attacks. However, the key to outmaneuvering this card lies in swift and decisive action. It’s pivotal to keep removal spells in your hand to address this looming threat. Direct removal spells like Murder or Path to Exile can eliminate Servant of Nefarox before its exalted ability becomes a factor in combat.

Board control is equally important. If you can maintain a variety of creatures on your side, you can easily block and overcome the Servant. Opt for creatures with high toughness to withstand the buffed attacks. Moreover, if you’re a fan of counterspells, having one at the ready when your opponent casts Servant of Nefarox can prevent it from ever touching the playing field. In essence, keeping removal or counterspells at hand and managing board presence are efficient ways to counter the threat of Servant of Nefarox and maintain dominance in the game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Servant of Nefarox MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2013, 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 Servant of Nefarox and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Servant of Nefarox has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PennyLegal