Fauna Shaman: A Powerhouse in Shamanic Elf Decks

Overview and Card Mechanics

Fauna Shaman is a versatile Elf Shaman that leverages its ability to search for and draw creature cards from the library. Its mana cost of {1}{G} makes it an accessible and affordable option for players looking to incorporate shamanic Elves into their decks.

Ability and Interactions

Fauna Shaman's ability, which allows it to discard a creature card and search for another one in its library, is particularly noteworthy. This ability can be triggered at any time, including during combat or in response to an opponent's spell. The search result is then revealed and put into Fauna Shaman's hand before the player shuffles their library.

Power and Toughness

Fauna Shaman boasts a respectable 2/2 power and toughness, making it a capable force on the battlefield. Its ability to generate card advantage through the discard of creature cards can further augment its overall value.

Discard Requirement

It is essential to note that Fauna Shaman will only trigger if it discards a valid creature card from its hand. The searched result is subject to the normal rules regarding search results in Magic, meaning that players must be mindful of any card draw spells or abilities that could disrupt their plans.

Strategic Uses and Combos

Fauna Shaman can be used as part of various strategies, including combinations with other shamanic Elves that have abilities related to drawing or discarding cards. For example, pairing Fauna Shaman with Elvish Mystic could lead to a powerful combo where the two creatures generate card advantage for each other's abilities.

Creature Removal Spells

Fauna Shaman can also be used as part of a more complex strategy involving creature removal spells like Stony Silence. By triggering Fauna Shaman's ability and then using Stony Silence to remove a problematic creature, players can create a chain of events that generates significant card advantage while still allowing them to maintain control of the board.

"Free" Removal Spell

Fauna Shaman can also be used as a "free" removal spell. By discarding a creature card and triggering the search result for another one, players can create an opportunity to remove a problematic creature from the battlefield without using up valuable mana.

Deckbuilding Roles and Archetypes

Fauna Shaman is well-suited for shamanic Elf decks that focus on generating card advantage through creature removal spells or other abilities. By incorporating Fauna Shaman into a deck with cards like Elvish Mystic, Stony Silence, or other shamanic Elves, players can create a powerful and aggressive strategy that leverages the card's ability to generate card advantage.

Controlling Decks

Fauna Shaman is also suitable for more controlling decks that focus on disrupting their opponent's plans. By using Fauna Shaman in combination with other removal spells like Path to Exile or Trostani's Signal, players can create a powerful "free" removal spell that allows them to clear the board of problematic creatures without using up valuable mana.

Format Viability and Competitive Context

Fauna Shaman has seen significant play in recent formats, particularly in Modern and Commander. In Modern, Fauna Shaman is often used as part of shamanic Elf decks that focus on generating card advantage through creature removal spells or other abilities. Its ability to generate card advantage through the discard of creature cards makes it a powerful addition to any controlling strategy.

In Commander, Fauna Shaman has been popularized by its inclusion in the "Shores of Dominaria" set. Here, Fauna Shaman is often used as part of more aggressive shamanic Elf decks that focus on generating board presence and card advantage through creature removal spells or other abilities.

Rules Interactions and Technical Notes

Fauna Shaman's ability can create interesting interactions with other rules. For example, players must be mindful that the searched result is subject to the normal rules regarding search results in Magic.

Additionally, Fauna Shaman's ability can be triggered at any time, including during combat or in response to an opponent's spell. However, this also means that it can be vulnerable to countermeasures like Wear // Tear or other card draw spells that disrupt the player's plans.

Art, Flavor, and Historical Context

Fauna Shaman is illustrated by Dan Fornace, whose artwork often features nature-based themes in Magic. In terms of flavor text, Fauna Shaman reads: "I sense a disturbance in the natural balance. A creature has been lost to the wild."

This reflects the shamanic Elf's connection to the natural world and its ability to communicate with animals and sense disturbances in the balance of nature.

Conclusion Summary

In conclusion, Fauna Shaman is a powerful and versatile card that offers significant advantages for players looking to incorporate shamanic Elves into their decks. Its ability to search for and draw creature cards from the library creates an instant advantage on the board, while its 2/2 power and toughness make it a capable force in combat.

Whether used as part of a controlling strategy or an aggressive shamanic Elf deck, Fauna Shaman has proven itself to be a staple card in many formats. Its ability to generate card advantage through the discard of creature cards makes it an attractive option for players looking to augment their decks with powerful removal spells or other abilities.