# 2008 Magic: The Gathering Shards of Alara #157

> This foil Magic: The Gathering card from the 2008 Shards of Alara set features Blood Cultist, an Uncommon Human Wizard with distinct black and red abilities.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 2008
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Shards of Alara
- **Card number**: #157
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

Among the creatures in this set is Blood Cultist, a Human Wizard card numbered 157. As an Uncommon foil print, this card offers collectors a distinct visual finish that contrasts with the standard non-foil versions found in booster packs. Designed by Karl Kopinski, the card depicts a Human Wizard of mana value three, costing one black and one red mana to cast. In gameplay, Blood Cultist serves as a resilient threat due to its specific triggered abilities. The card allows players to tap it to deal one damage to a target creature. More importantly, whenever a creature dealt damage by Blood Cultist dies during that turn, the creature receives a +1/+1 counter. This mechanic rewards tactical timing and allows the wizard to grow stronger as the game progresses. Collectors of trading card games often seek out foil versions of uncommon cards for their aesthetic appeal and the way light interacts with the foil stamping. Completing a full set of Shards of Alara requires obtaining every card number, including this wizard. Whether you are building a collection of foil cards or focusing on the complete Shards of Alara roster, Blood Cultist represents a solid piece of Magic: The Gathering history from the late 2000s. The card's enduring presence in the Modern format's history and its recognizable artwork make it a staple for many players. For those interested in the lore of Alara, Blood Cultist adds depth to the understanding of the shard's darker magical traditions.

## FAQ

### What are the mana costs for Blood Cultist in Magic: The Gathering?

Blood Cultist has a mana cost of {1}{B}{R}, requiring one generic mana, one black mana symbol, and one red mana symbol to cast. This makes it a three-mana creature in the game's resource system.

### What abilities does the Blood Cultist card have?

The card has two main abilities: it can tap to deal one damage to any target creature, and it gains a +1/+1 counter whenever a creature it damaged this turn dies. These abilities make it a flexible tool for removing threats and growing in power.

### Who illustrated the Blood Cultist card from Shards of Alara?

The artwork for Blood Cultist was created by illustrator Karl Kopinski. His style is well-known in the Magic: The Gathering community for its detailed and atmospheric fantasy depictions.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.