Mirkwood Bats
Creature — Bat
Flying
Whenever you create or sacrifice a token, each opponent loses 1 life.
*"The enemy has many spies and many ways of hearing."
—Gandalf*
Power/Toughness: 2/3
Set
The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth
Rarity
Common
Mana Value
4
Artist
John Tedrick
Collector #
95
Why Play Mirkwood Bats
Flying provides consistent pressure while the triggered ability turns any token strategy into a drain engine against multiple opponents. Sacrifice-based decks particularly benefit since many cards create tokens before sacrificing them, triggering the ability twice per spell. The four-mana cost positions it well in midrange shells that can protect it while building a board presence, and the incremental life loss adds up quickly in longer games.Format Notes
Commander represents the strongest application due to multiplayer games amplifying the life drain effect across multiple opponents. Pauper decks occasionally include it in token-heavy builds, though the four-mana cost competes with other threats at that rate. Modern and Legacy see minimal play outside of fringe aristocrats builds, as the format speed typically demands more immediate impact from four-mana creatures.Combos & Synergies
Chatterfang, Squirrel General creates explosive turns by doubling token creation and providing sacrifice outlets for maximum triggers per turn. Pitiless Plunderer generates treasures when creatures die, creating a positive feedback loop of tokens and sacrifice fodder. Academy Manufactor transforms any token creation into three different tokens, tripling the life drain while providing additional resources for continued pressure.Featured in These Decks
- Food and Fellowship Commander
