Pointed Discussion

this has no place in alara because nothing has the untap symbol.

this has a very solid place in alara actually. Not sure if you have read any of the white, blue, or green creatures or spells in this block, but if "exalted" is ringing any bells, there you go... I will explain for you. Topan ascetic gets +1/+1 for each of your creatures with exalted when it attacks, and only if it attacks alone. So if it is attaking alone, that means your other creatures re untapped, correct? Then tap each of them to power it up even more. That ability is going to be doubling its power from the exalted. with just 3 other creatures with exalted, no abilities, he would attack for 5, then tap them to pump to 8... great deal if you ask me. 4/5

It's not even useful in exalted because it's outshined by Knotvine Paladin in every way. I'd rather have my sideline exalted buddies ready to do something useful instead of tapping them out each turn.

Why not have them BOTH in your deck then??

Knotvine paladin is better, which is why it's rare. This card is his "little brother", so to speak. A great strategy for both btw is "This"

Compare to Root-Kin Ally.

the art is so retro-magic. it looks like its from alpha

Not bad, good reason to choose this over Knotvine Paladin is that it's just green. Several good uses in mono green or nonwhite.

Overshadowed by Bramblesnap.

The one way this IS better than knotvine paladin would be that you can tap an untapped creature to give him +1 on your opponent's turn when you are blocking with him. There is more versatility here than with the Knotvine.