Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind MTG Card


Enhances card advantage and maintains a strong presence in hand against adversaries by enabling additional draws. Swiftly accelerates resources and mana, crucial for the casting of transformative, game-winning dragon spells. Allows actions at instant speed, increasing versatility and the capacity to make strategic moves unexpectedly.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeArtifact

Text of card

: Add . If that mana is spent on a Dragon creature spell, it gains haste until end of turn.

The essence of a red dragon burns within, always ready to rise with wrath.


Cards like Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind

The Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind is an intriguing artifact in Magic: The Gathering that draws comparisons to other mana-generating cards. Like Gilded Lotus, it offers substantial mana boost, but it specifically tailors to dragon decks by creating three mana of any one color, propelling the summoning of powerful dragon creatures. Unlike Gilded Lotus, the Carnelian Orb has added synergy in dragon-centric builds, potentially offering card advantage if a dragon is sacrificed.

Dragon’s Hoard is another card worth mentioning; it too has dragon synergy, providing mana of any color along with the ability to draw cards. However, it grants card draw upon casting a dragon, without sacrificing one—a feature that is valuable when keeping dragon threats on the battlefield. Mana generation-wise, both cards effectively support high mana costs typical in dragon decks, but their secondary benefits cater to distinct playstyles within this archetype.

To sum up, while there are several artifacts that can ramp up your mana in Magic: The Gathering, Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind stands out in its dedicated dragon deck support by facilitating both mana acceleration and strategic creature-based card draw, setting it apart from similar mana-focused artifacts.

Gilded Lotus - MTG Card versions
Dragon's Hoard - MTG Card versions
Gilded Lotus - MTG Card versions
Dragon's Hoard - MTG Card versions

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Granite Shard - MTG Card versions
Goblin Replica - MTG Card versions
Foriysian Totem - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind taps into the core resourcefulness of any deck by not only refining the quality of cards in hand but also increasing the quantity. Its activated ability to draw cards leads to maintaining a hearty grip to outmaneuver opponents.

Resource Acceleration: This potent artifact excels in ramping up the pace of gameplay, offering a substantial boost in resources. When wielded with dragon spells, it ensures that you’re harnessing that extra mana needed to cast those game-changing dragons swiftly, paving the way to a dominating board state.

Instant Speed: Versatility is key in the world of highly strategic games and the Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind shines by allowing actions at instant speed. This adaptability ensures you’re always primed to make pivotal plays or bluffs, keeping your adversaries on their toes as they try to anticipate your next move.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: For those wielding the Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind, prepare to part ways with precious hand assets. The requirement to discard a card to harness this artifact’s power could leave you at a severe disadvantage, especially if your hand is already gasping for breath.

Specific Mana Cost: The Orb’s allegiance to the fiery will of red mana means it could awkwardly sit in your hand like a lost dragon egg if you’re not coursing with the right energy. This makes it a tricky fit outside of red or certain multicolored decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With other artifacts and spells in the vast landscape of MTG offering cheaper paths to power, the Orb’s initial mana investment could feel like hoarding treasure in a dragon’s lair rather than putting it to use in the fierce combat of the game.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: The Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind can be a dynamic addition to a wide array of deck archetypes that capitalize on dragon synergies or require specific color mana acceleration.

Combo Potential: This orb has the potential to unlock high-impact combos, particularly in decks that revolve around dragons, by providing cost reduction and facilitating the casting of powerful dragon spells.

Meta-Relevance: Given the prevalence of dragon-themed decks and the consistent performance of these archetypes, having the Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind can significantly enhance your gameplay within the current competitive landscape.


How to Beat Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind

Confronting the Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind in Magic: The Gathering requires strategic maneuvering and a keen understanding of its potential. Featuring among the array of powerful artifacts, this card empowers dragon-focused decks with mana flexibility and an extra layer of card draw. However, strategies to counter it involve disruptively targeting the player’s mana base or applying artifact removal tools.

Key to nullifying the Carnelian Orb’s advantages in your matches is timing the use of artifact removal spells like Naturalize or Abrade, waiting for the moment your opponent commits to a crucial play. Moreover, deploying countermeasures such as Stony Silence can choke their mana generation, effectively putting a stranglehold on their dragon summoning capabilities.

Incremental disruption also plays a significant role. Through the application of land destruction or denial strategies, players can cut off the resources essential for the Orb’s effective use. While the Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind offers a robust boost for dragon decks, it’s this dedicated approach to resource control and targeted removal that can tilt the scales in your favor, maintaining dominance over the battlefield.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG gameplay with the Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind can offer you a dragon-fueled edge. The ability to maintain card advantage and accelerate resources positions you for commanding plays. Be wary of the trade-offs, such as discarding for power and the card’s specificity to red mana strategies. Additionally, include it in your collection for its combo potential and meta relevance in dragon-centric builds. Comparing it to similar cards like Gilded Lotus and Dragon’s Hoard showcases its niche yet powerful role. For those facing it, strategic artifact removal and resource disruption are key. Elevate your game by integrating this artifact’s raw power and adaptability.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind MTG card by a specific set like Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate and Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate, 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 Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2022-06-10 and 2022-07-07. Illustrated by Olena Richards.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 1662015NormalBlackOlena Richards
22022-07-07Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's GateHBG 1772015NormalBlackOlena Richards

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2022-06-10 An instant or sorcery spell is not a creature spell, even if that spell creates Dragon creature tokens.
2022-06-10 If the mana from Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind is spent to pay any part of the Dragon creature spell's cost, including an alternative or additional cost, the Dragon will gain haste until end of turn.
2022-06-10 If the mana is spent on a non-Dragon spell that becomes a Dragon later in the turn, that creature won't have haste.
2022-06-10 The mana created by Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind can be spent on anything, not just Dragon creature spells.