A-Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact |
| Released | 2022-07-07 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate |
| Set code | HBG |
| Number | A-177 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Olena Richards |
Text of card
: Add one mana of any color. If that mana is spent on a Dragon creature spell, it gains haste until end of turn.
Cards like A-Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind
A-Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind is a unique artifact that’s been stirring up conversations among Magic: The Gathering players. This card merges mana acceleration with the ability to summon dragons, setting it alongside other potent mana artifacts. It bears a similarity to Dragon’s Hoard, another dragon-centric artifact that accelerates mana and provides card draw when a dragon enters the battlefield. However, A-Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind has the added advantage of filtering mana specifically to cast dragon spells, which subtly nudges it into a niche of its own.
Comparing it with other mana artifacts, such as Firemind Vessel, which doubles the mana provided but at a higher casting cost and with no dragon synergies, showcases the Orb’s specialization. The orb’s active ability also shares traits with Haven of the Spirit Dragon, a land that serves as both mana generation and a dragon-recursion tool. The orb’s uniqueness is in its low cost and specific dragon utility, providing a boon to dragon-themed decks looking for consistencies and speed.
When evaluating A-Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind against its contemporaries, it shines thanks to its specialized support for dragon decks and low cost, offering a strategic edge for dedicated dragon enthusiasts in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to A-Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The A-Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind allows you to draw a card whenever you cast a Dragon spell, which can propel your game forward by ensuring you have a steady flow of resources and aiding in the accumulation of card advantage.
Resource Acceleration: This artifact is exceptional for players looking to ramp up their mana resources. By spending mana and sacrificing a treasure, it lets you add an amount of Red mana equal to the highest mana value among Dragons you control, effectively speeding up your ability to play high-cost Dragon spells and overwhelm your opponents.
Instant Speed: While the A-Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind itself is a permanent, its second ability can be activated at instant speed. This flexibility allows you to respond to your opponent’s actions during their turn, making it a versatile tool for unexpectedly unleashing powerful Dragons or triggering card draw on your opponent’s end step.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: For A-Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind to be truly effective, you’ll need to discard a Dragon card from your hand, which can be a substantial pitfall when your hand lacks sufficient resources or potential power plays.
Specific Mana Cost: The activation of this Orb isn’t as flexible as some players would prefer. Locked into a specific mana requirement, it asks for a commitment to red mana, potentially limiting the card’s synergy in a multicolored deck configuration.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although powerful, this artifact commands a significant investment of mana. With a cost that’s on the higher end of the spectrum for an artifact of its nature, it can often be overshadowed by lower-cost options that provide similar or greater utility earlier in the game.
Reasons to Include A-Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind in Your Collection
Versatility: A-Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind offers flexible utility across various deck archetypes. It can serve as mana acceleration for dragon spells or as an efficient source of any color mana, making it adaptable for multicolored dragon decks.
Combo Potential: This artifact holds significant potential for combos, especially in dragon-focused strategies. It can fuel powerful dragon abilities or synergize with cards that profit from dragons being cast or entering the battlefield.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where dragon decks are prominent, A-Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind becomes an invaluable tool. Its ability to ramp and smooth mana needs keeps it relevant and competitive against a wide array of strategies.
How to beat
Confronting A-Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind on the battlefield can be quite the challenge for many Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts. This powerful artifact offers dragon aficionados a potent advantage, enhancing the abilities of dragon creatures and providing a mana boost for dragon spells. Yet, like any formidable card, it has vulnerabilities that can be exploited.
Effective strategies include prioritizing the removal of artifacts through spells such as Abrade or Disenchant, thus neutralizing the Orb’s influence promptly. Counterspells are also a reliable way to thwart its casting, maintaining control over the tempo of the game. In addition, presenting a clock with aggressive creatures can pressure your opponent, forcing them to defend rather than utilizing the Orb’s powerful mana rituals. Lastly, efficiency is key—by playing around the Orb’s activation cost and timing your responses when your opponent is tapped out, you can minimize the impact of their plays.
Taking these approaches into account equips players with a tactical edge, allowing them to navigate around the advantages that A-Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind presents. It’s a reminder that even the most imposing cards in Magic: The Gathering can be countered with smart play and strategic foresight.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase A-Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind MTG card by a specific set like 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 A-Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where A-Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |