Alabaster Mage MTG Card

Alabaster Mage offers card advantage by enabling multiple draws via lifegain-triggered abilities. The card accelerates resources in lifegain synergy decks, enhancing board presence swiftly. Instant speed lifelink ability provides flexibility and strategic depth in gameplay.

Magic 2012 (M12)
2011-07-15 - Number 2

Jumpstart (JMP)
2020-07-17 - Number 83

Double Masters (2XM)
2020-08-07 - Number 2

Card sets	Released in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Human Wizard
Power	2
Toughness	1

Text of card

: Target creature you control gains lifelink until end of turn. (Damage dealt by the creature also causes its controller to gain that much life.)

"We hold sacred the powers of light and life. Truth and honor are our greatest weapons." —Alabaster creed

Cards like Alabaster Mage

Alabaster Mage stands out as a unique creature in the realm of Magic: The Gathering, offering players a utility not commonly found. This card is often compared to cards like Silverchase Fox, as both serve as low-cost creatures that you can include in early game strategies. However, Alabaster Mage brings something different to the table with its mana ability to grant lifelink until end of turn, a trait that Silverchase Fox does not possess.

Another interesting comparison is with Seeker of the Way, which also provides lifelink, albeit conditionally based on casting noncreature spells. Alabaster Mage, in contrast, allows more consistent access to lifelink, given the mana is available. Then you have creatures like Unholy Indenture, offering a resurrection-style ability, quite distinct from the life-giving benefits that Alabaster Mage’s ability provides.

To sum up, Alabaster Mage finds its footsteps among creatures that have utility beyond just being a fighter on the battleground. Its on-demand lifelink mechanic can be a game-changer, offering sustained survival while aligning with both aggressive and control-oriented decks. This makes Alabaster Mage a card not to overlook when considering additions to your white deck arsenal.

Cards similar to Alabaster Mage by color, type and mana cost

Voice of the Blessed - MTG Card versions

Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Alabaster Mage offers a unique opportunity for players to potentially draw multiple cards. By utilizing its ability to give a creature lifelink until end of turn, players can strategically plan their attacks or blocks to gain life and use that advantage to draw cards with other life-gain triggered abilities.

Resource Acceleration: Through synergy with other cards that benefit from gaining life, Alabaster Mage can indirectly contribute to resource acceleration. This can be especially powerful in decks that capitalize on life total as a resource, thus potentially ramping up one’s board presence more quickly.

Instant Speed: The ability to give a creature lifelink at instant speed with Alabaster Mage provides incredible flexibility during the course of a game. This means you can adapt to the flow of the battle, making surprise blocks or unexpected attacks more fruitful and further complicating your opponent’s combat decisions.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Alabaster Mage requires a card to be discarded for its effects. This potentially puts you at a resource disadvantage, especially if faced with an empty or near-empty hand situation.

Specific Mana Cost: This card comes with white mana cost limitations which may restrict its inclusion to specific deck types that can generate the required mana consistently.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Alabaster Mage comes at a cost that might be considered steep by some players for the utility it provides. There are alternatives that offer similar or better effects for a less restrictive mana investment, thereby potentially reducing its playability in mana-efficient decks.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Alabaster Mage can seamlessly integrate into various deck archetypes that center around life gain or spell-based strategies. Its ability to grant lifelink makes it a valuable asset in both offensive and defensive play.

Combo Potential: This card can work wonders when paired with damage-dealing creatures or spells. Transforming any amount of damage into a source of life gain turns the tide to your favor, creating synergistic opportunities in your gameplay.

Meta-Relevance: Given its adaptability, Alabaster Mage remains a solid choice in environments where life stabilization is key. Against aggressive decks that focus on quick damage, it can be an essential tool for staying in the game and eventually outpacing your opponent.

How to beat

The Alabaster Mage brings a unique twist to creature-based strategies on the battlefield. Its ability to grant lifelink to another target creature for a mere two mana can be a game-changer, potentially swaying the tide in prolonged engagements. However, like any other card in Magic: The Gathering, it comes with its vulnerabilities.

Removal spells are the mage’s bane, so employing cards like Murder or Doom Blade can swiftly dispatch this pesky spellcaster before lifelink becomes a problem. You could also use redirecting spells or abilities to turn Alabaster Mage’s power against your opponent. For instance, utilizing something like Redirect could foil your opponent’s plans and have them spending mana without yielding the desired lifelink benefits.

Another effective strategy is to limit the ability activations by the mage. Cards that restrict spell casting or abilities can lock down Alabaster Mage, such as Imposing Sovereign or Authority of the Consuls, both of which slow down creature-based strategies significantly. By anticipating your opponent’s moves and keeping removal or control spells in hand, you can navigate around the Alabaster Mage and tip the scales in your favor.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Alabaster Mage MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2012 and Jumpstart, 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 Alabaster Mage and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Alabaster Mage Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2011-07-15 and 2020-08-07. Illustrated by Izzy.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2011-07-15	Magic 2012	M12	2	2003	Normal	Black	Izzy
2	2020-07-17	Jumpstart	JMP	83	2015	Normal	Black	Izzy
3	2020-08-07	Double Masters	2XM	2	2015	Normal	Black	Izzy

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Alabaster Mage has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Brawl	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2020-08-07	Multiple instances of lifelink on the same creature are redundant.