Filigree Sages MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Vedalken Wizard |
| Released | 2008-10-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Shards of Alara |
| Set code | ALA |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 44 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Dan Scott |
Text of card
: Untap target artifact.
"We of the Sanctum Arcanum have pondered every word on every page of the Filigree Texts. If you can't say the same, don't bother speaking."
Cards like Filigree Sages
Filigree Sages stands out in MTG as a unique mana utility creature. Its kinship is often drawn with cards such as Aphetto Alchemist, which also boasts the ability to untap artifacts or creatures. Unlike the Alchemist, Filigree Sages demands an additional mana investment, but in return, the Sages don’t restrict the untapping to just once a turn. This opens up infinite combo possibilities when paired with artifacts that produce at least four mana, such as Gilded Lotus.
Another card worth mentioning is Voltaic Key, which at a lower initial investment also allows the untapping of artifacts. However, the Key itself doesn’t tap for mana or serve as a creature on the battlefield, which can be a limitation or an advantage depending on the deck’s strategy. Kiora’s Follower also offers untapping versatility with its broader targets, including lands, but it lacks the repeatable use within the same turn without additional effects.
Evaluating Filigree Sages within its category, its potential for creating infinite mana sets it apart, especially for players looking to exploit this in their decks. This ability to manipulate mana, while requiring a setup, marks Filigree Sages as a card with a significant impact on gameplay dynamics.
Cards similar to Filigree Sages by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The potency of Filigree Sages shines in its potential to perpetually untap a variety of artifacts. This versatility can lead to substantial card advantage, particularly with artifacts that have tap abilities to draw cards or filter through your deck.
Resource Acceleration: Adept at manipulating intricate mana generating artifacts, these sages can exponentially increase your access to resources. Utilizing the likes of Darksteel Ingot or Gilded Lotus, Filigree Sages can turbo-charge your mana pool, allowing for a swifter execution of your strategy.
Instant Speed: While Filigree Sages itself may not operate at instant speed, it synergizes impeccably with artifacts that do. This capability provides players with the flexibility to react during an opponent’s turn or end step, all the while setting up potential game-changing plays on your own turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Filigree Sages doesn’t directly demand a discard, including it in your deck may necessitate reserves for its ability, potentially causing cards to be dropped from your hand to optimize mana usage.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both blue mana and generic mana, Filigree Sages can be challenging to integrate effectively outside of mono-blue or certain two-color decks, limiting its flexibility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The initial investment for Filigree Sages is somewhat steep, given that it costs four mana to summon and additional mana to utilize its untapping ability. Other cards at a lower cost bracket could provide similar or more immediate benefits to your board state.
Reasons to Include Filigree Sages in Your Collection
Versatility: Filigree Sages offers flexibility in deck building due to its ability to untap any artifact. This ability seamlessly integrates with a slew of artifacts across various deck archetypes, whether it’s enhancing mana production or reusing utility artifacts.
Combo Potential: With the right board state, Filigree Sages becomes a powerhouse, particularly in synergy with artifacts that accumulate charge counters or tap for significant effects. These combinations can lead to infinite mana or other powerful interactions that can turn the tide of the game.
Meta-Relevance: As the game evolves and new sets are introduced, the relevance of adaptable cards like Filigree Sages can increase. Its potential to interact with the latest artifacts ensures it remains a card worth considering for any collection attentive to shifts in the competitive scene.
How to beat
Filigree Sages presents a unique challenge on the battlefield, with its ability to untap an artifact for the cost of two blue mana and two other mana. This can become problematic if its controller manages to create infinite mana combinations, potentially leading to inevitable game victories. It’s akin to cards like Voltaic Key, which also have the power to untap artifacts, though Voltaic Key does not require a significant mana investment.
To outplay Filigree Sages, disrupting the mana base is effective. Applying pressure through land destruction or cards like Damping Sphere can interfere with the generation of infinite mana. Moreover, creature removal and counter spells serve as direct ways to prevent the Sages from executing their strategy. Cards with split second, such as Krosan Grip, can deal with artifacts and their associated abilities sans the fear of an immediate response, further protecting against the mechanical proficiency of Filigree Sages.
Ultimately, understanding the synergy Filigree Sages relies on is key. Cutting off their mana supply and keeping a sharp eye for any untap-related shenanigans will keep your opponent’s ambitions at bay. Being prepared with effective disruption and removal tools ensures that Filigree Sages will not turn the tides against you.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Filigree Sages MTG card by a specific set like Shards of Alara, 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 Filigree Sages and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Filigree Sages has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Filigree Sages card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-10-01 | The only difference between a colored artifact and a colorless artifact is, obviously, its color. Unlike most artifacts, a colored artifact requires colored mana to cast. Also unlike most artifacts, a colored artifact has a color in all zones. It will interact with cards that care about color. Other than that, a colored artifact behaves just like any other artifact. It will interact as normal with any card that cares about artifacts, such as Shatter or Arcbound Ravager. |