Obsidian Acolyte MTG Card


Obsidian Acolyte - Invasion
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Cleric
Abilities Protection
Released2000-10-02
Set symbol
Set nameInvasion
Set codeINV
Power 1
Toughness 1
Number22
Frame1997
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred byMatthew D. Wilson

Key Takeaways

  1. Obsidian Acolyte’s protection ability yields a tactical edge, thwarting targeted black removals and certain board wipes.
  2. Ability activation at instant speed grants you reactionary flexibility to safeguard key creatures and alter combat outcomes.
  3. Discarding to activate and color-specific mana requirements may lessen the card’s overall utility in diverse deck compositions.

Text of card

Protection from black oo W Target creature gains protection from black until end of turn.

The truthful will stand in the gaze of death and escape unharmed. —Obsidian acolyte creed


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Obsidian Acolyte’s protection ability can effectively nullify targeted removals and some board wipes, safeguarding your card investments on the battlefield. Its presence can deter opponents from casting valuable spells, inadvertently leading to card advantage as they’re forced to hold back resources or commit to less optimal plays.

Resource Acceleration: While the Obsidian Acolyte itself does not directly provide mana, its ability to grant protection from black to another creature can allow key creatures to swing in for damage without fear of removal, helping maintain or even accelerate your resource advantage through unimpeded attacks.

Instant Speed: The option to activate Obsidian Acolyte’s protection ability at instant speed gives you the flexibility to react to threats during your opponent’s turn. This can create unexpected combat math, protect your critical creatures from instant-speed black removal, and even enable favorable blocks that could shift the game in your favor.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: As Obsidian Acolyte requires a card to be discarded upon activation, this can deplete your hand, leaving you vulnerable to opposing strategies.

Specific Mana Cost: Needing both black and white mana to play, Obsidian Acolyte may not fit smoothly in decks that don’t focus on these colors, potentially limiting its versatility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing one and a white mana for a 1/1 creature, its power and toughness are not in line with its pricing, especially when stacked against other creature cards in its mana range.


Reasons to Include Obsidian Acolyte in Your Collection

Versatility: Obsidian Acolyte is an adaptable inclusion in decks, providing valuable protection from black spells and abilities. It can be pivotal for maintaining board presence against decks heavy in black removal or control elements.

Combo Potential: This card shines when paired with other cards that benefit from protection mechanics or racial synergies, such as those found in a knights or human-centric deck. It can also safeguard key combo pieces from targeted disruption.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where black strategies dominate, the Acolyte offers a strategic edge. Its ability to grant protection not only makes it a resilient threat but also thwarts opponents’ attempts to destabilize your game plan with black spells.


How to beat

Obsidian Acolyte is a unique card in the Magic: The Gathering universe, offering protection from black with just one white mana to cast. This makes it a resilient choice in decks against black-heavy opponents. However, like any card, Obsidian Acolyte has its vulnerabilities. Cards that don’t rely on black damage or abilities to remove creatures can bypass its protection. Board wipes, which affect all creatures regardless of color or protection, such as “Wrath of God” or “Supreme Verdict,” can clear the Acolyte off the board. Enchantment-based removals that don’t target, like “Detention Sphere,” can also be effective.

In combating Obsidian Acolyte, adjusting your deck to include untargeted removal or board wipes can be essential. Also, consider cards that restrict the abilities of your opponent’s creatures or change the creature’s color, rendering the Obsidian Acolyte’s protection useless. Understanding your meta and anticipating cards like Obsidian Acolyte can empower you to make strategic deckbuilding choices, ensuring you’re prepared for any protective creatures that come your way.


Cards like Obsidian Acolyte

Obsidian Acolyte is a niche player in the roster of protection spells and creatures in Magic: The Gathering. Standing alongside other protection-focused cards like Mother of Runes, the Acolyte offers a layer of defense by granting protection from black either to itself or another creature. Mother of Runes, notably stronger, can give protection from any color, making it more versatile and a top choice in decks looking for a wide array of defense.

When comparing other color-specific cards such as Crimson Acolyte, which provides protection from red, the Obsidian Acolyte shows a potential advantage in matchups against decks heavy in black spells or creatures. This selective protection is similar to what is seen in the card Order of the Stars, yet their differing mana cost and additional abilities like Order’s variable toughness indicate each card’s unique fit depending on the deck strategy.

Analyzing the uses and strategic implementations, Obsidian Acolyte might not be the first pick in all scenarios but certainly shines in those that cater to black-heavy environments, marking its place among protective cards in player’s decks.

Mother of Runes - MTG Card versions
Crimson Acolyte - MTG Card versions
Order of the Stars - MTG Card versions
Mother of Runes - Urza's Legacy (ULG)
Crimson Acolyte - Invasion (INV)
Order of the Stars - Guildpact (GPT)

Cards similar to Obsidian Acolyte by color, type and mana cost

White Knight - MTG Card versions
Soul Shepherd - MTG Card versions
Soltari Monk - MTG Card versions
Talon Sliver - MTG Card versions
Keeper of the Light - MTG Card versions
Faith Healer - MTG Card versions
Angelic Page - MTG Card versions
Avenger en-Dal - MTG Card versions
Spirit Weaver - MTG Card versions
Voice of the Blessed - MTG Card versions
Stoneforge Mystic - MTG Card versions
Drannith Magistrate - MTG Card versions
Leonin Lightscribe - MTG Card versions
Silver Knight - MTG Card versions
Longbow Archer - MTG Card versions
Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions
Flumph - MTG Card versions
Cloudreach Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Samite Healer - MTG Card versions
Kor Firewalker - MTG Card versions
White Knight - Duel Decks: Knights vs. Dragons (DDG)
Soul Shepherd - Weatherlight (WTH)
Soltari Monk - Tempest (TMP)
Talon Sliver - Tempest (TMP)
Keeper of the Light - Exodus (EXO)
Faith Healer - Urza's Saga (USG)
Angelic Page - Battle Royale Box Set (BRB)
Avenger en-Dal - Nemesis (NEM)
Spirit Weaver - Invasion (INV)
Voice of the Blessed - Innistrad: Crimson Vow (VOW)
Stoneforge Mystic - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Drannith Magistrate - Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths (IKO)
Leonin Lightscribe - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Silver Knight - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Longbow Archer - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Silverflame Squire // On Alert - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Flumph - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Cloudreach Cavalry - Legions (LGN)
Samite Healer - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Kor Firewalker - Mystery Booster (MB1)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Obsidian Acolyte MTG card by a specific set like Invasion, 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 Obsidian Acolyte and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Obsidian Acolyte has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

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