Obelisk of Bant MTG Card


Obelisk of Bant extends spell-casting potential without reducing hand quality, bolstering board presence. Demands specific mana colors and could contest other valuable three-mana plays in a match. A must-have for Bant shard aficionados, it strengthens artifact and multicolored spell strategies.
Obelisk of Bant - Shards of Alara
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeArtifact
Released2008-10-03
Set symbol
Set nameShards of Alara
Set codeALA
Number212
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byDavid Palumbo

Text of card

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Whether incorporated into the structure of castles or admired as lone symbols, the obelisks stand for Bant's values of loyalty, honor, and truth.


Cards like Obelisk of Bant

The Obelisk of Bant stands among a family of tricolor mana fixers within the ever-expansive world of Magic: The Gathering. Resembling other obelisks from the Alara block, like Obelisk of Esper and Obelisk of Grixis, this artifact lets players delve into the domain of mana diversification. However, what sets Obelisk of Bant apart is its alignment with Bant’s colors: green, white, and blue. These colors correspond to the Shards of Alara set’s focus on exalted and cooperative strategies.

Manalith, for example, provides a broader spectrum of mana by catering to all five colors, though it lacks the shard-specific identity Obelisk of Bant offers. Similarly, Darksteel Ingot provides indestructible assurance for a player’s mana base, but again, it does not provide the shard flavor. Command Tower is another staple in multicolored decks, fetching any color a player needs – a valuable asset, particularly in Commander format where color-identity rules reign supreme.

It’s clear that while there are plenty of mana-fixing options, Obelisk of Bant holds a unique spot. Its appeal lies in its thematic resonance with the Bant shard and its synergy with decks that align with Bant’s themes of unity and structure. Consequently, for players looking to streamline their decks while staying true to the essence of Bant, the Obelisk of Bant is an optimal choice.

Obelisk of Esper - MTG Card versions
Obelisk of Grixis - MTG Card versions
Manalith - MTG Card versions
Darksteel Ingot - MTG Card versions
Command Tower - MTG Card versions
Obelisk of Esper - MTG Card versions
Obelisk of Grixis - MTG Card versions
Manalith - MTG Card versions
Darksteel Ingot - MTG Card versions
Command Tower - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Obelisk of Bant helps you solidify your presence on the board without sacrificing card quality in hand. By tapping it for mana, you effectively extend the number of spells you can cast or resources you can utilize each turn, thus keeping your hand full and prepared for the next move.

Resource Acceleration: This artifact shines in mana ramping, offering access to three different colors of mana simultaneously. Whether it’s summoning a more substantial creature early or enabling the casting of multi-colored spells ahead of time, the resource acceleration it provides is a valuable tool in any match.

Instant Speed: While the Obelisk itself doesn’t function at instant speed, it facilitates the utilization of instant-speed spells by providing a versatile mana source. The ability to tap for three mana types ensures that you’re always ready to cast those crucial instant spells whenever the need arises, keeping you one step ahead of your opponent.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Obelisk of Bant requires you to forgo other potential plays as you need to commit it to the board, potentially delaying your momentum. Holding this artifact in your hand while waiting for the ideal time to cast can be particularly risky against decks with discard strategies.

Specific Mana Cost: Its tri-color identity demands a combination of green, white, and blue mana, which may not always be readily available, especially in the early game. This limitation means it might not fit into all deck types, especially those requiring a more flexible or diverse mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana that needs to be spread across three colors, the Obelisk of Bant enters the field competing with other impactful three-mana spells. This can place it in an awkward spot where the mana acceleration may not be as tempo-efficient when considering other available plays.


Reasons to Include Obelisk of Bant in Your Collection

Versatility: Obelisk of Bant slips easily into many deck archetypes within the Magic the Gathering universe, offering a mana acceleration for the key colors of the Bant shard. Given its ability to tap for white, blue, or green mana, it provides excellent fixing for multicolored decks.

Combo Potential: In decks that synergize around artifacts or multicolored spells, Obelisk of Bant can be a key component. Its inclusion can bolster strategies that rely on confluence of mana or artifact-based synergy, enabling intricate plays and interactions that could swing the game in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: As the game evolves, so does the importance of mana efficiency and flexibility. In environments where Bant-colored decks are prevalent, having an Obelisk of Bant enhances your ability to keep pace with the prevailing deck strategies, ensuring your collection remains competitive and adaptable.


How to beat

The Obelisk of Bant stands as a unique artifact in MTG that dynamically boosts mana resources, pivotal for casting considerable spells. A well-rounded game plan is essential to tame its power. Targeted artifact removal, such as Disenchant or Naturalize, are effective tools for dismantling the Obelisk of Bant, negating the opponent’s advantage swiftly. Disruption is also key; cards that hinder artifact activation or tax additional costs for artifact abilities, like Stony Silence or Damping Sphere, can shut down the benefits provided by the Obelisk.

Moreover, adopting a strategy focused on tempo, with faster plays and threats, can outpace the mana acceleration that the Obelisk of Bant offers. By applying pressure early in the game, one can potentially render the Obelisk less impactful. Additionally, countermagic, particularly spells that counter artifacts, serves as a preventive measure to ensure the noted mana artifact does not hit the battlefield. All these strategies demonstrate the importance of understanding the field and versatility of one’s deck to combat the advantages introduced by cards like Obelisk of Bant.


BurnMana Recommendations

Obelisk of Bant can be a powerhouse in your MTG deck, enabling a multitude of strategic plays and mana fluidity in matches. While it shines in multicolored decks, it’s important to weigh its advantages against potential drawbacks, such as its tri-color mana cost and competition with other three-mana spells. Nevertheless, its ability to facilitate mana ramping and resource acceleration can be game-changing. It behooves any strategic player to consider the meta and align their deck with the latest trends. If you’re keen to deepen your understanding of mana-fixing artifacts or refine your deck-building skills, explore our comprehensive guides. We help MTG players enhance their gameplay and navigate the ever-evolving landscape of competitive play. Dive into our resources and secure your place as a formidable player in the MTG arena.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Obelisk of Bant 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 Obelisk of Bant and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Obelisk of Bant has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal