Obscura Initiate MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Bird Citizen |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Released | 2022-04-29 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Streets of New Capenna |
| Set code | SNC |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 50 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Kim Sokol |
Key Takeaways
- Obscura Initiate excels in drawing cards, keeping you ahead in resource competition.
- It can ramp up mana quickly, letting you play bigger threats sooner.
- Flexibility at instant speed makes Obscura Initiate a versatile addition.
Text of card
Flying {WB}: Obscura Initiate gains lifelink until end of turn.
Obscura initiates are required to bring a gift of information. They are judged on both how useful it is and how hard it was to obtain.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Obscura Initiate rewards players through ample drawing mechanics. Efficiently cycling through your deck can mean the difference between victory and defeat, and this card ensures that you’re not falling behind in the tug-of-war for resources.
Resource Acceleration: As MTG games develop, having access to more mana can significantly improve your position. Obscura Initiate offers a leg up by its potential for ramping up your available mana, letting you deploy threats earlier than opponents expect.
Instant Speed: The ability to operate at instant speed cannot be overstated. Obscura Initiate adds a layer of unpredictability and flexibility to your gameplay, allowing you to adapt to the state of the match and react during your opponent’s turn to disrupt their strategies.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Obscura Initiate necessitates discarding another card, potentially depleting your hand and strategic options during gameplay when maintaining card advantage is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands an exact arrangement of mana, including both white and blue, which could be restrictive for decks not aligned with these colors or those running a wider color variety.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a conversion need of three mana, Obscura Initiate might be less appealing compared to lower-cost options that provide similar benefits, thereby affecting deck efficiency and speed.
Reasons to Include Obscura Initiate in Your Collection
Versatility: Obscura Initiate can be easily slotted into various deck archetypes, primarily if your strategy hinges on casting multicolored spells. It pairs well with decks that seek to amplify spellcasting benefits through prowess-like mechanics.
Combo Potential: This card can work as a catalyst in combo decks, accelerating your ability to cast spells by providing additional white or blue mana, setting off chains of spells that can change the game’s course.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta dominated by efficient spellcasting or control approaches, Obscura Initiate’s ability to adapt and provide consistent mana acceleration can be a convenient tool to outpace the competition.
How to beat
Obscura Initiate can be a real challenge to face in the Magic: The Gathering universe, especially when it’s in the hands of an opponent who’s adept at using multicolor spells. Its ability to become unblockable for a turn is something that can catch many players off guard, leading to potential surprise losses of valuable life points. But like any other card in MTG, there are strategies to counter it effectively.
One approach to countering Obscura Initiate is to limit its activation possibilities by controlling the number of multicolor spells that can be played. This can be done by using counter spells strategically or spot removal to deal with multicolor spells as they come. Another solid tactic is to remove Obscura Initiate from the battlefield before it has the opportunity to become unblockable, using instant-speed removal spells such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile. Finally, keeping a robust defense with creatures that have higher toughness can nullify the effect of its unblockability, making it harder for your opponent to use Obscura Initiate as an effective offensive tool.
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of Obscura Initiate is key to crafting a successful strategy against it. With the right mix of control and removal, any player can mitigate the risks posed by this unassuming yet potent MTG card.
Cards like Obscura Initiate
Obscura Initiate enters the realm of mana flexibility in Magic: The Gathering. This card resonates with mana-producing creatures such as Birds of Paradise and Llanowar Elves, both of which offer valuable mana resources to their players. However, Obscura Initiate offers an alternative flair with its ability to filter mana colors, a trait not found in the aforementioned cards, making it a handy tool for multicolored decks wanting to smooth out their mana curve.
Manaweft Sliver provides a similar color mana filtering effect, granting any color of mana but it requires other slivers to be truly effective. Obscura Initiate shines in its independence, ready to convert mana without needing a tribal presence. Then compare this to Avacyn’s Pilgrim, which supplies a specific white mana, but lacks the versatility of the Initiate’s color conversion. The capability to adapt mana colors on the fly often spells the difference between executing a game plan or faltering due to mana restrictions.
Looking at the broad scope of mana dorks and filters, Obscura Initiate’s unique mana manipulation skill set stands out. This card is certainly a strong contender for deck builders seeking mana consistency in the multi-hued landscapes of Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Obscura Initiate MTG card by a specific set like Streets of New Capenna, 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 Obscura Initiate and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Obscura Initiate has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |