Zephid's Embrace MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Enchantment — Aura |
| Abilities | Enchant |
| Released | 1998-10-12 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Urza's Saga |
| Set code | USG |
| Number | 114 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Daren Bader |
Text of card
Enchanted creature gets +2/+2, gains flying, and cannot be the target of spells or abilities.
Spells will shun you, as will everyone else.
Cards like Zephid's Embrace
Zephid’s Embrace stands out in the realm of aura enchantments in Magic: The Gathering, sharing resemblances with cards like Spectra Ward. Both auras give a substantial power and toughness boost, with Spectra Ward providing +2/+2 and protection from all colors, whereas Zephid’s Embrace grants +3/+3 and flying. This flying ability can notably tip the scales in aerial combat, a domain that Spectra Ward doesn’t directly influence.
Control Magic is another card that operates in the aura space, enabling the control of an opponent’s creature. While it doesn’t boost the creature’s stats, it offers a powerful shift in board control. Zephid’s Embrace, in contrast, solidifies your command over your own creature, making it a formidable attacker or blocker. Teferi’s Moat is also worth mentioning, as it changes combat dynamics by limiting attacks based on creature color, but it does not enhance individual creatures as Zephid’s Embrace does.
In essence, Zephid’s Embrace asserts its value in Magic: The Gathering with its ability to turn any creature into a significant aerial threat, a characteristic that provides strategic advantage particularly in limited formats where flying creatures can dominate the battlefield.
Cards similar to Zephid's Embrace by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Zephid’s Embrace provides significant control over the battlefield by turning a creature into a formidable force. This enhancement not only increases the power and toughness but also often ensures that the enchanted creature can evade common forms of removal, maintaining card superiority.
Resource Acceleration: While Zephid’s Embrace itself doesn’t directly generate additional resources, it saves resources by potentially reducing the need for multiple spells to protect, enhance or make a creature evasive. By combining several benefits in one card, it allows for better use of mana in subsequent turns.
Instant Speed: As an aura, Zephid’s Embrace is cast at sorcery speed; however, its impact is akin to that of instant-speed effects when used tactically during the main phases. In a setting where timing is crucial, it can drastically alter combat scenarios or surprise an opponent with a sudden shift in board state.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Zephid’s Embrace mandates casting aside another card from your hand to play it. This can be particularly taxing when your hand is bereft of cards to spare, forcefully narrowing your strategic options and potential plays in a game.
Specific Mana Cost: This enchantment’s cost is locked into a specific combination of mana types. Requiring two blue and two generic mana, it naturally fits into blue-aligned decks, but can be less accessible or less efficient in multicolored or color-flexible decks that might struggle to meet the blue mana requirement consistently.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that climbs to four mana, including two colored mana, Zephid’s Embrace might seem ponderous compared to other options in the deck. For the same or less mana investment, players could access other enchantments or spells which grant flying alongside additional benefits or at a lower overall resource cost, potentially leading to a more optimized deck performance.
Reasons to Include Zephid’s Embrace in Your Collection
Versatility: Zephid’s Embrace is a multifunctional enchantment that can turn any creature into a significant threat. Its ability to grant flying and a substantial power boost makes it suitable for a variety of decks, particularly those looking to dominate the skies or protect key creatures from ground-based assaults.
Combo Potential: This aura has synergy with strategies that capitalize on powerful enchanted creatures. It can be paired with cards that trigger upon enchantments entering the battlefield or benefit from having a large, evasive creature. Enhancing a creature with Zephid’s Embrace can enable swift victories or turn the tide in your favor.
Meta-Relevance: In game environments where flying is less prevalent, Zephid’s Embrace can give you the upper hand, allowing your creatures to evade common blockers. Its presence in your collection ensures you have a strong answer to various meta shifts, keeping your deck adaptable and competitive.
How to Beat Zephid’s Embrace
Zephid’s Embrace is a powerful aura in Magic: The Gathering that bestows flight and a formidable toughness boost upon the enchanted creature. This card turns any creature into a serious aerial threat, making it crucial to have a strategy in place to handle it. One effective method is to employ removal spells that can target the enchanted creature or the enchantment itself. Instant speed options like Disenchant are perfect as they can be played in response to an opponent attaching Zephid’s Embrace, preventing the buff from ever taking effect.
Another tactic is to use countermagic like Negate or Cancel when your opponent tries to cast Zephid’s Embrace, nipping the threat in the bud. For a more proactive approach, cards that can bypass the need to deal death blows, such as ones with the ‘exile target creature’ effect, can be pivotal in dealing with the creature before the enchantment becomes a factor. Relying on these strategies, players can mitigate the impact of Zephid’s Embrace and maintain control over the battlefield dynamics.
Understanding the variety of answers available within the game is key. With proper planning and a responsive arsenal, overcoming the challenge posed by Zephid’s Embrace becomes a manageable task, helping players keep their dominance in the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Zephid's Embrace MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga, 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 Zephid's Embrace 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 Zephid's Embrace has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |