# 1996 Magic: The Gathering Alliances #118a

> The Alliances Astrolabe is a 1996 Magic: The Gathering artifact card that offers strategic mana acceleration and card draw capabilities for collectors and players.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 1996
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Alliances
- **Card number**: #118a
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

Designed by Amy Weber, this common artifact card serves as a functional piece for decks seeking mana acceleration and card advantage. Its design fits seamlessly into the broader aesthetic of mid-90s trading card game production, appealing to those who appreciate the historical evolution of the hobby. Strategically, the Astrolabe provides a versatile resource engine for players. By sacrificing the artifact, users can generate two mana of any single color, offering flexibility in mana base construction. Additionally, it triggers a card draw during the next turn's upkeep, ensuring that players maintain hand size and board presence. This dual functionality makes it a staple in various competitive and casual formats, particularly for decks that can mitigate the cost of sacrificing a key artifact. For collectors, the Magic: The Gathering Alliances set represents a significant era in the franchise's history, and items like the Astrolabe are vital for completing full set collections. Whether you are an investor looking at long-term value or a player aiming to build a nostalgic deck, this card holds a distinct place in TCG culture.

## FAQ

### What is the strategic value of the Astrolabe card?

The Astrolabe allows players to sacrifice the artifact to produce two mana of any one color, providing significant mana flexibility. It also draws a card during the next turn's upkeep, helping maintain hand size and resource availability.

### Who illustrated the Astrolabe card in the Alliances set?

The artwork for the Astrolabe in the 1996 Alliances expansion was created by Amy Weber, whose style contributed to the distinctive visual identity of the set.

### Is the Astrolabe card considered a rare find for collectors?

As a common card from the Alliances set, the Astrolabe is widely available, making it an accessible and essential component for collectors aiming to complete their set collections.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.