The 2016 foil Emissary's Ploy from Magic: The Gathering Conspiracy: Take the Crown. This Conspiracy card features a unique 0-mana mechanic for casting creatures.
2016 • Magic: The Gathering • Conspiracy: Take the Crown
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
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Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 2, 2026
Released in 2016 as part of the Conspiracy: Take the Crown set, Emissary's Ploy is a distinctive Conspiracy card from Magic: The Gathering. Carrying the card number 4, this foil edition introduces a strategic twist to the game by altering the opening dynamics of a match. Unlike standard spells, it begins the game face-up in the command zone, providing immediate influence on the board state before the first turn even begins. The card’s ability allows players to choose a number between one and three before drawing their opening hand. This choice dictates the mana flexibility available for casting creature spells during the early game. Specifically, it permits spending mana as though it were any color, but only for creatures with a mana value exactly equal to the chosen number. This mechanic rewards careful planning and deck construction, as players must anticipate which creature costs will align with their early strategy. For collectors, this foil variant from the CN2 set offers a premium finish that enhances the visual appeal of Howard Lyon’s artwork. As a rare card within the set, it represents a significant chapter in Magic’s experimental design history. Whether for completing a set or appreciating the strategic depth of the Conspiracy mechanic, this card remains a notable entry in the Magic: The Gathering catalog.
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The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
The core identity of the card within the set.
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Emissary's Ploy
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Rare
Howard Lyon
Card Stock
English
Foil
Conspiracy
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
(Start the game with this conspiracy face up in the command zone.) Before drawing your opening hand, choose 1, 2, or 3. You may spend mana as though it were mana of any color to cast creature spells with mana value equal to the chosen number.
FAQ
Emissary's Ploy is a Conspiracy card from the 2016 Conspiracy: Take the Crown set. It is a 0-mana card that starts the game in the command zone and allows you to choose a number to determine the mana value of creatures you can cast using flexible mana.
The artwork for Emissary's Ploy was created by Howard Lyon. The illustration is featured on the foil version of the card from the Conspiracy: Take the Crown expansion.
Conspiracy cards are a unique card type introduced in the Conspiracy set. They often feature mechanics that affect the start of the game or have rules text that interacts with the command zone, offering strategic advantages distinct from standard sorceries or instants.
Explore cards with this name across sets and editions. Check each card’s details before choosing a version.
