# 1997 Magic: The Gathering Fifth Edition #169s

> The 1997 Fifth Edition card Initiates of the Ebon Hand (169s) is a foundational Black mana-producing Cleric creature for Magic: The Gathering collectors.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 1997
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Fifth Edition
- **Card number**: #169s
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

Initiates of the Ebon Hand, numbered 169s in the 1997 Fifth Edition set, remains a staple for collectors of Magic: The Gathering trading card game cards from this pivotal era. As a Common rarity card, it was printed in high volumes to support the game's core mechanics, making it accessible for new collectors while remaining essential for those building complete sets of the Fifth Edition release. The card functions as a one-mana artifact land substitute, allowing the player to produce Black mana. Its distinctive ability introduces a risk-reward dynamic: activating its mana-producing power four times in a single turn triggers a sacrifice effect at the end of that turn. This mechanic encourages strategic planning and resource management, qualities that define the Magic: The Gathering experience during the late 1990s. The card's straightforward text box and reliable utility make it a frequent inclusion in deck-building discussions among vintage enthusiasts. Collecting Fifth Edition cards offers a window into the growth of the trading card game as it solidified its rules framework and community standards. Initiates of the Ebon Hand represents the genre's shift toward complex, interactive gameplay without sacrificing accessibility. Whether you are a seasoned player or a casual fan, adding this piece to your collection connects you to the foundational years of Magic: The Gathering. By focusing on the identity and gameplay significance of cards like Initiates of the Ebon Hand, we help collectors appreciate the design choices that shaped the game. Explore our catalog to find other cards from the Fifth Edition set and continue building your comprehensive collection of Magic: The Gathering history.

## FAQ

### What is the mana value of Initiates of the Ebon Hand?

The mana value of Initiates of the Ebon Hand is 1, reflecting its single black mana cost to cast from hand.

### What type of creature is Initiates of the Ebon Hand?

Initiates of the Ebon Hand is a Creature — Cleric in the Magic: The Gathering trading card game.

### How does the ability of Initiates of the Ebon Hand work?

You may pay one black mana to add one black mana; if you activate this ability four or more times in a turn, you must sacrifice the creature at the end of that turn.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.