Wizened Arbiter

Description

The 2019 Magic: The Gathering Mystery Booster Playtest Cards series represents a unique chapter in the game's design history, offering collectors a glimpse into experimental mechanics before they potentially reached main sets. Within this release, the card identified as number 14 features the creature Wizened Arbiter, a white mana-costing unit that blends the Human, Soldier, and Wizard types. This combination of subtypes creates a distinct identity within the Commander and casual formats, appealing to builders who value synergy between artifact and spell interactions. Wizened Arbiter enters the battlefield with a mana value of two, making it an accessible inclusion in many white-based decks. Its primary ability triggers upon entry, allowing the controller to reveal a white card owned from outside the game. If this condition is met, the player may then exchange that revealed card with a card in their hand. This mechanic offers strategic flexibility, enabling players to search for specific answers or resources from their sideboard or collection, a feature that resonates with commanders and casual players alike. Art for this card was created by Kelly Hamilton, whose style contributes to the visual appeal of the Mystery Booster Playtest Cards. The card is printed with a Rare rarity designation, denoted by the CMB1 set code. Collectors of Magic: The Gathering trading card game cards often seek out these playtest cards due to their historical significance and the experimental nature of their rules text. The design emphasizes the creature's role as a versatile support unit, balancing offensive potential with resource manipulation. For those interested in the evolution of game mechanics, this card serves as a tangible example of Wizards of the Coast's iterative design process during 2019. The interaction between the revealed card and the hand allows for dynamic gameplay moments, distinguishing it from standard creatures with static abilities.