Stone-Tongue Basilisk

Description

The Stone-Tongue Basilisk stands as a formidable presence in Magic: The Gathering's 2001 Odyssey expansion. As a Rare card numbered 276, this green creature demands a substantial mana investment of four generic and two green mana to cast. Its high mana value of seven reflects its significant impact on the battlefield, boasting a power and toughness of 4/5. What makes this card particularly interesting to collectors and players is its dual-layered strategic potential. The Basilisk possesses a static ability that triggers whenever it deals combat damage to another creature, ensuring that target is destroyed at the end of combat. This makes it a potent answer to opposing threats. Additionally, the card features the Threshold mechanic. When there are seven or more cards in your graveyard, the Basilisk becomes nearly impossible to block, as all creatures capable of blocking it are compelled to do so. This mechanic encourages players to build decks with graveyard synergy, adding a layer of complexity to deck construction. Designed by Wayne England, the Stone-Tongue Basilisk represents a key piece of the Odyssey set's design philosophy, which heavily emphasized graveyard mechanics. For collectors, owning a copy of this card is about capturing a specific era of Magic: The Gathering history. Whether you are building a competitive deck focused on graveyard strategies or simply appreciating the design of classic Magic cards, this creature offers both mechanical intrigue and historical significance.