Bloodhill Bastion

Description

Bloodhill Bastion serves as the primary planar card in the Planechase Anthology Planes expansion, released by Wizards of the Coast in 2016. Identified as card number 16 within the OPCA set code, this Common rarity card introduces the Equilor plane to the game. Designed by Mark Hyzer, the card features a layout specific to the planar archetype, distinguishing it from traditional creature or sorcery cards through its unique game mechanics. As a plane, Bloodhill Bastion fundamentally alters gameplay dynamics by affecting how creatures interact on the battlefield. Its primary ability activates whenever a creature enters the game, granting that creature both double strike and haste until the end of the turn. This continuous effect encourages aggressive strategies by allowing players to push damage faster and through blockers more effectively than standard rules permit. The card’s design supports high-tempo playstyles, making it a notable inclusion for collectors who appreciate the strategic depth of the Planechase format. The second half of the card’s rules text activates during the chaos phase, a core mechanic of the Planechase variant. When chaos ensues, the card allows the player to exile a target nontoken creature they control and then return it to the battlefield under their own control. This effect provides a powerful reset option, protecting key creatures from removal or bouncing them to recast beneficial triggers. These dual mechanics—boosting new entrants and securing existing assets—make Bloodhill Bastion a versatile tool for planar manipulation. Collectors of Magic: The Gathering trading cards often seek out planar cards for their unique contributions to game theory and set completion. The 2016 Planechase Anthology Planes set remains a significant release for enthusiasts of this format, and Bloodhill Bastion stands out for its straightforward yet impactful abilities. Whether building a comprehensive collection of planar cards or focusing on specific set completions, this card represents a key component of the Equilor plane experience. Its presence in the OPCA set ensures it remains a recognizable piece for those tracking the evolution of the Planechase format.