Bishop of Binding

Description

The Bishop of Binding is a rare creature card from Magic: The Gathering's 2018 Rivals of Ixalan set, designated as card number 2. Crafted by artist Bastien L. Deharme, this white mana Vampire Cleric enters the battlefield with a mana cost of three generic mana and one white mana, resulting in a mana value of four. Despite its modest power and toughness of 1/1, the card possesses significant strategic potential through two distinct abilities that define its role in gameplay. Upon entering the battlefield, the Bishop of Binding can exile a target creature controlled by an opponent until the Bishop itself leaves the battlefield. This effect provides a temporary but powerful form of removal, allowing players to neutralize threats without destroying them permanently. The card remains a key piece for collectors interested in the Vampire Cleric archetype, offering a unique interaction that can disrupt opponent strategies. The second ability activates whenever the Bishop of Binding attacks. It grants a target Vampire on the battlefield plus X plus X until end of turn, where X is equal to the power of the exiled card. This mechanic encourages players to use the initial exile effect strategically, storing high-power cards to empower their own Vampire army later in the game. The synergy between these two abilities makes the Bishop of Binding a versatile tool for decks focused on vampire tribal strategies. Collectors of Magic: The Gathering trading cards often seek out cards from the Rivals of Ixalan set due to its rich thematic design and competitive relevance. The Bishop of Binding stands out as an essential addition for those building vampire-themed decks or collecting rare cards from this era. Its unique mechanics and artistic presentation make it a valuable asset for both casual and competitive players.