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About This Card

This 1997 Weatherlight release features Heavy Ballista, a white Human Soldier creature with unique defensive removal capabilities.

Heavy Ballista

1997 • Magic: The Gathering • Weatherlight

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Market Value
Raw/Ungraded Market: $0.13
Updated 6 days ago
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Market & Price History

  • $0.13
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    Guide Estimate
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    +8.3%
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30-day Price History

Raw / Ungraded

TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 5, 2026

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Product Overview

Description

Heavy Ballista, identified as card number 17 in the 1997 Weatherlight set, is a fundamental white creature in the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Designed by Ron Spencer, this common card depicts a Human Soldier with a power and toughness of 2/3. Its mana cost of three generic mana and one white mana makes it an accessible option for players building decks focused on the white color identity. The card’s primary utility lies in its activated ability, which allows the controller to tap the creature to deal two damage to a target attacking or blocking creature. This mechanic provides a crucial defensive tool, enabling players to eliminate threats before they deal combat damage. The flavor text accompanying the card references the island of Avenant, hinting at the strategic importance of ballistae in defending against aerial or siege-based attacks during the Weatherlight storyline. For collectors, the Weatherlight expansion holds significant historical value as one of the early sets in Magic’s history. Heavy Ballista represents the classic design philosophy of the era, offering straightforward gameplay with clear strategic impact. The card is a staple for those interested in completing the Weatherlight set or exploring vintage Magic: The Gathering strategies. Its enduring presence in the game’s lore and mechanics continues to appeal to both veteran players and new enthusiasts looking to understand the foundations of competitive play. Whether you are building a defensive deck or adding to your Weatherlight collection, Heavy Ballista offers a reliable way to control the battlefield. Its ability to remove opposing creatures makes it a versatile piece in any white-based strategy. The card’s design and functionality reflect the innovative spirit of the late 1990s, making it a noteworthy addition for serious Magic: The Gathering collectors.

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Product Specs

Card Details

The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.

Catalog Profile

The core identity of the card within the set.

Year

1997

Series

Weatherlight

Card Number

#17

Featured Subject

The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.

Game

Magic: The Gathering

TCG Attributes

Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.

Rarity

Common

Artist

Ron Spencer

Material

Card Stock

Language

English

Mana cost

{3}{W}

Type

Creature — Human Soldier

Power / Toughness

2 / 3

Color

W

Card Text

Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.

{T}: This creature deals 2 damage to target attacking or blocking creature.

"Archers, ballistae—you can't even get near the island of Avenant." —Gerrard of the *Weatherlight*

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mana cost for Heavy Ballista in Magic: The Gathering?

Heavy Ballista has a mana cost of three generic mana and one white mana, totaling four mana. This makes it a mid-range creature that can be cast in the early to mid-game of a match.

What does Heavy Ballista's ability do in gameplay?

Heavy Ballista has an activated ability that allows you to tap it to deal two damage to any target attacking or blocking creature. This makes it an effective defensive tool for removing threats.

Who is the artist for the Weatherlight Heavy Ballista card?

The Heavy Ballista card in the Weatherlight set was illustrated by Ron Spencer, a well-known artist in the Magic: The Gathering community.

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