Cryptic Spires
Commander (EDH) forum
Posted on May 10, 2023, 3:13 p.m. by Fae-Jester
Where is the list saying Cryptic Spires is a banned card?
Cryptic Spires is not banned in Commander - you should post on this thread so the card can be fixed.
Additionally, pinecone2k3 is incorrect about Cryptic Spires’ colour identity. It is a common misconception that Colour Identity looks at what mana symbols appear on the card - more accurately, it looks at the mana symbols which appear in the card’s mana cost and rules text.
The mana symbols on Cryptic spires might physically appear on the card, but are only considered part of the rules text once circled. So, if you circle the Blue and Black symbols, the colour identity will only be Blue/Black.
May 10, 2023 4:29 p.m.
Caerwyn Aside from Cryptic Spires, do any cards have mana symbols somewhere outside of the mana cost and rules text? I guess Deathmark and Star Compass, but I'd be surprised if anyone considers art to be a color identity determinant.
May 10, 2023 5:38 p.m.
legendofa - Yes, cards with Extort often have the mana symbol on them, with that mana symbol showing up in reminder text, not rules text. The fact the mana symbol is not in Rules Text is why Blind Obedience has a mono-white colour identity, while Crypt Ghast is mono-black.
May 10, 2023 6:05 p.m.
pinecone2k3 says... #7
My mistake. I was incorrectly assuming the mana symbols on Cryptic Spires were considered part of its rules text right from the start. Thank you for the clarification.
May 11, 2023 6:13 a.m.
Another famous example is Trinisphere, which has no color identity.
pinecone2k3 says... #2
I don't think it's banned in the format, so much as, since all five mana symbols appear on the card, it can only be used in 5-color decks. I don't see it listed on the banned list on the official Commander website, either.
May 10, 2023 4:15 p.m.