Conclave Phalanx

The Conclave Phalanx was first released in the 2010 Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. Tezzeret set, designed to showcase the thematic conflict between the white-aligned hero Elspeth Tirel and the blue-aligned artificer Tezzeret. This card serves as a representative of the Selesnya Conclave, an organized collective from the Ravnica plane known for its communal strength and creature-heavy strategies. The design prioritizes the 'convoke' mechanic, a hallmark of the faction that allows players to reduce a spell's cost by tapping their own creatures, emphasizing the flavor of a united military front.

The original illustration for this version was provided by artist Dan Dos Santos, who captured the stoic, armored aesthetic characteristic of Selesnya soldiers. His approach focused on the disciplined uniformity and divine resolve of the Conclave. Upon its release, the card was received as a functional, mid-range utility creature within the duel deck format, valued primarily for its ability to stabilize a board state and gain life, reflecting the defensive and restorative playstyle favored by the white mana color identity.