Obzedat, Ghost Council

Obzedat, Ghost Council was originally introduced in the 2013 Magic: The Gathering expansion Gatecrash, representing the ruling oligarchy of the Orzhov Syndicate on the plane of Ravnica. This card was designed as a powerful mythic rare creature that mechanically embodies the ghosts of the syndicate's past patriarchs, utilizing a unique flicker effect to phase out and back into play, reflecting their spectral and elusive nature. The illustration by Min Yum captures the unsettling, ethereal aesthetic of the Orzhov, emphasizing a haunting, atmospheric visual style that helped define the set's identity.

The 2017 Modern Masters printing served as a high-profile reprint for the card, intended to make the creature more accessible for competitive play in the Modern format. By integrating the card into a curated set designed specifically for draft environments, the developers allowed players to experience the card's complex gameplay dynamics in a new context. The reprint was generally well-received by the player base for maintaining the integrity of the original artwork while providing a modernized frame treatment that satisfied both competitive players and those who appreciate the aesthetic depth of the Orzhov syndicate.