The Blackstaff of Waterdeep

The Blackstaff of Waterdeep was released in 2021 as part of the Magic: The Gathering set Adventures in the Forgotten Realms, which marked the first time the game integrated the Dungeons & Dragons brand into its primary card releases. Representing one of the most iconic artifacts in the Dungeons & Dragons lore, the card depicts the legendary sentient staff held by the successive leaders of the same name in the city of Waterdeep. It was designed to mechanically reflect the staff’s ability to animate objects and channel powerful arcane energies, serving as a rare artifact that rewards players for interacting with their own boards.

The artwork was commissioned from Anna Steinbauer, a frequent contributor to Magic: The Gathering, who aimed to capture the staff's intimidating presence and magical aura. Steinbauer employed a high-fantasy aesthetic that emphasizes the crystalline, pulsating energy of the weapon, contrasting it against the shadowed, regal background associated with the Blackstaff's tower. Upon its release, the card was received as a flavorful and functional tribute to the source material, becoming a staple for players building deck themes around legendary artifacts and the lore of the Forgotten Realms.