Copal Smoke

The myth

Copal, copalli in Nahuatl, is an aromatic resin taken from trees of the genus Bursera. Burned in censers, it produced a white, fragrant smoke that rose to the gods, and it was one of the most common offerings in Mesoamerica. Priests offered it several times a day and through the night. In the Templo Mayor offerings, archaeologists found copal shaped as balls, bars, knife handles and even images of gods. Copal remains in use today in Indigenous ceremonies, on the Day of the Dead and in Mexico’s churches.

Why it has this power

An Uncommon spell that makes your opponent’s monsters lose 400 ATK until the end of their turn. It is the sacred smoke that “makes the enemy’s arms heavy”: it destroys nothing, but it weakens the rival’s attack for a whole turn. Good for shielding your weaker monsters at a tough moment.

Did you know

Some 280 copal objects were found in 61 of the 130 recorded Templo Mayor offerings.

Connections

• In Cuauhtli, Lake Hunter's deck
• In Citlali, Priestess of the Stars's deck
• In Tepin, Veteran of the Flower War's deck
• In Yolotl, Mistress of the Mirror's deck
• In Itzel, Guardian of the Fifth Sun's deck

Where to get it

• Daily Offering: 0.45% per pack (Uncommon 33% per card)
• Welcome Pack: 1.1% per pack (Uncommon 30% per card)
• Traveler's Pack: 0.96% per pack · 5.6% in the themed pack (Uncommon 29% per card)
• Bronze Reliquary: 0.94% per pack · 5.5% in the themed pack (Uncommon 29% per card)
• Silver Reliquary: 0.96% per pack · 5.6% in the themed pack (Uncommon 33% per card)
• Golden Reliquary: 0.94% per pack · 5.5% in the themed pack (Uncommon 35% per card)
• Daily Showcase: Shows up on about 0.98% of days · 400 gold
• Craft with card dust: 100 dust
• Crossing of Myths: Can be offered as a reward during a crossing (the card stays in the crossing deck).

Sources

1. Copal para los dioses (Arqueología Mexicana) — Naoli Victoria Lona