Rakdos Riteknife

Rakdos Riteknife (Dissension)
Jim Nelson

Equipped creature gets +1/+0 for each blood counter on this Equipment and has "{T}, Sacrifice a creature: Put a blood counter on Rakdos Riteknife." {B}{R}, Sacrifice this Equipment: Target player sacrifices a permanent of their choice for each blood counter on this Equipment. Equip {2}

Benthic Behemoth (Tempest)
Jim Nelson

Islandwalk (This creature can't be blocked as long as defending player controls an Island.)

"Deep devourer concealed in darkhome Shrouded it seeks all becomes fodder Once we swam alone and asea But no more." —*Rootwater Saga*

Faerie Rogue (Morningtide Tokens)
Jim Nelson

Flying

Woodcloaker (Scourge)
Jim Nelson

Morph {2}{G}{G} (You may cast this card face down as a 2/2 creature for {3}. Turn it face up any time for its morph cost.) When this creature is turned face up, target creature gains trample until end of turn.

Putrefy (Ravnica Remastered)
Jim Nelson

Destroy target artifact or creature. It can't be regenerated.

"All matter, animate or not, rots when exposed to time. We merely speed up the process." —Ezoc, Golgari rot farmer

Forest (Duel Decks: Mind vs. Might)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {G}.)

Spitfire Handler (Onslaught)
Jim Nelson

This creature can't block creatures with power greater than this creature's power. {R}: This creature gets +1/+0 until end of turn.

"Wait 'til Toggo sees this!"

Spitting Image (Eventide)
Jim Nelson

Create a token that's a copy of target creature. Retrace (You may cast this card from your graveyard by discarding a land card in addition to paying its other costs.)

Spitting is the customary greeting between a creature and its magical impostor.

Voidmage Apprentice (Legions)
Jim Nelson

Morph {2}{U}{U} (You may cast this card face down as a 2/2 creature for {3}. Turn it face up any time for its morph cost.) When this creature is turned face up, counter target spell.

Rakdos Riteknife (Dissension)
Jim Nelson

Equipped creature gets +1/+0 for each blood counter on this Equipment and has "{T}, Sacrifice a creature: Put a blood counter on Rakdos Riteknife." {B}{R}, Sacrifice this Equipment: Target player sacrifices a permanent of their choice for each blood counter on this Equipment. Equip {2}

Hero's Demise (Betrayers of Kamigawa)
Jim Nelson

Destroy target legendary creature.

"What will it say on our graves, Lord Konda? Will it say we led our world to conquer immortal forces or that we were crushed by our own arrogance? At each defeat, I wonder." —Sensei Hisoka, letter to Lord Konda

Sparksmith (Onslaught)
Jim Nelson

{T}: This creature deals X damage to target creature and X damage to you, where X is the number of Goblins on the battlefield.

"If it didn't hurt, how would I know it worked?"

Drudge Skeletons (Ninth Edition)
Jim Nelson

{B}: Regenerate this creature. (The next time this creature would be destroyed this turn, instead tap it, remove it from combat, and heal all damage on it.)

"The dead make good soldiers. They can't disobey orders, never surrender, and don't stop fighting when a random body part falls off." —Nevinyrral, *Necromancer's Handbook*

Fungal Shambler (Apocalypse)
Jim Nelson

Trample Whenever this creature deals damage to an opponent, you draw a card and that opponent discards a card.

Snakeform (Eventide)
Jim Nelson

Until end of turn, target creature loses all abilities and becomes a green Snake with base power and toughness 1/1. Draw a card.

Losing his possessions distressed him, but the lack of limbs was strangely liberating.

Pyrite Spellbomb (Double Masters)
Jim Nelson

{R}, Sacrifice this artifact: It deals 2 damage to any target. {1}, Sacrifice this artifact: Draw a card.

"Melt that which was never frozen." —Spellbomb inscription

Hunting Pack (The List)
Jim Nelson

Create a 4/4 green Beast creature token. Storm (When you cast this spell, copy it for each spell cast before it this turn.)

Think Twice (The List)
Jim Nelson

Draw a card. Flashback {2}{U} (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

"Great books are meant to be read, then read again backwards or upside down!" —Ettovard, Tolarian archivist

Putrefy (Ravnica Remastered)
Jim Nelson

Destroy target artifact or creature. It can't be regenerated.

"All matter, animate or not, rots when exposed to time. We merely speed up the process." —Ezoc, Golgari rot farmer

Omnibian (Dissension)
Jim Nelson

{T}: Target creature becomes a Frog with base power and toughness 3/3 until end of turn.

"This creature has hyperevolved chameleonic abilities. It no longer mimics its surroundings, instead forcing them to take on its form." —Simic research notes

Cataclysm (Exodus)
Jim Nelson

Each player chooses from among the permanents they control an artifact, a creature, an enchantment, and a land, then sacrifices the rest.

The *Weatherlight* dragged the *Predator* behind it, the cradle hauling the casket.

Obsessive Search (Dominaria Remastered)
Jim Nelson

Draw a card. Madness {U} (If you discard this card, discard it into exile. When you do, cast it for its madness cost or put it into your graveyard.)

Crimson Wisps (Foundations Jumpstart)
Jim Nelson

Target creature becomes red and gains haste until end of turn. (It can attack and {T} this turn.) Draw a card.

The whispers are incomprehensible, yet cinders always hear a message of urgency.

Goblin Archaeologist (The List)
Jim Nelson

{R}, {T}: Flip a coin. If you win the flip, destroy target artifact and untap this creature. If you lose the flip, sacrifice this creature.

Always easily impressed, Durg was about to be blown away.

Snakeform (Commander 2015)
Jim Nelson

Until end of turn, target creature loses all abilities and becomes a green Snake with base power and toughness 1/1. Draw a card.

Losing his possessions distressed him, but the lack of limbs was strangely liberating.

Augury Owl (Planechase Anthology)
Jim Nelson

Flying When this creature enters, scry 3. (Look at the top three cards of your library, then put any number of them on the bottom and the rest on top in any order.)

Steamclaw (Odyssey)
Jim Nelson

{3}, {T}: Exile target card from a graveyard. {1}, Sacrifice this artifact: Exile target card from a graveyard.

"There's dead, and then there's *dead* dead." —Steamclaw driver

Aether Spellbomb (Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. Tezzeret)
Jim Nelson

{U}, Sacrifica la Bombarcana Eterea: Fai tornare una creatura bersaglio in mano al suo proprietario. {1}, Sacrifica la Bombarcana Eterea: Pesca una carta.

"Libera ciò che non è mai stato in gabbia." —Iscrizione della Bombarcana

Nightsoil Kami (Saviors of Kamigawa)
Jim Nelson

Soulshift 5 (When this creature dies, you may return target Spirit card with mana value 5 or less from your graveyard to your hand.)

One with Nothing (Saviors of Kamigawa)
Jim Nelson

Discard your hand.

When nothing remains, everything is equally possible.

Carven Caryatid (Tarkir: Dragonstorm Commander)
Jim Nelson

Defender (This creature can't attack.) When this creature enters, draw a card.

So-called "old wood" is rare in deforested Ravnica. Statues carved from it are said to house the last of the ancient nature spirits.

Flowstone Shambler (Ninth Edition)
Jim Nelson

{R}: This creature gets +1/-1 until end of turn.

Flowstone troops are notoriously difficult to keep in formation.

Grim Lavamancer (Torment)
Jim Nelson

{R}, {T}, Exile two cards from your graveyard: This creature deals 2 damage to any target.

"Fools dig for water, corpses, or gold. The earth's real treasure is far deeper."

Ancient Grudge (Time Spiral Remastered)
Jim Nelson

Destroy target artifact. Flashback {G} (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

The time rifts remind Yavimaya of the enemies of its past and provide fresh fuel for its fires.

Stir the Grave (Betrayers of Kamigawa)
Jim Nelson

Return target creature card with mana value X or less from your graveyard to the battlefield.

"Your lungs may not draw breath, but while your hands can grip a sword, you will be useful to me." —Nighteyes, nezumi necromancer

Caves of Koilos (Commander 2020)
Jim Nelson

{T}: Add {C}. {T}: Add {W} or {B}. This land deals 1 damage to you.

Replenish (Urza's Destiny)
Jim Nelson

Return all enchantment cards from your graveyard to the battlefield. (Auras with nothing to enchant remain in your graveyard.)

Treasures, trinkets, trash—the relics of the past are brought forth again.

Fugitive Wizard (Legions)
Jim Nelson

Many wizards came to the Riptide Project hoping to return home with answers. Most, however, wouldn't return home at all.

Swell of Courage (Morningtide)
Jim Nelson

Creatures you control get +2/+2 until end of turn. Reinforce X—{X}{W}{W} ({X}{W}{W}, Discard this card: Put X +1/+1 counters on target creature.)

"Tideshaping is more than creating a few new puddles."

Immaculate Magistrate (Duels of the Planeswalkers)
Jim Nelson

{T}: Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature for each Elf you control.

Elves of the immaculate class weave flora into living creatures—sometimes to endorse an elite warrior, sometimes to create a breathing work of art.

Sea of Sand (Planechase Planes)
Jim Nelson

Players reveal each card they draw. Whenever a player draws a land card, that player gains 3 life. Whenever a player draws a nonland card, that player loses 3 life. Whenever chaos ensues, put target permanent on top of its owner's library.

Brain Pry (Dissension)
Jim Nelson

Choose a nonland card name. Target player reveals their hand. That player discards a card with that name. If they can't, you draw a card.

To the Rakdos, the fun is in the shakedown. The loot is usually discarded.

Keeper of the Nine Gales (Legions)
Jim Nelson

Flying {T}, Tap two untapped Birds you control: Return target permanent to its owner's hand.

"You cannot fight the storm."

Ancient Grudge (Time Spiral)
Jim Nelson

Destroy target artifact. Flashback {G} (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

The time rifts remind Yavimaya of the enemies of its past and provide fresh fuel for its fires.

Patron of the Akki (Betrayers of Kamigawa)
Jim Nelson

Goblin offering (You may cast this spell any time you could cast an instant by sacrificing a Goblin and paying the difference in mana costs between this and the sacrificed Goblin. Mana cost includes color.) Whenever Patron of the Akki attacks, creatures you control get +2/+0 until end of turn.

Dimir Infiltrator (The List)
Jim Nelson

This creature can't be blocked. Transmute {1}{U}{B} ({1}{U}{B}, Discard this card: Search your library for a card with the same mana value as this card, reveal it, put it into your hand, then shuffle. Transmute only as a sorcery.)

Nezumi Graverobber (Champions of Kamigawa)
Jim Nelson

Forest (Duel Decks Anthology: Garruk vs. Liliana)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {G}.)

Honden of Night's Reach (Eternal Masters)
Jim Nelson

At the beginning of your upkeep, target opponent discards a card for each Shrine you control.

To the sorrow of all, its dark reach grasped and crushed those who guarded its silent vigil.

Telepathic Spies (Seventh Edition)
Jim Nelson

When this creature enters, look at target opponent's hand.

Most spies sneak into enemy camps. These spies sneak into enemy minds.

Drudge Skeletons (Seventh Edition)
Jim Nelson

{B}: Regenerate this creature. (The next time this creature would be destroyed this turn, instead tap it, remove it from combat, and heal all damage on it.)

"The dead make good soldiers. They can't disobey orders, they never surrender, and they don't stop fighting when a random body part falls off." —Nevinyrral, *Necromancer's Handbook*

Scornful Egotist (Scourge)
Jim Nelson

Morph {U} (You may cast this card face down as a 2/2 creature for {3}. Turn it face up any time for its morph cost.)

"Once I was human. Now I am far more."

Swamp (Planechase Anthology)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {B}.)

Demonic Collusion (Time Spiral)
Jim Nelson

Buyback—Discard two cards. (You may discard two cards in addition to any other costs as you cast this spell. If you do, put this card into your hand as it resolves.) Search your library for a card, put that card into your hand, then shuffle.

Aether Spellbomb (Mirrodin)
Jim Nelson

{U}, Sacrifice this artifact: Return target creature to its owner's hand. {1}, Sacrifice this artifact: Draw a card.

"Release that which was never caged." —Spellbomb inscription

Caves of Koilos (Commander 2021)
Jim Nelson

{T}: Add {C}. {T}: Add {W} or {B}. This land deals 1 damage to you.

Transmogrifying Licid (Exodus)
Jim Nelson

{1}, {T}: This creature loses this ability and becomes an Aura enchantment with enchant creature. Attach it to target creature. You may pay {1} to end this effect. Enchanted creature gets +1/+1 and is an artifact in addition to its other types.

Hunting Triad (Morningtide)
Jim Nelson

Create three 1/1 green Elf Warrior creature tokens. Reinforce 3—{3}{G} ({3}{G}, Discard this card: Put three +1/+1 counters on target creature.)

"Eyeblights are easy to track. Just follow the imperfections."

Snow-Covered Forest (Mystery Booster 2)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {G}.)

Caves of Koilos (Aetherdrift Commander)
Jim Nelson

{T}: Add {C}. {T}: Add {W} or {B}. This land deals 1 damage to you.

Spitting Image (Commander 2016)
Jim Nelson

Create a token that's a copy of target creature. Retrace (You may cast this card from your graveyard by discarding a land card in addition to paying its other costs.)

Spitting is the customary greeting between a creature and its magical impostor.

Leonin Sun Standard (Mirrodin)
Jim Nelson

{1}{W}: Creatures you control get +1/+1 until end of turn.

The commander tells the troops where to go, but the standard reminds them why they're there.

Aether Spellbomb (Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. Tezzeret)
Jim Nelson

{U}, sacrificar la Bombahechizo de éter: Regresa la criatura objetivo a la mano de su propietario. {1}, sacrificar la Bombahechizo de éter: Roba una carta.

"Libera lo que nunca estuvo enjaulado." —Inscripción en la bombahechizo

Immaculate Magistrate (Lorwyn)
Jim Nelson

{T}: Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature for each Elf you control.

Elves of the immaculate class weave flora into living creatures—sometimes to endorse an elite warrior, sometimes to create a breathing work of art.

Forest (Magic 2010)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {G}.)

Swamp (Planechase 2012)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {B}.)

Cunning Wish (Judgment)
Jim Nelson

You may reveal an instant card you own from outside the game and put it into your hand. Exile Cunning Wish.

He wished for knowledge, but not for the will to apply it.

Carven Caryatid (Iconic Masters)
Jim Nelson

Defender (This creature can't attack.) When this creature enters, draw a card.

So-called "old wood" is rare in deforested Ravnica. Statues carved from it are said to house the last of the ancient nature spirits.

Caves of Koilos (Ninth Edition)
Jim Nelson

{T}: Add {C}. {T}: Add {W} or {B}. This land deals 1 damage to you.

Augury Owl (Planechase 2012)
Jim Nelson

Flying When this creature enters, scry 3. (Look at the top three cards of your library, then put any number of them on the bottom and the rest on top in any order.)

Honden of Night's Reach (Champions of Kamigawa)
Jim Nelson

At the beginning of your upkeep, target opponent discards a card for each Shrine you control.

To the sorrow of all, its dark reach grasped and crushed those who guarded its silent vigil.

Aether Spellbomb (Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. Tezzeret)
Jim Nelson

{U}, opfere die Äther-Spruchbombe: Bringe eine Kreatur deiner Wahl auf die Hand ihres Besitzers zurück. {1}, opfere die Äther-Spruchbombe: Ziehe eine Karte.

„Das freizulassen, was nie eingesperrt war." —Gravur der Spruchbombe

Belltower Sphinx (Magic 2012)
Jim Nelson

Flying Whenever a source deals damage to this creature, that source's controller mills that many cards.

Iridescent Drake (Urza's Destiny)
Jim Nelson

Flying When this creature enters, put target Aura card from a graveyard onto the battlefield under your control attached to this creature.

Vexing Arcanix (Eighth Edition)
Jim Nelson

{3}, {T}: Target player chooses a card name, then reveals the top card of their library. If that card has the chosen name, that player puts it into their hand. Otherwise, they put it into their graveyard and this artifact deals 2 damage to them.

Drudge Skeletons (Eighth Edition)
Jim Nelson

{B}: Regenerate this creature. (The next time this creature would be destroyed this turn, instead tap it, remove it from combat, and heal all damage on it.)

"The dead make good soldiers. They can't disobey orders, they never surrender, and they don't stop fighting when a random body part falls off." —Nevinyrral, *Necromancer's Handbook*

Footbottom Feast (Commander 2011)
Jim Nelson

Put any number of target creature cards from your graveyard on top of your library. Draw a card.

The scent of rot and vinegar fills the marsh, inviting boggarts from every warren to reunite and feast.

Balduvian Barbarians (Seventh Edition)
Jim Nelson

"From the snowy slopes of Kaelor, To the canyons of Bandu, We drink and fight and feast and die As we were born to do." —Balduvian tavern song

Goblin Archaeologist (Darksteel)
Jim Nelson

{R}, {T}: Flip a coin. If you win the flip, destroy target artifact and untap this creature. If you lose the flip, sacrifice this creature.

Always easily impressed, Durg was about to be blown away.

Bound (Dissension)
Jim Nelson

Snow-Covered Forest (Coldsnap)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {G}.)

Spitting Image (Commander Legends)
Jim Nelson

Create a token that's a copy of target creature. Retrace (You may cast this card from your graveyard by discarding a land card in addition to paying its other costs.)

Spitting is the customary greeting between a creature and its magical impostor.

Soratami Savant (The List)
Jim Nelson

Flying {3}, Return a land you control to its owner's hand: Counter target spell unless its controller pays {3}.

"To prevent, one must first predict."

Instill Furor (Ravnica: City of Guilds)
Jim Nelson

Enchant creature Enchanted creature has "At the beginning of your end step, sacrifice this creature unless it attacked this turn."

"The Rakdos know little of technology, but they definitely know how to push buttons." —Trivaz, Izzet mage

Caves of Koilos (Magic Origins)
Jim Nelson

{T}: Add {C}. {T}: Add {W} or {B}. This land deals 1 damage to you.

Glintwing Invoker (Legions)
Jim Nelson

{7}{U}: This creature gets +3/+3 and gains flying until end of turn.

The Mirari flares in his mind.

Aether Spellbomb (Archenemy)
Jim Nelson

{U}, Sacrifice this artifact: Return target creature to its owner's hand. {1}, Sacrifice this artifact: Draw a card.

"Release that which was never caged." —Spellbomb inscription

Sea of Sand (Planechase Anthology Planes)
Jim Nelson

Players reveal each card they draw. Whenever a player draws a land card, that player gains 3 life. Whenever a player draws a nonland card, that player loses 3 life. Whenever chaos ensues, put target permanent on top of its owner's library.

Lyzolda, the Blood Witch (Dissension)
Jim Nelson

{2}, Sacrifice a creature: Lyzolda deals 2 damage to any target if the sacrificed creature was red. Draw a card if the sacrificed creature was black.

Sacrificial rites take place before an audience of cheering cultists, each begging to be the next on stage.

Dimir Infiltrator (Planechase 2012)
Jim Nelson

This creature can't be blocked. Transmute {1}{U}{B} ({1}{U}{B}, Discard this card: Search your library for a card with the same mana value as this card, reveal it, put it into your hand, then shuffle. Transmute only as a sorcery.)

Foul Imp (Stronghold)
Jim Nelson

Flying When this creature enters, you lose 2 life.

The imp, unaware of its own odor, paused to catch its breath . . . and promptly died.

Leyline of Vitality (Magic 2011)
Jim Nelson

If this card is in your opening hand, you may begin the game with it on the battlefield. Creatures you control get +0/+1. Whenever a creature you control enters, you may gain 1 life.

Swell of Courage (The List)
Jim Nelson

Creatures you control get +2/+2 until end of turn. Reinforce X—{X}{W}{W} ({X}{W}{W}, Discard this card: Put X +1/+1 counters on target creature.)

"Tideshaping is more than creating a few new puddles."

Glintwing Invoker (Dominaria Remastered)
Jim Nelson

{7}{U}: This creature gets +3/+3 and gains flying until end of turn.

The Mirari flares in his mind.

Sparksmith (Friday Night Magic 2003)
Jim Nelson

{T}: This creature deals X damage to target creature and X damage to you, where X is the number of Goblins on the battlefield.

"If it didn't hurt, how would I know it worked?"

Sparksmith (World Championship Decks 2003)
Jim Nelson

{T}: This creature deals X damage to target creature and X damage to you, where X is the number of Goblins on the battlefield.

"If it didn't hurt, how would I know it worked?"

Sparksmith (The List)
Jim Nelson

{T}: This creature deals X damage to target creature and X damage to you, where X is the number of Goblins on the battlefield.

"If it didn't hurt, how would I know it worked?"

Oakgnarl Warrior (The List)
Jim Nelson

Vigilance, trample

"Roam as you will, your roots remain in the strong earth of your Rising."

Aphotic Wisps (Shadowmoor)
Jim Nelson

Target creature becomes black and gains fear until end of turn. (It can't be blocked except by artifact creatures and/or black creatures.) Draw a card.

Merrows skulk the silty bogs around the Wanderbrine, their very thoughts stained with evil.

Griffin Guide (Time Spiral)
Jim Nelson

Enchant creature Enchanted creature gets +2/+2 and has flying. When enchanted creature dies, create a 2/2 white Griffin creature token with flying.

Hunting Pack (Commander 2011)
Jim Nelson

Create a 4/4 green Beast creature token. Storm (When you cast this spell, copy it for each spell cast before it this turn.)

Swamp (Planechase 2012)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {B}.)

Carry Away (Darksteel)
Jim Nelson

Enchant Equipment When this Aura enters, unattach enchanted Equipment. You control enchanted Equipment.

Stealing goblin weapons would be easier if the goblins were smart enough to let go.

Patron of the Akki (The List)
Jim Nelson

Goblin offering (You may cast this spell any time you could cast an instant by sacrificing a Goblin and paying the difference in mana costs between this and the sacrificed Goblin. Mana cost includes color.) Whenever Patron of the Akki attacks, creatures you control get +2/+0 until end of turn.

Aether Spellbomb (Jumpstart)
Jim Nelson

{U}, Sacrifice this artifact: Return target creature to its owner's hand. {1}, Sacrifice this artifact: Draw a card.

"Release that which was never caged." —Spellbomb inscription

Storm Herd (Kaldheim Commander)
Jim Nelson

Create X 1/1 white Pegasus creature tokens with flying, where X is your life total.

"When you hear thunder on a cloudless day, take cover and brace for the coming of the storm herd." —Skotov, Tin Street basket vendor

Forest (Magic 2012)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {G}.)

Strafe (Planeshift)
Jim Nelson

Strafe deals 3 damage to target nonred creature.

"All right, let's light 'em up!" —Gerrard

Belltower Sphinx (Jumpstart)
Jim Nelson

Flying Whenever a source deals damage to this creature, that source's controller mills that many cards.

Aether Spellbomb (Jumpstart 2022)
Jim Nelson

{U}, Sacrifice this artifact: Return target creature to its owner's hand. {1}, Sacrifice this artifact: Draw a card.

"Release that which was never caged." —Spellbomb inscription

Crimson Wisps (The List)
Jim Nelson

Target creature becomes red and gains haste until end of turn. (It can attack and {T} this turn.) Draw a card.

The whispers are incomprehensible, yet cinders always hear a message of urgency.

Cerulean Wisps (The List)
Jim Nelson

Target creature becomes blue until end of turn. Untap that creature. Draw a card.

"If you see ghostly lights by the river, eat three twigs of marshroot to ward off kelpies." —Kithkin superstition

Orzhov Basilica (Double Masters 2022)
Jim Nelson

This land enters tapped. When this land enters, return a land you control to its owner's hand. {T}: Add {W}{B}.

Truga Jungle (March of the Machine Commander)
Jim Nelson

All lands have "{T}: Add one mana of any color." Whenever chaos ensues, reveal the top three cards of your library. Put all land cards revealed this way into your hand and the rest on the bottom of your library in any order.

Drudge Skeletons (Ninth Edition)
Jim Nelson

{B}: Regenerate this creature. (The next time this creature would be destroyed this turn, instead tap it, remove it from combat, and heal all damage on it.)

"The dead make good soldiers. They can't disobey orders, never surrender, and don't stop fighting when a random body part falls off." —Nevinyrral, *Necromancer's Handbook*

Break Asunder (Dominaria Remastered)
Jim Nelson

Destroy target artifact or enchantment. Cycling {2} ({2}, Discard this card: Draw a card.)

"No good will come of this."

Replenish (World Championship Decks 2000)
Jim Nelson

Return all enchantment cards from your graveyard to the battlefield. (Auras with nothing to enchant remain in your graveyard.)

Treasures, trinkets, trash—the relics of the past are brought forth again.

Nezumi Graverobber (Commander Anthology Volume II)
Jim Nelson

Swamp (Champions of Kamigawa)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {B}.)

One with Nothing (The List)
Jim Nelson

Discard your hand.

When nothing remains, everything is equally possible.

Griffin Guide (Duel Decks: Knights vs. Dragons)
Jim Nelson

Enchant creature Enchanted creature gets +2/+2 and has flying. When enchanted creature dies, create a 2/2 white Griffin creature token with flying.

Drudge Skeletons (Eighth Edition)
Jim Nelson

{B}: Regenerate this creature. (The next time this creature would be destroyed this turn, instead tap it, remove it from combat, and heal all damage on it.)

"The dead make good soldiers. They can't disobey orders, they never surrender, and they don't stop fighting when a random body part falls off." —Nevinyrral, *Necromancer's Handbook*

Keeper of the Nine Gales (The List)
Jim Nelson

Flying {T}, Tap two untapped Birds you control: Return target permanent to its owner's hand.

"You cannot fight the storm."

Sandbar Serpent (Urza's Saga)
Jim Nelson

Cycling {2} ({2}, Discard this card: Draw a card.)

Treacherous and unpredictable currents around Tolaria earned the nickname "serpent wakes."

Hunting Pack (Commander 2020)
Jim Nelson

Create a 4/4 green Beast creature token. Storm (When you cast this spell, copy it for each spell cast before it this turn.)

Obsessive Search (Torment)
Jim Nelson

Draw a card. Madness {U} (If you discard this card, discard it into exile. When you do, cast it for its madness cost or put it into your graveyard.)

The question strained his sanity. The answer snapped it in half.

Griffin (Duel Decks: Ajani vs. Nicol Bolas Tokens)
Jim Nelson

Flying

Chatter of the Squirrel (The List)
Jim Nelson

Create a 1/1 green Squirrel creature token. Flashback {1}{G} (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

Oakgnarl Warrior (Duel Decks: Nissa vs. Ob Nixilis)
Jim Nelson

Vigilance, trample

"Roam as you will, your roots remain in the strong earth of your Rising."

Essence Drain (Magic 2013)
Jim Nelson

Essence Drain deals 3 damage to any target and you gain 3 life.

"Life's essence is a nectar unlike any I tasted when I lived as a mortal." —Zul Ashur, lich lord

Mirozel (Exodus)
Jim Nelson

Flying When this creature becomes the target of a spell or ability, return this creature to its owner's hand.

The mirozels are the only stars in Rath's opaque skies.

Life and Limb (Time Spiral Remastered)
Jim Nelson

All Forests and all Saprolings are 1/1 green Saproling creatures and Forest lands in addition to their other types. (They're affected by summoning sickness.)

"It was a sight of pain and awe—a twisted forest, migrating across the salt plain in search of richer soil." —Edahlis, greenseeker

Hunting Triad (Commander 2014)
Jim Nelson

Create three 1/1 green Elf Warrior creature tokens. Reinforce 3—{3}{G} ({3}{G}, Discard this card: Put three +1/+1 counters on target creature.)

"Eyeblights are easy to track. Just follow the imperfections."

Caves of Koilos (Commander 2016)
Jim Nelson

{T}: Add {C}. {T}: Add {W} or {B}. This land deals 1 damage to you.

Spitting Image (Commander 2021)
Jim Nelson

Create a token that's a copy of target creature. Retrace (You may cast this card from your graveyard by discarding a land card in addition to paying its other costs.)

Spitting is the customary greeting between a creature and its magical impostor.

Forest (Core Set 2020)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {G}.)

Forest (Foundations)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {G}.)

Swamp (Champions of Kamigawa)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {B}.)

Cinder Crawler (Exodus)
Jim Nelson

{R}: This creature gets +1/+0 until end of turn. Activate only if this creature is blocked.

The crawler doesn't care what gets in its way. It pushes everything into the boiling muck and waits for the meal to cook.

Pallid Mycoderm (Planar Chaos)
Jim Nelson

At the beginning of your upkeep, put a spore counter on this creature. Remove three spore counters from this creature: Create a 1/1 green Saproling creature token. Sacrifice a Saproling: Each creature you control that's a Fungus or a Saproling gets +1/+1 until end of turn.

Griffin Guide (The List)
Jim Nelson

Enchant creature Enchanted creature gets +2/+2 and has flying. When enchanted creature dies, create a 2/2 white Griffin creature token with flying.

Forest (Salvat 2011)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {G}.)

Cunning Wish (World Championship Decks 2003)
Jim Nelson

You may reveal an instant card you own from outside the game and put it into your hand. Exile Cunning Wish.

He wished for knowledge, but not for the will to apply it.

Harrier Griffin (Guildpact)
Jim Nelson

Flying At the beginning of your upkeep, tap target creature.

Moon Market merchants sell a bottled scent to cutpurses and other criminals. Those doused in the liquid become "griffin bait."

Muck Drubb (Planar Chaos)
Jim Nelson

Flash When this creature enters, change the target of target spell that targets only a single creature to this creature. Madness {2}{B} (If you discard this card, discard it into exile. When you do, cast it for its madness cost or put it into your graveyard.)

Swamp (Planechase 2012)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {B}.)

Break Asunder (Scourge)
Jim Nelson

Destroy target artifact or enchantment. Cycling {2} ({2}, Discard this card: Draw a card.)

"No good will come of this."

A Display of My Dark Power (Archenemy Schemes)
Jim Nelson

When you set this scheme in motion, until your next turn, whenever a player taps a land for mana, that player adds one mana of any type that land produced.

"What would you say is my greatest attribute? Is it my gluttonous lust for power?"

Swamp (Champions of Kamigawa)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {B}.)

Ghitu Firebreathing (Time Spiral)
Jim Nelson

Flash (You may cast this spell any time you could cast an instant.) Enchant creature {R}: Enchanted creature gets +1/+0 until end of turn. {R}: Return this Aura to its owner's hand.

Aether Spellbomb (The List)
Jim Nelson

{U}, Sacrifice this artifact: Return target creature to its owner's hand. {1}, Sacrifice this artifact: Draw a card.

"Release that which was never caged." —Spellbomb inscription

Soulblast (Tenth Edition)
Jim Nelson

As an additional cost to cast this spell, sacrifice all creatures you control. Soulblast deals damage to any target equal to the total power of the sacrificed creatures.

Nezumi Graverobber (Commander 2011)
Jim Nelson

Swamp (Champions of Kamigawa)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {B}.)

Caves of Koilos (Tenth Edition)
Jim Nelson

{T}: Add {C}. {T}: Add {W} or {B}. This land deals 1 damage to you.

Swell of Courage (Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. Tezzeret)
Jim Nelson

Creatures you control get +2/+2 until end of turn. Reinforce X—{X}{W}{W} ({X}{W}{W}, Discard this card: Put X +1/+1 counters on target creature.)

"Tideshaping is more than creating a few new puddles."

Bloodbond March (Ravnica: City of Guilds)
Jim Nelson

Whenever a player casts a creature spell, each player returns all cards with the same name as that spell from their graveyard to the battlefield.

The Golgari support a vast army because death never ends its soldiers' service.

Pyrite Spellbomb (Mirrodin)
Jim Nelson

{R}, Sacrifice this artifact: It deals 2 damage to any target. {1}, Sacrifice this artifact: Draw a card.

"Melt that which was never frozen." —Spellbomb inscription

Forest (Magic 2011)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {G}.)

Gustcloak Savior (Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. Kiora)
Jim Nelson

Flying Whenever a creature you control becomes blocked, you may untap that creature and remove it from combat.

"Our death-arrows flew in high arcs towards the aven. And then . . . nothing." —Coliseum guard

Aether Spellbomb (Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. Tezzeret)
Jim Nelson

{U}, Sacrifice this artifact: Return target creature to its owner's hand. {1}, Sacrifice this artifact: Draw a card.

"Release that which was never caged." —Spellbomb inscription

Muck Drubb (Time Spiral Remastered)
Jim Nelson

Flash When this creature enters, change the target of target spell that targets only a single creature to this creature. Madness {2}{B} (If you discard this card, discard it into exile. When you do, cast it for its madness cost or put it into your graveyard.)

Chatter of the Squirrel (Odyssey)
Jim Nelson

Create a 1/1 green Squirrel creature token. Flashback {1}{G} (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

Bellowing Fiend (Tempest)
Jim Nelson

Flying Whenever this creature deals damage to a creature, this creature deals 3 damage to that creature's controller and 3 damage to you.

Sandstone Deadfall (Odyssey)
Jim Nelson

{T}, Sacrifice two lands and this artifact: Destroy target attacking creature.

"Two or three tons of rock can really get you down—and keep you there." —Kamahl, pit fighter

Curiosity (The List)
Jim Nelson

Enchant creature Whenever enchanted creature deals damage to an opponent, you may draw a card.

"You know that secret? The one that wakes you up at night in a cold sweat? The one you think no one else in the world knows? Well, guess what."

Dross Scorpion (Mirrodin)
Jim Nelson

Whenever this creature or another artifact creature dies, you may untap target artifact.

They skitter out of the mists to consume fresh kill before Mephidross has a chance to corrode it away.

Benthicore (Lorwyn)
Jim Nelson

When this creature enters, create two 1/1 blue Merfolk Wizard creature tokens. Tap two untapped Merfolk you control: Untap this creature. It gains shroud until end of turn. (It can't be the target of spells or abilities.)

Hardened Scales (Double Masters 2022)
Jim Nelson

If one or more +1/+1 counters would be put on a creature you control, that many plus one +1/+1 counters are put on it instead.

"They're herbivores, not prey animals. Go startle one if you want to know the difference." —Huatli

Fungal Shambler (Apocalypse Promos)
Jim Nelson

मृदितुम् यदा फंगल्शम्ब्लर्हानिमरये प्रहरति तदा पत्रं कर्षसि च सोऽरिरपास्यति पत्रं करात् तस्य तस्या वा ॥

All Shall Smolder in My Wake (Archenemy Schemes)
Jim Nelson

When you set this scheme in motion, destroy up to one target artifact, up to one target enchantment, and up to one target nonbasic land.

"It's my goal to find the melting point of every substance."

Mythic Proportions (Onslaught)
Jim Nelson

Enchant creature Enchanted creature gets +8/+8 and has trample.

The blood of Krosa turns rational beings into primal forces.

Primeval Light (Guildpact)
Jim Nelson

Destroy all enchantments target player controls.

"Look to the old tomes, those bound in hides and written in yarberry ink. They hold the spells that can free us of the clutter of modern magecraft." —Dravash, dowsing shaman

Immaculate Magistrate (Game Night: Free-for-All)
Jim Nelson

{T}: Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature for each Elf you control.

Elves of the immaculate class weave flora into living creatures—sometimes to endorse an elite warrior, sometimes to create a breathing work of art.

Metathran Elite (Urza's Destiny)
Jim Nelson

This creature can't be blocked as long as it's enchanted.

If the eyes are windows to the soul, their souls are not of this world.

Phantom Nomad (Judgment)
Jim Nelson

This creature enters with two +1/+1 counters on it. If damage would be dealt to this creature, prevent that damage. Remove a +1/+1 counter from this creature.

Goblin Turncoat (Legions)
Jim Nelson

Sacrifice a Goblin: Regenerate this creature.

"Goblins won't betray their own kind for any price. They'll do it for a very specific price." —Phage the Untouchable

Forest (Magic 2013)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {G}.)

Nezumi Graverobber (The List)
Jim Nelson

Land Aid '04 (Unhinged)
Jim Nelson

Search your library for a basic land card, put that card onto the battlefield tapped, then shuffle. If you sang a song the whole time you were searching and shuffling, you may untap that land.

Summoner's Egg (Fifth Dawn)
Jim Nelson

Imprint — When this creature enters, you may exile a card from your hand face down. When this creature dies, turn the exiled card face up. If it's a creature card, put it onto the battlefield under your control.

Spitting Image (Commander Anthology Volume II)
Jim Nelson

Create a token that's a copy of target creature. Retrace (You may cast this card from your graveyard by discarding a land card in addition to paying its other costs.)

Spitting is the customary greeting between a creature and its magical impostor.

Strafe (The List)
Jim Nelson

Strafe deals 3 damage to target nonred creature.

"All right, let's light 'em up!" —Gerrard

Fugitive Wizard (Eighth Edition)
Jim Nelson

The College of Lat-Nam is often forced to expel students whose experiments grow too risky or too cruel.

Terravore (Dominaria Remastered)
Jim Nelson

Trample Terravore's power and toughness are each equal to the number of land cards in all graveyards.

Elephant Guide (Judgment)
Jim Nelson

Enchant creature Enchanted creature gets +3/+3. When enchanted creature dies, create a 3/3 green Elephant creature token.

Nature's strength outlives the strong.

Think Twice (Time Spiral)
Jim Nelson

Draw a card. Flashback {2}{U} (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

"Great books are meant to be read, then read again backwards or upside down!" —Ettovard, Tolarian archivist

Pyrite Spellbomb (The List)
Jim Nelson

{R}, Sacrifice this artifact: It deals 2 damage to any target. {1}, Sacrifice this artifact: Draw a card.

"Melt that which was never frozen." —Spellbomb inscription

Think Twice (Time Spiral Remastered)
Jim Nelson

Draw a card. Flashback {2}{U} (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

"Great books are meant to be read, then read again backwards or upside down!" —Ettovard, Tolarian archivist

Drudge Skeletons (Tenth Edition)
Jim Nelson

{B}: Regenerate this creature. (The next time this creature would be destroyed this turn, instead tap it, remove it from combat, and heal all damage on it.)

"The dead make good soldiers. They can't disobey orders, never surrender, and don't stop fighting when a random body part falls off." —Nevinyrral, *Necromancer's Handbook*

Pallid Mycoderm (Modern Masters)
Jim Nelson

At the beginning of your upkeep, put a spore counter on this creature. Remove three spore counters from this creature: Create a 1/1 green Saproling creature token. Sacrifice a Saproling: Each creature you control that's a Fungus or a Saproling gets +1/+1 until end of turn.

Forest (Duel Decks: Elves vs. Inventors)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {G}.)

Carven Caryatid (Jumpstart)
Jim Nelson

Defender (This creature can't attack.) When this creature enters, draw a card.

So-called "old wood" is rare in deforested Ravnica. Statues carved from it are said to house the last of the ancient nature spirits.

Illuminated Wings (Urza's Destiny)
Jim Nelson

Enchant creature Enchanted creature has flying. {2}, Sacrifice this Aura: Draw a card.

For a moment, Urza thought not of war and destruction, but of the freedom of the skies.

Footbottom Feast (The List)
Jim Nelson

Put any number of target creature cards from your graveyard on top of your library. Draw a card.

The scent of rot and vinegar fills the marsh, inviting boggarts from every warren to reunite and feast.

Elephant Guide (Duel Decks Anthology: Garruk vs. Liliana)
Jim Nelson

Enchant creature Enchanted creature gets +3/+3. When enchanted creature dies, create a 3/3 green Elephant creature token.

Nature's strength outlives the strong.

Hunting Pack (Scourge)
Jim Nelson

Create a 4/4 green Beast creature token. Storm (When you cast this spell, copy it for each spell cast before it this turn.)

Forest (Jumpstart 2022)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {G}.)

Lyzolda, the Blood Witch (RNA Guild Kit)
Jim Nelson

{2}, Sacrifice a creature: Lyzolda deals 2 damage to any target if the sacrificed creature was red. Draw a card if the sacrificed creature was black.

Sacrificial rites take place before an audience of cheering cultists, each begging to be the next on stage.

Storm Herd (Starter Commander Decks)
Jim Nelson

Create X 1/1 white Pegasus creature tokens with flying, where X is your life total.

"When you hear thunder on a cloudless day, take cover and brace for the coming of the storm herd." —Skotov, Tin Street basket vendor

Swamp (Planechase Anthology)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {B}.)

Ana Battlemage (Planar Chaos)
Jim Nelson

Kicker {2}{U} and/or {1}{B} (You may pay an additional {2}{U} and/or {1}{B} as you cast this spell.) When this creature enters, if it was kicked with its {2}{U} kicker, target player discards three cards. When this creature enters, if it was kicked with its {1}{B} kicker, tap target untapped creature and that creature deals damage equal to its power to its controller.

Dimir Infiltrator (Ravnica: City of Guilds)
Jim Nelson

This creature can't be blocked. Transmute {1}{U}{B} ({1}{U}{B}, Discard this card: Search your library for a card with the same mana value as this card, reveal it, put it into your hand, then shuffle. Transmute only as a sorcery.)

Clash of Realities (Betrayers of Kamigawa)
Jim Nelson

All Spirits have "When this permanent enters, you may have it deal 3 damage to target non-Spirit creature." Non-Spirit creatures have "When this creature enters, you may have it deal 3 damage to target Spirit creature."

Pyrite Spellbomb (Duel Decks: Elves vs. Inventors)
Jim Nelson

{R}, Sacrifice this artifact: It deals 2 damage to any target. {1}, Sacrifice this artifact: Draw a card.

"Melt that which was never frozen." —Spellbomb inscription

Omnibian (RNA Guild Kit)
Jim Nelson

{T}: Target creature becomes a Frog with base power and toughness 3/3 until end of turn.

"This creature has hyperevolved chameleonic abilities. It no longer mimics its surroundings, instead forcing them to take on its form." —Simic research notes

Aphotic Wisps (The List)
Jim Nelson

Target creature becomes black and gains fear until end of turn. (It can't be blocked except by artifact creatures and/or black creatures.) Draw a card.

Merrows skulk the silty bogs around the Wanderbrine, their very thoughts stained with evil.

Sound the Call (Coldsnap)
Jim Nelson

Create a 1/1 green Wolf creature token. It has "This token gets +1/+1 for each card named Sound the Call in each graveyard."

"If you call the wolves, ensure you have a worthy hunt, or you may become the hunted." —Taaveti of Kelsinko, elvish hunter

Petradon (Torment)
Jim Nelson

When this creature enters, exile two target lands. When this creature leaves the battlefield, return the exiled cards to the battlefield under their owners' control. {R}: This creature gets +1/+0 until end of turn.

Truga Jungle (Planechase Anthology Planes)
Jim Nelson

All lands have "{T}: Add one mana of any color." Whenever chaos ensues, reveal the top three cards of your library. Put all land cards revealed this way into your hand and the rest on the bottom of your library in any order.

Dimir Infiltrator (Planechase Anthology)
Jim Nelson

This creature can't be blocked. Transmute {1}{U}{B} ({1}{U}{B}, Discard this card: Search your library for a card with the same mana value as this card, reveal it, put it into your hand, then shuffle. Transmute only as a sorcery.)

Cunning Wish (Mystery Booster 2)
Jim Nelson

You may reveal an instant card you own from outside the game and put it into your hand. Exile Cunning Wish.

He wished for knowledge, but not for the will to apply it.

Swamp (Planechase Anthology)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {B}.)

Merrow Bonegnawer (Eventide)
Jim Nelson

{T}: Target player exiles a card from their graveyard. Whenever you cast a black spell, you may untap this creature.

Banished to the Dark Meanders for hideous crimes, some merrows find a taste for the darkness . . . and the dead.

Curiosity (Eighth Edition)
Jim Nelson

Enchant creature Whenever enchanted creature deals damage to an opponent, you may draw a card.

"You know that secret? The one that wakes you up at night in a cold sweat? The one you think no one else in the world knows? Well, guess what."

Lifespark Spellbomb (Mirrodin)
Jim Nelson

{G}, Sacrifice this artifact: Until end of turn, target land becomes a 3/3 creature that's still a land. {1}, Sacrifice this artifact: Draw a card.

"Awaken that which was never asleep." —Spellbomb inscription

Storm Herd (Commander 2019)
Jim Nelson

Create X 1/1 white Pegasus creature tokens with flying, where X is your life total.

"When you hear thunder on a cloudless day, take cover and brace for the coming of the storm herd." —Skotov, Tin Street basket vendor

Vexing Arcanix (Eighth Edition)
Jim Nelson

{3}, {T}: Target player chooses a card name, then reveals the top card of their library. If that card has the chosen name, that player puts it into their hand. Otherwise, they put it into their graveyard and this artifact deals 2 damage to them.

Goblin (League Tokens 2012)
Jim Nelson

Storm Herd (Commander 2011)
Jim Nelson

Create X 1/1 white Pegasus creature tokens with flying, where X is your life total.

"When you hear thunder on a cloudless day, take cover and brace for the coming of the storm herd." —Skotov, Tin Street basket vendor

Metathran Elite (The List)
Jim Nelson

This creature can't be blocked as long as it's enchanted.

If the eyes are windows to the soul, their souls are not of this world.

Gustcloak Savior (Onslaught)
Jim Nelson

Flying Whenever a creature you control becomes blocked, you may untap that creature and remove it from combat.

"Our death-arrows flew in high arcs towards the aven. And then . . . nothing." —Coliseum guard

Niveous Wisps (Shadowmoor)
Jim Nelson

Target creature becomes white until end of turn. Tap that creature. Draw a card.

In a world devoid of sun, illumination comes from cheerless fires or the wandering spirits of the dead.

Life and Limb (Planar Chaos)
Jim Nelson

All Forests and all Saprolings are 1/1 green Saproling creatures and Forest lands in addition to their other types. (They're affected by summoning sickness.)

"It was a sight of pain and awe—a twisted forest, migrating across the salt plain in search of richer soil." —Edahlis, greenseeker

Loxodon Anchorite (Fifth Dawn)
Jim Nelson

{T}: Prevent the next 2 damage that would be dealt to any target this turn.

The loxodon ascribe religious superiority to those born albino, believing them to be spiritually pure.

Balduvian Barbarians (Eighth Edition)
Jim Nelson

"From the snowy slopes of Kaelor, To the canyons of Bandu, We drink and fight and feast and die As we were born to do." —Balduvian tavern song

Telekinetic Bonds (Judgment)
Jim Nelson

Whenever a player discards a card, you may pay {1}{U}. If you do, you may tap or untap target permanent.

"Nature's been fired. The oceans are under new management." —Ambassador Laquatus

Think Tank (Odyssey)
Jim Nelson

At the beginning of your upkeep, surveil 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put that card into your graveyard.)

Cephalids seek knowledge not to better themselves, but to best others.

Swamp (Tenth Edition)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {B}.)

Aether Spellbomb (Modern Masters)
Jim Nelson

{U}, Sacrifice this artifact: Return target creature to its owner's hand. {1}, Sacrifice this artifact: Draw a card.

"Release that which was never caged." —Spellbomb inscription

Footbottom Feast (Lorwyn)
Jim Nelson

Put any number of target creature cards from your graveyard on top of your library. Draw a card.

The scent of rot and vinegar fills the marsh, inviting boggarts from every warren to reunite and feast.

Chatter of the Squirrel (Double Masters)
Jim Nelson

Create a 1/1 green Squirrel creature token. Flashback {1}{G} (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

Immaculate Magistrate (Commander 2014)
Jim Nelson

{T}: Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature for each Elf you control.

Elves of the immaculate class weave flora into living creatures—sometimes to endorse an elite warrior, sometimes to create a breathing work of art.

Cloudpost (Friday Night Magic 2010)
Jim Nelson

This land enters tapped. {T}: Add {C} for each Locus on the battlefield.

"He watches from above. He watches from below. He watches from within." —Inscription on Tel-Jilad, the Tree of Tales

Immaculate Magistrate (Commander Legends)
Jim Nelson

{T}: Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature for each Elf you control.

Putrefy (Outlaws of Thunder Junction Commander)
Jim Nelson

Destroy target artifact or creature. It can't be regenerated.

"All matter, animate or not, rots when exposed to time. We merely speed up the process." —Ezoc, Golgari rot farmer

Truga Jungle (Planechase 2012 Planes)
Jim Nelson

All lands have "{T}: Add one mana of any color." Whenever chaos ensues, reveal the top three cards of your library. Put all land cards revealed this way into your hand and the rest on the bottom of your library in any order.

Cunning Wish (World Championship Decks 2002)
Jim Nelson

You may reveal an instant card you own from outside the game and put it into your hand. Exile Cunning Wish.

He wished for knowledge, but not for the will to apply it.

Essence Drain (Tenth Edition)
Jim Nelson

Essence Drain deals 3 damage to any target and you gain 3 life.

"The elves are right: Death inevitably leads to life. But the truly powerful don't just experience this cycle. They control it." —Crovax, ascendant evincar

Thawing Glaciers (Judge Gift Cards 2010)
Jim Nelson

This land enters tapped. {1}, {T}: Search your library for a basic land card, put that card onto the battlefield tapped, then shuffle. Return this land to its owner's hand at the beginning of the next cleanup step.

Forest (Duels of the Planeswalkers)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {G}.)

Fugitive Wizard (Ninth Edition)
Jim Nelson

The College of Lat-Nam is often forced to expel students whose experiments grow too risky or too cruel.

Artificer Class (Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate)
Jim Nelson

(Gain the next level as a sorcery to add its ability.) The first artifact spell you cast each turn costs {1} less to cast. {1}{U}: Level 2 When this Class becomes level 2, reveal cards from the top of your library until you reveal an artifact card. Put that card into your hand and the rest on the bottom of your library in a random order. {5}{U}: Level 3 At the beginning of your end step, create a token that's a copy of target artifact you control.

Balduvian Barbarians (Ninth Edition)
Jim Nelson

"From the snowy slopes of Kaelor, To the canyons of Bandu, We drink and fight and feast and die As we were born to do." —Balduvian tavern song

Hunting Pack (Iconic Masters)
Jim Nelson

Create a 4/4 green Beast creature token. Storm (When you cast this spell, copy it for each spell cast before it this turn.)

Voidmage Apprentice (Duel Decks Anthology: Jace vs. Chandra)
Jim Nelson

Morph {2}{U}{U} (You may cast this card face down as a 2/2 creature for {3}. Turn it face up any time for its morph cost.) When this creature is turned face up, counter target spell.

Griffin Guide (Time Spiral Remastered)
Jim Nelson

Enchant creature Enchanted creature gets +2/+2 and has flying. When enchanted creature dies, create a 2/2 white Griffin creature token with flying.

Krosan Constrictor (Torment)
Jim Nelson

Swampwalk (This creature can't be blocked as long as defending player controls a Swamp.) {T}: Target black creature gets -2/-0 until end of turn.

"It's a slithering, coldblooded menace. I've gotta respect that." —Braids, dementia summoner

Swamp (Planechase Anthology)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {B}.)

Necrogen Spellbomb (Mirrodin)
Jim Nelson

{B}, Sacrifice this artifact: Target player discards a card. {1}, Sacrifice this artifact: Draw a card.

"Forget that which was never known." —Spellbomb inscription

Immaculate Magistrate (Commander Anthology)
Jim Nelson

{T}: Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature for each Elf you control.

Elves of the immaculate class weave flora into living creatures—sometimes to endorse an elite warrior, sometimes to create a breathing work of art.

Choose Your Champion (Archenemy Schemes)
Jim Nelson

When you set this scheme in motion, target opponent chooses a player. Until your next turn, only you and the chosen player can cast spells and attack with creatures.

"It seems the fate of the world rests on your shoulders, feeble child."

Keen Sense (Planar Chaos)
Jim Nelson

Enchant creature Whenever enchanted creature deals damage to an opponent, you may draw a card.

Crovax sensed that Mirri wasn't ready for the curse taking hold of her. Weeping in his heart, he fled.

Oakgnarl Warrior (Lorwyn)
Jim Nelson

Vigilance, trample

"Roam as you will, your roots remain in the strong earth of your Rising."

Putrefy (Ravnica: City of Guilds)
Jim Nelson

Destroy target artifact or creature. It can't be regenerated.

"All matter, animate or not, rots when exposed to time. We merely speed up the process." —Ezoc, Golgari rot farmer

Carven Caryatid (Ravnica: City of Guilds)
Jim Nelson

Defender (This creature can't attack.) When this creature enters, draw a card.

So-called "old wood" is rare in deforested Ravnica. Statues carved from it are said to house the last of the ancient nature spirits.

Sunbeam Spellbomb (Mirrodin)
Jim Nelson

{W}, Sacrifice this artifact: You gain 5 life. {1}, Sacrifice this artifact: Draw a card.

"Cure that which was never ill." —Spellbomb inscription

Tel-Jilad Lifebreather (Fifth Dawn)
Jim Nelson

{G}, {T}, Sacrifice a Forest: Regenerate target creature.

"The Tangle loans you life. Spend it well."

Soratami Savant (Champions of Kamigawa)
Jim Nelson

Flying {3}, Return a land you control to its owner's hand: Counter target spell unless its controller pays {3}.

"To prevent, one must first predict."

Thought Devourer (Odyssey)
Jim Nelson

Flying Your maximum hand size is reduced by four.

Thinking is hard.

Augury Owl (Duel Decks: Venser vs. Koth)
Jim Nelson

Flying When this creature enters, scry 3. (Look at the top three cards of your library, then put any number of them on the bottom and the rest on top in any order.)

Storm Herd (Guildpact)
Jim Nelson

Create X 1/1 white Pegasus creature tokens with flying, where X is your life total.

"When you hear thunder on a cloudless day, take cover and brace for the coming of the storm herd." —Skotov, Tin Street basket vendor

Crimson Wisps (Shadowmoor)
Jim Nelson

Target creature becomes red and gains haste until end of turn. (It can attack and {T} this turn.) Draw a card.

The whispers are incomprehensible, yet cinders always hear a message of urgency.

Essence Drain (Duels of the Planeswalkers)
Jim Nelson

Essence Drain deals 3 damage to any target and you gain 3 life.

"The elves are right: Death inevitably leads to life. But the truly powerful don't just experience this cycle. They control it." —Crovax, ascendant evincar

Belltower Sphinx (Ravnica: City of Guilds)
Jim Nelson

Flying Whenever a source deals damage to this creature, that source's controller mills that many cards.

Hunting Pack (World Championship Decks 2003)
Jim Nelson

Create a 4/4 green Beast creature token. Storm (When you cast this spell, copy it for each spell cast before it this turn.)

Goblin Lookout (Legions)
Jim Nelson

{T}, Sacrifice a Goblin: Goblin creatures get +2/+0 until end of turn.

"Throw rocks at 'em! Throw spears at 'em! Throw Furt at 'em!"

Augury Owl (Jumpstart 2022)
Jim Nelson

Flying When this creature enters, scry 3. (Look at the top three cards of your library, then put any number of them on the bottom and the rest on top in any order.)

Augury Owl (The List)
Jim Nelson

Flying When this creature enters, scry 3. (Look at the top three cards of your library, then put any number of them on the bottom and the rest on top in any order.)

Cerulean Wisps (Shadowmoor)
Jim Nelson

Target creature becomes blue until end of turn. Untap that creature. Draw a card.

"If you see ghostly lights by the river, eat three twigs of marshroot to ward off kelpies." —Kithkin superstition

Griffin Guide (Duel Decks: Ajani vs. Nicol Bolas)
Jim Nelson

Enchant creature Enchanted creature gets +2/+2 and has flying. When enchanted creature dies, create a 2/2 white Griffin creature token with flying.

Augury Owl (Magic 2011)
Jim Nelson

Flying When this creature enters, scry 3. (Look at the top three cards of your library, then put any number of them on the bottom and the rest on top in any order.)

Terravore (Odyssey)
Jim Nelson

Trample Terravore's power and toughness are each equal to the number of land cards in all graveyards.

Griffin Guide (Dominaria Remastered)
Jim Nelson

Enchant creature Enchanted creature gets +2/+2 and has flying. When enchanted creature dies, create a 2/2 white Griffin creature token with flying.

Thunder of Hooves (Onslaught)
Jim Nelson

Thunder of Hooves deals X damage to each creature without flying and each player, where X is the number of Beasts on the battlefield.

Forest (Duel Decks: Garruk vs. Liliana)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {G}.)

Elephant Guide (Duel Decks: Garruk vs. Liliana)
Jim Nelson

Enchant creature Enchanted creature gets +3/+3. When enchanted creature dies, create a 3/3 green Elephant creature token.

Nature's strength outlives the strong.

Flowstone Shambler (Stronghold)
Jim Nelson

{R}: This creature gets +1/-1 until end of turn.

Flowstone troops are notoriously difficult to keep in formation.

Caves of Koilos (Apocalypse)
Jim Nelson

{T}: Add {C}. {T}: Add {W} or {B}. This land deals 1 damage to you.

Caves of Koilos (Magic 2015)
Jim Nelson

{T}: Add {C}. {T}: Add {W} or {B}. This land deals 1 damage to you.

Storm Herd (The List)
Jim Nelson

Create X 1/1 white Pegasus creature tokens with flying, where X is your life total.

"When you hear thunder on a cloudless day, take cover and brace for the coming of the storm herd." —Skotov, Tin Street basket vendor

Keen Sense (Time Spiral Remastered)
Jim Nelson

Enchant creature Whenever enchanted creature deals damage to an opponent, you may draw a card.

Crovax sensed that Mirri wasn't ready for the curse taking hold of her. Weeping in his heart, he fled.

Dream's Grip (Mirrodin)
Jim Nelson

Choose one — • Tap target permanent. • Untap target permanent. Entwine {1} (Choose both if you pay the entwine cost.)

Immaculate Magistrate (Commander Legends)
Jim Nelson

{T}: Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature for each Elf you control.

Elves of the immaculate class weave flora into living creatures—sometimes to endorse an elite warrior, sometimes to create a breathing work of art.

Cataclysm (World Championship Decks 1998)
Jim Nelson

Each player chooses from among the permanents they control an artifact, a creature, an enchantment, and a land, then sacrifices the rest.

The *Weatherlight* dragged the *Predator* behind it, the cradle hauling the casket.

Trusted Advisor (Saviors of Kamigawa)
Jim Nelson

Your maximum hand size is increased by two. At the beginning of your upkeep, return a blue creature you control to its owner's hand.

Some of Minamo's students claimed he was as old as the knowledge he dispensed.

Hunting Triad (Commander Anthology)
Jim Nelson

Create three 1/1 green Elf Warrior creature tokens. Reinforce 3—{3}{G} ({3}{G}, Discard this card: Put three +1/+1 counters on target creature.)

"Eyeblights are easy to track. Just follow the imperfections."

Shape Stealer (Saviors of Kamigawa)
Jim Nelson

Whenever this creature blocks or becomes blocked by a creature, change this creature's base power and toughness to that creature's power and toughness until end of turn.

"Stand back. I know just what to do." —Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker

Caves of Koilos (Modern Event Deck 2014)
Jim Nelson

{T}: Add {C}. {T}: Add {W} or {B}. This land deals 1 damage to you.

Pyrite Spellbomb (Modern Masters)
Jim Nelson

{R}, Sacrifice this artifact: It deals 2 damage to any target. {1}, Sacrifice this artifact: Draw a card.

"Melt that which was never frozen." —Spellbomb inscription

Viridescent Wisps (Shadowmoor)
Jim Nelson

Target creature becomes green and gets +1/+0 until end of turn. Draw a card.

In the wisps that night, the once timid boggart saw all the terrible, bloody things he was capable of. And it was glorious.

Snakeform (Ravnica: Clue Edition)
Jim Nelson

Until end of turn, target creature loses all abilities and becomes a green Snake with base power and toughness 1/1. Draw a card.

Losing his possessions distressed him, but the lack of limbs was strangely liberating.

Pallid Mycoderm (Time Spiral Remastered)
Jim Nelson

At the beginning of your upkeep, put a spore counter on this creature. Remove three spore counters from this creature: Create a 1/1 green Saproling creature token. Sacrifice a Saproling: Each creature you control that's a Fungus or a Saproling gets +1/+1 until end of turn.

Keen Sense (The List)
Jim Nelson

Enchant creature Whenever enchanted creature deals damage to an opponent, you may draw a card.

Crovax sensed that Mirri wasn't ready for the curse taking hold of her. Weeping in his heart, he fled.

Skyshroud War Beast (Exodus)
Jim Nelson

Trample As this creature enters, choose an opponent. Skyshroud War Beast's power and toughness are each equal to the number of nonbasic lands the chosen player controls.

Side to Side (Unhinged)
Jim Nelson

You and target opponent arm-wrestle. If you win, create a 3/3 green Ape creature token.

His friends at the gym never knew Garanth's secret shame. For years he had tried to walk away from professional arm wrestling, but hey—free monkeys.

Swamp (Planechase 2012)
Jim Nelson

({T}: Add {B}.)

Voidmage Apprentice (Duel Decks: Jace vs. Chandra)
Jim Nelson

Morph {2}{U}{U} (You may cast this card face down as a 2/2 creature for {3}. Turn it face up any time for its morph cost.) When this creature is turned face up, counter target spell.