Giant Octopus

Giant Octopus (Starter 2000)
John Matson

At the sight of the thing the calamari vendor's eyes went wide, but from fear or avarice none could tell.

Giant Octopus (Portal)
John Matson

At the sight of the thing the calamari vendor's eyes went wide, but from fear or avarice none could tell.

Giant Octopus (Seventh Edition)
Heather Hudson

The only thing that flows faster than water is fear.

Giant Octopus (Eighth Edition)
Heather Hudson

"Before my eyes was a horrible monster, worthy to figure in the legends of the marvellous. . . . Its eight arms, or rather feet, fixed to its head . . . were twice as long as its body, and were twisted like the furies' hair." —Jules Verne, *Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea*, trans. Lewis

Giant Octopus (Ninth Edition)
Heather Hudson

"Before my eyes was a horrible monster, worthy to figure in the legends of the marvellous. . . . Its eight arms, or rather feet, fixed to its head . . . were twice as long as its body, and were twisted like the furies' hair." —Jules Verne, *Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea*, trans. Lewis

Journey of Discovery (Mirrodin)
John Matson

Choose one — • Search your library for up to two basic land cards, reveal them, put them into your hand, then shuffle. • You may play up to two additional lands this turn. Entwine {2}{G} (Choose both if you pay the entwine cost.)

Harsh Mercy (Commander Masters)
John Matson

Each player chooses a creature type. Destroy all creatures that aren't of a type chosen this way. They can't be regenerated.

"There is no greater burden than choosing who to save." —Kamahl, druid acolyte

Gemhide Sliver (Secret Lair Drop)
John Matson

All Slivers have "{T}: Add one mana of any color."

"The land is weary. Even Skyshroud is depleted. We must find another source of mana—one that is growing despite our withering world." —Freyalise

Skeletal Snake (Portal)
John Matson

They watched as the snake shed layer after layer until only cold bone remained.

Searing Wind (Prophecy)
John Matson

Searing Wind deals 10 damage to any target.

"The first wind of ascension is Forger, burning away impurity." —*Keld Triumphant*

Kor Chant (Exodus)
John Matson

All damage that would be dealt this turn to target creature you control by a source of your choice is dealt to another target creature instead.

The true treasure no thief can touch.

Trained Pronghorn (Judgment)
John Matson

Discard a card: Prevent all damage that would be dealt to this creature this turn.

"The desert asked the Ancestor for children, and the antelope were born." —Nomad myth

Commandeer (The List)
John Matson

You may exile two blue cards from your hand rather than pay this spell's mana cost. Gain control of target noncreature spell. You may choose new targets for it. (If that spell is an artifact, enchantment, or planeswalker, the permanent enters under your control.)

Uktabi Wildcats (Mirage)
John Matson

Uktabi Wildcats's power and toughness are each equal to the number of Forests you control. {G}, Sacrifice a Forest: Regenerate this creature.

Temporal Spring (Apocalypse)
John Matson

Put target permanent on top of its owner's library.

One splash of the spring's water knocks you clear into last week.

Vodalian Illusionist (Weatherlight)
John Matson

{U}{U}, {T}: Target creature phases out. (While it's phased out, it's treated as though it doesn't exist. It phases in before its controller untaps during their next untap step.)

"Torahn gore these shifty fishtails! You can't even get close to one." —Tahngarth of the *Weatherlight*

Purraj of Urborg (Mirage)
John Matson

Purraj has first strike as long as it's attacking. Whenever a player casts a black spell, you may pay {B}. If you do, put a +1/+1 counter on Purraj.

Furnace of Rath (Tempest)
John Matson

If a source would deal damage to a permanent or player, it deals double that damage to that permanent or player instead.

Tradewind Rider (Tempest)
John Matson

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

It is said that the wind will blow the world past if you wait long enough.

Forest (Onslaught)
John Matson

({T}: Add {G}.)

Lightning Cloud (Visions)
John Matson

Whenever a player casts a red spell, you may pay {R}. If you do, this enchantment deals 1 damage to any target.

The mightiest clouds sit upon spires of fire. —Femeref adage

Fledgling Imp (Odyssey)
John Matson

{B}, Discard a card: This creature gains flying until end of turn.

Imps aren't born knowing how to fly—just how to annoy.

Bifurcate (Mercadian Masques)
John Matson

Search your library for a permanent card with the same name as target nontoken creature, put that card onto the battlefield, then shuffle.

Assassin's Blade (The List)
John Matson

Cast this spell only during the declare attackers step and only if you've been attacked this step. Destroy target nonblack attacking creature.

Wind Shear (Visions)
John Matson

Attacking creatures with flying get -2/-2 and lose flying until end of turn.

"As the winds abated, there was a shower of dragonscales, then nothing more." —Azeworai, "The Unruly Wind"

Whirlwind (Starter 1999)
John Matson

Destroy all creatures with flying.

Raise the Alarm (The List)
John Matson

Create two 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens.

"The nim raid our homes without warning. We must defend our homes without hesitation."

Storm Crow (Ninth Edition)
John Matson

Flying (This creature can't be blocked except by creatures with flying or reach.)

Storm crow descending, winter unending. Storm crow departing, summer is starting.

Nature Demands an Offering (Archenemy Schemes)
John Matson

When you set this scheme in motion, target opponent chooses a creature you don't control and puts it on top of its owner's library, then repeats this process for an artifact, an enchantment, and a land. Then the owner of each permanent chosen this way shuffles.

Sand Golem (Mirage)
John Matson

When a spell or ability an opponent controls causes you to discard this card, return this card from your graveyard to the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter on it at the beginning of the next end step.

Stone Rain (Portal)
John Matson

Destroy target land.

I cast a thousand tiny suns— Beware my many dawns.

Stone Rain (Classic Sixth Edition)
John Matson

Destroy target land.

Living Lands (Fifth Edition)
John Matson

All Forests are 1/1 creatures that are still lands.

Giant Cockroach (Seventh Edition)
John Matson

Toren had stepped on a lot of bugs during his life, so he couldn't help feeling embarrassed when a bug stepped on him.

Restless Dreams (Torment)
John Matson

As an additional cost to cast this spell, discard X cards. Return X target creature cards from your graveyard to your hand.

Braids dreams of dark rebirth.

Auriok Glaivemaster (Darksteel)
John Matson

As long as this creature is equipped, it gets +1/+1 and has first strike.

"Give me a bit of steel and I'll deliver it into the hearts of my enemies."

Crypt Creeper (Odyssey)
John Matson

Sacrifice this creature: Exile target card from a graveyard.

To unearth its dinner, it inters itself.

Whirlwind (Commander 2014)
John Matson

Destroy all creatures with flying.

Urza tried to rule the air, but Gaea taught him that she controlled all the elements.

I Call on the Ancient Magics (Archenemy Schemes)
John Matson

When you set this scheme in motion, each other player searches their library for a card, reveals it, and puts it into their hand. Then you search your library for two cards and put them into your hand. Each player shuffles.

Stone Rain (World Championship Decks 1999)
John Matson

Destroy target land.

Phantom Warrior (Weatherlight)
John Matson

This creature can't be blocked.

"Fishtails infest the water, and mists walk the land. Give me simple solid rock any day." —Tahngarth of the *Weatherlight*

Furnace of Rath (Planechase)
John Matson

If a source would deal damage to a permanent or player, it deals double that damage to that permanent or player instead.

The furnace awaits the next master who would stoke the fires of apocalypse.

Robber Fly (Mercadian Masques)
John Matson

Flying Whenever this creature becomes blocked, defending player discards all the cards in their hand, then draws that many cards.

In pursuit of the juicy fly, Squee stumbled on the hidden hangar.

Coiled Tinviper (Tempest)
John Matson

First strike

The bite of the tinviper feels most like a razor drawn across the tongue.

Loose Lips (Unhinged)
John Matson

Enchant creature As this Aura enters, choose a sentence with eight or fewer words. Enchanted creature has flying. Whenever enchanted creature deals damage to an opponent, that player may say the chosen sentence. If they don't, you draw two cards.

Your sentence can't be longer than this one.

Overburden (Prophecy)
John Matson

Whenever a player puts a nontoken creature onto the battlefield, that player returns a land they control to its owner's hand.

The Kipamu League knew what Keld refused to acknowledge: the land could support no more.

Wall of Roots (Archenemy)
John Matson

Defender Put a -0/-1 counter on this creature: Add {G}. Activate only once each turn.

Sometimes the wise ones wove their magic into living plants; as the plant grew, so grew the magic.

Raise the Alarm (Modern Event Deck 2014)
John Matson

Create two 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens.

"The nim raid our homes without warning. We must defend our homes without hesitation."

Gorilla Warrior (Battle Royale Box Set)
John Matson

They were formidable even before they learned the use of weapons.

Wheel of Fortune (Judge Gift Cards 2010)
John Matson

Each player discards their hand, then draws seven cards.

Rage Weaver (Invasion)
John Matson

{2}: Target black or green creature gains haste until end of turn. (It can attack and {T} this turn.)

"Let my passion spur your victory."

Jedit's Dragoons (Time Spiral)
John Matson

Vigilance When this creature enters, you gain 4 life.

After Efrava was destroyed, the cat warriors scattered across Dominaria. Those who followed Jedit's example were strong enough to survive the ravages of apocalypse.

Giant Octopus (Starter 2000)
John Matson

At the sight of the thing the calamari vendor's eyes went wide, but from fear or avarice none could tell.

Wall of Roots (Mirage)
John Matson

Defender Put a -0/-1 counter on this creature: Add {G}. Activate only once each turn.

Sometimes the wise ones wove their magic into living plants; as the plant grew, so grew the magic.

Shizo, Death's Storehouse (Champions of Kamigawa)
John Matson

{T}: Add {B}. {B}, {T}: Target legendary creature gains fear until end of turn. (It can't be blocked except by artifact creatures and/or black creatures.)

Centuries ago, Shizo was a verdant field of wildflowers. After 891 samurai died in a single battle on its grasses, it became a haunted moor.

Erratic Portal (Exodus)
John Matson

{1}, {T}: Return target creature to its owner's hand unless its controller pays {1}.

"In Barrin's name!" cried Lyna as Hanna's sword passed through her, "Ertai sends word that the portal is open—but not for long!"

Last Laugh (Torment)
John Matson

Whenever a permanent other than this enchantment is put into a graveyard from the battlefield, this enchantment deals 1 damage to each creature and each player. When no creatures are on the battlefield, sacrifice this enchantment.

Festering Evil (Weatherlight)
John Matson

At the beginning of your upkeep, this enchantment deals 1 damage to each creature and each player. {B}{B}, Sacrifice this enchantment: It deals 3 damage to each creature and each player.

Heartstone (Premium Deck Series: Slivers)
John Matson

Activated abilities of creatures cost {1} less to activate. This effect can't reduce the mana in that cost to less than one mana.

"Finding a true heartstone is even harder than finding a true heart." —Hanna, *Weatherlight* navigator

Pyroclasm (Portal)
John Matson

Pyroclasm deals 2 damage to each creature.

Chaos does not choose its enemies.

Tradewind Rider (The List)
John Matson

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

It is said that the wind will blow the world past if you wait long enough.

Disempower (Mirage)
John Matson

Put target artifact or enchantment on top of its owner's library.

"Mangara is gone. Who among you doubts that I have taken his power?" —Kaervek

Gorilla Berserkers (Alliances)
John Matson

Trample; rampage 2 (Whenever this creature becomes blocked, it gets +2/+2 until end of turn for each creature blocking it beyond the first.) This creature can't be blocked except by three or more creatures.

"Their fury is their greatest weapon." —Taaveti of Kelsinko, Elvish Hunter

Searing Wind (Eighth Edition)
John Matson

Searing Wind deals 10 damage to any target.

"The first wind of ascension is Forger, burning away impurity." —*Keld Triumphant*

Tradewind Rider (Judge Gift Cards 2002)
John Matson

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

"'Tis a shame, in such a tempest, to have but one anchor." —Laurence Sterne, *Tristram Shandy*

Shivan Gorge (Duskmourn: House of Horror Commander)
John Matson

{T}: Add {C}. {2}{R}, {T}: Shivan Gorge deals 1 damage to each opponent.

Both forge and pyre.

Quilled Sliver (Time Spiral)
John Matson

All Slivers have "{T}: This permanent deals 1 damage to target attacking or blocking creature."

"They have long kept us under attack, but we do not lack for ammunition. The very bodies of our foes arm us against them." —Adom Capashen, Benalish hero

Anurid Swarmsnapper (Judgment)
John Matson

Reach (This creature can block creatures with flying.) {1}{G}: This creature can block an additional creature this turn.

Anurids have the problem of airborne invaders licked.

Furnace of Rath (Duels of the Planeswalkers)
John Matson

If a source would deal damage to a permanent or player, it deals double that damage to that permanent or player instead.

The furnace awaits the next master who would stoke the fires of apocalypse.

Furnace of Rath (Tenth Edition)
John Matson

If a source would deal damage to a permanent or player, it deals double that damage to that permanent or player instead.

The furnace awaits the next master who would stoke the fires of apocalypse.

Vodalian Illusionist (The List)
John Matson

{U}{U}, {T}: Target creature phases out. (While it's phased out, it's treated as though it doesn't exist. It phases in before its controller untaps during their next untap step.)

"Torahn gore these shifty fishtails! You can't even get close to one." —Tahngarth of the *Weatherlight*

Gemhide Sliver (The List)
John Matson

All Slivers have "{T}: Add one mana of any color."

"The land is weary. Even Skyshroud is depleted. We must find another source of mana—one that is growing despite our withering world." —Freyalise

Gorilla Warrior (Portal)
John Matson

They were formidable even before they learned the use of weapons.

Stone Rain (The List)
John Matson

Destroy target land.

I cast a thousand tiny suns— Beware my many dawns.

Zap (Invasion)
John Matson

Zap deals 1 damage to any target. Draw a card.

"All this time I thought Squee was useless," chuckled Sisay. "Who knew he'd be such a good shot?"

Gemhide Sliver (Time Spiral)
John Matson

All Slivers have "{T}: Add one mana of any color."

"The land is weary. Even Skyshroud is depleted. We must find another source of mana—one that is growing despite our withering world." —Freyalise

Myr Servitor (Fifth Dawn)
John Matson

At the beginning of your upkeep, if this creature is on the battlefield, each player returns all cards named Myr Servitor from their graveyard to the battlefield.

The Krark Clan enjoys pulling them apart just to watch them reassemble one another.

Downdraft (Weatherlight)
John Matson

{G}: Target creature loses flying until end of turn. Sacrifice this enchantment: It deals 2 damage to each creature with flying.

Cinder Marsh (Tempest)
John Matson

{T}: Add {C}. {T}: Add {B} or {R}. This land doesn't untap during your next untap step.

Pyroclasm (The List)
John Matson

Pyroclasm deals 2 damage to each creature.

Chaos does not choose its enemies.

Gemhide Sliver (Premium Deck Series: Slivers)
John Matson

All Slivers have "{T}: Add one mana of any color."

"The land is weary. Even Skyshroud is depleted. We must find another source of mana—one that is growing despite our withering world." —Freyalise

Jinxed Idol (Tempest)
John Matson

At the beginning of your upkeep, this artifact deals 2 damage to you. Sacrifice a creature: Target opponent gains control of this artifact.

"Here."

Commandeer (Coldsnap)
John Matson

You may exile two blue cards from your hand rather than pay this spell's mana cost. Gain control of target noncreature spell. You may choose new targets for it. (If that spell is an artifact, enchantment, or planeswalker, the permanent enters under your control.)

Balduvian Rage (Double Masters)
John Matson

Target attacking creature gets +X/+0 until end of turn. Draw a card at the beginning of the next turn's upkeep.

"Let your heartbeat be the thunder in the valley. Let your swords be the lightning on the peaks." —Lothar Lovisason, Balduvian chieftain

Furnace of Rath (Ninth Edition)
John Matson

If a source would deal damage to a permanent or player, it deals double that damage to that permanent or player instead.

The furnace awaits the next master who would stoke the fires of apocalypse.

Phyrexian Tribute (Mirage)
John Matson

As an additional cost to cast this spell, sacrifice two creatures. Destroy target artifact.

"In your final breath you still have something to offer Phyrexia." —Afari, *Tales*

Cloak of Mists (Urza's Saga)
John Matson

Enchant creature Enchanted creature can't be blocked.

"All we could lose, we did. All we could keep, we do. And both are shrouded by mists." —Barrin, master wizard

Hidden Predators (Urza's Saga)
John Matson

When an opponent controls a creature with power 4 or greater, if this permanent is an enchantment, it becomes a 4/4 Beast creature.

Robe of Mirrors (Exodus)
John Matson

Enchant creature (Target a creature as you cast this. This card enters attached to that creature.) Enchanted creature has shroud. (It can't be the target of spells or abilities.)

"Does this make me look fat?"

Rats of Rath (Tempest)
John Matson

{B}: Destroy target artifact, creature, or land you control.

"These creatures offer new challenges in the scrutiny of entrails." —Oracle *en*-Vec

Thalakos Scout (Exodus)
John Matson

Shadow (This creature can block or be blocked by only creatures with shadow.) Discard a card: Return this creature to its owner's hand.

Gorilla Berserkers (Alliances)
John Matson

Trample; rampage 2 (Whenever this creature becomes blocked, it gets +2/+2 until end of turn for each creature blocking it beyond the first.) This creature can't be blocked except by three or more creatures.

"Beneath serenity may lie a hidden rage." —Jaeuhl Carthalion, Juniper Order Advocate

Temporal Spring (The List)
John Matson

Put target permanent on top of its owner's library.

One splash of the spring's water knocks you clear into last week.

Abuna's Chant (Fifth Dawn)
John Matson

Choose one — • You gain 5 life. • Prevent the next 5 damage that would be dealt to target creature this turn. Entwine {2} (Choose both if you pay the entwine cost.)

Updraft (Fifth Edition)
John Matson

Target creature gains flying until end of turn. Draw a card at the beginning of the next turn's upkeep.

"Come one, come all! this rock shall fly From its firm base as soon as I." —Sir Walter Scott, "The Lady of the Lake"

Myr Servitor (Ultimate Masters)
John Matson

At the beginning of your upkeep, if this creature is on the battlefield, each player returns all cards named Myr Servitor from their graveyard to the battlefield.

The Krark Clan enjoys pulling them apart just to watch them reassemble one another.

Energy Field (World Championship Decks 2000)
John Matson

Prevent all damage that would be dealt to you by sources you don't control. When a card is put into your graveyard from anywhere, sacrifice this enchantment.

Fluctuator (Urza's Saga)
John Matson

Cycling abilities you activate cost {2} less to activate.

Fiko summoned only atogs for three straight sessions. The tutor couldn't decide whether to punish his failure or praise his consistency.

Energy Field (Urza's Saga)
John Matson

Prevent all damage that would be dealt to you by sources you don't control. When a card is put into your graveyard from anywhere, sacrifice this enchantment.

Phantom Warrior (Classic Sixth Edition)
John Matson

This creature can't be blocked.

The phantom warrior comes from nowhere and returns there just as quickly.

Stone Rain (Starter 1999)
John Matson

Destroy target land.

Storm Elemental (Alliances)
John Matson

Flying {U}, Exile the top card of your library: Tap target creature with flying. {U}, Exile the top card of your library: If the exiled card is a snow land, this creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.

War Cadence (Mercadian Masques)
John Matson

{X}{R}: This turn, creatures can't block unless their controller pays {X} for each blocking creature they control.

The rhythm isn't a call to arms, but a signal that the goblins have made a new enemy.

Mage il-Vec (Exodus)
John Matson

{T}, Discard a card at random: This creature deals 1 damage to any target.

Living below a flowstone foundry produces a disproportionate number of fire mages among the *il*.

Mournful Zombie (Apocalypse)
John Matson

{W}, {T}: Target player gains 1 life.

Treated with a powerful mix of herbs and potions, its wrappings have a remarkable preservative effect, even for the living.

Lifegift (Betrayers of Kamigawa)
John Matson

Whenever a land enters, you may gain 1 life.

"Walk the world and you'll find your soul; search your soul and you'll discover the world." —Diary of Azusa

Tranquility (Seventh Edition)
John Matson

Destroy all enchantments.

Whirlwind (Urza's Saga)
John Matson

Destroy all creatures with flying.

Urza tried to rule the air, but Gaea taught him that she controlled all the elements.

Vanishing (Visions)
John Matson

Enchant creature {U}{U}: Enchanted creature phases out. (While it's phased out, it's treated as though it doesn't exist. It phases in before its controller untaps during their next untap step.)

"Careless, like a child with fire, so was I with time." —Teferi

Phantom Warrior (Starter 1999)
John Matson

This creature can't be blocked.

The phantom warrior comes from nowhere and returns there just as quickly.

Jedit's Dragoons (Duel Decks: Venser vs. Koth)
John Matson

Vigilance When this creature enters, you gain 4 life.

After Efrava was destroyed, the cat warriors scattered across Dominaria. Those who followed Jedit's example were strong enough to survive the ravages of apocalypse.

Shizo, Death's Storehouse (The List)
John Matson

{T}: Add {B}. {B}, {T}: Target legendary creature gains fear until end of turn. (It can't be blocked except by artifact creatures and/or black creatures.)

Centuries ago, Shizo was a verdant field of wildflowers. After 891 samurai died in a single battle on its grasses, it became a haunted moor.

Storm Crow (The List)
John Matson

Flying (This creature can't be blocked except by creatures with flying or reach.)

Storm crow descending, winter unending. Storm crow departing, summer is starting.

Soulgorger Orgg (Judgment)
John Matson

Trample When this creature enters, you lose all but 1 life. When this creature leaves the battlefield, you gain life equal to the life you lost when it entered.

Cinder Marsh (Battle Royale Box Set)
John Matson

{T}: Add {C}. {T}: Add {B} or {R}. This land doesn't untap during your next untap step.

Commandeer (Commander Masters)
John Matson

You may exile two blue cards from your hand rather than pay this spell's mana cost. Gain control of target noncreature spell. You may choose new targets for it. (If that spell is an artifact, enchantment, or planeswalker, the permanent enters under your control.)

Heartstone (The List)
John Matson

Activated abilities of creatures cost {1} less to activate. This effect can't reduce the mana in that cost to less than one mana.

"Finding a true heartstone is even harder than finding a true heart." —Hanna

Horned Cheetah (Invasion)
John Matson

Whenever this creature deals damage, you gain that much life.

"I think she wants us to eat it," said Squee, staring at the oily carcass the cheetah had dragged to their fire.

Uktabi Wildcats (Classic Sixth Edition)
John Matson

Uktabi Wildcats's power and toughness are each equal to the number of Forests you control. {G}, Sacrifice a Forest: Regenerate this creature.

Storm Crow (Seventh Edition)
John Matson

Flying (This creature can't be blocked except by creatures with flying or reach.)

Storm crow descending, winter unending. Storm crow departing, summer is starting.

Tradewind Rider (World Championship Decks 1998)
John Matson

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

It is said that the wind will blow the world past if you wait long enough.

Balduvian Rage (Coldsnap)
John Matson

Target attacking creature gets +X/+0 until end of turn. Draw a card at the beginning of the next turn's upkeep.

"Let your heartbeat be the thunder in the valley. Let your swords be the lightning on the peaks." —Lothar Lovisason, Balduvian chieftain

Quirion Druid (Visions)
John Matson

{G}, {T}: Target land becomes a 2/2 green creature that's still a land. (This effect lasts indefinitely.)

"The land has been gracious enough to let you tread upon her for years. That privilege is about to end." —Liefellen, Quirion exarch

Trained Armodon (Seventh Edition)
John Matson

Armodons are trained to step on things. Enemy things.

Assassin's Blade (Portal)
John Matson

Cast this spell only during the declare attackers step and only if you've been attacked this step. Destroy target nonblack attacking creature.

Jolt (Mirage)
John Matson

You may tap or untap target artifact, creature, or land. Draw a card at the beginning of the next turn's upkeep.

"There's nothing like a sudden shock to clarify one's thoughts." —Pashad ibn Asim, Suq'Ata trader

Heartstone (The List)
John Matson

Activated abilities of creatures cost {1} less to activate. This effect can't reduce the mana in that cost to less than one mana.

"Finding a true heartstone is even harder than finding a true heart." —Hanna, *Weatherlight* navigator

Wail of the Nim (Mirrodin)
John Matson

Choose one — • Regenerate each creature you control. • Wail of the Nim deals 1 damage to each creature and each player. Entwine {B} (Choose both if you pay the entwine cost.)

Common Cause (Mercadian Masques)
John Matson

Nonartifact creatures get +2/+2 as long as they all share a color.

Mercadia City's troops are at their best when they have no enemy to fight.

Charm Peddler (Mercadian Masques)
John Matson

{W}, {T}, Discard a card: The next time a source of your choice would deal damage to target creature this turn, prevent that damage.

Nocturnal Raid (Mirage)
John Matson

Black creatures get +2/+0 until end of turn.

"The finest offering of night is not stealth but daring." —Tetlok, Breathstealer

Whirlwind (Commander Anthology)
John Matson

Destroy all creatures with flying.

Urza tried to rule the air, but Gaea taught him that she controlled all the elements.

Shizo, Death's Storehouse (Dominaria United Commander)
John Matson

{T}: Add {B}. {B}, {T}: Target legendary creature gains fear until end of turn. (It can't be blocked except by artifact creatures and/or black creatures.)

Centuries ago, Shizo was a verdant field of wildflowers. After 891 samurai died in a single battle on its grasses, it became a haunted moor.

Shivan Gorge (The List)
John Matson

{T}: Add {C}. {2}{R}, {T}: Shivan Gorge deals 1 damage to each opponent.

Both forge and pyre.

Nantuko Mentor (Odyssey)
John Matson

{2}{G}, {T}: Target creature gets +X/+X until end of turn, where X is that creature's power.

That which grows without roots cannot be uprooted. —Nantuko teaching

Spirit en-Kor (Stronghold)
John Matson

Flying {0}: The next 1 damage that would be dealt to this creature this turn is dealt to target creature you control instead.

Death free throat from thirst, mouth from speech, feet from earth. —Kor requiem

Treefolk Seedlings (Urza's Saga)
John Matson

Treefolk Seedlings's toughness is equal to the number of Forests you control.

The year that the brothers landed on Argoth, the trees produced five times as many seeds as normal.

Wall of Souls (Stronghold)
John Matson

Defender (This creature can't attack.) Whenever this creature is dealt combat damage, it deals that much damage to target opponent or planeswalker.

"It is the nature of evil to turn you against yourself." —Starke

Erratic Portal (The List)
John Matson

{1}, {T}: Return target creature to its owner's hand unless its controller pays {1}.

"In Barrin's name!" cried Lyna as Hanna's sword passed through her, "Ertai sends word that the portal is open—but not for long!"

Elven Cache (Visions)
John Matson

Return target card from your graveyard to your hand.

"The elves can hide better than most can look." —Mwani, Mtenda herder

Seasinger (Fifth Edition)
John Matson

When you control no Islands, sacrifice this creature. You may choose not to untap this creature during your untap step. {T}: Gain control of target creature whose controller controls an Island for as long as you control this creature and this creature remains tapped.

Giant Octopus (Portal)
John Matson

At the sight of the thing the calamari vendor's eyes went wide, but from fear or avarice none could tell.

Planeswalker's Mirth (Planeshift)
John Matson

{3}{W}: Target opponent reveals a card at random from their hand. You gain life equal to that card's mana value.

"I enjoy a good joke as much as the next guy." —Commodore Guff

Wall of Roots (Time Spiral Timeshifted)
John Matson

Defender Put a -0/-1 counter on this creature: Add {G}. Activate only once each turn.

Sometimes the wise ones wove their magic into living plants; as the plant grew, so grew the magic.

Rolling Stones (Stronghold)
John Matson

Wall creatures can attack as though they didn't have defender.

Walls collapse and kill people all the time. Some are just more aggressive about it.

Furnace of Rath (The List)
John Matson

If a source would deal damage to a permanent or player, it deals double that damage to that permanent or player instead.

Battlegrowth (Mirrodin)
John Matson

Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature.

"I would gladly die for the forest, but I'm much better at killing for it."

Gorilla Warrior (Starter 1999)
John Matson

They were formidable even before they learned the use of weapons.

Heartstone (Stronghold)
John Matson

Activated abilities of creatures cost {1} less to activate. This effect can't reduce the mana in that cost to less than one mana.

"Finding a true heartstone is even harder than finding a true heart." —Hanna

Storm Elemental (Coldsnap Theme Decks)
John Matson

Flying {U}, Exile the top card of your library: Tap target creature with flying. {U}, Exile the top card of your library: If the exiled card is a snow land, this creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.

Mawcor (Tempest)
John Matson

Flying {T}: This creature deals 1 damage to any target.

From its maw comes neither word nor whisper—only wind.

Chambered Nautilus (Mercadian Masques)
John Matson

Whenever this creature becomes blocked, you may draw a card.

What's merely a home for the nautilus can become exquisite jewelry in the hands of Saprazzan artisans.

Wall of Roots (World Championship Decks 1998)
John Matson

Defender Put a -0/-1 counter on this creature: Add {G}. Activate only once each turn.

Sometimes the wise ones wove their magic into living plants; as the plant grew, so grew the magic.

Shivan Gorge (Dominaria United Commander)
John Matson

{T}: Add {C}. {2}{R}, {T}: Shivan Gorge deals 1 damage to each opponent.

Both forge and pyre.

Raise the Alarm (Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. Tezzeret)
John Matson

Create two 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens.

"The nim raid our homes without warning. We must defend our homes without hesitation."

Balduvian Rage (The List)
John Matson

Target attacking creature gets +X/+0 until end of turn. Draw a card at the beginning of the next turn's upkeep.

"Let your heartbeat be the thunder in the valley. Let your swords be the lightning on the peaks." —Lothar Lovisason, Balduvian chieftain

Dark Banishing (Tempest)
John Matson

Destroy target nonblack creature. It can't be regenerated.

"It is the way of most wizards to begin by exiling themselves and to end by exiling everyone else." —Hanna, *Weatherlight* navigator

Storm Crow (Eighth Edition)
John Matson

Flying (This creature can't be blocked except by creatures with flying or reach.)

Storm crow descending, winter unending. Storm crow departing, summer is starting.

Manipulate Fate (Invasion)
John Matson

Search your library for three cards, exile them, then shuffle. Draw a card.

Worthy Cause (Tempest)
John Matson

Buyback {2} (You may pay an additional {2} as you cast this spell. If you do, put this card into your hand as it resolves.) As an additional cost to cast this spell, sacrifice a creature. You gain life equal to the sacrificed creature's toughness.

Tree Monkey (Ninth Edition)
John Matson

Reach (This creature can block creatures with flying.)

The vines and branches of the jungle canopy are all the wings it needs.

Merfolk of the Pearl Trident (Fifth Edition)
John Matson

Most human scholars believe that merfolk are the survivors of sunken Atlantis, humans adapted to the water. Merfolk, however, believe that humans sprang forth from merfolk who adapted themselves in order to explore their last frontier.

Groffskithur (Mirrodin)
John Matson

Whenever this creature becomes blocked, you may return target card named Groffskithur from your graveyard to your hand.

It growls not to threaten, but to summon.

Harsh Mercy (Onslaught)
John Matson

Each player chooses a creature type. Destroy all creatures that aren't of a type chosen this way. They can't be regenerated.

"There is no greater burden than choosing who to save." —Kamahl, druid acolyte

Energy Field (The List)
John Matson

Prevent all damage that would be dealt to you by sources you don't control. When a card is put into your graveyard from anywhere, sacrifice this enchantment.

Disorient (Magic 2010)
John Matson

Target creature gets -7/-0 until end of turn.

"If it has a brain, even a primitive one, we can most surely scramble it." —Garild, merfolk mage

Rare-B-Gone (Unhinged)
John Matson

Each player sacrifices all permanents that are rare or mythic rare, then each player reveals their hand and discards all cards that are rare or mythic rare.

The only rare you'll ever need. Okay, not really.

Manipulate Fate (The List)
John Matson

Search your library for three cards, exile them, then shuffle. Draw a card.

Levitation (Seventh Edition)
John Matson

Creatures you control have flying.

"We'll be easy targets if we remain on the ground. Let's take the fight to them."

Cho-Manno's Blessing (Mercadian Masques)
John Matson

Flash Enchant creature As this Aura enters, choose a color. Enchanted creature has protection from the chosen color. This effect doesn't remove this Aura.

Force Spike (Fifth Edition)
John Matson

Counter target spell unless its controller pays {1}.

"Unknown spears / Suddenly hurtle before my dream-awakened eyes . . . ." —William Butler Yeats, "The Valley of the Black Pig"

Rage Weaver (Tenth Edition)
John Matson

{2}: Target black or green creature gains haste until end of turn. (It can attack and {T} this turn.)

"Let my passion spur your victory."

Stone Rain (Ninth Edition)
John Matson

Destroy target land.

Entrails Feaster (Onslaught)
John Matson

At the beginning of your upkeep, you may exile a creature card from a graveyard. If you do, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature. If you don't, tap this creature.

Stone Rain (Eighth Edition)
John Matson

Destroy target land.

Mist Leopard (Magic 2010)
John Matson

Shroud (This creature can't be the target of spells or abilities.)

"I can't claim to hunt all creatures. There are some things in the jungle that simply can't be hunted." —Garruk Wildspeaker

War Cadence (Commander 2013)
John Matson

{X}{R}: This turn, creatures can't block unless their controller pays {X} for each blocking creature they control.

The rhythm isn't a call to arms, but a signal that the goblins have made a new enemy.

Living Lands (Classic Sixth Edition)
John Matson

All Forests are 1/1 creatures that are still lands.

Raise the Alarm (Mirrodin)
John Matson

Create two 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens.

"The nim raid our homes without warning. We must defend our homes without hesitation."

Gemhide Sliver (Time Spiral Remastered)
John Matson

All Slivers have "{T}: Add one mana of any color."

"The land is weary. Even Skyshroud is depleted. We must find another source of mana—one that is growing despite our withering world." —Freyalise

Stone Rain (World Championship Decks 2000)
John Matson

Destroy target land.

Spirit (Magic Player Rewards 2001)
John Matson

Flying

The joy of rebirth overshadows the sadness of death.

Shivan Gorge (Urza's Saga)
John Matson

{T}: Add {C}. {2}{R}, {T}: Shivan Gorge deals 1 damage to each opponent.

Both forge and pyre.

May Civilization Collapse (Archenemy Schemes)
John Matson

When you set this scheme in motion, target opponent chooses self or others. If that player chooses self, that player sacrifices two lands of their choice. If the player chooses others, each of your other opponents sacrifices a land of their choice.

"This should halt the spread of your insolence."

Furnace of Rath (Eighth Edition)
John Matson

If a source would deal damage to a permanent or player, it deals double that damage to that permanent or player instead.

The furnace awaits the next master who would stoke the fires of apocalypse.