Ancient Spider

Ancient Spider (Planeshift)
Greg Staples

First strike; reach (This creature can block creatures with flying.)

It outlived both king and castle.

Malevolent Whispers (Ultimate Masters)
Greg Staples

Gain control of target creature until end of turn. Untap that creature. It gets +2/+0 and gains haste until end of turn. Madness {3}{R} (If you discard this card, discard it into exile. When you do, cast it for its madness cost or put it into your graveyard.)

Grinding Station (Fifth Dawn)
Greg Staples

{T}, Sacrifice an artifact: Target player mills three cards. Whenever an artifact enters, you may untap this artifact.

Pentavite (Magic 2012 Tokens)
Greg Staples

Flying

Ben-Ben, Akki Hermit (Champions of Kamigawa)
Greg Staples

{T}: Ben-Ben deals damage to target attacking creature equal to the number of untapped Mountains you control.

Some akki thought of Ben-Ben as a kami of trickery in disguise. They hunted for him in the maze of warrens, often falling prey to his traps.

Tourach, Dread Cantor (Modern Horizons 2)
Greg Staples

Kicker {B}{B} (You may pay an additional {B}{B} as you cast this spell.) Protection from white Whenever an opponent discards a card, put a +1/+1 counter on Tourach. When Tourach enters, if it was kicked, target opponent discards two cards at random.

Urborg Syphon-Mage (Archenemy)
Greg Staples

{2}{B}, {T}, Discard a card: Each other player loses 2 life. You gain life equal to the life lost this way.

"I have become a gourmet of sorts. Each soul has its own distinctive flavor. The art is in inviting the right company to the feast."

Solemn Simulacrum (Commander 2011)
Greg Staples

When this creature enters, you may search your library for a basic land card, put that card onto the battlefield tapped, then shuffle. When this creature dies, you may draw a card.

Pentavus (The List)
Greg Staples

This creature enters with five +1/+1 counters on it. {1}, Remove a +1/+1 counter from this creature: Create a 1/1 colorless Pentavite artifact creature token with flying. {1}, Sacrifice a Pentavite: Put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.

Mistmeadow Witch (Double Masters 2022)
Greg Staples

{2}{W}{U}: Exile target creature. Return that card to the battlefield under its owner's control at the beginning of the next end step.

Olka collected the evening mist for years, studying its secrets. Once she learned its essence, she could vanish with a thought.

Squee, Goblin Nabob (Tenth Edition)
Greg Staples

At the beginning of your upkeep, you may return this card from your graveyard to your hand.

"Some goblins are expendable. Some are impossible to get rid of. But he's both—at the same time!" —Starke

Ghor-Clan Savage (Duel Decks: Heroes vs. Monsters)
Greg Staples

Bloodthirst 3 (If an opponent was dealt damage this turn, this creature enters with three +1/+1 counters on it.)

The snap of sinew. The crunch of bone. A cry for mercy. These are the music of the Gruul.

Reckless Wurm (Planar Chaos)
Greg Staples

Trample Madness {2}{R} (If you discard this card, discard it into exile. When you do, cast it for its madness cost or put it into your graveyard.)

Bred for battle in the Grand Coliseum, these wurms annihilated whole ecosystems when released into the wild.

Defensive Formation (Urza's Saga)
Greg Staples

Rather than the attacking player, you assign the combat damage of each creature attacking you. You can divide that creature's combat damage as you choose among any of the creatures blocking it.

"Your enemies will pound upon the door of your defenses, but only you shall have the key, and it is the key of life." —*Song of All*, canto 873

Baneslayer Angel (Core Set 2021)
Greg Staples

Flying, first strike, lifelink, protection from Demons and from Dragons

Pemmin's Aura (Scourge)
Greg Staples

Enchant creature {U}: Untap enchanted creature. {U}: Enchanted creature gains flying until end of turn. {U}: Enchanted creature gains shroud until end of turn. (It can't be the target of spells or abilities.) {1}: Enchanted creature gets +1/-1 or -1/+1 until end of turn.

Serra Angel (Foundations Jumpstart)
Greg Staples

Flying Vigilance (Attacking doesn't cause this creature to tap.)

Follow the light. In its absence, follow her.

Phantom Warrior (Battlebond)
Greg Staples

This creature can't be blocked.

"The construction of a defense is not accomplished by adding bricks." —Jace Beleren

Mistmeadow Witch (Commander Anthology)
Greg Staples

{2}{W}{U}: Exile target creature. Return that card to the battlefield under its owner's control at the beginning of the next end step.

Olka collected the evening mist for years, studying its secrets. Once she learned its essence, she could vanish with a thought.

Aggravated Assault (Explorers of Ixalan)
Greg Staples

{3}{R}{R}: Untap all creatures you control. After this main phase, there is an additional combat phase followed by an additional main phase. Activate only as a sorcery.

Wee Dragonauts (The List)
Greg Staples

Flying Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, this creature gets +2/+0 until end of turn.

"Something's causing electrospheric disruption in the blazekite's spire-vanes. Find the cause, and tell them to keep it up!" —Juzba, Izzet tinker

Baneslayer Angel (Core Set 2021 Promos)
Greg Staples

Flying, first strike, lifelink, protection from Demons and from Dragons

Some angels protect the meek and innocent. Others seek out and smite evil wherever it lurks.

Echoing Courage (Darksteel)
Greg Staples

Target creature and all other creatures with the same name as that creature get +2/+2 until end of turn.

A single seed unleashes a flurry of growth.

Duskworker (Mirrodin)
Greg Staples

Whenever this creature becomes blocked, regenerate it. {3}: This creature gets +1/+0 until end of turn.

At the setting of each sun, it emerges to clean Mirrodin's floor of the day's carrion.

Keldon Vandals (Urza's Destiny)
Greg Staples

Echo {2}{R} (At the beginning of your upkeep, if this came under your control since the beginning of your last upkeep, sacrifice it unless you pay its echo cost.) When this creature enters, destroy target artifact.

Keldons divide all their spoils into two groups: trophies and catapult ammunition.

Oxidda Golem (Darksteel)
Greg Staples

Affinity for Mountains (This spell costs {1} less to cast for each Mountain you control.) Haste

The longer it patrols the smoldering crags of the Oxidda Chain, the more it adopts their fiery temper.

Fledgling Dragon (Judgment)
Greg Staples

Flying Threshold — As long as seven or more cards are in your graveyard, this creature gets +3/+3 and has "{R}: This creature gets +1/+0 until end of turn."

Crackling Triton (Theros)
Greg Staples

{2}{R}, Sacrifice this creature: It deals 2 damage to any target.

He calls upon both the currents in the sea and the current in the clouds.

Teferi's Protection (Double Masters 2022)
Greg Staples

Until your next turn, your life total can't change and you gain protection from everything. All permanents you control phase out. (While they're phased out, they're treated as though they don't exist. They phase in before you untap during your untap step.) Exile Teferi's Protection.

Myr Landshaper (Darksteel)
Greg Staples

{T}: Target land becomes an artifact in addition to its other types until end of turn.

One thing the myr can't do is enjoy the scenery.

Corpse Explosion (Streets of New Capenna Promos)
Greg Staples

As an additional cost to cast this spell, exile a creature card from your graveyard. Corpse Explosion deals damage equal to the exiled card's power to each creature and each planeswalker.

"Well, that's one way to scatter her ashes." —Calvey, funeral director

Traumatize (Odyssey)
Greg Staples

Target player mills half their library, rounded down.

Dreads had half a mind to leave.

Traumatize (Magic 2014)
Greg Staples

Target player mills half their library, rounded down.

He was left with just enough memory to understand what he had lost.

Serra Angel (Magic 2012)
Greg Staples

Flying Vigilance (Attacking doesn't cause this creature to tap.)

Follow the light. In its absence, follow her.

Force of Nature (Ninth Edition Promos)
Greg Staples

Trample (This creature can deal excess combat damage to the player or planeswalker it's attacking.) At the beginning of your upkeep, this creature deals 8 damage to you unless you pay {G}{G}{G}{G}.

Centrifuge (Unfinity)
Greg Staples

Visit — Each player draws a card from the library of the player to their right. You create three Treasure tokens.

Originally, the rotors were used exclusively as particle accelerators for engine fuel, and they probably still should be.

Lorescale Coatl (Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. Kiora)
Greg Staples

Whenever you draw a card, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.

"The enlightenment I never found in etherium I have found traced in the coatl's scales." —Ranalus, vedalken heretic

Pentavus (Mirrodin)
Greg Staples

This creature enters with five +1/+1 counters on it. {1}, Remove a +1/+1 counter from this creature: Create a 1/1 colorless Pentavite artifact creature token with flying. {1}, Sacrifice a Pentavite: Put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.

Hero of the Winds (Theros Beyond Death)
Greg Staples

Flying Whenever you cast a spell that targets this creature, creatures you control get +1/+0 until end of turn.

To tame a griffin is to ride into legend.

Mental Agony (Avacyn Restored)
Greg Staples

Target player discards two cards and loses 2 life.

"His mind is feeble. Feed him to the bats."

Reckless Wurm (The List)
Greg Staples

Trample Madness {2}{R} (If you discard this card, discard it into exile. When you do, cast it for its madness cost or put it into your graveyard.)

Bred for battle in the Grand Coliseum, these wurms annihilated whole ecosystems when released into the wild.

Pentavite (Magic Player Rewards 2004)
Greg Staples

Flying

Avacynian Priest (Innistrad Remastered)
Greg Staples

{1}, {T}: Tap target non-Human creature.

Moorlanders speak in awe of the priests' talent for arriving just in time to drive off the wicked things that prowl the ravished parish.

Retraced Image (Torment)
Greg Staples

Reveal a card in your hand, then put that card onto the battlefield if it has the same name as a permanent.

An army from a soldier, a flock from a bird, a school from a fish . . . a profit from an atrocity.

Angelic Curator (Modern Horizons 2)
Greg Staples

Flying, protection from artifacts

"Do not treat your people as you treat your artifacts. Let them go, and they will live; seal them here, and they will die." —Urza, to Radiant

Corpse Explosion (Streets of New Capenna Promos)
Greg Staples

As an additional cost to cast this spell, exile a creature card from your graveyard. Corpse Explosion deals damage equal to the exiled card's power to each creature and each planeswalker.

"Well, that's one way to scatter her ashes." —Calvey, funeral director

Chain of Smog (Onslaught)
Greg Staples

Target player discards two cards. That player may copy this spell and may choose a new target for that copy.

_____ Bird Gets the Worm (Unfinity)
Greg Staples

Flying When this creature enters, you may put a name sticker on it. You gain X life, where X is the number of unique vowels on that sticker. (The vowels are A, E, I, O, U, and Y.)

It's not like anyone else really wanted it.

Global Ruin (Invasion)
Greg Staples

Each player chooses from the lands they control a land of each basic land type, then sacrifices the rest.

"The earth shook, the sky rained fire, and it seemed the world was ending." —Benalish refugee

Grinding Station (Mystery Booster 2)
Greg Staples

{T}, Sacrifice an artifact: Target player mills three cards. Whenever an artifact enters, you may untap this artifact.

Merrow Reejerey (Lorwyn)
Greg Staples

Other Merfolk creatures you control get +1/+1. Whenever you cast a Merfolk spell, you may tap or untap target permanent.

Steady and silent as the deep current, the reejerey guides the course of the school.

Blade Splicer (Double Masters)
Greg Staples

When this creature enters, create a 3/3 colorless Phyrexian Golem artifact creature token. Golems you control have first strike.

"Flesh is a betrayal of the self."

Kaho, Minamo Historian (Commander Masters)
Greg Staples

When Kaho enters, search your library for up to three instant cards, exile them, then shuffle. {X}, {T}: You may cast a spell with mana value X from among cards exiled with Kaho without paying its mana cost.

Elite Archers (Eighth Edition)
Greg Staples

{T}: This creature deals 3 damage to target attacking or blocking creature.

They fletch their arrows with the feathers of angels.

Corpse Explosion (Streets of New Capenna)
Greg Staples

As an additional cost to cast this spell, exile a creature card from your graveyard. Corpse Explosion deals damage equal to the exiled card's power to each creature and each planeswalker.

"Well, that's one way to scatter her ashes." —Calvey, funeral director

Gut Shot (The List)
Greg Staples

({R/P} can be paid with either {R} or 2 life.) Gut Shot deals 1 damage to any target.

"Down here, we have a more pointed version of the scriptures." —Urabrask's enforcer

Preeminent Captain (Magic 2015)
Greg Staples

First strike (This creature deals combat damage before creatures without first strike.) Whenever this creature attacks, you may put a Soldier creature card from your hand onto the battlefield tapped and attacking.

Staunch-Hearted Warrior (Theros)
Greg Staples

Heroic — Whenever you cast a spell that targets this creature, put two +1/+1 counters on this creature.

As soon as she faces a monster, she begins composing its epitaph.

Seismic Assault (Eighth Edition)
Greg Staples

Discard a land card: This enchantment deals 2 damage to any target.

Earth arms itself with fire.

Angelic Curator (Urza's Legacy)
Greg Staples

Flying, protection from artifacts

"Do not treat your people as you treat your artifacts. Let them go, and they will live; seal them here, and they will die." —Urza, to Radiant

Wee Dragonauts (Duel Decks: Izzet vs. Golgari)
Greg Staples

Flying Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, this creature gets +2/+0 until end of turn.

"The blazekite is a simple concept, really—just a vehicular application of dragscoop ionics and electropropulsion magnetronics." —Juzba, Izzet tinker

Magus of the Scroll (Time Spiral)
Greg Staples

{3}, {T}: Choose a card name, then reveal a card at random from your hand. If that card has the chosen name, this creature deals 2 damage to any target.

Traumatize (Magic 2011)
Greg Staples

Target player mills half their library, rounded down.

He was left with just enough memory to understand what he had lost.

Demonfire (Dissension)
Greg Staples

Demonfire deals X damage to any target. If a creature dealt damage this way would die this turn, exile it instead. Hellbent — If you have no cards in hand, this spell can't be countered and the damage can't be prevented.

Instigator Gang (Innistrad)
Greg Staples

Soldier (Modern Masters 2015 Tokens)
Greg Staples

Vigilant Drake (Beatdown Box Set)
Greg Staples

Flying {2}{U}: Untap this creature.

Awake and awing in the blink of an eye.

Arrest (Return to Ravnica)
Greg Staples

Enchant creature Enchanted creature can't attack or block, and its activated abilities can't be activated.

"We will prove your guilt. We don't arrest the innocent, you know." —Arrester Lavinia, Tenth Precinct

Sigiled Paladin (Shards of Alara)
Greg Staples

First strike Exalted (Whenever a creature you control attacks alone, that creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.)

Each sigil marks the recognition of a great deed and signifies a duty owed to the one who granted it.

Dead Drop (Khans of Tarkir)
Greg Staples

Delve (Each card you exile from your graveyard while casting this spell pays for {1}.) Target player sacrifices two creatures of their choice.

Got a diving lesson —Sultai expression meaning "was fed to the crocodiles"

Serra Angel (Eternal Masters)
Greg Staples

Flying Vigilance (Attacking doesn't cause this creature to tap.)

Follow the light. In its absence, follow her.

Shackles (Invasion)
Greg Staples

Enchant creature Enchanted creature doesn't untap during its controller's untap step. {W}: Return this Aura to its owner's hand.

"It could be worse," said Gerrard, looking around. "Well, maybe not."

Dig Up the Body (Streets of New Capenna)
Greg Staples

Casualty 1 (As you cast this spell, you may sacrifice a creature with power 1 or greater. When you do, copy this spell.) Mill two cards, then you may return a creature card from your graveyard to your hand. (To mill a card, put the top card of your library into your graveyard.)

Soldier (Magic 2013 Tokens)
Greg Staples

Setessan Griffin (Theros)
Greg Staples

Flying {2}{G}{G}: This creature gets +2/+2 until end of turn. Activate only once each turn.

Most griffins must be caught and broken into the service of the polis. Not so in Setessa, where they volunteer.

Diabolic Tutor (Magic 2012)
Greg Staples

Search your library for a card, put that card into your hand, then shuffle.

The wise always keep an ear open to the whispers of power.

Vengeful Archon (Magic 2011)
Greg Staples

Flying {X}: Prevent the next X damage that would be dealt to you this turn. If damage is prevented this way, this creature deals that much damage to target player or planeswalker.

Martial Coup (From the Vault: Annihilation)
Greg Staples

Create X 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens. If X is 5 or more, destroy all other creatures.

Their war forgotten, the nations of Bant stood united in the face of a common threat.

Echoing Courage (Modern Masters)
Greg Staples

Target creature and all other creatures with the same name as that creature get +2/+2 until end of turn.

A single seed unleashes a flurry of growth.

Phantom Warrior (Seventh Edition)
Greg Staples

This creature can't be blocked.

It can pass through solid matter—but that doesn't mean it's harmless.

Torrent of Stone (Betrayers of Kamigawa)
Greg Staples

Torrent of Stone deals 4 damage to target creature. Splice onto Arcane—Sacrifice two Mountains. (As you cast an Arcane spell, you may reveal this card from your hand and pay its splice cost. If you do, add this card's effects to that spell.)

Pentavus (Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. Tezzeret)
Greg Staples

This creature enters with five +1/+1 counters on it. {1}, Remove a +1/+1 counter from this creature: Create a 1/1 colorless Pentavite artifact creature token with flying. {1}, Sacrifice a Pentavite: Put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.

Ghost Council of Orzhova (RNA Guild Kit)
Greg Staples

When Ghost Council of Orzhova enters, target opponent loses 1 life and you gain 1 life. {1}, Sacrifice a creature: Exile Ghost Council of Orzhova. Return it to the battlefield under its owner's control at the beginning of the next end step.

Judge Unworthy (Time Spiral Remastered)
Greg Staples

Choose target attacking or blocking creature. Scry 3, then reveal the top card of your library. Judge Unworthy deals damage equal to that card's mana value to that creature.

Into the Pit (Duskmourn: House of Horror Commander)
Greg Staples

You may look at the top card of your library any time. You may cast spells from the top of your library by sacrificing a nonland permanent in addition to paying their other costs.

Duskmourn never yields its secrets without exacting a brutal price.

Search for Tomorrow (Dominaria United Commander)
Greg Staples

Search your library for a basic land card, put it onto the battlefield, then shuffle. Suspend 2—{G} (Rather than cast this card from your hand, you may pay {G} and exile it with two time counters on it. At the beginning of your upkeep, remove a time counter. When the last is removed, you may cast it without paying its mana cost.)

Bloodlord of Vaasgoth (The List)
Greg Staples

Bloodthirst 3 (If an opponent was dealt damage this turn, this creature enters with three +1/+1 counters on it.) Flying Whenever you cast a Vampire creature spell, it gains bloodthirst 3.

Wojek Investigator (Murders at Karlov Manor)
Greg Staples

Flying, vigilance At the beginning of your upkeep, investigate once for each opponent who has more cards in hand than you. (To investigate, create a Clue token. It's an artifact with "{2}, Sacrifice this token: Draw a card.")

"Well, this clearly didn't come from anyone I know..."

Quest for the Holy Relic (Zendikar)
Greg Staples

Whenever you cast a creature spell, you may put a quest counter on this enchantment. Remove five quest counters from this enchantment and sacrifice it: Search your library for an Equipment card, put it onto the battlefield, attach it to a creature you control, then shuffle.

Soldier (Conspiracy: Take the Crown Tokens)
Greg Staples

Unliving Psychopath (Dissension)
Greg Staples

{B}: This creature gets +1/-1 until end of turn. {B}, {T}: Destroy target creature with power less than this creature's power.

"The victim bears the marks of the 'Ktozok Impaler'. . . but he was executed years ago!" —Gorev Hadszak, Wojek investigator

Research (Dissension)
Greg Staples

Seismic Assault (Seventh Edition)
Greg Staples

Discard a land card: This enchantment deals 2 damage to any target.

Earth arms itself with fire.

Mungha Wurm (Prophecy)
Greg Staples

You can't untap more than one land during your untap step.

Cities have crumbled under its weight.

Amy Pond (Doctor Who)
Greg Staples

Partner with Rory Williams (When this creature enters, target player may put Rory into their hand from their library, then shuffle.) Whenever Amy Pond deals combat damage to a player, choose a suspended card you own and remove that many time counters from it. Doctor's companion (You can have two commanders if the other is the Doctor.)

Gisa, the Hellraiser (Outlaws of Thunder Junction)
Greg Staples

Ward—{2}, Pay 2 life. Skeletons and Zombies you control get +1/+1 and have menace. Whenever you commit a crime, create two tapped 2/2 blue and black Zombie Rogue creature tokens. This ability triggers only once each turn. (Targeting opponents, anything they control, and/or cards in their graveyards is a crime.)

Abundant Maw (Innistrad Remastered)
Greg Staples

Emerge {6}{B} (You may cast this spell by sacrificing a creature and paying the emerge cost reduced by that creature's mana value.) When you cast this spell, target opponent loses 3 life and you gain 3 life.

Wee Dragonauts (Guilds of Ravnica)
Greg Staples

Flying Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, this creature gets +2/+0 until end of turn.

"Something's causing electrospheric disruption in the blazekite's spire-vanes. Find the cause, and tell them to keep it up!" —Juzba, Izzet tinker

Hunter's Prowess (Commander 2017)
Greg Staples

Until end of turn, target creature gets +3/+3 and gains trample and "Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, draw that many cards."

To be counted among the warriors of Setessa's Leina Tower, you must not fear death, only failure.

Laquatus's Champion (Torment Promos)
Greg Staples

Когда Воин Лакватуса входит в игру, целевой игрок теряет 6 жизней. Когда Воин Лакватуса покидает игру, целевой игрок получает 6 жизней. {B}: Восстановить Воина Лакватуса.

Темный дар Чейнера еще более темной душе.

Phantom Warrior (Duels of the Planeswalkers)
Greg Staples

This creature can't be blocked.

"The construction of a defense is not accomplished by adding bricks." —Jace Beleren

Echoing Ruin (Darksteel)
Greg Staples

Destroy target artifact and all other artifacts with the same name as that artifact.

A single misstep unleashes an avalanche of ruin.

Echoing Truth (Commander 2019)
Greg Staples

Return target nonland permanent and all other permanents with the same name as that permanent to their owners' hands.

A single lie unleashes a tide of disbelief.

Mogg Sentry (Ninth Edition)
Greg Staples

Whenever an opponent casts a spell, this creature gets +2/+2 until end of turn.

Nothing makes a mogg madder than having to wake up.

Gnawing Zombie (Modern Masters 2017)
Greg Staples

{1}{B}, Sacrifice a creature: Target player loses 1 life and you gain 1 life.

On still nights you can hear its rotted teeth grinding tirelessly on scavenged bones.

Phantom Warrior (Eighth Edition)
Greg Staples

This creature can't be blocked.

It can pass through solid matter—but that doesn't mean it's harmless.

Goblin Goon (Legions)
Greg Staples

This creature can't attack unless you control more creatures than defending player. This creature can't block unless you control more creatures than attacking player.

Giant-sized body. Goblin-sized brain.

Phantom Warrior (Magic 2014)
Greg Staples

This creature can't be blocked.

"The construction of a defense is not accomplished by adding bricks." —Jace Beleren

Baneslayer Angel (Magic 2010)
Greg Staples

Flying, first strike, lifelink, protection from Demons and from Dragons

Some angels protect the meek and innocent. Others seek out and smite evil wherever it lurks.

Kazuul's Toll Collector (Double Masters)
Greg Staples

{0}: Attach target Equipment you control to this creature. Activate only as a sorcery.

Travelers are advised to bring extra swords, preferably shiny ones.

Saltcrusted Steppe (Time Spiral Remastered)
Greg Staples

{T}: Add {C}. {1}, {T}: Put a storage counter on this land. {1}, Remove X storage counters from this land: Add X mana in any combination of {G} and/or {W}.

Diabolic Tutor (Commander Anthology)
Greg Staples

Search your library for a card, put that card into your hand, then shuffle.

The wise always keep an ear open to the whispers of power.

Honor of the Pure (Magic 2012)
Greg Staples

White creatures you control get +1/+1.

Together the soldiers were like a golden blade, cutting down their enemies and scarring the darkness.

Barrel Down Sokenzan (Saviors of Kamigawa)
Greg Staples

Sweep — Return any number of Mountains you control to their owner's hand. Barrel Down Sokenzan deals damage to target creature equal to twice the number of Mountains returned this way.

Anaba Bodyguard (Tenth Edition)
Greg Staples

First strike (This creature deals combat damage before creatures without first strike.)

"They who challenge a minotaur enjoy the taste of their own blood." —Mirri of the *Weatherlight*

Yavimaya Kavu (Invasion)
Greg Staples

Yavimaya Kavu's power is equal to the number of red creatures on the battlefield. Yavimaya Kavu's toughness is equal to the number of green creatures on the battlefield.

Kavu hunt prey in packs—one kavu hunts a pack of prey.

Back in Town (Outlaws of Thunder Junction Commander)
Greg Staples

Return X target outlaw creature cards from your graveyard to the battlefield. (Assassins, Mercenaries, Pirates, Rogues, and Warlocks are outlaws.)

"Well, there's a good day's work ruined." —Erin Nath, Omenport gravedigger

Mountain (Duel Decks: Jace vs. Chandra)
Greg Staples

({T}: Add {R}.)

Pentavus (Planechase)
Greg Staples

This creature enters with five +1/+1 counters on it. {1}, Remove a +1/+1 counter from this creature: Create a 1/1 colorless Pentavite artifact creature token with flying. {1}, Sacrifice a Pentavite: Put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.

Skyhunter Skirmisher (Tenth Edition)
Greg Staples

Flying, double strike

"Take the deadly grace and strength of the leonin, combined with a pteron mount capable of rending a foe in two and armed with notched steel. That is a skyhunter—and why Taj-Nar has never fallen." —Raksha Golden Cub

Breach (Urza's Saga)
Greg Staples

Target creature gets +2/+0 and gains fear until end of turn. (It can't be blocked except by artifact creatures and/or black creatures.)

Drudge Reavers (Time Spiral)
Greg Staples

Flash (You may cast this spell any time you could cast an instant.) {B}: Regenerate this creature.

"The surface of the land is blanched with salt, but the soil beneath is reddened with death—a fertile ground for necromancy." —Lim-Dûl the Necromancer

Mahamoti Djinn (Duels of the Planeswalkers)
Greg Staples

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

Of royal blood among the spirits of the air, the Mahamoti djinn rides on the wings of the winds. As dangerous in the gambling hall as he is in battle, he is a master of trickery and misdirection.

Gluttonous Slug (Modern Horizons)
Greg Staples

Menace Evolve (Whenever a creature you control enters, if that creature has greater power or toughness than this creature, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.)

No amount of salt will save you

Buried Alive (Modern Horizons 3)
Greg Staples

Search your library for up to three creature cards, put them into your graveyard, then shuffle.

The scrape of shovels and the tumble of cold dirt soon muffled their pleas.

Mistmeadow Witch (The List)
Greg Staples

{2}{W}{U}: Exile target creature. Return that card to the battlefield under its owner's control at the beginning of the next end step.

Olka collected the evening mist for years, studying its secrets. Once she learned its essence, she could vanish with a thought.

Piru, the Volatile (Modern Horizons 2 Promos)
Greg Staples

Flying, lifelink At the beginning of your upkeep, sacrifice Piru unless you pay {R}{W}{B}. When Piru dies, it deals 7 damage to each nonlegendary creature.

Chasms of dueling energies course within her.

Captain's Call (Magic 2013)
Greg Staples

Create three 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens.

"Who among you has the courage to face certain death? Who will heed my call?" —Rayel Vanger, Firstblade of Thune

Bloodfire Kavu (Duel Decks: Venser vs. Koth)
Greg Staples

{R}, Sacrifice this creature: It deals 2 damage to each creature.

Heart of fire, blood of lava, teeth of stone.

Shadow of Doubt (Ravnica: City of Guilds)
Greg Staples

({U/B} can be paid with either {U} or {B}.) Players can't search libraries this turn. Draw a card.

"Your ignorance is my bliss." —Szadek

Silumgar Scavenger (Double Masters)
Greg Staples

Flying Exploit (When this creature enters, you may sacrifice a creature.) Whenever another creature you control dies, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature. It gains haste until end of turn if it exploited that creature.

Abundant Maw (Eldritch Moon)
Greg Staples

Emerge {6}{B} (You may cast this spell by sacrificing a creature and paying the emerge cost reduced by that creature's mana value.) When you cast this spell, target opponent loses 3 life and you gain 3 life.

Skyfire Phoenix (Commander 2019)
Greg Staples

Flying, haste When you cast your commander, return this card from your graveyard to the battlefield.

Its fury sets the clouds alight.

Old Rutstein (Innistrad: Crimson Vow Promos)
Greg Staples

When Old Rutstein enters and at the beginning of your upkeep, mill a card. If a land card is milled this way, create a Treasure token. If a creature card is milled this way, create a 1/1 green Insect creature token. If a noncreature, nonland card is milled this way, create a Blood token.

Aria of Flame (Modern Horizons)
Greg Staples

When this enchantment enters, each opponent gains 10 life. Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, put a verse counter on this enchantment, then it deals damage equal to the number of verse counters on it to target player or planeswalker.

Mistmeadow Witch (Duel Decks: Venser vs. Koth)
Greg Staples

{2}{W}{U}: Exile target creature. Return that card to the battlefield under its owner's control at the beginning of the next end step.

Olka collected the evening mist for years, studying its secrets. Once she learned its essence, she could vanish with a thought.

Aven Trooper (Torment)
Greg Staples

Flying {2}{W}, Discard a card: This creature gets +1/+2 until end of turn.

The very skies seethe with the aven's hatred for the Cabal.

Bjorna, Nightfall Alchemist (Secret Lair Drop)
Greg Staples

{T}, Sacrifice an artifact: Bjorna, Nightfall Alchemist deals 1 damage to target creature. Goad that creature. (Until your next turn, that creature attacks each combat if able and attacks a player other than you if able.) Friends forever (You can have two commanders if both have friends forever.)

Hunter's Prowess (Archenemy: Nicol Bolas)
Greg Staples

Until end of turn, target creature gets +3/+3 and gains trample and "Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, draw that many cards."

To be counted among the warriors of Setessa's Leina Tower, you must not fear death, only failure.

Ancient Spider (Planeshift)
Greg Staples

First strike; reach (This creature can block creatures with flying.)

It outlived both king and castle.

Saltcrusted Steppe (Commander 2013)
Greg Staples

{T}: Add {C}. {1}, {T}: Put a storage counter on this land. {1}, Remove X storage counters from this land: Add X mana in any combination of {G} and/or {W}.

Might of Oaks (Eighth Edition)
Greg Staples

Target creature gets +7/+7 until end of turn.

"Guess where I'm gonna plant this!"

Molten Hydra (Urza's Legacy)
Greg Staples

{1}{R}{R}: Put a +1/+1 counter on this creature. {T}, Remove all +1/+1 counters from this creature: It deals damage to any target equal to the number of +1/+1 counters removed this way.

Keep off the glass. —Hydra warning sign

Ashnod's Altar (Commander Masters)
Greg Staples

Sacrifice a creature: Add {C}{C}.

"If you work at sawing up carcasses, you notice how the joints fit, how the nerves are arrayed, and how the skin peels back." —Ashnod, to Tawnos

Mugging (Gatecrash)
Greg Staples

Mugging deals 2 damage to target creature. That creature can't block this turn.

Scream: muffled. Pockets: emptied. Neck function: never the same again.

Lobber Crew (Return to Ravnica)
Greg Staples

Defender {T}: This creature deals 1 damage to each opponent. Whenever you cast a multicolored spell, untap this creature.

It's easier to just aim at everything.

Night of Souls' Betrayal (Champions of Kamigawa)
Greg Staples

All creatures get -1/-1.

"How can we wage war against ourselves? What happens when the kami of our very souls rise against us? I answer simply: We cannot. We die. There can be no victory in this war." —Sensei Hisoka, letter to Lord Konda

Buried Alive (Ultimate Masters)
Greg Staples

Search your library for up to three creature cards, put them into your graveyard, then shuffle.

The scrape of shovels and the tumble of cold dirt soon muffled their pleas.

Kuldotha Ringleader (Mirrodin Besieged)
Greg Staples

Battle cry (Whenever this creature attacks, each other attacking creature gets +1/+0 until end of turn.) This creature attacks each combat if able.

Being surrounded by goblins is less objectionable when they're fighting *for* you.

Serra Angel (Magic 2015)
Greg Staples

Flying Vigilance (Attacking doesn't cause this creature to tap.)

Follow the light. In its absence, follow her.

Isperia the Inscrutable (Dissension)
Greg Staples

Flying Whenever Isperia deals combat damage to a player, choose a card name. That player reveals their hand. If a card with the chosen name is revealed this way, search your library for a creature card with flying, reveal it, put it into your hand, then shuffle.

Vedalken Plotter (Guildpact)
Greg Staples

When this creature enters, exchange control of target land you control and target land an opponent controls.

"Fair? At what point in our negotiations did you convince yourself my goal was to be fair?"

Urborg Syphon-Mage (Time Spiral Remastered)
Greg Staples

{2}{B}, {T}, Discard a card: Each other player loses 2 life. You gain life equal to the life lost this way.

"I have become a gourmet of sorts. Each soul has its own distinctive flavor. The art is in inviting the right company to the feast."

Urborg Syphon-Mage (Dominaria Remastered)
Greg Staples

{2}{B}, {T}, Discard a card: Each other player loses 2 life. You gain life equal to the life lost this way.

"I have become a gourmet of sorts. Each soul has its own distinctive flavor. The art is in inviting the right company to the feast."

Skyhunter Skirmisher (Modern Masters 2015)
Greg Staples

Flying, double strike

"Like dawn's first light, blind the unprepared and banish the shadows." —Skyhunter creed

Echoing Calm (Darksteel)
Greg Staples

Destroy target enchantment and all other enchantments with the same name as that enchantment.

A single light unleashes a hail of cleansing.

Cinder Elemental (Mercadian Masques)
Greg Staples

{X}{R}, {T}, Sacrifice this creature: It deals X damage to any target.

Their rage can grow to such proportions that they explode in a cloud of fire.

Phantom Wings (Betrayers of Kamigawa)
Greg Staples

Enchant creature Enchanted creature has flying. Sacrifice this Aura: Return enchanted creature to its owner's hand.

Many kami could fly, which put some warriors at a distinct disadvantage. The mages of Minamo took it upon themselves to correct that imbalance.

Blade Splicer (March of the Machine Commander)
Greg Staples

When this creature enters, create a 3/3 colorless Phyrexian Golem artifact creature token. Golems you control have first strike.

"Flesh is a betrayal of the self."

The Face of Boe (Doctor Who)
Greg Staples

{T}: You may cast a spell with suspend from your hand. If you do, pay its suspend cost rather than its mana cost. Activate only as a sorcery.

"You are not alone."

Serra Angel (Magic 2014)
Greg Staples

Flying Vigilance (Attacking doesn't cause this creature to tap.)

Follow the light. In its absence, follow her.

Jace's Mindseeker (Duel Decks: Jace vs. Vraska)
Greg Staples

Flying When this creature enters, target opponent mills five cards. You may cast an instant or sorcery spell from among them without paying its mana cost.

Piru, the Volatile (Modern Horizons 2)
Greg Staples

Flying, lifelink At the beginning of your upkeep, sacrifice Piru unless you pay {R}{W}{B}. When Piru dies, it deals 7 damage to each nonlegendary creature.

Goblin Glory Chaser (Magic Origins)
Greg Staples

Renown 1 (When this creature deals combat damage to a player, if it isn't renowned, put a +1/+1 counter on it and it becomes renowned.) As long as this creature is renowned, it has menace. (It can't be blocked except by two or more creatures.)

Avarax (The List)
Greg Staples

Haste When this creature enters, you may search your library for a card named Avarax, reveal it, put it into your hand, then shuffle. {1}{R}: This creature gets +1/+0 until end of turn.

Radiant's Judgment (Urza's Legacy)
Greg Staples

Destroy target creature with power 4 or greater. Cycling {2} ({2}, Discard this card: Draw a card.)

Echoing Decay (The List)
Greg Staples

Target creature and all other creatures with the same name as that creature get -2/-2 until end of turn.

A single fear unleashes a torrent of nightmares.

Hellcarver Demon (Rise of the Eldrazi)
Greg Staples

Flying Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, sacrifice all other permanents you control and discard your hand. Exile the top six cards of your library. You may cast any number of spells from among cards exiled this way without paying their mana costs.

Evil Twin (Modern Masters 2017)
Greg Staples

You may have this creature enter as a copy of any creature on the battlefield, except it has "{U}{B}, {T}: Destroy target creature with the same name as this creature."

You can always tell the evil one by the dagger he's sticking in you.

Chain of Smog (The List)
Greg Staples

Target player discards two cards. That player may copy this spell and may choose a new target for that copy.

Evil Twin (Battlebond)
Greg Staples

You may have this creature enter as a copy of any creature on the battlefield, except it has "{U}{B}, {T}: Destroy target creature with the same name as this creature."

You can always tell the evil one by the dagger he's sticking in you.

Elvish Mystic (Commander Masters)
Greg Staples

{T}: Add {G}.

"Just as new shoots rise from winter's slumber, so too will my people rise to greatness once again."

Elemental (Born of the Gods Tokens)
Greg Staples

Echoing Courage (Masters 25)
Greg Staples

Target creature and all other creatures with the same name as that creature get +2/+2 until end of turn.

A single seed unleashes a flurry of growth.

Martyr of Dusk (The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Commander)
Greg Staples

When this creature dies, create a 1/1 white Vampire creature token with lifelink.

"Should I fall, take up our standard and carry on. The Legion must always prevail."

Echoing Truth (Modern Masters)
Greg Staples

Return target nonland permanent and all other permanents with the same name as that permanent to their owners' hands.

A single lie unleashes a tide of disbelief.

Despoiler of Souls (Duel Decks: Nissa vs. Ob Nixilis)
Greg Staples

This creature can't block. {B}{B}, Exile two other creature cards from your graveyard: Return this card from your graveyard to the battlefield.

Rats and vultures devour. It desecrates.

Hunter's Prowess (Starter Commander Decks)
Greg Staples

Until end of turn, target creature gets +3/+3 and gains trample and "Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, draw that many cards."

To be counted among the warriors of Setessa's Leina Tower, you must not fear death, only failure.

Buried Alive (World Championship Decks 2003)
Greg Staples

Search your library for up to three creature cards, put them into your graveyard, then shuffle.

The scrape of shovels and the tumble of cold dirt soon muffled their pleas.

Needle Drop (Lorwyn)
Greg Staples

Needle Drop deals 1 damage to any target that was dealt damage this turn. Draw a card.

"First it was plovers and mulldrifters. Now it's knitting needles the size of javelins." —Calydd, kithkin farmer

Sen Triplets (Double Masters)
Greg Staples

At the beginning of your upkeep, choose target opponent. This turn, that player can't cast spells or activate abilities and plays with their hand revealed. You may play lands and cast spells from that player's hand this turn.

They are the masters of your mind.

Mahamoti Djinn (Magic 2015)
Greg Staples

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

Of royal blood among the spirits of the air, the Mahamoti djinn rides on the wings of the winds. As dangerous in the gambling hall as he is in battle, he is a master of trickery and misdirection.

Goblin Raider (Eighth Edition)
Greg Staples

This creature can't block.

He's smart for a goblin. He can do *two* things: hit *and* run.

Force of Nature (Ninth Edition)
Greg Staples

Trample (This creature can deal excess combat damage to the player or planeswalker it's attacking.) At the beginning of your upkeep, this creature deals 8 damage to you unless you pay {G}{G}{G}{G}.

Bloodfire Colossus (Tenth Edition)
Greg Staples

{R}, Sacrifice this creature: It deals 6 damage to each creature and each player.

It took all its strength to contain the fire within.

Baneslayer Angel (From the Vault: Angels)
Greg Staples

Flying, first strike, lifelink, protection from Demons and from Dragons

Some angels protect the meek and innocent. Others seek out and smite evil wherever it lurks.

Bloodfire Colossus (Duel Decks: Venser vs. Koth)
Greg Staples

{R}, Sacrifice this creature: It deals 6 damage to each creature and each player.

It took all its strength to contain the fire within.

Avacynian Priest (Innistrad)
Greg Staples

{1}, {T}: Tap target non-Human creature.

Moorlanders speak in awe of the priests' talent for arriving just in time to drive off the wicked things that prowl the ravished parish.

Dragon Breath (Battlebond)
Greg Staples

Enchant creature Enchanted creature has haste. {R}: Enchanted creature gets +1/+0 until end of turn. When a creature with mana value 6 or greater enters, you may return this card from your graveyard to the battlefield attached to that creature.

Thundercloud Shaman (Commander 2015)
Greg Staples

When this creature enters, it deals damage equal to the number of Giants you control to each non-Giant creature.

He cares not for the disasters his storm brings as long as his path ahead is clear.

Tourach, Dread Cantor (The List)
Greg Staples

Kicker {B}{B} (You may pay an additional {B}{B} as you cast this spell.) Protection from white Whenever an opponent discards a card, put a +1/+1 counter on Tourach. When Tourach enters, if it was kicked, target opponent discards two cards at random.

Torrent of Stone (Modern Masters)
Greg Staples

Torrent of Stone deals 4 damage to target creature. Splice onto Arcane—Sacrifice two Mountains. (As you cast an Arcane spell, you may reveal this card from your hand and pay its splice cost. If you do, add this card's effects to that spell.)

Plains (Champions of Kamigawa)
Greg Staples

({T}: Add {W}.)

Preeminent Captain (Morningtide)
Greg Staples

First strike (This creature deals combat damage before creatures without first strike.) Whenever this creature attacks, you may put a Soldier creature card from your hand onto the battlefield tapped and attacking.

"If you need an example to lead others to the front lines, consider the precedent set."

Skirk Outrider (Legions)
Greg Staples

As long as you control a Beast, this creature gets +2/+2 and has trample.

Once the goblins thought about it, they preferred being atop a slateback to being in front of, behind, or underneath one.

Hunted Troll (The List)
Greg Staples

When this creature enters, target opponent creates four 1/1 blue Faerie creature tokens with flying. {G}: Regenerate this creature.

Ill-Gotten Gains (Conspiracy)
Greg Staples

Exile Ill-Gotten Gains. Each player discards their hand, then returns up to three cards from their graveyard to their hand.

Urza thought it a crusade. Xantcha knew it was a robbery.

Paradox Haze (The List)
Greg Staples

Enchant player At the beginning of enchanted player's first upkeep each turn, that player gets an additional upkeep step after this step.

"Keep your pace steady through the haze, lest you step on the heels of your future self or trip the self a moment behind you." —Teferi

Yawgmoth, Thran Physician (Dominaria Remastered)
Greg Staples

Protection from Humans Pay 1 life, Sacrifice another creature: Put a -1/-1 counter on up to one target creature and draw a card. {B}{B}, Discard a card: Proliferate. (Choose any number of permanents and/or players, then give each another counter of each kind already there.)

Surgical Extraction (New Phyrexia Promos)
Greg Staples

({B/P} can be paid with either {B} or 2 life.) Choose target card in a graveyard other than a basic land card. Search its owner's graveyard, hand, and library for any number of cards with the same name as that card and exile them. Then that player shuffles.

Avacyn's Pilgrim (Friday Night Magic 2012)
Greg Staples

{T}: Add {W}.

"Avacyn's protection is everywhere. From the holy church to the sacred glade, all that we see is under her blessed watch."

Serra Angel (Magic 2013)
Greg Staples

Flying Vigilance (Attacking doesn't cause this creature to tap.)

Follow the light. In its absence, follow her.

Palisade Giant (Return to Ravnica)
Greg Staples

All damage that would be dealt to you and other permanents you control is dealt to this creature instead.

Refusing guild allegiances, she fights for those who can't protect themselves.

Leonin Relic-Warder (The List)
Greg Staples

When this creature enters, you may exile target artifact or enchantment. When this creature leaves the battlefield, return the exiled card to the battlefield under its owner's control.

Southern Paladin (Seventh Edition)
Greg Staples

{W}{W}, {T}: Destroy target red permanent.

"How can anyone fight so much yet enjoy it so little?" —The Western Paladin

Orzhov Guildmage (Ravnica Remastered)
Greg Staples

{2}{W}: Target player gains 1 life. {2}{B}: Each player loses 1 life.

Despoiler of Souls (Magic Origins Promos)
Greg Staples

This creature can't block. {B}{B}, Exile two other creature cards from your graveyard: Return this card from your graveyard to the battlefield.

Rats and vultures devour. It desecrates.

Archangel of Strife (From the Vault: Angels)
Greg Staples

Flying As this creature enters, each player chooses war or peace. Creatures controlled by players who chose war get +3/+0. Creatures controlled by players who chose peace get +0/+3.

Spiketail Hatchling (Tenth Edition)
Greg Staples

Flying (This creature can't be blocked except by creatures with flying or reach.) Sacrifice this creature: Counter target spell unless its controller pays {1}.

It dodges waves of water to prepare for waves of magic.

Storm Crow (Unfinity Tokens)
Greg Staples

Flying

Bloodfire Kavu (Apocalypse)
Greg Staples

{R}, Sacrifice this creature: It deals 2 damage to each creature.

Heart of fire, blood of lava, teeth of stone.

Mugging (Ravnica Remastered)
Greg Staples

Mugging deals 2 damage to target creature. That creature can't block this turn.

Scream: muffled. Pockets: emptied. Neck function: never the same again.

Wee Dragonauts (Arena League 2006)
Greg Staples

Flying Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, this creature gets +2/+0 until end of turn.

"The blazekite is a simple concept, really—just a vehicular application of dragscoop ionics and electropropulsion magnetronics." —Juzba, Izzet tinker

Buried Alive (World Championship Decks 2003)
Greg Staples

Search your library for up to three creature cards, put them into your graveyard, then shuffle.

The scrape of shovels and the tumble of cold dirt soon muffled their pleas.

Empyrial Archangel (Shards of Alara)
Greg Staples

Flying Shroud (This creature can't be the target of spells or abilities.) All damage that would be dealt to you is dealt to this creature instead.

Her wings are the prayers of the devoted; her sword, the despair of the vile.

Radiant's Judgment (The List)
Greg Staples

Destroy target creature with power 4 or greater. Cycling {2} ({2}, Discard this card: Draw a card.)

Fight the _____ Fight (Unfinity)
Greg Staples

Enchant creature you control When this Aura enters, you may put a name sticker on it. When you do, enchanted creature fights up to one target creature you don't control. Enchanted creature gets +0/+2 for each name sticker on this Aura with eight or more letters.

Saltcrusted Steppe (Commander 2017)
Greg Staples

{T}: Add {C}. {1}, {T}: Put a storage counter on this land. {1}, Remove X storage counters from this land: Add X mana in any combination of {G} and/or {W}.

Diabolic Tutor (Commander 2011)
Greg Staples

Search your library for a card, put that card into your hand, then shuffle.

The wise always keep an ear open to the whispers of power.

Harvester Troll (Oath of the Gatewatch)
Greg Staples

When this creature enters, you may sacrifice a creature or land. If you do, put two +1/+1 counters on this creature.

Having no interest in the greater conflict, the trolls continue to prey upon whatever wanders into their domain.

Paradox Haze (Time Spiral)
Greg Staples

Enchant player At the beginning of enchanted player's first upkeep each turn, that player gets an additional upkeep step after this step.

"Keep your pace steady through the haze, lest you step on the heels of your future self or trip the self a moment behind you." —Teferi

Turn to Mist (Shadowmoor)
Greg Staples

Exile target creature. Return that card to the battlefield under its owner's control at the beginning of the next end step.

"Did you expect me to dodge? How quaint." —Olka, mistmeadow witch

Naughty (Happy Holidays)
Greg Staples

Search for Tomorrow (Time Spiral Remastered)
Greg Staples

Search your library for a basic land card, put it onto the battlefield, then shuffle. Suspend 2—{G} (Rather than cast this card from your hand, you may pay {G} and exile it with two time counters on it. At the beginning of your upkeep, remove a time counter. When the last is removed, you may cast it without paying its mana cost.)

Orcish Spy (Eighth Edition)
Greg Staples

{T}: Look at the top three cards of target player's library.

"You idiot! Never let the spies mingle with the orcish regulars after completing a mission. Now we'll never get them to fight!" —General Khurzog

Exhibition Magician (Streets of New Capenna)
Greg Staples

When this creature enters, choose one — • Create a 1/1 green and white Citizen creature token. • Create a Treasure token. (It's an artifact with "{T}, Sacrifice this token: Add one mana of any color.")

Voice of Many (Starter Commander Decks)
Greg Staples

When this creature enters, draw a card for each opponent who controls fewer creatures than you.

His words echo every roar, screech, and howl of the wilds.

Warmind Infantry (Gatecrash)
Greg Staples

Battalion — Whenever this creature and at least two other creatures attack, this creature gets +2/+0 until end of turn.

Before Aurelia denounced Niv-Mizzet, the two guilds had collaborated on the Warmind Initiative in pursuit of the ultimate soldier.

Isperia the Inscrutable (RNA Guild Kit)
Greg Staples

Flying Whenever Isperia deals combat damage to a player, choose a card name. That player reveals their hand. If a card with the chosen name is revealed this way, search your library for a creature card with flying, reveal it, put it into your hand, then shuffle.

Mistmeadow Witch (Modern Masters 2017)
Greg Staples

{2}{W}{U}: Exile target creature. Return that card to the battlefield under its owner's control at the beginning of the next end step.

Olka collected the evening mist for years, studying its secrets. Once she learned its essence, she could vanish with a thought.

Ordruun Veteran (Gatecrash)
Greg Staples

Battalion — Whenever this creature and at least two other creatures attack, this creature gains double strike until end of turn. (It deals both first-strike and regular combat damage.)

"My father was Gruul, but I chose the precision of the legion over the fury of the pack."

Bringer of the Blue Dawn (Fifth Dawn)
Greg Staples

You may pay {W}{U}{B}{R}{G} rather than pay this spell's mana cost. Trample At the beginning of your upkeep, you may draw two cards.

Extra Arms (Scourge)
Greg Staples

Enchant creature Whenever enchanted creature attacks, it deals 2 damage to any target.

"Perhaps extra heads would have served them better." —Foothill guide

Cruel Revival (Planechase)
Greg Staples

Destroy target non-Zombie creature. It can't be regenerated. Return up to one target Zombie card from your graveyard to your hand.

Few Cabal fighters fear death. They fear what follows it.

Orzhov Guildmage (Commander Anthology)
Greg Staples

{2}{W}: Target player gains 1 life. {2}{B}: Each player loses 1 life.

Ghost Council of Orzhova (Guildpact)
Greg Staples

When Ghost Council of Orzhova enters, target opponent loses 1 life and you gain 1 life. {1}, Sacrifice a creature: Exile Ghost Council of Orzhova. Return it to the battlefield under its owner's control at the beginning of the next end step.

Corrupted Resolve (New Phyrexia)
Greg Staples

Counter target spell if its controller is poisoned.

"Flesh is a sickness that infects Phyrexia." —Avaricta, Gitaxian sective

Vedalken Heretic (Alara Reborn)
Greg Staples

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

"Etherium clouded my eyes, clogged my ears, desensitized my skin. Now that I can feel, I can begin to learn."

Judge Unworthy (Future Sight)
Greg Staples

Choose target attacking or blocking creature. Scry 3, then reveal the top card of your library. Judge Unworthy deals damage equal to that card's mana value to that creature.

Martial Coup (Phyrexia: All Will Be One Commander)
Greg Staples

Create X 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens. If X is 5 or more, destroy all other creatures.

Their war forgotten, the nations of Bant stood united in the face of a common threat.

Punishing Fire (Duel Decks: Knights vs. Dragons)
Greg Staples

Punishing Fire deals 2 damage to any target. Whenever an opponent gains life, you may pay {R}. If you do, return this card from your graveyard to your hand.

Auramancer's Guise (Planar Chaos)
Greg Staples

Enchant creature Enchanted creature gets +2/+2 for each Aura attached to it and has vigilance.

"Consider not what the mask hides, but what it can reveal."

Piru, the Volatile (Modern Horizons 2)
Greg Staples

Flying, lifelink At the beginning of your upkeep, sacrifice Piru unless you pay {R}{W}{B}. When Piru dies, it deals 7 damage to each nonlegendary creature.

Chasms of dueling energies course within her.

Liquid Fire (Odyssey)
Greg Staples

As an additional cost to cast this spell, choose a number between 0 and 5. Liquid Fire deals X damage to target creature and 5 minus X damage to that creature's controller, where X is the chosen number.

There's no such thing as a little bit of lava.

Traumatize (Ninth Edition)
Greg Staples

Target player mills half their library, rounded down.

You won't know what you're missing.

Stone Rain (Champions of Kamigawa)
Greg Staples

Destroy target land.

"The kami struck with gouts of fire, showers of rock, and the combined rage of the spirit world. Only Eiganjo Castle remained standing, glistening untouched in the sun." —*The History of Kamigawa*

Parallax Wave (The List)
Greg Staples

Fading 5 (This enchantment enters with five fade counters on it. At the beginning of your upkeep, remove a fade counter from it. If you can't, sacrifice it.) Remove a fade counter from this enchantment: Exile target creature. When this enchantment leaves the battlefield, each player returns to the battlefield all cards they own exiled with it.

Borderland Minotaur (Theros)
Greg Staples

"You have led us to triumph over the forces of Mogis!" said Brygus the Brave, clapping the Champion on the back. The Champion wiped the sweat and blood from her brow. "I count eight graves," she said. "Too many to call this a victory." —*The Theriad*

Solemn Simulacrum (Mirrodin)
Greg Staples

When this creature enters, you may search your library for a basic land card, put that card onto the battlefield tapped, then shuffle. When this creature dies, you may draw a card.

Slitherhead (Ravnica Remastered)
Greg Staples

Scavenge {0} ({0}, Exile this card from your graveyard: Put a number of +1/+1 counters equal to this card's power on target creature. Scavenge only as a sorcery.)

"It makes better use of Uncle Dragi's head than he ever did." —Pesha, retired blacksmith

Vulturous Zombie (Commander Anthology Volume II)
Greg Staples

Flying Whenever a card is put into an opponent's graveyard from anywhere, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.

"When something dies, all things benefit. Well okay, just our things." —Ezoc, Golgari rot farmer

Laquatus's Champion (Masters 25)
Greg Staples

When this creature enters, target player loses 6 life. When this creature leaves the battlefield, that player gains 6 life. {B}: Regenerate this creature.

Chainer's dark gift to a darker soul.

Mahamoti Djinn (Ultimate Masters)
Greg Staples

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

Of royal blood among the spirits of the air, the Mahamoti djinn rides on the wings of the winds. As dangerous in the gambling hall as he is in battle, he is a master of trickery and misdirection.

Plains (Tenth Edition)
Greg Staples

({T}: Add {W}.)

Angel's Mercy (Avacyn Restored)
Greg Staples

You gain 7 life.

"I understand your fears. I pity your doubts. I absolve you of both."

Mugging (Jumpstart)
Greg Staples

Mugging deals 2 damage to target creature. That creature can't block this turn.

Scream: muffled. Pockets: emptied. Neck function: never the same again.

Global Ruin (World Championship Decks 2002)
Greg Staples

Each player chooses from the lands they control a land of each basic land type, then sacrifices the rest.

"The earth shook, the sky rained fire, and it seemed the world was ending." —Benalish refugee

Serra Angel (Magic 2010)
Greg Staples

Flying Vigilance (Attacking doesn't cause this creature to tap.)

Her sword sings more beautifully than any choir.

Malevolent Whispers (Shadows over Innistrad)
Greg Staples

Gain control of target creature until end of turn. Untap that creature. It gets +2/+0 and gains haste until end of turn. Madness {3}{R} (If you discard this card, discard it into exile. When you do, cast it for its madness cost or put it into your graveyard.)

Serra Angel (Commander 2011)
Greg Staples

Flying Vigilance (Attacking doesn't cause this creature to tap.)

Perfect justice in service of a perfect will.

Captain's Call (Commander Legends)
Greg Staples

Create three 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens.

"Who among you has the courage to face certain death? Who will heed my call?" —Rayel Vanger, Firstblade of Thune

Memory Lapse (The List)
Greg Staples

Counter target spell. If that spell is countered this way, put it on top of its owner's library instead of into that player's graveyard.

What a lonely agony, the memory of memories lost.

Dack Fayden (Secret Lair Drop)
Greg Staples

+1: Target player draws two cards, then discards two cards. −2: Gain control of target artifact. −6: You get an emblem with "Whenever you cast a spell that targets one or more permanents, gain control of those permanents."

Mahamoti Djinn (Magic Origins)
Greg Staples

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

Of royal blood among the spirits of the air, the Mahamoti djinn rides on the wings of the winds. As dangerous in the gambling hall as he is in battle, he is a master of trickery and misdirection.

Pentavus (Commander 2014)
Greg Staples

This creature enters with five +1/+1 counters on it. {1}, Remove a +1/+1 counter from this creature: Create a 1/1 colorless Pentavite artifact creature token with flying. {1}, Sacrifice a Pentavite: Put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.

Tribal Forcemage (Legions)
Greg Staples

Morph {1}{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, creatures of the creature type of your choice get +2/+2 and gain trample until end of turn.

Tourach, Dread Cantor (The List)
Greg Staples

Kicker {B}{B} (You may pay an additional {B}{B} as you cast this spell.) Protection from white Whenever an opponent discards a card, put a +1/+1 counter on Tourach. When Tourach enters, if it was kicked, target opponent discards two cards at random.

Buried Alive (Premium Deck Series: Graveborn)
Greg Staples

Search your library for up to three creature cards, put them into your graveyard, then shuffle.

The scrape of shovels and the tumble of cold dirt soon muffled their pleas.

Demonfire (RNA Guild Kit)
Greg Staples

Demonfire deals X damage to any target. If a creature dealt damage this way would die this turn, exile it instead. Hellbent — If you have no cards in hand, this spell can't be countered and the damage can't be prevented.

Mirrodin's Core (Conspiracy)
Greg Staples

{T}: Add {C}. {T}: Put a charge counter on this land. {T}, Remove a charge counter from this land: Add one mana of any color.

Avacynian Priest (Innistrad Remastered)
Greg Staples

{1}, {T}: Tap target non-Human creature.

Moorlanders speak in awe of the priests' talent for arriving just in time to drive off the wicked things that prowl the ravished parish.

Mistmeadow Witch (The List)
Greg Staples

{2}{W}{U}: Exile target creature. Return that card to the battlefield under its owner's control at the beginning of the next end step.

Olka collected the evening mist for years, studying its secrets. Once she learned its essence, she could vanish with a thought.

Squee, Goblin Nabob (Modern Masters)
Greg Staples

At the beginning of your upkeep, you may return this card from your graveyard to your hand.

"Some goblins are expendable. Some are impossible to get rid of. But he's both—at the same time!" —Starke

Steward of Valeron (Shards of Alara)
Greg Staples

Vigilance {T}: Add {G}.

Knight-stewards guard the Sun-Dappled Court, a grove of immense, sculptured olive trees that represent Valeron's twelve noble families.

Lorescale Coatl (Commander 2015)
Greg Staples

Whenever you draw a card, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.

"The enlightenment I never found in etherium I have found traced in the coatl's scales." —Ranalus, vedalken heretic

Solemn Simulacrum (Time Spiral Remastered)
Greg Staples

When this creature enters, you may search your library for a basic land card, put that card onto the battlefield tapped, then shuffle. When this creature dies, you may draw a card.

The Second Doctor (Doctor Who)
Greg Staples

Players have no maximum hand size. How Civil of You — At the beginning of your end step, each player may draw a card. Each opponent who does can't attack you or permanents you control during their next turn.

Demonfire (Duel Decks Anthology: Jace vs. Chandra)
Greg Staples

Demonfire deals X damage to any target. If a creature dealt damage this way would die this turn, exile it instead. Hellbent — If you have no cards in hand, this spell can't be countered and the damage can't be prevented.

Serra Angel (Welcome Deck 2017)
Greg Staples

Flying Vigilance (Attacking doesn't cause this creature to tap.)

Follow the light. In its absence, follow her.

Serra Angel (Tenth Edition)
Greg Staples

Flying Vigilance (Attacking doesn't cause this creature to tap.)

Her sword sings more beautifully than any choir.

Mana Short (World Championship Decks 2002)
Greg Staples

Tap all lands target player controls and that player loses all unspent mana.

"Remove their power, and their will to fight will follow." —Tolarian wizard

Sunweb (Eighth Edition)
Greg Staples

Defender (This creature can't attack.) Flying This creature can't block creatures with power 2 or less.

Sometimes the wings of fallen dragons refuse to give up the sky.

Arachnoid (Fifth Dawn)
Greg Staples

Reach (This creature can block creatures with flying.)

It follows the green sun over Mirrodin's surface, spinning massive webs of whispersilk as it goes.

Blood Seeker (Magic 2012)
Greg Staples

Whenever a creature an opponent controls enters, you may have that player lose 1 life.

A drop now is all he needs to find you later.

Goliath Sphinx (Commander Masters)
Greg Staples

Flying

He makes his home on the tallest mountain in Sejiri, where the vista is as endless as his patience.

Lurking Jackals (Urza's Destiny)
Greg Staples

When an opponent has 10 or less life, if this permanent is an enchantment, it becomes a 3/2 Jackal creature.

Often it's not the hunter or the hunted but the opportunist who thrives in Rath.

Ogre Battledriver (Tarkir: Dragonstorm Commander)
Greg Staples

Whenever another creature you control enters, that creature gets +2/+0 and gains haste until end of turn. (It can attack and {T} this turn.)

Ogres are driven by passion, rage, and another ogre standing behind them with a whip.

Squee, Goblin Nabob (Commander Masters)
Greg Staples

At the beginning of your upkeep, you may return this card from your graveyard to your hand.

"Some goblins are expendable. Some are impossible to get rid of. But he's both—at the same time!" —Starke

Silumgar Scavenger (Modern Horizons)
Greg Staples

Flying Exploit (When this creature enters, you may sacrifice a creature.) Whenever another creature you control dies, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature. It gains haste until end of turn if it exploited that creature.

Ill-Gotten Gains (Urza's Saga)
Greg Staples

Exile Ill-Gotten Gains. Each player discards their hand, then returns up to three cards from their graveyard to their hand.

Urza thought it a crusade. Xantcha knew it was a robbery.

Old Rutstein (Innistrad: Crimson Vow)
Greg Staples

When Old Rutstein enters and at the beginning of your upkeep, mill a card. If a land card is milled this way, create a Treasure token. If a creature card is milled this way, create a 1/1 green Insect creature token. If a noncreature, nonland card is milled this way, create a Blood token.

Demonfire (Duel Decks: Jace vs. Chandra)
Greg Staples

Demonfire deals X damage to any target. If a creature dealt damage this way would die this turn, exile it instead. Hellbent — If you have no cards in hand, this spell can't be countered and the damage can't be prevented.

Fyndhorn Elder (Seventh Edition)
Greg Staples

{T}: Add {G}{G}.

"It is useful to be able to speak to the trees. But it is truly wondrous to be able to listen to them."

Echoing Truth (Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. Tezzeret)
Greg Staples

Return target nonland permanent and all other permanents with the same name as that permanent to their owners' hands.

A single lie unleashes a tide of disbelief.

Vedalken Plotter (Commander 2011)
Greg Staples

When this creature enters, exchange control of target land you control and target land an opponent controls.

"Fair? At what point in our negotiations did you convince yourself my goal was to be fair?"

Leonin Relic-Warder (Commander 2017)
Greg Staples

When this creature enters, you may exile target artifact or enchantment. When this creature leaves the battlefield, return the exiled card to the battlefield under its owner's control.

Waylay (Urza's Saga)
Greg Staples

Create three 2/2 white Knight creature tokens. Exile them at the beginning of the next cleanup step.

"You reek of corruption," spat the knight. "Why are you even here?"

Nourishing Shoal (Betrayers of Kamigawa)
Greg Staples

You may exile a green card with mana value X from your hand rather than pay this spell's mana cost. You gain X life.

Mistmeadow Witch (Commander 2013)
Greg Staples

{2}{W}{U}: Exile target creature. Return that card to the battlefield under its owner's control at the beginning of the next end step.

Olka collected the evening mist for years, studying its secrets. Once she learned its essence, she could vanish with a thought.

Sen Triplets (Alara Reborn)
Greg Staples

At the beginning of your upkeep, choose target opponent. This turn, that player can't cast spells or activate abilities and plays with their hand revealed. You may play lands and cast spells from that player's hand this turn.

They are the masters of your mind.

Beastmaster Ascension (Secret Lair Drop)
Greg Staples

Whenever a creature you control attacks, you may put a quest counter on this enchantment. As long as this enchantment has seven or more quest counters on it, creatures you control get +5/+5.

"They made you soft. You'll make them pay."

Dimir Machinations (Ravnica: City of Guilds)
Greg Staples

Look at the top three cards of target player's library. Exile any number of those cards, then put the rest back in any order. Transmute {1}{B}{B} ({1}{B}{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.)

Gut Shot (Modern Masters 2015)
Greg Staples

({R/P} can be paid with either {R} or 2 life.) Gut Shot deals 1 damage to any target.

"Down here, we have a more pointed version of the scriptures." —Urabrask's enforcer

Oracle of Bones (Born of the Gods)
Greg Staples

Haste Tribute 2 (As this creature enters, an opponent of your choice may put two +1/+1 counters on it.) When this creature enters, if tribute wasn't paid, you may cast an instant or sorcery spell from your hand without paying its mana cost.

Outmaneuver (The List)
Greg Staples

X target blocked creatures assign their combat damage this turn as though they weren't blocked.

"Push one goblin into sight, an' run a lot. That's tactics." —Jula, goblin raider

Pentavus (Magic 2012)
Greg Staples

This creature enters with five +1/+1 counters on it. {1}, Remove a +1/+1 counter from this creature: Create a 1/1 colorless Pentavite artifact creature token with flying. {1}, Sacrifice a Pentavite: Put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.

Echoing Truth (Darksteel)
Greg Staples

Return target nonland permanent and all other permanents with the same name as that permanent to their owners' hands.

A single lie unleashes a tide of disbelief.

Electrickery (GRN Guild Kit)
Greg Staples

Electrickery deals 1 damage to target creature you don't control. Overload {1}{R} (You may cast this spell for its overload cost. If you do, change "target" in its text to "each.")

Myr Enforcer (Planechase)
Greg Staples

Affinity for artifacts (This spell costs {1} less to cast for each artifact you control.)

Most myr monitor other species. Some myr monitor other myr.

The Lord of Pain (Duskmourn: House of Horror Commander)
Greg Staples

Menace Your opponents can't gain life. Whenever a player casts their first spell each turn, choose another target player. The Lord of Pain deals damage equal to that spell's mana value to the chosen player.

Bloodlord of Vaasgoth (Crimson Vow Commander)
Greg Staples

Bloodthirst 3 (If an opponent was dealt damage this turn, this creature enters with three +1/+1 counters on it.) Flying Whenever you cast a Vampire creature spell, it gains bloodthirst 3.

The Second Doctor (Doctor Who)
Greg Staples

Players have no maximum hand size. How Civil of You — At the beginning of your end step, each player may draw a card. Each opponent who does can't attack you or permanents you control during their next turn.

Baneslayer Angel (Core Set 2021)
Greg Staples

Flying, first strike, lifelink, protection from Demons and from Dragons

Some angels protect the meek and innocent. Others seek out and smite evil wherever it lurks.

Gaea's Anthem (Time Spiral Remastered)
Greg Staples

Creatures you control get +1/+1.

"To those who can hear it, Gaea's battle song brings power as swift as sunlight and as enduring as the deep roots of the forest." —Gamelen, Citanul elder

The Fugitive Doctor (Doctor Who)
Greg Staples

When The Fugitive Doctor enters, investigate. Whenever The Fugitive Doctor attacks, you may sacrifice a Clue. When you do, target instant or sorcery card in your graveyard gains flashback {2}{R}{G} until end of turn. (You may cast that card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

Search for Tomorrow (Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate)
Greg Staples

Search your library for a basic land card, put it onto the battlefield, then shuffle. Suspend 2—{G} (Rather than cast this card from your hand, you may pay {G} and exile it with two time counters on it. At the beginning of your upkeep, remove a time counter. When the last is removed, you may cast it without paying its mana cost.)

Lord of Atlantis (World Championship Decks 2001)
Greg Staples

Other Merfolk get +1/+1 and have islandwalk. (They can't be blocked as long as defending player controls an Island.)

A master of tactics, the Lord of Atlantis makes his people bold in battle merely by arriving to lead them.

Parallax Wave (World Championship Decks 2000)
Greg Staples

Fading 5 (This enchantment enters with five fade counters on it. At the beginning of your upkeep, remove a fade counter from it. If you can't, sacrifice it.) Remove a fade counter from this enchantment: Exile target creature. When this enchantment leaves the battlefield, each player returns to the battlefield all cards they own exiled with it.

Worldslayer (Mirrodin)
Greg Staples

Whenever equipped creature deals combat damage to a player, destroy all permanents other than this Equipment. Equip {5} ({5}: Attach to target creature you control. Equip only as a sorcery.)

Sulfuric Vortex (Conspiracy)
Greg Staples

At the beginning of each player's upkeep, this enchantment deals 2 damage to that player. If a player would gain life, that player gains no life instead.

Dismember (Secret Lair Drop)
Greg Staples

({B/P} can be paid with either {B} or 2 life.) Target creature gets -5/-5 until end of turn.

"A scratch? Your arm's off!"

Honor of the Pure (Magic 2011)
Greg Staples

White creatures you control get +1/+1.

Together the soldiers were like a golden blade, cutting down their enemies and scarring the darkness.

Sen Triplets (The List)
Greg Staples

At the beginning of your upkeep, choose target opponent. This turn, that player can't cast spells or activate abilities and plays with their hand revealed. You may play lands and cast spells from that player's hand this turn.

They are the masters of your mind.

Divinity of Pride (Eventide)
Greg Staples

Flying, lifelink This creature gets +4/+4 as long as you have 25 or more life.

"She spoke of mystery and portent, of such unfathomable things that my mind screamed for pity." —*The Seer's Parables*

Opal-Eye, Konda's Yojimbo (Betrayers of Kamigawa)
Greg Staples

Defender (This creature can't attack.) Bushido 1 (Whenever this creature blocks or becomes blocked, it gets +1/+1 until end of turn.) {T}: The next time a source of your choice would deal damage this turn, that damage is dealt to Opal-Eye instead. {1}{W}: Prevent the next 1 damage that would be dealt to Opal-Eye this turn.

Wall of One Thousand Cuts (The List)
Greg Staples

Defender, flying {W}: This creature can attack this turn as though it didn't have defender.

Families of the fallen donate the swords of their loved ones to bolster the city's defenses.

Gnawing Zombie (Jumpstart 2022)
Greg Staples

{1}{B}, Sacrifice a creature: Target player loses 1 life and you gain 1 life.

On still nights you can hear its rotted teeth grinding tirelessly on scavenged bones.

Amy Pond (Doctor Who)
Greg Staples

Partner with Rory Williams (When this creature enters, target player may put Rory into their hand from their library, then shuffle.) Whenever Amy Pond deals combat damage to a player, choose a suspended card you own and remove that many time counters from it. Doctor's companion (You can have two commanders if the other is the Doctor.)

Aven Brigadier (Onslaught)
Greg Staples

Flying Other Bird creatures get +1/+1. Other Soldier creatures get +1/+1.

He represents what little pride the Order has left.

Ogre Battledriver (Magic 2014)
Greg Staples

Whenever another creature you control enters, that creature gets +2/+0 and gains haste until end of turn. (It can attack and {T} this turn.)

Ogres are driven by passion, rage, and another ogre standing behind them with a whip.

Divine Reckoning (Commander 2019)
Greg Staples

Each player chooses a creature they control. Destroy the rest. Flashback {5}{W}{W} (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

Survival of the purest.

Gnarled Scarhide (Journey into Nyx)
Greg Staples

Bestow {3}{B} (If you cast this card for its bestow cost, it's an Aura spell with enchant creature. It becomes a creature again if it's not attached to a creature.) This creature can't block. Enchanted creature gets +2/+1 and can't block.

Proteus Machine (Scourge)
Greg Staples

Morph {0} (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, it becomes the creature type of your choice. (This effect lasts indefinitely.)

Urborg Syphon-Mage (Duel Decks Anthology: Garruk vs. Liliana)
Greg Staples

{2}{B}, {T}, Discard a card: Each other player loses 2 life. You gain life equal to the life lost this way.

"I have become a gourmet of sorts. Each soul has its own distinctive flavor. The art is in inviting the right company to the feast."

Cinder Pyromancer (Premium Deck Series: Fire and Lightning)
Greg Staples

{T}: This creature deals 1 damage to target player or planeswalker. Whenever you cast a red spell, you may untap this creature.

"If the whole world burns, I'll never grow cold."

Echoing Courage (Conspiracy)
Greg Staples

Target creature and all other creatures with the same name as that creature get +2/+2 until end of turn.

A single seed unleashes a flurry of growth.

Dalek Squadron (Doctor Who)
Greg Staples

Menace Myriad (Whenever this creature attacks, for each opponent other than defending player, you may create a token copy that's tapped and attacking that player or a planeswalker they control. Exile the tokens at end of combat.)

Stormchaser Chimera (Conspiracy: Take the Crown)
Greg Staples

Flying {2}{U}{R}: Scry 1, then reveal the top card of your library. This creature gets +X/+0 until end of turn, where X is that card's mana value. (To scry 1, look at the top card of your library, then you may put that card on the bottom.)

Merrow Reejerey (Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. Goblins)
Greg Staples

Other Merfolk creatures you control get +1/+1. Whenever you cast a Merfolk spell, you may tap or untap target permanent.

Steady and silent as the deep current, the reejerey guides the course of the school.

Portent of Betrayal (Theros Beyond Death)
Greg Staples

Gain control of target creature until end of turn. Untap that creature. It gains haste until end of turn. Scry 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put that card on the bottom.)

Mogis can fan a small flame of resentment into an inferno of madness.

Rusting Golem (Nemesis)
Greg Staples

Fading 5 (This creature enters with five fade counters on it. At the beginning of your upkeep, remove a fade counter from it. If you can't, sacrifice it.) Rusting Golem's power and toughness are each equal to the number of fade counters on it.

Divine Reckoning (Commander 2017)
Greg Staples

Each player chooses a creature they control. Destroy the rest. Flashback {5}{W}{W} (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

Survival of the purest.

Serra Angel (Duel Decks Anthology: Divine vs. Demonic)
Greg Staples

Flying Vigilance (Attacking doesn't cause this creature to tap.)

Her sword sings more beautifully than any choir.

Festival of Embers (Bloomburrow Promos)
Greg Staples

During your turn, you may cast instant and sorcery spells from your graveyard by paying 1 life in addition to their other costs. If a card or token would be put into your graveyard from anywhere, exile it instead. {1}{R}: Sacrifice this enchantment.

Festival of Embers (Bloomburrow)
Greg Staples

During your turn, you may cast instant and sorcery spells from your graveyard by paying 1 life in addition to their other costs. If a card or token would be put into your graveyard from anywhere, exile it instead. {1}{R}: Sacrifice this enchantment.

Electrickery (The List)
Greg Staples

Electrickery deals 1 damage to target creature you don't control. Overload {1}{R} (You may cast this spell for its overload cost. If you do, change "target" in its text to "each.")

Scion of Draco (Modern Horizons 2 Promos)
Greg Staples

Domain — This spell costs {2} less to cast for each basic land type among lands you control. Flying Each creature you control has vigilance if it's white, hexproof if it's blue, lifelink if it's black, first strike if it's red, and trample if it's green.

Scion of Draco (Modern Horizons 2)
Greg Staples

Domain — This spell costs {2} less to cast for each basic land type among lands you control. Flying Each creature you control has vigilance if it's white, hexproof if it's blue, lifelink if it's black, first strike if it's red, and trample if it's green.

Vulturous Zombie (Ravnica: City of Guilds)
Greg Staples

Flying Whenever a card is put into an opponent's graveyard from anywhere, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.

"When something dies, all things benefit. Well okay, just our things." —Ezoc, Golgari rot farmer

Vulturous Zombie (Commander 2011)
Greg Staples

Flying Whenever a card is put into an opponent's graveyard from anywhere, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.

"When something dies, all things benefit. Well okay, just our things." —Ezoc, Golgari rot farmer

Vulturous Zombie (Commander 2015)
Greg Staples

Flying Whenever a card is put into an opponent's graveyard from anywhere, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.

"When something dies, all things benefit. Well okay, just our things." —Ezoc, Golgari rot farmer

Attempted Murder (Unfinity)
Greg Staples

Choose target creature. Roll X six-sided dice. For each even result, put two -1/-1 counters on that creature. For each odd result, create a 1/2 blue Bird creature token with flying named Storm Crow.

Squawks was quick to establish the social pecking order.

Sulfuric Vortex (Eternal Masters)
Greg Staples

At the beginning of each player's upkeep, this enchantment deals 2 damage to that player. If a player would gain life, that player gains no life instead.

Sulfuric Vortex (Duel Decks: Sorin vs. Tibalt)
Greg Staples

At the beginning of each player's upkeep, this enchantment deals 2 damage to that player. If a player would gain life, that player gains no life instead.

Sulfuric Vortex (Dominaria Remastered)
Greg Staples

At the beginning of each player's upkeep, this enchantment deals 2 damage to that player. If a player would gain life, that player gains no life instead.

Sulfuric Vortex (World Championship Decks 2003)
Greg Staples

At the beginning of each player's upkeep, this enchantment deals 2 damage to that player. If a player would gain life, that player gains no life instead.

Attempted Murder (Unfinity)
Greg Staples

Choose target creature. Roll X six-sided dice. For each even result, put two -1/-1 counters on that creature. For each odd result, create a 1/2 blue Bird creature token with flying named Storm Crow.

Squawks was quick to establish the social pecking order.

Cinder Pyromancer (Duels of the Planeswalkers)
Greg Staples

{T}: This creature deals 1 damage to target player or planeswalker. Whenever you cast a red spell, you may untap this creature.

"If the whole world burns, I'll never grow cold."

Hell's Caretaker (Ninth Edition)
Greg Staples

{T}, Sacrifice a creature: Return target creature card from your graveyard to the battlefield. Activate only during your upkeep.

Hell's Caretaker (Masters 25)
Greg Staples

{T}, Sacrifice a creature: Return target creature card from your graveyard to the battlefield. Activate only during your upkeep.

"The rules are clear. If you want to leave, you need only convince another to take your place."

Hell's Caretaker (The List)
Greg Staples

{T}, Sacrifice a creature: Return target creature card from your graveyard to the battlefield. Activate only during your upkeep.

"The rules are clear. If you want to leave, you need only convince another to take your place."

Mountain (Time Spiral)
Greg Staples

({T}: Add {R}.)

Shifty Doppelganger (Odyssey)
Greg Staples

{3}{U}, Exile this creature: You may put a creature card from your hand onto the battlefield. If you do, that creature gains haste until end of turn. At the beginning of the next end step, sacrifice that creature. If you do, return this card to the battlefield.

Aggravated Assault (Onslaught)
Greg Staples

{3}{R}{R}: Untap all creatures you control. After this main phase, there is an additional combat phase followed by an additional main phase. Activate only as a sorcery.

Diabolic Tutor (Wizards Play Network 2024)
Greg Staples

Search your library for a card, put that card into your hand, then shuffle.

The wise always keep an ear open to the whispers of power.

Lorescale Coatl (Core Set 2021)
Greg Staples

Whenever you draw a card, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.

"The enlightenment I never found in etherium I have found traced in the coatl's scales." —Ranalus, vedalken heretic

Tower of Champions (Mirrodin)
Greg Staples

{8}, {T}: Target creature gets +6/+6 until end of turn.

The ur-golem runes tell of the transformation of Mirrodin's warden from silent guardian to merciless god.

Turn to Mist (Ravnica: Clue Edition)
Greg Staples

Exile target creature. Return that card to the battlefield under its owner's control at the beginning of the next end step.

"Did you expect me to dodge? How quaint." —Olka, mistmeadow witch

Gaddock Teeg (The List)
Greg Staples

Noncreature spells with mana value 4 or greater can't be cast. Noncreature spells with {X} in their mana costs can't be cast.

So great are his wisdom and spirit that many who have met him say that they stood before a giant of a man and talked to the wisest of the four winds.

Mana Short (Seventh Edition)
Greg Staples

Tap all lands target player controls and that player loses all unspent mana.

"Remove their power, and their will to fight will follow." —Tolarian wizard

Reckless Wurm (Time Spiral Remastered)
Greg Staples

Trample Madness {2}{R} (If you discard this card, discard it into exile. When you do, cast it for its madness cost or put it into your graveyard.)

Bred for battle in the Grand Coliseum, these wurms annihilated whole ecosystems when released into the wild.

Oxidda Golem (Duel Decks: Jace vs. Chandra)
Greg Staples

Affinity for Mountains (This spell costs {1} less to cast for each Mountain you control.) Haste

The longer it patrols the smoldering crags of the Oxidda Chain, the more it adopts their fiery temper.

Warleader's Helix (Dragon's Maze)
Greg Staples

Warleader's Helix deals 4 damage to any target and you gain 4 life.

"There is no time to remedy our enemies' ignorance. Blast it out of them." —Aurelia

Ashnod's Altar (The Brothers' War Retro Artifacts)
Greg Staples

Sacrifice a creature: Add {C}{C}.

"Blood fluting needs to be deeper. Additional hooks needed for nerve rigging. Surface stippling could be coarser. —Ashnod, design notes

Sphinx of the Chimes (Return to Ravnica)
Greg Staples

Flying Discard two nonland cards with the same name: Draw four cards.

"I've dreamt of the future, Isperia. Danger is on the horizon. You must heed my warning."

Outmaneuver (Urza's Saga)
Greg Staples

X target blocked creatures assign their combat damage this turn as though they weren't blocked.

"Push one goblin into sight, an' run a lot. That's tactics." —Jula, goblin raider

Lord of Atlantis (Seventh Edition)
Greg Staples

Other Merfolk get +1/+1 and have islandwalk. (They can't be blocked as long as defending player controls an Island.)

A master of tactics, the Lord of Atlantis makes his people bold in battle merely by arriving to lead them.

Oxidda Golem (Duel Decks Anthology: Jace vs. Chandra)
Greg Staples

Affinity for Mountains (This spell costs {1} less to cast for each Mountain you control.) Haste

The longer it patrols the smoldering crags of the Oxidda Chain, the more it adopts their fiery temper.

Living End (Time Spiral)
Greg Staples

Suspend 3—{2}{B}{B} Each player exiles all creature cards from their graveyard, then sacrifices all creatures they control, then puts all cards they exiled this way onto the battlefield.

Dragonlord Atarka (30th Anniversary Play Promos)
Greg Staples

Flying, trample When Dragonlord Atarka enters, it deals 5 damage divided as you choose among any number of target creatures and/or planeswalkers your opponents control.

When she's hungry, no one is safe.

Mirrodin's Core (Darksteel)
Greg Staples

{T}: Add {C}. {T}: Put a charge counter on this land. {T}, Remove a charge counter from this land: Add one mana of any color.

Sunweb (Seventh Edition)
Greg Staples

Defender (This creature can't attack.) Flying This creature can't block creatures with power 2 or less.

Sometimes the wings of fallen dragons refuse to give up the sky.

Empyrial Archangel (Double Masters 2022)
Greg Staples

Flying Shroud (This creature can't be the target of spells or abilities.) All damage that would be dealt to you is dealt to this creature instead.

Her wings are the prayers of the devoted; her sword, the despair of the vile.

Martial Coup (Bloomburrow Commander)
Greg Staples

Create X 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens. If X is 5 or more, destroy all other creatures.

Their war forgotten, the nations of Bant stood united in the face of a common threat.

Hunted Troll (Commander 2013)
Greg Staples

When this creature enters, target opponent creates four 1/1 blue Faerie creature tokens with flying. {G}: Regenerate this creature.

Ghor-Clan Savage (Guildpact)
Greg Staples

Bloodthirst 3 (If an opponent was dealt damage this turn, this creature enters with three +1/+1 counters on it.)

The snap of sinew. The crunch of bone. A cry for mercy. These are the music of the Gruul.

Amy Pond (Doctor Who)
Greg Staples

Partner with Rory Williams (When this creature enters, target player may put Rory into their hand from their library, then shuffle.) Whenever Amy Pond deals combat damage to a player, choose a suspended card you own and remove that many time counters from it. Doctor's companion (You can have two commanders if the other is the Doctor.)

Saber Ants (Mercadian Masques)
Greg Staples

Whenever this creature is dealt damage, you may create that many 1/1 green Insect creature tokens.

They stay on the battlefield only long enough to consume the losers.

Kaho, Minamo Historian (Saviors of Kamigawa)
Greg Staples

When Kaho enters, search your library for up to three instant cards, exile them, then shuffle. {X}, {T}: You may cast a spell with mana value X from among cards exiled with Kaho without paying its mana cost.

Captain of the Watch (Game Night: Free-for-All)
Greg Staples

Vigilance (Attacking doesn't cause this creature to tap.) Other Soldier creatures you control get +1/+1 and have vigilance. When this creature enters, create three 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens.

Dead Ringers (Apocalypse)
Greg Staples

Destroy two target nonblack creatures unless either one is a color the other isn't. They can't be regenerated.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" crowed Crovax. "They fought together. Now they will die together."

Mistmeadow Witch (Kaldheim Commander)
Greg Staples

{2}{W}{U}: Exile target creature. Return that card to the battlefield under its owner's control at the beginning of the next end step.

Olka collected the evening mist for years, studying its secrets. Once she learned its essence, she could vanish with a thought.

Take Inventory (Eldritch Moon)
Greg Staples

Draw a card, then draw cards equal to the number of cards named Take Inventory in your graveyard.

A place for everything, and everything in its place.

Grounded (Avacyn Restored)
Greg Staples

Enchant creature Enchanted creature loses flying.

"We've tracked Ludevic's monster across four provinces. When it lands, make sure it stays put." —Alena, trapper of Kessig, to Halana of Ulvenwald

Leonin Relic-Warder (Mirrodin Besieged)
Greg Staples

When this creature enters, you may exile target artifact or enchantment. When this creature leaves the battlefield, return the exiled card to the battlefield under its owner's control.

Tourach, Dread Cantor (Modern Horizons 2)
Greg Staples

Kicker {B}{B} (You may pay an additional {B}{B} as you cast this spell.) Protection from white Whenever an opponent discards a card, put a +1/+1 counter on Tourach. When Tourach enters, if it was kicked, target opponent discards two cards at random.

Goblin Patrol (Urza's Saga)
Greg Staples

Echo {R} (At the beginning of your upkeep, if this came under your control since the beginning of your last upkeep, sacrifice it unless you pay its echo cost.)

"Take the sharp metal stick and make a lotta holes." —Jula, goblin raider

Vulturous Zombie (Commander Anthology)
Greg Staples

Flying Whenever a card is put into an opponent's graveyard from anywhere, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.

"When something dies, all things benefit. Well okay, just our things." —Ezoc, Golgari rot farmer

Scion of Draco (The List)
Greg Staples

Domain — This spell costs {2} less to cast for each basic land type among lands you control. Flying Each creature you control has vigilance if it's white, hexproof if it's blue, lifelink if it's black, first strike if it's red, and trample if it's green.

Electrickery (Return to Ravnica)
Greg Staples

Electrickery deals 1 damage to target creature you don't control. Overload {1}{R} (You may cast this spell for its overload cost. If you do, change "target" in its text to "each.")

Cinder Pyromancer (Eventide)
Greg Staples

{T}: This creature deals 1 damage to target player or planeswalker. Whenever you cast a red spell, you may untap this creature.

"If the whole world burns, I'll never grow cold."

Gaea's Anthem (Planar Chaos)
Greg Staples

Creatures you control get +1/+1.

"To those who can hear it, Gaea's battle song brings power as swift as sunlight and as enduring as the deep roots of the forest." —Gamelen, Citanul elder

Urza, Lord High Artificer (Dominaria Remastered)
Greg Staples

When Urza enters, create a 0/0 colorless Construct artifact creature token with "This token gets +1/+1 for each artifact you control." Tap an untapped artifact you control: Add {U}. {5}: Shuffle your library, then exile the top card. Until end of turn, you may play that card without paying its mana cost.

Gaddock Teeg (Ultimate Box Topper)
Greg Staples

Noncreature spells with mana value 4 or greater can't be cast. Noncreature spells with {X} in their mana costs can't be cast.

_____ Bird Gets the Worm (Unfinity)
Greg Staples

Flying When this creature enters, you may put a name sticker on it. You gain X life, where X is the number of unique vowels on that sticker. (The vowels are A, E, I, O, U, and Y.)

It's not like anyone else really wanted it.

Sustainer of the Realm (Urza's Legacy)
Greg Staples

Flying Whenever this creature blocks, it gets +0/+2 until end of turn.

"The harder you push, the stronger we become." —Radiant, to Urza

Parallel Lives (Judge Gift Cards 2022)
Greg Staples

If an effect would create one or more tokens under your control, it creates twice that many of those tokens instead.

Neither Urza nor Mishra would admit it, but it was their similarities, rather than their differences, that drove their obsessive rivalry.

Mirrodin's Core (Jumpstart)
Greg Staples

{T}: Add {C}. {T}: Put a charge counter on this land. {T}, Remove a charge counter from this land: Add one mana of any color.

Erhnam Djinn (Judgment)
Greg Staples

At the beginning of your upkeep, target non-Wall creature an opponent controls gains forestwalk until your next upkeep. (It can't be blocked as long as defending player controls a Forest.)

He provides a safe path to nowhere.