Stubborn Denial

Stubborn Denial (Khans of Tarkir)
James Ryman

Counter target noncreature spell unless its controller pays {1}. Ferocious — If you control a creature with power 4 or greater, counter that spell instead.

The Temur have no patience for subtlety.

Tainted Strike (Scars of Mirrodin)
James Ryman

Target creature gets +1/+0 and gains infect until end of turn. (It deals damage to creatures in the form of -1/-1 counters and to players in the form of poison counters.)

"Welcome to perfection." —Sheoldred, Whispering One

Monomania (Magic 2012)
James Ryman

Target player chooses a card in their hand and discards the rest.

"What do vermin cling to when all hope is lost?" —Sorin Markov

Bird (Return to Ravnica Tokens)
James Ryman

Flying

Angel (Magic 2014 Tokens)
James Ryman

Flying

Marionette Master (The Brothers' War Commander)
James Ryman

Fabricate 3 (When this creature enters, put three +1/+1 counters on it or create three 1/1 colorless Servo artifact creature tokens.) Whenever an artifact you control is put into a graveyard from the battlefield, target opponent loses life equal to this creature's power.

Deputy of Acquittals (Modern Masters 2017)
James Ryman

Flash (You may cast this spell any time you could cast an instant.) When this creature enters, you may return another target creature you control to its owner's hand.

"Everyone deserves a day in court."

Cartel Aristocrat (Ravnica Remastered)
James Ryman

Sacrifice another creature: This creature gains protection from the color of your choice until end of turn.

"Your life serves a higher purpose now: ensuring the continuation of my own."

Ephara's Radiance (Born of the Gods)
James Ryman

Enchant creature Enchanted creature has "{1}{W}, {T}: You gain 3 life."

"Civilization is the sum of Ephara's gifts." —Olexa of the Twelve

Felhide Petrifier (Journey into Nyx)
James Ryman

Deathtouch Other Minotaur creatures you control have deathtouch.

It's common practice among minotaurs to collect the heads of their victims as trophies. Sometimes the trophies prove more than ornamental.

Greater Basilisk (Magic 2012)
James Ryman

Deathtouch (Any amount of damage this deals to a creature is enough to destroy it.)

Bone, stone . . . both taste the same to a hungry basilisk.

Roaring Primadox (Magic 2015)
James Ryman

At the beginning of your upkeep, return a creature you control to its owner's hand.

"They're easy enough to find. Question is, are you sure you want to find one?" —Juruk, Kalonian tracker

Frontier Siege (Fate Reforged)
James Ryman

As this enchantment enters, choose Khans or Dragons. • Khans — At the beginning of each of your main phases, add {G}{G}. • Dragons — Whenever a creature you control with flying enters, you may have it fight target creature you don't control.

Inferno Fist (Magic 2015)
James Ryman

Enchant creature you control Enchanted creature gets +2/+0. {R}, Sacrifice this Aura: This Aura deals 2 damage to any target.

"I've never been above throwing the first punch."

Archangel Avacyn (Innistrad Remastered)
James Ryman

Voldaren Pariah (The List)
James Ryman

Driver of the Dead (Double Masters)
James Ryman

When this creature dies, return target creature card with mana value 2 or less from your graveyard to the battlefield.

Some vampires resorted to corpse trading after cathars burned their estates and drove them from their ancestral feeding grounds.

Centaur (Judge Gift Cards 2012)
James Ryman

Thoughtseize (Amonkhet Invocations)
James Ryman

Target player reveals their hand. You choose a nonland card from it. That player discards that card. You lose 2 life.

Guul Draz Assassin (Rise of the Eldrazi)
James Ryman

Level up {1}{B} ({1}{B}: Put a level counter on this. Level up only as a sorcery.) LEVEL 2-3 2/2 {B}, {T}: Target creature gets -2/-2 until end of turn. LEVEL 4+ 4/4 {B}, {T}: Target creature gets -4/-4 until end of turn.

Death's Caress (Dark Ascension)
James Ryman

Destroy target creature. If that creature was a Human, you gain life equal to its toughness.

The faint smell of cloves, the rustling of the wind, and a paralyzing descent into an airless, fathomless tomb.

Spark Trooper (Gatecrash)
James Ryman

Trample, lifelink, haste At the beginning of the end step, sacrifice this creature.

Izzet-designed conductors atop Sunhome charge empty sets of armor that give form to the fluctuating elementals.

Voidwalk (Gatecrash)
James Ryman

Exile target creature. Return it to the battlefield under its owner's control at the beginning of the next end step. Cipher (Then you may exile this spell card encoded on a creature you control. Whenever that creature deals combat damage to a player, its controller may cast a copy of the encoded card without paying its mana cost.)

Heroic Intervention (Core Set 2021)
James Ryman

Permanents you control gain hexproof and indestructible until end of turn.

Abzan Runemark (Fate Reforged)
James Ryman

Enchant creature Enchanted creature gets +2/+2. Enchanted creature has vigilance as long as you control a black or green permanent.

Curse of the Swine (Outlaws of Thunder Junction Commander)
James Ryman

Exile X target creatures. For each creature exiled this way, its controller creates a 2/2 green Boar creature token.

Another imminent battle subsided in busy snuffling and carefree rooting.

Boon of Erebos (Theros)
James Ryman

Target creature gets +2/+0 until end of turn. Regenerate it. You lose 2 life.

"Death is not a certainty. Erebos determines when a mortal's time is up." —Iadorna, death priest of Erebos

Angel of Glory's Rise (Avacyn Restored Promos)
James Ryman

Flying When this creature enters, exile all Zombies, then return all Human creature cards from your graveyard to the battlefield.

"Justice isn't done until undeath is undone."

Ichor Explosion (New Phyrexia)
James Ryman

As an additional cost to cast this spell, sacrifice a creature. All creatures get -X/-X until end of turn, where X is the sacrificed creature's power.

The first explosion that didn't excite goblins.

Nelly Borca, Impulsive Accuser (Murders at Karlov Manor Commander)
James Ryman

Vigilance Whenever Nelly Borca attacks, suspect target creature. Then goad all suspected creatures. (A suspected creature has menace and can't block.) Whenever one or more creatures an opponent controls deal combat damage to one or more of your opponents, you and the controller of those creatures each draw a card.

Heroic Intervention (Core Set 2021)
James Ryman

Permanents you control gain hexproof and indestructible until end of turn.

"Wherever the strong would harm the weak, I will be there." —Ajani Goldmane

Curtains' Call (Outlaws of Thunder Junction Commander)
James Ryman

Undaunted (This spell costs {1} less to cast for each opponent.) Destroy two target creatures.

"We give the audience what they want." —Juri, proprietor of the Juri Revue

Wispweaver Angel (The List)
James Ryman

Flying When this creature enters, you may exile another target creature you control, then return that card to the battlefield under its owner's control.

Midvast Protector (Avacyn Restored)
James Ryman

When this creature enters, target creature you control gains protection from the color of your choice until end of turn.

"I cultivated my faith in Avacyn despite meager returns. Now my faith is repaid."

Forerunner of the Coalition (Rivals of Ixalan)
James Ryman

When this creature enters, you may search your library for a Pirate card, reveal it, then shuffle and put that card on top. Whenever another Pirate you control enters, each opponent loses 1 life.

Jace's Archivist (Magic 2012)
James Ryman

{U}, {T}: Each player discards their hand, then draws cards equal to the greatest number of cards a player discarded this way.

"This is a sacred duty. Master Beleren's trust has bought an eternity of my loyalty."

Abzan Runemark (The List)
James Ryman

Enchant creature Enchanted creature gets +2/+2. Enchanted creature has vigilance as long as you control a black or green permanent.

Bronzebeak Moa (Dragon's Maze)
James Ryman

Whenever another creature you control enters, this creature gets +3/+3 until end of turn.

They fight for their home with more loyalty than any conscript.

Vampire Interloper (Innistrad)
James Ryman

Flying This creature can't block.

He listens to every heartbeat, deciding which one of hundreds he will stop.

Makeshift Mauler (Double Masters 2022)
James Ryman

As an additional cost to cast this spell, exile a creature card from your graveyard.

"It always amazes me what perfectly good things people throw away." —Ludevic, necro-alchemist

Curse of the Swine (Tarkir: Dragonstorm Commander)
James Ryman

Exile X target creatures. For each creature exiled this way, its controller creates a 2/2 green Boar creature token.

Another imminent battle subsided in busy snuffling and carefree rooting.

Memoricide (Scars of Mirrodin)
James Ryman

Choose a nonland card name. Search target player's graveyard, hand, and library for any number of cards with that name and exile them. Then that player shuffles.

"You claim wisdom, yet I see nothing in here but tawdry wishes."

Traveling Philosopher (Theros)
James Ryman

The Champion and the philosopher Olexa returned from the opposing camp at dusk. Behind them, the enemy raised sail and departed, breaking the siege. When asked what the two had done, the Champion replied, "We spoke to them." —*The Theriad*

Greater Basilisk (Iconic Masters)
James Ryman

Deathtouch (Any amount of damage this deals to a creature is enough to destroy it.)

Bone, stone . . . both taste the same to a hungry basilisk.

Naga Vitalist (Amonkhet)
James Ryman

{T}: Add one mana of any type that a land you control could produce.

"The lands of the God-Pharaoh are suffused with his breath."

Ajani's Comrade (Aether Revolt)
James Ryman

Trample At the beginning of combat on your turn, if you control an Ajani planeswalker, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.

"I will go where the lion-man leads."

Blaze Commando (Dragon's Maze)
James Ryman

Whenever an instant or sorcery spell you control deals damage, create two 1/1 red and white Soldier creature tokens with haste.

A true Boros commando only calls for reinforcements so they can clean up the mess.

Curse of the Swine (Commander 2021)
James Ryman

Exile X target creatures. For each creature exiled this way, its controller creates a 2/2 green Boar creature token.

Another imminent battle subsided in busy snuffling and carefree rooting.

Moltensteel Dragon (New Phyrexia)
James Ryman

({R/P} can be paid with either {R} or 2 life.) Flying {R/P}: This creature gets +1/+0 until end of turn.

An apocalypse in dragon form.

Gideon's Phalanx (Magic Origins Promos)
James Ryman

Create four 2/2 white Knight creature tokens with vigilance. Spell mastery — If there are two or more instant and/or sorcery cards in your graveyard, creatures you control gain indestructible until end of turn.

Gideon's Phalanx (Magic Origins)
James Ryman

Create four 2/2 white Knight creature tokens with vigilance. Spell mastery — If there are two or more instant and/or sorcery cards in your graveyard, creatures you control gain indestructible until end of turn.

Lightkeeper of Emeria (Worldwake)
James Ryman

Multikicker {W} (You may pay an additional {W} any number of times as you cast this spell.) Flying When this creature enters, you gain 2 life for each time it was kicked.

Dromoka's Command (Dragons of Tarkir Promos)
James Ryman

Choose two — • Prevent all damage target instant or sorcery spell would deal this turn. • Target player sacrifices an enchantment of their choice. • Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature. • Target creature you control fights target creature you don't control.

Boar (Theros Tokens)
James Ryman

Marionette Master (Forgotten Realms Commander)
James Ryman

Fabricate 3 (When this creature enters, put three +1/+1 counters on it or create three 1/1 colorless Servo artifact creature tokens.) Whenever an artifact you control is put into a graveyard from the battlefield, target opponent loses life equal to this creature's power.

Kishla Skimmer (Tarkir: Dragonstorm)
James Ryman

Flying Whenever a card leaves your graveyard during your turn, draw a card. This ability triggers only once each turn.

"Rising waters have flooded many old places from the dragon's rule. I do not miss them."

Bramblesnap (Rise of the Eldrazi)
James Ryman

Trample Tap an untapped creature you control: This creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.

A bramblesnap is formed by grafting together thirteen different plants that already hunger for meat.

Flame-Wreathed Phoenix (Born of the Gods)
James Ryman

Flying 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, it gains haste and "When this creature dies, return it to its owner's hand."

Anafenza, the Foremost (Khans of Tarkir)
James Ryman

Whenever Anafenza attacks, put a +1/+1 counter on another target tapped creature you control. If a nontoken creature an opponent owns would die or a creature card not on the battlefield would be put into an opponent's graveyard, exile that card instead.

Rarely at rest on the Amber Throne, Anafenza always leads the Abzan Houses to battle.

Eyes in the Skies (Return to Ravnica)
James Ryman

Create a 1/1 white Bird creature token with flying, then populate. (Create a token that's a copy of a creature token you control.)

"What root and branch cannot reach, our winged friends will attend to." —Zunak, Selesnya strategist

High Sentinels of Arashin (Khans of Tarkir Promos)
James Ryman

Flying This creature gets +1/+1 for each other creature you control with a +1/+1 counter on it. {3}{W}: Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature.

Auriok Sunchaser (Scars of Mirrodin)
James Ryman

Metalcraft — As long as you control three or more artifacts, this creature gets +2/+2 and has flying.

"Grant me loft. Grant me light. Grant me the accuracy I need to kill all who threaten Bladehold." —Prayer to the Whitesun

Anafenza, the Foremost (Khans of Tarkir Promos)
James Ryman

Whenever Anafenza attacks, put a +1/+1 counter on another target tapped creature you control. If a nontoken creature an opponent owns would die or a creature card not on the battlefield would be put into an opponent's graveyard, exile that card instead.

Rarely at rest on the Amber Throne, Anafenza always leads the Abzan Houses to battle.

High Sentinels of Arashin (Khans of Tarkir)
James Ryman

Flying This creature gets +1/+1 for each other creature you control with a +1/+1 counter on it. {3}{W}: Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature.

Courtly Provocateur (Magic 2013)
James Ryman

{T}: Target creature attacks this turn if able. {T}: Target creature blocks this turn if able.

"My one regret is that I have mastered an art that leaves its audience unable to applaud."

Dromoka's Command (Dragons of Tarkir)
James Ryman

Choose two — • Prevent all damage target instant or sorcery spell would deal this turn. • Target player sacrifices an enchantment of their choice. • Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature. • Target creature you control fights target creature you don't control.

Jace's Archivist (The List)
James Ryman

{U}, {T}: Each player discards their hand, then draws cards equal to the greatest number of cards a player discarded this way.

"This is a sacred duty. Master Beleren's trust has bought an eternity of my loyalty."

Tajic, Blade of the Legion (Dragon's Maze)
James Ryman

Indestructible Battalion — Whenever Tajic and at least two other creatures attack, Tajic gets +5/+5 until end of turn.

"I run the maze alone, but I fight with the full might of the Legion."

Sphinx of Magosi (Welcome Deck 2017)
James Ryman

Flying {2}{U}: Draw a card, then put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.

"A riddle is nothing more than a trap for small minds, baited with the promise of understanding."

Ezuri, Claw of Progress (Commander 2015)
James Ryman

Whenever a creature you control with power 2 or less enters, you get an experience counter. At the beginning of combat on your turn, put X +1/+1 counters on another target creature you control, where X is the number of experience counters you have.

Dark Tutelage (Magic 2011)
James Ryman

At the beginning of your upkeep, reveal the top card of your library and put that card into your hand. You lose life equal to its mana value.

"It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness." —Seneca, *Epistles*, trans. Gummere

Sphinx of Magosi (Welcome Deck 2016)
James Ryman

Flying {2}{U}: Draw a card, then put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.

"A riddle is nothing more than a trap for small minds, baited with the promise of understanding."

Curse of the Swine (Theros)
James Ryman

Exile X target creatures. For each creature exiled this way, its controller creates a 2/2 green Boar creature token.

Another imminent battle subsided in busy snuffling and carefree rooting.

High Sentinels of Arashin (March of the Machine Commander)
James Ryman

Flying This creature gets +1/+1 for each other creature you control with a +1/+1 counter on it. {3}{W}: Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature.

Arrows of Justice (Gatecrash)
James Ryman

Arrows of Justice deals 4 damage to target attacking or blocking creature.

Archers from the Horizon Military Academy hone their skills by targeting pickpockets blocks away.

Greater Basilisk (Magic 2011)
James Ryman

Deathtouch (Any amount of damage this deals to a creature is enough to destroy it.)

Bone, stone . . . both taste the same to a hungry basilisk.

Dromoka's Command (Double Masters 2022)
James Ryman

Choose two — • Prevent all damage target instant or sorcery spell would deal this turn. • Target player sacrifices an enchantment of their choice. • Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature. • Target creature you control fights target creature you don't control.

Dromoka's Command (March of the Machine Commander)
James Ryman

Choose two — • Prevent all damage target instant or sorcery spell would deal this turn. • Target player sacrifices an enchantment of their choice. • Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature. • Target creature you control fights target creature you don't control.

Untethered Express (Aether Revolt)
James Ryman

Trample Whenever this Vehicle attacks, put a +1/+1 counter on it. Crew 1 (Tap any number of creatures you control with total power 1 or more: This Vehicle becomes an artifact creature until end of turn.)

Rules and rails are made to be broken.

Ezuri, Claw of Progress (The List)
James Ryman

Whenever a creature you control with power 2 or less enters, you get an experience counter. At the beginning of combat on your turn, put X +1/+1 counters on another target creature you control, where X is the number of experience counters you have.

Chart a Course (Ixalan)
James Ryman

Draw two cards. Then discard a card unless you attacked this turn.

While other pirates prowl for treasure, Captain Parrish plunders secrets.

Curtains' Call (Commander Masters)
James Ryman

Undaunted (This spell costs {1} less to cast for each opponent.) Destroy two target creatures.

"We give the audience what they want." —Juri, proprietor of the Juri Revue

Fangren Marauder (Mirrodin Besieged)
James Ryman

Whenever an artifact is put into a graveyard from the battlefield, you may gain 5 life.

"The fangren fight without comfort of any kind. We can ask no less of ourselves." —Tilien, Sylvok partisan

Curse of the Swine (Kaldheim Commander)
James Ryman

Exile X target creatures. For each creature exiled this way, its controller creates a 2/2 green Boar creature token.

Another imminent battle subsided in busy snuffling and carefree rooting.

Dromoka's Command (The List)
James Ryman

Choose two — • Prevent all damage target instant or sorcery spell would deal this turn. • Target player sacrifices an enchantment of their choice. • Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature. • Target creature you control fights target creature you don't control.

Vampire Interloper (Innistrad: Midnight Hunt)
James Ryman

Flying This creature can't block.

The Voldaren have begun demanding blood offerings from the villagers in their territory. Their agents arrive from the sky to collect the ceremonial bowls in eerie silence.

Driver of the Dead (The List)
James Ryman

When this creature dies, return target creature card with mana value 2 or less from your graveyard to the battlefield.

Some vampires resorted to corpse trading after cathars burned their estates and drove them from their ancestral feeding grounds.

Driver of the Dead (Conspiracy: Take the Crown)
James Ryman

When this creature dies, return target creature card with mana value 2 or less from your graveyard to the battlefield.

Some vampires resorted to corpse trading after cathars burned their estates and drove them from their ancestral feeding grounds.

Hekma Sentinels (Amonkhet)
James Ryman

Whenever you cycle or discard a card, this creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.

"The God-Pharaoh created the Hekma to protect us from the horrors beyond and to surround us in his love."

Cartel Aristocrat (Double Masters 2022)
James Ryman

Sacrifice another creature: This creature gains protection from the color of your choice until end of turn.

"Your life serves a higher purpose now: ensuring the continuation of my own."

Frontier Siege (Commander 2017)
James Ryman

As this enchantment enters, choose Khans or Dragons. • Khans — At the beginning of each of your main phases, add {G}{G}. • Dragons — Whenever a creature you control with flying enters, you may have it fight target creature you don't control.

Chart a Course (The List)
James Ryman

Draw two cards. Then discard a card unless you attacked this turn.

While other pirates prowl for treasure, Captain Parrish plunders secrets.

Due Respect (New Phyrexia)
James Ryman

Permanents enter tapped this turn. Draw a card.

"A display of humility is required of those who still possess such frailties." —Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite

Soulmender (Core Set 2020)
James Ryman

{T}: You gain 1 life.

"Healing is more art than magic. Well, there is still quite a bit of magic."

Eyes in the Skies (The List)
James Ryman

Create a 1/1 white Bird creature token with flying, then populate. (Create a token that's a copy of a creature token you control.)

"What root and branch cannot reach, our winged friends will attend to." —Zunak, Selesnya strategist

Fangren Marauder (The List)
James Ryman

Whenever an artifact is put into a graveyard from the battlefield, you may gain 5 life.

"The fangren fight without comfort of any kind. We can ask no less of ourselves." —Tilien, Sylvok partisan

Stromkirk Noble (Foundations)
James Ryman

This creature can't be blocked by Humans. Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, put a +1/+1 counter on it.

"A responsible king walks among his subjects."

Trained Caracal (Jumpstart 2022)
James Ryman

Lifelink (Damage dealt by this creature also causes you to gain that much life.)

Some Ravnicans consider carrying a sword to be beneath them, preferring instead a tooth-and-claw escort.

Soulmender (The List)
James Ryman

{T}: You gain 1 life.

"Healing is more art than magic. Well, there is still quite a bit of magic."

Ravenous Bloodseeker (Shadows over Innistrad)
James Ryman

Discard a card: This creature gets +2/-2 until end of turn.

"Nothing will cool the fire in their blood. They are too far gone. We must keep them away from our towns at any cost." —Cosper Lowe of the Silbern Guard

Vampire Interloper (Foundations)
James Ryman

Flying This creature can't block.

He hovers silently above the city, scouting for when the ripest necks pass through the darkest alleys.

Soulsworn Spirit (Return to Ravnica)
James Ryman

This creature can't be blocked. When this creature enters, detain target creature an opponent controls. (Until your next turn, that creature can't attack or block and its activated abilities can't be activated.)

Archangel Avacyn (Shadows over Innistrad)
James Ryman

Security Blockade (Return to Ravnica)
James Ryman

Enchant land When this Aura enters, create a 2/2 white Knight creature token with vigilance. Enchanted land has "{T}: Prevent the next 1 damage that would be dealt to you this turn."

Spidery Grasp (Innistrad)
James Ryman

Untap target creature. It gets +2/+4 and gains reach until end of turn. (It can block creatures with flying.)

"Nobody's seen the Lady of Videns for years. Poor dear, no companions at all in that old castle." —Yonda of Gavony

Necrotic Ooze (Scars of Mirrodin)
James Ryman

As long as this creature is on the battlefield, it has all activated abilities of all creature cards in all graveyards.

"To death all must go, and so in death lies ultimate power." —Geth, Lord of the Vault

Heroic Intervention (Core Set 2021 Promos)
James Ryman

Permanents you control gain hexproof and indestructible until end of turn.

"Wherever the strong would harm the weak, I will be there." —Ajani Goldmane

Oreskos Swiftclaw (The List)
James Ryman

After the Battle of Pharagax Bridge, the Champion spent many months among the leonin of Oreskos. She found that they were quick to take offense, not because they were thin-skinned, but because they were always eager for a fight. —*The Theriad*

Guul Draz Assassin (The List)
James Ryman

Level up {1}{B} ({1}{B}: Put a level counter on this. Level up only as a sorcery.) LEVEL 2-3 2/2 {B}, {T}: Target creature gets -2/-2 until end of turn. LEVEL 4+ 4/4 {B}, {T}: Target creature gets -4/-4 until end of turn.

Spidery Grasp (Game Night 2019)
James Ryman

Untap target creature. It gets +2/+4 and gains reach until end of turn. (It can block creatures with flying.)

"Nobody's seen the Lady of Videns for years. Poor dear, no companions at all in that old castle." —Yonda of Gavony

Makeshift Mauler (Innistrad Remastered)
James Ryman

As an additional cost to cast this spell, exile a creature card from your graveyard.

"It always amazes me what perfectly good things people throw away." —Ludevic, necro-alchemist

Paranormal Analyst (Duskmourn: House of Horror)
James Ryman

Whenever you manifest dread, put a card you put into your graveyard this way into your hand.

"If I've done this right, it should immobilize all spirits in the area. If I've done this wrong... you know what, let's just hope I did it right."

Wispweaver Angel (Jumpstart 2022)
James Ryman

Flying When this creature enters, you may exile another target creature you control, then return that card to the battlefield under its owner's control.

Oreskos Swiftclaw (Magic 2015)
James Ryman

After the Battle of Pharagax Bridge, the Champion spent many months among the leonin of Oreskos. She found that they were quick to take offense, not because they were thin-skinned, but because they were always eager for a fight. —*The Theriad*

Archangel Avacyn (Shadows over Innistrad Promos)
James Ryman

Oreskos Swiftclaw (Journey into Nyx)
James Ryman

After the Battle of Pharagax Bridge, the Champion spent many months among the leonin of Oreskos. She found that they were quick to take offense, not because they were thin-skinned, but because they were always eager for a fight. —*The Theriad*

High Sentinels of Arashin (Jumpstart)
James Ryman

Flying This creature gets +1/+1 for each other creature you control with a +1/+1 counter on it. {3}{W}: Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature.

Voldaren Pariah (Eldritch Moon Promos)
James Ryman

Archangel Avacyn (Innistrad Remastered)
James Ryman

Oreskos Swiftclaw (Core Set 2019)
James Ryman

The leonin of Oreskos are quick to take offense—not because they are thin-skinned but because they are always ready for a fight.

Burn from Within (Shadows over Innistrad)
James Ryman

Burn from Within deals X damage to any target. If a creature is dealt damage this way, it loses indestructible until end of turn. If that creature would die this turn, exile it instead.

Inferno Fist (The List)
James Ryman

Enchant creature you control Enchanted creature gets +2/+0. {R}, Sacrifice this Aura: This Aura deals 2 damage to any target.

"I've never been above throwing the first punch."

Archangel of Thune (Iconic Masters)
James Ryman

Flying Lifelink (Damage dealt by this creature also causes you to gain that much life.) Whenever you gain life, put a +1/+1 counter on each creature you control.

Even the wicked have nightmares.

Eyes in the Skies (Modern Masters 2017)
James Ryman

Create a 1/1 white Bird creature token with flying, then populate. (Create a token that's a copy of a creature token you control.)

"What root and branch cannot reach, our winged friends will attend to." —Zunak, Selesnya strategist

Heroic Intervention (Commander Masters)
James Ryman

Permanents you control gain hexproof and indestructible until end of turn.

"Wherever the strong would harm the weak, I will be there." —Ajani Goldmane

Havengul Lich (Commander 2017)
James Ryman

{1}: You may cast target creature card in a graveyard this turn. When you cast it this turn, this creature gains all activated abilities of that card until end of turn.

Fusing intelligence with the power of undeath requires inspiration of the darkest kind.

Frontier Siege (Starter Commander Decks)
James Ryman

As this enchantment enters, choose Khans or Dragons. • Khans — At the beginning of each of your main phases, add {G}{G}. • Dragons — Whenever a creature you control with flying enters, you may have it fight target creature you don't control.

Voldaren Pariah (Eldritch Moon)
James Ryman

Cartel Aristocrat (Gatecrash)
James Ryman

Sacrifice another creature: This creature gains protection from the color of your choice until end of turn.

"Your life serves a higher purpose now: ensuring the continuation of my own."

Sphinx of Magosi (Rise of the Eldrazi)
James Ryman

Flying {2}{U}: Draw a card, then put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.

"A riddle is nothing more than a trap for small minds, baited with the promise of understanding."

Naga Vitalist (Jumpstart 2022)
James Ryman

{T}: Add one mana of any type that a land you control could produce.

"The lands of the God-Pharaoh are suffused with his breath."

Bird (Modern Masters 2017 Tokens)
James Ryman

Flying

Due Respect (The List)
James Ryman

Permanents enter tapped this turn. Draw a card.

"A display of humility is required of those who still possess such frailties." —Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite

Vampire Interloper (Explorers of Ixalan)
James Ryman

Flying This creature can't block.

He listens to every heartbeat, deciding which one of hundreds he will stop.

Enemy of Enlightenment (Theros Beyond Death)
James Ryman

Flying This creature gets -1/-1 for each card in your opponents' hands. At the beginning of your upkeep, each player discards a card.

"Evil flourishes where ignorance thrives." —Perisophia the philosopher

Banishment Decree (Mirrodin Besieged)
James Ryman

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

"Unworthy of consecration." —Axsh, lesser cenobite

Sphinx of Magosi (Commander 2014)
James Ryman

Flying {2}{U}: Draw a card, then put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.

"A riddle is nothing more than a trap for small minds, baited with the promise of understanding."

Falkenrath Marauders (Foundations Jumpstart)
James Ryman

Flying Haste (This creature can attack and {T} as soon as it comes under your control.) Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, put two +1/+1 counters on it.

Greater Basilisk (The List)
James Ryman

Deathtouch (Any amount of damage this deals to a creature is enough to destroy it.)

Bone, stone . . . both taste the same to a hungry basilisk.

Jace's Archivist (Commander 2013)
James Ryman

{U}, {T}: Each player discards their hand, then draws cards equal to the greatest number of cards a player discarded this way.

"This is a sacred duty. Master Beleren's trust has bought an eternity of my loyalty."

Sphinx of Magosi (Conspiracy: Take the Crown)
James Ryman

Flying {2}{U}: Draw a card, then put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.

"A riddle is nothing more than a trap for small minds, baited with the promise of understanding."

Archangel of Thune (Magic 2014)
James Ryman

Flying Lifelink (Damage dealt by this creature also causes you to gain that much life.) Whenever you gain life, put a +1/+1 counter on each creature you control.

Even the wicked have nightmares.

Thraben Heretic (Duel Decks: Blessed vs. Cursed)
James Ryman

{T}: Exile target creature card from a graveyard.

"Let them decry me for burning the dead. I'm not giving those ghoulcallers any more fuel for their madness."

Aven of Enduring Hope (Hour of Devastation)
James Ryman

Flying When this creature enters, you gain 3 life.

"This storm will calm. We must believe that."

Stubborn Denial (Khans of Tarkir)
James Ryman

Counter target noncreature spell unless its controller pays {1}. Ferocious — If you control a creature with power 4 or greater, counter that spell instead.

The Temur have no patience for subtlety.

Nelly Borca, Impulsive Accuser (Murders at Karlov Manor Commander)
James Ryman

Vigilance Whenever Nelly Borca attacks, suspect target creature. Then goad all suspected creatures. (A suspected creature has menace and can't block.) Whenever one or more creatures an opponent controls deal combat damage to one or more of your opponents, you and the controller of those creatures each draw a card.

Training Grounds (Rise of the Eldrazi)
James Ryman

Activated abilities of creatures you control cost {2} less to activate. This effect can't reduce the mana in that cost to less than one mana.

Under the master's eye, skills are honed sharper and spells cut deeper.

Jace's Archivist (Commander 2015)
James Ryman

{U}, {T}: Each player discards their hand, then draws cards equal to the greatest number of cards a player discarded this way.

"This is a sacred duty. Master Beleren's trust has bought an eternity of my loyalty."

Chart a Course (Jumpstart)
James Ryman

Draw two cards. Then discard a card unless you attacked this turn.

While other pirates prowl for treasure, Captain Parrish plunders secrets.

Boneyard Parley (Ixalan)
James Ryman

Exile up to five target creature cards from graveyards. An opponent separates those cards into two piles. Put all cards from the pile of your choice onto the battlefield under your control and the rest into their owners' graveyards.

Havengul Lich (Dark Ascension)
James Ryman

{1}: You may cast target creature card in a graveyard this turn. When you cast it this turn, this creature gains all activated abilities of that card until end of turn.

Fusing intelligence with the power of undeath requires inspiration of the darkest kind.

Wispweaver Angel (Kaladesh)
James Ryman

Flying When this creature enters, you may exile another target creature you control, then return that card to the battlefield under its owner's control.

Ezuri, Claw of Progress (Double Masters 2022)
James Ryman

Whenever a creature you control with power 2 or less enters, you get an experience counter. At the beginning of combat on your turn, put X +1/+1 counters on another target creature you control, where X is the number of experience counters you have.

Soulmender (Magic 2014)
James Ryman

{T}: You gain 1 life.

"Healing is more art than magic. Well, there is still quite a bit of magic."

Deputy of Acquittals (Dragon's Maze)
James Ryman

Flash (You may cast this spell any time you could cast an instant.) When this creature enters, you may return another target creature you control to its owner's hand.

"Everyone deserves a day in court."

Curse of the Swine (Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate)
James Ryman

Exile X target creatures. For each creature exiled this way, its controller creates a 2/2 green Boar creature token.

Another imminent battle subsided in busy snuffling and carefree rooting.

Tajic, Blade of the Legion (Dominaria United Commander)
James Ryman

Indestructible Battalion — Whenever Tajic and at least two other creatures attack, Tajic gets +5/+5 until end of turn.

"I run the maze alone, but I fight with the full might of the Legion."

Cartel Aristocrat (Ravnica Remastered)
James Ryman

Sacrifice another creature: This creature gains protection from the color of your choice until end of turn.

"Your life serves a higher purpose now: ensuring the continuation of my own."

Lightkeeper of Emeria (Commander 2011)
James Ryman

Multikicker {W} (You may pay an additional {W} any number of times as you cast this spell.) Flying When this creature enters, you gain 2 life for each time it was kicked.

Renegade Doppelganger (Rise of the Eldrazi)
James Ryman

Whenever another creature you control enters, you may have this creature become a copy of that creature until end of turn. (If it does, it loses this ability for the rest of the turn.)

To truly know a creature, slither a mile in its tentacles.

Pheres-Band Warchief (Journey into Nyx)
James Ryman

Vigilance, trample Other Centaur creatures you control get +1/+1 and have vigilance and trample.

The renowned warchiefs of Pheres Band fight with the might of minotaurs and the sagacity of sphinxes.

Stromkirk Noble (Innistrad)
James Ryman

This creature can't be blocked by Humans. Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, put a +1/+1 counter on it.

"A responsible king walks among his subjects."

Revoke Privileges (Kaladesh)
James Ryman

Enchant creature Enchanted creature can't attack, block, or crew Vehicles.

"By order of Consulate Mandate 482, I am required to detain you, citizen."

Makeshift Mauler (Duel Decks: Blessed vs. Cursed)
James Ryman

As an additional cost to cast this spell, exile a creature card from your graveyard.

"It always amazes me what perfectly good things people throw away." —Ludevic, necro-alchemist

Lightkeeper of Emeria (Commander Anthology)
James Ryman

Multikicker {W} (You may pay an additional {W} any number of times as you cast this spell.) Flying When this creature enters, you gain 2 life for each time it was kicked.

Training Grounds (The List)
James Ryman

Activated abilities of creatures you control cost {2} less to activate. This effect can't reduce the mana in that cost to less than one mana.

Under the master's eye, skills are honed sharper and spells cut deeper.

Akroan Conscriptor (Born of the Gods)
James Ryman

Heroic — Whenever you cast a spell that targets this creature, gain control of another target creature until end of turn. Untap that creature. It gains haste until end of turn.

"The time to serve is now."

Archangel Avacyn (From the Vault: Transform)
James Ryman

Havengul Vampire (Avacyn Restored)
James Ryman

Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, put a +1/+1 counter on it. Whenever another creature dies, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.

"That slowly decreasing pulse—that's the beat I waltz to."

Makeshift Mauler (Innistrad)
James Ryman

As an additional cost to cast this spell, exile a creature card from your graveyard.

"It always amazes me what perfectly good things people throw away." —Ludevic, necro-alchemist

Driver of the Dead (Duel Decks: Blessed vs. Cursed)
James Ryman

When this creature dies, return target creature card with mana value 2 or less from your graveyard to the battlefield.

Some vampires resorted to corpse trading after cathars burned their estates and drove them from their ancestral feeding grounds.

Chart a Course (Foundations)
James Ryman

Draw two cards. Then discard a card unless you attacked this turn.

While other pirates prowl for treasure, Captain Parrish plunders secrets.

Bronzebeak Moa (Modern Masters 2017)
James Ryman

Whenever another creature you control enters, this creature gets +3/+3 until end of turn.

They fight for their home with more loyalty than any conscript.

Umara Entangler (Oath of the Gatewatch)
James Ryman

Prowess (Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, this creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.)

"Sea Gate is gone, the Halimar basin empty. But rebuild the seawall and give these waters time, and they will fill the basin anew."

Mockery of Nature (Eldritch Moon)
James Ryman

Emerge {7}{G} (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, you may destroy target artifact or enchantment.

Living Destiny (Rise of the Eldrazi)
James Ryman

As an additional cost to cast this spell, reveal a creature card from your hand. You gain life equal to the revealed card's mana value.

"That our enemies are great only brings us greater hope."

Soulmender (Magic 2015)
James Ryman

{T}: You gain 1 life.

"Healing is more art than magic. Well, there is still quite a bit of magic."

Sun Sentinel (Core Set 2019)
James Ryman

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

Just as the sun rises at dawn and the days lengthen in the summer, the Sun Empire has awakened after long years of quiet.

Heroic Intervention (Aether Revolt Promos)
James Ryman

Permanents you control gain hexproof and indestructible until end of turn.

"Wherever the strong would harm the weak, I will be there." —Ajani Goldmane

Heroic Intervention (Aether Revolt Promos)
James Ryman

Permanents you control gain hexproof and indestructible until end of turn.

"Wherever the strong would harm the weak, I will be there." —Ajani Goldmane

Roaring Primadox (Magic 2013)
James Ryman

At the beginning of your upkeep, return a creature you control to its owner's hand.

"They're easy enough to find. Question is, are you sure you want to find one?" —Juruk, Kalonian tracker

Tel-Jilad Fallen (Scars of Mirrodin)
James Ryman

Protection from artifacts Infect (This creature deals damage to creatures in the form of -1/-1 counters and to players in the form of poison counters.)

"No longer am I shackled to antiquity. My new masters will etch a glorious future."

Archangel of Thune (Double Masters)
James Ryman

Flying Lifelink (Damage dealt by this creature also causes you to gain that much life.) Whenever you gain life, put a +1/+1 counter on each creature you control.

Even the wicked have nightmares.

Heroic Intervention (Core Set 2021 Promos)
James Ryman

Permanents you control gain hexproof and indestructible until end of turn.

"Wherever the strong would harm the weak, I will be there." —Ajani Goldmane

Curtains' Call (Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate)
James Ryman

Undaunted (This spell costs {1} less to cast for each opponent.) Destroy two target creatures.

"We give the audience what they want." —Juri, proprietor of the Juri Revue

Spark Trooper (GRN Guild Kit)
James Ryman

Trample, lifelink, haste At the beginning of the end step, sacrifice this creature.

Izzet-designed conductors atop Sunhome charge empty sets of armor that give form to the fluctuating elementals.

Vraska's Scorn (Rivals of Ixalan)
James Ryman

Target opponent loses 4 life. You may search your library and/or graveyard for a card named Vraska, Scheming Gorgon, reveal it, and put it into your hand. If you search your library this way, shuffle.

Woodland Patrol (Eldritch Moon)
James Ryman

Vigilance

Each had seen friends and family taken by the corruption, so each carried an axe at the other's request.

Aether Swooper (Aether Revolt)
James Ryman

Flying When this creature enters, you get {E}{E} (two energy counters). Whenever this creature attacks, you may pay {E}{E}. If you do, create a 1/1 colorless Servo artifact creature token.

Curse of the Swine (Modern Horizons 3 Commander)
James Ryman

Exile X target creatures. For each creature exiled this way, its controller creates a 2/2 green Boar creature token.

Another imminent battle subsided in busy snuffling and carefree rooting.

Havengul Vampire (Conspiracy: Take the Crown)
James Ryman

Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, put a +1/+1 counter on it. Whenever another creature dies, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.

Eyes in the Skies (Ravnica Remastered)
James Ryman

Create a 1/1 white Bird creature token with flying, then populate. (Create a token that's a copy of a creature token you control.)

"What root and branch cannot reach, our winged friends will attend to." —Zunak, Selesnya strategist

Boneyard Parley (Commander 2019)
James Ryman

Exile up to five target creature cards from graveyards. An opponent separates those cards into two piles. Put all cards from the pile of your choice onto the battlefield under your control and the rest into their owners' graveyards.

Havengul Lich (Starter Commander Decks)
James Ryman

{1}: You may cast target creature card in a graveyard this turn. When you cast it this turn, this creature gains all activated abilities of that card until end of turn.

Fusing intelligence with the power of undeath requires inspiration of the darkest kind.

Driver of the Dead (Foundations)
James Ryman

When this creature dies, return target creature card with mana value 2 or less from your graveyard to the battlefield.

Some vampires resorted to corpse trading after cathars burned their estates and drove them from their ancestral feeding grounds.

Unnatural Aggression (Jumpstart 2022)
James Ryman

Devoid (This card has no color.) Target creature you control fights target creature an opponent controls. If the creature an opponent controls would die this turn, exile it instead.

The battle served as a grim reminder of what a final victory for the Eldrazi would mean.

Heroic Intervention (Aether Revolt)
James Ryman

Permanents you control gain hexproof and indestructible until end of turn.

"Wherever the strong would harm the weak, I will be there." —Ajani Goldmane

Vampire Interloper (Innistrad: Double Feature)
James Ryman

Flying This creature can't block.

The Voldaren have begun demanding blood offerings from the villagers in their territory. Their agents arrive from the sky to collect the ceremonial bowls in eerie silence.

Triumph of Ferocity (Avacyn Restored)
James Ryman

At the beginning of your upkeep, draw a card if you control the creature with the greatest power or tied for the greatest power.

"Rid me of this curse, witch, or die with me." —Garruk Wildspeaker

Marionette Master (Kaladesh Promos)
James Ryman

Fabricate 3 (When this creature enters, put three +1/+1 counters on it or create three 1/1 colorless Servo artifact creature tokens.) Whenever an artifact you control is put into a graveyard from the battlefield, target opponent loses life equal to this creature's power.

Trained Caracal (Return to Ravnica)
James Ryman

Lifelink (Damage dealt by this creature also causes you to gain that much life.)

Some Ravnicans consider carrying a sword to be beneath them, preferring instead a tooth-and-claw escort.

Thraben Heretic (Dark Ascension)
James Ryman

{T}: Exile target creature card from a graveyard.

"Let them decry me for burning the dead. I'm not giving those ghoulcallers any more fuel for their madness."

Hypnotic Siren (Journey into Nyx)
James Ryman

Bestow {5}{U}{U} (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.) Flying You control enchanted creature. Enchanted creature gets +1/+1 and has flying.

Foundry Champion (Gatecrash Promos)
James Ryman

When this creature enters, it deals damage to any target equal to the number of creatures you control. {R}: This creature gets +1/+0 until end of turn. {W}: This creature gets +0/+1 until end of turn.

Boneyard Parley (Ixalan Promos)
James Ryman

Exile up to five target creature cards from graveyards. An opponent separates those cards into two piles. Put all cards from the pile of your choice onto the battlefield under your control and the rest into their owners' graveyards.

Necrotic Ooze (Double Masters 2022)
James Ryman

As long as this creature is on the battlefield, it has all activated abilities of all creature cards in all graveyards.

"To death all must go, and so in death lies ultimate power." —Geth, Lord of the Vault

Ezuri, Claw of Progress (Commander 2015 Oversized)
James Ryman

Whenever a creature you control with power 2 or less enters, you get an experience counter. At the beginning of combat on your turn, put X +1/+1 counters on another target creature you control, where X is the number of experience counters you have.

Auriok Survivors (New Phyrexia)
James Ryman

When this creature enters, you may return target Equipment card from your graveyard to the battlefield. If you do, you may attach it to this creature.

"We are Mirrodin's children. We will reclaim her—one scrap at a time, if we have to."

Reap the Seagraf (Dark Ascension)
James Ryman

Create a 2/2 black Zombie creature token. Flashback {4}{U} (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

The wreck hung on the jagged reef, each night disgorging more of its gruesome cargo.

Angel of Glory's Rise (Avacyn Restored)
James Ryman

Flying When this creature enters, exile all Zombies, then return all Human creature cards from your graveyard to the battlefield.

"Justice isn't done until undeath is undone."

Marionette Master (Kaladesh)
James Ryman

Fabricate 3 (When this creature enters, put three +1/+1 counters on it or create three 1/1 colorless Servo artifact creature tokens.) Whenever an artifact you control is put into a graveyard from the battlefield, target opponent loses life equal to this creature's power.

Curse of the Swine (The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Commander)
James Ryman

Exile X target creatures. For each creature exiled this way, its controller creates a 2/2 green Boar creature token.

Another imminent battle subsided in busy snuffling and carefree rooting.

Burn from Within (Shadows over Innistrad Promos)
James Ryman

Burn from Within deals X damage to any target. If a creature is dealt damage this way, it loses indestructible until end of turn. If that creature would die this turn, exile it instead.

Avenging Arrow (Return to Ravnica)
James Ryman

Destroy target creature that dealt damage this turn.

"Forgive the theft. Punish the deception." —Alcarus, Selesnya archer

Driver of the Dead (Avacyn Restored)
James Ryman

When this creature dies, return target creature card with mana value 2 or less from your graveyard to the battlefield.

Some vampires resorted to corpse trading after cathars burned their estates and drove them from their ancestral feeding grounds.

Shifting Loyalties (Fate Reforged)
James Ryman

Exchange control of two target permanents that share a card type. (Artifact, creature, enchantment, land, and planeswalker are card types.)

"Show the enemy the true path, and the spirit will yearn to follow it." —Houn, Jeskai elder

Sun Sentinel (Rivals of Ixalan)
James Ryman

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

"I will not sleep until Orazca is ours once more."

Deputy of Acquittals (Ravnica Remastered)
James Ryman

Flash (You may cast this spell any time you could cast an instant.) When this creature enters, you may return another target creature you control to its owner's hand.

"Everyone deserves a day in court."

Unnatural Aggression (Battle for Zendikar)
James Ryman

Devoid (This card has no color.) Target creature you control fights target creature an opponent controls. If the creature an opponent controls would die this turn, exile it instead.

The battle served as a grim reminder of what a final victory for the Eldrazi would mean.

Curtains' Call (Commander 2016)
James Ryman

Undaunted (This spell costs {1} less to cast for each opponent.) Destroy two target creatures.

"We give the audience what they want." —Juri, proprietor of the Juri Revue

Falkenrath Marauders (Innistrad)
James Ryman

Flying Haste (This creature can attack and {T} as soon as it comes under your control.) Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, put two +1/+1 counters on it.

No slinking in the dark for them, no luring whispers. They claim their prey in the speed and glory of the hunt.