Spiteful Shadows

Seasoned Dungeoneer (Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate)
John Stanko

When this creature enters, you take the initiative. Whenever you attack, target attacking Cleric, Rogue, Warrior, or Wizard gains protection from creatures until end of turn. It explores. (Reveal the top card of your library. Put that card into your hand if it's a land. Otherwise, put a +1/+1 counter on the creature, then put the card back or put it into your graveyard.)

Thraben Doomsayer (Commander 2020)
John Stanko

{T}: Create a 1/1 white Human creature token. Fateful hour — As long as you have 5 or less life, other creatures you control get +2/+2.

"Swarms of the unhallowed claw at Thraben's gates! Do you still deny the end approaches?"

Strength of Arms (Shadows over Innistrad)
John Stanko

Target creature gets +2/+2 until end of turn. If you control an Equipment, create a 1/1 white Human Soldier creature token.

"We fight not for Avacyn, but for her ideals; not for the church, but for its people." —Thalia, Guardian of Thraben

Master of Death (Modern Horizons 2)
John Stanko

When this creature enters, surveil 2. (Look at the top two cards of your library, then put any number of them into your graveyard and the rest on top of your library in any order.) At the beginning of your upkeep, if this card is in your graveyard, you may pay 1 life. If you do, return it to your hand.

Coming back from the dead, like most things, gets easier with practice.

Drown in the Loch (Wizards Play Network 2023)
John Stanko

Choose one — • Counter target spell with mana value less than or equal to the number of cards in its controller's graveyard. • Destroy target creature with mana value less than or equal to the number of cards in its controller's graveyard.

Firebrand Archer (Foundations)
John Stanko

Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, this creature deals 1 damage to each opponent.

A word of vengeance, and her arrows awaken in flame.

Young Wolf (Innistrad Remastered)
John Stanko

Undying (When this creature dies, if it had no +1/+1 counters on it, return it to the battlefield under its owner's control with a +1/+1 counter on it.)

Good archers kill in one shot. Great archers confirm with two.

Lingering Souls (Friday Night Magic 2012)
John Stanko

Create two 1/1 white Spirit creature tokens with flying. Flashback {1}{B} (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

The murdered inhabitants of Hollowhenge impart to the living the terror they felt in death.

Firebrand Archer (Hour of Devastation)
John Stanko

Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, this creature deals 1 damage to each opponent.

A word of vengeance, and her arrows awaken in flame.

Killing Wave (Innistrad Remastered)
John Stanko

For each creature, its controller sacrifices it unless they pay X life.

"Try again in the next life, darling."

Ophiomancer (Modern Horizons 3)
John Stanko

At the beginning of each upkeep, if you control no Snakes, create a 1/1 black Snake creature token with deathtouch.

"There are dark, ancient arts that fascinate even me." —Sorin Markov

Pirate's Cutlass (Commander Legends)
John Stanko

When this Equipment enters, attach it to target Pirate you control. Equipped creature gets +2/+1. Equip {2} ({2}: Attach to target creature you control. Equip only as a sorcery.)

Tormented Soul (DCI Promos)
John Stanko

This creature can't block and can't be blocked.

Those who raged most bitterly at the world in life are cursed to roam the nether realms in death.

Censor (Amonkhet)
John Stanko

Counter target spell unless its controller pays {1}. Cycling {U} ({U}, Discard this card: Draw a card.)

"Why so many questions?" —Temmet, vizier of Naktamun

Rooftop Storm (Midnight Hunt Commander)
John Stanko

You may pay {0} rather than pay the mana cost for Zombie creature spells you cast.

"Let those idiot priests tremble! A new era in unlife begins here and now. Oglor, raise the lightning vane!" —Stitcher Geralf

Covert Cutpurse (Innistrad: Midnight Hunt)
John Stanko

Lingering Souls (Tarkir: Dragonstorm Commander)
John Stanko

Create two 1/1 white Spirit creature tokens with flying. Flashback {1}{B} (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

The murdered inhabitants of Hollowhenge impart to the living the terror they felt in death.

Fear of Missing Out (Duskmourn: House of Horror Promos)
John Stanko

When this creature enters, discard a card, then draw a card. Delirium — Whenever this creature attacks for the first time each turn, if there are four or more card types among cards in your graveyard, untap target creature. After this phase, there is an additional combat phase.

Drown in the Loch (Throne of Eldraine)
John Stanko

Choose one — • Counter target spell with mana value less than or equal to the number of cards in its controller's graveyard. • Destroy target creature with mana value less than or equal to the number of cards in its controller's graveyard.

Nightshade Peddler (The List)
John Stanko

Soulbond (You may pair this creature with another unpaired creature when either enters. They remain paired for as long as you control both of them.) As long as this creature is paired with another creature, both creatures have deathtouch.

Lae'zel, Vlaakith's Champion (Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate)
John Stanko

If you would put one or more counters on a creature or planeswalker you control or on yourself, put that many plus one of each of those kinds of counters on that permanent or player instead. Choose a Background (You can have a Background as a second commander.)

Strength of Arms (Double Masters)
John Stanko

Target creature gets +2/+2 until end of turn. If you control an Equipment, create a 1/1 white Human Soldier creature token.

"We fight not for Avacyn, but for her ideals; not for the church, but for its people." —Thalia, Guardian of Thraben

Rooftop Storm (Innistrad Remastered)
John Stanko

You may pay {0} rather than pay the mana cost for Zombie creature spells you cast.

"Let those idiot priests tremble! A new era in unlife begins here and now. Oglor, raise the lightning vane!" —Stitcher Geralf

Viscera Seer (Commander 2013)
John Stanko

Sacrifice a creature: Scry 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put that card on the bottom.)

In matters of life and death, he trusts his gut.

The Capitoline Triad (Assassin's Creed)
John Stanko

Those Who Came Before — This spell costs {1} less to cast for each historic card in your graveyard. (Artifacts, legendaries, and Sagas are historic.) Exile any number of historic cards from your graveyard with total mana value 30 or greater: You get an emblem with "Creatures you control have base power and toughness 9/9."

Desperate Ravings (Commander 2015)
John Stanko

Draw two cards, then discard a card at random. Flashback {2}{U} (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

Her mind was quite gone, yet she spoke nothing but truth.

Shaun & Rebecca, Agents (Assassin's Creed)
John Stanko

Vigilance When Shaun & Rebecca enters, search your graveyard, hand, and library for a card named The Animus and put it onto the battlefield, then shuffle. {T}: Add {C}. When you do, mill two cards.

Renegade Firebrand (Kaladesh)
John Stanko

As long as you control a Chandra planeswalker, this creature gets +1/+0 and has first strike. (It deals combat damage before creatures without first strike.)

"For freedom! For fame! For fire!"

Tenacious Dead (Battlebond)
John Stanko

When this creature dies, you may pay {1}{B}. If you do, return it to the battlefield tapped under its owner's control.

Raising the bones of Hekjek the Mad proved far easier than getting them to lie back down.

Containment Priest (Commander 2014)
John Stanko

Flash If a nontoken creature would enter and it wasn't cast, exile it instead.

Some protection requires a bit of finesse.

Town Gossipmonger (Shadows over Innistrad)
John Stanko

Town Gossipmonger (Innistrad Remastered)
John Stanko

Stranglehold (Commander Anthology)
John Stanko

Your opponents can't search libraries. If an opponent would begin an extra turn, that player skips that turn instead.

The correct answer to a barbarian's riddle is to choke on your cleverness and die.

Chariot of Victory (Journey into Nyx)
John Stanko

Equipped creature has first strike, trample, and haste. Equip {1}

The greatest heroes are the first to stand, the first to take up arms, and the first to meet the enemy.

Discordant Piper (Theros Beyond Death)
John Stanko

When this creature dies, create a 0/1 white Goat creature token.

The death of the party.

Chronicler of Heroes (Theros)
John Stanko

When this creature enters, draw a card if you control a creature with a +1/+1 counter on it.

She paints pictures with words, though not all pictures show the truth.

Containment Priest (Core Set 2021)
John Stanko

Flash If a nontoken creature would enter and it wasn't cast, exile it instead.

Some protection requires a bit of finesse.

Tunnel Surveyor (Duskmourn: House of Horror)
John Stanko

When this creature enters, create a 1/1 white Glimmer enchantment creature token.

Though he needed to know what lay beyond the intersection, Harp couldn't suppress a shiver of disquiet as his glimmer disappeared into the darkness ahead.

Havi, the All-Father (Assassin's Creed)
John Stanko

Havi has indestructible as long as there are four or more historic cards in your graveyard. (Artifacts, legendaries, and Sagas are historic.) Sage Project — Whenever Havi or another legendary creature you control dies, return target legendary creature card with lesser mana value from your graveyard to the battlefield tapped.

Nightshade Peddler (Avacyn Restored)
John Stanko

Soulbond (You may pair this creature with another unpaired creature when either enters. They remain paired for as long as you control both of them.) As long as this creature is paired with another creature, both creatures have deathtouch.

Drown in the Loch (Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate)
John Stanko

Choose one — • Counter target spell with mana value less than or equal to the number of cards in its controller's graveyard. • Destroy target creature with mana value less than or equal to the number of cards in its controller's graveyard.

Possessed Skaab (Magic Origins)
John Stanko

When this creature enters, return target instant, sorcery, or creature card from your graveyard to your hand. If this creature would die, exile it instead.

A stitcher's attempt at a skaab with a soul.

Inside Source (Murders at Karlov Manor)
John Stanko

When this creature enters, create a 2/2 white and blue Detective creature token. {3}, {T}: Target Detective you control gets +2/+0 and gains vigilance until end of turn. Activate only as a sorcery.

"I was never here."

Magister of Worth (Conspiracy)
John Stanko

Flying Will of the council — When this creature enters, starting with you, each player votes for grace or condemnation. If grace gets more votes, each player returns each creature card from their graveyard to the battlefield. If condemnation gets more votes or the vote is tied, destroy all creatures other than this creature.

Somberwald Vigilante (Duel Decks: Heroes vs. Monsters)
John Stanko

Whenever this creature becomes blocked by a creature, this creature deals 1 damage to that creature.

He has nothing left but his resentment.

Raff Capashen, Ship's Mage (Commander Masters)
John Stanko

Flash Flying You may cast historic spells as though they had flash. (Artifacts, legendaries, and Sagas are historic.)

Firebrand Archer (The List)
John Stanko

Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, this creature deals 1 damage to each opponent.

A word of vengeance, and her arrows awaken in flame.

Human (Duel Decks: Blessed vs. Cursed)
John Stanko

Viscera Seer (The List)
John Stanko

Sacrifice a creature: Scry 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put that card on the bottom.)

In matters of life and death, he trusts his gut.

Weaver of Lightning (Eldritch Moon)
John Stanko

Reach (This creature can block creatures with flying.) Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, this creature deals 1 damage to target creature an opponent controls.

"Lightning in a bottle? That's not where I need it."

Ophiomancer (Commander 2013)
John Stanko

At the beginning of each upkeep, if you control no Snakes, create a 1/1 black Snake creature token with deathtouch.

"There are dark, ancient arts that fascinate even me." —Sorin Markov

Lord of the Undead (Fallout)
John Stanko

Other Zombie creatures get +1/+1. {1}{B}, {T}: Return target Zombie card from your graveyard to your hand.

Town Gossipmonger (Innistrad Remastered)
John Stanko

Duelcraft Trainer (Innistrad: Double Feature)
John Stanko

First strike Coven — At the beginning of combat on your turn, if you control three or more creatures with different powers, target creature you control gains double strike until end of turn.

"It's all in the follow-through."

Raff Capashen, Ship's Mage (Dominaria)
John Stanko

Flash Flying You may cast historic spells as though they had flash. (Artifacts, legendaries, and Sagas are historic.)

Master of Death (Modern Horizons 2 Promos)
John Stanko

When this creature enters, surveil 2. (Look at the top two cards of your library, then put any number of them into your graveyard and the rest on top of your library in any order.) At the beginning of your upkeep, if this card is in your graveyard, you may pay 1 life. If you do, return it to your hand.

Coming back from the dead, like most things, gets easier with practice.

Dr. Madison Li (Fallout)
John Stanko

Whenever you cast an artifact spell, you get {E} (an energy counter). {T}, Pay {E}: Target creature gets +1/+0 and gains trample and haste until end of turn. {T}, Pay {E}{E}{E}: Draw a card. {T}, Pay {E}{E}{E}{E}{E}: Return target artifact card from your graveyard to the battlefield tapped.

Chronicler of Heroes (Iconic Masters)
John Stanko

When this creature enters, draw a card if you control a creature with a +1/+1 counter on it.

She paints pictures with words, though not all pictures show the truth.

Lingering Souls (Duel Decks: Sorin vs. Tibalt)
John Stanko

Create two 1/1 white Spirit creature tokens with flying. Flashback {1}{B} (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

The murdered inhabitants of Hollowhenge impart to the living the terror they felt in death.

Curse of the Bloody Tome (Wizards Play Network 2011)
John Stanko

Enchant player At the beginning of enchanted player's upkeep, that player mills two cards.

After seeing his life's work drip away, the mage decided it was a good time to go crazy.

Desperate Ravings (Innistrad)
John Stanko

Draw two cards, then discard a card at random. Flashback {2}{U} (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

Her mind was quite gone, yet she spoke nothing but truth.

Lucky Clover (Throne of Eldraine)
John Stanko

Whenever you cast an Adventure instant or sorcery spell, copy it. You may choose new targets for the copy.

Syr Branigan always remembered to kiss his good luck charm, having lost his foot to wolverines the last time he forgot.

Pirate's Cutlass (Jumpstart)
John Stanko

When this Equipment enters, attach it to target Pirate you control. Equipped creature gets +2/+1. Equip {2} ({2}: Attach to target creature you control. Equip only as a sorcery.)

Lucky Clover (The List)
John Stanko

Whenever you cast an Adventure instant or sorcery spell, copy it. You may choose new targets for the copy.

Syr Branigan always remembered to kiss his good luck charm, having lost his foot to wolverines the last time he forgot.

Wall of Vines (Jumpstart)
John Stanko

Defender (This creature can't attack.) Reach (This creature can block creatures with flying.)

Like all jungle plants, the vines must fight and claw for sunlight. Once their place is secured, they grow strong, sharp, and impenetrable.

Raffine's Informant (Streets of New Capenna)
John Stanko

When this creature enters, it connives. (Draw a card, then discard a card. If you discarded a nonland card, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.)

"I've analyzed the vault schematic. Do you want the fast way, the easy way, or the secret way in?"

Conviction (Ultimate Masters)
John Stanko

Enchant creature Enchanted creature gets +1/+3. {W}: Return this Aura to its owner's hand.

"There is no greater coward than one who believes in nothing."

Ironwright's Cleansing (Eldritch Moon)
John Stanko

Exile target artifact or enchantment.

"Impurities must be pounded out."

Sedge Scorpion (Core Set 2020)
John Stanko

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

Thakolides the Mighty Slayer of minotaurs Vanquisher of giants Killed by a scorpion —Inscription on an Akroan grave

Killing Wave (Innistrad Remastered)
John Stanko

For each creature, its controller sacrifices it unless they pay X life.

"Try again in the next life, darling."

Magister of Worth (Commander 2021)
John Stanko

Flying Will of the council — When this creature enters, starting with you, each player votes for grace or condemnation. If grace gets more votes, each player returns each creature card from their graveyard to the battlefield. If condemnation gets more votes or the vote is tied, destroy all creatures other than this creature.

Legion Vanguard (Modern Horizons 2)
John Stanko

{1}, Sacrifice another creature: This creature explores. (Reveal the top card of your library. Put that card into your hand if it's a land. Otherwise, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature, then put the card back or put it into your graveyard.)

It takes guts to be a trailblazer.

Somberwald Vigilante (Avacyn Restored)
John Stanko

Whenever this creature becomes blocked by a creature, this creature deals 1 damage to that creature.

He has nothing left but his resentment.

Raff Capashen, Ship's Mage (The List)
John Stanko

Flash Flying You may cast historic spells as though they had flash. (Artifacts, legendaries, and Sagas are historic.)

Strength of Arms (Innistrad Remastered)
John Stanko

Target creature gets +2/+2 until end of turn. If you control an Equipment, create a 1/1 white Human Soldier creature token.

"We fight not for Avacyn, but for her ideals; not for the church, but for its people." —Thalia, Guardian of Thraben

Gruesome Discovery (Dark Ascension)
John Stanko

Target player discards two cards. Morbid — If a creature died this turn, instead that player reveals their hand, you choose two cards from it, then that player discards those cards.

Funeral Rites (Jumpstart)
John Stanko

You draw two cards, lose 2 life, then mill two cards.

Funerary masks help the newly dead resist the erosion of memory and identity in the Underworld.

Viscera Seer (Tarkir: Dragonstorm Commander)
John Stanko

Sacrifice a creature: Scry 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put that card on the bottom.)

In matters of life and death, he trusts his gut.

Duelcraft Trainer (Innistrad: Midnight Hunt)
John Stanko

First strike Coven — At the beginning of combat on your turn, if you control three or more creatures with different powers, target creature you control gains double strike until end of turn.

"It's all in the follow-through."

Rooftop Storm (Innistrad)
John Stanko

You may pay {0} rather than pay the mana cost for Zombie creature spells you cast.

"Let those idiot priests tremble! A new era in unlife begins here and now. Oglor, raise the lightning vane!" —Stitcher Geralf

Strength of Arms (Game Night: Free-for-All)
John Stanko

Target creature gets +2/+2 until end of turn. If you control an Equipment, create a 1/1 white Human Soldier creature token.

"We fight not for Avacyn, but for her ideals; not for the church, but for its people." —Thalia, Guardian of Thraben

Every Hope Shall Vanish (Archenemy Schemes)
John Stanko

When you set this scheme in motion, each opponent reveals their hand. Choose a nonland card from each of those hands. Those players discard those cards.

"Oh, I think I *will* get away with this."

Lingering Souls (The List)
John Stanko

Create two 1/1 white Spirit creature tokens with flying. Flashback {1}{B} (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

The murdered inhabitants of Hollowhenge impart to the living the terror they felt in death.

Sedge Scorpion (Theros)
John Stanko

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

Thakolides the Mighty Slayer of minotaurs Vanquisher of giants Killed by a scorpion —Inscription on an Akroan grave

Nature Shields Its Own (Archenemy Schemes)
John Stanko

(An ongoing scheme remains face up until it's abandoned.) Whenever a creature attacks and isn't blocked, if you're the defending player, create a 0/1 green Plant creature token that's blocking that creature. When four or more creatures attack you, abandon this scheme at end of combat.

Depths of Desire (Ixalan)
John Stanko

Return target creature to its owner's hand. Create a Treasure token. (It's an artifact with "{T}, Sacrifice this token: Add one mana of any color.")

Pockets full of gold, lungs full of brine.

Containment Priest (Core Set 2021 Promos)
John Stanko

Flash If a nontoken creature would enter and it wasn't cast, exile it instead.

Some protection requires a bit of finesse.

Wall of Vines (Magic 2011)
John Stanko

Defender (This creature can't attack.) Reach (This creature can block creatures with flying.)

Like all jungle plants, the vines must fight and claw for sunlight. Once their place is secured, they grow strong, sharp, and impenetrable.

Nalia de'Arnise (Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate)
John Stanko

You may look at the top card of your library any time. You may cast Cleric, Rogue, Warrior, and Wizard spells from the top of your library. At the beginning of combat on your turn, if you have a full party, put a +1/+1 counter on each creature you control and those creatures gain deathtouch until end of turn.

Obsessive Skinner (Shadows over Innistrad)
John Stanko

When this creature enters, put a +1/+1 counter on target creature. Delirium — At the beginning of each opponent's upkeep, if there are four or more card types among cards in your graveyard, put a +1/+1 counter on target creature.

Lord of the Undead (Fallout)
John Stanko

Other Zombie creatures get +1/+1. {1}{B}, {T}: Return target Zombie card from your graveyard to your hand.

Satyr Rambler (Theros)
John Stanko

Trample

A satyr is bound by nothing—not home, not family, not loyalty.

Sigiled Sword of Valeron (March of the Machine Commander)
John Stanko

Equipped creature gets +2/+0, has vigilance, and is a Knight in addition to its other types. Whenever equipped creature attacks, create a 2/2 white Knight creature token with vigilance that's attacking. Equip {3}

Conviction (The List)
John Stanko

Enchant creature Enchanted creature gets +1/+3. {W}: Return this Aura to its owner's hand.

"There is no greater coward than one who believes in nothing."

Kessig Malcontents (Avacyn Restored)
John Stanko

When this creature enters, it deals damage to target player or planeswalker equal to the number of Humans you control.

Discontent is a powerful weapon in the hands of a mob.

Laboratory Maniac (Innistrad Remastered)
John Stanko

If you would draw a card while your library has no cards in it, you win the game instead.

"As long as I learn from it, it's still science!"

Master of Death (Murders at Karlov Manor Commander)
John Stanko

When this creature enters, surveil 2. (Look at the top two cards of your library, then put any number of them into your graveyard and the rest on top of your library in any order.) At the beginning of your upkeep, if this card is in your graveyard, you may pay 1 life. If you do, return it to your hand.

Tenacious Dead (Magic 2014)
John Stanko

When this creature dies, you may pay {1}{B}. If you do, return it to the battlefield tapped under its owner's control.

Raising the bones of Hekjek the Mad proved far easier than getting them to lie back down.

Graceful Cat (Amonkhet)
John Stanko

Whenever this creature attacks, it gets +1/+1 until end of turn.

Though they are held in high regard as symbols of the god Oketra, cats often lack her sense of solidarity.

Biting Rain (Shadows over Innistrad)
John Stanko

All creatures get -2/-2 until end of turn. Madness {2}{B} (If you discard this card, discard it into exile. When you do, cast it for its madness cost or put it into your graveyard.)

On Innistrad, it is seldom wrong to stay indoors.

Raff Capashen, Ship's Mage (Dominaria Promos)
John Stanko

Flash Flying You may cast historic spells as though they had flash. (Artifacts, legendaries, and Sagas are historic.)

Firebrand Archer (Foundations Jumpstart)
John Stanko

Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, this creature deals 1 damage to each opponent.

A word of vengeance, and her arrows awaken in flame.

Builder's Blessing (Avacyn Restored)
John Stanko

Untapped creatures you control get +0/+2.

"Mix the mortar with holy wards, or blood will run in the streets." —Vadvar, Thraben stonewright

Covert Cutpurse (Innistrad: Double Feature)
John Stanko

Fear of Missing Out (Duskmourn: House of Horror)
John Stanko

When this creature enters, discard a card, then draw a card. Delirium — Whenever this creature attacks for the first time each turn, if there are four or more card types among cards in your graveyard, untap target creature. After this phase, there is an additional combat phase.

Lingering Souls (Time Spiral Remastered)
John Stanko

Create two 1/1 white Spirit creature tokens with flying. Flashback {1}{B} (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

Sol Ring (Duskmourn: House of Horror Commander)
John Stanko

{T}: Add {C}{C}.

"I'm not saying I'm sure it's a trap. I'm just saying it wasn't there yesterday and I'm pretty sure I heard it whisper my name. If you're so curious, you touch it." —Angus, survivor scout

Portable Hole (Adventures in the Forgotten Realms)
John Stanko

When this artifact enters, exile target nonland permanent an opponent controls with mana value 2 or less until this artifact leaves the battlefield.

Portable Hole (The List)
John Stanko

When this artifact enters, exile target nonland permanent an opponent controls with mana value 2 or less until this artifact leaves the battlefield.

"They fall for it every time."

Rallying Roar (Ixalan)
John Stanko

Creatures you control get +1/+1 until end of turn. Untap them.

"The sun's strength sings in our hearts! I have never been more proud of my home and my people." —Huatli

Funeral Rites (Theros Beyond Death)
John Stanko

You draw two cards, lose 2 life, then mill two cards.

Funerary masks help the newly dead resist the erosion of memory and identity in the Underworld.

Kolodin, Triumph Caster (Aetherdrift)
John Stanko

Mounts and Vehicles you control have haste. Whenever a Mount you control enters, it becomes saddled until end of turn. Whenever a Vehicle you control enters, it becomes an artifact creature until end of turn.

Chronicler of Heroes (Double Masters 2022)
John Stanko

When this creature enters, draw a card if you control a creature with a +1/+1 counter on it.

She paints pictures with words, though not all pictures show the truth.

Sigiled Sword of Valeron (Core Set 2019)
John Stanko

Equipped creature gets +2/+0, has vigilance, and is a Knight in addition to its other types. Whenever equipped creature attacks, create a 2/2 white Knight creature token with vigilance that's attacking. Equip {3}

Weaver of Lightning (Jumpstart)
John Stanko

Reach (This creature can block creatures with flying.) Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, this creature deals 1 damage to target creature an opponent controls.

"Lightning in a bottle? That's not where I need it."

Paragon of New Dawns (Magic 2015)
John Stanko

Other white creatures you control get +1/+1. {W}, {T}: Another target white creature you control gains vigilance until end of turn. (Attacking doesn't cause it to tap.)

Wall of Vines (Core Set 2019)
John Stanko

Defender (This creature can't attack.) Reach (This creature can block creatures with flying.)

Like all jungle plants, the vines must fight and claw for sunlight. Once their place is secured, they grow strong, sharp, and impenetrable.

Rouse the Mob (Journey into Nyx)
John Stanko

Strive — This spell costs {2}{R} more to cast for each target beyond the first. Any number of target creatures each get +2/+0 and gain trample until end of turn.

Legion Vanguard (Commander Masters)
John Stanko

{1}, Sacrifice another creature: This creature explores. (Reveal the top card of your library. Put that card into your hand if it's a land. Otherwise, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature, then put the card back or put it into your graveyard.)

It takes guts to be a trailblazer.

Feeling of Dread (Innistrad)
John Stanko

Tap up to two target creatures. Flashback {1}{U} (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

People only say "I'm sure it was nothing" when they're sure it was something.

Ophiomancer (Tarkir: Dragonstorm Commander)
John Stanko

At the beginning of each upkeep, if you control no Snakes, create a 1/1 black Snake creature token with deathtouch.

"There are dark, ancient arts that fascinate even me." —Sorin Markov

Obsessive Skinner (Duskmourn: House of Horror Commander)
John Stanko

When this creature enters, put a +1/+1 counter on target creature. Delirium — At the beginning of each opponent's upkeep, if there are four or more card types among cards in your graveyard, put a +1/+1 counter on target creature.

Ophiomancer (Jumpstart 2022)
John Stanko

At the beginning of each upkeep, if you control no Snakes, create a 1/1 black Snake creature token with deathtouch.

"There are dark, ancient arts that fascinate even me." —Sorin Markov

Pirate's Cutlass (Ixalan)
John Stanko

When this Equipment enters, attach it to target Pirate you control. Equipped creature gets +2/+1. Equip {2} ({2}: Attach to target creature you control. Equip only as a sorcery.)

Consecrated by Blood (Magic Origins)
John Stanko

Enchant creature Enchanted creature gets +2/+2 and has flying and "Sacrifice two other creatures: Regenerate this creature." (The next time the creature would be destroyed this turn, instead tap it, remove it from combat, and heal all damage on it.)

Viscera Seer (Magic 2011)
John Stanko

Sacrifice a creature: Scry 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put that card on the bottom.)

In matters of life and death, he trusts his gut.

Dr. Madison Li (Fallout)
John Stanko

Whenever you cast an artifact spell, you get {E} (an energy counter). {T}, Pay {E}: Target creature gets +1/+0 and gains trample and haste until end of turn. {T}, Pay {E}{E}{E}: Draw a card. {T}, Pay {E}{E}{E}{E}{E}: Return target artifact card from your graveyard to the battlefield tapped.

Thraben Doomsayer (Dark Ascension)
John Stanko

{T}: Create a 1/1 white Human creature token. Fateful hour — As long as you have 5 or less life, other creatures you control get +2/+2.

"Swarms of the unhallowed claw at Thraben's gates! Do you still deny the end approaches?"

Master of Death (Modern Horizons 2)
John Stanko

When this creature enters, surveil 2. (Look at the top two cards of your library, then put any number of them into your graveyard and the rest on top of your library in any order.) At the beginning of your upkeep, if this card is in your graveyard, you may pay 1 life. If you do, return it to your hand.

Sigiled Sword of Valeron (Core Set 2019 Promos)
John Stanko

Equipped creature gets +2/+0, has vigilance, and is a Knight in addition to its other types. Whenever equipped creature attacks, create a 2/2 white Knight creature token with vigilance that's attacking. Equip {3}

Abstruse Appropriation (Modern Horizons 3)
John Stanko

Devoid (This card has no color.) Exile target nonland permanent. You may cast that card for as long as it remains exiled, and you may spend colorless mana as though it were mana of any color to cast that spell.

No Mercy (Judge Gift Cards 2022)
John Stanko

Whenever a creature deals damage to you, destroy it.

"If you wish to assassinate a master assassin, you'll have to do better than that."

Raffine's Informant (The List)
John Stanko

When this creature enters, it connives. (Draw a card, then discard a card. If you discarded a nonland card, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.)

"I've analyzed the vault schematic. Do you want the fast way, the easy way, or the secret way in?"

Sage of Mysteries (Theros Beyond Death)
John Stanko

Constellation — Whenever an enchantment you control enters, target player mills two cards.

"I see destruction, suffering, and one tormented glimmer of hope."

Hierophant's Chalice (Ixalan)
John Stanko

When this artifact enters, target opponent loses 1 life and you gain 1 life. {T}: Add {C}.

In the Rite of Redemption, nobles take the same vows as Elenda, the first vampire, and make the same eternal sacrifice.

Chaplain's Blessing (Shadows over Innistrad)
John Stanko

You gain 5 life.

"There was a time when the purpose of the church was to heal and protect. I would see that time return."

Trusty Packbeast (Commander Legends)
John Stanko

When this creature enters, return target artifact card from your graveyard to your hand.

"Margaret has traveled with me to the end of the world and back." —Hewen Frit, merchant

Prismatic Ending (Modern Horizons 2)
John Stanko

Converge — Exile target nonland permanent if its mana value is less than or equal to the number of colors of mana spent to cast this spell.

Right before his demise, he experienced a shattering revelation.

Magus of the Mind (Commander 2017)
John Stanko

{U}, {T}, Sacrifice this creature: Shuffle your library, then exile the top X cards, where X is one plus the number of spells cast this turn. Until end of turn, you may play lands and cast spells from among cards exiled this way without paying their mana costs.

"I'll show you what you truly desire."

Portable Hole (Adventures in the Forgotten Realms)
John Stanko

When this artifact enters, exile target nonland permanent an opponent controls with mana value 2 or less until this artifact leaves the battlefield.

"They fall for it every time."

Burden of Guilt (Dark Ascension)
John Stanko

Enchant creature {1}: Tap enchanted creature.

"Grab an axe and defend the gate! Your despair is an extravagance we can ill afford." —Thalia, Knight-Cathar

Prismatic Ending (Modern Horizons 2)
John Stanko

Converge — Exile target nonland permanent if its mana value is less than or equal to the number of colors of mana spent to cast this spell.

Right before his demise, he experienced a shattering revelation.

Stranglehold (Commander 2011)
John Stanko

Your opponents can't search libraries. If an opponent would begin an extra turn, that player skips that turn instead.

The correct answer to a barbarian's riddle is to choke on your cleverness and die.

Viscera Seer (Commander Legends)
John Stanko

Sacrifice a creature: Scry 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put that card on the bottom.)

In matters of life and death, he trusts his gut.

Nalia de'Arnise (Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate)
John Stanko

You may look at the top card of your library any time. You may cast Cleric, Rogue, Warrior, and Wizard spells from the top of your library. At the beginning of combat on your turn, if you have a full party, put a +1/+1 counter on each creature you control and those creatures gain deathtouch until end of turn.

Conviction (Aether Revolt)
John Stanko

Enchant creature Enchanted creature gets +1/+3. {W}: Return this Aura to its owner's hand.

"There is no greater coward than one who believes in nothing."

Human (Dark Ascension Tokens)
John Stanko

Desperate Ravings (The List)
John Stanko

Draw two cards, then discard a card at random. Flashback {2}{U} (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

Her mind was quite gone, yet she spoke nothing but truth.

Ballroom Brawlers (Streets of New Capenna)
John Stanko

Whenever this creature attacks, this creature and up to one other target creature you control both gain your choice of first strike or lifelink until end of turn.

Don't try to cut in. They'll cut back.

Containment Priest (Core Set 2021 Promos)
John Stanko

Flash If a nontoken creature would enter and it wasn't cast, exile it instead.

Some protection requires a bit of finesse.

Viscera Seer (Commander Legends)
John Stanko

Sacrifice a creature: Scry 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put that card on the bottom.)

Pheres-Band Brawler (Theros Beyond Death)
John Stanko

When this creature enters, it fights up to one target creature you don't control. (Each deals damage equal to its power to the other.)

Burden of Guilt (The List)
John Stanko

Enchant creature {1}: Tap enchanted creature.

"Grab an axe and defend the gate! Your despair is an extravagance we can ill afford." —Thalia, Knight-Cathar

Prismatic Ending (Mystery Booster 2)
John Stanko

Converge — Exile target nonland permanent if its mana value is less than or equal to the number of colors of mana spent to cast this spell.

Right before his demise, he experienced a shattering revelation.

Containment Priest (Mystery Booster 2)
John Stanko

Flash If a nontoken creature would enter and it wasn't cast, exile it instead.

Some protection requires a bit of finesse.

Containment Priest (Time Spiral Remastered)
John Stanko

Flash If a nontoken creature would enter and it wasn't cast, exile it instead.

Some protection requires a bit of finesse.

Raff Capashen, Ship's Mage (Neon Dynasty Commander)
John Stanko

Flash Flying You may cast historic spells as though they had flash. (Artifacts, legendaries, and Sagas are historic.)

Trusty Packbeast (Core Set 2019)
John Stanko

When this creature enters, return target artifact card from your graveyard to your hand.

"Margaret has traveled with me to the end of the world and back." —Hewen Frit, merchant

Desperate Ravings (Commander 2019)
John Stanko

Draw two cards, then discard a card at random. Flashback {2}{U} (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

Her mind was quite gone, yet she spoke nothing but truth.

Pirate's Cutlass (Foundations)
John Stanko

When this Equipment enters, attach it to target Pirate you control. Equipped creature gets +2/+1. Equip {2} ({2}: Attach to target creature you control. Equip only as a sorcery.)

Unsettled Mariner (Modern Horizons)
John Stanko

Changeling (This card is every creature type.) Whenever you or a permanent you control becomes the target of a spell or ability an opponent controls, counter that spell or ability unless its controller pays {1}.

The call of the sea shapes many souls.

My Genius Knows No Bounds (Archenemy Schemes)
John Stanko

When you set this scheme in motion, you may pay {X}. If you do, you gain X life and draw X cards.

"I can see . . . everything. The beginning and the end of time. The raw edges of reality. And now I see exactly how to kill you."

Containment Priest (Ultimate Masters)
John Stanko

Flash If a nontoken creature would enter and it wasn't cast, exile it instead.

Some protection requires a bit of finesse.

Weaver of Lightning (Foundations Jumpstart)
John Stanko

Reach (This creature can block creatures with flying.) Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, this creature deals 1 damage to target creature an opponent controls.

"Lightning in a bottle? That's not where I need it."

Rooftop Storm (The List)
John Stanko

You may pay {0} rather than pay the mana cost for Zombie creature spells you cast.

"Let those idiot priests tremble! A new era in unlife begins here and now. Oglor, raise the lightning vane!" —Stitcher Geralf

Lingering Souls (Modern Masters 2017)
John Stanko

Create two 1/1 white Spirit creature tokens with flying. Flashback {1}{B} (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

The murdered inhabitants of Hollowhenge impart to the living the terror they felt in death.

Desperate Ravings (Eternal Masters)
John Stanko

Draw two cards, then discard a card at random. Flashback {2}{U} (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

Her mind was quite gone, yet she spoke nothing but truth.

Baseball Bat (Duskmourn: House of Horror)
John Stanko

When this Equipment enters, attach it to target creature you control. Equipped creature gets +1/+1. Whenever equipped creature attacks, tap up to one target creature. Equip {3} ({3}: Attach to target creature you control. Equip only as a sorcery.)

Seasoned Dungeoneer (Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate)
John Stanko

When this creature enters, you take the initiative. Whenever you attack, target attacking Cleric, Rogue, Warrior, or Wizard gains protection from creatures until end of turn. It explores. (Reveal the top card of your library. Put that card into your hand if it's a land. Otherwise, put a +1/+1 counter on the creature, then put the card back or put it into your graveyard.)

Hardened Escort (Duskmourn: House of Horror)
John Stanko

Whenever this creature attacks, another target creature you control gets +1/+0 and gains indestructible until end of turn. (Damage and effects that say "destroy" don't destroy it.)

"It's not magic. I read the writing on the House's walls. I listen to its sighs. I smell the changes in its air. It tells me where danger lies."

Choking Restraints (Eldritch Moon)
John Stanko

Enchant creature Enchanted creature can't attack or block. {3}{W}{W}, Sacrifice this Aura: Exile enchanted creature.

Lae'zel, Vlaakith's Champion (Battle for Baldur's Gate Promos)
John Stanko

If you would put one or more counters on a creature or planeswalker you control or on yourself, put that many plus one of each of those kinds of counters on that permanent or player instead. Choose a Background (You can have a Background as a second commander.)

Fear of Missing Out (Duskmourn: House of Horror Promos)
John Stanko

When this creature enters, discard a card, then draw a card. Delirium — Whenever this creature attacks for the first time each turn, if there are four or more card types among cards in your graveyard, untap target creature. After this phase, there is an additional combat phase.

Illuminator Virtuoso (Streets of New Capenna)
John Stanko

Double strike Whenever this creature becomes the target of a spell you control, it connives. (Draw a card, then discard a card. If you discarded a nonland card, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.)

The Obscura reserve their keenest blades for traitors in their midst.

Viscera Seer (The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Commander)
John Stanko

Sacrifice a creature: Scry 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put that card on the bottom.)

In matters of life and death, he trusts his gut.