The next Magic: The Gathering Universes Beyond set is coming soon and will explore the battle between Assassins and Templars in Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed. Iconic characters from across the franchise enter the world of Magic, from heroes like Altair and Ezio to villains like Haytham Kenway.
We’ve got an exclusive look at three cards that will be making their Magic debut in the Assassin’s Creed set. Two of them are creature cards. One is a perfect fit for an artifact deck, another can disable your opponent’s biggest creature for a turn, and the third is a legendary artifact in both Magic and Assassin’s Creed.
First, here Loyal Inventor:
- loyal inventor (Creature-Human Artisan)
- Costs 2 regular mana and 1 blue mana to cast.
- Strength 2/Toughness 3
- Awakening
- Ability: When Loyal Artificer enters the battlefield, you may search your library for an artifact card, reveal it, and then shuffle it. If you control an Assassin, put that card into your hand. Otherwise, put that card on top of your library.
Any card that allows you to search for cards in your library is a powerful tool, and Loyal Inventor provides a decent selection of creatures along with search. Blue artifact decks should consider adding Loyal Artificer. This is because the Loyal Artificer has the potential to change the game in their favor simply by entering the battlefield.
Next we tax collector:
- tax collector (Creature-Human Advisor)
- Costs 1 normal mana and 1 white mana to cast.
- Strength 2/Toughness 2
- When the Tax Collector enters the battlefield, choose one of the following:
- count – This is a spell that requires the opponent to cast 1 more normal mana until the next turn.
- detention – Detains a target creature your opponent controls. (Until your next turn, that creature can’t attack or block, and its activated abilities can’t be activated.)
Tax Collector has the flexibility of another 2/2 creature if you’re two mana short, which can make a difference at any point in the game. Drop early to delay your opponent’s game plan for a turn, or late to trap impressive creatures and give yourself some breathing room. It’s a win-win.
This is finally the final reveal. Apple of Eden, Isu Relic:
- Apple of Eden, Isu Ruins (Legendary Artifact)
- Costs 4 regular mana to cast.
- Tap, pay 4 life, and sacrifice Apple of Eden: Look at target opponent’s hand, turn that card face down, and exile it. You can use that card this turn, and you can cast it using any type of mana. Until end of turn, whenever you play a land or cast a spell this way, its owner draws a card. At the beginning of the next end step, return exiled cards to their owners’ hands. Activates only with magic.
Sometimes you wonder what the other person is hiding in their hands. Using the Apple of Eden here will not only help you find out, but also set up a big showdown right under their noses. You’ll need to pair it with a treasure or other permanent that can make mana of any color, but with the right deck, Apple can win games in no time.
The Magic: The Gathering Universes Beyond Assassin’s Creed set releases on July 5th.
