Rafiq of the Many (CMM)

Rafiq of the Many
Casting Cost: {1}{G}{W}{U}
Card Type: Legendary Creature - Human Knight
Power/Toughness: 3/3

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

Whenever a creature you control attacks alone, it gains double strike until end of turn.

Flavour Text:
Many sigils, one purpose.

Artist: Michael Komarck

Rafiq of the Many is a legendary creature that represents the Bant shard from the Alara block, a plane of existence in the Magic: The Gathering multiverse. Bant is known for its chivalry, order, and honor, and Rafiq exemplifies these traits. He is also one of the champions of the plane.

The Exalted mechanic is central to the Bant shard, promoting the idea of one noble hero being uplifted and supported by the community. In gameplay, this encourages players to attack with a single creature, which gets bolstered for every instance of Exalted on the field.

Rafiq's unique twist on Exalted is that he gives double strike to an attacking creature if it attacks alone. Double strike allows a creature to deal combat damage twice: first during the "first strike" combat damage step and then again during the regular combat damage step. This makes Rafiq a potent commander in one-on-one combat, as he can quickly deal lethal commander damage.

The flavor text, "Many sigils, one purpose," encapsulates the essence of Exalted and Bant's philosophy. While there may be many individuals and many banners, they all unite under a single purpose, supporting the chosen champion in battle.

Michael Komarck's artwork for Rafiq likely shows him in a majestic and powerful stance, embodying his role as a champion and leader on Bant. The numerous sigils referenced in the flavor text might be depicted in some form, further emphasizing the collective support behind Rafiq's mission.