Saruman, the White Hand (LTC)

Saruman, the White Hand

Casting Cost: {1}{U}{B}{R}

Card Type: Legendary Creature - Avatar Wizard

Power/Toughness: 2/5

Card Text:

• Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, amass Orcs X, where X is that spell's mana value. (Put X +1/+1 counters on an Army you control. It's also an Orc. If you don't control an Army, create a 0/0 black Orc Army creature token first.)

• Goblins and Orcs you control have ward 2.

Flavour Text:

• Over all his works, a dark smoke hung and wrapped itself about the sides of Orthanc.

Artist: Leonardo Borazio

Saruman, the White Hand is a formidable legendary creature card with several unique abilities:

1. Noncreature Spell Synergy: Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, Saruman's ability triggers. This ability allows you to amass Orcs X, where X is the mana value of the spell you cast. To amass Orcs means to put +1/+1 counters on an Army you control, and that Army becomes an Orc. If you don't already control an Army, you create a 0/0 black Orc Army creature token. This mechanic represents Saruman's ability to amass and command armies for his purposes.

2. Ward 2 for Goblins and Orcs: Saruman provides Goblins and Orcs you control with ward 2. This means that those creatures have protection from spells and abilities your opponents control with a mana value of 2 or less. It makes your Goblins and Orcs more resilient and difficult to target or harm.

Saruman's card reflects his role as one of the Istari, or wizards, in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, known for his mastery of magic and manipulation of power.