Scytheclaw (CMM)

Scytheclaw
Casting Cost: {5}
Card Type: Artifact - Equipment

Card Text:
Living weapon (When this Equipment enters the battlefield, create a 0/0 black Phyrexian Germ creature token, then attach this to it.)
Equipped creature gets +1/+1.
Whenever equipped creature deals combat damage to a player, that player loses half their life, rounded up.
Equip {3}

Artist: James Paick

Scytheclaw is a unique Equipment card, notable for its "living weapon" keyword, which is an interesting mechanic from the New Phyrexia block. The mechanic embodies the Phyrexian theme of merging flesh and steel, creating creatures from equipment.

The main attraction of Scytheclaw is its powerful life-halving effect. Whenever the equipped creature deals damage to a player, that player loses half their life. This can be especially lethal in Commander games where players start with 40 life.

The art by James Paick likely reflects the menacing nature of this Phyrexian equipment, possibly showing a sharp, sinister-looking blade, exuding a sense of threat and danger.

Given its cost and ability, it can serve as a potent finisher in games, especially if paired with creatures that have evasion or if given to creatures that can deal damage easily.