Loyal Guardian (CMM)

Loyal Guardian
Casting Cost: {4}{G}
Card Type: Creature - Rhino
Power/Toughness: 4/4

Card Text:
Trample
Lieutenant - At the beginning of combat on your turn, if you control your commander, put a +1/+1 counter on each creature you control.

Flavour Text:
Each scar on its hide is a badge of honor.

Artist: Robbie Trevino

In the grand tapestry of the Magic: The Gathering multiverse, Rhinos often stand as symbols of raw strength and indomitable spirit, and Loyal Guardian is no exception. For a casting cost of {4}{G}, this card offers a robust 4/4 Rhino with trample, ensuring that it can overrun smaller creatures and push through some of its damage even when blocked.

The Lieutenant ability is where Loyal Guardian shines, particularly in the Commander format. Should you control your commander when the combat phase starts, the Loyal Guardian's effect amplifies the power of your entire board, bestowing a +1/+1 counter on each creature you control. This effect not only magnifies their strength and toughness but, when consistently triggered, can rapidly snowball your forces into an insurmountable army.

The flavor text, "Each scar on its hide is a badge of honor," perfectly encapsulates the Rhino's essence, implying that each battle, each challenge faced, has only made it stronger and more resilient. This narrative ties beautifully into its ability, as with each combat, it helps fortify your forces.

Robbie Trevino, known for his detailed and atmospheric artwork, likely captures the Loyal Guardian in its majestic grandeur. Given the theme and setting, one could imagine a towering Rhino adorned with scars from past battles, each telling a silent story, standing ready to defend its allies with unwavering loyalty.

For Commander players, especially those who enjoy the "Go Wide" strategy of fielding numerous creatures, Loyal Guardian provides a continuous source of augmentation, ensuring that even your smallest creatures become substantial threats as the game progresses.