For Challenge # 071. I took a bit of inspiration from Samite Archer for this card. The idea here is 'multi-classing creatures'. This guy is a Wizard and a Warrior... a common trope in role-playing games and fantasy novels alike. The two abilities could have had some synergy. But, when people struggle to figure out what is going on with this guy, they're bound to look back at the creature type line and make the connection.

Originally, I thought of making this guy Legendary, but that felt like cheating ("I get to break the rules, because he's a Legend"). Besides, that's a busy type line. The creature doesn't need to be alone, though. Good adventurers seek out other adventurers to go on adventurers with, right? A cycle of these creatures could help justify their existence.

Oh, also, while the blue and red abilities don't synergize, I do like the natural pairing of a defensive creature with an activated ability on this card. Your opponent is going to have to think very hard about when and where he wants to cast his spells, and you're going to have to think hard about whether you want to counter them. Very spike.

Hee. Yep, I agree I'd like to see a cycle of these.

Bonus points if all five members of the cycle have no synergy between their two abilities. I don't know if that'd be easier if the Warrior ability is always the same or is different each time. (Clerics only have one or two natural abilities in MtG, but I guess there are more options you can stretch to if you want.)

No need to stick to cleric. We could always have a Warrior Knight. ;)