Magic 2015 as Told by Flavor Text

"What you are attempting is not against the law. It is, however, extremely foolish."

"The centaurs are truly free. Never will they be tamed by temptation or controlled by fear. They live in total harmony, a feat not yet achieved by our kind." ~ Ramal, sage of Westgate

"Guilty."

Baby dragons can't figure out humans—if they didn't want to be killed, why were they made of meat and treasure?

"He has learned much in his long years. And unlike selfish humans, he's willing to share." —Garruk Wildspeaker

"Impossible! How could they overwhelm us? We had barricades, war elephants, . . . and they were barely a tenth of our number!" —General Avitora

Of royal blood among the spirits of the air, the Mahamoti djinn rides on the wings of the winds. As dangerous in the gambling hall as he is in battle, he is a master of trickery and misdirection.

The thunder of its hooves beats dreams into despair.

"Life up here is simple. Adapt to the ways of the mountains and they will reward you. Fight them and they will end you." —Kezim, prodigal pyromancer

Empires rise and fall, but evil is eternal.

Follow the light. In its absence, follow her.

The undisputed master of the mountains of Shiv.

Its footfalls cause violent earthquakes, hurtling boulders, and unseasonable dust storms.

"Feeding a normal army is a problem of logistics. With zombies, it is an asset. Feeding is why they fight. Feeding is why they are feared." —Jadar, ghoulcaller of Nephalia

Many have heard the slither of dragging armor and the soft squelch of its voice. But only its victims ever meet its icy gaze.

"You don't want to know what happens after I put on the goggles."

"All tinkerers have their heads in the clouds. I don't intend to stop there."

"Don't worry, there's plenty for everyone." —Vickon, Eleventh Company battlemage

Designed by Markus Persson

"When one of us prospers, the pride prospers." —Jazal Goldmane

"There are those who do not believe in the existence of the amphin. This seems somehow to be of their own design." —Gor Muldrak, Cryptohistories

Designed by Penny Arcade

There will always be those who presume to improve nature, or dare to befoul it. And nature will always have a response.

"Boom! Boom! Boots the size of oxcarts, then an axe like a falling sun. Elves scattered. Trees scattered. Even the hills ran for the hills!" —Clachan Tales

"The slivers became adept at provoking a fear response in other species." —Hastric, Thunian scout

Its last life is spent tormenting your dreams.

"Encase yourself in the most elaborate armor, and cower behind the heaviest shield. I would hate for you to feel helpless." —Korig the Ruiner

It would be ill-mannered to decline his invitation. It would be ill-advised to accept it.

Though she is rightly feared, there are relatively few tales of her deeds in battle, for few survive her raids.

The Champion stood alone between the horde of the Returned and the shrine to Karametra, cutting down scores among hundreds. She would have been overcome if not for the aid of the temple guardians whom Karametra awakened. —The Theriad

"Come, little one. Unfurl your wings, fill your lungs, and release your first fiery breath."

"With rage as your forge, your hammer can smite anything."

Ranger wisdom dictates that when fleeing from a moss-beast, you must stay calm, find your bearings, and run south.

When carrion feeds on carrion, dark days approach.

A forest fire can rejuvenate the land, but the tar's vile consumption leaves the land forever ruined.

The knights of Troinir Keep took the rhino as their emblem due to its intense focus when charging down a perceived threat—a trait they discovered on a hunting excursion.

Designed by Mike Neumann

An eye for detail, a mind for numbers, a soul of clockwork.

Sins that would be too gruesome in the light of day are made more pleasing in the dark of night.

Timing is everything.

"Which do you think is a better deterrent: a moat of water or one of fire?" —Chandra Nalaar

"Why do guards always look surprised when we bash them?" asked Ruric. "I think they expect a bribe," said Thar.

"In the gathering there is strength for all who founder, renewal for all who languish, love for all who sing." —Song of All, canto 642

Slivers are often seen toying with enemies they capture, not out of cruelty, but to fully learn their physical capabilities.

"Still alive? No matter. I'll leave you as a warning to others who would oppose me." —Vish Kal, Blood Arbiter

"The dragon is a perfect marriage of power and the will to use it." —Sarkhan Vol

Face of innocence. Hand of death. Designed by Edmund McMillen

Structures built from darksteel yield to neither assault nor age.

"Thieves and squid squirm the same way when you capture them."

"Even your shadow is too foul to tolerate."

"The hive shimmered, and its walls seemed a living mirror." —Hastric, Thunian scout

"This abomination never belonged in our world. I'm merely setting it free." —Dierk, geistmage

"The key to unlocking this puzzle is within you." —Doriel, mentor of Mistral Isle

With an armory of light, even the squire may champion her people.

"Life grows everywhere. My kin merely find those places where it grows strongest." —Nissa Revane

"The sea blesses the tiny with the power to fell the mighty." —Talrand, sky summoner

Too often, some self-described genius comes up with a "labor-saving device" that ends up creating far more work.

Without the interfering hands of civilization, nature will always shape itself to its own needs.

"As our numbers dwindle, the ranks of the dead grow ever stronger." —Thalia, Knight-Cathar

Nature is itself wild—in all its forms.

The death of a scout can be as informative as a safe return.

"There's never a good time for a disaster or an attack. That's why we're here." —Oren, militia captain

"Pain is temporary. So is life." —Liliana Vess

A bit of pain never hurts.

After the Foundry Street riot, Arrester Hulbein tried to ban bludgeons. Which, inevitably, resulted in another riot.

What he lacks in stature, he makes up for with enthusiasm.

It readily attacks much larger prey, knowing retaliation is impossible.

"The law has its place—as a footnote in my spellbook." —Siyani, fugitive mage

The beating of a gargoyle's wings on the air is like the cracking of stones. Intruders who rouse a gargoyle are certain to hear the cracking of bones.

"The battle is won. There's work to be done. / The Blessed Sleep must wait. / A fiend is about. It stalks the devout. / I'll save them from my fate." —"The Good Geist's Vow"

Designed by George Fan

Designed by Stone Librande

Astride the bucking creature, Gribble hurtled down the mountainside while his Grotag brethren cheered. It was at that moment that the legend of the Skrill Tamer was born.

A grave is not always for burial.

Pray you never hear it chime.

"There was clearly a scream. I'm not sure if there was a mouth." —Sachir, Akoum Expeditionary House

The blessings of Heliod are apparent for all to see.

"Comin' through!" Designed by James Ernest

He who hesitates is lunch.

First you lose your enemy's trail. Then you lose all sense of direction. Then you hear the growls . . .

An overwhelming sense of calm accompanies the gryffs that wheel above the roofs of Gavony.

"Thirsty?" —Drunvalus, hydromancer

"In a daze, I woke and looked upon the battlefield, where I could swear my dreams were laying waste to the enemy." —Letter from a soldier

Beyond pain, beyond obsession and wild despair, there lies a place of twisted power only the most tormented souls can reach.

The promise of anguish is payment enough for services rendered.

"I've never been above throwing the first punch."

"The cathars have their swords, the inquisitors their axes. I prefer the 'diplomatic' approach." —Terhold, archmage of Drunau

It's easier to relocate a village that lies in their path than to turn the bugs aside.

Verick held his breath. Breathing wouldn't reveal his position, but it would force him to smell the goblins.

"Brute force can sometimes kick down a locked door, but knowledge is a skeleton key."

"You can become anything if I just put my mind to it."

Many a besieged city has surrendered upon hearing the distinctive rumble of the juggernaut.

"It's a truly disconcerting sight to see their shadows cast upon the deck." —Captain Triff

"If a boggart even dares breathe near one of my kin, I'll know. And I'll not be happy."

He just likes to break legs. Collecting the debt is a bonus.

The Onakke were masters of dark arts and artifice. Their creations continue to spread foul magic, paving the way for their return.

A strict upgrade over the cinder hatchet.

"Seeing one slowly devour one of my party begged the questio ~ do they know what cruelty is?" —Hastric, Thunian scout

At the instant of death, the mystery of life.

To wield lightning is to tame chaos.

Stand your post for duty. Stand your ground for honor.

The dead serve as their own tombstones.

Designed by David Sirlin

Find your center, and you will find your way.

The king went off to find himself. Imagine his terror when he succeeded.

"And if I'm lying," he began . . .

"When you're on watch, no noise is harmless and no shadow can be ignored." —Olgard of the Skiltfolk

An oath of fealty sworn with a handshake.

To know the battlefield is to anticipate the enemy. To know the enemy is to anticipate victory.

"It saddens me to lose a source of inspiration. This one seemed especially promising." —Ashiok

"Your mind was a curious mix of madness and genius. I just took away the genius." —Jace Beleren

There are certain stones even dwarves know to leave in the earth.

"When your cities and trinkets crumble, only nature will remain." —Garruk Wildspeaker

Contrary to popular belief, it's kept aloft by necrogen gas, not the screaming agony of a thousand murdered souls.

Zombies and necromancers agree: easy access to brains is preferred.

The experiments decided to perform some research of their own.

Masters of the arcane savor a delicious irony. Their study of deep and complex arcana leads to such a simple end: the ability to say merely yes or no.

It is an expert at culling individuals who stray too far from the herd.

Nightfire turns the greatest weakness of the undead into formidable strength.

The people of the Sevick Isles have a unique understanding of the term "ominous clouds."

Designed by Brad Muir

After the Battle of Pharagax Bridge, the Champion spent many months among the leonin of Oreskos. She found that they were quick to take offense, not because they were thin-skinned, but because they were always eager for a fight. —The Theriad

Once a year, the skies over Paliano fill with the flying machines of those who hope to be taken on as pupils by the artificer Muzzio.

The Conclave acts with a single will, expressed by countless warriors.

"Soulless demon, you are bound to me. Now we will both dwell in oblivion."

The spirit dragon Ugin arranged the hedrons of Zendikar to direct leylines of energy. To disrupt one is to unleash devastation and chaos.

"To be in the presence of a revoker is to be truly alone." —Kara Vrist, Neurok agent

Its root system spans the entire floor of the jungle, making eradication impossible.

"The vaulted ceiling of our faith rests upon such pillars." —Darugand, banisher priest

"Let nothing own the skies but the wind." —Dejara, Giltwood druid

"The flies were bothering me." —Jalira, master polymorphist

"An angel's skull is left too plain by death. I made a few aesthetic modifications." —Dommique, blood artist

"All peoples treasure a place where the weary traveler may drink in peace." —Ajani Goldmane

Like blinking or breathing, responding to an alarm is an involuntary reflex.

"You don't survive in the wild by standing in plain sight." —Garruk Wildspeaker

Like a meteor, it strikes from above without warning. Unlike a meteor, it then carries you off and eats you.

"What was once formed by masons, shaped by smiths, or given life by mages, I will return to the embrace of the earth."

There are many words and phrases that can cause an experienced wizard to tremble in fear. Chief among them is "oops."

Cut it down, bury it in snow, put it to the torch. The rose will still bloom again.

What looked like a retreat was actually a replenishing.

"They're easy enough to find. Question is, are you sure you want to find one?" —Juruk, Kalonian tracker

Professional pilferers prefer proper preparation.

Is it at the top of the food chain or the bottom?

To a goblin, value is based on the four S's: shiny, stabby, smelly, and super smelly.

The magic of the elves leaves its mark on the forest. The magic of the forest leaves its mark on the animals who live there. The animals of the forest leave their mark on all who trespass.

Arrive for worship. Leave for war.

You need only raise your spear to receive this blessing.

The first satyr to wake after a revel must search for the site of the next one.

Trespassers are welcome to try.

A masterwork of spite, inspired by madness.

"If I fail to offer myself, we will surely be overrun. My fate would be the same."

"My favorite guilty pleasure? Are there innocent ones?"

Some shamanic sects advocate the different seasons, each working to preserve nature's cycles.

We are made stronger by those we fight for. Designed by Richard Garriott

It requires immense pressure to imbue an item with magic. If the spell is broken . . .

Little agonies pave the way to greater power.

"This is the source, the line unbroken since the calamity that brought such monsters to our shores." —Hastric, Thunian scout

"You will be reimbursed for your donation." "The reimbursement is spiritual." —Temple signs

"Healing is more art than magic. Well, there is still quite a bit of magic."

Designed by Justin Gary

A symbol of ambition in ruthless times.

A symbol of passion in indifferent times.

A symbol of sagacity in bewildering times.

A symbol of conviction in uncertain times.

A symbol of ferocity in oppressive times.

"Pyrotechnic activity of any sort is strictly prohibited. It is irrelevant that today is a holiday."

"We patrol the steppes to keep enemies from the forest verge."

The sacred feathers of the pegasus are said to have healing powers.

The giant was felt a few seconds before he was seen.

If they succeed in their holy work, their order will vanish into welcome obscurity, for there will be no more souls to redeem.

The massive dominate through might. The tiny survive with guile. Beware the tiny who become massive.

Devils redecorate every room with fire.

Dominaria's most extravagant crypt nevertheless holds an empty grave.

"Ribbit."

Kidnappers caught in Havengul are given two choices: languish in prison or become rat catchers. The smart ones go to prison.

"Though tempered differently, all wills can be broken." —Inquisitor Kyrik

"If it were merely lethal, that would be sufficient. The art, however, is in maximizing the suffering it causes." —Liliana Vess

It sees a rotting carcass as a good wine which has been aged properly.

"I'm raising an army. Any volunteers?"

"Yawgmoth's corpse is a wound in the universe. His foul blood seeps out, infecting the land with his final curse." —Lord Windgrace

"We attacked with arrows dipped in poison. The slivers that did not die began to change." —Hastric, Thunian scout

Fortified by the wilds.

"I've tried so many variations on how to get rid of annoying things that it's hard to decide which one I like best." —Ashurel, voidmage

"If you cannot turn your enemy's strength to weakness, then make that strength your own." —Gresha, warrior sage

Mercy is for those who keep their distance.

"I have seen countless petty warmongers gaze on it for a time before turning away." —Sarlena, paladin of the Northern Verge

Mulch is the fabric of life in the forest. Plants live in it, they die in it, and then they become part of it, feeding countless generations to come.

He draws strength from a vast source few mortals can fathom. Designed by Isaiah Cartwright

Designed by the Magic community

Sailors have come to regard them as bad luck, for they falsely bring hope of land.

The modular nature of the automaton's design makes assembly perfectly intuitive.

Some bog witches practice the strange art of batrachomancy, reading portents in the number, size, and color of warts on a toad's hide.

Designed by Rob Pardo

Designed by Brian Fargo

Shades are drawn to places of power, often rooting themselves in a single area to feed.