Creature class: Difference between revisions

From MTG Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
VisualWikitext
>Hunterofsalvation
>Hunterofsalvation
 
(216 intermediate revisions by 29 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
Most humanoid [[creature]]s have at least two [[creature type]]s: [[race]] and [[class]]. Whereas race (such as [[humans|human]], [[elves|elf]], or [[goblins|goblin]]) is a matter of genetics, a creature's '''class''' (such as [[#Soldiers|soldier]], [[#Wizards|wizard]], or [[#Rogues|rogue]]) represents their career or calling in life.
{{about|subset of creature types|the enchantment type|Class}}
'''Creature class''', often shortened to just '''Class''', is an [[R&D]] term for a subset of the [[characteristic]] "[[creature type]]".<ref>{{WebRef|url=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/askwizards/0108|title=Ask Wizards - January, 2008|author=[[Wizards of the Coast]]|publisher=magicthegathering.com|date=January 1-14, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080212050749/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/askwizards/0108|archivedate=May 4, 2016}}</ref>


{{TOCright}}
==Description==
==Advisors==
Most [[humanoid]] [[creature]]s have at least two [[creature type]]s: a [[race]] and a class. Whereas race (such as [[Human]], [[Elf]], or [[Goblin]]) is a matter of the creature's origin, their class (such as [[Soldier]], [[Wizard]], or [[Rogue]]) represents their function, occupation, career or calling in life.
'''Advisors''' are tacticians, courtiers, ministers, and others known for their wisdom. Bureaucrats (once a separate class) are also ranked as advisors. Advisors often serve roles in government, where they can obtain significant personal power by manipulating those above and below them. Advisors span all five colors, though a majority are [[white]]. From the name, one might guess that an advisor is never in direct command, but rather stands at the side of authority. This is untrue. Teysa Karlov, Augustin IV,and Gaddock Teeg are all free agents and "advise" no one. In the [[Grand Creature Type Update]] the subtype '''Tactician''' (<c>Seasoned Tactician</c>) was incorporated into the Advisor class as well.


===Notable Advisors===
There is no distinction in the [[Comprehensive Rules]] between race and class. All creature types are treated equally within the game rules. The use of the [[Creature_type#Race/class_model|race/class model]] is to allow for more consistent, flavorful worldbuilding and more design space among creatures.
* [[Augustin IV]]
* [[Gaddock Teeg]]
* [[Ib Halfheart]]
* [[Masako]]
* [[Michiko Konda]]
* [[Riven Turnbull]]
* [[Teysa Karlov]]
* [[Tobias Andrion]]


==Alchemists==
Some cards, including a few [[token]]s, can have a class without a race.
'''Alchemists''' are people who practice alchemy, a form of chemistry and speculative philosophy which is concerned with discovering methods for transmuting base metals into [[gold]] and with finding a universal solvent and an <c>Elixir of Immortality</c>. The only card with the subtype Alchemist was <c>Samite Alchemist</c>. This was changed to [[Cleric]] in the [[Grand Creature Type Update]]. <c>Battletide Alchemist</c> was also printed as a Cleric, <c>Aphetto Alchemist</c> and <c>Sedraxis Alchemist</c> were printed as [[Wizards]] and <c>Cho-Arrim Alchemist</c> as [[Spellshaper]]. None of these cards had topdown design reflecting transmuting skills.


==Archers==
As of ''[[Jumpstart 2022]]'' the most common class is Wizard, followed by Warrior and then Soldier.
'''Archers''' are combatants who specialize in fighting with bow and arrows. In-game, archers often have the [[reach]] ability, abilities that allow them to deal damage directly to creatures with [[flying]]. Archers are centered in [[white]] and [[green]].


For much of the game's history, "archer" was not a supported creature type, and many preexisting archers were changed to [[Soldiers|soldiers]]. Later, the archer type was reinstated, and some archers that had been changed to soldiers now bear both creature types.
Not all non-race creature types have to be occupations. Types as [[Child]], [[Coward]], [[Elder]], [[Guest]] and [[Peasant]] are categories you can apply to creatures.<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/723318247975436288|title=Why were child and guest made creature types?|July 19, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/723333347068280832|title=There's Cowards too.|July 19, 2023}}</ref>


===Archer Organizations===
==History==
* [[Order of the D'Avenant]]
Creature classes like [[Cleric]], [[Knight]] and [[Wizard]] have been a part of [[Magic: The Gathering|''Magic'']]'s creature types since [[Limited Edition]] [[Alpha]]. During the early years of the game, creature types were considered to be an extension of the flavor and world-building, rather than as mechanically important. This had two consequences {{em}} creatures had only a single creature type and that creature type was the most flavourfully relevant one.<ref>{{WebRef|url=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/daily/mr47|title=Beast of Show|author=[[Mark Rosewater]]|publisher=magicthegathering.com|date=November 18, 2002|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060513012350/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/daily/mr47|archivedate=May 23, 2009}}</ref>


===Notable Archers===
Creature classes were a major part of R&D's shift away from creature-types-as-flavour to creature-types-as-mechanics.<ref>{{WebRef|url=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/daily/rb47|title=Debating Humanity|author=[[Randy Buehler]]|publisher=magicthegathering.com|date=November 22, 2002|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20021207125835/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/daily/rb47|archivedate=February 29, 2012}}</ref> This philosophy change arose from development of the [[tribal]]-themed [[Onslaught block|''Onslaught'' block]], when three major issues with the current design scheme were identified:
* [[Archers of Avenant]]
*Creatures having only one type meant someone had to choose which type was more important when a creature, like <c>Goblin Wizard</c>, wanted to be multiple types.
* [[Brigid Baeli]]
*With only one creature type, card names were being used to tell the whole story about a card. This limited the name space for creatures.
* [[Lady Caleria]]
*Creatures with only one type would only work in one type of tribal deck. This limited flexability and interactivity for players.
* [[Rashka the Slayer]]
* [[Tetsuo Umezawa]]
* [[Tor Wauki]]


==Artificers==
In response to the success of ''Onslaught'' block, the race/class model was adopted for creatures from ''[[Mirrodin]]'' onwards.<ref>{{WebRef|url=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/daily/af185|title=Looking Back to the Future|author=[[Aaron Forsythe]]|publisher=magicthegathering.com|date=August 24, 2007|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071112055922/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/daily/af185|archivedate=March 3, 2017}}</ref> The [[Grand Creature Type Update]] consolidated the race/class model by reducing the number of creature types and issuing errata to older cards to bring them in line with the new philosophy.<ref name="GCTU">{{WebRef|url=https://www.wizards.com/Magic/Magazine/Article.aspx?x=mtgcom/feature/424a3|title=The Grand Creature Type Update|author=[[Mark Gottlieb]]|publisher=magicthegathering.com|date=September 26, 2007|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602073318/https://www.wizards.com/Magic/Magazine/Article.aspx?x=mtgcom/feature/424a3|archivedate=April 22, 2021}}</ref>
'''Artificers''' are those who specialize in working with [[artifacts]]. Some artificers are merely mundane tinkerers, while others possess magical skill at their craft. All artificers have artifact-related abilities. [[Goblins]], with their love of mindless tinkering, produce numerous artificers. In the [[Grand Creature Type Update]] the subtypes '''Archaeologist''' (<c>Argivian Archaeologist</c>), '''Smith''' (<c>Argivian Blacksmith</c>) and '''Sage''' (<c>Sage of Lat-Nam</c>) were incorporated into the Artificer class.


===Notable Artificers===
In 2022 [[Wizards of the Coast]] retired the [[Card_frame#Silver_border|silver border]], replacing it with the [[acorn]] stamp. This allowed [[Acorn#Un-sets|Un-set]]s to contain both acorn cards and [[eternal legal]] cards. The release of ''[[Unfinity]]'' saw [[Child]] and [[Gamer]] become eternal legal creature classes.<ref>{{WebRef|url=https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/comprehensive-rules-changes-2022-10-18|title=Comprehensive Rules Changes|author=[[Jess Dunks]]|publisher=magicthegathering.com|date=October 18, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221121174138/https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/comprehensive-rules-changes-2022-10-18|archivedate=November 21, 2022}}</ref>
* [[Arcum Dagsson]]
* [[Ashnod]]
* [[Ayesha Tanaka]]
* [[Barl]]
* [[Glacian]]
* [[Hanna]]
* [[Jhoira]]
* [[Mishra]]
* [[Slobad]]
* [[Tawnos]]
* [[Tezzeret]]
* [[Tocasia]]
* [[Urza]]
* [[Venser]]
* [[Yawgmoth]]


==Assassins==
==List of creature classes==
'''Assassins''' specialize in one thing: killing. Assassins are amoral in the extreme, ending the lives of others for money or the thrill of killing. Assassins often have abilities that let them directly destroy other creatures. The majority of assassins are [[black]].
The following table lists all eternal legal creature classes.
{| class="wikitable"
! Class
! Description
! Scryfall
|-
|'''[[Advisor]]'''
|Tacticians, courtiers, ministers, and others who are known for their wisdom.
|{{Scryfall search|Advisor|type}}
|-
|'''[[Ally]]'''
|Creatures that have joined together in an association for mutual benefit or to achieve some common purpose.
|{{Scryfall search|Ally|type}}
|-
|'''[[Archer]]'''
|Combatants who specialize in fighting with bow and arrows.
|{{Scryfall search|Archer|type}}
|-
|'''[[Army]]'''
|A unit that is part of some military service
|{{Scryfall search|Amass|oracle}}
|-
|'''[[Artificer]]'''
|Those who specialize in working with [[artifacts]].
|{{Scryfall search|Artificer|type}}
|-
|'''[[Assassin]]'''
|Specialists in targeted killing.
|{{Scryfall search|Assassin|type}}
|-
|'''[[Barbarian]]'''
|Unorganized fighters, usually from primitive and/or uncivilized cultures.
|{{Scryfall search|Barbarian|type}}
|-
|'''[[Bard]]'''
|Entertainers who improve the qualities of creatures through music.
|{{Scryfall search|Bard|type}}
|-
|'''[[Berserker]]'''
|Combatants who enter a frenzy in battle, gaining great speed and battle prowess.
|{{Scryfall search|Berserker|type}}
|-
|'''[[Child]]'''{{ref|unique|†}}
|A young version of a creature which has yet to assume another role in society
|{{Scryfall search|Child|type}}
|-
|'''[[Citizen]]'''
|Inhabitants of a city or town, usually in a non-fighting capacity.
|{{Scryfall search|Citizen|type}}
|-
|'''[[Cleric]]'''
|Spellcasters who channel the power of their faith in a cause or higher being into potent magic.
|{{Scryfall search|Cleric|type}}
|-
|'''[[Clown]]'''
|Comic entertainers who wear traditionally comical costumes and exaggerated make-up.
|{{Scryfall search|Clown|type}}
|-
|'''[[Coward]]'''
|Creatures who lack courage in facing danger, difficulty, opposition or pain.
|{{Scryfall search|Coward|type}}
|-
|'''[[Deserter]]'''
|Creatures who have left, or run away from, their service or duty with the intention of never returning.
|{{Scryfall search|Deserter|type}}
|-
|'''[[Detective]]'''
|A creature that specializes in acquiring information to be put toward solving a crime or mystery.
|{{Scryfall search|Detective|type}}
|-
|'''[[Doctor]]
|A creature trained in the use of medicine.
|{{Scryfall search|Doctor|type}}
|-
|'''[[Drone]]'''
|Simple, immature, or artificial lifeforms that perform tedious and menial work.
|{{Scryfall search|Drone|type}}
|-
|'''[[Druid]]'''
|Masters of magic powered by faith, and strongly tied to [[plant]]s, animals, fertility, the element of earth, and the [[land]] about them.
|{{Scryfall search|Druid|type}}
|-
|'''[[Egg]]'''{{ref|unique|†}}
|Used for the [[Wikipedia:Egg|incubation]] stage of a creature.
|{{Scryfall search|Egg|type}}
|-
|'''[[Elder]]'''
|Used on venerable creatures to denote their importance.
|{{Scryfall search|Elder|type}}
|-
|'''[[Employee]]'''
|Creatures employed for wages or salary, especially at a non-executive level.
|{{Scryfall search|Employee|type}}
|-
|'''[[Flagbearer]]'''
|Soldiers or civilians who bear a standard or flag, which is used as a formal, visual symbol of a military unit on the [[battlefield]].
|{{Scryfall search|Flagbearer|type}}
|-
|'''[[Gamer]]'''
|Individuals who play games casually or professionally.
|{{Scryfall search|Gamer|type}}
|-
|'''[[Guest]]'''
|A creature who is invited to visit someone's home, business or attend a particular social occasion.
|{{Scryfall search|Guest|type}}
|-
|'''[[Inquisitor]]'''
|A creature who inquires or investigates professionaly, especially one seen to be excessively harsh or using extereme methods.
|{{Scryfall search|Inquisitor|type}}
|-
|'''[[Knight]]'''
|Highly-trained combatants who are usually part of a formal army or cavalry, usually specializing in fighting on horseback with a sword or lance.
|{{Scryfall search|Knight|type}}
|-
|'''[[Mercenary]]'''
|Individuals who sell their services in combat for money.
|{{Scryfall search|Mercenary|type}}
|-
|'''[[Minion]]'''
|Those who work the will of overtly evil forces or organizations.
|{{Scryfall search|Minion|type}}
|-
|'''[[Monger]]'''
|Dealers in commodities who sell their wares and services to all comers.
|{{Scryfall search|Monger|type}}
|-
|'''[[Monk]]'''
|Individuals who have devoted their lives to quiet introspection and meditation, though many monks are skilled at magic, martial arts, or both.
|{{Scryfall search|Monk|type}}
|-
|'''[[Mystic]]'''
|Creatures adept at channeling mana with their faith, learned through careful meditation.
|{{Scryfall search|Mystic|type}}
|-
|'''[[Ninja]]'''
|Masters of both stealth and armed combat who may find employment as spies, warriors, mercenaries, and assassins.
|{{Scryfall search|Ninja|type}}
|-
|'''[[Noble]]'''
|Members of aristocracy.
|{{Scryfall search|Noble|type}}
|-
|'''[[Nomad]]'''
|Members from uncivilized tribes who wander open spaces in closely-knit groups.
|{{Scryfall search|Nomad|type}}
|-
|'''[[Peasant]]'''
|Humble creatures from the countryside.
|{{Scryfall search|Peasant|type}}
|-
|'''[[Performer]]'''
|Entertainers who put on shows for the enjoyment and fun of others.
|{{Scryfall search|Performer|type}}
|-
|'''[[Pilot]]'''
|Persons who fly a skyship, air balloon, or other [[vehicle]].
|{{Scryfall search|Pilot|type}}
|-
|'''[[Pirate]]'''
|Motley fighters and scoundrels who sail the sea and skies to loot and plunder the unexpecting.
|{{Scryfall search|Pirate|type}}
|-
|'''[[Praetor]]'''
|Leaders of dark forces.
|{{Scryfall search|Praetor|type}}
|-
|'''[[Processor]]'''
|Eldritch spellcasters that pull things from the void back into the world.
|{{Scryfall search|Processor|type}}
|-
|'''[[Ranger]]'''
|Warriors who are in tune with nature.
|{{Scryfall search|Ranger|type}}
|-
|'''[[Rebel]]'''
|Individuals who fight against an established authority.
|{{Scryfall search|Rebel|type}}
|-
|'''[[Rigger]]'''
|Creatures that specialize in the lifting and moving of extremely large or heavy objects.
|{{Scryfall search|Rigger|type}}
|-
|'''[[Rogue]]'''
|Those who live by their wits, using stealth and cunning to make their way in life.
|{{Scryfall search|Rogue|type}}
|-
|'''[[Samurai]]'''
|Warriors who have sworn their service and their lives to a single authority figure, usually a feudal [[lord]].
|{{Scryfall search|Samurai|type}}
|-
|'''[[Scion]]'''{{ref|unique|†}}
|Descendant of a force or being that aim to help their originator.
|{{Scryfall search|Scion|type}}
|-
|'''[[Scientist]]'''
|Scholars dedicated to pursuing empirical knowledge through controlled experimentation.
|{{Scryfall search|Scientist|type}}
|-
|'''[[Scout]]'''
|Individuals who are adept at getting along in the wild, often sharing the benefits of their prowess with others.
|{{Scryfall search|Scout|type}}
|-
|'''[[Serf]]'''
|Creatures of a peasant status in [[Wikipedia:Serfdom|feudalistic]] systems.
|{{Scryfall search|Serf|type}}
|-
|'''[[Shaman]]'''
|Often spiritual leaders and protectors. These born magic users use tradition, ritual, and years of practice to focus their inate mana outward and reshape the natural world around them.
|{{Scryfall search|Shaman|type}}
|-
|'''[[Soldier]]'''
|Trained combatants who are part of a formal army. They are adept at fighting in concert and overwhelming the enemy.
|{{Scryfall search|Soldier|type}}
|-
|'''[[Spawn]]'''{{ref|unique|†}}
|The offspring of an entity, being, stock, idea or place.
|{{Scryfall search|Spawn|type}}
|-
|'''[[Spellshaper]]'''
|Spellcasters who devote themselves to perfecting a single spell or selection of spells.
|{{Scryfall search|Spellshaper|type}}
|-
|'''[[Survivor]]'''
|Creatures who remained alive after a chatastrophic event in which others perished.
|{{Scryfall search|Survivor|type}}
|-
|'''[[Tentacle]]'''{{ref|unique|†}}
|Flexible, semi-intelligent limbs or appendages of large creatures or entities.
|{{Scryfall search|Tentacle|type}}
|-
|'''[[Warlock]]'''
|Spellcasters who derive their powers from evil forces.
|{{Scryfall search|Warlock|type}}
|-
|'''[[Warrior]]'''
|Combatants who fight alone or in loose hordes.  
|{{Scryfall search|Warrior|type}}
|-
|'''[[Wizard]]'''
|Masters of channeling external [[mana]] into powerful [[spells]].
|{{Scryfall search|Wizard|type}}
|}


===Assassin Organizations===
;Notes
* [[Breathstealers]]
:{{note|unique|†}} This type can be considered a creature "status type" that can be used as either a race or a class, depending on the context.<ref>{{WebRef|url=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/askwizards/0607|title=Ask Wizards - June, 2007|author=[[Doug Beyer]]|publisher=magicthegathering.com|date=June 11, 2007|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080310225913/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/askwizards/0607|archivedate=May 4, 2016}}</ref>


===Notable Assassins===
===Acorn classes===
* [[Kiku]]
[[Acorn]] sets use creature types which are not included in [[Magic: The Gathering|''Magic'']]'s comprehensive rules, but are part of acorn games. Because these creature types are not compiled into an authoritative list by [[Wizards of the Coast]], the following table may be incomplete. Which of the acorn creature types are considered classes is based on intuition rather than offical comment.
* [[Ramses Overdark]]
* [[Thraximundar]]


==Barbarians==
{| class="wikitable"
'''Barbarians''' are unorganized fighters, usually from primitive and/or uncivilized cultures. Many barbarians charge into battle in a state of madness, an ability that is reflected on several barbarian cards by abilities that require the player to [[discard]]. Many barbarians have [[first strike]] and/or [[haste]], representing their ferocity. Barbarians are centered in [[red]].
!Class
 
!Description
The barbarian creature type has been by and large supplanted by the [[#Warriors|warrior]] and [[#Berserkers|berserker]] types, but some new barbarians continue to be printed.
!Scryfall
 
|-
===Barbarian Organizations / Locations===
|'''[[Bureaucrat]]'''
* [[Balduvia]]
|Members of an organization tasked with ensuring regulations are followed and paperwork is filed.
* [[Keld]]
|{{Scryfall search|Bureaucrat|type}}
* [[Northern Wilds]]
|-
* [[Pardic Mountains]]
|'''[[Designer]]'''
* [[Vulshok]]
|Individuals well suited for the task of creating or maintaining complicated systems.
 
|{{Scryfall search|Designer|type}}
===Notable Barbarians===
|-
* [[Balthor Rockfist]]
|'''[[Fighter]]'''
* [[Godo]]
|Adventurers that are masters of combat.
* [[Jeska]]
|<c>Dungeon Master</c>
* [[Kamahl]] (later a [[#Druids|druid]])
|-
* [[Lovisa Coldeyes]]
|'''[[Grandchild]]'''
* [[Meng Huo]]
|Similar to Child, a young version of a creature which has yet to assume another role in society; but it is noted as the second generation decendant.
 
|{{Scryfall search|Grandchild|type}}
==Berserkers==
|-
'''Berserkers''' are combatants who enter a frenzy in battle, gaining great speed and battle prowess. Common abilities for berserkers are [[haste]], [[rampage]], and [[bloodthirst]]. Most berserkers are [[red]] or [[green]]. Examples include: <c>Vulshok Berserker</c>, <c>Ghor-Clan Savage</c>, <c>Kill-Suit Cultist</c> and <c>Raging Goblin</c>.
|'''[[Hatificer]]'''
 
|A specialist in making, mending, destroying, or otherwise manipulating hats.
===Berserker Organizations / Locations===
|{{Scryfall search|Hatificer|type}}
* [[Ærathi]]
|-
 
|'''[[Head]]'''
===Notable Berserkers===
|The head of a creature acting independently from its other heads or its body.
* [[Commander Gunamo]]
|{{Scryfall search|Head|type}}
* [[Commander Hrotgha]]
|-
* [[Jorgan Hage]]
|'''[[Hero]]'''
 
|An individual with special abilities which seeks to make society better through extra-ordinary action.
==Bodyguards==
|{{Scryfall search|Hero|type}}
A '''Bodyguard''' is a person or group of persons employed to guard an individual, often a high official or VIP, from bodily harm. Cards printed with the class Bodyguard were <c>Veteran Bodyguard</c> from ''[[Alpha]]'', <c>Martyrs of Korlis</c> from ''[[Antiquities]]'' and <c>Anaba Bodyguard</c> from ''[[Homelands]]''. In the [[Grand Creature Type Update]] the class was obsoleted and they were changed to [[Human]] and [[Minotaur]] respectively. Later cards like <c>Rhox Bodyguard</c> from ''[[Conflux]]'' were always [[Soldiers]] or [[Clerics]].
|-
 
|'''[[Lady of Proper Etiquette]]'''
[[Burke]] was a bodyguard for [[Ambassador Laquatus]], and [[Chainer]] was asked to be a bodyguard for the [[Cabal Patriarch]] right before killing him.
|A woman who has learned and adheres to the rules of her society's upper gentry.
 
|{{Scryfall search|Lady of proper etiquette|type}}
==Clerics==
|-
'''Clerics''' are spellcasters who channel the power of their faith in a cause or higher being into potent magic. Most clerics are part of a formal church, cult, or other religious institution and wield either [[white]] or [[black]] mana. White-aligned clerics specialize in healing and protection, while black-aligned clerics spread [[fear]] and pestilence and often share a bond with the [[undead]].
|'''[[Lord]]'''
The following former classes are incorporated changed into the Cleric class:
|Creatures with an occupation of high class or power within a structure or organization.
* '''Ancestor''' (<c>Auspicious Ancestor</c>)
|{{Scryfall search|Lord|type}}
* '''Exorcist''' (<c>Exorcist</c>)
|-
* '''Heretic''' (<c>Soldevi Heretic</c>)
|'''[[Mime]]'''
* '''Hunter''' (<c>Witch Hunter</c>)
|A type of entertainer, similar to a Clown, except their acts tend to be silent.
* '''Inquisitor''' (<c>Serra Inquisitors</c>)
|{{Scryfall search|Mime|type}}
* '''Keeper''' (<c>Keepers of the Faith</c>)
|-
* '''Martyr''' (<c>Vigilant Martyr</c>)
|'''[[Paratrooper]]'''
* '''Preacher''' (<c>Preacher</c>)
|Creatures that are trained to attack or land in combat areas by parachuting from great hights.
* '''Priest''' (<c>Clergy of the Holy Nimbus</c>)
|{{Scryfall search|Paratrooper|type}}
* '''Speaker''' (<c>Death Speakers</c>)
|-
 
|'''[[Spy]]'''
===Clerical Organizations / Locations===
|Similar to Rogues, spies live and die by their wits and eclectic skill set; unlike rogues, spies always act as part of a larger organization.
* The [[Cabal]]
|{{Scryfall search|Spy|type}}
* [[Daru Plains]]
|-
* [[Order of Leitbur]]
|'''[[Townsfolk]]'''
* [[Order of the Ebon Hand]]
|Members of a sapient race without a specific occupation who live in towns.
 
|{{Scryfall search|Townsfolk|type}}
===Notable Clerics===
|-
* [[Angus Mackenzie]]
|'''[[Villain]]'''
* [[Asmira, Holy Avenger|Asmira]]
|An individual with special abilities which seeks to make society worse overall through extra-ordinary action, often for their direct or indirect benefit.
* [[Atalya]]
|{{Scryfall search|Villain|type}}
* [[Eight-and-a-Half-Tails]]
|-
* [[Halvor Arenson]]
|'''[[Waiter]]'''
* [[Hazduhr the Abbot|Hazduhr]]
|An employee at a restuarant, typically tasked with taking customer orders and serving customers their food and drink.
* [[Izolda]]
|{{Scryfall search|Waiter|type}}
* [[Kei Takahashi]]
|-
* [[Lady Evangela]]
|'''[[Wrestler]]'''
* The [[Marked Cleric]]
|A type of entertainer which create naratives for their audience through simulated contests of strength.
* [[Mikaeus]], the Lunarch
|{{Scryfall search|Wrestler|type}}
* [[Oliver Farrel]]
|}
* [[Orim]]
* [[Oriss]]
* [[Primata Delphine]]
* [[Ragnar]]
* [[Sorine Relicbane]]
* [[Taysir|Taysir the White]]
* [[Vaylesh]]
 
==Cowards==
A '''coward''' is a person who lacks courage in facing danger, difficulty, opposition, pain, etc.; a timid or easily intimidated person. The <c>Boldwyr Intimidator</c> is a [[Giant]] [[Warrior]] who can change target creatures into cowards. This is the only card that actually mentions the subtype coward.
 
===Notable Cowards===
* [[Norin the Wary]]
 
==Druids==
'''Druids''', like clerics, are masters of magic powered by faith, often backed up with prowess in combat. Druids are strongly tied to [[plant]]s, animals, fertility, the element of earth, and the [[land]] about them. They often congregate in groups away from civilization. The vast majority of druids wield [[green]] mana, but some channel [[white]] or [[black]] mana as well. Green-aligned races such as [[elves]], [[centaurs]], and [[nantuko]] produce many druids.  Most druids can be tapped for mana, usually, but not always, green.
 
'''Enchantressess''' or '''enchanters''' are a particular kind of druid specializing in shaping [[enchantments]].
 
===Druidic Organizations / Locations===
* [[Argoth]]
* [[Stone Druids]]
* [[Verdura]]
* [[Yavimaya]]
* Mazaar
 
===Notable Druids===
* [[Baru]]
* [[Greensleeves]]
* [[Kamahl]]
* [[Kaysa]]
* [[Kolbjorn]]
* [[Lord Magnus]]
* [[Rofellos]]
* [[Seton]]
* [[Sister Nadeen Dormet]]
* [[Thelon of Havenwood|Thelon]]
* [[Thriss, Nantuko Primus|Thriss]]
 
==Flagbearers==
A '''flagbearer''' is a person (soldier or civilian) who bears a standard or oriflamme, i.e. either a type of flag or an inflexible but mobile image, which is used as a formal, visual symbol of a military unit on the [[battlefield]].
 
In ''[[Apocalypse]]'' there were two White Flagbearer creatures (<c>Standard Bearer</c> and <c>Coalition Honor Guard</c>) and an aura (<c>Coalition Flag</c>) that granted a creature the Flagbearer [[subtype]] as well as the inherent ability. As long as you have one in play, any spell or ability your opponent plays that can target a Flagbearer must target a Flagbearer. If a spell has multiple targets, only one of the targets needs to be a Flagbearer.
 
==Guardians==
A '''Guardian''' is a creature which guards, protects, or preserves. The first creature to bear the type was <c>Guardian Beast</c> from ''[[Antiquities]]''. Other examples include <c>Harbor Guardian</c> and <c>Fountain Watch</c>. The subtype was obsoleted in the [[Grand Creature Type Update]]. <c>Ivory Guardians</c> used to give a bonus to all Guardians. It now gives the bonus to just "creatures named Ivory Guardians".
 
==Heroes==
'''Heroes''' are characters who, in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, display courage and the will for self sacrifice (heroism) for some greater good. The first creature to bear the type was <c>Benalish Hero</c> in ''[[Alpha]]'', and later came <c>Kjeldoran Warrior</c> and <c>Beast Walkers</c>. When <c>Aysen Crusader</c> was printed it powered up these three heroes. However, the Hero-class was obsoleted in the [[Grand Creature Type Update]], and rather than Heroes, it gained a bonus from [[Soldiers]] and [[Warriors]] instead. Now, the only card remaining with the class Hero is <c>Fraction Jackson</c> from ''[[Unhinged]]''.
 
===Famous heroes===
* <c>Gerrard Capashen</c>
* <c>Benalish Hero</c>
* <c>Tahngarth, Talruum Hero</c>
* <c>Lin Sivvi, Defiant Hero</c>
* <c>Stonebrow, Krosan Hero</c>
* <c>Zhang Liao, Hero of Hefei</c>
* <c>Brigid, Hero of Kinsbaile</c>
 
==Knights==
'''Knights''' are highly-trained combatants who are usually part of a formal army or cavalry, usually specializing in fighting on horseback with a sword or lance. Most knights, especially those aligned with [[white]] or [[black]], are pledged to a single lord or order, though many [[black]] and most [[red]] knights are devoted only to themselves. Abilities associated with knights are [[first strike]], [[double strike]], [[flanking]], and [[protection]]; a few knights ride steeds with [[flying]] as well.
 
Some knights, called "paladins", channel mana in a way similar to [[#Clerics|clerics]]. '''Paladin''' was originally a separate creature type from knight, but the two were later combined under the latter. The subtypes '''Cavalry''' (<c>Moorish Cavalry</c>) and '''Crusader''' (only used for <c>Aysen Crusader</c>) were changed to Knight as well.
 
===Knightly Organizations===
* [[Knights of Kjeldor]]
* [[Knights of Meadowgrain]]
* [[Juniper Order]]
* [[Order of Stromgald]]
* [[Order of the Golden Cricket]]
* [[Order of Leitbur]]
* [[Order of the Ebon Hand]]
* [[Order of the Steel Leaf]]
* [[Schwartzritterein]]
* [[Serra Paladins]]
 
===Notable Knights===
* [[Adun Oakenshield]]
* [[Avram Garrison]]
* [[Sir Gregor]]
* [[Haakon]]
* [[Ihsan]]
* [[Jaeuhl Carthalion]]
* [[Jerrard of the Closed Fist]]
* [[Lord of House Khone]]
* [[Márton Stromgald]]
* [[Rafiq]]
* [[Sauruven Hellwald]]
* [[Sir Shandlar]]
* [[Sidar Jibari]]
* [[Telim'Tor]]
* [[Tivadar of Thorn]]
* [[Varchild]]
* [[Wrizfar Barkfeather]]
* [[Sir Xian]]
* [[Sir Zaraya]]
===Knight [[tokens]]===
Knight Creature tokens are produced by:
*<c>Errand of Duty</c> (1/1 white Knight with [[banding]])
*<c>Hunted Dragon</c> (2/2 white Knight with [[First strike]])
*<c>Knight-Captain of Eos</c> (1/1 white Knight)
*<c>Riftmarked Knight</c> (2/2 black Knight [[flanking]], [[protection]] from white, and [[haste]])
*<c>Waylay</c> (1/1 white Knight)
 
==Lords==
 
: ''Main article [[Lords]]''
 
'''Lord''' is a defunct creature type for creatures with an occupation of high class or power within a structure or organization. It was dropped due to inconsistency between card names and the use of this type, gender issues (''Lady'' being the correct female form), and so it would not be confused with the so-called "lord" abilities of creatures who grant effects to other creatures according to their creature types, colors, or other attributes.
 
Most lords have since had their class changed to something more appropriate. For instance, <c>Lovisa Coldeyes</c> was changed from a [[Humans|Human]] Lord to a Human [[#Barbarian|Barbarian]].
 
==Mercenaries==
'''Mercenaries''' are individuals who sell their services in combat for money. Mercenaries have a reputation for being thuggish brutes or dangerously untrustworthy cads, though some are honorable. Like [[#Rebels|rebels]], many mercenaries have the ability to "recruit" by allowing a player to search his or her library and put a mercenary card from it directly into play; due to their generally unsavory and untrustworthy natures, though, they can only recruit creatures weaker (that is, with a lower casting cost) than they are. Most mercenaries are [[black]] or [[red]].
 
Mercenaries appeared primarily in the [[Masques block]], though some have been printed before and since.
 
===Mercenary Organizations===
* [[Cateran Guild]]
* [[Robaran Mercenaries]]
 
===Notable Mercenaries===
* [[Adira Strongheart]]
 
==Minions==
'''Minions''' are those who work the will of overtly evil forces or organizations. Minions are black-hearted individuals who knowingly bring harm upon others through subterfuge or open malice.
 
There are also cases of individuals who have been identified as minions in flavor terms, yet lack the creature type, for example [[Gwafa Hazid, Profiteer]], and [[Rakka Mar]].
 
===Minion Organizations===
* The [[Cabal]]
 
===Notable Minions===
* [[Braids]]
* [[Chainer]]
* [[Phage]]
* The [[Rag Man]]
===Minion [[tokens]]===
Black Minion Creature tokens are created by <c>Infernal Genesis</c> and <c>Phyrexian Processor</c>.
 
==Monks==
'''Monks''' are individuals who have devoted their lives to quiet introspection and meditation, though many monks are skilled at magic, martial arts, or both. Some monks live their lives in solitude, while others come together in monasteries. Some monks are devoted to a specific faith, while others seek enlightenment away from religion. Most monks are [[white]] or [[green]].
 
The monk creature type is a relatively late addition to the game. Originally, creatures with the word "monk" in their names bore the [[#Cleric|cleric]] type, but monk became its own creature type with the release of the [[Kamigawa block]], and monks printed before that now have both types. '''Dervish''' (<c>Whirling Dervish</c>) was also changed into subtype Monk.
 
===Monastic Organizations===
* [[Budoka]]
* [[Ember Fell]]
* [[Kannushi]]
 
===Notable Monks===
* [[Adair River Span]]
* [[Azusa]]
* [[Dokai]]
* [[Dosan]]
* [[Erayo]]
* [[Homura]]
* [[Iwamori]]
* [[Kobo]] (later a [[shaman]])
* [[Kuon]]
* The [[Mad Monk]]
* [[Sasaya]]
* [[Seshiro]]
 
==Mystics==
'''Mystics''', like [[#Clerics|clerics]], are adept at channeling mana with their faith, but instead of devoting themselves to a religion they learn magic through careful meditation. Mystics often have a special connection with the spirits of the deceased, granting them powers such as flight. Most mystics are [[white]] and have [[threshold]], and most appeared in the [[Odyssey block]].
 
===Mystic Locations / Organizations===
* [[Daru Plains]]
 
==Ninja==
'''Ninja''' are masters of both stealth and armed combat who may find employment as spies, warriors, mercenaries, assassins; they are famed for their versatility. Secretive in the extreme, some ninja practice magic that further enhances their abilities of infiltration. Some ninja come together in clans, though many others are solitary rogues. The [[ninjutsu]] ability is exclusive to ninja. All ninja are either [[blue]] or [[black]], and all appeared in ''[[Betrayers of Kamigawa]]'' and/or the ''[[Night of the Ninja]]'' deck of ''[[Planechase 2]]''.
 
===Notable Ninja===
* [[Black-Nose]]
* [[Higure]]
* [[Ink-Eyes]]
 
==Nomads==
'''Nomads''' come from uncivilized tribes who wander open spaces in closely-knit groups. Like [[#Barbarians|barbarians]], it is more a description of heritage than other classes. Most nomads are [[white]] or [[red]], traveling the [[plains]] or [[mountain]]s. The former classes '''Caravan''' (<c>Trade Caravan</c>) and '''Gypsy''' (<c>Pradesh Gypsies</c>) were changed into Nomad during the [[Grand Creature Type Update]].
 
===Nomadic Organizations / Locations===
* [[Ghitu]]
* [[Daru Plains]]
 
===Notable Nomads===
* [[Captain Pianna]]
* [[Taysir of Rabiah|Taysir the Red]]
 
==Pirates==
'''Pirates''' are motley fighters and scoundrels who sail the sea and skies to loot and plunder the unexpected. Pirates are famed and feared for their unpredictability. Most pirates are [[blue]]. In the [[Grand Creature Type Update]] the subtype '''Merchant''' (<c>Talas Merchant</c>) was incorporated into the Pirate class.
 
===Pirate Organizations / Locations===
* [[Kukemssa]]
* [[Rishada]]
* [[The Talas]]
* [[Wavespawn]]
 
===Notable Pirates===
* [[Ramirez DePietro]]
 
==Rebels==
'''Rebels''' are individuals who fight against oppression or just to survive. Rebels are motivated by their sense of duty to their cause and loyalty to each other. Some rebels are brave idealists fighting for a noble cause, while others are underhanded scoundrels working to undermine legitimate rulers. Like [[#Mercenaries|mercenaries]], many rebels have the ability to "recruit" by allowing a player to search his or her [[library]] and put a rebel card from it directly into play; because of their infectious enthusiasm, rebels can recruit creatures more powerful (that is, with a higher casting cost) than they are. Most rebels are [[white]] or [[black]] and appeared in the [[Masques block|Masques]] or [[Time Spiral block]]s.
 
===Rebel Organizations===
* [[Cho-Arrim]]
* [[Ramosians]]
* [[Rathi Tribes]]
 
===Notable Rebels===
* [[Cho-Manno]]
* [[Lin Sivvi]]
 
==Riggers==
A '''rigger''' is creature that specializes in the lifting and moving of extremely large or heavy objects. <card>Steamflogger Boss</card> from ''[[Future Sight]]'' stated Rigger as a [[creature type]] [[lord]], but at that time the only creature with the subtype was Steamflogger Boss itself. In the [[Grand Creature Type Update]] he was joined by <c>Moriok Rigger</c>.
 
==Rogues==
'''Rogues''' are those who live by their wits, using stealth and cunning to make their way in life. Many rogues are notoriously tricky and amoral, as their clever minds and silver tongues give them an advantage over most others; a good rogue can steal the clothes right off an unwitting target's back. Many rogues are skilled with daggers, rapiers, and other light weapons. The [[prowl]] ability is associated exclusively with rogues. Most rogues are [[blue]] or [[black]], though rogues span all five colors. In the [[Grand Creature Type Update]] the subtypes '''Robber''' (<c>Grave Robbers</c>), '''Spy''' (<c>Stromgald Spy</c>) and '''Thief''' (<c>Ingenious Thief</c>) were incorporated into the Rogue class. Several card produce [[Faerie]] Rogue [[tokens]] or Goblin Rogue tokens.
 
===Notable Rogues===
* [[Chandler]]
* [[Eron the Relentless]]
* [[Gwafa Hazid]]
* [[Gwendlyn Di Corci]]
* [[Joven]]
* [[Sakashima the Impostor]]
* [[Starke of Rath]]
* [[Sygg]] of [[Lorwyn (plane)#Shadowmoor|Shadowmoor]]
* [[Thada Adel]], Acquisitor
* [[Veldrane of Sengir]]
 
==Samurai==
'''Samurai''' are warriors who have sworn their service and their lives to a single authority figure, usually a feudal [[lord]]. Most samurai are noble and serve their duty unflinchingly. Samurai are often equipped with a longsword called a ''katana'' and a shortsword called a ''wakizashi''; in many lands where samurai are found, they are the only citizens allowed to carry more than one weapon. The [[bushido]] ability, representing their ability in combat, is exclusive to samurai. Most samurai are aligned with [[white]].
 
Some samurai, due to personal dishonor or the death of their lord, become rogues called '''ronin'''; ronin may be just as honorable as other samurai or as underhanded as the darkest rogue. Ronin are usually [[black]] or [[red]].
 
Samurai appear exclusively in the [[Kamigawa block]].
 
===Notable Samurai===
* [[Brothers Yamazaki]]
* [[Golden-Tail]]
* [[Fumiko]]
* [[Iizuka]]
* [[Isao]]
* [[Kentaro]]
* [[Kenzo]]
* [[Takeno|Munetsugu Takeno]]
* [[Nagao]]
* [[Opal-Eye]]
* [[Silver-Foot]]
* [[The Tail Brothers]]
* [[Takeshi Konda]]
* [[Toshiro Umezawa]]
 
==Scouts==
'''Scouts''' are individuals who are adept at getting along in the wild, often sharing the benefits of their prowess with others. Some scouts are part of a formal military organization and may have some skill in combat. Many scouts have abilities relating to [[land]]s, including [[landwalk]]. Scouts are spread more or less equally across all five colors save [[black]]. 1/1 red Goblin Scout Creature tokens are produced by <c>Goblin Scouts</c>.
 
===Scout Organizations===
* [[Matsu]]
 
===Notable Scouts===
* [[Mistmeadow Jack]]
* [[Saffi Eriksdotter]]
* [[Scout Ekemet]]
 
==Shamans==
'''Shamans''' are similar to [[#Wizards|wizards]] in that their magic comes from rituals, lore, and years of practice, but their craft has an emotional and spiritual component reminiscent of [[#Druids|druids]]. Shamans are common among the more primitive [[red]], [[green]], and [[black]]-aligned races, including [[elves]], [[goblins]], and [[treefolk]], whom they serve as protectors and spiritual leaders.
 
===Shaman Organizations===
* [[Yamabushi]]
 
===Notable Shamans===
* [[Anowon]], the Ruin Sage
* [[Ashling]]
* [[Auntie Wort]]
* [[Ben-Ben]], [[Akki]] Hermit
* [[Colfenor]]
* [[Drana]], [[Kalastria]] Bloodchief
* [[Doran]]
* [[Hidetsugu]]
* [[Hivis of the Scale]]
* [[Kaervek]]
* [[Kiki-Jiki]] Mirror Breaker
* [[Kobo]]
* [[Mayael]] the [[Anima]]
* [[Rakka Mar]]
* [[Reki]]
* [[Rosheen Meanderer]]
* [[Ryusaki Kumano]]
* [[Sachi]], Daughter of [[Seshiro]]
* [[Sakiko]]
* [[The Sapling]]
* [[Sarkhan Vol]]
* [[Savra]]
* [[Sek'Kuar]]
* [[Shizuko]]
* [[Sunastian Falconer]]
* [[Zirilan of the Claw]]
===Shaman [[tokens]]===
* 3/1 Red Elemental Shaman tokens are produced by <c>Heartcage Giant</c>, <c>Hostility</c> and <c>Rebellion of the Flamekin</c>.
* <c>Reach of the Branches</c> produces 2/5 green Treefolk Shaman tokens.
 
==Soldiers==
'''Soldiers''' are trained combatants who are part of a formal army. They are tough and disciplined, adept at fighting in concert and overwhelming the enemy. Many soldiers have [[first strike]] or other combat-oriented abilities. Most soldiers are [[white]], though a large minority are [[blue]] or [[red]], and a few [[green]] and [[black]] soldiers have been printed as well. In the [[Grand Creature Type Update]] the subtypes '''Avenger''' (<c>Righteous Avengers</c>), '''Legionnaire''' (<c>Akron Legionnaire</c>), '''Pikeman''' (<c>Pikemen</c>) and '''Squire''' (<c>Squire</c>) were incorporated into the Soldier class. More than 30 cards produce Soldier [[tokens]], which makes the Soldier token the most common one.
 
===Soldier Organizations / Locations===
* [[Daru Plains]]
* [[Kentsu]]
* [[Wojek League]]
 
===Notable Soldiers===
* [[Anthanor]]
* [[Agrus Kos]]
* [[Commander Eesha]]
* [[Fonn Zunich]]
* [[Gerrard Capashen]]
* [[General Jarkeld]]
* [[Darien|King Darien of Kjeldor]]
* [[Lieutenant Kirtar]]
* [[Major Teroh]]
* [[Myczil Zunich]]
* [[Raksha Golden Cub]]
* [[Rashida Scalebane]]
* [[Sisay]]
* [[Torsten Von Ursus]]
 
==Spellshapers==
{{Main|Spellshaper}}
 
'''Spellshapers''' are amongst the most narrowly focused spellcasters. They devote themselves to perfecting a single spell or selection of spells, relying on their mastery of their focus to make up for their lack of versatility. In all other respects they are similar to [[#Wizards|wizards]], [[#Clerics|clerics]], [[#Druids|druids]], and other spellcasters.
 
Each spellshaper has one or more [[activated ability|activated abilities]] that requires its owner to pay a certain amount of mana and discard one or more cards in exchange for an effect that often mimics a well-known [[instant]] or [[sorcery]]. For instance, <c>Bog Witch</c> produces an effect identical to <c>Dark Ritual</c>.


===Notable Spellshapers===
===Retired classes===
* [[Alexi]]
During the Grand Creature Type Update, a number of classes were 'retired'. They were removed from the comprehensive rules list of types and the cards that previously bore them were issued with errata that replaced those types.<ref name="GCTU" />
* [[Greel]]
* [[Jaya Ballard]]
* [[Jolrael]]
* [[Latulla]]
* [[Mageta the Lion]]


==Townsfolk==
Since the update, some of the classes that were originally retired have be brought back into use. This table only lists creature types that have been retired and not brought back.
'''Townsfolk''' is a defunct creature type for [[humans]] with no specific occupation. Most townsfolk have since had their class changed to something more appropriate (for instance, <c>Anarchist</c> was once a townsfolk but is now a [[#Wizards|wizard]]), or are now simply humans without a class (such as <c>Treasure Hunter</c>). Two still-extant creature types that appear solely on [[tokens]], Citizen and Serf, are similar in theme to Townsfolk.


==Warriors==
{| class="wikitable"
'''Warriors''' are combatants who fight alone or in loose hordes. Unlike soldiers, whose strength is in their numbers, a single warrior is often content to take on the world all by him- or herself. Warriors favor brute strength over cunning, sheer will over tactics. Many warriors have [[trample]]. Most warriors are [[black]], [[red]], or [[green]].  
!Class
 
!Description
===Warrior Organizations===
!Replaced by
* [[Brighthearth]]
|-
 
|'''[[Alchemist]]'''
===Notable Warriors===
|Creatures who practice alchemy, a form of chemistry and speculative philosophy.
{|
|Cleric
|
|-
* [[Barktooth Warbeard]]
|'''[[Bodyguard]]'''
* [[Bartel Runeaxe]]
|Creatures employed to guard an individual, often a high official or VIP, from bodily harm.
* [[Brion Stoutarm]]
|None. Creatures with the Bodyguard class were given a race instead.
* [[Dakkon Blackblade]]
|-
* [[Eladamri]]
|'''[[Bureaucrat]]'''
* [[Greven il-Vec|Greven ''il''-Vec]]
|Creatures who run a government and do everything according to the rules.
* [[Gideon Jura]]
|Advisor
* [[Hunding Gjornersen]]
|-
* [[Ishi-Ishi]]
|'''[[Guardian]]'''
* [[Jedit Ojanen]]
|Creatures which guard, protect, or preserve.
* [[Kalitas]], Bloodchief of Ghet
|None. Creatures with the Guardian class were primarily given a race instead.
* [[Kasimir the Lone Wolf]]
|-
|
|'''[[Hero (subtype)|Hero]]'''
* [[Kazuul]], Tyrant of the Cliffs
|Characters who, in the face of danger, display courage and the will for self-sacrifice for some greater good.
* [[Kresh]] the Bloodbraided
|Soldier and Warrior
* [[Korlash]], Heir to [[Blackblade]]
|-
* [[Kyyrao Grenmw]]
|'''[[Lord]]'''
* [[Livonya Silone]]
|Creatures with an occupation of high class or power within a structure or organization.
* [[Maraxus of Keld]]
|None. Later replaced by Noble.
* [[Marhault Elsdragon]]
|-
* [[Mirri]]
|'''[[Mage]]'''
* [[Nath]]
|A magician or learned person.
* [[Norin the Wary]]
|Wizard
* [[Purraj of Urborg]]
|-
* [[Radha]]
|'''[[Tactician]]'''
|
|Creatures who are good at making plans in order to achieve particular goals.
* [[Rhys]]
|Advisor
* [[Sedris]], the Traitor King
|-
* [[Shisato]]
|'''[[Townsfolk]]'''
* [[Sosuke]]
|[[Human]]s without a specific occupation.
* [[Stangg]]
|None. Later replaced by Peasant.
* [[Stonebrow]]
|-
* [[Tahngarth]]
|'''[[Witch]]'''
* [[Tolsimir Wolfblood]]
|Creatures proficient in curses.
* [[Vhati il-Dal|Vhati ''il''-Dal]]
|Wizard, later [[Warlock]]
* [[Warlord Mandek Ironfist]]
* [[Zo-Zu]]
|}
|}
In the [[Grand Creature Type Update]] the subtype '''Stangg-Twin''' for a token created by <c>Stangg</c> was changed into a (Human) Warrior token "named Stangg Twin". The subtypes '''Raider''' (<c>Erg Raiders</c>) and '''War-Rider''' (<c>Varchild's War-Riders</c>) were incorporated into the Warrior class as well.
About 20 cards are able to produce Warrior [[tokens]].


==Wizards==
==References==
'''Wizards''' are masters of channeling mana into powerful spells. They are ubiquitous throughout the known [[multiverse]] and are known to nearly every race. Wizards come by their powers in different ways: Some study for years on end to unlock the secrets of magic, while others are just born with the knack. Some wizards come together in huge schools or guilds to pool their resources and train neophytes. Wizards range across all five colors but are concentrated in [[blue]], the color of knowledge. In the game, the color blue contains nearly twice as many wizards as any other two colors combined. The distant second color for the most wizards is [[black]] followed closely by [[white]]. In the [[Grand Creature Type Update]] the subtypes '''Mage''' (<c>Musician</c>), '''Sorcerer''' (<c>Ovinomancer</c>), '''Sorceress''' (<c>Sorceress Queen</c>) and '''Witch''' (<c>Cuombajj Witches</c>) were incorporated into the Wizard class.
{{Reflist}}


Wizards often specialize in various mystic disciplines, including the following:
{{Creature types|Classes|Classes}}
* '''Archaeomancers''' are wizards who are able to revive ancient words of power.
* '''Auramancers''', also called enchanters (not to be confused with the [[#Druids|druids]] of the same name), are wizards who create long-lasting [[enchantments]].
* '''Biomancers''' are genetic biologists affiliated with the [[Simic Combine]] responsible for the mutants of [[Ravnica (plane)|Ravnica]] in their attempts to improve the life forms of that plane.
* '''Chronarchs''' or '''Chronologists''' are mages who specialize in the manipulation of time. These specialized mages are employed by the [[Izzet League]] and at the Lighthouse of the Sea-Gate.
* '''Cryomancers''' are mages specialized in manipulating cold and ice. They were particularly prominent during the [[Ice Age (event)|Ice Age]], with the most notable cryomancers being those of [[Rimewind Keep]].
* '''Dementia casters''' (also called dementia summoners) are members of the [[Cabal]]. These mages have have the unique ability to summon horrors from their personal "[[dementia space]]," a place populated with the caster's greatest fears and all beings he or she has killed.
* '''Elementalists''' are wizards focusing on the art of controlling [[elementals]] or casting spells associated with them.
* '''Hydromancers''' are wizards that practice the art of blue mana. Hydromancers typically use spells associated with water.
* '''Illusionists''' specialize in deception, using their magical abilities to create false images to confuse opponents and trick them into dangerous situations. The greatest illusionists have the ability to bring their images to life, blurring the line between illusion and reality.
* '''Lawmages''' (aka Advokists) are a specialized mage under the employ of the [[Azorius Senate]] and [[Orzhov Syndicate]]. They draw upon the binding power of the [[Guildpact]] to restrain criminals and then serve as lawyers once those criminals are taken to court. Azorius lawmages are typically the prosecution, while Orzhov lawmages are the defense.
* '''Lithomancers''' are individuals with power over crystals, gems and stones and skilled in divination using these.
* '''Necromancers''' are mages specializing in death magic, including the creation of [[undead]]. On Ravnica, the [[Golgari Swarm]] is known for utilizing necromancers while [[House Dimir]] is suspected of doing so by those who know of its existence.
* '''Pyromancers''' are wizards that practice the art of red mana. Pyromancers typically use red mana to fuel their spells associated with fire, flames, or other destructive bursts. The pyromancers of [[Jamuraa]] are known as embermages.
* '''Sangromancers''' are mages who specialize in a dark corner of black mana. With this blood magic they can drain the lifeforce of other beings, place curses on enemies, and even possess the minds of others. A notable sangromancer is [[Sorin Markov]].
* '''Taskmages''' are mercenary spellcasters. They do not have the devotion to studying magic that other spellcasters have, instead learning a few useful, relatively simple spells to earn money. They are typically looked down upon by more scholarly mages.
* '''Zephyr mages''', blue mages typically using spells associated with air and wind.
===Wizardly Organizations===
* The [[Ancients]]
* The [[Cabal]]
* [[College of Lat-Nam]]
* [[Conclave of Mages]]
* [[Emberwilde Order]]
* [[Hammerheim Order]]
* [[Institute of Arcane Study]]
* [[Raven Guild]]
* [[Riptide Project]]
* [[Minamo]]
* [[Mundungu]]
* [[Numbered Ones]]
* [[School of the Unseen]]
* [[Tolgath]]
* [[Tolarian Academy]]
* [[Wizards' School]]
 
===Notable Wizards===
{|
|
* [[Ambassador Laquatus]]
* [[Arcanis the Omnipotent]]
* [[Azami|Azami Ozu]]
* [[Barrin]]
* [[Boris Devilboon]]
* [[Bruenna]]
* [[Cabal Patriarch]]
* [[Circu]]
* [[Drafna]]
* [[Dralnu]]
* [[Endrek Sahr]]
* [[El-Hajjâj]]
* [[Ertai]]
* [[Feldon]]
* [[Freyalise]]
* [[Grandmother Sengir]]
* [[Gustha Ebbasdotter]]
* [[Hakim, Loreweaver|Hakim]]
* [[Heidar]]
* [[Hisoka|Iki Hisoka]]
* [[Hurkyl]]
|
* [[Ith]]
* [[Ixidor]]
* [[Jarad vod Savo]]
* [[Jarsyl]]
* [[Jhoira]]
* [[Jodah]]
* [[Johan]]
* [[Kaho]]
* [[Kangee]]
* [[Koth of the Hammer]]
* [[Lim-Dûl]]
* [[Linessa, Zephyr Mage|Linessa]]
* [[Maga]]
* [[Mairsil, the Pretender|Mairsil]]
* [[Mangara]]
* [[Maralen]]
* [[Meloku]]
* [[Memnarch]]
* [[Momir Vig]]
* [[Sorceress Queen Nailah|Nailah]]
* [[Nebuchadnezzar]]
|
* [[Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind|Niv-Mizzet]]
* [[Numena]]
* [[Oona]]
* [[Princess Lucrezia]]
* [[Rasputin Dreamweaver]]
* [[Rayne of Tolaria|Rayne]]
* [[Reveka]]
* [[Sen Triplets]]
* [[Sygg]] of [[Lorwyn (plane)|Lorwyn]]
* [[Svogthir]]
* [[Teferi]]
* [[Tibor and Lumia]]
* [[Tuknir Deathlock]]
* [[Uyo]]
* The [[Vendilion Clique]]
* [[Venser]]
* [[Virot Maglan]]
* [[Wydwen]]
* [[Xira Arien]]
* [[Zur, the Enchanter]]
|}
===Wizard [[tokens]]===
1/1 Blue and black Zombie Wizard tokens are produced by <c>Lich Lord of Unx</c>. 1/1 Blue Merfolk Wizard tokens are produced by <c>Benthicore</c>, <c>Stonybrook Schoolmaster</c> and <c>Summon the School</c>.
[[Category:Creature types]]

Latest revision as of 17:34, 24 June 2024

This page is about subset of creature types. For the enchantment type, see Class.

Creature class, often shortened to just Class, is an R&D term for a subset of the characteristic "creature type".[1]

Description

Most humanoid creatures have at least two creature types: a race and a class. Whereas race (such as Human, Elf, or Goblin) is a matter of the creature's origin, their class (such as Soldier, Wizard, or Rogue) represents their function, occupation, career or calling in life.

There is no distinction in the Comprehensive Rules between race and class. All creature types are treated equally within the game rules. The use of the race/class model is to allow for more consistent, flavorful worldbuilding and more design space among creatures.

Some cards, including a few tokens, can have a class without a race.

As of Jumpstart 2022 the most common class is Wizard, followed by Warrior and then Soldier.

Not all non-race creature types have to be occupations. Types as Child, Coward, Elder, Guest and Peasant are categories you can apply to creatures.[2][3]

History

Creature classes like Cleric, Knight and Wizard have been a part of Magic's creature types since Limited Edition Alpha. During the early years of the game, creature types were considered to be an extension of the flavor and world-building, rather than as mechanically important. This had two consequences — creatures had only a single creature type and that creature type was the most flavourfully relevant one.[4]

Creature classes were a major part of R&D's shift away from creature-types-as-flavour to creature-types-as-mechanics.[5] This philosophy change arose from development of the tribal-themed Onslaught block, when three major issues with the current design scheme were identified:

  • Creatures having only one type meant someone had to choose which type was more important when a creature, like Goblin Wizard, wanted to be multiple types.
  • With only one creature type, card names were being used to tell the whole story about a card. This limited the name space for creatures.
  • Creatures with only one type would only work in one type of tribal deck. This limited flexability and interactivity for players.

In response to the success of Onslaught block, the race/class model was adopted for creatures from Mirrodin onwards.[6] The Grand Creature Type Update consolidated the race/class model by reducing the number of creature types and issuing errata to older cards to bring them in line with the new philosophy.[7]

In 2022 Wizards of the Coast retired the silver border, replacing it with the acorn stamp. This allowed Un-sets to contain both acorn cards and eternal legal cards. The release of Unfinity saw Child and Gamer become eternal legal creature classes.[8]

List of creature classes

The following table lists all eternal legal creature classes.

Class Description Scryfall
Advisor Tacticians, courtiers, ministers, and others who are known for their wisdom. type:"Advisor"
Ally Creatures that have joined together in an association for mutual benefit or to achieve some common purpose. type:"Ally"
Archer Combatants who specialize in fighting with bow and arrows. type:"Archer"
Army A unit that is part of some military service oracle:"Amass"
Artificer Those who specialize in working with artifacts. type:"Artificer"
Assassin Specialists in targeted killing. type:"Assassin"
Barbarian Unorganized fighters, usually from primitive and/or uncivilized cultures. type:"Barbarian"
Bard Entertainers who improve the qualities of creatures through music. type:"Bard"
Berserker Combatants who enter a frenzy in battle, gaining great speed and battle prowess. type:"Berserker"
Child† A young version of a creature which has yet to assume another role in society type:"Child"
Citizen Inhabitants of a city or town, usually in a non-fighting capacity. type:"Citizen"
Cleric Spellcasters who channel the power of their faith in a cause or higher being into potent magic. type:"Cleric"
Clown Comic entertainers who wear traditionally comical costumes and exaggerated make-up. type:"Clown"
Coward Creatures who lack courage in facing danger, difficulty, opposition or pain. type:"Coward"
Deserter Creatures who have left, or run away from, their service or duty with the intention of never returning. type:"Deserter"
Detective A creature that specializes in acquiring information to be put toward solving a crime or mystery. type:"Detective"
Doctor A creature trained in the use of medicine. type:"Doctor"
Drone Simple, immature, or artificial lifeforms that perform tedious and menial work. type:"Drone"
Druid Masters of magic powered by faith, and strongly tied to plants, animals, fertility, the element of earth, and the land about them. type:"Druid"
Egg† Used for the incubation stage of a creature. type:"Egg"
Elder Used on venerable creatures to denote their importance. type:"Elder"
Employee Creatures employed for wages or salary, especially at a non-executive level. type:"Employee"
Flagbearer Soldiers or civilians who bear a standard or flag, which is used as a formal, visual symbol of a military unit on the battlefield. type:"Flagbearer"
Gamer Individuals who play games casually or professionally. type:"Gamer"
Guest A creature who is invited to visit someone's home, business or attend a particular social occasion. type:"Guest"
Inquisitor A creature who inquires or investigates professionaly, especially one seen to be excessively harsh or using extereme methods. type:"Inquisitor"
Knight Highly-trained combatants who are usually part of a formal army or cavalry, usually specializing in fighting on horseback with a sword or lance. type:"Knight"
Mercenary Individuals who sell their services in combat for money. type:"Mercenary"
Minion Those who work the will of overtly evil forces or organizations. type:"Minion"
Monger Dealers in commodities who sell their wares and services to all comers. type:"Monger"
Monk Individuals who have devoted their lives to quiet introspection and meditation, though many monks are skilled at magic, martial arts, or both. type:"Monk"
Mystic Creatures adept at channeling mana with their faith, learned through careful meditation. type:"Mystic"
Ninja Masters of both stealth and armed combat who may find employment as spies, warriors, mercenaries, and assassins. type:"Ninja"
Noble Members of aristocracy. type:"Noble"
Nomad Members from uncivilized tribes who wander open spaces in closely-knit groups. type:"Nomad"
Peasant Humble creatures from the countryside. type:"Peasant"
Performer Entertainers who put on shows for the enjoyment and fun of others. type:"Performer"
Pilot Persons who fly a skyship, air balloon, or other vehicle. type:"Pilot"
Pirate Motley fighters and scoundrels who sail the sea and skies to loot and plunder the unexpecting. type:"Pirate"
Praetor Leaders of dark forces. type:"Praetor"
Processor Eldritch spellcasters that pull things from the void back into the world. type:"Processor"
Ranger Warriors who are in tune with nature. type:"Ranger"
Rebel Individuals who fight against an established authority. type:"Rebel"
Rigger Creatures that specialize in the lifting and moving of extremely large or heavy objects. type:"Rigger"
Rogue Those who live by their wits, using stealth and cunning to make their way in life. type:"Rogue"
Samurai Warriors who have sworn their service and their lives to a single authority figure, usually a feudal lord. type:"Samurai"
Scion† Descendant of a force or being that aim to help their originator. type:"Scion"
Scientist Scholars dedicated to pursuing empirical knowledge through controlled experimentation. type:"Scientist"
Scout Individuals who are adept at getting along in the wild, often sharing the benefits of their prowess with others. type:"Scout"
Serf Creatures of a peasant status in feudalistic systems. type:"Serf"
Shaman Often spiritual leaders and protectors. These born magic users use tradition, ritual, and years of practice to focus their inate mana outward and reshape the natural world around them. type:"Shaman"
Soldier Trained combatants who are part of a formal army. They are adept at fighting in concert and overwhelming the enemy. type:"Soldier"
Spawn† The offspring of an entity, being, stock, idea or place. type:"Spawn"
Spellshaper Spellcasters who devote themselves to perfecting a single spell or selection of spells. type:"Spellshaper"
Survivor Creatures who remained alive after a chatastrophic event in which others perished. type:"Survivor"
Tentacle† Flexible, semi-intelligent limbs or appendages of large creatures or entities. type:"Tentacle"
Warlock Spellcasters who derive their powers from evil forces. type:"Warlock"
Warrior Combatants who fight alone or in loose hordes. type:"Warrior"
Wizard Masters of channeling external mana into powerful spells. type:"Wizard"
Notes
^† This type can be considered a creature "status type" that can be used as either a race or a class, depending on the context.[9]

Acorn classes

Acorn sets use creature types which are not included in Magic's comprehensive rules, but are part of acorn games. Because these creature types are not compiled into an authoritative list by Wizards of the Coast, the following table may be incomplete. Which of the acorn creature types are considered classes is based on intuition rather than offical comment.

Class Description Scryfall
Bureaucrat Members of an organization tasked with ensuring regulations are followed and paperwork is filed. type:"Bureaucrat"
Designer Individuals well suited for the task of creating or maintaining complicated systems. type:"Designer"
Fighter Adventurers that are masters of combat. Dungeon Master
Grandchild Similar to Child, a young version of a creature which has yet to assume another role in society; but it is noted as the second generation decendant. type:"Grandchild"
Hatificer A specialist in making, mending, destroying, or otherwise manipulating hats. type:"Hatificer"
Head The head of a creature acting independently from its other heads or its body. type:"Head"
Hero An individual with special abilities which seeks to make society better through extra-ordinary action. type:"Hero"
Lady of Proper Etiquette A woman who has learned and adheres to the rules of her society's upper gentry. type:"Lady of proper etiquette"
Lord Creatures with an occupation of high class or power within a structure or organization. type:"Lord"
Mime A type of entertainer, similar to a Clown, except their acts tend to be silent. type:"Mime"
Paratrooper Creatures that are trained to attack or land in combat areas by parachuting from great hights. type:"Paratrooper"
Spy Similar to Rogues, spies live and die by their wits and eclectic skill set; unlike rogues, spies always act as part of a larger organization. type:"Spy"
Townsfolk Members of a sapient race without a specific occupation who live in towns. type:"Townsfolk"
Villain An individual with special abilities which seeks to make society worse overall through extra-ordinary action, often for their direct or indirect benefit. type:"Villain"
Waiter An employee at a restuarant, typically tasked with taking customer orders and serving customers their food and drink. type:"Waiter"
Wrestler A type of entertainer which create naratives for their audience through simulated contests of strength. type:"Wrestler"

Retired classes

During the Grand Creature Type Update, a number of classes were 'retired'. They were removed from the comprehensive rules list of types and the cards that previously bore them were issued with errata that replaced those types.[7]

Since the update, some of the classes that were originally retired have be brought back into use. This table only lists creature types that have been retired and not brought back.

Class Description Replaced by
Alchemist Creatures who practice alchemy, a form of chemistry and speculative philosophy. Cleric
Bodyguard Creatures employed to guard an individual, often a high official or VIP, from bodily harm. None. Creatures with the Bodyguard class were given a race instead.
Bureaucrat Creatures who run a government and do everything according to the rules. Advisor
Guardian Creatures which guard, protect, or preserve. None. Creatures with the Guardian class were primarily given a race instead.
Hero Characters who, in the face of danger, display courage and the will for self-sacrifice for some greater good. Soldier and Warrior
Lord Creatures with an occupation of high class or power within a structure or organization. None. Later replaced by Noble.
Mage A magician or learned person. Wizard
Tactician Creatures who are good at making plans in order to achieve particular goals. Advisor
Townsfolk Humans without a specific occupation. None. Later replaced by Peasant.
Witch Creatures proficient in curses. Wizard, later Warlock

References

  1. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (January 1-14, 2008). "Ask Wizards - January, 2008". magicthegathering.com. Archived from the original on May 4, 2016.
  2. ↑ Mark Rosewater (July 19, 2023). "Why were child and guest made creature types?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  3. ↑ Mark Rosewater (July 19, 2023). "There's Cowards too.". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  4. ↑ Mark Rosewater (November 18, 2002). "Beast of Show". magicthegathering.com. Archived from the original on May 23, 2009.
  5. ↑ Randy Buehler (November 22, 2002). "Debating Humanity". magicthegathering.com. Archived from the original on February 29, 2012.
  6. ↑ Aaron Forsythe (August 24, 2007). "Looking Back to the Future". magicthegathering.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2017.
  7. ↑ a b Mark Gottlieb (September 26, 2007). "The Grand Creature Type Update". magicthegathering.com. Archived from the original on April 22, 2021.
  8. ↑ Jess Dunks (October 18, 2022). "Comprehensive Rules Changes". magicthegathering.com. Archived from the original on November 21, 2022.
  9. ↑ Doug Beyer (June 11, 2007). "Ask Wizards - June, 2007". magicthegathering.com. Archived from the original on May 4, 2016.
 
Multicolored {M}
Majority {W}
Majority {U}
Majority {B}
Majority {R}
Majority {G}
Majority {C}
Majority Token
Crossover
 
Notable Races
Notable Classes
Other
Retrieved from "https://mtg.wiki/index.php?title=Creature_class&oldid=73486"