Soul Warden

Description

Released in 1999, the Soul Warden card from the Battle Royale Box Set stands as a recognizable piece of Magic: The Gathering history. Illustrated by Randy Gallegos, this common creature card features a Human Cleric with a mana cost of one white mana. In gameplay, Soul Warden serves as a defensive cornerstone. Whenever another creature enters the battlefield, its controller gains one life. This ability makes it an excellent choice for decks built around survival and attrition, allowing players to stabilize against aggressive opponents. The card’s text box includes flavor text attributed to Vec, adding a narrative layer to its mechanical function: "Count carefully the souls and see that none are lost." Collectors often seek out cards from the Battle Royale Box Set due to its unique origin as a promotional and tournament prize product. The set code BRB identifies this print run, distinguishing it from other expansions released during the same era. With a power and toughness of 1/1, Soul Warden may appear unassuming, but its utility in control and life-gain strategies has kept it relevant among veteran players and new collectors alike. Whether you are building a vintage collection or researching the evolution of clerical creatures in the game, this card offers a clear example of 1990s card design philosophy. Its straightforward mechanics and thematic flavor make it a staple for understanding the early days of the trading card game.