Great Oak Guardian

Description

The Great Oak Guardian, numbered 37 in the Commander 2015 set, stands as a formidable defensive presence in Magic: The Gathering. As a six-mana Green Treefolk, this card requires significant mana investment to cast, yet it delivers substantial board impact through its unique combination of keywords and triggered ability. The creature features Flash and Reach, allowing players to cast it instantly during any phase and block flying opponents, respectively, making it a versatile answer to aggressive strategies that might otherwise overwhelm the board. When the Great Oak Guardian enters the battlefield, its most distinctive effect triggers: all creatures controlled by the target player receive a +2/+2 boost until end of turn, and those creatures also untap. This mechanic creates a complex decision point for opponents, forcing them to weigh the benefits of reinforcing their own board state against the risk of empowering a potentially decisive attack. For collectors building out the Commander 2015 set, this card represents a clever design choice that blends threat mitigation with tactical disruption. Designed by Steven Belledin, the card carries an Uncommon rarity, indicating its balanced role within the set's ecosystem. In The catalog, the Great Oak Guardian is appreciated for its elegant rules text and strategic depth, appealing to both casual commanders and those interested in the design philosophy of the Commander format. The flavor text, "His roots reach deep and grip hard," hints at the creature's enduring nature and steadfast defense. Whether used to stabilize a crumbling board or to manipulate an opponent's next turn, the Great Oak Guardian offers a memorable gameplay experience that reflects the creative spirit of Magic: The Gathering trading card game design.