Orcish Conscripts

Description

Orcish Conscripts, identified by card number 255, is a foundational creature card from the 1997 Fifth Edition of Magic: The Gathering. Released under the 5ED set code, this Common rarity card was illustrated by Douglas Shuler and serves as a staple example of early design philosophy where mana cost directly correlated to power level. The card features a mana cost of {R}, placing it firmly in the red color identity with a mana value of 1. As a Creature — Orc, Orcish Conscripts possesses a power and toughness of 2/2. Its gameplay is defined by a distinct mechanical constraint: it cannot attack unless at least two other creatures are also attacking, nor can it block unless at least two other creatures are blocking. This restriction encourages players to build larger swarms or coordinate with other board presence, making it a thematic fit for aggressive red decks that rely on numbers rather than individual powerhouse units. Collectors often seek out Fifth Edition cards for their historical significance in the game's expansion cycle. Orcish Conscripts remains a recognizable piece of Magic history, appealing to those who appreciate the strategic depth of early limited formats. Whether you are a veteran player reminiscing about early tournaments or a new collector exploring the lore of Magic's creature types, this card represents a key moment in the franchise's evolution. The product details confirm its status as a standard print run item, free from serial numbering or special treatments, keeping its identity pure to the original 1997 release.