Shadow Slice

Description

Shadow Slice is a Black sorcery card from Magic: The Gathering's 2013 Gatecrash set, identified by card number 77. Designed by artist Raymond Swanland, this common card costs {4}{B} to cast and has a mana value of 5. Its primary effect allows the controller to target an opponent and cause them to lose 3 life. Beyond this immediate impact, Shadow Slice features the Cipher mechanic, a unique ability that lets players exile the card encoded on a creature they control. Whenever that creature deals combat damage to a player, the controller may cast a copy of the encoded card without paying its mana cost. This adds a layer of strategic depth to the card, encouraging integration into creature-based strategies. Collectors of Magic: The Gathering often seek out cards from the Gatecrash expansion due to its distinct visual style and innovative mechanics. Shadow Slice represents a solid piece of this era's design philosophy, offering both direct interaction and long-term value through its encoded abilities. For enthusiasts tracking the history of Magic: The Gathering, this card serves as a notable example of the set's approach to Black mana's aggressive playstyle combined with persistent board presence.