Kaheera, the Orphanguard

Description

Kaheera, the Orphanguard, card number 224, stands as a pivotal legendary creature within the 2020 Magic: The Gathering expansion, Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths. Created by artist Ryan Pancoast, this Rare card introduces a unique strategic layer to the game through its Companion mechanic. As a legendary Cat Beast with a mana value of three, it requires a mana cost of one green, one white, and two additional mana of either color to cast. Its power and toughness are established at three and two, respectively, providing a solid foundation for board presence. The Companion ability allows players to designate this card as a starting deck companion, provided every creature card in the deck is a Cat, Elemental, Nightmare, Dinosaur, or Beast. When selected, Kaheera can be put into the hand from outside the game for three mana as a sorcery, offering a powerful early-game advantage that bypasses normal casting restrictions. This feature makes it a highly sought-after option for collectors building thematic decks centered around these specific creature types. Once on the battlefield, Kaheera provides a pervasive buff to compatible allies. It grants vigilance to itself and increases the power and toughness of every other creature you control that shares the Cat, Elemental, Nightmare, Dinosaur, or Beast type by one. This synergy encourages players to construct cohesive lists that maximize Kaheera's impact, making it a cornerstone for specific archetypes. For collectors, Kaheera represents the innovative design philosophy of Ikoria, which shifted focus from traditional tribal themes to dynamic interactions with the environment and its monstrous inhabitants. Owning this card adds depth to any Magic: The Gathering collection, appealing to both competitive players seeking mechanical advantage and hobbyists who appreciate the intricate world-building of the Magic universe.