Clockwork Beast

Description

The Clockwork Beast (card number 49) is a defining artifact creature from the 1996 Magic: The Gathering Introductory Two-Player Set. Designed by Drew Tucker, this card represents an early exploration into artifact creature design within the game's foundational era. As a Rare card from the Introductory Two-Player Set (ITP), it holds a distinct place in the history of Magic: The Gathering trading card game cards, serving as a crucial component for beginners and a nostalgic piece for veteran collectors. Clockwork Beast functions as a six-mana Artifact Creature — Beast with a power and toughness of 0/4. Its unique rules text allows it to enter the battlefield with seven +1/+0 counters, making it a formidable presence in early turns. Players can further enhance its power by activating its upkeep ability, transferring up to X counters onto the Beast, though the total cannot exceed seven counters. This mechanic encourages strategic resource management, a core element of the Magic: The Gathering experience. For collectors, the Clockwork Beast is more than just a gameplay tool; it is a tangible piece of gaming history. The Introductory Two-Player Set was designed to welcome new players, and this card exemplifies the straightforward yet engaging mechanics introduced during that time. Whether you are building a vintage Magic: The Gathering collection or seeking to understand the evolution of artifact creatures, this card provides valuable insight into the game's design philosophy. Its status as a Rare from the ITP set makes it a sought-after item for those completing their Introductory Two-Player Set collections.