Ruby Leech

Description

Released in 2000 as part of the Invasion set, Ruby Leech is card number 161 in the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Designed by artist Jacques Bredy, this rare red creature brings a unique strategic dynamic to gameplay through its specific rules text. The card costs {1}{R} to cast and features a mana value of 2, making it an accessible addition to red-based decks. Its type line identifies it as a Creature — Leech with a power and toughness of 2/2. What makes Ruby Leech distinctive is its dual nature as both an attacker and a liability. The creature possesses first strike, allowing it to deal combat damage before other creatures in its block. However, casting any red spells you control costs {R} more. This drawback forces players to carefully weigh the benefits of its offensive capability against the increased mana investment required for their other red cards. It represents a classic design element from the early 2000s era of Magic, where cards often presented complex trade-offs between power and accessibility. Collectors of Magic: The Gathering often seek out specific cards from the Invasion set to complete their collections or to appreciate the design evolution of the game. Ruby Leech stands out for its thematic name and its mechanical impact on deck construction. Whether you are a veteran player looking to revisit nostalgic mechanics or a collector focusing on rare cards from the Invasion expansion, this card offers a tangible connection to the game's history. The product is defined by its set identity, card number, and the specific rules interactions that define its place in the Magic: The Gathering universe.