The history and gameplay of the Royal Assassin from Magic: The Gathering's 1993 Limited Edition Alpha. This rare 1993 release is a key piece for vintage collectors.
Royal Assassin
1993 • Magic: The Gathering • Limited Edition Alpha
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Description
Released in 1993 as part of the Limited Edition Alpha set, the Royal Assassin holds a pivotal place in the history of Magic: The Gathering. As card number 123 in the original run, this rare creature card was among the first tools available to players navigating the game's early strategic landscape. The card's design and mechanics established foundational elements that continue to influence the Trading Card Game today. The Royal Assassin is a Black creature with a mana cost of three. Its ability allows a player to destroy a target creature that has already been used to attack or cast spells during the current turn. This mechanic introduced a tactical layer of interaction that required careful planning and timing, rewarding players who understood the flow of the game. The flavor text highlights the assassin's reliance on precision and stealth, themes that resonate with the card's role in the game's lore. The Royal Assassin remains a sought-after card for those building complete sets or appreciating the origins of Magic's iconic mechanics. Whether you are a veteran player revisiting the roots of Magic or a new collector exploring its history, the Royal Assassin provides a tangible link to the game's past. Its enduring presence in collector discussions underscores its importance in the broader narrative of trading card games. Understanding the context of this 1993 release helps collectors appreciate the evolution of card design and gameplay over the decades.
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Card Details
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
Catalog Profile
The core identity of the card within the set.
Featured Subject
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Royal Assassin
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Rare
Tom Wänerstrand
Card Stock
English
{1}{B}{B}
Creature — Human Assassin
1 / 1
B
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
{T}: Destroy target tapped creature.
Trained in the arts of stealth, the royal assassins choose their victims carefully, relying on timing and precision rather than brute force.



















