The Chainbreaker card (SHM #249) from Magic: The Gathering's Shadowmoor expansion, featuring a unique Scarecrow artifact creature design and counter-removal mechanics.
2008 • Magic: The Gathering • Shadowmoor
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$0.23 | Guide Estimate | +9.5% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 11, 2026
The Chainbreaker, identified as card number 249 in the Shadowmoor expansion, represents a distinct entry in Magic: The Gathering's 2008 roster. Designed as an Artifact Creature — Scarecrow, this card introduces a specific mechanical identity that appeals to collectors interested in the strategic depth of the game's design during this era. Its two-mana cost and three-power toughness provide a foundational presence on the battlefield, while its unique abilities offer players a strategic tool for managing counter mechanics. The card’s printed rules text highlights its role in counter management: it enters the battlefield with two -1/-1 counters, immediately affecting its own stats, but can also remove a -1/-1 counter from other creatures for a cost of three mana and tapping. This duality makes it a subject of interest for those studying the evolution of artifact creatures and counter-themed strategies in Magic: The Gathering. Collectors often seek out cards like Chainbreaker to complete set builds or to appreciate the artistic and mechanical choices made during the Shadowmoor expansion. For enthusiasts of trading card games, understanding the context of the Shadowmoor set is key to appreciating this card. Released in 2008, Shadowmoor is known for its dark, gothic aesthetic and complex gameplay interactions. Chainbreaker fits into this narrative as a creature bound by its own nature, reflecting the set's themes of constraint and resilience. The card’s rarity as a common makes it an accessible piece for building collections, while its specific mechanics and design offer a tangible connection to the game's rich history. Whether you are a long-time player or a new collector, adding the Chainbreaker to your Magic: The Gathering collection provides insight into the strategic diversity of the Shadowmoor expansion. Its presence in the set highlights the creativity of the game's designers, who crafted cards that not only functioned within the rules but also contributed to the immersive world-building that defines Magic: The Gathering. This card serves as a reminder of the intricate balance between power, cost, and strategy that collectors and players alike continue to explore.
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The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
The core identity of the card within the set.
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Chainbreaker
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Jeff Miracola
Card Stock
English
{2}
Artifact Creature — Scarecrow
3 / 3
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
This creature enters with two -1/-1 counters on it. {3}, {T}: Remove a -1/-1 counter from target creature.
Scarecrows deemed too malevolent to roam free are shackled to boulders or dolmen stones. Their animosity usually outlives the chains.
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