Veteran Bodyguard

Description

Designed by Douglas Shuler, this card features a Human creature with a mana cost of three generic and two white mana, resulting in a mana value of five. While its power and toughness are modest at 2/5, the card’s true appeal lies in its unique rules text. The printed effect provides a specialized defensive utility: as long as the creature remains untapped, all damage that would be dealt to you by unblocked creatures is redirected to the Veteran Bodyguard instead. This mechanic allows players to absorb specific threats that would otherwise impact their life total, offering a strategic alternative to traditional blocking or removal. The flavor text accompanying the illustration humorously notes that good bodyguards are rare because they do not survive long, adding a touch of dark wit to the card's identity. Collectors and players interested in the history of the game often seek out cards from the Summer Magic / Edgar set due to its limited distribution and unique design elements. As a rare card from this era, Veteran Bodyguard represents a piece of Magic's developmental history, appealing to those who appreciate early variant sets and their experimental mechanics. Whether for completing a Summer Magic collection or exploring early White creature strategies, this card remains a fascinating artifact from 1994. Its straightforward creature type and unique protective effect make it a memorable inclusion for enthusiasts of the game's foundational years.