Durkwood Baloth

Description

The Durkwood Baloth (IMA-160) stands as a significant inclusion in Magic: The Gathering's 2019 The List product line. As a creature with the Beast subtype, this card commands a mana cost of {4}{G}{G}, requiring six total mana to cast directly from the library. Its robust 5/5 power and toughness make it a durable presence on the battlefield, capable of withstanding significant combat damage while threatening opponents with its substantial attack value. The card's strategic depth is defined by its Suspend ability. Instead of casting the Durkwood Baloth for its full mana cost, players may pay a single green mana ({G}) and exile the card with five time counters. At the beginning of each of their upkeep phases, a counter is removed. When the final counter is removed, the player may cast the creature for free, and it enters the battlefield with haste. This mechanic allows for a smoother mana curve and ensures the creature arrives on the field ready to act immediately, bypassing typical summoning sickness restrictions. Artistically crafted by Dan Frazier, the Durkwood Baloth represents the classic fantasy aesthetic consistent with Magic's long-standing design language. The card is printed as a common rarity, making it accessible for players looking to build consistent decks. Its green color identity aligns it with strategies focused on growth, resilience, and brute force. For collectors and players alike, the Suspend mechanic on this card offers a unique tactical layer, rewarding patience and resource management. The IMA-160 identifier ensures precise cataloging within The List series, distinguishing it from other printings and reprints in the game's extensive history. Whether used in competitive constructed formats or casual play, the Durkwood Baloth provides a reliable threat that can shift the momentum of a game through its delayed but inevitable arrival.