The 2023 Magic: The Gathering Foil River Herald Guide (LCI 209) is a Merfolk Scout creature that enhances library management through its explore ability.
2023 • Magic: The Gathering • The Lost Caverns of Ixalan
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$0.17 | Guide Estimate | -5.6% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 14, 2026
The 2023 release of The Lost Caverns of Ixalan introduced the Foil River Herald Guide as a distinct variant for Magic: The Gathering collectors and players. Carrying the card number 209, this Merfolk Scout creature card is defined by its green mana cost of {2}{G} and a mana value of 3. With a power and toughness of 3/1, it serves as a versatile element in deck construction, offering both offensive presence and strategic utility. The card features the distinctive foil finish that collectors appreciate for its visual appeal and tactile quality, making it a standout piece in any organized collection. River Herald Guide is designed around the explore mechanic, a key interaction that rewards players for engaging with the top of their library. When this creature enters the battlefield, it allows the controller to reveal the top card. If that card is a land, it is added directly to the hand, providing immediate resource advantage. If it is not a land, a +1/+1 counter is placed on River Herald Guide, increasing its combat strength, and the card is then returned to the top of the library or placed into the graveyard. This dual potential—either accelerating land drops or boosting a creature's durability—makes it a frequently sought-after tool for building synergistic strategies. The inclusion of vigilance further ensures that River Herald Guide can block attackers without exhausting itself, adding defensive resilience to its offensive capabilities. For enthusiasts of the Magic: The Gathering trading card game, this card represents a solid intersection of mechanical depth and collectible design. Completing a set of The Lost Caverns of Ixalan often involves hunting for these foil treatments, as they provide a premium aesthetic experience while retaining the core gameplay functions that define the set's identity. Whether used in casual play or competitive environments, the River Herald Guide remains a functional and visually striking addition to the Merfolk tribe and broader green-aligned decks.
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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
River Herald Guide
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
David Astruga
Card Stock
English
Foil
{2}{G}
Creature — Merfolk Scout
3 / 1
G
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Vigilance When this creature enters, it explores. (Reveal the top card of your library. Put that card into your hand if it's a land. Otherwise, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature, then put the card back or put it into your graveyard.)
Explore cards with this name across sets and editions. Check each card’s details before choosing a version.