Hyena Umbra

Description

Hyena Umbra, designated as card number 21 in the 2018 Magic: The Gathering Ultimate Masters expansion, serves as a foundational White mana resource for players seeking efficient creature support. Classified as a Common rarity within the UMA set code, this Enchantment — Aura is designed to enhance a single creature with immediate statistical benefits and tactical utility. The card requires a single White mana to cast, resulting in a mana value of one, which allows it to be deployed early in the game without disrupting mana curve progression. The mechanical profile of Hyena Umbra centers on its Aura subtype, meaning it must be attached to a creature to function. Once enchanted, it grants the creature +1/+1 power and toughness while also bestowing the First Strike keyword ability. This combination makes it particularly valuable in formats where combat damage timing is critical, allowing the enchanted creature to deal damage before unblocked attackers can respond. The card’s color identity remains strictly White, ensuring it integrates seamlessly into mono-White or multicolor decks built around that specific color pie. A key defensive feature is the Umbra armor ability. If the enchanted creature would be destroyed, instead of being removed from the battlefield, all damage is removed from it and Hyena Umbra itself is destroyed. This mechanic provides a one-time shield against removal spells or combat damage, preserving the creature for future turns. The artwork by Howard Lyon complements the mechanical simplicity, creating a recognizable card for enthusiasts of the trading card game.