Shriekmaw

Description

The Shriekmaw is a distinct black Elemental creature card identified as number 113 in the Magic: The Gathering Ultimate Masters (UMA) set, released in 2018. Classified as an Uncommon rarity, this card carries a mana cost of {4}{B} and possesses a mana value of 5. As a five-mana spell, it demands significant resource allocation, making its impact on the board critical for any deck builder utilizing the Black color identity. Shriekmaw features two powerful mechanics that define its strategic role. The Fear ability restricts blocking options, allowing the creature to strike directly unless the opponent controls artifact or black creatures. This creates immediate pressure during gameplay. Additionally, the card includes the Evoke mechanic, offering a flexible casting option. By paying {1}{B}, a player can cast Shriekmaw for its evoke cost and sacrifice it upon entering the battlefield to trigger its second ability. This ability allows the player to destroy a target nonartifact, nonblack creature, providing a potent removal solution that trades a single creature for another. Collectors often seek this card for its efficient design within the Ultimate Masters framework. The combination of a disruptive entry effect and a sacrifice outlet makes it a versatile tool in constructed formats. The card’s identity as a standard Elemental subtype aligns it with broader tribal strategies, while its specific rules text offers unique interaction patterns. For enthusiasts of Magic: The Gathering, understanding the nuances of Shriekmaw’s mechanics is essential for mastering black-based strategies. This card remains a notable entry for those tracking the evolution of creature interactions in the Ultimate Masters collection.