Auriok Champion

Auriok Champion was first introduced in the Darksteel expansion of Magic: The Gathering in 2004, representing the Mirran Auriok faction of the plane of Mirrodin. Designed as an efficient defensive creature, the card features protection from black and red, reflecting the metal-clad, resistance-focused aesthetic of the Auriok people who fought against the influence of the Phyrexian-aligned entities on their world. The artwork, originally rendered by artist Kev Walker, emphasizes the character's shimmering metallic armor and stoic defensive stance, embodying the themes of resilience and mechanical purity inherent to the setting.

The version featured in The List—a curated selection of reprints integrated into later set booster packs—serves to reintroduce classic, utility-focused cards to a modern audience. By including this piece, the publishers highlight the card's enduring tactical relevance in eternal formats like Modern and Commander, where its ability to gain life and evade popular removal spells remains highly regarded. This reprint maintains the original artistic integrity while placing it within the contemporary framework of the game's evolving ecosystem.