Ayara, First of Locthwain

Ayara, First of Locthwain was originally introduced in the 2019 Magic: The Gathering set Throne of Eldraine, drawing inspiration from Arthurian legend and dark fairy tales. The character represents the ruler of the Locthwain court, embodying the themes of sacrifice and black mana alignment that defined the set's gothic, folklore-inspired aesthetic. This particular version is part of the Multiverse Legends bonus sheet, a specialized subset released in the 2023 expansion March of the Machine, which highlighted legendary characters from throughout the game's history in premium showcase frames.

The artwork for this specific card was commissioned from Omar Rayyan, an artist renowned for his classical, painterly style that evokes 19th-century oil paintings and whimsical, somber fantasy. By applying his signature layered technique and emphasis on expressive, shadowy character portraits to the Locthwain aesthetic, Rayyan created a depiction of Ayara that leaned into the card's dark, regal nature. Upon its release in the Multiverse Legends frame, the card was well-received by players for both its functional utility in black-mana focused decks and its distinct, evocative visual treatment.