Baird, Steward of Argive

Baird, Steward of Argive was originally released in the 2018 set Dominaria, a return to Magic: The Gathering’s foundational plane that emphasized historical themes and legendary creatures. Designed as an uncommon creature, Baird was intended to provide white-aligned decks with a protective tax effect, discouraging opponents from attacking the player while reinforcing the flavor of a vigilant protector of the city-state of Argive. Its inclusion in 'The List' represents a modern curation strategy by Wizards of the Coast, where select cards from the game's expansive history are reprinted in set boosters to maintain availability for players and collectors.

The card’s illustration was crafted by artist Christine Choi, who opted for a dignified, stoic portrayal of the character. Choi focused on capturing Baird’s role as an administrator and guardian, utilizing armor and posture to convey a sense of formal responsibility rather than raw, kinetic aggression. The artwork was well-received by the player base for its clarity and thematic alignment with the Dominarian aesthetic, successfully translating the high-fantasy bureaucratic nature of the character into a functional tabletop piece.