Battle Screech

Battle Screech was originally released in the 1996 Magic: The Gathering set titled Alliances. It was created as a white sorcery card that allowed players to create multiple creature tokens, reflecting the thematic focus of the set on large-scale conflicts and the gathering of armies. The card design leans into the mechanical identity of white mana, which often emphasizes rallying forces and protection.

The illustration was provided by artist Susan Van Camp, whose work frequently appeared on early Magic cards. Her design for the card captures the fierce, avian imagery implied by its name, utilizing a style typical of mid-nineties fantasy gaming art. When it was later included in 'The List'—a rotating selection of reprinted cards curated by Wizards of the Coast for inclusion in Set Boosters—it served as a nod to the game's deep history and early expansion sets.