Cyclone Sire

Cyclone Sire was released in 2016 as part of Oath of the Gatewatch, the second set in the Battle for Zendikar block for Magic: The Gathering. The set was designed to focus on the conflict between the plane’s inhabitants and the invading Eldrazi titans, emphasizing cooperative play and the 'support' mechanic. As a rare creature, Cyclone Sire was intended to provide a mid-to-late game threat that rewarded players for manipulating the board state, reflecting the chaotic environment of Zendikar during the Eldrazi invasion.

The card’s art, illustrated by Magali Villeneuve, captures the elemental, fluid nature of the creature as it manifests through the winds of Zendikar. Villeneuve’s design choice focused on the ethereal, shifting anatomy of the elemental, aiming to convey its instability and immense power. Upon its release, the card was received as a solid inclusion for limited play formats, noted primarily for its ability to leave behind a significant flying token, though it saw limited competitive play in constructed formats due to its mana cost.