Dauthi Cutthroat

Dauthi Cutthroat was released in 1998 as part of the Exodus expansion, the final set in the Rath Cycle for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Created by Wizards of the Coast, the card reflects the dark, atmospheric aesthetic of the Rath plane, where the Dauthi were depicted as shadow-bound outcasts trapped between dimensions. Its design utilizes the shadow mechanic, a pivotal keyword introduced in the Tempest block that restricted combat interactions to creatures sharing the same shadow ability.

The artwork was commissioned from illustrator Dermot Power, who brought a gritty, visceral quality to the Dauthi aesthetic. Power’s depiction of the Cutthroat emphasizes the ephemeral, ghostly nature of the creature, aligning with the mechanical intent of making the unit difficult to block or target. The card was well-received by players of the era for its efficiency as a low-cost, aggressive threat, solidifying its place as a representative piece of the late 90s era of card design.