Deeproot Champion

Deeproot Champion was originally released as part of the Ixalan set for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game in 2017. Designed as an uncommon creature, the card features the Merfolk creature type, which serves as one of the primary tribal archetypes within the Ixalan block. The mechanical design focuses on the 'grow' effect, where playing noncreature spells grants the champion +1/+1 counters, rewarding players for specific deck-building strategies that prioritize spells over creatures.

The promotional version, designated with collector number 185, was distributed through official organized play channels as a prize or participation reward. Featuring art by Lucas Graciano, the illustration emphasizes the mystical and jungle-dwelling aesthetic of the River Heralds, the Merfolk faction of the plane of Ixalan. It was received by players as a flexible utility card for aggressive green-based strategies, particularly those leveraging pump spells or cheap cantrips to trigger the champion's growth ability repeatedly.