Etali, Primal Conqueror // Etali, Primal Sickness

Etali, Primal Conqueror was released in the 2023 Magic: The Gathering set March of the Machine. The card represents a pivotal moment in the game's overarching narrative where the Elder Dinosaur, originally native to the plane of Ixalan, is transformed by the influence of the Phyrexians during their multi-planar invasion. Mechanically, the card was designed as a dual-faced creature that emphasizes high-impact value, allowing players to cast spells from the libraries of all players upon entry, reflecting the chaotic nature of the conflict depicted in the set.

The artwork for this card was rendered by artist Bram Sels, who sought to capture the terrifying, corrupted essence of Etali under the biomechanical control of the Phyrexians. The design focuses on the visual transition from a natural apex predator to a monstrous, glistening harbinger of blight. Upon its debut, the card was received with significant enthusiasm by the player base, particularly within the Commander format, due to its ability to generate massive board presence and replicate the effects of multiple powerful spells simultaneously.