Hand of Cruelty

Hand of Cruelty was released in 2005 as part of the Saviors of Kamigawa expansion, the third and final set in the Kamigawa block for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Set within a world deeply inspired by Japanese folklore and mythology, this creature card represents the sinister forces of the black-aligned Orochi and Nezumi factions. It was designed to emphasize the color black's mechanical identity through the 'protection from white' keyword, providing players with a strategic edge against decks centered on light and righteousness.

The artwork was illustrated by Dave Dorman, a renowned artist known for his cinematic and moody aesthetic often seen in fantasy and science fiction properties. Dorman’s design sought to evoke a sense of creeping dread and tactical menace, typical of the grim, spiritual warfare depicted throughout the Kamigawa setting. Upon its release, the card became a staple in specific side-board strategies, valued by players for its ability to bypass white-aligned defenses and disrupt standard gameplay patterns of the era.