Mazirek, Kraul Death Priest

Mazirek, Kraul Death Priest was first introduced in the 2015 Commander set, reflecting the intricate ecology of the plane of Ravnica. As a Kraul—a race of insectoid beings that serve as the scavengers of the city-world—Mazirek embodies the cyclical nature of life and decay. The character is deeply connected to the Golgari Swarm, a faction focused on the processing of waste and the reclamation of organic matter to sustain the city's under-levels.

This particular printing from the 2020 Double Masters set features artwork by Mathias Kollros, who chose to emphasize the creature's formidable, multi-limbed anatomy and its mastery over the fallen. The design centers on the card’s ability to turn the death of other creatures into strength for the rest of one's forces, a mechanical representation of the Golgari philosophy. Upon its release, the card became a staple in Commander formats, valued for its ability to punish opponents while reinforcing the player's own board state.