Meria, Scholar of Antiquity

Meria, Scholar of Antiquity was introduced in the 2022 Magic: The Gathering set Dominaria United, a release that revisited the franchise's seminal plane of Dominaria during a pivotal conflict with the Phyrexians. The character represents the Keldon people's shift toward academic pursuits, breaking from their historical depiction as purely warlike to highlight the breadth of the setting's lore. Her design reflects this evolution, blending the rugged aesthetic of her heritage with the intellectual pursuits of an archaeologist.

The card was illustrated by Aurore Folny, who emphasized the character's dual nature by depicting her amidst the artifacts she studies. Folny’s work focuses on the intersection of Keldon strength and scholarly curiosity, utilizing a color palette that ties into the card's green and red mechanical identity. Upon its release, the card was noted for its unique ability to turn artifacts into mana sources, providing a distinct mechanical engine for decks centered on historical objects and antiquity.