Noble Templar

Noble Templar was originally printed in the Scourge expansion in 2003, later appearing with updated art in the 2015 Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. Kiora. The card represents the resilient, disciplined nature of the Order of the White Shield, a faction deeply tied to the lore of Dominaria. Its inclusion in the Elspeth vs. Kiora deck served as a mechanical nod to Elspeth Tirel’s affinity for soldier-based strategies and defensive white mana themes.

The 2015 version features illustration by Matt Cavotta, who transitioned from an illustrator for the game to a creative director for Wizards of the Coast. Cavotta’s style for this piece emphasizes the stoic, protective aesthetic of the Templar, utilizing high-contrast lighting to underscore the character's duty. The card was designed with the 'plainscycling' keyword, a tactical utility that allows players to trade the card for a Plains land, reflecting the thematic focus on mobility and logistics within the deck’s overarching struggle between the planeswalkers Elspeth and Kiora.