Orcish Oriflamme

Orcish Oriflamme was first printed in the Limited Edition Alpha set in 1993, representing one of the earliest red enchantment cards in the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Created by Wizards of the Coast, the game was designed by Richard Garfield to combine elements of traditional card games with the strategic depth of fantasy tabletop wargaming. The card was intended to provide red decks with a way to boost the power of attacking creatures, reflecting the aggressive, fast-paced playstyle associated with the color red in the game's initial color philosophy.

The artwork for the card was illustrated by Anson Maddocks, one of the original group of artists commissioned for the game’s debut. Maddocks utilized a distinct, moody style that characterized much of the early set’s aesthetic, focusing on the dark, gritty fantasy imagery that defined the game's initial release. In the Unlimited Edition, which was released shortly after the original run to meet surging demand, the card retained its iconic design and original art, cementing its place as a staple of the game's foundational era.