Orochi Eggwatcher // Shidako, Broodmistress

Orochi Eggwatcher, which flips into Shidako, Broodmistress, was originally introduced in the 2004 Saviors of Kamigawa expansion for Magic: The Gathering. As a double-faced creature card from the Kamigawa block, it draws deeply from Japanese folklore and Shinto aesthetics, focusing on the snake-folk culture of the Orochi. The design concept revolves around the mechanic of flipping cards, symbolizing the growth and transformation of the characters within the narrative of the plane of Kamigawa.

The card was illustrated by artist Matt Cavotta, who has been a long-time contributor to the game. His design sought to capture the protective nature of the Orochi as they nurture their young, balancing the creature's functional role in green mana decks with the thematic essence of the set. Its inclusion in The List, a curated selection of cards from throughout Magic's history reprinted with a small symbol in the corner, serves as a nod to the enduring popularity of the Kamigawa block's unique mechanics.