Pitiless Horde

Pitiless Horde was released in 2015 as part of the Dragons of Tarkir expansion for Magic: The Gathering. Specifically, this version is a promotional card distributed through the Friday Night Magic program, designed to encourage local game store participation. The card represents the brutal, raiding culture of the Mardu Horde, a faction within the Tarkir setting that emphasizes speed and aggression, fitting the characteristically high-risk, high-reward mechanics of red and black color identity in the game.

The artwork for this piece was commissioned from artist Greg Staples, whose work often features high-contrast, atmospheric scenes. Staples focused on the visceral, imposing nature of the orc raiders, utilizing a dark color palette to emphasize their connection to the death-centered ideology of their clan. Upon its release, the card was received as a solid inclusion for aggressive deck strategies, valued both for its gameplay utility in fast-paced formats and for the distinct, stylized aesthetic that characterizes the later sets of the Tarkir block.