Rime Tender

Rime Tender was introduced in the 2019 expansion set Modern Horizons, a set uniquely designed by Wizards of the Coast for Magic: The Gathering to introduce cards directly into the Modern format without them passing through the Standard rotation. The set acted as a love letter to the game’s deep history, reviving dormant mechanics like snow-covered permanents that had not been prominently featured in years, which provided the mechanical context for this card's ability to untap lands based on snow permanents.

The card features artwork by the illustrator Volkan Baga, who rendered the subject in a style consistent with the high-fantasy aesthetic typical of the game's creature designs. Baga’s work on this piece emphasizes the cold, ethereal nature of the creature, aligning with the snowy theme of the Modern Horizons set. Upon release, the card was received as a niche but effective utility tool for green-based mana ramp strategies, particularly within decks utilizing snow-covered land bases.