Sheltered Thicket

Sheltered Thicket was originally introduced in the Amonkhet set in 2017 as part of a cycle of lands known as cycling duals. These cards were designed to provide mana flexibility while offering a late-game utility through the cycling keyword, allowing players to discard the card in exchange for drawing a new one if they had already met their land requirements. This design philosophy aimed to mitigate the frustration of drawing land cards during the later stages of a match.

The version included in the Murders at Karlov Manor Commander set, featuring collector number 291, maintains the functional identity of the original design while serving as a reprint for the Commander format. The illustration for the original card, provided by Sam Burley, emphasizes the harsh, arid environment of the Amonkhet plane, contrasting the sanctuary of the thicket with the surrounding desert. Its inclusion in later Commander decks reflects the card's enduring popularity and utility in multi-color deck building where color fixing and card draw are highly valued.