Springmantle Cleric

Springmantle Cleric was released in 2020 as part of the Zendikar Rising expansion for Magic: The Gathering. The set marked a return to the plane of Zendikar, a world defined by its dangerous, shifting landscape and adventurous spirit, focusing heavily on the mechanical theme of 'party'—a synergy mechanic involving Clerics, Rogues, Warriors, and Wizards. As a common-rarity creature card, it was designed to support the Limited environment of the set, providing players with a repeatable method to gain life whenever a party member entered the battlefield.

The card’s illustration was created by artist Igor Kieryluk, who has contributed extensively to the game’s aesthetic. Kieryluk’s design captures the essence of a Kor cleric, a race native to Zendikar, utilizing the visual language of liturgical regalia paired with the rugged, adventurous gear typical of the plane. Upon its release, the card was received as a functional utility piece for Draft and Sealed formats, valued primarily for its ability to stabilize a player's life total in the fast-paced, creature-centric meta of the Zendikar Rising set.