Thalia's Lancers

Thalia's Lancers was released in July 2016 as part of the Eldritch Moon expansion for Magic: The Gathering. Set on the gothic horror plane of Innistrad, the card depicts the character Thalia, a prominent leader of the Cathar military forces, as she rallies her troops to defend humanity against the eldritch corruption brought by the titan Emrakul. The card design serves as a functional nod to Thalia's role as a protector, allowing players to search their libraries for legendary permanents, reflecting her ability to call upon allies and artifacts in times of crisis.

The card was illustrated by Johannes Voss, who captured a sense of resolute urgency through the use of sharp, angular lighting and a somber, desaturated color palette characteristic of the set's unsettling tone. Critics and players noted the illustration's success in conveying both the majesty of the armored lancers and the encroaching dread of the looming threat in the background. Within the game, the card saw moderate competitive play as a versatile utility creature, praised for its ability to provide card advantage while maintaining a sturdy presence on the battlefield.