Tivash, Gloom Summoner

Tivash, Gloom Summoner was released in 2021 as part of the Commander 2021 set, a collection of five preconstructed decks designed to expand the multiplayer format of Magic: The Gathering. This specific card debuted in the 'Witherbloom Witchcraft' deck, which centers on the mechanics of the Strixhaven University setting, specifically the green and black-aligned college of Witherbloom. The card was created to provide a dedicated commander for players interested in life-gain and life-loss synergies, embodying the thematic focus of the set on natural decay and biological resource management.

The card was illustrated by Wisnu Tan, who captured the character’s dark aesthetic through a moody, gothic lens. The design emphasizes the card's ability to turn the caster's own life force into a resource to summon demons, reflecting the high-risk, high-reward nature of black-aligned magic in the game's color pie. Upon its release, it was well-received by players looking for a commander that rewards aggressive life-payment strategies, and it remains a staple for those building black-green sacrifice or life-drain decks.