Varchild, Betrayer of Kjeldor

Varchild, Betrayer of Kjeldor was released as part of the Commander 2018 set, a collection specifically designed for the multiplayer Commander format of Magic: The Gathering. The card was created to provide a unique red-aligned strategy centered around board manipulation, forcing opponents to interact with temporary tokens created by Varchild's ability. This design emphasizes the character's narrative role as a pivotal figure in the lore of the Ice Age block, representing a Keldon warlord known for her complex and shifting allegiances.

The artwork for the card was illustrated by Jason Felix, who opted for a dynamic, aggressive aesthetic that captures Varchild's battlefield presence. The design team focused on a 'political' mechanical identity, where the player distributes tokens to opponents to eventually regain control or trigger beneficial effects. Upon its release, the card was received as a niche but flavorful commander, praised for its ability to encourage unconventional social dynamics during gameplay rather than relying on standard combat-heavy strategies.