Viashino Slaughtermaster

Viashino Slaughtermaster was introduced in the 2009 Magic: The Gathering expansion set Conflux, the second release in the Alara block. The set focused on the merging of the five shards of Alara, a premise that allowed designers to explore unique multicolor combinations. The Slaughtermaster specifically highlights the Jund shard, a harsh environment characterized by survival of the fittest, which is mechanically represented here through the combination of red and green mana and the implementation of the double strike ability.

The card illustration was created by artist Trevor Claxton, whose work for Wizards of the Coast is recognized for its kinetic energy and bold lighting. In designing the Slaughtermaster, the visual brief emphasized the savage, lizard-like nature of the Viashino race, resulting in a piece that captures the creature mid-strike. Upon release, the card was received as a solid aggressive option for limited formats and tribal decks, valued by players for its ability to quickly scale damage when supported by other red and green spells.