Waveskimmer Aven

Waveskimmer Aven was released in 2008 as part of the Shards of Alara expansion for Magic: The Gathering. The set introduced the concept of three-colored factions, with this creature representing the Bant shard, a plane defined by its rigid societal structure and focus on noble combat. As a white-blue-green card, it was designed to showcase the mechanics of the Bant faction, specifically the exaltation of individual combatants, providing a mobile aerial threat that could benefit from the plane's unique battle tactics.

The card was illustrated by artist Todd Lockwood, a veteran in the fantasy art space known for his extensive contributions to the Dungeons & Dragons visual identity. Lockwood's design captures the Aven—a race of bird-folk central to Bant's culture—in mid-flight, emphasizing both their avian grace and the armored, orderly aesthetic prevalent in the shard. It was received by players as a solid, functional card in the limited environment, valued for its evasion and utility within the three-color draft archetypes of the era.