"Oriss, Samite Guardian" is a 1/3 legendary white human cleric printed as a rare for the Magic the Gathering expansion set known as "Future Sight." This is a rather interesting card as it allows you to protect creatures. If you have powerful and useful creatures on the battlefield, you would want to be able to keep them from getting dealt points of damage from just about any sort. In this respect, Oriss, Samite Guardian seems to be built for the purpose of defense.

The converted mana cost for Oriss, Samite Guardian is three. You will need two white mana and one colorless mana to play Oriss, Samite Guardian. For what Oriss, Samite Guardian can do, it seems to be reasonable enough to pay that three mana. Keep in mind that Oriss, Samite Guardian is a legendary creature and is subject to the "legendary rule." If there are at least two cards on the battlefield named Oriss, Samite Guardian, both of them get sent to the graveyard.

What does Oriss, Samite Guardian do in the first place?

The first ability allows you to tap Oriss, Samite Guardian to prevent all damage that would be dealt to target creature this turn. In a sense, it seems to be similar to the white creature known as "Mother or Runes." In the case of Oriss, Samite Guardian, it only protects creatures from getting damage. It does not protect against spells and abilities that weaken creatures, destroy creatures, or Exile creatures. Still, being able to prevent all damage is pretty good.

Keep in mind that the target creature can neither have Shroud nor Protection from White. Other creatures are fair game. If an opponent plans to deal damage to Oriss, Samite Guardian, you can tap it to protect itself. Unfortunately, an opponent may have some spell that may do one of the following three or force you to sacrifice Oriss, Samite Guardian. A spell like "Path to Exile," "Terminate," or "Diabolic Edict" could get rid of Oriss, Samite Guardian.

It has a second ability which looks good in a white control deck. Oriss, Samite Guardian has a Grandeur ability. Should there be one on the battlefield and one in your hand, discard the one in your hand. Doing so prevents a target player from casting spells this turn. Creatures that player controls cannot attack this turn. This ability is good for a one-on-one match. In a multiplayer match, you may want to have about three of those cards on hand. You simply discard the other two and neutralize two of your opponents for a turn.

Overall, Oriss, Samite Guardian is a card that spells defense. In order to get the most out of Oriss, Samite Guardian, you may want to have some powerful creatures. At the same time, you want to play defensively instead of offensively.

Learn more about this author, Can Tran.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Magic the Gathering card analysis: Oriss, Samite Guardian?
We want to hear your view. Write now!