Shadow Stab
Alley Assailant is a compact, efficient Vampire Rogue that rewards timing and subterfuge. For {2}{B} you get a 3/3 body that enters the battlefield tapped, making it a measured play for controlling the early board. Its Disguise option lets you cast it face down as a 2/2 with ward 2 for {3}, then surprise opponents by turning it face up for {4}{B}{B} to trigger a life swing effect. Use the disguise to bait removal or to dodge blockers until the right moment.
From a Karlov Manor perspective this card fits into low to midrange black builds that want incremental advantage and repeatable threats. Alley Assailant gives you a predictable source of life drain when revealed, which matters in attrition matches and tight race scenarios. Play it with interaction that benefits from tapped creatures or with dévices that care about creatures entering tapped to extract extra value.
Card Details:
- Mana Cost – {2}{B}
- Card Type – Creature
- Subtypes – Vampire Rogue
- Card Text / Rules Text (Printed) – Alley Assailant enters the battlefield tapped. Disguise {4}{B}{B} (You may cast this card face down for {3} as a 2/2 creature with ward 2. Turn it face up any time for its disguise cost.) When Alley Assailant is turned face up, target opponent loses 3 life and you gain 3 life.
- Power / Toughness – 3/3