Shield the Sky Rider
Defend the Rider is a practical green instant that fits cleanly into tempo and midrange decks. Defend the Rider gives you immediate protection or a board presence depending on the moment; the spell reads like a choice between locking a key permanent down from removal or generating a 1 1 Pilot to push through damage and crew Vehicles. As a single green mana play from Aetherdrift it resolves quickly and taxes opponents who expect to answer larger threats.
Use Defend the Rider to protect a combo piece or to maintain pressure when you cannot commit a larger threat. The Pilot token is small but has incremental value because it saddles Mounts and crews Vehicles as if it had two extra power, which changes blocking math and crew requirements. This Near Mint print in English is ideal for players who want a low cost answer with flexible utility in board states that demand responsive play.
Card Details:
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Mana Cost {G}
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Card Type Instant
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Subtypes —
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Card Text / Rules Text (Printed) Choose one:
- Target permanent you control gains hexproof and indestructible until end of turn.
- Create a 1/1 colorless Pilot creature token with "This token saddles Mounts and crews Vehicles as though its power were 2 greater."
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Power / Toughness —
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Lore Line Lagorin would not lose another.
