Sinkhole Surveyor — Scout the Shifting Wastes
Sinkhole Surveyor is a compact but tactical addition to any black aggressive or tempo deck. The 1 mana and a black to cast gives you a flying Bird Scout that arrives as a 1 3, so it blocks well against small flyers and survives many early skirmishes. Its endure ability triggers on attack and forces a decision that fits both midrange and token strategies: pay the life cost and either bolster the Surveyor with a +1/+1 counter or spawn a 1 1 white Spirit token. That interaction rewards repeated pressure and gives you board presence even when trades go poorly.
From a Tarkir perspective the card feels purposeful rather than flashy. The foil near mint presentation highlights the artwork of a bird circling a newly opened sinkhole and matches the set tone of dangerous terrain revealing value. Use Sinkhole Surveyor to tax opponent life totals, enable sacrifice synergies, or to stabilize the air in tight races. Add it to decks that value flexible attack triggers and incremental advantage; it reads well in both creature warbands and aristocratic shells.
Card Details:
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Mana Cost – {1}{B}
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Card Type – Creature
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Subtypes – Bird Scout
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Card Text / Rules Text (Printed) – Flying. Whenever this creature attacks, you lose 1 life and this creature endures 1. (Put a +1/+1 counter on it or create a 1/1 white Spirit creature token.)
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Power / Toughness – 1/3
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Rarity – Rare
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Set – Tarkir: Dragonstorm
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Language – English
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Condition – Near Mint Foil
