PLANESCULPTORS.NET

This set is the first in a block inspired by the video games Dishonored, Darkest Dungeon, and Thief. I found these games to have similar aspects and this is an experiment to emphasize them coherently in Magic.

Mechanics

Level up (returning) - ({cost}: Put a level counter on this creature. Activate only as a sorcery.) This is a top-down representation of leveling up a character, which is a classic video game trope in the aforementioned video games as well as many others.

Experience Counters (returning) and Experienced (A player with one or more experience counters is experienced.) Another classic video game trope representing a character's ability to gain experience points. Some spells get better with more experience.

Spare (Whenever a creature dealt damage by this one this turn dies, you may return that creature to its owner's hand. If you do, you gain life equal to that creature’s toughness.) A flavorful representation of the nonlethal options players have in Dishonored.

Under Cover (A creature is under cover as long as no opponent controls a creature with less power.) A representation of sneaking through the shadows as a thief or assassin, or through the dimly lit dungeon.

Ulterior Motive (If this creature would deal combat damage to a player, you may instead have it fight target creature that player controls.) Many mercenaries in this world have their own agenda.