Lagrella, the Magpie

Strategy & Gameplay

Lagrella, the Magpie is a three-mana legendary creature from Streets of New Capenna that offers a unique value proposition in several formats by temporarily stealing resources from multiple opponents while providing a significant power boost. This Abzan-colored flyer functions as both a tempo play and a value engine, exiling any number of creatures from different players when it enters the battlefield, then returning them with two +1/+1 counters whenever they come back under your control. The card's flexibility makes it exceptionally strong in multiplayer formats, particularly Commander and Brawl, where you can potentially exile creatures from every opponent at the table, creating immediate board advantage while threatening to permanently acquire upgraded versions of those creatures if you can find ways to keep them in exile longer or bounce Lagrella to reset its ability. In terms of deck construction, Lagrella fits seamlessly into Abzan control and tempo shells, particularly in Modern and Pioneer where creature-based strategies remain competitive. The card synergizes beautifully with flicker effects like Soulherder, Ephemerate, and Soulherder, allowing you to repeatedly trigger Lagrella's exile effect and load creatures with counters. In Commander, it works wonderfully in Raffine, Scheming Seer decks or other Abzan commanders that value tempo and creature theft effects. Players seeking a card that provides immediate value, protects your board position, and offers potential permanent theft opportunities will find Lagrella an excellent strategic addition that operates effectively across multiple formats and casual play environments.