Spike

Spike is a creature type first found in the Tempest block. They were likely created or modified for their purpose in Volrath's operating theater in the Stronghold on Rath.Pete Venters (March 1998). "Dominian Chronicles: The Lurker's Guide to the Stronghold." The Duelist #24, 26-27
==Description==
Spikes are depicted with a slug-like body with two rows of pods down either side of the back and a pair of pincers on the face. Most Spikes are green, 0/0 creatures with "[This] enters the battlefield with [a number of] +1/+1 counters on it" and ", Remove a +1/+1 counter from [this]: Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature." The one exception to this is <c>Spike Cannibal</c>.
Spikes have served as inspiration for the creation of other abilities in later sets, including Modular and Graft.
==History==
===Tempest===
Tempest had only one Spike, the simplest, <c>Spike Drone</c>. It served as a preview of sorts of the rest of the Spikes yet to appear in that block.
===Stronghold===
Stronghold had five Spikes. The two commons, <c>Spike Worker</c> and <c>Spike Colony</c>, have no additional abilities beyond those described above. The other three, <c>Spike Feeder</c>, <c>Spike Soldier</c>, and <c>Spike Breeder</c>, each have an activated ability that involves removing +1/+1 counters from it as a cost. 
===Exodus===
Exodus had four Spikes. <c>Spike Rogue</c>, <c>Spike Weaver</c> and <c>Spike Hatcher</c> each introduced a new use for their +1/+1 counters. Spike Cannibal is the big exception to the nature of Spikes. While still a 0/0 creature that enters the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter, Spike Cannibal is black and lacks Spike's natural "donate a counter" ability. Instead, Spike Cannibal has an enter the battlefield ability that moves all +1/+1 counters onto it, effectively cannibalizing other spikes and +1/+1 counter-dependant creatures.
===Time Spiral===
<c>Spike Feeder</c> was reprinted as a time-shifted card in the Time Spiral set. It also brought <c>Spike Tiller</c> which could transfer its counters and turn lands into 2/2 creatures.
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