***Returning Keyword: Bloodthirst***

Bloodthirst is an ability that originally appeared in the _Guildpact_(R) set. It allows creatures to enter the battlefield pumped-up if an opponent had been dealt damage earlier that turn.

The official rules for bloodthirst are as follows:

702.52. Bloodthirst

702.52a Bloodthirst is a static ability. "Bloodthirst N" means "If an opponent was dealt damage this turn, this permanent enters the battlefield with N +1/+1 counters on it."

702.52b "Bloodthirst X" is a special form of bloodthirst. "Bloodthirst X" means "This permanent enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters on it, where X is the total damage your opponents have been dealt this turn."

702.52c If an object has multiple instances of bloodthirst, each applies separately.

* Bloodthirst checks for any kind of damage, including combat damage.

* Life loss that isn't caused by damage (for example, the life loss caused by Blood Seeker's ability) doesn't cause a creature with bloodthirst to get counters, but damage from a source with infect (a mechanic from the _Scars of Mirrodin_ block) does, even though it doesn't cause loss of life.

* It doesn't matter who controlled the source of the damage dealt to your opponent. If an opponent was dealt damage by a source he or she controlled (such as Manabarbs, for example), creatures with bloodthirst that enter the battlefield under your control later that turn will get +1/+1 counters.

* The creature with bloodthirst enters the battlefield with the +1/+1 counters already on it. For example, a 1/1 creature that enters the battlefield with two +1/+1 counters on it will enter as a 3/3 creature, not as a 1/1 creature that then becomes 3/3.

* "Bloodthirst X" doesn't appear on any _Magic 2012_ cards.