Although shield counters are the most common, there are also +1/+1 counters, -1/-1 counters, and feather counters to name a few
It is written Gift a [something]. The first ability is a static ability that functions while the card with gift is on the stack, and the second is either an ability that functions while the card with gift is on the stack or a triggered ability that functions while the card with gift is on the battlefield
It isnt that much of black magic as it seems, read the tools section for a hint on a good loupe which is easy to carry and quick to use even at the store you are usually trading in
Saruman, the White Hand protects Goblins too, so it becomes harder to be removed
What's more, the idea of a Golgari colored card caring about equipment feels really out of color pie and weird
Ive often said that Magic itself is not my favorite card game (that honor would go to either the Arkham Horror Card Game or Netrunner, depending on the day), but Magic draft certainly is