Agent of Treachery

Agent of Treachery was originally released in the Core Set 2020 expansion, published by Wizards of the Coast in 2019. This specific version is a promotional printing, distinguished by its unique collector number and distinct framing, often distributed through organized play events or specialized product bundles. The card represents a powerful tactical asset in Magic: The Gathering, designed to capture the essence of a manipulative infiltrator who steals resources from an opponent, a mechanic that defined its competitive presence during its tenure in the Standard format.

The artwork was commissioned from Igor Kieryluk, a veteran illustrator known for his dynamic and atmospheric fantasy work. Kieryluk approached the design by emphasizing the character's shadowy, opportunistic nature, utilizing a color palette and composition that highlights the duality of the card's ability to seize control of enemy permanents. Upon its release, the card quickly became a focal point of debate within the community, as its enter-the-battlefield trigger proved to be exceptionally efficient, leading to it eventually being banned in several competitive formats due to the level of frustration it caused in gameplay cycles.