Aggravate

Aggravate was released in 2012 as part of the Avacyn Restored expansion for Magic: The Gathering. The set focused on the narrative of the archangel Avacyn's return to the plane of Innistrad, a gothic horror-inspired world. Mechanically, the card was designed as a red instant meant to provide a tactical advantage in combat, forcing creatures to attack and allowing the caster to disrupt an opponent's defensive posture during a pivotal moment of the set's high-stakes narrative.

The artwork was commissioned by Matt Stewart, an illustrator known for his contributions to the game during that era. Stewart focused on capturing the frenetic and destructive nature of red mana, depicting a scene of chaotic battle that mirrors the card's effect of goading creatures into unfavorable combat. Upon release, the card was received as a functional, if situational, piece of red removal, often utilized in limited draft environments where manipulating combat outcomes provided a distinct strategic edge.