Ashnod's Transmogrant

Ashnod's Transmogrant was originally introduced in the Antiquities expansion in 1994, representing a pivotal moment in Magic: The Gathering lore centered on the Brothers' War. The card depicts a creation of Ashnod, a cruel artificer serving the warlord Mishra, and functions mechanically as an artifact that permanently alters a creature’s color and type. The design reflects the brutal, transformative magic practiced by the Brotherhood of Gix, emphasizing the theme of power at a high personal cost.

The version from the Fifth Edition core set, released in 1997, features the signature white-bordered aesthetic typical of early core sets. Illustrated by Kaja Foglio, the artwork captures the grotesque, mechanical nature of Ashnod’s inventions, aligning with the dark, industrial fantasy tone that defined the game's early aesthetic. While the card is often viewed as a niche utility piece, it remains a notable example of the early expansion cards that were integrated into the core game experience during the mid-nineties.