Chainer's Edict

Chainer's Edict was released in 2002 as part of the Torment expansion for Magic: The Gathering. Designed as a sorcery that could be played twice due to the flashback mechanic, the card was intended to provide black decks with a versatile, efficient way to remove creatures from the battlefield. It quickly became a staple in competitive formats, particularly for its ability to bypass hexproof and shroud mechanics, as it forces the opponent to sacrifice a creature rather than targeting one.

The card features artwork by rk post, an iconic illustrator for the game during this era. His design utilizes a dark, atmospheric aesthetic that complements the narrative of the Torment set, which focused heavily on the character Chainer and his descent into madness within the Otarian pits. The piece was well-received for its evocative depiction of the character's magical influence and remains a recognizable example of early 2000s Magic card design.