Ertai, the Corrupted

Ertai, the Corrupted was released in the 2001 Magic: The Gathering expansion Planeshift, representing a pivotal moment in the Weatherlight Saga. This card depicts the character Ertai after his transformation into a Phyrexian agent, serving as a cruel lieutenant to Crovax. The card was designed to mechanically embody his newfound obsession with control and sacrifice, utilizing a signature counterspell ability that requires the player to discard cards or sacrifice permanents to maintain his dominance over the battlefield.

The artwork for this card was provided by illustrator Carl Critchlow, whose distinct, painterly style captures Ertai’s corrupted visage and dark, imposing posture. Critchlow’s design leaned into the grotesque transformation of the once-arrogant wizard, emphasizing his allegiance to the Phyrexian aesthetic through muted, sickly tones and sharp, unnatural angles. Upon its release, the card became a focal point for players interested in control-heavy archetypes, as it offered a powerful, repeatable disruption engine that defined his character's transition from a flamboyant protagonist to a formidable antagonist.