Fault Riders

Fault Riders was released as part of the Prophecy expansion for Magic: The Gathering in June 2000. As the third and final set in the Mercadian Masques block, Prophecy focused on themes of sacrifice and strategic resource management, reflecting the game's evolving mechanical complexity at the turn of the millennium. The card was designed as a common creature to populate the limited environment, serving as a functional piece within the set's broader mechanical identity.

The artwork was commissioned from Dave Dorman, a renowned illustrator known for his atmospheric, painterly style in the fantasy and science fiction genres. Dorman’s depiction captures the gritty, adventurous aesthetic of the Mercadian world, utilizing his signature use of light and shadow to bring the creature to life. While the card is a humble common, it remains a recognized example of Dorman’s contribution to the visual lore of the era, appreciated by collectors for its distinct stylistic departure from the more rigid digital illustrations that became prevalent later in the game's history.