Indentured Djinn

Indentured Djinn was released in 1999 as part of the Mercadian Masques expansion set for Magic: The Gathering. Set on the plane of Mercadia, a world defined by its mercantile culture and political intrigue, the card reflects the set's thematic focus on resource management and the cost of power. Mechanically, the card was designed to offer a significant aerial threat at a lower mana cost, balanced by the constant upkeep requirement of removing cards from one's library, forcing players to weigh immediate aggression against the long-term risk of decking themselves.

The artwork was illustrated by D. Alexander Gregory, who utilized a distinct, surreal style to capture the ethereal and imposing nature of the Djinn. The design emphasizes a sense of captive power, mirroring the card's namesake, while fitting into the broader visual identity of Mercadian Masques, which moved away from the gothic aesthetics of previous sets toward a more exotic, clockwork-influenced fantasy. Upon its release, it was noted primarily by competitive players for its efficiency in limited formats, though it remained a niche choice in constructed play due to the severity of its drawbacks.