Know Evil

Know Evil was released in 2017 as part of the Archenemy: Nicol Bolas set, an expansion designed to support the Archenemy multiplayer format for Magic: The Gathering. The card functions as a 'scheme,' a special card type that provides the Archenemy player with powerful, often game-altering effects to balance the disadvantage of playing against multiple opponents simultaneously. It reflects the overarching narrative of the set, which focuses on the elder dragon Nicol Bolas and his machinations within the multiverse.

The card was illustrated by Johannes Voss, a long-time contributor to the game known for his atmospheric and emotionally resonant style. In designing the scheme, the art direction focused on capturing the essence of hubris and the inevitability of the antagonist's influence. Upon release, the set was well-received by players looking for cooperative play experiences, and the scheme cards were praised for their ability to heighten the dramatic tension of the game through both their mechanical impact and their evocative visual storytelling.