Mortify

Mortify is a long-standing removal spell in Magic: The Gathering, first appearing in the original Ravnica: City of Guilds set in 2005. It represents the color philosophy of the Orzhov Syndicate, a guild characterized by its blend of white and black mana, which emphasizes structure, hierarchy, and the ruthless taxation of both the living and the dead. This specific version was released as part of the Ravnica Allegiance promo set in 2019, issued to support the return to the plane of Ravnica and intended as a tournament participation prize or promotional reward for players engaging with the new set.

The artwork for this particular printing was executed by illustrator Magali Villeneuve, a renowned contributor to the game who is celebrated for her expressive character work and ability to capture the ethereal, gothic aesthetic of the Orzhov. Villeneuve’s design leans into the thematic duality of the card, depicting a moment of spiritual or physical finality that aligns with the Orzhov’s legalistic approach to justice. The card was well-received by the player community, who appreciated both the utility of the reprinted card and the striking, highly detailed visual style Villeneuve brought to this iconic Ravnica staple.