Mortuary

Mortuary first appeared in the Magic: The Gathering expansion Exodus in 1998, later being reprinted as part of The List, a curated selection of cards that can appear in modern Set Boosters. As part of the Stronghold and Exodus era of the game, the card reflects the dark, gothic aesthetic prevalent in the Rath cycle, where the narrative focused on the Phyrexian invasion of a plane. The design intent for the card was to provide a recurring resource management tool for Black decks, allowing players to exchange creatures for top-deck card selection.

The artwork for Mortuary was illustrated by Kev Walker, a prolific contributor to the game whose gritty, high-contrast style defined much of the aesthetic of the late 90s. Walker aimed to evoke a sense of morbid ritual, depicting the card's function through imagery that aligns with the necromantic themes of the set. Upon its release, the card was received as a niche utility piece, often analyzed by players for its potential in graveyard-centric strategies, and it remains a staple reference for those exploring the history of Black enchantment design.