Necrite

Necrite was released in 1994 as part of Fallen Empires, the fourth expansion set for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Developed by Wizards of the Coast, the set focused on a thematic conflict between various factions within a subterranean world, reflecting a shift toward darker, lore-heavy card design compared to the game's earlier core releases. The card depicts a member of the Order of the Ebon Hand, a faction defined by their worship of black mana and their role in the set's narrative of environmental and political decay.

The illustration for this specific version was provided by artist Quinton Hoover. Hoover was a prominent contributor during Magic’s formative years, known for his distinct, fluid linework and evocative use of color. His design for the Necrite emphasizes the macabre aesthetic central to the black mana color identity, utilizing shadow and stark contrast to convey the card's mechanical function—the ability to destroy creatures at a cost. While the card is often cited by collectors for its niche mechanical utility, it remains a classic example of the early, idiosyncratic art style that defined the Fallen Empires era.