Onyx Talisman

The Onyx Talisman was released in 1995 as part of the Ice Age expansion for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Developed by Wizards of the Coast, this set was notable for being the first to introduce the concept of a cold, post-apocalyptic setting, departing from the high-fantasy aesthetic of the core game to explore themes of survival and environmental isolation. It functioned as a stand-alone expansion, designed to be played alongside the main game while expanding the tactical options available to players through its icy, thematic mechanics.

The artwork for the card was rendered by Sandra Everingham, a prolific illustrator during the early years of the game. Her design focused on a dark, mystical object, aligning with the set's broader exploration of ancient, dormant powers awakened by a magical ice age. The card itself—an artifact that rewards players for casting spells of a specific color—was received as a niche utility tool. It remains a recognizable piece of mid-90s card design, valued more for its aesthetic contribution to the Ice Age atmosphere than for its competitive dominance.