Plains

Released in October 2010 as part of the Scars of Mirrodin expansion, this Plains card represents a return to the metal-dominated plane of Mirrodin after the original 2003 block. The set centers on the corruption of the artificial world by the Phyrexians, a recurring antagonistic force in the Magic: The Gathering multiverse. This card specifically depicts the landscape during the early stages of this invasion, where the metallic, unnatural terrain begins to shift and fray under the influence of the oily, infectious Phyrexian presence.

The artwork was commissioned by Wizards of the Coast from illustrator James Paick, who sought to capture the blend of classic high-fantasy geography with the harsh, industrial aesthetic characteristic of the Mirrodin plane. Paick’s design emphasizes geometric, crystalline structures rising from a stark, white-hued horizon, reflecting the plane's unique nature as an artificial world built by the golem Karn. Upon its release, the card was widely utilized in both casual and competitive formats as a foundational component for decks requiring white mana, praised for its cohesive integration into the set's broader visual identity.