Tainted Wood

Tainted Wood first appeared in the Torment expansion for Magic: The Gathering, released in early 2002. As part of the Odyssey block, it reflected the set's thematic focus on the graveyard and the corruption of the Otarian landscape. The card was designed as a cycle of land cards meant to provide color-fixing for decks while requiring players to manage their life totals and board presence, fitting into the deliberate, grind-heavy playstyle of the era.

The card’s illustration was crafted by artist Rob Alexander, whose work defined much of the visual identity for Magic landscapes during this period. His design aimed to evoke a sense of rot and stagnation through muted, murky earth tones and organic, twisted foliage. Upon its release, it was regarded as a functional utility land, appreciated by players for its ability to generate both black and green mana, and it remains a recognizable relic of the early modern design era of the game.