Tooth of Ramos

The Tooth of Ramos was released in 1999 as part of the Mercadian Masques set for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Developed by Wizards of the Coast, the set introduced a distinct aesthetic centered on the plane of Mercadia, a world defined by its complex mercantile systems and peculiar goblin-dominated society. This card belongs to a cycle of five artifacts representing the mystical remnants of the dragon Ramos, designed to provide players with flexible mana acceleration during a period when the game was exploring themes of resource management and strategic resource banking.

The illustration for the card was created by artist Jeff Miracola, whose work contributed to the surreal and slightly alien visual identity of the Mercadian Masques block. Miracola’s design leans into the high-fantasy, relic-focused imagery typical of the era, presenting the Tooth as a potent, glowing artifact of great historical weight. Upon its release, the card was received as a functional utility piece, finding a niche among casual deck builders who valued the ability to store and expend mana, even if it did not immediately dominate competitive tournament play.