Tormenting Voice

Tormenting Voice first appeared in the Khans of Tarkir expansion in 2014, designed as a staple red card-advantage spell. By the time it was reprinted in Core Set 2019, it had become a foundational element of red's color pie identity, allowing players to discard a card to draw two. This mechanic, known in the community as 'looting' or 'rummaging,' was intended to give red decks a way to cycle through their libraries, trading excess lands or situational spells for fresh options in the mid-to-late game.

The artwork for the Core Set 2019 version, illustrated by Magali Villeneuve, captures the intense, volatile nature of red magic. Villeneuve’s design focuses on the visceral experience of the spell, depicting a figure gripped by chaotic, fiery energy. The piece was well-received by players for its ability to balance functional utility with thematic depth, reinforcing the idea that for red mages, knowledge often comes at the cost of sacrifice.