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About This Card

A rare artifact card from the 2014 Magic: The Gathering Conspiracy set. This card features a unique sacrifice mechanic to mill opponents.

Altar of Dementia

2014 • Magic: The Gathering • Conspiracy

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Market Value
Raw/Ungraded Market: $18.58
Updated 6 days ago
Based on TCGplayer Market (reference)Check Price Guide

Market & Price History

  • $18.58
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    Guide Estimate
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    -2.6%
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30-day Price History

Raw / Ungraded

TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 5, 2026

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Product Overview

Description

Carrying card number 196 in the CNS series, this rare card challenges players to manage resources strategically while applying immense pressure to their opponents. As a two-mana artifact, it offers immediate impact without demanding excessive mana investment, making it a staple in many competitive and casual decks alike. The card’s primary ability allows a player to sacrifice a creature to force a target opponent to mill cards equal to that creature's power. This mechanic creates a dynamic interplay between board presence and hand disruption, rewarding players who can effectively utilize creature sacrifice outlets. The flavor text, attributed to Volrath, adds a layer of narrative depth, hinting at the psychological toll of such relentless hand removal. This thematic element resonates with fans of the Magic universe, enhancing the card's appeal beyond its mechanical utility. Designed by the legendary artist Brom, the visual presentation complements the card's dark and ominous nature. Brom’s distinctive style brings a sense of gravity to the artifact, capturing the essence of the Conspiracy set's alternative reality themes. Collectors appreciate this card not only for its gameplay versatility but also for its artistic merit and historical significance within the Magic: The Gathering ecosystem. Whether you are building a deck focused on sacrifice synergies or simply admire the intricate design of the Conspiracy set, Altar of Dementia remains a prized addition to any collection.

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Product Specs

Card Details

The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.

Catalog Profile

The core identity of the card within the set.

Year

2014

Series

Conspiracy

Card Number

#196

Featured Subject

The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.

Game

Magic: The Gathering

TCG Attributes

Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.

Rarity

Rare

Artist

Brom

Material

Card Stock

Language

English

Mana cost

{2}

Type

Artifact

Card Text

Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.

Sacrifice a creature: Target player mills cards equal to the sacrificed creature's power.

"It is not that you will go mad. It is that you will beg for madness." —Volrath

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mana cost of Altar of Dementia?

Altar of Dementia has a mana cost of {2}, making it a low-cost artifact that can be cast early in the game. This low mana value allows players to deploy its powerful milling effect without sacrificing too much tempo or resource advantage.

How does the sacrifice mechanic work on this card?

To activate Altar of Dementia's ability, you must sacrifice a creature you control. The target opponent then mills (puts from their library into their graveyard) a number of cards equal to the sacrificed creature's power. This creates a strategic choice between removing a creature and disrupting the opponent's hand.

Who is the artist of the Conspiracy set Altar of Dementia card?

The 2014 Conspiracy set Altar of Dementia card features artwork by Brom, a renowned fantasy artist known for his work in the Magic: The Gathering universe. His distinctive style contributes significantly to the card's visual appeal and thematic depth.

Cards Named Altar of Dementia

Explore cards with this name across sets and editions. Check each card’s details before choosing a version.