The 1994 Foreign Black Border Plague Rats card from Magic: The Gathering, a foundational creature with a unique scaling power mechanic.
Plague Rats
1994 • Magic: The Gathering • Foreign Black Border
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Description
The 1994 Foreign Black Border release of Plague Rats stands as a foundational piece of Magic: The Gathering history, bearing card number 123 in the set. This edition introduces the creature to collectors and players alike, offering a distinct artifact from the game's earliest days. Designed by Anson Maddocks, the card depicts a Rat with a mana cost of {2}{B} and a mana value of 3. Its gameplay identity is defined by a unique scaling mechanic: its power and toughness are each equal to the total number of creatures named Plague Rats on the battlefield. This means the card grows stronger as more copies are in play, making it a fascinating subject for those who appreciate early game design innovation. For collectors, this card represents a tangible link to the formative years of the trading card game. Owning this card number allows enthusiasts to complete their set or add a key piece to their collection of early Magic artifacts. The card's ability to scale with the board state makes it a memorable subject for discussions on game mechanics and design evolution. Whether you are building a comprehensive collection of Foreign Black Border cards or simply interested in the evolution of creature mechanics, this card offers deep value. It serves as a reminder of the creative freedom present in the game's first year, where unique interactions like this were common. The card remains a popular topic among fans who study the game's roots, making it a worthy addition for any serious collection.
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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.
Featured Subject
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Featured
Plague Rats
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Anson Maddocks
Card Stock
English
{2}{B}
Creature — Rat
* / *
B
Card Text
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Plague Rats's power and toughness are each equal to the number of creatures named Plague Rats on the battlefield.




















