Essence Vortex is card #287 from the 1995 Ice Age expansion, offering a unique life-cost removal mechanic in Magic: The Gathering.
Essence Vortex
1995 • Magic: The Gathering • Ice Age
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Market & Price History
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30-day Price History
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Sep 23, 2026
Description
Released in 1995 as part of the Ice Age expansion, Essence Vortex stands as a notable entry in the history of Magic: The Gathering. Identified as card number 287, this uncommon instant card bridges the blue and black mana colors, appealing to players and collectors who appreciate the strategic depth of the game's early design philosophy. For those building complete Ice Age sets, Essence Vortex serves as a crucial component, representing the complex interactions between life totals and creature removal that characterized the game's evolution during this period. Collectors often focus on acquiring specific card numbers like #287 to ensure their sets are comprehensive and authentic. The card's ability to force opponents to pay life for creature removal highlights the innovative gameplay mechanics that made Magic: The Gathering a cultural phenomenon. Whether you are a seasoned player looking to complete a vintage collection or a new collector exploring the game's rich history, Essence Vortex offers a tangible connection to the formative years of the trading card game. Its enduring presence in the Magic: The Gathering canon underscores the lasting impact of the Ice Age expansion on the hobby. Collectors value these pieces not just for their gameplay utility but for their role in the narrative of the game's development. As interest in vintage TCGs continues to grow, cards from the mid-1990s remain significant artifacts for understanding the industry's origins.
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Card Details
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
Catalog Profile
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Featured Subject
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Featured
Essence Vortex
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
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Uncommon
Margaret Organ-Kean
Card Stock
English
{1}{U}{B}
Instant
B, U
Card Text
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Destroy target creature unless its controller pays life equal to its toughness. A creature destroyed this way can't be regenerated.
Masters who sacrifice for servants will receive the gift of loyalty.










