The Illusionary Mask from Magic: The Gathering's 1993 Limited Edition Alpha set offers a distinct artifact mechanic for strategic play.
Illusionary Mask
1993 • Magic: The Gathering • Limited Edition Alpha
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Description
Released in 1993 as part of the Limited Edition Alpha set, the Illusionary Mask stands as one of the foundational artifacts in the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Identified by card number 249 and featuring artwork by Amy Weber, this piece is recognized for its unique gameplay interaction rather than standard combat roles. As an artifact costing two mana to play, it provides a specialized strategic option for players looking to manipulate the board state through unconventional means. The card’s design allows players to target a creature card in hand, revealing its mana cost and enabling it to be cast face down as a 2/2 creature without paying its mana cost. This mechanic introduces a layer of unpredictability, as the creature remains face down until it assigns or deals damage, is dealt damage, or becomes tapped, at which point it is turned face up. This activation, restricted to sorcery speed, creates moments of tactical surprise during gameplay. For collectors, the Limited Edition Alpha set holds significant historical value as the first print run of Magic: The Gathering. Owning a card from this era connects enthusiasts to the origins of the hobby. The Illusionary Mask, with its specific rarity and number, serves as a tangible link to that initial release. Collectors often seek out cards from this set to complete their Alpha collection or to appreciate the early design philosophy that defined the game's early years. Whether for completing a set or simply owning a piece of gaming history, this card remains a notable entry in the Magic: The Gathering catalog.
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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
Illusionary Mask
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
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Rare
Amy Weber
Card Stock
English
{2}
Artifact
Card Text
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{X}: You may choose a creature card in your hand whose mana cost could be paid by some amount of, or all of, the mana you spent on {X}. If you do, you may cast that card face down as a 2/2 creature spell without paying its mana cost. If the creature that spell becomes as it resolves has not been turned face up and would assign or deal damage, be dealt damage, or become tapped, instead it's turned face up and assigns or deals damage, is dealt damage, or becomes tapped. Activate only as a sorcery.
