Scepter of Empires

Description

The Scepter of Empires is a foil artifact card from the Magic 2012 core set, carrying the catalog number 216. Designed by artist John Avon, this Uncommon card features a distinct silver-bordered finish that distinguishes it from the base non-foil printings within the M12 set. The card requires three generic mana to cast and functions as a straightforward damage-dealing artifact for players utilizing artifact-based strategies. Its ability allows the controller to tap the card to deal one damage to any target player or planeswalker, or three damage if the controller also possesses the Crown of Empires and Throne of Empires artifacts on the battlefield. This conditional bonus creates a specific synergy for collectors and players tracking the complete Empires artifact cycle. The flavor text inscribed on the card, "With this scepter, smite your enemies," reinforces the item's role as a weapon of dominion within the game's lore. As part of the Magic 2012 release, this card represents a foundational element for those building sets or exploring the game's historical card pool. The combination of John Avon's design work and the foil treatment makes this entry in the M12 checklist a notable target for completists seeking every printed variation of the base set. The card's mechanical simplicity and artifact synergy offer a clear example of the design philosophy present in the Magic 2012 expansion, serving as a functional tool in gameplay while maintaining aesthetic value for collectors assembling their library.