# 1999 Magic: The Gathering Mercadian Masques #171

> The 1999 Mercadian Masques foil version of Wall of Distortion (171) is a sought-after Black creature card featuring defender and targeted discard abilities.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 1999
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Mercadian Masques
- **Card number**: #171
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

Released in 1999 as part of the Mercadian Masques expansion, the Wall of Distortion (card number 171) is a staple Black creature in the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. This foil variant features the distinctive finish that collectors often seek to add visual contrast to their collections. Illustrated by Mark Tedin, the card presents a unique creature type that serves both defensive and disruptive roles in gameplay.

Functionally, this card is defined by its defender ability, preventing it from attacking, which makes it a solid anchor for defensive strategies. Its activated ability allows a player to target an opponent and force them to discard a card, but only as a sorcery and for a mana cost of two black mana and two generic mana. This mechanic provides a reliable way to disrupt an opponent's hand during the main phase. For collectors, the Mercadian Masques set remains a significant era in Magic history, and foil cards from this period hold a special place in the hobby. Owning a foil copy of Wall of Distortion adds a touch of elegance to any themed collection, particularly for those focused on Black mana or the Mercadian Masques subset. It represents a classic design from the late 90s, appealing to both veteran players and new enthusiasts looking to complete their Mercadian Masques set.

## FAQ

### What are the abilities of Wall of Distortion in Magic: The Gathering?

Wall of Distortion has the defender ability, meaning it cannot attack. It also has an activated ability that costs two black mana and two generic mana, plus tapping, to make a target player discard a card. This ability can only be used as a sorcery.

### Who illustrated the Mercadian Masques Wall of Distortion card?

The artwork for the Wall of Distortion card from the Mercadian Masques set was created by Mark Tedin, a prominent artist known for his work in the Magic: The Gathering franchise during the late 1990s.

### Is Wall of Distortion a rare card from the Mercadian Masques set?

In the Mercadian Masques expansion, Wall of Distortion is printed as a common card. However, foil versions are less frequently encountered than non-foil prints, making them a notable variant for collectors and set builders.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.