# 2000 Magic: The Gathering Nemesis #23

> The 2000 Nemesis expansion card Spiritual Asylum #23, a rare foil enchantment from Magic: The Gathering that provides protective shroud effects.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 2000
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Nemesis
- **Card number**: #23
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

The 2000 Nemesis expansion for Magic: The Gathering introduced a distinct era of gameplay focused on divine protection and isolation. Within this set, Spiritual Asylum card number 23 stands out as a rare foil enchantment that fundamentally alters how creatures and lands interact with opposing spells. Designed by Matt Cavotta, this card captures the thematic essence of the block, where safety often comes at a significant strategic cost. As a white mana enchantment with a mana value of four, Spiritual Asylum provides a blanket effect that grants shroud to all creatures and lands under your control. This means that neither you nor your opponents can target these permanents with spells or abilities, creating a temporary fortress against removal or disruption. However, this defensive capability is balanced by a strict limitation: whenever a creature you control attacks, you must sacrifice this enchantment. This design forces players to weigh the immediate benefit of protection against the potential loss of the card’s ongoing utility. Collectors of Magic: The Gathering trading card game cards often seek out foil variants from the Nemesis set due to their visual appeal and historical significance. The foil treatment adds a shimmering quality to the card’s surface, making it a desirable addition for those building specialized collections. Whether you are interested in the card’s mechanical impact or its aesthetic presentation, Spiritual Asylum remains a notable piece of TCG history. Its unique balance of defense and sacrifice makes it a fascinating subject for players who appreciate the strategic depth of older formats. Understanding the rules text is essential for any collector evaluating this card. The ability to grant shroud is powerful in environments where targeted removal is prevalent, yet the requirement to sacrifice it upon an attack limits its longevity in combat-focused strategies. This duality is what makes the card memorable. For investors and hobbyists alike, the Nemesis set represents a pivotal moment in Magic’s design philosophy, and Spiritual Asylum exemplifies that approach. By focusing on the card’s identity as a rare foil from a specific set, collectors can appreciate its place in the broader narrative of the game without getting lost in transient market fluctuations.

## FAQ

### What does the shroud ability do in Magic: The Gathering?

Shroud prevents a permanent from being the target of any spells or abilities, including those controlled by its owner. This provides absolute protection from targeted removal or buffs.

### How does the sacrifice mechanic affect Spiritual Asylum's gameplay?

Spiritual Asylum requires you to sacrifice it as a cost whenever a creature you control attacks. This means you can only use its shroud protection briefly before losing the enchantment.

### Who illustrated the original Spiritual Asylum card?

The original Spiritual Asylum card from the 2000 Nemesis set was illustrated by Matt Cavotta, whose artwork reflects the dark fantasy themes of the set.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.