Afflict

Description

Released in 2001 as part of the Odyssey expansion, Afflict is a black common instant card numbered 115 in the set. Designed by Roger Raupp, this card belongs to the foundational era of Magic: The Gathering, representing the strategic depth and thematic consistency that defined the game during the early 2000s. The Odyssey set established many mechanical templates and flavor narratives that continue to influence the TCG community today. Afflict functions as a versatile removal tool for black decks. By targeting a creature, it reduces its power and toughness by one until the end of the turn. This effect allows players to neutralize threats or weaken blockers before combat. The card also provides card advantage, allowing the caster to draw a card as part of its resolution. This dual utility makes it a staple in many black-based strategies, balancing removal with resource generation. Collectors often seek out the foil version of Afflict for its aesthetic appeal and historical significance. The foil treatment adds a shimmering quality to the card's surface, distinguishing it from the non-foil commons in the Odyssey set. As a common card, it was widely distributed, yet finding high-quality foil copies remains a rewarding pursuit for set completists. The card's design reflects the dark, gothic atmosphere of the Odyssey block, immersing players in the world of Phyrexia's influence. Whether you are building a competitive deck or expanding your Odyssey collection, this card offers both gameplay utility and collector value. Its straightforward mechanics and iconic foil finish make it a beloved piece of TCG history.