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About This Card

The 2008 Magic: The Gathering Shadowmoor expansion card Plague of Vermin (Card 73). This rare sorcery challenges players to trade life for creature tokens.

Plague of Vermin

2008 • Magic: The Gathering • Shadowmoor

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Market Value
Raw/Ungraded Market: $20.13
Updated about 5 hours ago
Based on TCGplayer Market (reference)Check Price Guide

Market & Price History

  • $20.13
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    Guide Estimate
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    -1.3%
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Raw / Ungraded

TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 11, 2026

Each point is the last stored observation that day for this printing, condition, grader, autograph status and source. Gaps mean no observation; guide estimates and asking prices are not completed sales.
Product Overview

Description

Released in 2008 as part of the Shadowmoor set, Plague of Vermin (Card 73) is a distinct sorcery that demands strategic resource management from Magic: The Gathering players. Created by artist Carl Critchlow, this card requires a significant mana investment of six black mana to cast. Its unique gameplay mechanic forces every participant in the game to make a difficult choice during the resolution phase. The card’s effect initiates a sequential process where players decide how much life they are willing to sacrifice. Starting with the active player and moving clockwise, each individual may pay any amount of life. This cycle continues until no player chooses to pay further. For every single point of life paid, the player generates a 1/1 black Rat creature token. This design creates a tense atmosphere where players must balance immediate board presence against their own survival, as the tokens created serve as both offensive tools and defensive shields. For collectors building a complete set of Shadowmoor cards, this rare card is a necessary addition. The card number 73 places it firmly within the core structure of the set, making it a standard piece for enthusiasts cataloging the 2008 release. While the card is known for its potential to flood the board with creatures, its true value in the collector's market lies in its unique design and historical significance within the Magic: The Gathering timeline. Whether you are looking to complete your collection or simply appreciate the intricate mechanics designed for this era of the game, this card offers a memorable interaction. The combination of high mana cost and high-impact token generation makes it a standout sorcery for those who enjoy complex, multi-player dynamics.

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Product Specs

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.

Year

2008

Series

Shadowmoor

Card Number

#73

Featured Subject

The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.

Game

Magic: The Gathering

TCG Attributes

Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.

Rarity

Rare

Artist

Carl Critchlow

Material

Card Stock

Language

English

Mana cost

{6}{B}

Type

Sorcery

Color

B

Card Text

Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.

Starting with you, each player may pay any amount of life. Repeat this process until no one pays life. Each player creates a 1/1 black Rat creature token for each 1 life they paid this way.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mana cost for Plague of Vermin?

Plague of Vermin has a mana cost of six black mana, resulting in a total mana value of seven. This high cost requires players to have significant mana resources available to cast the spell during a game.

How does the Plague of Vermin card effect work?

Starting with you, each player may pay any amount of life. This process repeats until no one pays life. Each player then creates a 1/1 black Rat creature token for each 1 life they paid during this process.

What set and rarity is this Magic: The Gathering card?

This card is part of the Shadowmoor set, released in 2008. It is classified as a Rare card and carries the set code SHM. It is identified as Card Number 73 within the set's printed collection.

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