The Altar of Dementia, card #276 from Magic: The Gathering's 1997 Tempest set. This rare artifact artifact card is a cornerstone of the game's history.
1997 • Magic: The Gathering • Tempest
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$26.66 | Guide Estimate | -0.2% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 4, 2026
Released in 1997 as part of the Tempest expansion, Altar of Dementia (card #276) stands as one of the most influential artifacts in Magic: The Gathering history. Designed by Brom, this rare artifact card allows players to sacrifice a creature to force their opponent to mill cards equal to that creature's power. This mechanic fundamentally shifted the strategic landscape of the game, introducing a new dimension to resource management and card advantage. The Tempest set marked a significant era for the game, introducing the artifact type as a more prominent strategic pillar. Altar of Dementia exemplifies this shift, offering a potent effect that rewards aggressive play and careful resource allocation. Its design, featuring a mana cost of {2} and a mana value of 2, makes it accessible yet devastating in the right context. The card's flavor text, attributed to Volrath, adds a layer of dark intrigue that resonates with the set's thematic elements. Collectors value Altar of Dementia not just for its gameplay impact but also for its historical significance. It remains a staple in discussions about powerful cards that have shaped the game's evolution. Its presence in the Tempest set highlights Wizards of the Coast's willingness to introduce bold, game-changing mechanics. For enthusiasts of Magic: The Gathering, this card represents a pivotal moment in the game's design philosophy, blending strategic depth with thematic storytelling. Whether you are a long-time collector or new to the hobby, Altar of Dementia offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative vision that drives the Magic: The Gathering universe. Its enduring legacy continues to inspire players and collectors alike, making it a cherished piece of the game's rich tapestry.
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The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
The core identity of the card within the set.
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Altar of Dementia
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Rare
Brom
Card Stock
English
{2}
Artifact
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Sacrifice a creature: Target player mills cards equal to the sacrificed creature's power.
"It is not that you will go mad. It is that you will beg for madness." —Volrath
FAQ
Altar of Dementia is powerful because it allows a player to sacrifice a creature to force an opponent to mill cards equal to that creature's power. This mechanic provides significant card advantage and can quickly deplete an opponent's library, making it a formidable tool in strategic play.
As card #276 in the 1997 Tempest set, Altar of Dementia exemplifies the expansion's focus on artifacts and strategic depth. It was designed to encourage aggressive play and resource management, reflecting the set's broader themes of power and consequence.
Brom's artwork for Altar of Dementia contributes to the card's dark and intriguing aesthetic, aligning with the flavor text attributed to Volrath. His illustrations are renowned for their detail and ability to evoke the game's fantasy world, enhancing the card's appeal to collectors.
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