The Emmessi Tome is a rare artifact card from the 1997 Tempest expansion, offering powerful card draw mechanics for Magic: The Gathering players.
1997 • Magic: The Gathering • Tempest
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$0.35 | Guide Estimate | 0% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 12, 2026
The Emmessi Tome, cataloged as card number 284, originates from the Tempest expansion released in 1997. This Magic: The Gathering artifact belongs to the book subtype and serves as a critical resource generator for collectors and players alike. Designed by artist Tom Wänerstrand, the card introduces a strategic gameplay element that has influenced deck construction for decades. As a rare card, the Emmessi Tome provides a unique ability that allows players to manipulate their hand size. The card requires a mana cost of four to cast. Once in play, it offers a powerful effect: by sacrificing five mana and tapping the artifact, the player can draw two cards and then discard one. This mechanic creates a dynamic decision point, balancing immediate card advantage against long-term resource management. Collectors value this card for its historical significance within the Tempest block. The Emmessi Tome stands out as a prime example of the artifact-heavy design philosophy that defined this period of Magic: The Gathering history. Its ability to generate card advantage makes it a sought-after piece for those interested in the evolution of the game's strategic depth. Whether you are building a vintage-inspired deck or adding to a collection of rare artifacts, this card represents a key component of the Tempest era. The combination of its rarity, unique rules text, and enduring gameplay utility ensures its place among the notable cards of the late 1990s. For enthusiasts of the game, owning a copy of the Emmessi Tome connects them to a pivotal moment in trading card game design.
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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.
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Featured
Emmessi Tome
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Rare
Tom Wänerstrand
Card Stock
English
{4}
Artifact — Book
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
{5}, {T}: Draw two cards, then discard a card.
It is like life and destiny: we think we know the story, but we have read only half the tale.
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