Spellshaper: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox type | {{Infobox type | ||
|type=creature | |type=creature | ||
|stats={{stats|W=10|U=11|B=11|R= | |stats={{stats|W=10|U=11|B=11|R=12|G=11|A=2}} | ||
as of ''[[March of the Machine]]'' | |||
|beeble=8 | |||
|beeble_ref=<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/180223310073/|title=where are spellshapers as a whole on the Storm scale? Or would that be the Beeble scale?|2018-11-18}}</ref> | |||
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{{TOCright}} | {{TOCright}} | ||
'''Spellshaper''' is a [[creature | '''Spellshaper''' is a [[creature class]]. Spellshapers are amongst the most narrowly focused [[spellcaster]]s. They are salesmen of magical spells<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/153372188393/what-are-the-flavor-differences-between-wizard|title=What are the flavor differences between wizard, spellshaper, and warlock?|November 19, 2016}}</ref> and devote themselves to perfecting a single spell or selection of spells, relying on the mastery of their focus to making up for their lack of versatility. In all other respects, they are similar to [[wizard]]s, [[cleric]]s, and [[druid]]s. | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
Spellshapers were introduced in ''[[Mercadian Masques]]'', appearing in the subsequent sets of the block, and reappeared in the [[Time Spiral block]]. Creatures with this type have at least one [[activated ability]] of the form "[<nowiki/>[[mana cost]]], {{T}}, [[Discard]] [a number of] cards: [Effect]." The effect is often the same as a [[sorcery]] or [[instant]] card already in print and the mana cost is often the same as the referenced sorcery or instant card. Most Spellshaper abilities require the discard of one card, but more powerful effects may require the discard of more than one card. | |||
Spellshapers were introduced in ''[[Mercadian Masques]]'', appearing in the subsequent sets of the block, and reappeared in the [[Time Spiral block]]. Creatures with this type have at least one [[activated ability]] of the form "[<nowiki/>[[mana cost]]], {{T}}, [[Discard]] [a number of] cards: [Effect]." The effect is often the same as a [[sorcery]] or [[instant]] card already in print and the mana cost is often the same as the referenced sorcery or instant card. Most Spellshaper abilities require the discard of one card, but more powerful effects may require | |||
Spellshapers were designed by ''Mercadian Masques'' lead designer [[Mike Elliott]]. The [[flavor]] that inspired him was that these creatures could themselves [[cast]] [[spell]]s.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/159356816668/hi-mark-been-following-you-on-here-since-it-was|title=Do you have any trivia on the design of Spellshapers?|April 8, 2017}}</ref> | Spellshapers were designed by ''Mercadian Masques'' lead designer [[Mike Elliott]]. The [[flavor]] that inspired him was that these creatures could themselves [[cast]] [[spell]]s.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/159356816668/hi-mark-been-following-you-on-here-since-it-was|title=Do you have any trivia on the design of Spellshapers?|April 8, 2017}}</ref> | ||
A cycle of [[legendary]] spellshapers was printed in ''[[Prophecy]]''. Each of these legendary [[rare]] creatures cost {{3}}MM and | A cycle of [[legendary]] spellshapers was printed in ''[[Prophecy]]''. Each of these legendary [[rare]] creatures cost {{3}}MM and requires a discard of two cards. They are: <c>Alexi, Zephyr Mage</c>, <c>Greel, Mind Raker</c>, <c>Jolrael, Empress of Beasts</c> (which was reprinted in ''[[Time Spiral]]'' as a [[timeshifted]] card), <c>Latulla, Keldon Overseer</c> and <c>Mageta the Lion</c>. These use modified versions of existing spells, rather than exact copies. The Spellshapers of ''[[Future Sight]]'' create token copies of one-mana creatures rather than spells, and as befitting Future Sight's theme, one (<c>Goldmeadow Harrier</c>) of which only was printed the following year. | ||
[[Mark Rosewater]] has stated that was unlikely that Spellshapers as a whole would return in a [[Standard]]-[[legal]] set, but that occasional versions would be possible in a [[supplemental set]].<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/168102105878/hiya-mark-can-i-get-some-21st-birthday-trivia-on|title=Can I get some trivia on spellshapers and whether or not we’ll ever see them again?|December 2, 2017}}</ref> He deemed the return of the mechanic, but without the creature class, a bit more likely.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/180223310073/to-expand-on-the-previous-question-where-are|title=Where are spellshapers as a whole on the Storm scale? Or would that be the Beeble scale?|November 17, 2018}}</ref> A Spellshaper appeared on the back side of the [[battle]] card <c>Invasion of Mercadia</c> in ''[[March of the Machine]]''.<ref name="Choosing 2">{{DailyRef|making-magic/choosing-your-battles-part-2|Choosing Your Battles, Part 2|[[Mark Rosewater]]|April 17, 2023}}</ref> This particular Spellshaper produces a distinct effect not seen on a previous spell. <c>Jaxis, the Troublemaker</c> mechanically acts like a Spellshaper (casting <c>Heat Shimmer</c>, but with upside), but is not classified as such. | |||
[[ | [[File:NEM Stronghold Biologist and Machinist.jpg|thumb|right|350 px|A mural of two ''[[Nemesis]]'' Spellshapers, <c>Stronghold Biologist</c> and <c>Stronghold Machinist</c>.<ref>[http://www.angelfire.com/va/planeswlk/multicrd.html The Planeswalker's Hall of Matching Art]</ref>]] | ||
==Notable Spellshapers== | |||
;Dominaria | |||
*[[Alexi]] | |||
*[[Greel]] | |||
*[[Jaya Ballard]] | |||
*[[Jolrael]] | |||
*[[Latulla]] | |||
*[[Mageta]] | |||
==Examples== | ==Examples== | ||
{{examples|<c>Bog Witch</c> {{2}}{{B}}<br/>Creature - Spellshaper<br/>1/1<br/>{{B}}, {{T}}, Discard a card: Add {{B}}{{B}}{{B}}.}} | {{examples|<c>Bog Witch</c> {{2}}{{B}}<br/>Creature - Spellshaper<br/>1/1<br/>{{B}}, {{T}}, Discard a card: Add {{B}}{{B}}{{B}}.}} | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
{{Creature types}} | {{Creature types|Classes|Spellshapers}} | ||
[[Category:Miscellaneous mechanics]] | [[Category:Miscellaneous mechanics]] | ||
Latest revision as of 20:31, 5 August 2023
| Spellshaper | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Creature Type | |
| (Subtype for creature/kindred cards) | |
| Beeble Scale | 8[1] |
| Statistics |
57 cards
as of March of the Machine 17.5%  19.3%  19.3%  21.1%  19.3%  3.5% |
| Scryfall Search | |
| type:"Spellshaper" | |
Spellshaper is a creature class. Spellshapers are amongst the most narrowly focused spellcasters. They are salesmen of magical spells[2] and devote themselves to perfecting a single spell or selection of spells, relying on the mastery of their focus to making up for their lack of versatility. In all other respects, they are similar to wizards, clerics, and druids.
Description
Spellshapers were introduced in Mercadian Masques, appearing in the subsequent sets of the block, and reappeared in the Time Spiral block. Creatures with this type have at least one activated ability of the form "[mana cost], 
, Discard [a number of] cards: [Effect]." The effect is often the same as a sorcery or instant card already in print and the mana cost is often the same as the referenced sorcery or instant card. Most Spellshaper abilities require the discard of one card, but more powerful effects may require the discard of more than one card.
Spellshapers were designed by Mercadian Masques lead designer Mike Elliott. The flavor that inspired him was that these creatures could themselves cast spells.[3]
A cycle of legendary spellshapers was printed in Prophecy. Each of these legendary rare creatures cost 
MM and requires a discard of two cards. They are: Alexi, Zephyr Mage, Greel, Mind Raker, Jolrael, Empress of Beasts (which was reprinted in Time Spiral as a timeshifted card), Latulla, Keldon Overseer and Mageta the Lion. These use modified versions of existing spells, rather than exact copies. The Spellshapers of Future Sight create token copies of one-mana creatures rather than spells, and as befitting Future Sight's theme, one (Goldmeadow Harrier) of which only was printed the following year.
Mark Rosewater has stated that was unlikely that Spellshapers as a whole would return in a Standard-legal set, but that occasional versions would be possible in a supplemental set.[4] He deemed the return of the mechanic, but without the creature class, a bit more likely.[5] A Spellshaper appeared on the back side of the battle card Invasion of Mercadia in March of the Machine.[6] This particular Spellshaper produces a distinct effect not seen on a previous spell. Jaxis, the Troublemaker mechanically acts like a Spellshaper (casting Heat Shimmer, but with upside), but is not classified as such.
Notable Spellshapers
- Dominaria
Examples
Example
Bog Witch 
Creature - Spellshaper
1/1, , Discard a card: Add .
References
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (2018-11-18). "where are spellshapers as a whole on the Storm scale? Or would that be the Beeble scale?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (November 19, 2016). "What are the flavor differences between wizard, spellshaper, and warlock?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (April 8, 2017). "Do you have any trivia on the design of Spellshapers?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (December 2, 2017). "Can I get some trivia on spellshapers and whether or not we’ll ever see them again?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (November 17, 2018). "Where are spellshapers as a whole on the Storm scale? Or would that be the Beeble scale?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (April 17, 2023). "Choosing Your Battles, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ The Planeswalker's Hall of Matching Art
