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{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Urza's Destiny''}}
{{SubTabs
{{Infobox expansion|
|sub1 = Theme decks
  set name = Urza's Destiny|
|sub2 = Official Guide
  logo = [[Image:Urzasdestiny logo.png]]|
  symbol  = Urzas_Destiny_symbol.png|
  symbol description = Erlenmeyer flask|
  design team = [[Mark Rosewater]] (lead)|
  development team = [[Mike Elliott]] (lead)<br>[[William Jockusch]]<br>[[Charlie Catino|Charlie Keldono]]<br>[[Paul Peterson]]<br>[[Bill Rose]]<br>[[Henry Stern]] |
  date_release = June 23, 1999|
  mechanics = [[Cycling]] from play creatures, [[Growing enchantments|Growing creature enchantments]], Leaves play creatures, Reveal spells|
  keywords = |
  size = 143 (55 Common 44 Uncommon 44 Rare)|
  code_expansion = UDS |
  code_development = Chimichanga |
  block name = [[Urza's block]]|
  first set = [[Urza's Saga]]|
  second set = [[Urza's Legacy]]|
  third set = [[Urza's Destiny]]|
  previous set = [[Portal Three Kingdoms]]|
  this set = Urza's Destiny |
  next set = [[Starter 1999]] |
}}
}}
''Urza's Destiny'' is the seventeenth [[Magic]] expansion and was released in June 1999 as the third set and second [[small expansion]] in the [[Urza block]].
{{Infobox set
  |image = Urzasdestiny logo.png
  |symbol_description = Erlenmeyer flask
  |design = [[Mark Rosewater]] (lead)
  |development = [[Mike Elliott]] (lead)<br/>[[William Jockusch]]<br/>[[Charlie Catino|Charlie Keldono]]<br/>[[Paul Peterson]]<br/>[[Bill Rose]]<br/>[[Henry Stern]]
  |art = [[Ron Spears]]
  |release = June 7, 1999
  |plane = [[Dominaria (plane)|Dominaria]]<br />[[Rath]]
  |mechanics = [[Cycling]] from play creatures, [[Growing enchantment]] [[Aura]]s, Leaves play creatures, Reveal spells
  |size = 143 cards<br/>{{curmb|55|44|44}}
  |code_expansion = UDS
  |code_expansion_ref= {{DailyRef|ask-wizards-august-2004-2004-08-02|Ask Wizards - August, 2004|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|August 02, 2004}}
  |code_development = Chimichanga
  |series = [[Urza's block]]
  |first = Urza's Saga
  |second = Urza's Legacy
  |third = Urza's Destiny
  |previous = Portal Three Kingdoms
  |next = Starter 1999
}}
'''''Urza's Destiny''''' is the seventeenth ''[[Magic]]'' expansion and was released in June 1999 as the third set and second [[small expansion]] in the [[Urza block]].


==Set details==
==Set details==
''Urza's Destiny'' contains 143 black-bordered cards (44 rare, 44 uncommon, and 55 commons). Its [[expansion symbol]] is an Erlenmeyer flask. ''Urza's Destiny'' was the first and only set after ''[[Arabian Nights]]'' which has a solo designer, [[Mark Rosewater]]. It the first [[Expert-level]], tournament legal set to be printed under the then-new ''[[6th Edition]]'' rules changes; the most notable change seen on cards is the use of the word "Creature" on the [[type line]] as opposed to "Summon". In this the set was also following the footsteps of ''[[Portal Second Age]]''.
''Urza's Destiny'' contains 143 black-bordered cards (44 rare, 44 uncommon, and 55 commons). Its [[expansion symbol]] is an Erlenmeyer flask, meant to symbolize Urza's continued experiments in finding a means to defeat Phyrexia.<ref>{{DailyRef|ask-wizards-october-2006-2006-10-02|Ask Wizards|[[Brady Dommermuth]]|October 31, 2006}}</ref> ''Urza's Destiny'' was the first and only set after ''[[Arabian Nights]]'' which has a solo designer, [[Mark Rosewater]]. It was the first [[Expert-level]], tournament legal set to be printed under the then-new ''[[6th Edition]]'' rules changes; the most notable change seen on cards is the use of the word "Creature" on the [[type line]] as opposed to "Summon". In this the set was also following the footsteps of ''[[Portal Second Age]]''.
 
Due to an error some boosters contain [[DCI]] and [[Arena]] [[Promotional card|promotional foils]] in the uncommon slot. The foil cards that appear this way are <c>Duress</c>, <c>Stroke of Genius</c>, <c>Gaea's Cradle</c>, <c>Thran Quarry</c>, <c>Rewind</c>, <c>Skittering Skirge</c>, <c>Pouncing Jaguar</c>, <c>Serra Avatar</c>, <c>Karn Silver Golem</c>, and <c>Lightning Bolt</c>.


Due to an error some boosters contain [[DCI]] and [[Arena]] [[Promotional cards|promotional foils]] in the uncommon slot. The foil cards that appear this way are <c>Duress</c>, <c>Stroke of Genius</c>, <c>Gaea's Cradle</c>, <c>Thran Quarry</c>, <c>Rewind</c>, <c>Skittering Skirge</c>, <c>Pouncing Jaguar</c>, <c>Serra Avatar</c>, <c>Karn Silver Golem</c>, and <c>Lightning Bolt</c>.
''Urza's Destiny'' was released on [[Magic Online]] on April 11, 2011.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/magic-online-urzas-destiny-release-event-news-2011-04-07|Magic Online ''Urza's Destiny'' Release Event News|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|April 7, 2011}}</ref>  
===Marketing===
===Marketing===
The cards were sold in 15-card [[boosters]] which had artwork from <c>Emperor Crocodile</c> and in four [[preconstructed theme deck]]s. ''[[The Official Urza's Destiny Game Guide]]'' is the guide to the cards in the set. It was written by [[Will McDermott]], editor of ''[[The Duelist]]'' at the time. The set was also accompanied by ''[[Bloodlines]]'', the final novel in the [[Artifacts Cycle]]. The [[prerelease card]] was a [[foil]] <c>False Prophet</c>.
The cards were sold in 15-card [[boosters]] which had artwork from <c>Emperor Crocodile</c> and in four [[preconstructed theme deck]]s. ''[[The Official Urza's Destiny Game Guide]]'' is the guide to the cards in the set. It was written by [[Will McDermott]], editor of ''[[The Duelist]]'' at the time. The set was also accompanied by ''[[Bloodlines]]'', the final novel in the [[Artifacts Cycle]]. The [[prerelease card]] was a [[foil]] <c>False Prophet</c>.
Line 32: Line 36:
===Storyline===
===Storyline===
With the ''[[Skyship Weatherlight|Weatherlight]]'' completed, [[Urza]] now works on a eugenics program to create a perfect crew for it, as well as engineering a race of [[Metathran|soldiers]] to fight the [[Phyrexian invasion]]. One of his geneticists, [[Gatha]], defects, and uses his knowledge to improve the [[Keldon]] race. Meanwhile, the Phyrexians create the plane of [[Rath]] as a staging ground for the invasion.
With the ''[[Skyship Weatherlight|Weatherlight]]'' completed, [[Urza]] now works on a eugenics program to create a perfect crew for it, as well as engineering a race of [[Metathran|soldiers]] to fight the [[Phyrexian invasion]]. One of his geneticists, [[Gatha]], defects, and uses his knowledge to improve the [[Keldon]] race. Meanwhile, the Phyrexians create the plane of [[Rath]] as a staging ground for the invasion.
==Mechanics & themes==
 
==Themes and mechanics==
The "reveal" cards come in two types: creatures (Seers) and spells (Scents).  When you use a Seer ability or a Scent spell, you show your opponents any number of cards of the specified color that are currently in your hand. The number of cards revealed determines the power of the effect.
The "reveal" cards come in two types: creatures (Seers) and spells (Scents).  When you use a Seer ability or a Scent spell, you show your opponents any number of cards of the specified color that are currently in your hand. The number of cards revealed determines the power of the effect.


''Urza's Destiny'' also has a strong theme of [[graveyard]] effects. Many creatures and a few enchantments have special abilities that trigger when the permanent is put into a graveyard (e.g. When <c>Aura Thief</c> goes to the graveyard, you gain control of all enchantments).
''Urza's Destiny'' also has a strong theme of [[graveyard]] effects. Many creatures and a few enchantments have special abilities that trigger when the permanent is put into a graveyard (e.g. When <c>Aura Thief</c> goes to the graveyard, you gain control of all enchantments).


The set also further develops the [[cycling]] theme introduced in the previous two sets with "cycling from play" creatures. These creatures, such as <c>Brass Secretary</c> and <c>Yavimaya Elder</c>, do not have cycling as a keyword, but instead have the activated ability "{{2}}, sacrifice this creature: Draw a card." This ability is similar to cycling, but is used while the creature is in play rather than in your hand.
The set also further develops the [[cycling]] theme introduced in the previous two sets with "cycling from play" creatures. These creatures, such as <c>Brass Secretary</c> and <c>Yavimaya Elder</c>, do not have cycling as a keyword, but instead have the activated ability "{{2}}, sacrifice this creature: Draw a card." This ability is similar to cycling, but is used while the creature is in play rather than in your hand.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/third-times-charm-2013-04-29|Third Time's the Charm|[[Mark Rosewater]]|April 29, 2013}}</ref>


==Creature types==
==Creature types==
The following [[Creature type|creature types]] are introduced in this expansion:  [[Golem]].
The following [[creature type]]s are introduced in this expansion:  [[Golem]].


The following creature types are used in this expansion but also appear in previous sets:  [[Angel]], [[Ape]], [[Barbarian]], [[Beast]], [[Beeble]], [[Bird]], [[Cleric]], [[Crocodile]], [[Dragon]], [[Drake]], [[Druid]], [[Elemental]], [[Elf]], [[Giant]], [[Goblin]], [[Griffin]], [[Horror]], [[Hound]], [[Illusion]], [[Imp]], [[Insect]], [[Knight]], [[Minion]], [[Ogre]], [[Rat]], [[Skeleton]], [[Soldier]], [[Spider]], Townsfolk (later changed to [[Human]]), [[Wall]], [[Wizard]].
The following creature types are used in this expansion but also appear in previous sets:  [[Angel]], [[Ape]], [[Barbarian]], [[Beast]], [[Beeble]], [[Bird]], [[Cleric]], [[Crocodile]], [[Dragon]], [[Drake]], [[Druid]], [[Elemental]], [[Elf]], [[Giant]], [[Goblin]], [[Griffin]], [[Horror]], [[Hound]], [[Illusion]], [[Imp]], [[Insect]], [[Knight]], [[Minion]], [[Ogre]], [[Rat]], [[Skeleton]], [[Soldier]], [[Spider]], Townsfolk (later changed to [[Human]]), [[Wall]], [[Wizard]].
Line 46: Line 51:
==Cycles==
==Cycles==
''Urza's Destiny'' has four [[cycles]] and a [[vertical cycle]]:
''Urza's Destiny'' has four [[cycles]] and a [[vertical cycle]]:
*'''Growing creature enchantments''': Each of these [[uncommon]] [[Aura]] [[enchantment]]s gains a counter at the beginning of each of your [[upkeep]]s, making it more powerful the longer it stays in play {{-}} <c>Archery Training</c>, <c>Private Research</c>, <c>Festering Wound</c>, <c>Incendiary</c>, and <c>Momentum</c>. These cards were inspired by the ''[[Tempest]]'' card <c>Legacy's Allure</c>.<ref>{{Arcref|77|Inspired enchantments|Friday, April 19, 2002}}</ref>  
{| class="wikitable"
*'''Lobotomy spells''': Each of these uncommon [[instant]]s or [[sorcery|sorceries]] removes a permanent of a certain type from the game, then also removes all other copies of the card in its controller's [[graveyard]], [[hand]], and [[library]] from the game {{-}} <c>Scour</c>, <c>Quash</c>, <c>Eradicate</c>, <c>Sowing Salt</c>, and <c>Splinter</c>. This cycle was based on the ''[[Tempest]]'' card <c>Lobotomy</c>. Each of these cards were reprinted in ''[[Betrayers of Kamigawa]]''.
! Cycle name
*'''Scents''': Each of these [[common]] instants or sorceries have effects that are proportional to the number of cards of their color you reveal from your hand {{-}} <c>Scent of Jasmine</c>, <c>Scent of Brine</c>, <c>Scent of Nightshade</c>, <c>Scent of Cinder</c>, and <c>Scent of Ivy</c>.
! {{W}}
*'''Seers''': Each of these uncommon 1/1 [[Classes#Wizards|Wizard]] [[creature]]s have an activated ability costing {{2}}C that mimics the Scent cycle {{-}} <c>Jasmine Seer</c>, <c>Brine Seer</c>, <c>Nightshade Seer</c>, <c>Cinder Seer</c>, and <c>Ivy Seer</c>.
! {{U}}
! {{B}}
! {{R}}
! {{G}}
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Growing creature enchantments'''
|{{card|Archery Training||UDS}}
|{{card|Private Research||UDS}}
|{{card|Festering Wound||UDS}}
|{{card|Incendiary||UDS}}
|{{card|Momentum||UDS}}
|-
|colspan="5"|Each of these [[uncommon]] [[Aura]] [[enchantment]]s gains a counter at the beginning of each of your [[upkeep]]s, making it more powerful the longer it stays in play. These cards were inspired by the ''[[Tempest]]'' card {{card|Legacy's Allure||TMP}}.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/inspired-enchantments-2002-04-19|Inspired enchantments|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|April 19, 2002}}</ref>
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''[[Lobotomy]] spells'''
|{{card|Scour||UDS}}
|{{card|Quash||UDS}}
|{{card|Eradicate||UDS}}
|{{card|Sowing Salt||UDS}}
|{{card|Splinter||UDS}}
|-
|colspan="5"|Each of these uncommon [[instant]]s or [[sorceries]] removes a permanent of a certain type from the game, then also removes all other copies of the card in its controller's [[graveyard]], [[hand]], and [[library]] from the game. This cycle was based on the ''[[Tempest]]'' card {{card|Lobotomy||TMP}}. Each of these cards were reprinted in ''[[Betrayers of Kamigawa]]''.
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Scents'''
|{{card|Scent of Jasmine||UDS}}
|{{card|Scent of Brine||UDS}}
|{{card|Scent of Nightshade||UDS}}
|{{card|Scent of Cinder||UDS}}
|{{card|Scent of Ivy||UDS}}
|-
|colspan="5"|Each of these [[common]] instants or sorceries have effects that are proportional to the number of cards of their color you reveal from your hand.
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Seers'''
|{{card|Jasmine Seer||UDS}}
|{{card|Brine Seer||UDS}}
|{{card|Nightshade Seer||UDS}}
|{{card|Cinder Seer||UDS}}
|{{card|Ivy Seer||UDS}}
|-
|colspan="5"|Each of these uncommon 1/1 [[Wizard]] [[creature]]s have an activated ability costing {{2}}M that mimics the Scent cycle.
|}
===Vertical cycle===
===Vertical cycle===
*'''Enchanted bonus creatures''': These [[blue]] creatures gain an ability as long as they are enchanted: (in order of rarity){{-}} <c>Fledgling Osprey</c>, <c>Metathran Elite</c> and <c>Rayne, Academy Chancellor</c>. <c>Thran Golem</c> is similar to this cycle, but is an [[artifact]].
{| class="wikitable"
! Cycle name
! {{keyrune|UDS}}
! {{keyrune|UDS|rarity=u}}
! {{keyrune|UDS|rarity=r}}
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Enchanted bonus creatures'''
|{{card|Fledgling Osprey||UDS}}
|{{card|Metathran Elite||UDS}}
|{{card|Rayne, Academy Chancellor||UDS}}
|-
|colspan="4"|These [[blue]] creatures gain an ability as long as they are enchanted: (in order of rarity). {{card|Thran Golem||UDS}} is similar to this cycle, but is an [[artifact]].
|}
 
===Mega-mega cycles===
{| class="wikitable"
! Cycle name
! {{W}}
! {{U}}
! {{B}}
! {{R}}
! {{G}}
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Legendary lands'''
|{{card|Kor Haven|Nemesis}}
|{{card|Teferi's Isle|Mirage}}
|{{card|Volrath's Stronghold|Stronghold}}
|{{card|Keldon Necropolis|Invasion}}
|{{card|Yavimaya Hollow|Urza's Destiny}}
|-
|colspan="5"|{{card|Yavimaya Hollow||UDS}} is the third card in this mega-[[mega cycle]] of lands representing notable locations from the [[Weatherlight Saga]] storyline.
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Voices'''
|{{card|Voice of Truth|Nemesis}}
|{{card|Voice of Reason|Urza's Destiny}}
|{{card|Voice of Grace|Urza's Saga}}
|{{card|Voice of Law|Urza's Saga}}
|{{card|Voice of Duty|Urza's Destiny}}
|-
|colspan="5"|{{card|Voice of Reason||UDS}} and {{card|Voice of Duty||UDS}} is the third and fourth card in this mega-[[mega cycle]]. These are uncommon white 2/2 [[Angel]]s that has a mana cost of {{3}}{{W}} and have [[protection]] from a different color. {{card|Voice of All||PLS}}, who has protection from a color chosen as it enters the battlefield, would be released in [[Planeshift]] as an homage to the mega-mega cycle.
|}


==Famous cards==
==Notable cards==
*<c>Academy Rector</c> {{-}} Played a large part in Replenish-decks.
*<c>Carnival of Souls</c> looks like a combo engine but has a difficult-to-exploit payoff and plays badly during the era of mana burn. It is notable as being one of the worst cards ever.
*<c>Carnival of Souls</c> {{-}} Notable as being one of the worst cards ever.
*<c>Donate</c> and <c>Illusions of Grandeur</c> were integral pieces of the [[Combo deck#later combo decks|Trix]] decks.
*<c>Donate</c> {{-}} This card and <c>Illusions of Grandeur</c> were integral pieces of the [[Combo deck#later combo decks|Trix]] decks.
*<c>Elvish Piper</c> became one of the games most well-known "[[Timmy]]"-cards.
*<c>Elvish Piper</c> {{-}} Became one of the games most well-known "[[Timmy]]"-cards.
*<c>Flicker</c> spawned [[Flicker]], a mechanic and its associated archetype of deck.
*<c>Metalworker</c> {{-}} Produced tons of mana in the many artifact-decks of the day.
*<c>Magnify</c> is one of four cards that are global pump effects and one of two (with <c>Thran weaponry</c>) to increase toughness.
*<c>Masticore</c> {{-}} A 4/4 artifact creature for {{4}} with a drawback of discarding a card each upkeep is a very strong creature, especially with the "{{2}}: Masticore deals 1 damage to target creature" ability.
*<c>Mask of Law and Grace</c> is reference to <c>Voice of Law</c> and <c>Voice of Grace</c> from [[Urza's Saga]]. It would go on to form a parallel pair with <c>Shield of Duty and Reason</c> from [[Apocalypse]], referring to the two Voices in this set.
*<c>Opalescence</c> {{-}} A finisher for the Replenish-deck.
*<c>Masticore</c> was resistant to multiple forms of removal and punishing to the small creatures of the time. It was renowned for its powerful, inspired a creature archetype ([[Masticore]]) and was later referred to on <c>Deep Analysis</c>.
*<c>Opposition</c> {{-}} Spawned multiple prison-decks most notably "[[Squirrel-prison]]".
*<c>Opposition</c> spawned multiple prison-decks most notably "Squirrel-prison", locking out the opponent's lands with enough creatures. It remains a Vintage Cube build-around to this day.
*<c>Phyrexian Negator</c> {{-}} An essential part to many black suicide-decks.
*<c>Phyrexian Negator</c> was powered out with <c>Dark Ritual </c> and an essential part to many suicide-black decks.
*<c>Plow Under</c> {{-}} Used in green control decks.
*<c>Powder Keg</c> became the board-sweeper of choice with <c>Nevinyrral's Disk</c> leaving Standard after ''[[5th Edition]]''.
*<c>Powder Keg</c> {{-}} With <c>Nevinyrral's Disk</c> leaving Standard after ''[[5th Edition]]'', this became the board-sweeper of choice.
*<c>Storage Matrix</c> was the last reference to the "Mono-Artifact" rule seen on things like <c>Winter Orb</c> until ''[[Mirrodin]]'' made a few more call-backs.
*<c>Replenish</c> {{-}} Is an integral part to a combo deck with the same name.
*<c>Treachery</c> was used in many blue control decks like Draw-Go.
*<c>Treachery</c> {{-}} Was used in many blue control decks like Draw-Go.
*<c>Replenish</c>, <c>Opalescence</c> and <c>Academy Rector</c> formed a combo deck based on discarding and milling many enchantments.
*<c>Yawgmoth's Bargain</c> {{-}} A strong variation on <c>Necropotence</c>
**<c>Replenish</c> was banned from Extended, and Legacy when the format started, but was unbanned in June 2007.
**<c>Opalescence</c> was infamous for being in Standard with <c>Humility</c>, a [[layer]]ing rules headache.
**<c>Academy Rector</c> still forms the backbone of multiple combos, especially with <c>Omniscience</c>, and even <c>Yawgmoth's Bargain</c> in the same set.
===Banned and Restricted cards===
*<c>Rofellos, Llanowar Emissary</c> can generate an absurd amount of mana. It rotated in and out of the Commander banlist as they moved around the banned-as-commander rule.
*<c>Yawgmoth's Bargain</c> is a strong variation on <c>Necropotence</c>, as the cards are drawn immediately. It was banned throughout all of Legacy's lifetime and was only unrestricted in Vintage in 2018.
*<c>Metalworker</c> can produce tons of mana in the many artifact-decks of the day. It was banned in Legacy from inception until June 2009, and banned in Commander until September 2014.


==Reprinted cards==
==Reprinted cards==
The following cards have been [[Reprint|reprinted]] from previous sets and included in ''Urza's Destiny''.
The following cards have been [[reprint]]ed from previous sets and included in ''Urza's Destiny''.
*<c>Ravenous Rats</c> {{-}} was last seen in ''[[Portal Second Age]]''.
*<c>Ravenous Rats</c> {{-}} was last seen in ''[[Portal Second Age]]''.


==Functional reprints==
==Functional reprints==
''Urza's Destiny'' has one [[functional reprint]]:
''Urza's Destiny'' has one [[functional reprint]]:
*<c>Wild Colos</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Raging Cougar</c> from ''[[Portal]]'', save for creature type.
*<c>Wild Colos</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Raging Cougar</c> from ''[[Portal]]'', save for creature type.


==Preconstructed decks==
==Preconstructed decks==
{{USG theme decks}}
===Theme decks===
{{Main|Urza's Destiny/Theme decks}}
{{Main|Urza's Destiny/Theme decks}}
{{Theme decks
 
|deck1=[[Assassin (deck)|Assassin]]|||b||
{{Decks|theme
|deck2=[[Battle Surge]]||u||r|
  |[[Urza's Destiny/Theme decks#Assassin|Assassin]]|B
|deck3=[[Enchanter]]|w|u|||
  |Enchanter|WU
|deck4=[[Fiendish Nature]]|||b||g}}
  |Battle Surge|UR
  |Fiendish Nature|BG
}}


==References==
==References==
Line 92: Line 183:


==External links==
==External links==
*{{Prodpage|urzasdestiny|Urza's Destiny}}
*{{DailyRef|making-magic/lessons-learned-part-1|Lesson Learned, Part 1|[[Mark Rosewater]]|March 14, 2023}}  
{{sets}}
 
[[Category:Urza's block]]
{{Sets|state=collapsed}}
{{Dominaria|name=Urza's|block}}

Latest revision as of 01:27, 20 April 2024

Urza's Destiny
 
Theme decks
 
Official Guide
 
Urza's Destiny
[[File:{{#setmainimage:Urzasdestiny logo.png}}|250px]]
Set Information
Set symbol
Symbol description Erlenmeyer flask
Design Mark Rosewater (lead)
Development Mike Elliott (lead)
William Jockusch
Charlie Keldono
Paul Peterson
Bill Rose
Henry Stern
Art direction Ron Spears
Release date June 7, 1999
Plane Dominaria
Rath
Themes and mechanics Cycling from play creatures, Growing enchantment Auras, Leaves play creatures, Reveal spells
Set size 143 cards
(55 commons, 44 uncommons, 44 rares)
Expansion code UDS[1]
Development codename Chimichanga
Urza's block
Urza's Saga Urza's Legacy Urza's Destiny
Magic: The Gathering Chronology
Portal Three Kingdoms Urza's Destiny Starter 1999

Urza's Destiny is the seventeenth Magic expansion and was released in June 1999 as the third set and second small expansion in the Urza block.

Set details

Urza's Destiny contains 143 black-bordered cards (44 rare, 44 uncommon, and 55 commons). Its expansion symbol is an Erlenmeyer flask, meant to symbolize Urza's continued experiments in finding a means to defeat Phyrexia.[2] Urza's Destiny was the first and only set after Arabian Nights which has a solo designer, Mark Rosewater. It was the first Expert-level, tournament legal set to be printed under the then-new 6th Edition rules changes; the most notable change seen on cards is the use of the word "Creature" on the type line as opposed to "Summon". In this the set was also following the footsteps of Portal Second Age.

Due to an error some boosters contain DCI and Arena promotional foils in the uncommon slot. The foil cards that appear this way are Duress, Stroke of Genius, Gaea's Cradle, Thran Quarry, Rewind, Skittering Skirge, Pouncing Jaguar, Serra Avatar, Karn Silver Golem, and Lightning Bolt.

Urza's Destiny was released on Magic Online on April 11, 2011.[3]

Marketing

The cards were sold in 15-card boosters which had artwork from Emperor Crocodile and in four preconstructed theme decks. The Official Urza's Destiny Game Guide is the guide to the cards in the set. It was written by Will McDermott, editor of The Duelist at the time. The set was also accompanied by Bloodlines, the final novel in the Artifacts Cycle. The prerelease card was a foil False Prophet.

Storyline

With the Weatherlight completed, Urza now works on a eugenics program to create a perfect crew for it, as well as engineering a race of soldiers to fight the Phyrexian invasion. One of his geneticists, Gatha, defects, and uses his knowledge to improve the Keldon race. Meanwhile, the Phyrexians create the plane of Rath as a staging ground for the invasion.

Themes and mechanics

The "reveal" cards come in two types: creatures (Seers) and spells (Scents). When you use a Seer ability or a Scent spell, you show your opponents any number of cards of the specified color that are currently in your hand. The number of cards revealed determines the power of the effect.

Urza's Destiny also has a strong theme of graveyard effects. Many creatures and a few enchantments have special abilities that trigger when the permanent is put into a graveyard (e.g. When Aura Thief goes to the graveyard, you gain control of all enchantments).

The set also further develops the cycling theme introduced in the previous two sets with "cycling from play" creatures. These creatures, such as Brass Secretary and Yavimaya Elder, do not have cycling as a keyword, but instead have the activated ability "{2}, sacrifice this creature: Draw a card." This ability is similar to cycling, but is used while the creature is in play rather than in your hand.[4]

Creature types

The following creature types are introduced in this expansion: Golem.

The following creature types are used in this expansion but also appear in previous sets: Angel, Ape, Barbarian, Beast, Beeble, Bird, Cleric, Crocodile, Dragon, Drake, Druid, Elemental, Elf, Giant, Goblin, Griffin, Horror, Hound, Illusion, Imp, Insect, Knight, Minion, Ogre, Rat, Skeleton, Soldier, Spider, Townsfolk (later changed to Human), Wall, Wizard.

Cycles

Urza's Destiny has four cycles and a vertical cycle:

Cycle name {W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Growing creature enchantments Archery Training Private Research Festering Wound Incendiary Momentum
Each of these uncommon Aura enchantments gains a counter at the beginning of each of your upkeeps, making it more powerful the longer it stays in play. These cards were inspired by the Tempest card Legacy's Allure.[5]
Lobotomy spells Scour Quash Eradicate Sowing Salt Splinter
Each of these uncommon instants or sorceries removes a permanent of a certain type from the game, then also removes all other copies of the card in its controller's graveyard, hand, and library from the game. This cycle was based on the Tempest card Lobotomy. Each of these cards were reprinted in Betrayers of Kamigawa.
Scents Scent of Jasmine Scent of Brine Scent of Nightshade Scent of Cinder Scent of Ivy
Each of these common instants or sorceries have effects that are proportional to the number of cards of their color you reveal from your hand.
Seers Jasmine Seer Brine Seer Nightshade Seer Cinder Seer Ivy Seer
Each of these uncommon 1/1 Wizard creatures have an activated ability costing {2}M that mimics the Scent cycle.

Vertical cycle

Cycle name
Enchanted bonus creatures Fledgling Osprey Metathran Elite Rayne, Academy Chancellor
These blue creatures gain an ability as long as they are enchanted: (in order of rarity). Thran Golem is similar to this cycle, but is an artifact.

Mega-mega cycles

Cycle name {W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Legendary lands Kor Haven (Nemesis) Teferi's Isle (Mirage) Volrath's Stronghold (Stronghold) Keldon Necropolis (Invasion) Yavimaya Hollow (Urza's Destiny)
Yavimaya Hollow is the third card in this mega-mega cycle of lands representing notable locations from the Weatherlight Saga storyline.
Voices Voice of Truth (Nemesis) Voice of Reason (Urza's Destiny) Voice of Grace (Urza's Saga) Voice of Law (Urza's Saga) Voice of Duty (Urza's Destiny)
Voice of Reason and Voice of Duty is the third and fourth card in this mega-mega cycle. These are uncommon white 2/2 Angels that has a mana cost of {3}{W} and have protection from a different color. Voice of All, who has protection from a color chosen as it enters the battlefield, would be released in Planeshift as an homage to the mega-mega cycle.

Notable cards

Banned and Restricted cards

  • Rofellos, Llanowar Emissary can generate an absurd amount of mana. It rotated in and out of the Commander banlist as they moved around the banned-as-commander rule.
  • Yawgmoth's Bargain is a strong variation on Necropotence, as the cards are drawn immediately. It was banned throughout all of Legacy's lifetime and was only unrestricted in Vintage in 2018.
  • Metalworker can produce tons of mana in the many artifact-decks of the day. It was banned in Legacy from inception until June 2009, and banned in Commander until September 2014.

Reprinted cards

The following cards have been reprinted from previous sets and included in Urza's Destiny.

Functional reprints

Urza's Destiny has one functional reprint:

Preconstructed decks

Main article: Urza's Destiny/Theme decks
Theme
deck name 		Colors Included
{W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Assassin B
Enchanter W U
Battle Surge U R
Fiendish Nature B G

References

  1. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (August 02, 2004). "Ask Wizards - August, 2004". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  2. ↑ Brady Dommermuth (October 31, 2006). "Ask Wizards". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  3. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (April 7, 2011). "Magic Online Urza's Destiny Release Event News". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  4. ↑ Mark Rosewater (April 29, 2013). "Third Time's the Charm". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  5. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (April 19, 2002). "Inspired enchantments". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.

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