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   |symbol_description = The Sword of Kaldra
   |symbol_description = The Sword of Kaldra
   |design = [[Mark Rosewater]] (lead),<br/>[[Bill Rose]],<br/>[[Brian Tinsman]],<br/>[[Mike Elliott]],<br/>[[Tyler Bielman]]
   |design = [[Mark Rosewater]] (lead),<br/>[[Bill Rose]],<br/>[[Brian Tinsman]],<br/>[[Mike Elliott]],<br/>[[Tyler Bielman]]
   |development = [[Randy Buehler]] (lead),<br/>[[Brian Schneider]],<br/>[[Henry Stern]],<br/>[[Elaine Chase]],<br/>[[Brandon Bozzi]],<br/>Brian Tinsman
   |development = [[Randy Buehler]] (lead),<br/>[[Brian Schneider]],<br/>[[Henry Stern]],<br/>[[Elaine Chase]],<br/>[[Brandon Bozzi]],<br/>[[Brian Tinsman]]
   |art = [[Jeremy Cranford]]
   |art = [[Jeremy Cranford]]
   |release = October 2, 2003
   |release = October 2, 2003
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   |next = Darksteel
   |next = Darksteel
}}
}}
{{otheruses}}
{{AboutSet|plane=yes|disambig=yes}}
'''''Mirrodin''''' is the first set in the [[Mirrodin block]]. It is the 30th ''[[Magic: The Gathering]]'' [[Set|expansion]] and was released on October 2, 2003. The [[prerelease]] was September 20–21, 2003 <ref name="MRD Fact Sheet">{{DailyRef|arcana/mirrodin-fact-sheet-2003-09-01|''Mirrodin'' Fact Sheet|Wizards of the Coast|September 1, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|feature/mirrodin-prerelease-primer-2003-09-18|''Mirrodin'' Prerelease Primer|[[Brian David-Marshall]]|September 18, 2003}}</ref>
'''''Mirrodin''''' is the first set in the [[Mirrodin block]]. It is the thirtieth ''[[Magic: The Gathering]]'' [[Set|expansion]] and was released on October 2, 2003. The [[prerelease]] was September 20–21, 2003 <ref name="MRD Fact Sheet">{{DailyRef|arcana/mirrodin-fact-sheet-2003-09-01|''Mirrodin'' Fact Sheet|Wizards of the Coast|September 1, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|feature/mirrodin-prerelease-primer-2003-09-18|''Mirrodin'' Prerelease Primer|[[Brian David-Marshall]]|September 18, 2003}}</ref>


==Set details==
==Set details==
Starting with the [[Mirrodin block]], [[WotC]] took 44 cards out of the [[large expansion]] and added 22 cards to each of the two [[small expansion]]s. ''Mirrodin'' therefore contained 306 black-bordered cards (88 rares, 88 uncommons, 110 commons, and 20 basic lands), which is 22 rares and 22 uncommons less than ''[[Onslaught]]''.<ref>{{DailyRef|size-sets-2003-06-20|The Size of Sets|[[Randy Buehler]]|June 20, 2003}}</ref> ''Mirrodin'' features a heavy [[artifact]] theme. Its [[expansion symbol]] is a small image of <c>Sword of Kaldra</c>, a card from the set.<ref>{{DailyRef|ask-wizards-october-2006-2006-10-02|Ask Wizards|[[Brady Dommermuth]]|October 31, 2006}}</ref> ''Mirrodin'' introduced a new artifact subtype in [[Equipment]] with the accompanying keyword [[equip]], representing armor, swords, and other utensils which can be attached to a [[creature]] to enhance that creature. Unlike [[Aura]]s, the equipment stays on the [[battlefield]] even if the creature it's attached to dies. The set is also noted for many allusions to famous artifacts and related mechanics from previous blocks, such as <c>Chrome Mox</c> or Clockwork creatures. The set also featured <c>Solemn Simulacrum</c>, [[Jens Thoren]]'s [[Magic Invitational|invitational]] card.<ref>{{DailyRef|post-development-digest-2003-09-26|Post-Development Digest|[[Randy Buehler]]|September 26, 2003}}</ref> ''Mirrodin'' was the first expansion set to feature the new [[card face]] which had debuted in ''[[Eighth Edition]]''. The high number of artifacts revealed the inherent flaw of the new [[card frame]]: they were very hard to distinguish from white cards.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/make-no-mistake-2003-11-10|Make No Mistake|[[Mark Rosewater]]|November 10, 2003}}</ref>
Starting with the [[Mirrodin block]], [[WotC]] took 44 cards out of the [[large expansion]] and added 22 cards to each of the two [[small expansion]]s. ''Mirrodin'' therefore contained 306 black-bordered cards (88 rares, 88 uncommons, 110 commons, and 20 basic lands), which is 22 rares and 22 uncommons less than ''[[Onslaught]]''.<ref>{{DailyRef|size-sets-2003-06-20|The Size of Sets|[[Randy Buehler]]|June 20, 2003}}</ref> ''Mirrodin'' features a heavy [[artifact]] theme. Its [[expansion symbol]] is a small image of <c>Sword of Kaldra</c>, a card from the set.<ref>{{DailyRef|ask-wizards-october-2006-2006-10-02|Ask Wizards|[[Brady Dommermuth]]|October 31, 2006}}</ref> ''Mirrodin'' introduced a new artifact subtype in [[Equipment]] with the accompanying keyword [[equip]], representing armor, swords, and other utensils which can be attached to a [[creature]] to enhance that creature. Unlike [[Aura]]s, the equipment stays on the [[battlefield]] even if the creature it's attached to dies. The set is also noted for allusions to famous artifacts and related mechanics from previous blocks, such as <c>Chrome Mox</c> or Clockwork creatures. The set also featured <c>Solemn Simulacrum</c>, [[Jens Thoren]]'s [[Magic Invitational|invitational]] card.<ref>{{DailyRef|post-development-digest-2003-09-26|Post-Development Digest|[[Randy Buehler]]|September 26, 2003}}</ref> ''Mirrodin'' was the first expansion set to feature the new [[card face]] which had debuted in ''[[Eighth Edition]]''. The high number of artifacts revealed the inherent flaw of the new [[card frame]]: they were very hard to distinguish from white cards.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/make-no-mistake-2003-11-10|Make No Mistake|[[Mark Rosewater]]|November 10, 2003}}</ref>


===Marketing===
===Marketing===
''Mirrodin'' was sold in 75-card [[tournament deck]]s, 15-card [[boosters]], four [[preconstructed theme deck]]s and a [[fat pack]].<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/mirrodin-product-images-2003-08-14|''Mirrodin'' product images|[[Magic Arcana]]|August 14, 2003}}</ref> The booster packs featured artwork from <c>Mindslaver</c>, <c>Icy Manipulator</c>, <c>Clockwork Dragon</c>, <c>Pentavus</c>, and <c>Worldslayer</c>. The [[Prerelease card]] was a [[foil]] <c>Sword of Kaldra</c>. This was the first Prerelease promo card to feature [[alternate art]] and the first that wasn't a creature.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/mirrodin-prerelease-card-2003-09-22|''Mirrodin'' Prerelease card|[[Magic Arcana]]|September 22, 2003}}</ref> The set was accompanied by a [[The Moons of Mirrodin|novel]] by [[Will McDermott]]. A */* [[Demon]] [[token]] with flying for <c>Promise of Power</c><ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/new-look-tokens-2003-09-24|The new look of tokens|[[Magic Arcana]]|September 24, 2003}}</ref> and a 1/1 [[Pentavite]] token with flying for <c>Pentavus</c><ref>{{DailyRef|upcoming-magic-rewards-tokens-2003-11-17|Upcoming Magic Rewards tokens|[[Magic Arcana]]|November 17, 2003}}</ref> were offered as [[Magic Player Reward]].
''Mirrodin'' was sold in 75-card [[tournament deck]]s, 15-card [[boosters]], four [[preconstructed theme deck]]s and a [[fat pack]].<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/mirrodin-product-images-2003-08-14|''Mirrodin'' product images|[[Magic Arcana]]|August 14, 2003}}</ref> The booster packs featured artwork from <c>Mindslaver</c>, <c>Icy Manipulator</c>, <c>Clockwork Dragon</c>, <c>Pentavus</c>, and <c>Worldslayer</c>. The [[Prerelease card]] was a [[foil]] <c>Sword of Kaldra</c>. This was the first Prerelease promo card to feature [[alternate art]] and the first that wasn't a creature.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/mirrodin-prerelease-card-2003-09-22|''Mirrodin'' Prerelease card|[[Magic Arcana]]|September 22, 2003}}</ref> The set was accompanied by a [[The Moons of Mirrodin|novel]] by [[Will McDermott]]. A */* [[Demon]] [[token]] with flying for <c>Promise of Power</c><ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/new-look-tokens-2003-09-24|The new look of tokens|[[Magic Arcana]]|September 24, 2003}}</ref> and a 1/1 <c>Pentavite</c> token with flying for <c>Pentavus</c><ref>{{DailyRef|upcoming-magic-rewards-tokens-2003-11-17|Upcoming Magic Rewards tokens|[[Magic Arcana]]|November 17, 2003}}</ref> were offered as [[Magic Player Reward]].


===Flavor and storyline===
===Flavor and storyline===
{{Main|The Moons of Mirrodin}}
{{Main|The Moons of Mirrodin}}
The setting for ''Mirrodin'' is a plane [[Mirrodin (plane)|by the same name]], an artificial world created by the [[planeswalker]] [[Karn]], and named after the [[Mirari]] by [[Memnarch]]. Mirrodin's environments and inhabitants mix organic and metallic.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/image-2003-09-09|''Mirrodin'' Image|[[Rei Nakazawa]]|September 09, 2003}}</ref> Mirrodin is orbited by four satellites, which are called suns and moons interchangeably, that correspond to [[red]], [[black]], [[white]] and [[blue]] magic. Green was notably absent. [[Glissa Sunseeker]], the finest hunter and perhaps the most skilled warrior of the [[elves]], begins her story to find out why the monstrous "levelers" seek to destroy her. It is this search for answers that will begin to uncover the mysteries within Mirrodin.
The setting for ''Mirrodin'' is a plane [[Mirrodin (plane)|by the same name]], an artificial world created by the [[planeswalker]] [[Karn]], and named after the [[Mirari]] by [[Memnarch]]. Mirrodin's environments and inhabitants mix organic and metallic.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/image-2003-09-09|''Mirrodin'' Image|[[Rei Nakazawa]]|September 09, 2003}}</ref> Mirrodin is orbited by four satellites, which are called suns and moons interchangeably, that correspond to [[red]], [[black]], [[white]] and [[blue]] magic. Green was notably absent. [[Glissa Sunseeker]], the finest hunter and perhaps the most skilled warrior of the [[elves]], begins her story to find out why the monstrous "levelers" seek to destroy her. This search for answers will begin to uncover the mysteries within Mirrodin.


===Tournament impact===
===Tournament impact===
''Mirrodin'' is infamous for an imbalanced power level due to the set not restricting most of its cards to a certain color and the introduction of the [[affinity]] mechanic and [[artifact land]]s which synergized with each other. The set contained many cards which were [[banned]] or [[restricted]] in several competitive formats, such as <c>Disciple of the Vault</c>, the artifact land cycle, and <c>Thirst for Knowledge</c>.
''Mirrodin'' is infamous for an imbalanced power level due to the set not restricting most of its cards to a certain color and the introduction of the [[affinity]] mechanic and [[artifact land]]s which synergized with each other. The set contained many cards that were [[banned]] or [[restricted]] in several competitive formats, such as <c>Disciple of the Vault</c>, the artifact land cycle, and <c>Thirst for Knowledge</c>.


==Themes and mechanics==
==Themes and mechanics==
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|{{card|Tree of Tales||MRD}}
|{{card|Tree of Tales||MRD}}
|-
|-
|colspan="5"|Each of these common cards, representing an important location in each of [[Mirrodin (plane)|Mirrodin]]'s different regions, counted as both artifacts and lands, and could be tapped for one mana of a given color.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/come-together-2003-10-06-0|Come Together|[[Mark Rosewater]]|October 06, 2003}}</ref> Each was illustrated by [[Rob Alexander]]. Artifact lands reduced the cost of spells with [[affinity]] for artifacts, and proved to be so powerful they were eventually banned in Mirrodin [[Block Constructed]] tournaments. Darksteel would later add a sixth artifact land to this cycle, <c>Darksteel Citadel</c>.
|colspan="5"|Each of these common cards, representing an important location in each of [[Mirrodin (plane)|Mirrodin]]'s different regions, counted as both artifacts and lands and could be tapped for one mana of a given color.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/come-together-2003-10-06-0|Come Together|[[Mark Rosewater]]|October 06, 2003}}</ref> Each was illustrated by [[Rob Alexander]]. Artifact lands reduced the cost of spells with [[affinity]] for artifacts and proved to be so powerful they were eventually banned in Mirrodin [[Block Constructed]] tournaments. Darksteel would later add a sixth artifact land to this cycle, <c>Darksteel Citadel</c>.
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Entwine spells'''
|rowspan="2"|'''Entwine spells'''
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|{{card|Heartwood Shard||MRD}}
|{{card|Heartwood Shard||MRD}}
|-
|-
|colspan="5"|Each of these uncommon artifacts costs {{3}} and has an activated ability which cost {{3}} or one mana of a given color to activate, and produce different color-oriented effects. Each represents a piece of another world found by each of [[Mirrodin (plane)|Mirrodin]]'s races. They were each illustrated by [[Doug Chaffee]].
|colspan="5"|Each of these uncommon artifacts costs {{3}} and has an activated ability which costs {{3}} or one mana of a given color to activate, and produce different color-oriented effects. Each represents a piece of another world found by each of [[Mirrodin (plane)|Mirrodin]]'s races. They were each illustrated by [[Doug Chaffee]].
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Sliths'''
|rowspan="2"|'''Sliths'''
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|{{card|Lifespark Spellbomb||MRD}}
|{{card|Lifespark Spellbomb||MRD}}
|-
|-
|colspan="5"|Each of these common artifacts costs {{1}} and has two activated abilities which require to sacrifice them. One is the same for each of them: "{{1}}, Sacrifice this: Draw a card". They were each illustrated by [[Jim Nelson]].
|colspan="5"|Each of these common artifacts costs {{1}} and has two activated abilities that require to sacrifice them. One is the same for each of them: "{{1}}, Sacrifice this: Draw a card". They were each illustrated by [[Jim Nelson]].
|-
|-
|-ALLIED
|-ALLIED
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|{{card|Talisman of Unity||MRD}}
|{{card|Talisman of Unity||MRD}}
|-
|-
|colspan="5"|Each of these uncommon artifacts costs {{2}} to cast. Each had the same abilities as an allied-color [[pain land]]. Each was illustrated by [[Mike Dringenberg]].<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/burden-talisman-2004-04-29|The Burden of a Talisman|[[Magic Arcana]]|April 29, 2004}}</ref>
|colspan="5"|Each of these uncommon artifacts costs {{2}} to cast. Each had the same abilities as an allied color [[pain land]]. Each was illustrated by [[Mike Dringenberg]].<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/burden-talisman-2004-04-29|The Burden of a Talisman|[[Magic Arcana]]|April 29, 2004}}</ref>
|}
|}


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|{{card|Helm of Kaldra|Fifth Dawn}}
|{{card|Helm of Kaldra|Fifth Dawn}}
|-
|-
|colspan="4"|Each expansion symbol in the Mirrodin block is represented in the Kaldra artifacts.
|colspan="4"|Each expansion symbol in the Mirrodin block represents one of the Kaldra artifacts. Shield of Kaldra, the second card in the cycle, is especially noteworthy for naming the Helm in its card text, despite the Helm not having been printed or revealed at that time. This was the first card and the first cycle to refer to "future cards" in this way.
|}
|}


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|{{card|Tower of Champions|Mirrodin}}
|{{card|Tower of Champions|Mirrodin}}
|-
|-
|colspan="5"|Each of these rare artifacts costs {{4}} to cast and have an "{{8}}, {{T}}:" ability. Each of these artifacts are affiliated with a certain color; green, white, blue, and black, respectively. ''[[Scars of Mirrodin]]'' would later add a fifth card to this cycle to represent a red affiliation: <c>Tower of Calamities</c>.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/fifth-tower-2010-09-22|The Fifth Tower|[[Monty Ashley]]|September 22, 2010}}</ref>
|colspan="5"|Each of these rare artifacts costs {{4}} to cast and have an "{{8}}, {{T}}:" ability. Each of these artifacts is affiliated with a certain color; green, white, blue, and black, respectively. ''[[Scars of Mirrodin]]'' would later add a fifth card to this cycle to represent a red affiliation: <c>Tower of Calamities</c>.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/fifth-tower-2010-09-22|The Fifth Tower|[[Monty Ashley]]|September 22, 2010}}</ref>
|}
|}


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*<c>Atog</c> was first printed in ''[[Antiquities]]'' and last seen in ''[[5th Edition]]''.
*<c>Atog</c> was first printed in ''[[Antiquities]]'' and last seen in ''[[5th Edition]]''.
*<c>Bottle Gnomes</c> was first printed in ''[[Tempest]]''.
*<c>Bottle Gnomes</c> was first printed in ''[[Tempest]]''.
*<c>Brown Ouphe</c> was first printed in ''[[Ice Age]]''. The reason for its reprinting was because of "interesting interactions in a set full of artifacts."<ref name="Flavorful Reprints">{{DailyRef|arcana/flavorful-reprints-mirrodin-2003-12-18|Flavorful Reprints of ''Mirrodin''|Wizards of the Coast|December 18, 2003}}</ref>
*<c>Brown Ouphe</c> was first printed in ''[[Ice Age]]''. Its reprinting was because of "interesting interactions in a set full of artifacts."<ref name="Flavorful Reprints">{{DailyRef|arcana/flavorful-reprints-mirrodin-2003-12-18|Flavorful Reprints of ''Mirrodin''|Wizards of the Coast|December 18, 2003}}</ref>
*<c>Cathodion</c> was first printed in ''Urza's Saga''.  
*<c>Cathodion</c> was first printed in ''Urza's Saga''.  
*<c>Chromatic Sphere</c> was first printed in ''[[Invasion]]''.
*<c>Chromatic Sphere</c> was first printed in ''[[Invasion]]''.
*<c>Creeping Mold</c> was first printed in ''[[Visions]]'' and last seen in ''[[Kaladesh]]''.
*<c>Creeping Mold</c> was first printed in ''[[Visions]]'' and last seen in ''[[Eighth Edition]]''.
*<c>Detonate</c> was first printed in ''Antiquities'' and last seen in ''5th Edition''. ''Detonate'' had a new role in [[Mirrodin block]]: destroying artifact lands for just {{R}}.<ref name="Reincarnation"/>
*<c>Detonate</c> was first printed in ''Antiquities'' and last seen in ''5th Edition''. ''Detonate'' had a new role in [[Mirrodin block]]: destroying artifact lands for just {{R}}.<ref name="Reincarnation"/>
*<c>Dragon Blood</c> was first printed in ''Urza's Saga''.  
*<c>Dragon Blood</c> was first printed in ''Urza's Saga''.  
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===Strictly better===
===Strictly better===
*<c>Lumengrid Warden</c> is an upgrade of <c>Vodalian Soldiers</c>, with an additional point of toughness.
*<c>Lumengrid Warden</c> is an upgrade of <c>Vodalian Soldiers</c>, with an additional point of toughness.
*<c>Predator's Strike</c> is an upgrade of <c>Fanatical Fever</c>, granting an additional toughness boost and at half the cost.
*<c>Predator's Strike</c> is an upgrade of <c>Fanatical Fever</c>, granting an additional toughness boost at half the cost.
*<c>Tel-Jilad Chosen</c> is an upgrade of <c>Argothian Pixies</c> from ''[[Antiquities]]''. The former specifically says it has "Protection from Artifacts", the latter has almost full protection but not quite.
*<c>Tel-Jilad Chosen</c> is an upgrade of <c>Argothian Pixies</c> from ''[[Antiquities]]''. The former specifically says it has "Protection from Artifacts", the latter has almost full protection but not quite.


==Notable cards==
==Notable cards==
*<c>Chimney Imp</c> — Arguably one of the worst creatures ever printed.
*<c>Chimney Imp</c> — Arguably one of the worst creatures ever printed.
*{{Card|Glissa Sunseeker}}— One of two cards that refer to unspent mana outside of the context of losing mana at the end of phases, with the other being the strangely templated mana rock {{Card|Doubling Cube}}.
*{{Card|Glissa Sunseeker}} — One of two cards that refer to unspent mana outside of the context of losing mana at the end of phases. The other is the unusual [[mana rock]] {{Card|Doubling Cube}}.
*{{Card|Fatespinner}} — While skipping draw steps turns up as a downside for [[draw engine]]s, and skipping [[combat]] has happened a few times as a pre-emptive [[Fog]], {{Card|Fatespinner}} is the only card to skip a [[main phase]].
*{{Card|Grim Reminder}} — A curious card that punishes the opponent for playing the same cards as the controller. The only card that reveals a searched card without putting it anywhere else.
*{{Card|Liar's Pendulum}} — The first  [[black-bordered]] card to feature [[Guess]].
*<c>Mindslaver</c> — Rules had to be added to the [[Comprehensive Rules]] for [[controlling another player's turn]] due to this card's effect.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/mind-wonderful-thing-waste-2003-09-15|A Mind Is A Wonderful Thing To Waste|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 15, 2003}}</ref>
*<c>Mindslaver</c> — Rules had to be added to the [[Comprehensive Rules]] for [[controlling another player's turn]] due to this card's effect.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/mind-wonderful-thing-waste-2003-09-15|A Mind Is A Wonderful Thing To Waste|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 15, 2003}}</ref>
*<c>Chalice of the Void</c> — A staple of [[Legacy]] prison decks.
*<c>Chalice of the Void</c> — A staple of [[Legacy]] prison decks.
*<c>Disciple of the Vault</c> — A staple of Standard and Legacy affinity decks; this card rapidly decreases the opponent's life total when used correctly.
*<c>Disciple of the Vault</c> — A staple of [[Standard]] and Legacy affinity decks; this card rapidly decreases the opponent's life total when used correctly.
*<c>Platinum Angel</c> — It had good synergies with cards like <c>Shield of Kaldra</c>.
*<c>Platinum Angel</c> — It had good synergies with cards like <c>Shield of Kaldra</c>.
*<c>Reiver Demon</c> — Great for mass removal and as a [[finisher]], even if the meta was full of artifacts
*<c>Reiver Demon</c> — Great for mass removal and as a [[finisher]], even if the meta was full of artifacts.
*<c>Helm of Kaldra</c> — First instance of a card referring to a card that had not been released yet (the other two parts of the Kaldra mega-cycle).
*<c>Sword of Kaldra</c> — The first card of the unusual Kaldra [[mega cycle]] spanning [[Mirrodin block]], and the set symbol for ''Mirrodin''.


==Preconstructed decks==
==Preconstructed decks==
Line 292: Line 295:


==External links==
==External links==
*{{Prodpage|mirrodin|Mirrodin}}
*{{DailyRef|making-magic/lessons-learned-part-1|Lesson Learned, Part 1|[[Mark Rosewater]]|March 14, 2023}}  


{{Sets|state=collapsed}}
{{Sets|state=collapsed}}
{{Mirrodin|block}}
{{Mirrodin|block}}

Latest revision as of 15:52, 12 June 2024

Mirrodin
 
Theme decks
 
Mirrodin
[[File:{{#setmainimage:MRD logo.png}}|250px]]
Set Information
Set symbol
Symbol description The Sword of Kaldra
Design Mark Rosewater (lead),
Bill Rose,
Brian Tinsman,
Mike Elliott,
Tyler Bielman
Development Randy Buehler (lead),
Brian Schneider,
Henry Stern,
Elaine Chase,
Brandon Bozzi,
Brian Tinsman
Art direction Jeremy Cranford
Release date October 2, 2003
Plane Mirrodin
Themes and mechanics Artifacts, artifact lands, and Equipment
Keywords/​ability words Affinity (for artifacts), Imprint, Entwine[1]
Set size 306 cards
(110 commons, 88 uncommons, 88 rares, 20 basic lands)
Expansion code MRD[2]
Development codename Bacon[3]
Mirrodin block
Mirrodin Darksteel Fifth Dawn
Magic: The Gathering Chronology
Eighth Edition Mirrodin Darksteel
This page is about the set. For the plane, see Mirrodin (plane). For other uses, see Mirrodin (disambiguation).

Mirrodin is the first set in the Mirrodin block. It is the thirtieth Magic: The Gathering expansion and was released on October 2, 2003. The prerelease was September 20–21, 2003 [4][5]

Set details

Starting with the Mirrodin block, WotC took 44 cards out of the large expansion and added 22 cards to each of the two small expansions. Mirrodin therefore contained 306 black-bordered cards (88 rares, 88 uncommons, 110 commons, and 20 basic lands), which is 22 rares and 22 uncommons less than Onslaught.[6] Mirrodin features a heavy artifact theme. Its expansion symbol is a small image of Sword of Kaldra, a card from the set.[7] Mirrodin introduced a new artifact subtype in Equipment with the accompanying keyword equip, representing armor, swords, and other utensils which can be attached to a creature to enhance that creature. Unlike Auras, the equipment stays on the battlefield even if the creature it's attached to dies. The set is also noted for allusions to famous artifacts and related mechanics from previous blocks, such as Chrome Mox or Clockwork creatures. The set also featured Solemn Simulacrum, Jens Thoren's invitational card.[8] Mirrodin was the first expansion set to feature the new card face which had debuted in Eighth Edition. The high number of artifacts revealed the inherent flaw of the new card frame: they were very hard to distinguish from white cards.[9]

Marketing

Mirrodin was sold in 75-card tournament decks, 15-card boosters, four preconstructed theme decks and a fat pack.[10] The booster packs featured artwork from Mindslaver, Icy Manipulator, Clockwork Dragon, Pentavus, and Worldslayer. The Prerelease card was a foil Sword of Kaldra. This was the first Prerelease promo card to feature alternate art and the first that wasn't a creature.[11] The set was accompanied by a novel by Will McDermott. A */* Demon token with flying for Promise of Power[12] and a 1/1 Pentavite token with flying for Pentavus[13] were offered as Magic Player Reward.

Flavor and storyline

Main article: The Moons of Mirrodin

The setting for Mirrodin is a plane by the same name, an artificial world created by the planeswalker Karn, and named after the Mirari by Memnarch. Mirrodin's environments and inhabitants mix organic and metallic.[14] Mirrodin is orbited by four satellites, which are called suns and moons interchangeably, that correspond to red, black, white and blue magic. Green was notably absent. Glissa Sunseeker, the finest hunter and perhaps the most skilled warrior of the elves, begins her story to find out why the monstrous "levelers" seek to destroy her. This search for answers will begin to uncover the mysteries within Mirrodin.

Tournament impact

Mirrodin is infamous for an imbalanced power level due to the set not restricting most of its cards to a certain color and the introduction of the affinity mechanic and artifact lands which synergized with each other. The set contained many cards that were banned or restricted in several competitive formats, such as Disciple of the Vault, the artifact land cycle, and Thirst for Knowledge.

Themes and mechanics

  • Artifacts, including artifacts with colored activation costs, artifact lands, and Equipment.[15][16][17]
  • Affinity — Makes cards cheaper to cast by {1} for each permanent controlled by its caster of a certain type specified (usually artifacts).
  • Imprint — This ability found on artifacts like Chrome Mox allows you to exile a card and "imprint" attributes of that card onto the artifact, such as colors or abilities.[18]
  • Entwine — Appears on modal spells and represents an extra cost; paying that cost allows you to use both effects instead of only one, such as on Tooth and Nail.
  • Equipment — An artifact subtype that has the equip keyword ability. By paying the equip cost, it becomes attached to a creature you control. If that creature leaves the battlefield, the Equipment becomes unattached and remains on the battlefield. Paying the equip cost also allows the Equipment to be moved from one creature to another.[19][20]

Creature types

Mirrodin introduced the race/class model and the creature type Human.[21] Other introduced types were Drone, Myr, Rogue, Shaman, Slith, and Vedalken in this expansion. The set featured all eight major tribes from the previous Onslaught block.[22]

The following creature types that are not new to Magic are used in this expansion:

Cycles

Mirrodin has 11 cycles:

Cycle name {W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Artifact lands Ancient Den Seat of the Synod Vault of Whispers Great Furnace Tree of Tales
Each of these common cards, representing an important location in each of Mirrodin's different regions, counted as both artifacts and lands and could be tapped for one mana of a given color.[23] Each was illustrated by Rob Alexander. Artifact lands reduced the cost of spells with affinity for artifacts and proved to be so powerful they were eventually banned in Mirrodin Block Constructed tournaments. Darksteel would later add a sixth artifact land to this cycle, Darksteel Citadel.
Entwine spells Blinding Beam Dream's Grip Wail of the Nim Incite War Journey of Discovery
Each of these modal common spells has entwine
Golems Titanium Golem Cobalt Golem Pewter Golem Hematite Golem Malachite Golem
Each of these common artifact creatures has a color-specific ability. Each was illustrated by Paolo Parente.
Mana Myr Gold Myr Silver Myr Leaden Myr Iron Myr Copper Myr
Each of these common Myr artifact creatures costs {2} to cast and has an ability in which they produce colored mana. They represent different areas of Mirrodin and the mana they produce is appropriately colored to match their environment. Each is illustrated by Kev Walker.
Rare color artifacts Leonin Sun Standard Proteus Staff Altar of Shadows Bosh, Iron Golem Tangleroot
Each of these rare artifacts is tied to one of the five colors.
Replicas Soldier Replica Wizard Replica Nim Replica Goblin Replica Elf Replica
Each of these common artifact creatures costs {3} and has an ability with the cost of being sacrificed and a certain amount of partially colored mana, and an effect, which is typical for the mana used. Each of them has a creature type from the tribes of the Onslaught block. They were each illustrated by Carl Critchlow.
Shards Pearl Shard Crystal Shard Skeleton Shard Granite Shard Heartwood Shard
Each of these uncommon artifacts costs {3} and has an activated ability which costs {3} or one mana of a given color to activate, and produce different color-oriented effects. Each represents a piece of another world found by each of Mirrodin's races. They were each illustrated by Doug Chaffee.
Sliths Slith Ascendant Slith Strider Slith Bloodletter Slith Firewalker Slith Predator
Each of these uncommon 1/1 Slith creatures has a mana cost containing two colored mana of the same type and the ability "Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, put a +1/+1 counter on it". They were each illustrated by Justin Sweet.
Spellbombs Sunbeam Spellbomb Æther Spellbomb Necrogen Spellbomb Pyrite Spellbomb Lifespark Spellbomb
Each of these common artifacts costs {1} and has two activated abilities that require to sacrifice them. One is the same for each of them: "{1}, Sacrifice this: Draw a card". They were each illustrated by Jim Nelson.
Cycle name {W}{U} {U}{B} {B}{R} {R}{G} {G}{W}
Talismans Talisman of Progress Talisman of Dominance Talisman of Indulgence Talisman of Impulse Talisman of Unity
Each of these uncommon artifacts costs {2} to cast. Each had the same abilities as an allied color pain land. Each was illustrated by Mike Dringenberg.[24]

Mega cycle

Cycle name
Kaldra Equipment Sword of Kaldra (Mirrodin) Shield of Kaldra (Darksteel) Helm of Kaldra (Fifth Dawn)
Each expansion symbol in the Mirrodin block represents one of the Kaldra artifacts. Shield of Kaldra, the second card in the cycle, is especially noteworthy for naming the Helm in its card text, despite the Helm not having been printed or revealed at that time. This was the first card and the first cycle to refer to "future cards" in this way.

Mega-mega cycles

Cycle name {W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Towers Tower of Eons (Mirrodin) Tower of Fortunes (Mirrodin) Tower of Murmurs (Mirrodin) Tower of Calamities (Scars of Mirrodin) Tower of Champions (Mirrodin)
Each of these rare artifacts costs {4} to cast and have an "{8}, {T}:" ability. Each of these artifacts is affiliated with a certain color; green, white, blue, and black, respectively. Scars of Mirrodin would later add a fifth card to this cycle to represent a red affiliation: Tower of Calamities.[25]

Reprinted cards

Mirrodin reprinted 17 cards from previous sets.[26]

Functional reprints

Mirrodin has four functional reprints:

Card comparison

Colorshifted

Strictly better

Notable cards

Preconstructed decks

Main article: Mirrodin/Theme decks

Mirrodin has two monocolored and two bicolored theme decks.

Theme
deck name 		Colors Included
{W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Little Bashers W
Wicked Big G
Bait and Bludgeon U B
Sacrificial Bam B R

References

  1. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (September 23, 2003). "Mirrodin Frequently Asked Questions". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  2. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (August 02, 2004). "Ask Wizards - August, 2004". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  3. ↑ Mark Rosewater (August 12, 2002). "Codename of the Game". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  4. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (September 1, 2003). "Mirrodin Fact Sheet". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  5. ↑ Brian David-Marshall (September 18, 2003). "Mirrodin Prerelease Primer". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  6. ↑ Randy Buehler (June 20, 2003). "The Size of Sets". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  7. ↑ Brady Dommermuth (October 31, 2006). "Ask Wizards". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  8. ↑ Randy Buehler (September 26, 2003). "Post-Development Digest". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  9. ↑ Mark Rosewater (November 10, 2003). "Make No Mistake". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  10. ↑ Magic Arcana (August 14, 2003). "Mirrodin product images". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  11. ↑ Magic Arcana (September 22, 2003). "Mirrodin Prerelease card". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  12. ↑ Magic Arcana (September 24, 2003). "The new look of tokens". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  13. ↑ Magic Arcana (November 17, 2003). "Upcoming Magic Rewards tokens". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  14. ↑ Rei Nakazawa (September 09, 2003). "Mirrodin Image". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  15. ↑ Randy Buehler (September 05, 2003). "When Artifacts Aren't Spells". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  16. ↑ Randy Buehler (September 12, 2003). "White and Artifacts". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  17. ↑ Randy Buehler (October 03, 2003). "Artifacts and Color". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  18. ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 01, 2003). "Someday My Imprints Will Come". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  19. ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 08, 2003). "Equip of the Iceberg". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  20. ↑ Paul Barclay (September 02, 2003). "Rules for Equipment". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  21. ↑ Mark Rosewater (October 04, 2004). "Change For the Better". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  22. ↑ Magic Arcana (November 11, 2003). "Tribes in Mirrodin". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  23. ↑ Mark Rosewater (October 06, 2003). "Come Together". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  24. ↑ Magic Arcana (April 29, 2004). "The Burden of a Talisman". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  25. ↑ Monty Ashley (September 22, 2010). "The Fifth Tower". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  26. ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 22, 2003). "Bacon Bits". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  27. ↑ a b c d Devin Low (March 21, 2008). "Reincarnation". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  28. ↑ Magic Arcana (January 06, 2004). "What's Annul annulling?". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  29. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (December 18, 2003). "Flavorful Reprints of Mirrodin". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  30. ↑ Monty Ashley (March 24, 2011). "Yotian Soldiers". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  31. ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 15, 2003). "A Mind Is A Wonderful Thing To Waste". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.

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