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|sub2 = Intro packs
|sub2 = Intro packs
}}
}}
{{For|the event in the storyline|Conflux (event)}}
{{Infobox set
{{Infobox set
   |image = CON logo.png
   |image = CON logo.png
   |symbol_description = 5 shards joining together
   |symbol_description = 5 shards joining together
   |design = [[Bill Rose]] (lead),<br />[[Mark Globus]],<br />[[Mark Gottlieb]],<br />[[Kenneth Nagle]]
   |design = [[Bill Rose]] (lead),<br/>[[Mark Globus]],<br/>[[Mark Gottlieb]],<br/>[[Kenneth Nagle]]
   |development = [[Mike Turian]] (lead),<br />[[Graeme Hopkins]],<br />[[Erik Lauer]],<br />[[Devin Low]]
   |development = [[Mike Turian]] (lead),<br/>[[Graeme Hopkins]],<br/>[[Erik Lauer]],<br/>[[Devin Low]]
   |art = [[Jeremy Jarvis]]
   |art = [[Jeremy Jarvis]]
   |release = February 6, 2009  
   |release = February 6, 2009  
   |plane = [[Alara]]
   |plane = [[Alara]]
   |keywords = [[Cycling]],<br />[[Devour]],<br />''[[Domain]]'',<br />[[Exalted]],<br />[[Unearth]]
   |keywords = [[Cycling]], [[Devour]], ''[[Domain]]'', [[Exalted]], [[Unearth]]
   |size = 145<br /><small>(60 commons, 40 uncommons, 35 rares, 10 mythic rares)</small>
   |size = 145 cards<br/>{{curmb|60|40|35|10}}
   |code_expansion = CON
   |code_expansion = CON
   |code_expansion_ref = <ref>[http://gatherer.wizards.com/Handlers/Image.ashx?type=symbol&size=large&set=CON set symbol URL on Gatherer]</ref>
   |code_expansion_ref = [http://gatherer.wizards.com/Handlers/Image.ashx?type=symbol&size=large&set=CON set symbol URL on Gatherer]
   |code_development = Paper
   |code_development = Paper
   |series = [[Alara block]]
   |series = [[Alara block]]
   |first = [[Shards of Alara]]
   |first = Shards of Alara
   |second = '''Conflux'''
   |second = Conflux
   |third = [[Alara Reborn]]
   |third = Alara Reborn
   |previous = [[Duel Decks: Jace vs. Chandra]]
   |previous = Duel Decks: Jace vs. Chandra
   |next = [[Duel Decks: Divine vs. Demonic]]
   |next = Duel Decks: Divine vs. Demonic
}}
}}
{{For|the event in the storyline|Conflux (event)}}
'''Conflux''' is the [[small expansion|second set]] in the [[Alara block]] and is the forty-eighth ''[[Magic]]'' [[expansion]]. The [[prerelease]] events for this set were held January 31-February 1, 2009.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/conflux-prerelease-primer-2009-01-26|''Conflux'' Prerelease Primer|Tim Willoughby|January 26, 2009}}</ref> Launch parties were held February 6–8, 2009.<ref>{{DailyRef|announcing-conflux-2008-07-30|Announcing ''Conflux''|[[Magic Arcana]]|July 30, 2008}}</ref> The set went on sale February 6, 2009.
'''Conflux''' is the [[small expansion|second set]] in the [[Alara block]] and is the forty-eighth ''[[Magic]]'' [[expansion]]. The [[prerelease]] events for this set were held January 31-February 1, 2009.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/conflux-prerelease-primer-2009-01-26|''Conflux'' Prerelease Primer|Tim Willoughby|January 26, 2009}}</ref> Launch parties were held February 6–8, 2009.<ref>{{DailyRef|announcing-conflux-2008-07-30|Announcing ''Conflux''|[[Magic Arcana]]|July 30, 2008}}</ref> The set went on sale February 6, 2009.


==Set details==
==Set details==
''Conflux'' was the first small set to be reduced in size and to contain the new [[mythic]] [[rarity]] The set contains 145 black-bordered cards (10 mythic rares, 35 rare, 40 uncommon, and 60 commons).
''Conflux'' was the first small set to be reduced in size and to contain the new [[mythic]] [[rarity]] The set contains 145 black-bordered cards {{curmb|60|40|35|10|}}.
''Conflux'' continues the ''Shards of Alara'' 's [[multicolor]] theme, expanding on it by introducing five-colored cards. Aside from the multicolor theme the set makes use of the mechanics introduced in the previous set.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/when-worlds-collide-part-i-2009-01-19|When Worlds Collide, Part I|[[Mark Rosewater]]|January 19, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|feature/when-worlds-collide-part-ii-2009-01-26|When Worlds Collide, Part II|[[Mark Rosewater]]|January 26, 2009}}</ref> The set featured the return of [[Nicol Bolas]], via the card <c>Nicol Bolas, Planeswalker</c>. The [[expansion symbol]] of the set is a representation of the five converging [[shard]]s. The set was accompanied by the first [[A Planeswalker Novel|Planeswalker novel]]: ''[[Agents of Artifice]]'', written by [[Ari Marmell]].
''Conflux'' continues the ''Shards of Alara'' 's [[multicolor]] theme, expanding on it by introducing five-colored cards. Aside from the multicolor theme the set makes use of the mechanics introduced in the previous set.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/when-worlds-collide-part-i-2009-01-19|When Worlds Collide, Part I|[[Mark Rosewater]]|January 19, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|feature/when-worlds-collide-part-ii-2009-01-26|When Worlds Collide, Part II|[[Mark Rosewater]]|January 26, 2009}}</ref> The set featured the return of [[Nicol Bolas]], via the card <c>Nicol Bolas, Planeswalker</c>. The [[expansion symbol]] of the set is a representation of the five converging [[shard]]s. The set was accompanied by the first [[A Planeswalker Novel|Planeswalker novel]]: ''[[Agents of Artifice]]'', written by [[Ari Marmell]].


On September 29, 2008, the entire ''Conflux'' card list was leaked on [[MTG Salvation]], thanks to [http://mjmj.info mjmj.info].<ref>[http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showthread.php?t=131996 "<nowiki>[CON]</nowiki> Complete Conflux Card Names (List)"] — MTG Salvation</ref>
On September 29, 2008, the entire ''Conflux'' card list was leaked on [[MTG Salvation]], thanks to [http://mjmj.info mjmj.info].<ref>[http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showthread.php?t=131996 <nowiki>"[CON] Complete Conflux Card Names (List)"</nowiki>] — MTG Salvation</ref>
===Flavor===
 
===Flavor and storyline===
{{Main|Alara|Alara Unbroken}}
{{Main|Alara|Alara Unbroken}}
A [[Nicol Bolas|powerful and infinitely sinister force]] is conspiring to reunite the Shards of Alara. This reunification will come with a deadly price – sheer chaos, as realities begin to overlap. Thus begins the [[Conflux (event)|Conflux]].<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/nicol-bolas-planeswalker-2009-01-19|Nicol Bolas, Planeswalker|[[Doug Beyer]]|January 19, 2009}}</ref>
A [[Nicol Bolas|powerful and infinitely sinister force]] is conspiring to reunite the Shards of Alara. This reunification will come with a deadly price – sheer chaos, as realities begin to overlap. Thus begins the [[Conflux (event)|Conflux]].<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/nicol-bolas-planeswalker-2009-01-19|Nicol Bolas, Planeswalker|[[Doug Beyer]]|January 19, 2009}}</ref>
====Story Comics ====
{{main|Magic Story}}
''[[The Seeker's Fall]]'' is a [[webcomic]] about [[Tezzeret]]'s origins on [[Esper]] and his first contact with [[Nicol Bolas]]. It was published in three parts in January and February 2009.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Title !! Author !! Release Date !! Setting (plane) !! Featuring
|-
| [https://web.archive.org/web/20160925173416/https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/seekers-fall-part-1-2009-01-20 The Seeker's Fall, Part 1] || [[Jenna Helland]] || 2009-01-20 || [[Esper]] || [[Silas Renn]], [[Tezzeret]]
|-
| [https://web.archive.org/web/20210421115636/https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/seekers-fall-part-2-2009-01-27 The Seeker's Fall, Part 2] || [[Jenna Helland]] || 2009-01-27 || [[Esper]], [[Grixis]] || [[Silas Renn]], [[Tezzeret]]
|-
| [https://web.archive.org/web/20210502012925/https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/seekers-fall-part-3-2009-02-04 The Seeker's Fall, Part 3] || [[Jenna Helland]] || 2009-02-04 || [[Grixis]] || [[Tezzeret]], [[Nicol Bolas]]
|}
====Savor the Flavor====
{{main|Savor the Flavor}}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Title !! Author !! Release Date !! Setting (plane) !! Featuring
|-
| [https://mtglore.com/web-articles/the-soul-of-the-world/ The Soul of the World] || [[Jenna Helland]] || January 21, 2009 || [[Naya]] || [[Progenitus]], [[Mayael]], [[Cylia]]
|}


===Marketing===
===Marketing===
[[File:CONbooster6.jpg|thumb|right|''Conflux'' 6-card booster]]
[[File:CONbooster6.jpg|thumb|right|''Conflux'' 6-card booster]]
[[File:CON Gravity feed.jpg|thumb|right|''Conflux'' Gravity Feed for 6-card boosters]]
''Conflux'' was sold in 16-card [[boosters]], five [[intro pack]]s and a [[fat pack]].<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/conflux-booster-packs-2008-12-16|''Conflux'' Booster Packs|[[Magic Arcana]]|December 16, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/conflux-intro-pack-contents-2009-01-29|''Conflux'' Intro Pack Contents|[[Magic Arcana]]|January 29, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/conflux-fat-pack-2008-12-17|''Conflux'' Fat Pack|[[Magic Arcana]]|December 17, 2008}}</ref> ''Conflux'' was also the first set to be sold in 6-card [[booster]] packs containing a tips/[[token]] card, 1 land, 3 commons, 1 uncommon, and 1 slot that has an equal chance of being rare/mythic, uncommon, or common. These packs were exclusively available from Gravity Feeds at large mass-market stores.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/gravity-feed-2009-02-05-0|The Gravity Feed|[[Magic Arcana]]|February 05, 2009}}</ref>  
''Conflux'' was sold in 16-card [[boosters]], five [[intro pack]]s and a [[fat pack]].<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/conflux-booster-packs-2008-12-16|''Conflux'' Booster Packs|[[Magic Arcana]]|December 16, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/conflux-intro-pack-contents-2009-01-29|''Conflux'' Intro Pack Contents|[[Magic Arcana]]|January 29, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/conflux-fat-pack-2008-12-17|''Conflux'' Fat Pack|[[Magic Arcana]]|December 17, 2008}}</ref> ''Conflux'' was also the first set to be sold in 6-card [[booster]] packs containing a tips/[[token]] card, 1 land, 3 commons, 1 uncommon, and 1 slot that has an equal chance of being rare/mythic, uncommon, or common. These packs were exclusively available from Gravity Feeds at large mass-market stores.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/gravity-feed-2009-02-05-0|The Gravity Feed|[[Magic Arcana]]|February 05, 2009}}</ref>  


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====Tips & Tricks====
====Tips & Tricks====
The tips & tricks cards are
The tips & tricks cards are
* Theme: {{W}}{{U}}{{B}}{{R}}{{G}} Cards
*Theme: {{W}}{{U}}{{B}}{{R}}{{G}} Cards
* Rules Tip: [[Domain]]
*Rules Tip: [[Domain]]
* A Threat to Alara: [[Nicol Bolas]]
*A Threat to Alara: [[Nicol Bolas]]
* Fun Format: [[Pack Wars]]
*Fun Format: [[Pack Wars]]


====Tokens====
====Tokens====
The ''Conflux'' tokens are:<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/conflux-tokens-2009-01-19|''Conflux'' Tokens|[[Magic Arcana]]|January 19, 2009}}</ref>
The ''Conflux'' tokens are:<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/conflux-tokens-2009-01-19|''Conflux'' Tokens|[[Magic Arcana]]|January 19, 2009}}</ref>
# {{W}} 4/4 [[Angel]] with [[flying]] produced by <c>Sigil of the Empty Throne</c>
#{{W}} 4/4 [[Angel]] with [[flying]] produced by <c>Sigil of the Empty Throne</c>
# {{R}} 3/1 [[Elemental]] produced by <c>Rakka Mar</c>
#{{R}} 3/1 [[Elemental]] produced by <c>Rakka Mar</c>


The following tokens could also be found in ''Conflux'' packs.
The following tokens could also be found in ''Conflux'' packs.
* {{W}} 1/1 [[Soldier]] produced by <c>Martial Coup</c> (''[[Shards of Alara]]'' token)
*{{W}} 1/1 [[Soldier]] produced by <c>Martial Coup</c> (''[[Shards of Alara]]'' token)
* {{B}} 2/2 [[Zombie]] produced by <c>Grixis Slavedriver</c> (''Shards of Alara'' token)
*{{B}} 2/2 [[Zombie]] produced by <c>Grixis Slavedriver</c> (''Shards of Alara'' token)
* {{G}} 1/1 [[Saproling]] produced by <c>Spore Burst</c>, <c>Tukatongue Thallid</c> (''Shards of Alara'' token)
*{{G}} 1/1 [[Saproling]] produced by <c>Spore Burst</c>, <c>Tukatongue Thallid</c> (''Shards of Alara'' token)


==Mechanics==
==Mechanics==
All the [[Shards of Alara|shard]] [[keyword]]s were back. [[Colored artifact]] [[creature]]s were still there. [[Bant]] still had their [[exalted]] ability. [[Jund]] still [[devour]]. [[Grixis]] raised their dead by [[unearth]] and [[Naya]]'s "[[5-power matters|power 5 or greater]]" theme continued. In many ways, ''Conflux'' was a big continuation of ''Shards of Alara'', except that there was now room for [[color hate]] because the shards had become aware of eachother.<ref>{{DailyRef|archive/conflux-design-feature-article-2009-02-09-0|''Conflux'' Design Feature Article|[[Ken Nagle]]|February 09, 2009}}</ref>
All the [[Shards of Alara|shard]] [[keyword]]s were back. [[Colored artifact]] [[creature]]s were still there. [[Bant]] still had their [[exalted]] ability. [[Jund]] still [[devour]]. [[Grixis]] raised their dead by [[unearth]] and [[Naya]]'s "[[5-power matters|power 5 or greater]]" theme continued. In many ways, ''Conflux'' was a big continuation of ''Shards of Alara'', except that there was no room for [[color hate]] because the shards had become aware of each other.<ref>{{DailyRef|archive/conflux-design-feature-article-2009-02-09-0|''Conflux'' Design Feature Article|[[Ken Nagle]]|February 09, 2009}}</ref>


In ''Conflux'', [[Domain]] became an [[ability]] word.<ref>{{DailyRef|latest-developments/developing-new-domain-2009-01-23|Developing a New Domain|[[Tom LaPille]]|January 23, 2009}}</ref> The set also introduced [[basic land]] [[cycling]] for which there is a cycle of common cards (also regular cycling appears on two cards). <c>Progenitus</c> was the first to have "[[protection]] from everything" as an actual card effect.
In ''Conflux'', [[Domain]] became an [[ability]] word.<ref>{{DailyRef|latest-developments/developing-new-domain-2009-01-23|Developing a New Domain|[[Tom LaPille]]|January 23, 2009}}</ref> The set also introduced [[basic land]] [[cycling]] for which there is a cycle of common cards (also regular cycling appears on two cards). <c>Progenitus</c> was the first to have "[[protection]] from everything" as an actual card effect. There was also a [https://scryfall.com/search?q=e%3Acon+ci%3Dwubrg&unique=cards&as=full&order=released five-color theme], notably <c>Fusion Elemental</c> at uncommon.


==Cycles==
==Cycles==
''Conflux'' has 8 [[cycle]]s:
''Conflux'' has 8 [[cycle]]s:
{| class="wikitable wrapped-table"  
{| class="wikitable"  
! Cycle name  
! Cycle name  
! {{W}}
! {{W}}
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|{{card|Sylvan Bounty||CON}}
|{{card|Sylvan Bounty||CON}}
|-
|-
|colspan="6"|These common instants and sorceries have one effect that is relatively overcosted, and basic land[[cycling]] for {{1}}M.
|colspan="5"|These common instants and sorceries have one effect that is relatively overcosted, and basic land[[cycling]] for {{1}}M.
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Creatures with shard-colored activated abilities'''
|rowspan="2"|'''Creatures with shard-colored activated abilities'''
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|{{card|Sacellum Archers||CON}}
|{{card|Sacellum Archers||CON}}
|-
|-
|colspan="6"|Each of these uncommon creatures has an [[activated ability]] which costs both allied-colored mana.
|colspan="5"|Each of these uncommon creatures has an [[activated ability]] which costs both allied-colored mana.
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Enemy-color [[hoser]]s'''
|rowspan="2"|'''Enemy-color [[hoser]]s'''
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|{{card|Filigree Fracture||CON}}
|{{card|Filigree Fracture||CON}}
|-
|-
|colspan="6"|Each of these uncommon spells hampers both of their enemy colors at a low mana cost.
|colspan="5"|Each of these uncommon spells hampers both of their enemy colors at a low mana cost.
|-
|-
|-ALLIED
|-ALLIED
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|{{card|Rhox Bodyguard||CON}}
|{{card|Rhox Bodyguard||CON}}
|-
|-
|colspan="6"|Each of these common spells has a mana cost that includes two allied-colored mana.
|colspan="5"|Each of these common spells has a mana cost that includes two allied-colored mana.
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Uncommon allied-colored spells'''
|rowspan="2"|'''Uncommon allied-colored spells'''
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|{{card|Vagrant Plowbeasts||CON}}
|{{card|Vagrant Plowbeasts||CON}}
|-
|-
|colspan="6"|Each of these uncommon spells has a mana cost that includes two allied-colored mana.
|colspan="5"|Each of these uncommon spells has a mana cost that includes two allied-colored mana.
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Outlanders'''
|rowspan="2"|'''Outlanders'''
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|{{card|Valeron Outlander||CON}}
|{{card|Valeron Outlander||CON}}
|-
|-
|colspan="6"|These common 2/2 allied-colored [[scout]] creatures each have [[protection]] from their enemy color.
|colspan="5"|These common 2/2 allied-colored [[scout]] creatures each have [[protection]] from their enemy color. These are functional reprints of [https://scryfall.com/search?q=set%3Ainv+cmc%3D2+o%3Aprotection+c%3Am&unique=cards&as=grid&order=name a cycle from Invasion]
|-
|-
! Cycle name
! Cycle name
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|{{card|Knotvine Mystic||CON}}
|{{card|Knotvine Mystic||CON}}
|-
|-
|colspan="6"|Each of these uncommon spells has a mana cost that includes MNO.
|colspan="5"|Each of these uncommon spells has a mana cost that includes MNO.
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Rare shard-colored creatures'''
|rowspan="2"|'''Rare shard-colored creatures'''
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|{{card|Meglonoth||CON}}
|{{card|Meglonoth||CON}}
|-
|-
|colspan="6"|Each of these rare creatures has a mana cost that includes MNO.
|colspan="5"|Each of these rare creatures has a mana cost that includes MNO.
|}
|}


===Mini-cycles===
===Mini-cycles===
''Conflux'' has three cycles of three cards:
''Conflux'' has three cycles of three cards:
{| class="wikitable wrapped-table"
{| class="wikitable"
! Cycle name
! Cycle name
! {{W}}
! {{W}}
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|{{card|Salvage Slasher||CON}}
|{{card|Salvage Slasher||CON}}
|-
|-
|colspan="6"|Each of these common artifact creatures gets better the more artifacts you play.
|colspan="5"|Each of these common artifact creatures gets better the more artifacts you play.
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Esper scepters'''   
|rowspan="2"|'''Esper scepters'''   
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|{{card|Scepter of Fugue||CON}}
|{{card|Scepter of Fugue||CON}}
|-
|-
|colspan="6"|Each of these rare artifacts is a colored version of an artifact from ''[[Alpha]]''
|colspan="5"|Each of these rare artifacts is a colored version of an artifact from ''[[Alpha]]''
|-
|-
Cycle name
! Cycle name
! {{W}}
! {{W}}
! {{B}}
! {{B}}
! {{R}}
! {{R}}
|-
| rowspan="2"|'''Uncommon {{mana|WUBRG}} creatures'''   
| rowspan="2"|'''Uncommon {{mana|WUBRG}} creatures'''   
|{{card|Paragon of the Amesha||CON}}
|{{card|Paragon of the Amesha||CON}}
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|{{card|Dragonsoul Knight||CON}}<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/five-color-cues-2009-02-17|Five-Color Cues|[[Magic Arcana]]|February 17, 2009}}</ref>
|{{card|Dragonsoul Knight||CON}}<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/five-color-cues-2009-02-17|Five-Color Cues|[[Magic Arcana]]|February 17, 2009}}</ref>
|-
|-
|colspan="6"|Each of these uncommon 2/2 creatures has a mana cost of {{2}}M and an ability that gives them bonuses for {{mana|WUBRG}}.
|colspan="5"|Each of these uncommon 2/2 creatures has a mana cost of {{2}}M and an ability that gives them bonuses for {{mana|WUBRG}}.
|}
 
===Mega cycle===
{| class="wikitable"
! Cycle name
! {{G}}{{W}}{{U}}<br/>[[Bant]]
! {{W}}{{U}}{{B}}<br/>[[Esper]]
! {{U}}{{B}}{{R}}<br/>[[Grixis]]
! {{B}}{{R}}{{G}}<br/>[[Jund]]
! {{R}}{{G}}{{W}}<br/>[[Naya]]
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Planeswalkers''' 
|{{card|Elspeth, Knight-Errant|Shards of Alara}}
|{{card|Tezzeret the Seeker|Shards of Alara}}
|{{card|Nicol Bolas, Planeswalker|Conflux}}<ref>{{DailyRef|savor-flavor/one-only-nicol-bolas-2009-04-08|The One, The Only, Nicol Bolas|[[Doug Beyer]]|Wednesday, April 08, 2009}}</ref>
|{{card|Sarkhan Vol|Shards of Alara}}
|{{card|Ajani Vengeant|Shards of Alara}}
|-
|colspan="5"|Each shard has a corresponding [[Planeswalker]].
|}
|}


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*<c>Knight of the Reliquary</c> {{-}} heavily played in Standard, Extended and Legacy [[midrange deck]]s.
*<c>Knight of the Reliquary</c> {{-}} heavily played in Standard, Extended and Legacy [[midrange deck]]s.
*<c>Maelstrom Archangel</c> {{-}} a very popular [[Mythic rare]] which allows its controller to play a free spell whenever it does damage. In Standard Five-Color-Control decks, this was typically the engine by which players could play <c>Nicol Bolas, Planeswalker</c> <ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/if-i-had-nicol-2009-04-06|If I Had a Nicol...|[[Mark Rosewater]]|April 06, 2009}}</ref>
*<c>Maelstrom Archangel</c> {{-}} a very popular [[Mythic rare]] which allows its controller to play a free spell whenever it does damage. In Standard Five-Color-Control decks, this was typically the engine by which players could play <c>Nicol Bolas, Planeswalker</c> <ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/if-i-had-nicol-2009-04-06|If I Had a Nicol...|[[Mark Rosewater]]|April 06, 2009}}</ref>
*<c>Nicol Bolas, Planeswalker</c> {{-}} a highly sought-after card when it first came out; has since shown to have little competitive-play value, due to its unruly mana cost, but is still valued reasonably as a noteworthy and flavorful card; a favorite of [[Timmy]] and [[Vorthos]]. Notable in being the first tri-colored [[Planeswalker]].
*<c>Nicol Bolas, Planeswalker</c> {{-}} a highly sought-after card when it first came out; has since shown to have little competitive-play value, due to its unruly mana cost, but is still valued reasonably as a noteworthy and flavorful card; a favorite of [[Timmy]] and [[Vorthos]]. Notable for being the first tri-colored [[Planeswalker]].
*<c>Noble Hierarch</c> {{-}} often used in various formats mostly for mana fixing and acceleration.
*<c>Noble Hierarch</c> {{-}} often used in various formats mostly for mana fixing and acceleration.
*<c>Path to Exile</c> {{-}} considered a near-functional reprint of <c>Swords to Plowshares</c>, and is run in many decks in Legacy, Modern, Extended and Standard.
*<c>Path to Exile</c> {{-}} considered the successor <c>Swords to Plowshares</c>, and is run in many decks in Legacy, Modern, Extended, and Standard.
*<c>Progenitus</c> {{-}} One of the most powerful, and arguably most difficult to hardcast, creatures, often played in combo decks in Standard, Extended and Legacy.
*<c>Progenitus</c> {{-}} One of the most powerful, and arguably most difficult to hardcast, creatures, often played in combo decks in Standard, Extended and Legacy.
*<c>Exotic Orchard</c> is a particularly effective mana-fixing land for multiplayer formats
*<c>Countersquall</c> has seen sporadic play in blue-black control decks in Modern
*<c>Banefire</c> was played in many Standard aggro decks as both a removal spell and a finisher that could not be stopped by control decks
*<c>Ancient Ziggurat</c> has helped aggro decks such as Humans in Modern play spells that heavily restrictive mana costs
*<c>Lapse of Certainty</c> is one of only a few non-restrictive white counterspells, and close to a colorshifted <c>Memory Lapse</c>
*<c>Conflux</c> is one of only a few cards to be named after the set in which they are printed


== Intro packs ==
==Intro packs==
{{Main|Conflux/Intro packs}}
{{Main|Conflux/Intro packs}}
The [[intro pack]]s are:<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/conflux-intro-packs-2008-12-18|''Conflux'' Intro Packs|[[Magic Arcana]]|December 18, 2008}}</ref>
The [[intro pack]]s are:<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/conflux-intro-packs-2008-12-18|''Conflux'' Intro Packs|[[Magic Arcana]]|December 18, 2008}}</ref>


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*{{Prodpage|Conflux|Conflux}}
*{{Prodpage|Conflux|Conflux}}


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

Latest revision as of 07:45, 19 June 2024

Conflux
 
Card comparisons
 
Intro packs
 
Conflux
[[File:{{#setmainimage:CON logo.png}}|250px]]
Set Information
Set symbol
Symbol description 5 shards joining together
Design Bill Rose (lead),
Mark Globus,
Mark Gottlieb,
Kenneth Nagle
Development Mike Turian (lead),
Graeme Hopkins,
Erik Lauer,
Devin Low
Art direction Jeremy Jarvis
Release date February 6, 2009
Plane Alara
Keywords/​ability words Cycling, Devour, Domain, Exalted, Unearth
Set size 145 cards
(60 commons, 40 uncommons, 35 rares, 10 mythic rares)
Expansion code CON[1]
Development codename Paper
Alara block
Shards of Alara Conflux Alara Reborn
Magic: The Gathering Chronology
Duel Decks: Jace vs. Chandra Conflux Duel Decks: Divine vs. Demonic
For the event in the storyline, see Conflux (event).

Conflux is the second set in the Alara block and is the forty-eighth Magic expansion. The prerelease events for this set were held January 31-February 1, 2009.[2] Launch parties were held February 6–8, 2009.[3] The set went on sale February 6, 2009.

Set details

Conflux was the first small set to be reduced in size and to contain the new mythic rarity The set contains 145 black-bordered cards (60 commons, 40 uncommons, 35 rares, 10 mythic rares). Conflux continues the Shards of Alara 's multicolor theme, expanding on it by introducing five-colored cards. Aside from the multicolor theme the set makes use of the mechanics introduced in the previous set.[4][5] The set featured the return of Nicol Bolas, via the card Nicol Bolas, Planeswalker. The expansion symbol of the set is a representation of the five converging shards. The set was accompanied by the first Planeswalker novel: Agents of Artifice, written by Ari Marmell.

On September 29, 2008, the entire Conflux card list was leaked on MTG Salvation, thanks to mjmj.info.[6]

Flavor and storyline

Main articles: Alara and Alara Unbroken

A powerful and infinitely sinister force is conspiring to reunite the Shards of Alara. This reunification will come with a deadly price – sheer chaos, as realities begin to overlap. Thus begins the Conflux.[7]

Story Comics

Main article: Magic Story

The Seeker's Fall is a webcomic about Tezzeret's origins on Esper and his first contact with Nicol Bolas. It was published in three parts in January and February 2009.

Title Author Release Date Setting (plane) Featuring
The Seeker's Fall, Part 1 Jenna Helland 2009-01-20 Esper Silas Renn, Tezzeret
The Seeker's Fall, Part 2 Jenna Helland 2009-01-27 Esper, Grixis Silas Renn, Tezzeret
The Seeker's Fall, Part 3 Jenna Helland 2009-02-04 Grixis Tezzeret, Nicol Bolas

Savor the Flavor

Main article: Savor the Flavor
Title Author Release Date Setting (plane) Featuring
The Soul of the World Jenna Helland January 21, 2009 Naya Progenitus, Mayael, Cylia

Marketing

Conflux 6-card booster
Conflux Gravity Feed for 6-card boosters

Conflux was sold in 16-card boosters, five intro packs and a fat pack.[8][9][10] Conflux was also the first set to be sold in 6-card booster packs containing a tips/token card, 1 land, 3 commons, 1 uncommon, and 1 slot that has an equal chance of being rare/mythic, uncommon, or common. These packs were exclusively available from Gravity Feeds at large mass-market stores.[11]

The promotional card given to players at the pre-release was the demon-dragon Malfegor.[12] The set's sub-theme of all five colors converging was demonstrated in the release card, Obelisk of Alara, an artifact with five tap abilities, each one costing 1M and producing a common effect found in that color.[13]

The 16-card boosters featured artwork from Nicol Bolas, Planeswalker, Maelstrom Archangel and Nyxathid, the small booster featured artwork from Apocalypse Hydra. An all-foil booster pack containing cards from Conflux and the other two sets of the block was released on January 8, 2010.[14]

The regular boosters of Conflux come with a bonus sixteenth card that is either a "tips & tricks card" or a creature token from Conflux. One face of the Conflux bonus card has one of four different rules tips or is one of 2 different creature tokens. The other face has one of 13 advertisements for organized play programs, Alara Reborn, Duels of the Planeswalkers for Xbox Live, Magic Online, fat packs, A Planeswalker's Guide to Alara and Ultra Pro products for Magic.

Tips & Tricks

The tips & tricks cards are

Tokens

The Conflux tokens are:[15]

  1. {W} 4/4 Angel with flying produced by Sigil of the Empty Throne
  2. {R} 3/1 Elemental produced by Rakka Mar

The following tokens could also be found in Conflux packs.

Mechanics

All the shard keywords were back. Colored artifact creatures were still there. Bant still had their exalted ability. Jund still devour. Grixis raised their dead by unearth and Naya's "power 5 or greater" theme continued. In many ways, Conflux was a big continuation of Shards of Alara, except that there was no room for color hate because the shards had become aware of each other.[16]

In Conflux, Domain became an ability word.[17] The set also introduced basic land cycling for which there is a cycle of common cards (also regular cycling appears on two cards). Progenitus was the first to have "protection from everything" as an actual card effect. There was also a five-color theme, notably Fusion Elemental at uncommon.

Cycles

Conflux has 8 cycles:

Cycle name {W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Basic landcyclers Gleam of Resistance Traumatic Visions Absorb Vis Fiery Fall Sylvan Bounty
These common instants and sorceries have one effect that is relatively overcosted, and basic landcycling for {1}M.
Creatures with shard-colored activated abilities Aerie Mystics Scornful Æther-Lich Dreadwing Viashino Slaughtermaster Sacellum Archers
Each of these uncommon creatures has an activated ability which costs both allied-colored mana.
Enemy-color hosers Celestial Purge Controlled Instincts Corrupted Roots Ignite Disorder Filigree Fracture
Each of these uncommon spells hampers both of their enemy colors at a low mana cost.
Cycle name {W}{U} {U}{B} {B}{R} {R}{G} {G}{W}
Common allied-colored spells Esper Cormorants Vectis Agents Suicidal Charge Exploding Borders Rhox Bodyguard
Each of these common spells has a mana cost that includes two allied-colored mana.
Uncommon allied-colored spells Jhessian Balmgiver Countersquall Shambling Remains Hellkite Hatchling Vagrant Plowbeasts
Each of these uncommon spells has a mana cost that includes two allied-colored mana.
Outlanders Vedalken Outlander Zombie Outlander Goblin Outlander Nacatl Outlander Valeron Outlander
These common 2/2 allied-colored scout creatures each have protection from their enemy color. These are functional reprints of a cycle from Invasion
Cycle name {G}{W}{U} {W}{U}{B} {U}{B}{R} {B}{R}{G} {R}{G}{W}
Uncommon shard-colored spells Skyward Eye Prophets Sludge Strider Elder Mastery Scarland Thrinax Knotvine Mystic
Each of these uncommon spells has a mana cost that includes MNO.
Rare shard-colored creatures Giltspire Avenger Magister Sphinx Blood Tyrant Charnelhoard Wurm Meglonoth
Each of these rare creatures has a mana cost that includes MNO.

Mini-cycles

Conflux has three cycles of three cards:

Cycle name {W} {U} {B}
Esper artifact-enhanced creatures Court Homunculus Faerie Mechanist Salvage Slasher
Each of these common artifact creatures gets better the more artifacts you play.
Esper scepters Scepter of Dominance Scepter of Insight Scepter of Fugue
Each of these rare artifacts is a colored version of an artifact from Alpha
Cycle name {W} {B} {R}
Uncommon {W}{U}{B}{R}{G} creatures Paragon of the Amesha Fleshformer Dragonsoul Knight[18]
Each of these uncommon 2/2 creatures has a mana cost of {2}M and an ability that gives them bonuses for {W}{U}{B}{R}{G}.

Mega cycle

Cycle name {G}{W}{U}
Bant 		{W}{U}{B}
Esper 		{U}{B}{R}
Grixis 		{B}{R}{G}
Jund 		{R}{G}{W}
Naya
Planeswalkers Elspeth, Knight-Errant (Shards of Alara) Tezzeret the Seeker (Shards of Alara) Nicol Bolas, Planeswalker (Conflux)[19] Sarkhan Vol (Shards of Alara) Ajani Vengeant (Shards of Alara)
Each shard has a corresponding Planeswalker.

Reprinted cards

Functional reprints

Conflux has 7 functional reprints:

Card comparisons

Main article: Conflux/Card comparisons

Notable Cards

  • Knight of the Reliquary — heavily played in Standard, Extended and Legacy midrange decks.
  • Maelstrom Archangel — a very popular Mythic rare which allows its controller to play a free spell whenever it does damage. In Standard Five-Color-Control decks, this was typically the engine by which players could play Nicol Bolas, Planeswalker [20]
  • Nicol Bolas, Planeswalker — a highly sought-after card when it first came out; has since shown to have little competitive-play value, due to its unruly mana cost, but is still valued reasonably as a noteworthy and flavorful card; a favorite of Timmy and Vorthos. Notable for being the first tri-colored Planeswalker.
  • Noble Hierarch — often used in various formats mostly for mana fixing and acceleration.
  • Path to Exile — considered the successor Swords to Plowshares, and is run in many decks in Legacy, Modern, Extended, and Standard.
  • Progenitus — One of the most powerful, and arguably most difficult to hardcast, creatures, often played in combo decks in Standard, Extended and Legacy.
  • Exotic Orchard is a particularly effective mana-fixing land for multiplayer formats
  • Countersquall has seen sporadic play in blue-black control decks in Modern
  • Banefire was played in many Standard aggro decks as both a removal spell and a finisher that could not be stopped by control decks
  • Ancient Ziggurat has helped aggro decks such as Humans in Modern play spells that heavily restrictive mana costs
  • Lapse of Certainty is one of only a few non-restrictive white counterspells, and close to a colorshifted Memory Lapse
  • Conflux is one of only a few cards to be named after the set in which they are printed

Intro packs

Main article: Conflux/Intro packs

The intro packs are:[21]

Intro pack name Colors Included Foil rare
{W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Bant on the March W U G Giltspire Avenger
Esper Air Assault W U B Magister Sphinx
Grixis Shambling Army U B R Blood Tyrant
Jund Appetite for War B R G Charnelhoard Wurm
Naya Domain W R G Paleoloth

References

  1. ↑ set symbol URL on Gatherer
  2. ↑ Tim Willoughby (January 26, 2009). "Conflux Prerelease Primer". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  3. ↑ Magic Arcana (July 30, 2008). "Announcing Conflux". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  4. ↑ Mark Rosewater (January 19, 2009). "When Worlds Collide, Part I". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  5. ↑ Mark Rosewater (January 26, 2009). "When Worlds Collide, Part II". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  6. ↑ "[CON] Complete Conflux Card Names (List)" — MTG Salvation
  7. ↑ Doug Beyer (January 19, 2009). "Nicol Bolas, Planeswalker". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  8. ↑ Magic Arcana (December 16, 2008). "Conflux Booster Packs". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  9. ↑ Magic Arcana (January 29, 2009). "Conflux Intro Pack Contents". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  10. ↑ Magic Arcana (December 17, 2008). "Conflux Fat Pack". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  11. ↑ Magic Arcana (February 05, 2009). "The Gravity Feed". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  12. ↑ Magic Arcana (January 15, 2009). "Conflux Prerelease Card". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  13. ↑ Magic Arcana (February 02, 2009). "Conflux Launch Party Card". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  14. ↑ Magic Arcana (September 29, 2009). "The All-Foil Booster". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  15. ↑ Magic Arcana (January 19, 2009). "Conflux Tokens". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  16. ↑ Ken Nagle (February 09, 2009). "Conflux Design Feature Article". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  17. ↑ Tom LaPille (January 23, 2009). "Developing a New Domain". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  18. ↑ Magic Arcana (February 17, 2009). "Five-Color Cues". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  19. ↑ Doug Beyer (Wednesday, April 08, 2009). "The One, The Only, Nicol Bolas". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  20. ↑ Mark Rosewater (April 06, 2009). "If I Had a Nicol...". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  21. ↑ Magic Arcana (December 18, 2008). "Conflux Intro Packs". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.

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