Vanity card: Difference between revisions
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==History== | ==History== | ||
Early ''Magic'' had a slew of vanity cards.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/171541298738/is-maro-the-only-reference-to-magic-staff-outside|title=Is Maro the only reference to ''Magic'' staff outside of silver border?|March 4, 2018}}</ref> [[R&D]] chose to stop doing them.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/94939772018/i-read-earleir-that-timbermare-was-a-vanity-card|title=what's a 'vanity' card?|August 16, 2014}}</ref> The vanity rules now prevent making vanity cards of Wizards employees.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/180356229608/would-a-nevinyrral-card-not-violate-the-rule|title=Would a Nevinyrral card not violate the rule against vanity cards?|November 21, 2018}}</ref> The concern is that vanity cards influence how people behind the scenes make choices about cards, and make ill will among the staff.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/172794732678/does-the-opposition-to-vanity-cards-extend-to|title=Does the opposition to vanity cards extend to silver-border? If so, why?|April 10, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/145488846848/what-is-the-reasoning-behind-the-no-vanity-cards|title=What is the reasoning behind the no vanity cards rule?|June 5, 2016}}</ref> Words from existing vanity cards are grandfathered in and thus can be reprinted.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/145431072178/if-vanity-cards-are-completely-no-longer-allowed|title=Is the Phelddagrif creature type doomed to never have another creature again?|June 4, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/118248913678/since-magic-doesnt-do-vanity-cards-anymore|title=Could Maro never be reprinted in a future set?|May 5, 2015}}</ref> Vanity cards differ from ''Easter Eggs'' due to the latter referencing ''Magic'' itself and not a person behind the scenes. Easter Eggs (both about ''Magic'' and about the outside world) are still allowable.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/28800833733/i-know-you-dont-do-vanity-cards-anymore-but-in|title=In ROE there was a card named Enatu Golem, which is an acronym for Mega Onulet.|August 05, 2012}}</ref> | Early ''Magic'' had a slew of vanity cards.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/171541298738/is-maro-the-only-reference-to-magic-staff-outside|title=Is Maro the only reference to ''Magic'' staff outside of silver border?|March 4, 2018}}</ref> [[R&D]] chose to stop doing them regularly.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/94939772018/i-read-earleir-that-timbermare-was-a-vanity-card|title=what's a 'vanity' card?|August 16, 2014}}</ref> The vanity rules now prevent making vanity cards of Wizards employees; however, the specifics are not public. <ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/180356229608/would-a-nevinyrral-card-not-violate-the-rule|title=Would a Nevinyrral card not violate the rule against vanity cards?|November 21, 2018}}</ref> The concern is that vanity cards influence how people behind the scenes make choices about cards, and make ill will among the staff.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/172794732678/does-the-opposition-to-vanity-cards-extend-to|title=Does the opposition to vanity cards extend to silver-border? If so, why?|April 10, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/145488846848/what-is-the-reasoning-behind-the-no-vanity-cards|title=What is the reasoning behind the no vanity cards rule?|June 5, 2016}}</ref> Words from existing vanity cards are grandfathered in and thus can be reprinted.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/145431072178/if-vanity-cards-are-completely-no-longer-allowed|title=Is the Phelddagrif creature type doomed to never have another creature again?|June 4, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/118248913678/since-magic-doesnt-do-vanity-cards-anymore|title=Could Maro never be reprinted in a future set?|May 5, 2015}}</ref> Vanity cards differ from ''Easter Eggs'' due to the latter referencing ''Magic'' itself and not a person behind the scenes. Easter Eggs (both about ''Magic'' and about the outside world) are still allowable.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/28800833733/i-know-you-dont-do-vanity-cards-anymore-but-in|title=In ROE there was a card named Enatu Golem, which is an acronym for Mega Onulet.|August 05, 2012}}</ref> | ||
As part of [[Unknown Event/2024 list of event cards|2024's MagicFest playtest cards]], [[Gavin Verhey]] paid tribute to dozens of content creators and famous players, with names and mechanical design leaning strongly into their non-legality. As they are not employees, they are not strictly vanity cards. | |||
===List of vanity cards=== | ===List of vanity cards=== | ||
*{{card|Adarkar Sentinel||ICE}}, {{card|Adarkar Unicorn||ICE}}, and {{card|Adarkar Wastes|Ice Age}} {{-}} named for [[Skaff Elias]]' friend Aditya Adarkar.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/dawn-magics-ice-age-2004-08-02|The Dawn of Magic's Ice Age|[[Skaff Elias]]|August 2, 2004}}</ref> | *{{card|Adarkar Sentinel||ICE}}, {{card|Adarkar Unicorn||ICE}}, {{card|Adarkar Valkyrie ||CSP}}, and {{card|Adarkar Wastes|Ice Age}} {{-}} named for [[Skaff Elias]]' friend Aditya Adarkar.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/dawn-magics-ice-age-2004-08-02|The Dawn of Magic's Ice Age|[[Skaff Elias]]|August 2, 2004}}</ref> | ||
*<c>Barry's Land</c>, named after [[Barry Reich]]. | *<c>Barry's Land</c>, named after [[Barry Reich]]. | ||
*{{card|Eladamri, Lord of Leaves|Tempest}} {{-}} | *{{card|Deb Thomas|Celebration card|PCEL}}, created in honor of Deborah Thomas, CFO of Hasbro, at her retirement. | ||
*{{card|Emmessi Tome|Tempest}} {{-}} named for [[Michael Elliott|Michael S. Elliott]]<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/53128311348/which-is-mike-elliots-vanity-card|title=Which is Mike Elliot's vanity card?|une 16, 2013}}</ref> (MSE), "Emmessi" is a shortened version of "Emm-ess-ee" | *{{card|Eladamri, Lord of Leaves|Tempest}} {{-}} named as a tribute to [[Michael G. Ryan]]'s mother Irma and his stepfather Dale.<ref name="Secrets">[[Mark Rosewater]], ''Top Ten secrets behind Tempest card names'', ''[[The Duelist]]'' #21 (January 1998), p. 19</ref> | ||
*{{card|Erhnam Djinn|Arabian Nights}} {{-}} "Erhnam" is an anagram of "Herman," Richard Garfield's then brother-in-law<ref name="Words of Magic" /> | *{{card|Emmessi Tome|Tempest}} {{-}} named for [[Michael Elliott|Michael S. Elliott]]<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/53128311348/which-is-mike-elliots-vanity-card|title=Which is Mike Elliot's vanity card?|une 16, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Trivial Pursuit"/> (MSE), "Emmessi" is a shortened version of "Emm-ess-ee" | ||
*{{card|Feldon's Cane|Antiquities}} {{-}} originally named "Feldon's Ice Cone", which was an anagram for "[[Don Felice]] Cone".<ref name="Words of Magic" /> | *{{card|Erhnam Djinn|Arabian Nights}} {{-}} "Erhnam" is an anagram of "Herman," Richard Garfield's then brother-in-law<ref name="Words of Magic" /><ref name="Trivial Pursuit"/> | ||
**{{card|Delif's Cone|Fallen Empires}} was a second attempt to make a cone for Don Felice.<ref name=":0">[http://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/media.wizards.com/2021/podcasts/magic/drivetowork858_vanitycards_Jsd77whf.mp3 Mark Rosewater (August 6, 2021), "Vanity Cards" ''Drive to Work.'']</ref> | *{{card|Feldon's Cane|Antiquities}} {{-}} originally named "Feldon's Ice Cone", which was an anagram for "[[Don Felice]]'s Cone".<ref name="Words of Magic" /> | ||
*{{card|Ifh-Bíff Efreet|Arabian Nights}} {{-}} "Ifh-Bíff" was a childhood nickname for Richard Garfield's sister, Elizabeth<ref name="Words of Magic"> | **{{card|Delif's Cone|Fallen Empires}} was a second attempt to make a cone for Don Felice.<ref name=":0">[http://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/media.wizards.com/2021/podcasts/magic/drivetowork858_vanitycards_Jsd77whf.mp3 Mark Rosewater (August 6, 2021), "Vanity Cards" ''Drive to Work.'']</ref><ref name="Words of Magic" /> | ||
*{{card|Jalum Tome|Antiquities}} {{-}} named for [[Joel Mick|Joel L. Mick]] (JLM), "Jalum" is a shortened version of "Jay-el-em" | *{{card|Ifh-Bíff Efreet|Arabian Nights}} {{-}} "Ifh-Bíff" was a childhood nickname for Richard Garfield's sister, Elizabeth. Elizabeth was married to "Herman"({{card|Erhnam Djinn}}).<ref name="Words of Magic">{{WebRef|url=http://www.allenvarney.com/av_mgcwords.html|title=Words of Magic|author=Allen Varney|date=1995}}</ref><ref name="Trivial Pursuit"/> | ||
*{{card|Jalum Tome|Antiquities}} {{-}} named for [[Joel Mick|Joel L. Mick]] (JLM), "Jalum" is a shortened version of "Jay-el-em."<ref name="Words of Magic"/><ref name="Trivial Pursuit"/> | |||
**{{card|Jalum Grifter|Unglued}}<ref>[[Mark Rosewater|Ma "Mark Rosewater" Ro]] (October 1998), ''Chickens and Cows and Clams, Oh My'', [[The Duelist]] #30</ref> | **{{card|Jalum Grifter|Unglued}}<ref>[[Mark Rosewater|Ma "Mark Rosewater" Ro]] (October 1998), ''Chickens and Cows and Clams, Oh My'', [[The Duelist]] #30</ref> | ||
*{{card|Jayemdae Tome|Alpha}} {{-}} named for [[Mike Davis|J. Michael Davis]]<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/bursting-flavor-2003-02-24|Bursting with Flavor|[[Mark Rosewater]]|February 24, 2003}}</ref> (JMD), "Jayemdae" is a shortened version of "Jay-emm-dee" | *{{card|Jayemdae Tome|Alpha}} {{-}} named for [[Mike Davis|J. Michael Davis]]<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/bursting-flavor-2003-02-24|Bursting with Flavor|[[Mark Rosewater]]|February 24, 2003}}</ref><ref name="Trivial Pursuit">{{DailyRef|making-magic/trivial-pursuit-whats-in-a-name|Trivial Pursuit: What's in a Name?|[[Mark Rosewater]]|January 9, 2023}}</ref> (JMD), "Jayemdae" is a shortened version of "Jay-emm-dee"<ref name="Words of Magic" /> | ||
*{{card|Joven||HML}}, {{card|Joven's Ferrets||HML}}, {{card|Joven's Tools|Homelands}} {{-}} reference to [[Kyle Namvar]], one of the designers of ''Homelands''. Joven was his nickname.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/top-8-and-half-tales-2014-11-24|Top 8 and a Half Tales|[[Mark Rosewater]]|November 24, 2014}}</ref> | *{{card|Joven||HML}}, {{card|Joven's Ferrets||HML}}, {{card|Joven's Tools|Homelands}} {{-}} reference to [[Kyle Namvar]], one of the designers of ''Homelands''. Joven was his nickname.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/top-8-and-half-tales-2014-11-24|Top 8 and a Half Tales|[[Mark Rosewater]]|November 24, 2014}}</ref> | ||
*{{card|Leshrac's Sigil|Ice Age}} {{-}} "Leshrac" is an anagram of "Charles", a reference to the middle name of early ''Magic'' [[playtest]]er [[Chris Page]].<ref name="Words of Magic" /> | *{{card|Leshrac's Sigil|Ice Age}} {{-}} "Leshrac" is an anagram of "Charles", a reference to the middle name of early ''Magic'' [[playtest]]er [[Chris Page]].<ref name="Words of Magic" /> | ||
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**{{card|Multani, Maro-Sorcerer|Urza's Legacy}} | **{{card|Multani, Maro-Sorcerer|Urza's Legacy}} | ||
**{{card|Maro's Gone Nuts|Mystery Booster|CMB1}} | **{{card|Maro's Gone Nuts|Mystery Booster|CMB1}} | ||
*{{card|Mijae Djinn}} and {{card|Ydwen Efreet}} {{-}} Mijae and Ydwen are anagrams of "Jamie" and "Wendy," two of Richard Garfield's best friends who got married while he was designing the set. He was the best man.<ref name="Words of Magic" /> | **{{card|Greensleeves, Maro-Sorcerer|Dominaria United Commander|DMC}} | ||
**{{card|Territorial Maro|Dominaria United}} | |||
*{{card|Mijae Djinn}} and {{card|Ydwen Efreet}} {{-}} Mijae and Ydwen are anagrams of "Jamie" and "Wendy," two of Richard Garfield's best friends who got married while he was designing the set. He was the best man.<ref name="Words of Magic" /><ref name="Trivial Pursuit"/> | |||
*{{card|Mons's Goblin Raiders|Alpha}} {{-}} [[Mons Johnson]]<ref>{{DailyRef|daily-deck/mons-johnsons-goblin-raider-circus-2015-06-30|Mons Johnson's Goblin Raider Circus|[[Melissa DeTora]]|June 30, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/159799557253/mark-its-my-birthday-could-i-get-some-trivia-on|title=Could I get some trivia on my favorite creature type, Goblins!|April 20, 2017}}</ref> | *{{card|Mons's Goblin Raiders|Alpha}} {{-}} [[Mons Johnson]]<ref>{{DailyRef|daily-deck/mons-johnsons-goblin-raider-circus-2015-06-30|Mons Johnson's Goblin Raider Circus|[[Melissa DeTora]]|June 30, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/159799557253/mark-its-my-birthday-could-i-get-some-trivia-on|title=Could I get some trivia on my favorite creature type, Goblins!|April 20, 2017}}</ref> | ||
**{{card|Mons's Goblin Waiters|Unhinged}} | **{{card|Mons's Goblin Waiters|Unhinged}} | ||
**{{card|Pashalik Mons|Modern Horizons}}<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/185204468968/isnt-pashalik-mons-considered-a-vanity-card|title=Isn't "Pashalik Mons" considered a vanity card?|May 28, 2019}}</ref> | **{{card|Pashalik Mons|Modern Horizons}}<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/185204468968/isnt-pashalik-mons-considered-a-vanity-card|title=Isn't "Pashalik Mons" considered a vanity card?|May 28, 2019}}</ref> | ||
*{{card|Nevinyrral's Disk|Alpha}} {{-}} is named after sci-fi author Larry Niven, of whom Richard Garfield was a fan.<ref name=":0" /> (Nevinyrral is Larry Niven | **{{card|Rulik Mons, Warren Chief|Dominaria United}} | ||
*{{card|Nevinyrral's Disk|Alpha}} {{-}} is named after sci-fi author Larry Niven, of whom Richard Garfield was a fan.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="Words of Magic" /> (Nevinyrral is Larry Niven backward). | |||
**{{card|Nevinyrral, Urborg Tyrant|Commander Legends}} | |||
*{{card|Richard Garfield, PhD|Unhinged}} {{-}} [[Richard Garfield]] | *{{card|Richard Garfield, PhD|Unhinged}} {{-}} [[Richard Garfield]] | ||
**{{card|Phelddagrif|Alliances}}<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/18599108601/hey-mark-i-was-wondering-if-you-guys-were|title=Are you planning on coming out with any more phelddagrifs.?|March 2, 2012}}</ref> an anagram of "Garfield, PhD" | **{{card|Phelddagrif|Alliances}}<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/18599108601/hey-mark-i-was-wondering-if-you-guys-were|title=Are you planning on coming out with any more phelddagrifs.?|March 2, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Trivial Pursuit"/> an anagram of "Garfield, PhD" | ||
**{{card|Questing Phelddagrif|Planeshift}} | **{{card|Questing Phelddagrif|Planeshift}} | ||
*<c>Phelia, Exuberant Shepherd</c> {{-}} [[Michael Majors]]' dog Ophelia.<ref>{{YouTubeRef|7AWQgFxG4iQ|An Ode to Magic - Modern Horizons 3 Debut - Magic: The Gathering|channel=Magic: The Gathering|date=May 21, 2024}}</ref> | |||
*{{card|Rysorian Badger|Homelands}} {{-}} named for editor Rhias Hall, who was also known at the time as "Auntie Badger"<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/duelist-companion-2010-08-17|The Duelist Companion|[[Monty Ashley]]|August 17, 2010}}</ref> | *{{card|Rysorian Badger|Homelands}} {{-}} named for editor Rhias Hall, who was also known at the time as "Auntie Badger"<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/duelist-companion-2010-08-17|The Duelist Companion|[[Monty Ashley]]|August 17, 2010}}</ref> | ||
*{{card|Telim Tor|Mirage}} {{-}} An anagram of designer Elliot Segal's nickname, "Mr. Toilet".<ref name=":0" /> | *{{card|Telim Tor|Mirage}} {{-}} An anagram of designer Elliot Segal's nickname, "Mr. Toilet".<ref name=":0" /> | ||
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==Characters== | ==Characters== | ||
* | *<c>Arna Kennerüd, Skycaptain</c> {{-}} named after the future husband of [[Darla Kennerud]].<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/card-day-december-2008-2008-12-01|Card of the Day - December, 2008|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|December 1, 2008}}</ref> | ||
**{{card|Tura Kennerüd, Skyknight}} | |||
*[[Orim]] {{-}} originally concepted as a minor character, ''[[Weatherlight]]'' co-creator Mike Ryan named her "Oram" ([[Mark Rosewater|MaRo]] backwards) as a joke, but the team kept the name, changing the A to an I for readability.<ref>{{DailyRef|card-day-may-2007-2007-05-01|Card of the Day - May, 2007|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|May 1, 2007|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017182417/https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/card-day-may-2007-2007-05-01|archivedate=October 17, 2021}}</ref> | |||
==In the grey area== | ==In the grey area== | ||
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*<c>Timbermare</c> {{-}} Tribute to Mare Wakefield, wife of long-time ''Magic'' writer Jamie Wakefield, who was lost to cancer<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/29383001850/is-thundermare-a-vanity-card-or-an-easter-egg|title=Is Timbermare a vanity card or an easter egg?|August 13, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/94927332218/just-learned-that-timbermare-is-a-vanity-card-with|title=Just learned that Timbermare is a vanity card with a lovely story.|August 16, 2014}}</ref> | *<c>Timbermare</c> {{-}} Tribute to Mare Wakefield, wife of long-time ''Magic'' writer Jamie Wakefield, who was lost to cancer<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/29383001850/is-thundermare-a-vanity-card-or-an-easter-egg|title=Is Timbermare a vanity card or an easter egg?|August 13, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/94927332218/just-learned-that-timbermare-is-a-vanity-card-with|title=Just learned that Timbermare is a vanity card with a lovely story.|August 16, 2014}}</ref> | ||
*{{card|Presence of the Master|Legends}} {{-}} depicts [[Wikipedia:Albert Einstein|Albert Einstein]]<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/146731128153/so-vanity-cards-are-out-what-about-cards-based-on|title=What about cards based on historical people like Presence of the Master?|June 30, 2016}}</ref> | *{{card|Presence of the Master|Legends}} {{-}} depicts [[Wikipedia:Albert Einstein|Albert Einstein]]<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/146731128153/so-vanity-cards-are-out-what-about-cards-based-on|title=What about cards based on historical people like Presence of the Master?|June 30, 2016}}</ref> | ||
*<c>Research // Development</c> {{-}} references [[R&D]]<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/158090514163/is-research-development-a-vanity-card|title=Is "Research // Development" a vanity card?|March 6, 2017}}</ref> | *<c>Research // Development</c> {{-}} references [[R&D]], but is a stock corporate phrase or department name<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/158090514163/is-research-development-a-vanity-card|title=Is "Research // Development" a vanity card?|March 6, 2017}}</ref> | ||
*The employee dogs from ''[[Secret Lair Drop Series: Every Dog Has Its Day]]''.<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/627010237165174784/can-you-confirm-or-deny-that-the-art-andor-names|title=Can you confirm or deny that the art and/or names in the new flavor texts are vanity cards for R&D's dogs?|August 20, 2020}}</ref> | *The employee dogs from ''[[Secret Lair Drop Series: Every Dog Has Its Day]]''.<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/627010237165174784/can-you-confirm-or-deny-that-the-art-andor-names|title=Can you confirm or deny that the art and/or names in the new flavor texts are vanity cards for R&D's dogs?|August 20, 2020}}</ref> | ||
*{{Card|Elkin Bottle|Ice Age}} {{-}} is an anagram of [[Wikipedia:Klein bottle|Klein Bottle]], which in turn is named after [[Wikipedia:Felix Klein|Felix Klein]]. | *{{Card|Elkin Bottle|Ice Age}} {{-}} is an anagram of [[Wikipedia:Klein bottle|Klein Bottle]], which in turn is named after [[Wikipedia:Felix Klein|Felix Klein]].<ref name="Trivial Pursuit"/> | ||
*{{Card|Bosium Strip|Weatherlight}} {{-}} is an anagram of [[Wikipedia:Möbius strip|Mobius strip]], which in turn is named after [[Wikipedia:August Ferdinand Möbius|August Ferdinand Möbius]]. | *{{Card|Bosium Strip|Weatherlight}} {{-}} is an anagram of [[Wikipedia:Möbius strip|Mobius strip]], which in turn is named after [[Wikipedia:August Ferdinand Möbius|August Ferdinand Möbius]].<ref name="Trivial Pursuit"/> | ||
*{{card|Ecstatic Beauty|Doctor Who}} {{-}} depicts [[Wikipedia:Vincent van Gogh|Vincent van Gogh]]. | |||
==References== | ==References== |
Latest revision as of 06:29, 1 July 2024
A Magic: The Gathering vanity card is a card where some creative element references someone who works on the game (or sometimes someone close to someone who works on the game).[1]
History
Early Magic had a slew of vanity cards.[2] R&D chose to stop doing them regularly.[3] The vanity rules now prevent making vanity cards of Wizards employees; however, the specifics are not public. [4] The concern is that vanity cards influence how people behind the scenes make choices about cards, and make ill will among the staff.[5][6] Words from existing vanity cards are grandfathered in and thus can be reprinted.[7][8] Vanity cards differ from Easter Eggs due to the latter referencing Magic itself and not a person behind the scenes. Easter Eggs (both about Magic and about the outside world) are still allowable.[9]
As part of 2024's MagicFest playtest cards, Gavin Verhey paid tribute to dozens of content creators and famous players, with names and mechanical design leaning strongly into their non-legality. As they are not employees, they are not strictly vanity cards.
List of vanity cards
- Adarkar Sentinel, Adarkar Unicorn, Adarkar Valkyrie, and Adarkar Wastes (Ice Age) — named for Skaff Elias' friend Aditya Adarkar.[10]
- Barry's Land, named after Barry Reich.
- Deb Thomas (Celebration card), created in honor of Deborah Thomas, CFO of Hasbro, at her retirement.
- Eladamri, Lord of Leaves (Tempest) — named as a tribute to Michael G. Ryan's mother Irma and his stepfather Dale.[11]
- Emmessi Tome (Tempest) — named for Michael S. Elliott[12][13] (MSE), "Emmessi" is a shortened version of "Emm-ess-ee"
- Erhnam Djinn (Arabian Nights) — "Erhnam" is an anagram of "Herman," Richard Garfield's then brother-in-law[14][13]
- Feldon's Cane (Antiquities) — originally named "Feldon's Ice Cone", which was an anagram for "Don Felice's Cone".[14]
- Delif's Cone (Fallen Empires) was a second attempt to make a cone for Don Felice.[15][14]
- Ifh-Bíff Efreet (Arabian Nights) — "Ifh-Bíff" was a childhood nickname for Richard Garfield's sister, Elizabeth. Elizabeth was married to "Herman"(Erhnam Djinn).[14][13]
- Jalum Tome (Antiquities) — named for Joel L. Mick (JLM), "Jalum" is a shortened version of "Jay-el-em."[14][13]
- Jayemdae Tome (Alpha) — named for J. Michael Davis[17][13] (JMD), "Jayemdae" is a shortened version of "Jay-emm-dee"[14]
- Joven, Joven's Ferrets, Joven's Tools (Homelands) — reference to Kyle Namvar, one of the designers of Homelands. Joven was his nickname.[18]
- Leshrac's Sigil (Ice Age) — "Leshrac" is an anagram of "Charles", a reference to the middle name of early Magic playtester Chris Page.[14]
- Maro (Mirage) — short for Mark Rosewater[19][20]
- Adamaro, First to Desire (Saviors of Kamigawa)[21]
- Kagemaro, First to Suffer (Saviors of Kamigawa)
- Kiyomaro, First to Stand (Saviors of Kamigawa)
- Masumaro, First to Live (Saviors of Kamigawa)
- Soramaro, First to Dream (Saviors of Kamigawa)[21]
- Molimo, Maro-Sorcerer (Invasion)
- Multani, Maro-Sorcerer (Urza's Legacy)
- Maro's Gone Nuts (Mystery Booster)
- Greensleeves, Maro-Sorcerer (Dominaria United Commander)
- Territorial Maro (Dominaria United)
- Mijae Djinn and Ydwen Efreet — Mijae and Ydwen are anagrams of "Jamie" and "Wendy," two of Richard Garfield's best friends who got married while he was designing the set. He was the best man.[14][13]
- Mons's Goblin Raiders (Alpha) — Mons Johnson[22][23]
- Nevinyrral's Disk (Alpha) — is named after sci-fi author Larry Niven, of whom Richard Garfield was a fan.[15][14] (Nevinyrral is Larry Niven backward).
- Richard Garfield, PhD (Unhinged) — Richard Garfield
- Phelddagrif (Alliances)[25][13] an anagram of "Garfield, PhD"
- Questing Phelddagrif (Planeshift)
- Phelia, Exuberant Shepherd — Michael Majors' dog Ophelia.[26]
- Rysorian Badger (Homelands) — named for editor Rhias Hall, who was also known at the time as "Auntie Badger"[27]
- Telim Tor (Mirage) — An anagram of designer Elliot Segal's nickname, "Mr. Toilet".[15]
- Wyluli Wolf — Wyluli is an anagram of Lily Wu, the maiden name of Richard Garfield's first wife[14]
- All Invitational Cards with the likeness of the professional player in the art[28]
Characters
- Arna Kennerüd, Skycaptain — named after the future husband of Darla Kennerud.[29]
- Orim — originally concepted as a minor character, Weatherlight co-creator Mike Ryan named her "Oram" (MaRo backwards) as a joke, but the team kept the name, changing the A to an I for readability.[30]
In the grey area
- Selenia, Dark Angel — named after Michael Ryan's cat Selena, which itself was named after a character from a role-playing game Michael played in.[31]
- Timbermare — Tribute to Mare Wakefield, wife of long-time Magic writer Jamie Wakefield, who was lost to cancer[32][33]
- Presence of the Master (Legends) — depicts Albert Einstein[34]
- Research // Development — references R&D, but is a stock corporate phrase or department name[35]
- The employee dogs from Secret Lair Drop Series: Every Dog Has Its Day.[36]
- Elkin Bottle (Ice Age) — is an anagram of Klein Bottle, which in turn is named after Felix Klein.[13]
- Bosium Strip (Weatherlight) — is an anagram of Mobius strip, which in turn is named after August Ferdinand Möbius.[13]
- Ecstatic Beauty (Doctor Who) — depicts Vincent van Gogh.
References
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (January 30, 2014). "What is a vanity card?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (March 4, 2018). "Is Maro the only reference to Magic staff outside of silver border?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (August 16, 2014). "what's a 'vanity' card?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (November 21, 2018). "Would a Nevinyrral card not violate the rule against vanity cards?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (April 10, 2018). "Does the opposition to vanity cards extend to silver-border? If so, why?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (June 5, 2016). "What is the reasoning behind the no vanity cards rule?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (June 4, 2016). "Is the Phelddagrif creature type doomed to never have another creature again?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (May 5, 2015). "Could Maro never be reprinted in a future set?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (August 05, 2012). "In ROE there was a card named Enatu Golem, which is an acronym for Mega Onulet.". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Skaff Elias (August 2, 2004). "The Dawn of Magic's Ice Age". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater, Top Ten secrets behind Tempest card names, The Duelist #21 (January 1998), p. 19
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (une 16, 2013). "Which is Mike Elliot's vanity card?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i Mark Rosewater (January 9, 2023). "Trivial Pursuit: What's in a Name?". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i j Allen Varney (1995). "Words of Magic"
- ↑ a b c Mark Rosewater (August 6, 2021), "Vanity Cards" Drive to Work.
- ↑ Ma "Mark Rosewater" Ro (October 1998), Chickens and Cows and Clams, Oh My, The Duelist #30
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (February 24, 2003). "Bursting with Flavor". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (November 24, 2014). "Top 8 and a Half Tales". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (December 2, 2002). "There's Always Two Maro". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (March 5, 2016). "What's a vanity creature?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ a b Mark Rosewater (October 12, 2013). "Couldn't you team up with Doug Beyer to sneak some vanity cards past everyone else?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Melissa DeTora (June 30, 2015). "Mons Johnson's Goblin Raider Circus". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (April 20, 2017). "Could I get some trivia on my favorite creature type, Goblins!". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (May 28, 2019). "Isn't "Pashalik Mons" considered a vanity card?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (March 2, 2012). "Are you planning on coming out with any more phelddagrifs.?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ An Ode to Magic - Modern Horizons 3 Debut - Magic: The Gathering (Video). Magic: The Gathering. YouTube (May 21, 2024).
- ↑ Monty Ashley (August 17, 2010). "The Duelist Companion". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (June 4, 2016). "When you say vanity cards do you also mean cards like Avalanche Riders?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (December 1, 2008). "Card of the Day - December, 2008". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (May 1, 2007). "Card of the Day - May, 2007". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on October 17, 2021.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (November 23, 2020). "How Trivial". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (August 13, 2012). "Is Timbermare a vanity card or an easter egg?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (August 16, 2014). "Just learned that Timbermare is a vanity card with a lovely story.". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (June 30, 2016). "What about cards based on historical people like Presence of the Master?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (March 6, 2017). "Is "Research // Development" a vanity card?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (August 20, 2020). "Can you confirm or deny that the art and/or names in the new flavor texts are vanity cards for R&D's dogs?". Blogatog. Tumblr.