Odyssey: Difference between revisions

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   |size = 350<br/><small>(20 basic lands, 110 commons, 110 uncommons, 110 rares)</small>
   |size = 350<br/><small>(20 basic lands, 110 commons, 110 uncommons, 110 rares)</small>
   |code_expansion = ODY
   |code_expansion = ODY
   |code_expansion_ref=<ref>{{NewRef|ask-wizards-august-2004-2004-08-02|Ask Wizards - August, 2004|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|August 02, 2004}}</ref>
   |code_expansion_ref=<ref>{{DailyRef|ask-wizards-august-2004-2004-08-02|Ask Wizards - August, 2004|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|August 02, 2004}}</ref>
   |code_development = Argon
   |code_development = Argon
   |series = [[Odyssey block]]
   |series = [[Odyssey block]]
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   |next = [[Deckmasters 2001]]
   |next = [[Deckmasters 2001]]
}}
}}
'''''Odyssey''''' is the first set in the [[Odyssey block]]. It is the 24th ''[[Magic: The Gathering|Magic]]'' expansion and was released on October 1, 2001.<ref name="Announcing">{{NewRef|eighth-edition-rollout-odyssey-2003-06-11|''Eighth Edition'' Rollout: ''Odyssey''|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|June 11, 2003}}</ref> The [[prerelease]] was on September 22–23, 2001.<ref>[http://www.wizards.com/magic/expert/odyssey/magicodyssey/prere_main.asp ''Odyssey'' Prerelease Information] {{-}} [[Wizards of the Coast]]</ref>
'''''Odyssey''''' is the first set in the [[Odyssey block]]. It is the 24th ''[[Magic: The Gathering|Magic]]'' expansion and was released on October 1, 2001.<ref name="Announcing">{{DailyRef|eighth-edition-rollout-odyssey-2003-06-11|''Eighth Edition'' Rollout: ''Odyssey''|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|June 11, 2003}}</ref> The [[prerelease]] was on September 22–23, 2001.<ref>[http://www.wizards.com/magic/expert/odyssey/magicodyssey/prere_main.asp ''Odyssey'' Prerelease Information] {{-}} [[Wizards of the Coast]]</ref>


==Set details==
==Set details==
''Odyssey'' contains 350 black-[[border]]ed cards (110 rare, 110 uncommon, 110 common, and 20 basic lands). ''Odyssey's'' [[expansion symbol]] is a representation of the [[mirari]].<ref>{{NewRef|ask-wizards-october-2006-2006-10-02|Ask Wizards|[[Brady Dommermuth]]|October 31, 2006}}</ref> Alongside ''[[Torment]]'' and ''[[Judgment]]'', the second and third expansions of the Odyssey block, ''Odyssey'' was a graveyard-focused ("graveyard matters") expansion.<ref name="Grave Consequences, Part 1">{{NewRef|feature/grave-consequences-part-1-2011-11-14|Grave Consequences, Part 1|[[Mark Rosewater]]|November 14, 2011}}</ref> All the [[colors]] interact with the graveyard and use it as a [[resource]], though [[green]] and [[black]] are the strongest graveyard colors. Previously, the graveyard rarely affected gameplay, but ''Odyssey'' 's cards forced players to constantly keep track of both graveyards at all times. For ''Odyssey'', a new story began in a new setting with a new cast of characters.
''Odyssey'' contains 350 black-[[border]]ed cards (110 rare, 110 uncommon, 110 common, and 20 basic lands). ''Odyssey's'' [[expansion symbol]] is a representation of the [[mirari]].<ref>{{DailyRef|ask-wizards-october-2006-2006-10-02|Ask Wizards|[[Brady Dommermuth]]|October 31, 2006}}</ref> Alongside ''[[Torment]]'' and ''[[Judgment]]'', the second and third expansions of the Odyssey block, ''Odyssey'' was a graveyard-focused ("graveyard matters") expansion.<ref name="Grave Consequences, Part 1">{{DailyRef|feature/grave-consequences-part-1-2011-11-14|Grave Consequences, Part 1|[[Mark Rosewater]]|November 14, 2011}}</ref> All the [[colors]] interact with the graveyard and use it as a [[resource]], though [[green]] and [[black]] are the strongest graveyard colors. Previously, the graveyard rarely affected gameplay, but ''Odyssey'' 's cards forced players to constantly keep track of both graveyards at all times. For ''Odyssey'', a new story began in a new setting with a new cast of characters.


===Marketing===
===Marketing===
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* A number of <c>Cephalid Looter</c> cards were misprinted with the creature subtype Wizard in addition to Cephalid instead of merely Cephalid.<ref>Pete Hoefling. (2005.) [http://www.starcitygames.com/magic/misc/9015_Insider_Trading_2.html "Insider Trading #2"], [[StarCityGames.com]].</ref>
* A number of <c>Cephalid Looter</c> cards were misprinted with the creature subtype Wizard in addition to Cephalid instead of merely Cephalid.<ref>Pete Hoefling. (2005.) [http://www.starcitygames.com/magic/misc/9015_Insider_Trading_2.html "Insider Trading #2"], [[StarCityGames.com]].</ref>
** As of the [[Grand Creature Type Update]], the card has since gained a class subtype of Rogue; as such, Cephalid Looter's subtypes are now officially Cephalid Rogue.
** As of the [[Grand Creature Type Update]], the card has since gained a class subtype of Rogue; as such, Cephalid Looter's subtypes are now officially Cephalid Rogue.
*<c>Bash to Bits</c> by [[Matt Cavotta]] was miscredited to Gary Ruddell.<ref>{{NewRef|arcana/cavottas-bits-2002-04-11|Cavotta's Bits|[[Magic Arcana]]|April 11, 2002}}</ref>
*<c>Bash to Bits</c> by [[Matt Cavotta]] was miscredited to Gary Ruddell.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/cavottas-bits-2002-04-11|Cavotta's Bits|[[Magic Arcana]]|April 11, 2002}}</ref>


===Critical reception and tournament impact===
===Critical reception and tournament impact===
While by no means comparable to the power level of the [[Urza block]] expansion sets but also incomparable to the dearth of power in [[Masques block]], ''Odyssey'' and its subsequent expansion sets were moderately powerful. However, it nevertheless received a mixed reception from players, who were "forced" to play ''Magic'' with the graveyard in mind.<ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/leading-horse-water-2009-10-05|Leading a Horse to Water|[[Mark Rosewater]]|October 5, 2009}}</ref>
While by no means comparable to the power level of the [[Urza block]] expansion sets but also incomparable to the dearth of power in [[Masques block]], ''Odyssey'' and its subsequent expansion sets were moderately powerful. However, it nevertheless received a mixed reception from players, who were "forced" to play ''Magic'' with the graveyard in mind.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/leading-horse-water-2009-10-05|Leading a Horse to Water|[[Mark Rosewater]]|October 5, 2009}}</ref>


''Magic'' writer Abe Sargent of [[StarCityGames.com]] wrote that, of 350 cards, of which 20 are basic lands, only four — <c>Wild Mongrel</c>, <c>Psychatog</c>, <c>Upheaval</c>, and <c>Roar of the Wurm</c> — were good.<ref>{{WebRef|url=http://www.starcitygames.com/magic/misc/4511-Do-You-REMEMBER-What-The-Old-Sets-Were-Like.html|title=Do You REMEMBER What The Old Sets Were Like?|author=Abe Sargent}}</ref> However, he noted that the expansion was influential in establishing the graveyard as a relevant zone of the game. D. Gran, also of StarCityGames.com, however, listed <c>Braids, Cabal Minion</c> and <c>Entomb</c> as tournament-worthy cards from the set.<ref>{{WebRef|url=http://www.starcitygames.com/article/5731_The-Top-10-Broken-Cards-In-Odyssey-Block.html|title=The Top 10 Broken Cards in Odyssey Block|author=D. Gran}}</ref>
''Magic'' writer Abe Sargent of [[StarCityGames.com]] wrote that, of 350 cards, of which 20 are basic lands, only four — <c>Wild Mongrel</c>, <c>Psychatog</c>, <c>Upheaval</c>, and <c>Roar of the Wurm</c> — were good.<ref>{{WebRef|url=http://www.starcitygames.com/magic/misc/4511-Do-You-REMEMBER-What-The-Old-Sets-Were-Like.html|title=Do You REMEMBER What The Old Sets Were Like?|author=Abe Sargent}}</ref> However, he noted that the expansion was influential in establishing the graveyard as a relevant zone of the game. D. Gran, also of StarCityGames.com, however, listed <c>Braids, Cabal Minion</c> and <c>Entomb</c> as tournament-worthy cards from the set.<ref>{{WebRef|url=http://www.starcitygames.com/article/5731_The-Top-10-Broken-Cards-In-Odyssey-Block.html|title=The Top 10 Broken Cards in Odyssey Block|author=D. Gran}}</ref>
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===Tokens===
===Tokens===
Several [[token]]s for ''Odyssey'' cards were offered as [[Magic Player Reward]]s.<ref>{{NewRef|player-rewards-tokens-2002-05-27|Player Rewards tokens|[[Magic Arcana]]|May 27, 2002}}</ref>
Several [[token]]s for ''Odyssey'' cards were offered as [[Magic Player Reward]]s.<ref>{{DailyRef|player-rewards-tokens-2002-05-27|Player Rewards tokens|[[Magic Arcana]]|May 27, 2002}}</ref>
*2/2 [[Bear]] for <c>Bearscape</c>
*2/2 [[Bear]] for <c>Bearscape</c>
*4/4 [[Beast]] for <c>Beast Attack</c>
*4/4 [[Beast]] for <c>Beast Attack</c>
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*2/2 [[Zombie]] for <c>Zombie Infestation</c>
*2/2 [[Zombie]] for <c>Zombie Infestation</c>
*3/3 [[Elephant]] for <c>Call of the Herd</c> and <c>Elephant Ambush</c>
*3/3 [[Elephant]] for <c>Call of the Herd</c> and <c>Elephant Ambush</c>
*6/6 [[Wurm]] for <c>Roar of the Wurm</c><ref>{{NewRef|arcana/bambi-meets-wurm-2002-12-26|Bambi Meets Wurm|[[Magic Arcana]]|December 26, 2002}}</ref>
*6/6 [[Wurm]] for <c>Roar of the Wurm</c><ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/bambi-meets-wurm-2002-12-26|Bambi Meets Wurm|[[Magic Arcana]]|December 26, 2002}}</ref>


The 1/1 Spirit token with flying for <c>Kirtar's Wrath</c> only appeared in [[Magic Online]].<ref>{{NewRef|unseen-tokens-2002-07-30|Unseen tokens|[[Magic Arcana]]|July 30, 2002}}</ref>
The 1/1 Spirit token with flying for <c>Kirtar's Wrath</c> only appeared in [[Magic Online]].<ref>{{DailyRef|unseen-tokens-2002-07-30|Unseen tokens|[[Magic Arcana]]|July 30, 2002}}</ref>


==Themes and mechanics==
==Themes and mechanics==
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In addition to the "graveyard matters" theme, ''Odyssey'' had a minor token subtheme, as reflected in the number of token-generating cards, and a significant number of cards with activated abilities involving discarding cards from one's hand or sacrificing permanents.
In addition to the "graveyard matters" theme, ''Odyssey'' had a minor token subtheme, as reflected in the number of token-generating cards, and a significant number of cards with activated abilities involving discarding cards from one's hand or sacrificing permanents.


Odyssey block is said to be the spiritual predecessor of [[Innistrad block]] due to the thematic similarities, namely, the emphasis on the graveyard.<ref>{{NewRef|feature/every-two-sides-has-story-2011-08-29|Every Two Sides Has a Story|[[Mark Rosewater]]|August 29, 2011}}</ref> Interestingly, both blocks share the mechanic Flashback.<ref>{{NewRef|feature/cmon-innistrad-part-2-2011-09-12|C'mon ''Innistrad'', Part 2|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 12, 2011}}</ref>
Odyssey block is said to be the spiritual predecessor of [[Innistrad block]] due to the thematic similarities, namely, the emphasis on the graveyard.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/every-two-sides-has-story-2011-08-29|Every Two Sides Has a Story|[[Mark Rosewater]]|August 29, 2011}}</ref> Interestingly, both blocks share the mechanic Flashback.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/cmon-innistrad-part-2-2011-09-12|C'mon ''Innistrad'', Part 2|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 12, 2011}}</ref>


===Creature types===
===Creature types===
In order to establish a distinct setting from the [[Weatherlight Saga]], a majority of common [[creature type]]s from the [[Weatherlight Saga]], such as [[elves]] and [[goblin]]s, were removed and replaced with completely novel or unusual tribes, including, but not limited to, [[barbarian]]s, [[bird]]s (avens), [[centaur]]s, [[cephalid]]s,<ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/heres-looking-you-squid-2002-02-04|Here's Looking at You, Squid|[[Mark Rosewater]]|February 04, 2002}}</ref> [[druid]]s, [[dwarves]], and Nantuko [[insect]]s.
In order to establish a distinct setting from the [[Weatherlight Saga]], a majority of common [[creature type]]s from the [[Weatherlight Saga]], such as [[elves]] and [[goblin]]s, were removed and replaced with completely novel or unusual tribes, including, but not limited to, [[barbarian]]s, [[bird]]s (avens), [[centaur]]s, [[cephalid]]s,<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/heres-looking-you-squid-2002-02-04|Here's Looking at You, Squid|[[Mark Rosewater]]|February 04, 2002}}</ref> [[druid]]s, [[dwarves]], and Nantuko [[insect]]s.


The creature types [[Antelope]], [[Cephalid]], and [[Squirrel]] were introduced in ''Odyssey''. The creature types [[Guardian]] and [[Townsfolk]] were used in this expansion at the time of printing but were later removed.
The creature types [[Antelope]], [[Cephalid]], and [[Squirrel]] were introduced in ''Odyssey''. The creature types [[Guardian]] and [[Townsfolk]] were used in this expansion at the time of printing but were later removed.


==Cycles==
==Cycles==
''Odyssey'' features 15 cycles,<ref name="Sets of Five">{{NewRef|feature/sets-five-part-ii-2002-07-17|Sets of Five, Part 2|[[Ben Bleiweiss]]|July 17, 2002}}</ref> many of which are [[#Allied-colored cycles|allied-colored cycles]].
''Odyssey'' features 15 cycles,<ref name="Sets of Five">{{DailyRef|feature/sets-five-part-ii-2002-07-17|Sets of Five, Part 2|[[Ben Bleiweiss]]|July 17, 2002}}</ref> many of which are [[#Allied-colored cycles|allied-colored cycles]].
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Cycle name
! Cycle name
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|-
|-
|'''Bursts'''
|'''Bursts'''
|Each of these common instant or sorcery spells has an effect that linearly scales up by the number of similarly named cards in all [[graveyard]]s.<br/>Two of these spells, namely <c>Flame Burst</c> and <c>Muscle Burst</c>, also scaled with the number of cards named <c>Pardic Firecat</c> and <c>Diligent Farmhand</c>, respectively, in all graveyards.<br/>These five spells were inspired by <c>Kindle</c> (''[[Tempest]]'') and <c>Accumulated Knowledge</c> (''[[Nemesis]]'').<ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/finding-good-mechanic-2002-01-21|Finding a Good Mechanic|[[Mark Rosewater]]|January 21, 2002}}</ref>
|Each of these common instant or sorcery spells has an effect that linearly scales up by the number of similarly named cards in all [[graveyard]]s.<br/>Two of these spells, namely <c>Flame Burst</c> and <c>Muscle Burst</c>, also scaled with the number of cards named <c>Pardic Firecat</c> and <c>Diligent Farmhand</c>, respectively, in all graveyards.<br/>These five spells were inspired by <c>Kindle</c> (''[[Tempest]]'') and <c>Accumulated Knowledge</c> (''[[Nemesis]]'').<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/finding-good-mechanic-2002-01-21|Finding a Good Mechanic|[[Mark Rosewater]]|January 21, 2002}}</ref>
|<c>Life Burst</c>
|<c>Life Burst</c>
|<c>Aether Burst</c>
|<c>Aether Burst</c>
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|-
|-
|'''Spheres'''
|'''Spheres'''
|Each of these five white enchantments with an ability that reduces 2 damage of damage that would be dealt to its controller by a source of a specific color.<ref>{{NewRef|arcana/odyssey-spheres-2002-01-15|''Odyssey'' Spheres|[[Magic Arcana]]|January 15, 2002}}</ref>
|Each of these five white enchantments with an ability that reduces 2 damage of damage that would be dealt to its controller by a source of a specific color.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/odyssey-spheres-2002-01-15|''Odyssey'' Spheres|[[Magic Arcana]]|January 15, 2002}}</ref>
|<c>Sphere of Truth</c>
|<c>Sphere of Truth</c>
|<c>Sphere of Reason</c>
|<c>Sphere of Reason</c>
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|-
|-
|'''Atogs'''
|'''Atogs'''
|Each of these uncommon [[allied color|allied-color]] gold creatures with a CMC of 3 and two activated "eating" abilities, or abilities that cost a resource associated with that color to increase their power/toughness by +1/+1 per activation, that are an homage to the those of the Atog [[mega cycle]] comprising <c>Auratog</c>, <c>Chronatog</c>, <c>Necratog</c>, <c>Atog</c>, and <c>Foratog</c>.<ref>{{NewRef|feature/lexicon-archive-2002-01-15|The Lexicon Archive|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|January 15, 2002}}</ref><br/>Originally, these Atogs were conceived as "hybrids" of the original Atogs.<ref>{{NewRef|arcana/atog-breeding-2002-02-27|Atog Breeding|[[Magic Arcana]]|February 27, 2002}}</ref><br/>Of these Atogs, Psychatog was the only one to have made a significant impact on competitive ''Magic''; the abilities of the others as well as their colors were not overwhelmingly conducive to competitive ''Magic'', and there was a lack of synergy between the abilities of the other Atogs.<ref name="Grave Consequences, Part 1"/><ref>Anthony Alongi. (September 13, 2001.) [http://www.wizards.com/sideboard/article.asp?x=sb20010913a "''Odyssey'' Card Preview: Atogs"], [[Wizards of the Coast]].</ref><br/>In addition to this cycle of Atogs, ''Odyssey'' featured <c>Atogatog</c>, a legendary Atog "Lord" who ate Atogs to increase its power and toughness.<ref name="Golden Oldies">{{NewRef|golden-oldies-2009-05-18|Golden Oldies|[[Mark Rosewater]]|May 18, 2009}}</ref>
|Each of these uncommon [[allied color|allied-color]] gold creatures with a CMC of 3 and two activated "eating" abilities, or abilities that cost a resource associated with that color to increase their power/toughness by +1/+1 per activation, that are an homage to the those of the Atog [[mega cycle]] comprising <c>Auratog</c>, <c>Chronatog</c>, <c>Necratog</c>, <c>Atog</c>, and <c>Foratog</c>.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/lexicon-archive-2002-01-15|The Lexicon Archive|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|January 15, 2002}}</ref><br/>Originally, these Atogs were conceived as "hybrids" of the original Atogs.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/atog-breeding-2002-02-27|Atog Breeding|[[Magic Arcana]]|February 27, 2002}}</ref><br/>Of these Atogs, Psychatog was the only one to have made a significant impact on competitive ''Magic''; the abilities of the others as well as their colors were not overwhelmingly conducive to competitive ''Magic'', and there was a lack of synergy between the abilities of the other Atogs.<ref name="Grave Consequences, Part 1"/><ref>Anthony Alongi. (September 13, 2001.) [http://www.wizards.com/sideboard/article.asp?x=sb20010913a "''Odyssey'' Card Preview: Atogs"], [[Wizards of the Coast]].</ref><br/>In addition to this cycle of Atogs, ''Odyssey'' featured <c>Atogatog</c>, a legendary Atog "Lord" who ate Atogs to increase its power and toughness.<ref name="Golden Oldies">{{DailyRef|golden-oldies-2009-05-18|Golden Oldies|[[Mark Rosewater]]|May 18, 2009}}</ref>
|<c>Phantatog</c>
|<c>Phantatog</c>
|<c>Psychatog</c>
|<c>Psychatog</c>
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* <c>Scrivener</c>, first printed in ''Exodus''
* <c>Scrivener</c>, first printed in ''Exodus''
===Functional reprints===
===Functional reprints===
* <c>Aven Cloudchaser</c>, functional reprint of {{card|Cloudchaser Eagle|Tempest}} with additional creature type<ref>{{NewRef|arcana/aven-homage-2002-02-18|Aven homage|[[Magic Arcana]]|February 18, 2002}}</ref>
* <c>Aven Cloudchaser</c>, functional reprint of {{card|Cloudchaser Eagle|Tempest}} with additional creature type<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/aven-homage-2002-02-18|Aven homage|[[Magic Arcana]]|February 18, 2002}}</ref>
* <c>Aven Fisher</c>, functional reprint of {{card|Kingfisher|Urza's Destiny}} with additional creature type
* <c>Aven Fisher</c>, functional reprint of {{card|Kingfisher|Urza's Destiny}} with additional creature type
* <c>Battle Strain</c>, functional reprint of {{card|Heat of Battle|Stronghold}}
* <c>Battle Strain</c>, functional reprint of {{card|Heat of Battle|Stronghold}}

Revision as of 22:56, 6 April 2019

For other uses, see Odyssey (disambiguation).
Odyssey
[[File:{{#setmainimage:ODY logo.png}}|250px]]
Set Information
Set symbol
Symbol description The Mirari
Design Mark Rosewater (lead),
Mike Donais,
Richard Garfield,
William Jockusch,
Henry Stern
Development Randy Buehler (lead),
Michael Donais,
Mike Elliott,
William Jockusch,
Henry Stern
Art direction Dana Knutson & Ron Spears
Release date October 1, 2001
Plane Dominaria (Otaria)
Themes and mechanics Filter lands,
"Graveyard matters",
Token creatures,
Unusual tribes
Keywords/​ability words Flashback,
Threshold
Set size 350
(20 basic lands, 110 commons, 110 uncommons, 110 rares)
Expansion code ODY[2]
Development codename Argon
Odyssey block
'''Odyssey''' [[Torment]] [[Judgment]]
Magic: The Gathering Chronology
[[Apocalypse]] Odyssey [[Deckmasters 2001]]

Odyssey is the first set in the Odyssey block. It is the 24th Magic expansion and was released on October 1, 2001.[3] The prerelease was on September 22–23, 2001.[4]

Set details

Odyssey contains 350 black-bordered cards (110 rare, 110 uncommon, 110 common, and 20 basic lands). Odyssey's expansion symbol is a representation of the mirari.[5] Alongside Torment and Judgment, the second and third expansions of the Odyssey block, Odyssey was a graveyard-focused ("graveyard matters") expansion.[6] All the colors interact with the graveyard and use it as a resource, though green and black are the strongest graveyard colors. Previously, the graveyard rarely affected gameplay, but Odyssey 's cards forced players to constantly keep track of both graveyards at all times. For Odyssey, a new story began in a new setting with a new cast of characters.

Marketing

Odyssey was sold in 75-card tournament decks, 15-card boosters, four preconstructed theme decks and a fat pack. The booster packs featured artwork from Seton, Krosan Protector, Mirari and Aboshan, Cephalid Emperor. The prerelease featured باسلْ ليسك - الحجر واللسان (Stone-Tongue Basilisk printed in Arabic text) as the prerelease card. The set was accompanied by the novel of the same name.

Flavor and storyline

Main article: Odyssey (novel)

Odyssey is set on the continent of Otaria on the devastated plane of Dominaria, approximately a century after the events of the preceding set, Apocalypse of the Invasion block.[7]

The Odyssey block storyline features desert nomads and bird (aven) warriors of the Order; the highly advanced underwater Mer Empire of the cephalids; barbarian and dwarves of the Pardic Mountains; and the centaurs, druids, and other creatures of the Krosan Forest. Each of these civilizations struggle to survive day by day, a fact off which the Cabal, an occult and sinister organization, led by the Cabal Patriarch and includes members such as Braids and Chainer, that controls most of the land and its wealth, benefits, as it operates pit fights for entertainment of the masses and, for the one lucky pit warrior who survives, fame and fortune.

The Order, structured like an army, counts among its leaders the militaristic Kirtar, Pianna, Teroh, and Eesha, and strives to break the Cabal's iron fist over the populace. Meanwhile, the Mer Empire, led by Aboshan and his wife Llawan, and advised by Laquatus, ambassador to the Cabal, scheme for absolute control of the continent by flooding the continent and killing the "inferior air-breathers". The Krosan Forest, having survived the plague of Phyrexians, grows more self-sufficient and hostile to outsiders; but, it also has a peaceful side to its existence, with figures such as Thriss and Seton being comparably more receptive of outsiders, one of whom will be Kamahl, the protagonist of the storyline cycle and, during the events of the Odyssey novel, is a young Pardic barbarian and warrior proficient with weapons and fire magic who seeks glory within the pits of the Cabal.

In leaving behind the Pardic Mountains, where age-old territorial skirmishes between the barbarians and dwarves continue to rage on, Kamahl leaves his sister Jeska; and, in an attempt to make a name for himself, Kamahl will forge new alliances, make new friends, lose friends, and irrevocably change his fate and fortune as well as that of the continent, in no small part due to the alluring and mysterious Mirari, a magical orb that calls out to all who gaze upon it and fills their heads with delusions of grandeur and dreams of conquest.

Misprints

  • A number of Cephalid Looter cards were misprinted with the creature subtype Wizard in addition to Cephalid instead of merely Cephalid.[8]
    • As of the Grand Creature Type Update, the card has since gained a class subtype of Rogue; as such, Cephalid Looter's subtypes are now officially Cephalid Rogue.
  • Bash to Bits by Matt Cavotta was miscredited to Gary Ruddell.[9]

Critical reception and tournament impact

While by no means comparable to the power level of the Urza block expansion sets but also incomparable to the dearth of power in Masques block, Odyssey and its subsequent expansion sets were moderately powerful. However, it nevertheless received a mixed reception from players, who were "forced" to play Magic with the graveyard in mind.[10]

Magic writer Abe Sargent of StarCityGames.com wrote that, of 350 cards, of which 20 are basic lands, only four — Wild Mongrel, Psychatog, Upheaval, and Roar of the Wurm — were good.[11] However, he noted that the expansion was influential in establishing the graveyard as a relevant zone of the game. D. Gran, also of StarCityGames.com, however, listed Braids, Cabal Minion and Entomb as tournament-worthy cards from the set.[12]

Magic readers and forum-goers noted that Odyssey was a welcome departure from non-interactive and unfun Magic; however, it was also noted that Odyssey and Onslaught blocks were, to an extent, dominated by blue decks or decks containing blue.[13]

Tokens

Several tokens for Odyssey cards were offered as Magic Player Rewards.[14]

The 1/1 Spirit token with flying for Kirtar's Wrath only appeared in Magic Online.[16]

Themes and mechanics

Odyssey introduced the graveyard-related keywords Flashback, which allowed players to replay instants and sorceries with the ability one more time for their flashback cost, and Threshold, which conferred some sort of bonus if and when the permanent or spell's controller had seven or more cards in his or her graveyard. Odyssey was the first set in which protection from all colors (Iridescent Angel), creatures (Beloved Chaplain), enchantments (Tattoo Ward), and instant and sorcery spells (Devoted Caretaker) were printed.

Cards with flashback featured a tombstone icon, an indicator, in the upper-left-hand corner of the cards.[3] so as to facilitate playing with cards with the graveyard-active ability. Flashback would be revisited in Innistrad block, but the tombstone icon was not featured on cards after Odyssey, with exception to the reprinted Call of the Herd and Judgment's Valor, from Time Spiral. This was, in part, due to the change in card frames between the Scourge and Mirrodin expansions.[17][18]

In addition to the "graveyard matters" theme, Odyssey had a minor token subtheme, as reflected in the number of token-generating cards, and a significant number of cards with activated abilities involving discarding cards from one's hand or sacrificing permanents.

Odyssey block is said to be the spiritual predecessor of Innistrad block due to the thematic similarities, namely, the emphasis on the graveyard.[19] Interestingly, both blocks share the mechanic Flashback.[20]

Creature types

In order to establish a distinct setting from the Weatherlight Saga, a majority of common creature types from the Weatherlight Saga, such as elves and goblins, were removed and replaced with completely novel or unusual tribes, including, but not limited to, barbarians, birds (avens), centaurs, cephalids,[21] druids, dwarves, and Nantuko insects.

The creature types Antelope, Cephalid, and Squirrel were introduced in Odyssey. The creature types Guardian and Townsfolk were used in this expansion at the time of printing but were later removed.

Cycles

Odyssey features 15 cycles,[22] many of which are allied-colored cycles.

Cycle name Description and notes {W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Bursts Each of these common instant or sorcery spells has an effect that linearly scales up by the number of similarly named cards in all graveyards.
Two of these spells, namely Flame Burst and Muscle Burst, also scaled with the number of cards named Pardic Firecat and Diligent Farmhand, respectively, in all graveyards.
These five spells were inspired by Kindle (Tempest) and Accumulated Knowledge (Nemesis).[23] 		Life Burst Aether Burst Mind Burst Flame Burst Muscle Burst
Desires Each of these common Auras has static ability, a static threshold ability, and a name alluding to a notable Odyssey block storyline character associated with the respective color; depicted holding the Mirrari. Kirtar's Desire Aboshan's Desire Patriarch's Desire Kamahl's Desire Seton's Desire
Hounds Each of these five common 2/2 Hounds cost {1}M and have an activated or triggered ability. Patrol Hound Phantom Whelp Filthy Cur Mad Dog Wild Mongrel
Land Auras Each of these five uncommon Auras enchant lands. Four of them confer a beneficial activated ability, while one (Steam Vines) has a detrimental triggered ability. Animal Boneyard Chamber of Manipulation Caustic Tar Steam Vines Squirrel Nest
Lhurgoyfs
Cantivore Cognivore Mortivore Magnivore Terravore
Retrievers Each of these five common 2/2 creatures, which, when they enter play, allows its controller to return a card of a particular type from his or her graveyard to his or her hand.
All of these cards, with exception to Auramancer, which replaced Treasure Hunter, were reprinted from Tempest block. 		Auramancer Scrivener Gravedigger Anarchist Cartographer
Rites Each of these five common instants whose effect is determined and proportional the number of cards discarded at the resolution of the spell. Sacred Rites Rites of Refusal Last Rites Rites of Initiation Rites of Spring
Shrines Each of these five rare enchantments costing {1}MM and with a triggered ability, triggering whenever a player casts a spell and having an effect depending on the number of cards in all graveyards with the same name as that spell. Aven Shrine Cephalid Shrine Cabal Shrine Dwarven Shrine Nantuko Shrine
Spheres Each of these five white enchantments with an ability that reduces 2 damage of damage that would be dealt to its controller by a source of a specific color.[24] Sphere of Truth Sphere of Reason Sphere of Grace Sphere of Law Sphere of Duty
Sac lands Each of these five common lands come into play tapped and have two mana abilities, one of which is the ability to tap for one mana of a specific color and the other is the ability to tap for one mana of any color but also requiring the land's sacrifice. Abandoned Outpost Seafloor Debris Bog Wreckage Ravaged Highlands Timberland Ruins
Threshold lands Each of these five uncommon lands with an ability to tap for mana of a specific color, albeit at the cost of 1 point of damage, and an ability that may only be activated if a player has threshold.
These lands represent the pit arenas used by Otaria's different cultures and tribes within the Cabal's gladiatorial games and pit fights. 		Nomad Stadium Cephalid Coliseum Cabal Pit Barbarian Ring Centaur Garden

Allied-colored cycles

Cycle name Description and notes {W}{U} {U}{B} {B}{R} {R}{G} {G}{W}
Atogs Each of these uncommon allied-color gold creatures with a CMC of 3 and two activated "eating" abilities, or abilities that cost a resource associated with that color to increase their power/toughness by +1/+1 per activation, that are an homage to the those of the Atog mega cycle comprising Auratog, Chronatog, Necratog, Atog, and Foratog.[25]
Originally, these Atogs were conceived as "hybrids" of the original Atogs.[26]
Of these Atogs, Psychatog was the only one to have made a significant impact on competitive Magic; the abilities of the others as well as their colors were not overwhelmingly conducive to competitive Magic, and there was a lack of synergy between the abilities of the other Atogs.[6][27]
In addition to this cycle of Atogs, Odyssey featured Atogatog, a legendary Atog "Lord" who ate Atogs to increase its power and toughness.[28] 		Phantatog Psychatog Sarcatog Lithatog Thaumatog
Gold spells (rare)[22] Iridescent Angel Shadowmage Infiltrator Vampiric Dragon Decimate Mystic Enforcer
Eggs Each of these five uncommon artifacts with "{2}, {T}, Sacrifice this card: Add two mana, one mana each of the colors of an allied-colored combination, to your mana pool. Draw a card.". Skycloud Egg Darkwater Egg Shadowblood Egg Mossfire Egg Sungrass Egg
Filter lands Each of these five rare lands with "{1}, {T}: Add two mana, one mana each of the colors of an allied-colored combination, to your mana pool.". Skycloud Expanse Darkwater Catacombs Shadowblood Ridge Mossfire Valley Sungrass Prairie

Vertical cycles

Cycle name Description and notes Common Uncommon Rare
Flashback creature token producers Each of these green sorcery spells with flashback creates a green token creature. Chatter of the Squirrel Roar of the Wurm Call of the Herd
Punisher spells Each of these red instant spells provides the targeted opponent with the choice of two generally unfavorable effects, one of which is direct damage. Blazing Salvo Lava Blister Molten Influence
Thought Beasts Each of these aggressively costed blue Beast creatures with flying reduces your maximum hand size. Thought Nibbler Thought Eater Thought Devourer

Mega cycles

Main article: Odyssey block#Mega cycle

Pairs

Repentant Vampire and Gallantry feature combined art

Matched pairs

Odyssey has two matched pairs.

Mirrored pairs

Odyssey has no mirrored pairs.

Reprinted cards

Functional reprints

Card comparisons

Strictly better

Strictly worse

Trivia

Main article: Odyssey/Trivia

Preconstructed decks

Main article: Odyssey/Theme decks

Odyssey has four bicolored theme decks.

Theme
deck name 		Colors Included
{W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Liftoff W U
One-Two Punch R G
Pressure Cooker B R
Trounce-O-Matic U G

References

  1. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (August 02, 2004). "Ask Wizards - August, 2004". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  2. ↑ [1]
  3. ↑ a b Wizards of the Coast (June 11, 2003). "Eighth Edition Rollout: Odyssey". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  4. ↑ Odyssey Prerelease Information — Wizards of the Coast
  5. ↑ Brady Dommermuth (October 31, 2006). "Ask Wizards". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  6. ↑ a b Mark Rosewater (November 14, 2011). "Grave Consequences, Part 1". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  7. ↑ Vance Moore. (2001.) Odyssey Cycle, Book I: Odyssey, Wizards of the Coast. ISBN-13 978-0786919000.
  8. ↑ Pete Hoefling. (2005.) "Insider Trading #2", StarCityGames.com.
  9. ↑ Magic Arcana (April 11, 2002). "Cavotta's Bits". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  10. ↑ Mark Rosewater (October 5, 2009). "Leading a Horse to Water". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  11. ↑ Abe Sargent. "Do You REMEMBER What The Old Sets Were Like?"
  12. ↑ D. Gran. "The Top 10 Broken Cards in Odyssey Block"
  13. ↑ Discuss: Do You REMEMBER What The Old Sets Were Like? - Page 1 — StarCityGames.com
  14. ↑ Magic Arcana (May 27, 2002). "Player Rewards tokens". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  15. ↑ Magic Arcana (December 26, 2002). "Bambi Meets Wurm". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  16. ↑ Magic Arcana (July 30, 2002). "Unseen tokens". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  17. ↑ Mark Rosewater (November 5, 2011). "What prompted the use of the tombstone symbol on Odyssey 's flashback cards?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  18. ↑ Mark Rosewater (June 12, 2012). "What happened the the tombstone on flashback cards?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  19. ↑ Mark Rosewater (August 29, 2011). "Every Two Sides Has a Story". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  20. ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 12, 2011). "C'mon Innistrad, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  21. ↑ Mark Rosewater (February 04, 2002). "Here's Looking at You, Squid". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  22. ↑ a b Ben Bleiweiss (July 17, 2002). "Sets of Five, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  23. ↑ Mark Rosewater (January 21, 2002). "Finding a Good Mechanic". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  24. ↑ Magic Arcana (January 15, 2002). "Odyssey Spheres". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  25. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (January 15, 2002). "The Lexicon Archive". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  26. ↑ Magic Arcana (February 27, 2002). "Atog Breeding". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  27. ↑ Anthony Alongi. (September 13, 2001.) "Odyssey Card Preview: Atogs", Wizards of the Coast.
  28. ↑ Mark Rosewater (May 18, 2009). "Golden Oldies". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  29. ↑ Magic Arcana (February 18, 2002). "Aven homage". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.

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