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|plane = [[Mirrodin (plane)|Mirrodin]] | |plane = [[Mirrodin (plane)|Mirrodin]] | ||
|mechanics = [[Artifact]]s, [[Artifact land]]s and [[Equipment]] | |mechanics = [[Artifact]]s, [[Artifact land]]s and [[Equipment]] | ||
|keywords = [[Affinity]] (for artifacts),<br/>[[Imprint]],<br/>[[Entwine]]<ref>{{ | |keywords = [[Affinity]] (for artifacts),<br/>[[Imprint]],<br/>[[Entwine]]<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/mirrodin-frequently-asked-questions-2003-09-23|''Mirrodin'' Frequently Asked Questions|Wizards of the Coast|September 23, 2003}}</ref> | ||
|size = 306 <br/><small>(20 basic lands, 110 commons, 88 uncommons, 88 rares)</small> | |size = 306 <br/><small>(20 basic lands, 110 commons, 88 uncommons, 88 rares)</small> | ||
|code_expansion = MRD | |code_expansion = MRD | ||
|code_expansion_ref=<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 = Bacon<ref>{{ | |code_development = Bacon<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/codename-game-2002-08-12-0|Codename of the Game|[[Mark Rosewater]]|August 12, 2002}}</ref> | ||
|series = [[Mirrodin block]] | |series = [[Mirrodin block]] | ||
|first = '''Mirrodin''' | |first = '''Mirrodin''' | ||
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|next = [[Darksteel]] | |next = [[Darksteel]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''''Mirrodin''''' is the first set in the [[Mirrodin block]]. It is the 30th ''[[Magic: The Gathering]]'' [[Set|expansion]] and was released on October 2, 2003. The [[prerelease]] was September 20–21, 2003 <ref name="MRD Fact Sheet">{{ | '''''Mirrodin''''' is the first set in the [[Mirrodin block]]. It is the 30th ''[[Magic: The Gathering]]'' [[Set|expansion]] and was released on October 2, 2003. The [[prerelease]] was September 20–21, 2003 <ref name="MRD Fact Sheet">{{DailyRef|arcana/mirrodin-fact-sheet-2003-09-01|''Mirrodin'' Fact Sheet|Wizards of the Coast|September 1, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|feature/mirrodin-prerelease-primer-2003-09-18|''Mirrodin'' Prerelease Primer|[[Brian David-Marshall]]|September 18, 2003}}</ref> | ||
==Set details== | ==Set details== | ||
Starting with the [[Mirrodin block]], [[WotC]] took 44 cards out of the [[large expansion]] and added 22 cards to each of the two [[small expansion]]s. ''Mirrodin'' therefore contained 306 black-bordered cards (88 rare, 88 uncommon, 110 common, and 20 basic lands), which is 22 rares and 22 commons less than ''[[Onslaught]]''.<ref>{{ | Starting with the [[Mirrodin block]], [[WotC]] took 44 cards out of the [[large expansion]] and added 22 cards to each of the two [[small expansion]]s. ''Mirrodin'' therefore contained 306 black-bordered cards (88 rare, 88 uncommon, 110 common, and 20 basic lands), which is 22 rares and 22 commons less than ''[[Onslaught]]''.<ref>{{DailyRef|size-sets-2003-06-20|The Size of Sets|[[Randy Buehler]]|June 20, 2003}}</ref> ''Mirrodin'' features a heavy [[artifact]] theme. Its [[expansion symbol]] is a small image of <c>Sword of Kaldra</c>, a card from the set.<ref>{{DailyRef|ask-wizards-october-2006-2006-10-02|Ask Wizards|[[Brady Dommermuth]]|October 31, 2006}}</ref> ''Mirrodin'' set introduced a new artifact subtype in [[Equipment]] with the accompanying keyword [[Equip]], armor, swords and other utensils which can be attached to a [[creature]] to enhance that creature. Unlike [[Aura]]s, the equipment stays on the [[battlefield]] even if the creature is put in the graveyard. The set and block is also noted for many allusions to famous artifacts and related mechanics from previous blocks, such as <c>Chrome Mox</c> or Clockwork creatures. The set also featured <c>Solemn Simulacrum</c>, Jens Thoren's [[Magic Invitational|invitational]] card.<ref>{{DailyRef|post-development-digest-2003-09-26|Post-Development Digest|[[Randy Buehler]]|September 26, 2003}}</ref> ''Mirrodin'' was the first expansion set to feature the new [[card face]] which had debuted in ''[[Eighth Edition]]''. The high number of artifacts revealed the inherent flaw of the new [[card frame]]: they were very hard to distinguish from white cards.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/make-no-mistake-2003-11-10|Make No Mistake|[[Mark Rosewater]]|November 10, 2003}}</ref> | ||
===Marketing=== | ===Marketing=== | ||
''Mirrodin'' was sold in 75-card [[tournament deck]]s, 15-card [[boosters]], four [[preconstructed theme deck]]s and a [[fat pack]].<ref>{{ | ''Mirrodin'' was sold in 75-card [[tournament deck]]s, 15-card [[boosters]], four [[preconstructed theme deck]]s and a [[fat pack]].<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/mirrodin-product-images-2003-08-14|''Mirrodin'' product images|[[Magic Arcana]]|August 14, 2003}}</ref> The booster packs featured artwork from <c>Mindslaver</c>, <c>Icy Manipulator</c> and <c>Worldslayer</c>. The [[prerelease card]] was a [[foil]] <c>Sword of Kaldra</c>. This was the first prerelease card to feature [[alternate art]] and the first that wasn't a creature.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/mirrodin-prerelease-card-2003-09-22|''Mirrodin'' Prerelease card|[[Magic Arcana]]|September 22, 2003}}</ref> The set was accompanied by a [[The Moons of Mirrodin|novel]] by [[Will McDermott]]. A [[Demon]] [[Token]] with Flying for <c>Promise of Power</c> <ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/new-look-tokens-2003-09-24|The new look of tokens|[[Magic Arcana]]|September 24, 2003}}</ref> and an 1/1 [[Pentavite]] Token with Flying for <c>Pentavus</c> <ref>{{DailyRef|upcoming-magic-rewards-tokens-2003-11-17|Upcoming Magic Rewards tokens|[[Magic Arcana]]|November 17, 2003}}</ref> were offered as [[Magic Player Reward]]. | ||
===Flavor and storyline=== | ===Flavor and storyline=== | ||
{{Main|The Moons of Mirrodin}} | {{Main|The Moons of Mirrodin}} | ||
The setting for ''Mirrodin'' is a plane [[Mirrodin (plane)|by the same name]], an artificial world created by the [[planeswalker]] [[Karn]], and named after the [[Mirari]] by [[Memnarch]]. Mirrodin's environments and inhabitants mix organic and metallic.<ref>{{ | The setting for ''Mirrodin'' is a plane [[Mirrodin (plane)|by the same name]], an artificial world created by the [[planeswalker]] [[Karn]], and named after the [[Mirari]] by [[Memnarch]]. Mirrodin's environments and inhabitants mix organic and metallic.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/image-2003-09-09|''Mirrodin'' Image|[[Rei Nakazawa]]|September 09, 2003}}</ref> Mirrodin is orbited by four satellites, which are called suns and moons interchangeably, that correspond to [[red]], [[black]], [[white]] and [[blue]] magic. Green was notably absent. [[Glissa Sunseeker]], the finest hunter and perhaps the most skilled warrior of the [[elves]], begins her story to find out why the monstrous "levelers" seek to destroy her. It is this search for answers that will begin to uncover the mysteries within Mirrodin. | ||
===Tournament impact=== | ===Tournament impact=== | ||
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==Themes and mechanics== | ==Themes and mechanics== | ||
*'''[[Artifacts]]''', including artifacts with [[color]]ed [[activation cost]]s, [[Artifact lands]] and [[Equipment]].<ref>{{ | *'''[[Artifacts]]''', including artifacts with [[color]]ed [[activation cost]]s, [[Artifact lands]] and [[Equipment]].<ref>{{DailyRef|when-artifacts-arent-spells-2003-09-05|When Artifacts Aren't Spells|[[Randy Buehler]]|September 05, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|latest-developments/white-and-artifacts-2003-09-12|White and Artifacts|[[Randy Buehler]]|September 12, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|artifacts-and-color-2003-10-03|Artifacts and Color|[[Randy Buehler]]|October 03, 2003}}</ref> | ||
*'''[[Affinity]]''' {{-}} A card becomes cheaper by {{1}} for each permanent of a certain type specified (usually artifacts). | *'''[[Affinity]]''' {{-}} A card becomes cheaper by {{1}} for each permanent of a certain type specified (usually artifacts). | ||
*'''[[Imprint]]''' {{-}} This ability found on artifacts allows you to remove a card from the game and "imprint" attributes of the removed card onto your artifact such as <c>Chrome Mox</c>.<ref>{{ | *'''[[Imprint]]''' {{-}} This ability found on artifacts allows you to remove a card from the game and "imprint" attributes of the removed card onto your artifact such as <c>Chrome Mox</c>.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/someday-my-imprints-will-come-2003-09-01|Someday My Imprints Will Come|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 01, 2003}}</ref> | ||
*'''[[Entwine]]''' {{-}} Appears on modal spells and presents an extra cost; pay that cost to use both effects instead of only one, as on <c>Tooth and Nail</c>. | *'''[[Entwine]]''' {{-}} Appears on modal spells and presents an extra cost; pay that cost to use both effects instead of only one, as on <c>Tooth and Nail</c>. | ||
* '''[[Equipment]]''': an [[artifact]] [[subtype]] that has the "[[equip]]" [[keyword ability]]. By paying the equip cost, it attaches to a creature you control. If that creature leaves play, the Equipment becomes unattached and remains in play. Paying the equip cost also allows the Equipment to be moved from one creature to another.<ref>{{ | * '''[[Equipment]]''': an [[artifact]] [[subtype]] that has the "[[equip]]" [[keyword ability]]. By paying the equip cost, it attaches to a creature you control. If that creature leaves play, the Equipment becomes unattached and remains in play. Paying the equip cost also allows the Equipment to be moved from one creature to another.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/equip-iceberg-2003-09-08|Equip of the Iceberg|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 08, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|feature/rules-equipment-2003-09-02|Rules for Equipment|[[Paul Barclay]]|September 02, 2003}}</ref> | ||
===Creature types=== | ===Creature types=== | ||
''Mirrodin'' introduced the [[race/class model]] and the [[creature type]] [[Human]].<ref>{{ | ''Mirrodin'' introduced the [[race/class model]] and the [[creature type]] [[Human]].<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/change-better-2004-10-04|Change For the Better|[[Mark Rosewater]]|October 04, 2004}}</ref> Other introduced types were [[Drone]], [[Myr]], [[Rogue]], [[Shaman]], [[Slith]], and [[Vedalken]] in this expansion. The set featured all eight major tribes from the previous [[Onslaught block]].<ref>{{DailyRef|tribes-mirrodin-2003-11-11|Tribes in ''Mirrodin''|[[Magic Arcana]]|November 11, 2003}}</ref> | ||
The following creature types that are not new to ''Magic'' are used in this expansion: | The following creature types that are not new to ''Magic'' are used in this expansion: | ||
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''Mirrodin'' has 11 [[Cycle]]s: | ''Mirrodin'' has 11 [[Cycle]]s: | ||
*'''Artifact lands''': <c>Ancient Den</c>, <c>Seat of the Synod</c>, <c>Vault of Whispers</c>, <c>Great Furnace</c> and <c>Tree of Tales</c> {{-}} Each of these common cards, representing an important location in each of [[Mirrodin (plane)|Mirrodin]]'s different regions, counted as both artifacts and lands, and could be tapped for one mana of a given color.<ref>{{ | *'''Artifact lands''': <c>Ancient Den</c>, <c>Seat of the Synod</c>, <c>Vault of Whispers</c>, <c>Great Furnace</c> and <c>Tree of Tales</c> {{-}} Each of these common cards, representing an important location in each of [[Mirrodin (plane)|Mirrodin]]'s different regions, counted as both artifacts and lands, and could be tapped for one mana of a given color.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/come-together-2003-10-06-0|Come Together|[[Mark Rosewater]]|October 06, 2003}}</ref> Each was illustrated by [[Rob Alexander]]. Artifact lands reduced the cost of spells with [[Affinity]], and proved to be so powerful they were eventually banned in Mirrodin [[Block Constructed|block tournaments]]. Darksteel would later add a sixth artifact land to this cycle, <c>Darksteel Citadel</c>. | ||
*'''[[Entwine]] spells''': Each of these [[modal]] [[common]] spells has [[Entwine]] {{-}} <c>Blinding Beam</c>, <c>Dream's Grip</c>, <c>Wail of the Nim</c>, <c>Incite War</c>, and <c>Journey of Discovery</c>. | *'''[[Entwine]] spells''': Each of these [[modal]] [[common]] spells has [[Entwine]] {{-}} <c>Blinding Beam</c>, <c>Dream's Grip</c>, <c>Wail of the Nim</c>, <c>Incite War</c>, and <c>Journey of Discovery</c>. | ||
*'''Golems''': <c>Titanium Golem</c>, <c>Cobalt Golem</c>, <c>Pewter Golem</c>, <c>Hematite Golem</c>, and <c>Malachite Golem</c> {{-}} Each of these common artifact creatures has a color-specific ability. Each was illustrated by [[Paolo Parente]]. | *'''Golems''': <c>Titanium Golem</c>, <c>Cobalt Golem</c>, <c>Pewter Golem</c>, <c>Hematite Golem</c>, and <c>Malachite Golem</c> {{-}} Each of these common artifact creatures has a color-specific ability. Each was illustrated by [[Paolo Parente]]. | ||
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*'''Sliths''': Each of these uncommon 1/1 [[Slith]] creatures has a mana cost containing two colored mana of the same type and the ability "Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, put a +1/+1 counter on it". Each of them was illustrated by [[Justin Sweet]] {{-}} <c>Slith Ascendant</c>, <c>Slith Strider</c>, <c>Slith Bloodletter</c>, <c>Slith Firewalker</c> and <c>Slith Predator</c>. | *'''Sliths''': Each of these uncommon 1/1 [[Slith]] creatures has a mana cost containing two colored mana of the same type and the ability "Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, put a +1/+1 counter on it". Each of them was illustrated by [[Justin Sweet]] {{-}} <c>Slith Ascendant</c>, <c>Slith Strider</c>, <c>Slith Bloodletter</c>, <c>Slith Firewalker</c> and <c>Slith Predator</c>. | ||
*'''Spellbombs''': Each of these common artifacts costs {{1}} and has two activated abilities which require to sacrifice them. One is the same for each of them: "{{1}}, sacrifice this: Draw a card.". They were all illustraded by [[Jim Nelson]] {{-}} <c>Sunbeam Spellbomb</c>, <c>Æther Spellbomb</c>, <c>Necrogen Spellbomb</c>, <c>Pyrite Spellbomb</c>, and <c>Lifespark Spellbomb</c>. | *'''Spellbombs''': Each of these common artifacts costs {{1}} and has two activated abilities which require to sacrifice them. One is the same for each of them: "{{1}}, sacrifice this: Draw a card.". They were all illustraded by [[Jim Nelson]] {{-}} <c>Sunbeam Spellbomb</c>, <c>Æther Spellbomb</c>, <c>Necrogen Spellbomb</c>, <c>Pyrite Spellbomb</c>, and <c>Lifespark Spellbomb</c>. | ||
*'''Talismans''': <c>Talisman of Progress</c>, <c>Talisman of Dominance</c>, <c>Talisman of Indulgence</c>, <c>Talisman of Impulse</c> and <c>Talisman of Unity</c> {{-}} Each of these uncommon artifacts cost {{2}} to cast. Each had the same abilities as an allied-color [[Painlands|painland]]. Each was illustrated by [[Mike Dringenberg]].<ref>{{ | *'''Talismans''': <c>Talisman of Progress</c>, <c>Talisman of Dominance</c>, <c>Talisman of Indulgence</c>, <c>Talisman of Impulse</c> and <c>Talisman of Unity</c> {{-}} Each of these uncommon artifacts cost {{2}} to cast. Each had the same abilities as an allied-color [[Painlands|painland]]. Each was illustrated by [[Mike Dringenberg]].<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/burden-talisman-2004-04-29|The Burden of a Talisman|[[Magic Arcana]]|April 29, 2004}}</ref> | ||
*'''Towers''': <c>Tower of Champions</c>, <c>Tower of Eons</c>, <c>Tower of Fortunes</c> and <c>Tower of Murmurs</c> {{-}} Each of these rare artifacts cost {{4}} to cast and have an {{8}}, {{T}} ability. Each of these artifacts are affiliated with a certain color; Green, White, Blue, and Black, respectively. ''[[Scars of Mirrodin]]'' would later add a fifth Red Tower to this cycle: <c>Tower of Calamities</c>.<ref>{{ | *'''Towers''': <c>Tower of Champions</c>, <c>Tower of Eons</c>, <c>Tower of Fortunes</c> and <c>Tower of Murmurs</c> {{-}} Each of these rare artifacts cost {{4}} to cast and have an {{8}}, {{T}} ability. Each of these artifacts are affiliated with a certain color; Green, White, Blue, and Black, respectively. ''[[Scars of Mirrodin]]'' would later add a fifth Red Tower to this cycle: <c>Tower of Calamities</c>.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/fifth-tower-2010-09-22|The Fifth Tower|[[Monty Ashley]]|September 22, 2010}}</ref> | ||
==Reprinted cards== | ==Reprinted cards== | ||
''Mirrodin'' [[reprint]]ed 17 cards from previous sets.<ref>{{ | ''Mirrodin'' [[reprint]]ed 17 cards from previous sets.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/bacon-bits-2003-09-22|Bacon Bits|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 22, 2003}}</ref> | ||
*<c>Annul</c> {{-}} was first printed in ''[[Urza's Saga]]''. In ''Mirrodin'' its focus reversed, with countering artifacts becoming the primary value, with countering [[enchantments]] as a side benefit.<ref name="Reincarnation">{{ | *<c>Annul</c> {{-}} was first printed in ''[[Urza's Saga]]''. In ''Mirrodin'' its focus reversed, with countering artifacts becoming the primary value, with countering [[enchantments]] as a side benefit.<ref name="Reincarnation">{{DailyRef|latest-developments/reincarnation-2008-03-21|Reincarnation|[[Devin Low]]|March 21, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/whats-annul-annulling-2004-01-06|What's Annul annulling?|[[Magic Arcana]]|January 06, 2004}}</ref> | ||
*<c>Arrest</c> {{-}} was last seen in ''[[Mercadian Masques]]''. It changed rarity from an uncommon to a common. The only reprint not to mention artifacts <ref name="Reincarnation"/> | *<c>Arrest</c> {{-}} was last seen in ''[[Mercadian Masques]]''. It changed rarity from an uncommon to a common. The only reprint not to mention artifacts <ref name="Reincarnation"/> | ||
*<c>Atog</c> {{-}} first printed in ''[[Antiquities]]'', last seen in ''[[5th Edition]]''. | *<c>Atog</c> {{-}} first printed in ''[[Antiquities]]'', last seen in ''[[5th Edition]]''. | ||
*<c>Bottle Gnomes</c> {{-}} first printed in ''[[Tempest]]''. | *<c>Bottle Gnomes</c> {{-}} first printed in ''[[Tempest]]''. | ||
*<c>Brown Ouphe</c> {{-}} first printed in ''[[Ice Age]]'', "interesting interactions in a set full of artifacts. So it was included in the set for play reasons." <ref name="Flavorful Reprints">{{ | *<c>Brown Ouphe</c> {{-}} first printed in ''[[Ice Age]]'', "interesting interactions in a set full of artifacts. So it was included in the set for play reasons." <ref name="Flavorful Reprints">{{DailyRef|arcana/flavorful-reprints-mirrodin-2003-12-18|Flavorful Reprints of ''Mirrodin''|Wizards of the Coast|December 18, 2003}}</ref> | ||
*<c>Cathodion</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Urza's Saga''. | *<c>Cathodion</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Urza's Saga''. | ||
*<c>Chromatic Sphere</c> {{-}} first printed in ''[[Invasion]]''. | *<c>Chromatic Sphere</c> {{-}} first printed in ''[[Invasion]]''. | ||
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*<c>Terror</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Alpha'', last seen in ''[[Beatdown]]''. | *<c>Terror</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Alpha'', last seen in ''[[Beatdown]]''. | ||
*<c>Triskelion</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Antiquities'', last seen in ''[[Fourth Edition]]''. | *<c>Triskelion</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Antiquities'', last seen in ''[[Fourth Edition]]''. | ||
*<c>Yotian Soldier</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Antiquities'', last seen in ''Fourth Edition''.<ref>{{ | *<c>Yotian Soldier</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Antiquities'', last seen in ''Fourth Edition''.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/yotian-soldiers-2011-03-24|Yotian Soldiers|[[Monty Ashley]]|March 24, 2011}}</ref> | ||
===Functional reprints=== | ===Functional reprints=== | ||
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==Notable cards== | ==Notable cards== | ||
*<c>Chimney Imp</c> {{-}} Arguably one of the worst creatures ever printed | *<c>Chimney Imp</c> {{-}} Arguably one of the worst creatures ever printed | ||
*<c>Mindslaver</c> {{-}} Rules had to be added to the [[Comprehensive Rules]] for [[controlling another player's turn]] thanks to this card.<ref>{{ | *<c>Mindslaver</c> {{-}} Rules had to be added to the [[Comprehensive Rules]] for [[controlling another player's turn]] thanks to this card.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/mind-wonderful-thing-waste-2003-09-15|A Mind Is A Wonderful Thing To Waste|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 15, 2003}}</ref> | ||
*<c>Chalice of the Void</c> {{-}} A staple of Legacy prison decks | *<c>Chalice of the Void</c> {{-}} A staple of Legacy prison decks | ||
*<c>Disciple of the Vault</c> {{-}} A staple of Standard and Legacy affinity decks, this card rapidly decreases the opponent's life total. | *<c>Disciple of the Vault</c> {{-}} A staple of Standard and Legacy affinity decks, this card rapidly decreases the opponent's life total. | ||
Revision as of 22:14, 6 April 2019
- For other uses, see Mirrodin (disambiguation).
| Mirrodin | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
[[File:{{#setmainimage:MRD logo.png}}|250px]] | |||||
| Set Information | |||||
| Set symbol | |||||
| Symbol description | The Sword of Kaldra | ||||
| Design |
Mark Rosewater (lead), Bill Rose, Brian Tinsman, Mike Elliott, Tyler Bielman | ||||
| Development |
Randy Buehler (lead), Brian Schneider, Henry Stern, Elaine Chase, Brandon Bozzi, Brian Tinsman | ||||
| Art direction | Jeremy Cranford | ||||
| Release date | October 2, 2003 | ||||
| Plane | Mirrodin | ||||
| Themes and mechanics | Artifacts, Artifact lands and Equipment | ||||
| Keywords/ability words |
Affinity (for artifacts), Imprint, Entwine[1] | ||||
| Set size |
306 (20 basic lands, 110 commons, 88 uncommons, 88 rares) | ||||
| Expansion code | MRD[3] | ||||
| Development codename | Bacon[4] | ||||
| Mirrodin block | |||||
| |||||
| Magic: The Gathering Chronology | |||||
| |||||
Mirrodin is the first set in the Mirrodin block. It is the 30th Magic: The Gathering expansion and was released on October 2, 2003. The prerelease was September 20–21, 2003 [5][6]
Set details
Starting with the Mirrodin block, WotC took 44 cards out of the large expansion and added 22 cards to each of the two small expansions. Mirrodin therefore contained 306 black-bordered cards (88 rare, 88 uncommon, 110 common, and 20 basic lands), which is 22 rares and 22 commons less than Onslaught.[7] Mirrodin features a heavy artifact theme. Its expansion symbol is a small image of Sword of Kaldra, a card from the set.[8] Mirrodin set introduced a new artifact subtype in Equipment with the accompanying keyword Equip, armor, swords and other utensils which can be attached to a creature to enhance that creature. Unlike Auras, the equipment stays on the battlefield even if the creature is put in the graveyard. The set and block is also noted for many allusions to famous artifacts and related mechanics from previous blocks, such as Chrome Mox or Clockwork creatures. The set also featured Solemn Simulacrum, Jens Thoren's invitational card.[9] Mirrodin was the first expansion set to feature the new card face which had debuted in Eighth Edition. The high number of artifacts revealed the inherent flaw of the new card frame: they were very hard to distinguish from white cards.[10]
Marketing
Mirrodin was sold in 75-card tournament decks, 15-card boosters, four preconstructed theme decks and a fat pack.[11] The booster packs featured artwork from Mindslaver, Icy Manipulator and Worldslayer. The prerelease card was a foil Sword of Kaldra. This was the first prerelease card to feature alternate art and the first that wasn't a creature.[12] The set was accompanied by a novel by Will McDermott. A Demon Token with Flying for Promise of Power [13] and an 1/1 Pentavite Token with Flying for Pentavus [14] were offered as Magic Player Reward.
Flavor and storyline
The setting for Mirrodin is a plane by the same name, an artificial world created by the planeswalker Karn, and named after the Mirari by Memnarch. Mirrodin's environments and inhabitants mix organic and metallic.[15] Mirrodin is orbited by four satellites, which are called suns and moons interchangeably, that correspond to red, black, white and blue magic. Green was notably absent. Glissa Sunseeker, the finest hunter and perhaps the most skilled warrior of the elves, begins her story to find out why the monstrous "levelers" seek to destroy her. It is this search for answers that will begin to uncover the mysteries within Mirrodin.
Tournament impact
Mirrodin is infamous for an imbalanced power level due to the set not restricting most of its cards to a certain color and the introduction of the Affinity mechanic and Artifact lands which enhanced each other. The set contained many cards which were banned or restricted in all major tournament formats such as Disciple of the Vault, the Artifact lands or Thirst for Knowledge.
Themes and mechanics
- Artifacts, including artifacts with colored activation costs, Artifact lands and Equipment.[16][17][18]
- Affinity — A card becomes cheaper by
for each permanent of a certain type specified (usually artifacts). - Imprint — This ability found on artifacts allows you to remove a card from the game and "imprint" attributes of the removed card onto your artifact such as Chrome Mox.[19]
- Entwine — Appears on modal spells and presents an extra cost; pay that cost to use both effects instead of only one, as on Tooth and Nail.
- Equipment: an artifact subtype that has the "equip" keyword ability. By paying the equip cost, it attaches to a creature you control. If that creature leaves play, the Equipment becomes unattached and remains in play. Paying the equip cost also allows the Equipment to be moved from one creature to another.[20][21]
Creature types
Mirrodin introduced the race/class model and the creature type Human.[22] Other introduced types were Drone, Myr, Rogue, Shaman, Slith, and Vedalken in this expansion. The set featured all eight major tribes from the previous Onslaught block.[23]
The following creature types that are not new to Magic are used in this expansion:
Cycles
Mirrodin has 11 Cycles:
- Artifact lands: Ancient Den, Seat of the Synod, Vault of Whispers, Great Furnace and Tree of Tales — Each of these common cards, representing an important location in each of Mirrodin's different regions, counted as both artifacts and lands, and could be tapped for one mana of a given color.[24] Each was illustrated by Rob Alexander. Artifact lands reduced the cost of spells with Affinity, and proved to be so powerful they were eventually banned in Mirrodin block tournaments. Darksteel would later add a sixth artifact land to this cycle, Darksteel Citadel.
- Entwine spells: Each of these modal common spells has Entwine — Blinding Beam, Dream's Grip, Wail of the Nim, Incite War, and Journey of Discovery.
- Golems: Titanium Golem, Cobalt Golem, Pewter Golem, Hematite Golem, and Malachite Golem — Each of these common artifact creatures has a color-specific ability. Each was illustrated by Paolo Parente.
- Mana Myr: Gold Myr, Silver Myr, Leaden Myr, Iron Myr, and Copper Myr.— Each of these common myr artifact creatures costs
and has a mana ability in which they tap, and which produce a color-appropriate mana. which does not leave the field at end of turn. Each represents a zone of Mirrodin corresponding to the color. Each is illustrated by Kev Walker. - Rare color artifacts: Each of these rare artifacts is tied to one of the five colors. — Leonin Sun Standard, Proteus Staff, Altar of Shadows, Bosh, Iron Golem, and Tangleroot
- Replicas: Each of these common artifact creatures costs
and has an ability with the cost of being sacrificed and a certain amount of partialy colored mana, and an effect, which is typical for the mana used. Each of them has a creature type from the tribes of the Onslaught block and was illustrated by Carl Critchlow — Soldier Replica, Wizard Replica, Nim Replica, Goblin Replica and Elf Replica. - Shards: Crystal Shard, Granite Shard, Heartwood Shard, Pearl Shard, and Skeleton Shard — Each of these uncommon artifacts cost and had an activated ability which cost or one mana of a given color, and which produced a color-appropriate effect. Each represented a piece of another world found by each of Mirrodin's races. Each was illustrated by Doug Chaffee.
- Sliths: Each of these uncommon 1/1 Slith creatures has a mana cost containing two colored mana of the same type and the ability "Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, put a +1/+1 counter on it". Each of them was illustrated by Justin Sweet — Slith Ascendant, Slith Strider, Slith Bloodletter, Slith Firewalker and Slith Predator.
- Spellbombs: Each of these common artifacts costs and has two activated abilities which require to sacrifice them. One is the same for each of them: ", sacrifice this: Draw a card.". They were all illustraded by Jim Nelson — Sunbeam Spellbomb, Æther Spellbomb, Necrogen Spellbomb, Pyrite Spellbomb, and Lifespark Spellbomb.
- Talismans: Talisman of Progress, Talisman of Dominance, Talisman of Indulgence, Talisman of Impulse and Talisman of Unity — Each of these uncommon artifacts cost to cast. Each had the same abilities as an allied-color painland. Each was illustrated by Mike Dringenberg.[25]
- Towers: Tower of Champions, Tower of Eons, Tower of Fortunes and Tower of Murmurs — Each of these rare artifacts cost
to cast and have an 
, 
ability. Each of these artifacts are affiliated with a certain color; Green, White, Blue, and Black, respectively. Scars of Mirrodin would later add a fifth Red Tower to this cycle: Tower of Calamities.[26]
Reprinted cards
Mirrodin reprinted 17 cards from previous sets.[27]
- Annul — was first printed in Urza's Saga. In Mirrodin its focus reversed, with countering artifacts becoming the primary value, with countering enchantments as a side benefit.[28][29]
- Arrest — was last seen in Mercadian Masques. It changed rarity from an uncommon to a common. The only reprint not to mention artifacts [28]
- Atog — first printed in Antiquities, last seen in 5th Edition.
- Bottle Gnomes — first printed in Tempest.
- Brown Ouphe — first printed in Ice Age, "interesting interactions in a set full of artifacts. So it was included in the set for play reasons." [30]
- Cathodion — first printed in Urza's Saga.
- Chromatic Sphere — first printed in Invasion.
- Creeping Mold — first printed in Visions, last seen in Kaladesh.
- Detonate — first printed in Antiquities, last seen in 5th Edition. Detonate had a new role in Mirrodin block: Destroying artifact lands for just
.[28] - Dragon Blood — first printed in Urza's Saga.
- Icy Manipulator — first printed in Alpha, last seen in Ice Age. Along with Chrome Mox and Gilded Lotus, Icy Manipulator provided a "Greatest Artifact Hits of Magic" feel.[28]
- Ornithopter — first printed in Antiquities, last seen in Aether Revolt
- Shatter — first printed in Alpha, last seen in Eighth Edition.
- Stalking Stones — first printed in Tempest.
- Terror — first printed in Alpha, last seen in Beatdown.
- Triskelion — first printed in Antiquities, last seen in Fourth Edition.
- Yotian Soldier — first printed in Antiquities, last seen in Fourth Edition.[31]
Functional reprints
Mirrodin has 4 functional reprints:
- Dross Prowler is a functional reprint of Razortooth Rats from Weatherlight, save for creature type.
- Lumengrid Warden is a functional reprint of Straw Soldiers from Portal Three Kingdoms and Talas Merchant from Portal Second Age, save for creature types.
- Neurok Spy is a functional reprint of Bouncing Beebles from Urza's Saga, save for creature type.
- Viridian Shaman is a functional reprint of Uktabi Orangutan from Visions, save for creature type.
Card comparison
Colorshifted
- Mass Hysteria is the colorshifted version of Concordant Crossroads from Legends.
- Rule of Law is the colorshifted version of Arcane Laboratory last seen in Seventh Edition.
Strictly better
- Lumengrid Warden is an upgrade of Vodalian Soldiers, with an additional point of toughness.
- Tel-Jilad Chosen is an upgrade of Argothian Pixies from Antiquities. The former specifically says it has "Protection from Artifacts", the latter has almost full protection but not quite.
Notable cards
- Chimney Imp — Arguably one of the worst creatures ever printed
- Mindslaver — Rules had to be added to the Comprehensive Rules for controlling another player's turn thanks to this card.[32]
- Chalice of the Void — A staple of Legacy prison decks
- Disciple of the Vault — A staple of Standard and Legacy affinity decks, this card rapidly decreases the opponent's life total.
Preconstructed decks
Mirrodin has two monocolored and two bicolored theme decks.
| Theme deck name |
Colors Included | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| |
| Bait and Bludgeon | U | B | |||
| Little Bashers | W | ||||
| Sacrificial Bam | B | R | |||
| Wicked Big | G | ||||
References
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (September 23, 2003). "Mirrodin Frequently Asked Questions". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (August 02, 2004). "Ask Wizards - August, 2004". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ [2]
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (August 12, 2002). "Codename of the Game". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (September 1, 2003). "Mirrodin Fact Sheet". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Brian David-Marshall (September 18, 2003). "Mirrodin Prerelease Primer". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Randy Buehler (June 20, 2003). "The Size of Sets". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Brady Dommermuth (October 31, 2006). "Ask Wizards". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Randy Buehler (September 26, 2003). "Post-Development Digest". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (November 10, 2003). "Make No Mistake". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Magic Arcana (August 14, 2003). "Mirrodin product images". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Magic Arcana (September 22, 2003). "Mirrodin Prerelease card". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Magic Arcana (September 24, 2003). "The new look of tokens". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Magic Arcana (November 17, 2003). "Upcoming Magic Rewards tokens". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Rei Nakazawa (September 09, 2003). "Mirrodin Image". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Randy Buehler (September 05, 2003). "When Artifacts Aren't Spells". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Randy Buehler (September 12, 2003). "White and Artifacts". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Randy Buehler (October 03, 2003). "Artifacts and Color". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 01, 2003). "Someday My Imprints Will Come". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 08, 2003). "Equip of the Iceberg". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Paul Barclay (September 02, 2003). "Rules for Equipment". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (October 04, 2004). "Change For the Better". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Magic Arcana (November 11, 2003). "Tribes in Mirrodin". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (October 06, 2003). "Come Together". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Magic Arcana (April 29, 2004). "The Burden of a Talisman". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Monty Ashley (September 22, 2010). "The Fifth Tower". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 22, 2003). "Bacon Bits". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ a b c d Devin Low (March 21, 2008). "Reincarnation". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Magic Arcana (January 06, 2004). "What's Annul annulling?". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (December 18, 2003). "Flavorful Reprints of Mirrodin". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Monty Ashley (March 24, 2011). "Yotian Soldiers". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 15, 2003). "A Mind Is A Wonderful Thing To Waste". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
External links
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