Spellshaper
| Spellshaper | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Creature Type | |
| (Subtype for creature/kindred cards) | |
| Statistics |
57 cards
as of March of the Machine 17.5%  19.3%  19.3%  21.1%  19.3%  3.5% |
| Scryfall Search | |
| type:"Spellshaper" | |
Spellshaper is a creature class. Spellshapers are amongst the most narrowly focused spellcasters. They are salesmen of magical spells[1] and devote themselves to perfecting a single spell or selection of spells, relying on the mastery of their focus to making up for their lack of versatility. In all other respects, they are similar to wizards, clerics, and druids.
Description
Spellshapers were introduced in Mercadian Masques, appearing in the subsequent sets of the block, and reappeared in the Time Spiral block. Creatures with this type have at least one activated ability of the form "[mana cost], 
, Discard [a number of] cards: [Effect]." The effect is often the same as a sorcery or instant card already in print and the mana cost is often the same as the referenced sorcery or instant card. Most Spellshaper abilities require the discard of one card, but more powerful effects may require the discard of more than one card.
Spellshapers were designed by Mercadian Masques lead designer Mike Elliott. The flavor that inspired him was that these creatures could themselves cast spells.[2]
A cycle of legendary spellshapers was printed in Prophecy. Each of these legendary rare creatures cost 
MM and requires a discard of two cards. They are: Alexi, Zephyr Mage, Greel, Mind Raker, Jolrael, Empress of Beasts (which was reprinted in Time Spiral as a timeshifted card), Latulla, Keldon Overseer and Mageta the Lion.
Mark Rosewater has stated that was unlikely that Spellshapers would return in a Standard-legal set, but that it would be possible in a supplemental set.[3] He deemed the return of the mechanic, but without the creature class, a bit more likely.[4] Despite this, a Spellshaper appeared on the battle card Invasion of Mercadia in March of the Machine.[5]
Notable Spellshapers
- Dominaria
Examples
Example
Bog Witch 
Creature - Spellshaper
1/1, , Discard a card: Add .
References
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (November 19, 2016). "What are the flavor differences between wizard, spellshaper, and warlock?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (April 8, 2017). "Do you have any trivia on the design of Spellshapers?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (December 2, 2017). "Can I get some trivia on spellshapers and whether or not we’ll ever see them again?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (November 17, 2018). "Where are spellshapers as a whole on the Storm scale? Or would that be the Beeble scale?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (April 17, 2023). "Choosing Your Battles, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ The Planeswalker's Hall of Matching Art
