Stronghold
Stronghold is the thirteenth Magic expansion and was released in 1998 as the second set in the Tempest Block.
Mechanics and abilities
The block mechanics "buyback" and "shadow" are expanded upon in this set.
The ability associated with the en-Kor are introduced in this set. The abilities associated with Slivers, Licids, Flowstone and especially Spikes are expanded upon in this set.
Cycles
- Legendary land mega-mega cycle: Volrath's Stronghold is the second card in this mega-mega cycle, which also includes Teferi's Isle, Yavimaya Hollow, Kor Haven, and Keldon Necropolis.
- Multi-color Sliver cycle: Crystalline Sliver, Hibernation Sliver, Acidic Sliver, Spined Sliver, and Victual Sliver.
- Licid cycle: Calming Licid, Gliding Licid, Corrupting Licid, Convulsing Licid, and Tempting Licid.
- Wall cycle: Wall of Essence, Wall of Tears, Wall of Souls, Wall of Razors, and Wall of Blossoms.
Notable Cards
- Mox Diamond. This rare artifact requires a land sacrificed when cast, thereafter it produces a mana of any color.
- Sliver Queen. The Queen is a 7/7 Sliver which produces sliver tokens. It's casting cost of 1 of each colored mana is often referred to as "WUBRG" {pronounced woo-berg}. Stronghold was the first set to feature a five-coloured card