Mirage
Mirage is the ninth Magic expansion and was released in 1996 as the first set in the Mirage Block. Mirage introduces the mechanics Flanking (a combat ability that gives blockers -1/-1) and Phasing (a confusing ability used as a drawback in this set)
Setting
Mirage stands apart from the rest of Magic for its Africa jungle setting.
Notable Cards
Cycles
- 4cc Dragons: Canopy Dragon, Catacomb Dragon, Mist Dragon, Pearl Dragon and Volcanic Dragon
- Diamonds: Each diamond artifact cost 2 to bring out, came into play tapped and produced one mana of the appropriate color when tapped - Charcoal Diamond, Fire Diamond, Marble Diamond, Moss Diamond and Sky Diamond. They were later reprinted in 6th and 7th Edition.
- Legendary Land mega-mega cycle: Teferi's Isle is the first card in this mega-mega cycle, which also includes Volrath's Stronghold, Yavimaya Hollow, Kor Haven and Keldon Necropolis
- Uncommon Lands: These lands came into play tapped, then could be sacrificed to search for either of two particular basic lands. Bad River, Flood Plain, Grasslands, Mountain Valley and Rocky Tar Pit