Specialize

Specialize
Mechanic
Introduced	Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate
Last used	Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate
Statistics	19 cards 21.1% 21.1% 15.8% 21.1% 21.1%
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fulloracle:"Specialize"

Specialize is a designed-for-digital, MTG Arena-specific mechanic introduced in Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate.

Description

Specialize is a digital-only combination of transform and perpetual mechanics. Like MDFCs, cards with specialize feature a circled upward pointing triangle in the upper left corner of the card, colored black instead of white. This indicates that it is able to specialize. The ability invokes the choosing of a D&D character's new class during a campaign.

You may pay the specialize cost (an entirely generic mana cost) and discard a card of your choice to specialize the creature into one of five options, one for each color. The available options are determined by the colors and/or basic land types of the discarded card. Specialized creatures have different names to their original counterparts, an extra mana symbol of the new color in their mana cost, and a 5-way branching arrow icon in the top left corner. From here, most have a lot of design consistencies, but each rule has exceptions.

Specialize is mostly seen on reimagined cards. There are two that are not, who are characters original to this set: Lukamina, Moon Druid and Klement, Novice Acolyte. Both have six arts, whereas the reimagined cards only have one that is color shaded to match their new color. The other exception is of Lae'zel, Illithid Thrall: depicting a pivotal character moment for Lae'Zel, it has unique art, a different name structure than Lae'zel's other forms, and the only one that adds Horror to the type.

In terms of rules text, all but Klement, Novice Acolyte have a consistency in their "back" face abilities. Any keyword and non-specialize activated abilities on the front are retained on the "back". If the front face had an entry ability, the back ability will reflect that. The triggered ability on the "back" will have identical conditions, and the payoff will be color-appropriate. Some will also gain a color-appropriate keyword. Finally, aside from Klement, Novice Acolyte, Skanos, Dragon Vessal and Wilson, Bear Comrade, the sizing boost is consistent and symmetrical across all five forms.

By default, cards retain their specialization when changing zones. However, it is possible to "unspecialize", such as on Lukamina, Moon Druid.

Currently, specialize isn't part of the Comprehensive Rules.

Example

Example

Viconia, Nightsinger's Disciple
Legendary Creature — Elf Cleric
2/3
Specialize
:Exile target card from a graveyard.

Example 1

Viconia, Disciple of Rebirth
Legendary Creature — Elf Cleric
3/4
When this creature Specializes, conjure a duplicate of target creature card exiled with this creature into your hand. The duplicate perpetually gains "You may spend mana as though it were mana of any color to cast this spell." If it has mana value 3 or less you may put it onto the battlefield.
:Exile target card from a graveyard.

Example 2

Viconia, Disciple of Arcana
Legendary Creature — Elf Cleric
3/4
When this creature Specializes, choose up to one target creature card and up to one target instant or sorcery card from among cards exiled with this creature. Conjure a duplicare of each of those cards into your hand. The duplicate perpetually gains "You may spend mana as though it were mana of any color to cast this spell."
:Exile target card from a graveyard.

Example 3

Viconia, Disciple of Blood
Legendary Creature — Elf Cleric
3/4
When this creature Specializes, conjure a duplicate of target creature card exiled with this creature into your hand. The duplicate perpetually gains "You may spend mana as though it were mana of any color to cast this spell." and "When this creature enters the battlefield each opponent loses 2 life and you gain 2 life.
:Exile target card from a graveyard.

Example 4

Viconia, Disciple of Violence
Legendary Creature — Elf Cleric
3/4
When this creature Specializes, conjure a duplicate of target creature card exiled with this creature into your hand. The duplicate perpetually gets +1/+0 and gains haste and "You may spend mana as though it were mana of any color to cast this spell."
:Exile target card from a graveyard.

Example 5

Viconia, Disciple of Strength
Legendary Creature — Elf Cleric
3/4
When this creature Specializes, conjure a duplicate of target creature card exiled with this creature into your hand. The duplicate perpetually gets +2/+2 and gains "You may spend mana as though it were mana of any color to cast this spell."
:Exile target card from a graveyard.