Aetherborn
| Aetherborn | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Creature Type | |
| (Subtype for creature/kindred cards) | |
| Introduced | Kaladesh |
| Last used | Aetherdrift |
| Beeble Scale | 6[1] |
| Scryfall Statistics | |
Aetherborn is a black-aligned creature type introduced in Kaladesh, used for cards that depict humanoid creatures made from aether.[2] Some Aetherborn can draw life essence from other beings into themselves to prolong their existence;[3] these have the sub-type vampire.[4]
Description
Aetherborn were introduced as a creature type in Kaladesh. They came about because the designers didn't want zombies in the world of Avishkar so they was looking for what the main black creature type would be. When examining how each color interacted with aether they came up with the idea of creatures created out of it.[5] Aetherborn spontaneously came into being on Avishkar, then called Kaladesh, as a byproduct of the aether refinement process. Initially, inventors persecuted the earliest Aetherborn, seeing them as "mistakes".[6]
Storyline
Avishkar
"Families" of Aetherborn lay territorial claim to areas where young Aetherborn have manifested and instruct them in the way of their kind. Their bodies are in constant flux as the aether residue they're made of gradually dissolves and is reclaimed by the aethersphere. Thus, their lives are short - they are born fully formed and know their remaining lifespan, which can be between four weeks and four years. But rather than despair, they savor each fleeting moment, squeezing out every last drop of enjoyment.[7] Traditionally, before an Aetherborn dies, they throw a party with mandatory attendance for their friends and associates.[8][9] Aetherborn that lack such social connections usually hijack the party of another of their kind.
Aetherborn do not sleep or eat. Instead, they focus fully on experiencing existence. All Aetherborn have an innate sixth sense that allows them to accurately sense the emotional state of beings in a nearby perimeter. Aetherborn's skin has the look and feel of smooth chalk.[6] Aetherborn have no genders and are referred to using they/them pronouns, though there are cases of individual aetherborn that adopted a gender and associated pronouns.[8][10]
Notable Aetherborn
- Gonti, a crime lord.
- Paq, a thief.
- Rajul, a great inventor.
- Ranbir, a great inventor.
- Yahenni, an investor, philanthropist, socialite, and renegade.
Tokens
| Token name | Color | Type line | P/T | Text box | Source | Printings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aetherborn | 
|
Creature — Aetherborn | X/X |
Trivia
- Aetherborn were considered for playing a role in Edge of Eternities.[11]
References
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (October 23, 2018). "Where are aetherborn on the beeble scale?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Magic Creative Team (November 2, 2016). "Planeswalker's Guide to Kaladesh". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Flavor text of Essence Extraction
- ↑ Yahenni, Undying Partisan and Gifted Aetherborn
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (June 4, 2024). "Hi Mark! It's my birthday today so I thought I'd ask about my favorite newer creature type, any fun stories or facts about Aetherborn?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ a b Reinhardt Suarez (October 24, 2022). "The Brothers' War - Chapter 2: Antiquities". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ "Planes of Existence: Kaladesh" — Wizards of the Coast
- ↑ a b Alison Luhrs (September 21, 2016). "Born of Aether". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Magic Creative Team (February 1, 2017). "Renewal". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Plane Shift - Kaladesh
- ↑ Mark Rosewater & Ethan Fleischer (July 28, 2025). "Edge of Eternities Vision Design Handoff, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
