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{{Otheruses}}
  
{{Otheruses}}
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{{Infobox set
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{{Infobox set|
 
|image = MRD logo.png
  
|image = MRD logo.png
 
|symbol_description = The Sword of Kaldra
  
|symbol_description = The Sword of Kaldra
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|code_development = Bacon<ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/codename-game-2002-08-12-0|Codename of the Game|[[Mark Rosewater]]|August 12, 2002}}</ref>
  
|code_development = Bacon<ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/codename-game-2002-08-12-0|Codename of the Game|[[Mark Rosewater]]|August 12, 2002}}</ref>
 
|series = [[Mirrodin block]]
  
|series = [[Mirrodin block]]
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|first = [[Mirrodin]]
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|first = '''Mirrodin'''
 
|second = [[Darksteel]]
  
|second = [[Darksteel]]
 
|third = [[Fifth Dawn]]
  
|third = [[Fifth Dawn]]
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|next = [[Darksteel]]
  
|next = [[Darksteel]]
 
}}
  
}}
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'''''Mirrodin''''' is the first set in the [[Mirrodin block]]. It is the 30<sup>th</sup> ''[[Magic: The Gathering]]'' [[Set|expansion]] and was released on October 2, 2003. The [[prerelease]] was September 20–21, 2003 <ref name="MRD Fact Sheet">{{NewRef|arcana/mirrodin-fact-sheet-2003-09-01|''Mirrodin'' Fact Sheet|Wizards of the Coast|September 1, 2003}}</ref> <ref>{{NewRef|feature/mirrodin-prerelease-primer-2003-09-18|''Mirrodin'' Prerelease Primer|[[Brian David-Marshall]]|September 18, 2003}}</ref>
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'''''Mirrodin''''' is the first set in the [[Mirrodin block]]. It is the 30th ''[[Magic: The Gathering]]'' [[Set|expansion]] and was released on October 2, 2003. The [[prerelease]] was September 20–21, 2003 <ref name="MRD Fact Sheet">{{NewRef|arcana/mirrodin-fact-sheet-2003-09-01|''Mirrodin'' Fact Sheet|Wizards of the Coast|September 1, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{NewRef|feature/mirrodin-prerelease-primer-2003-09-18|''Mirrodin'' Prerelease Primer|[[Brian David-Marshall]]|September 18, 2003}}</ref>
   
 
==Set details==
  
==Set details==
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Starting with the [[Mirrodin block]], [[WotC]] took 44 cards out of the [[large expansion]] and added 22 cards to each of the two [[small expansion]]s. ''Mirrodin'' therefore contained 306 black-bordered cards (88 rare, 88 uncommon, 110 common, and 20 basic lands), which is 22 rares and 22 commons less than ''[[Onslaught]]''. <ref>{{NewRef|size-sets-2003-06-20|The Size of Sets|[[Randy Buehler]]|June 20, 2003}}</ref>. ''Mirrodin'' features a heavy [[artifact]] theme. Its [[expansion symbol]] is a small image of <c>Sword of Kaldra</c>, a card from the set. <ref>{{NewRef|ask-wizards-october-2006-2006-10-02|Ask Wizards|[[Brady Dommermuth]]|October 31, 2006}}</ref> ''Mirrodin'' set introduced a new artifact subtype in [[Equipment]] with the accompanying keyword [[Equip]], armor, swords and other utensils which can be attached to a [[creature]] to enhance that creature. Unlike [[Aura|Auras]], the equipment stays on the [[battlefield]] even if the creature is put in the graveyard. The set and block is also noted for many allusions to famous artifacts and related mechanics from previous blocks, such as <c>Chrome Mox</c> or Clockwork creatures. The set also featured <c>Solemn Simulacrum</c>, Jens Thoren's [[Magic Invitational|invitational]] card. <ref>{{NewRef|post-development-digest-2003-09-26|Post-Development Digest|[[Randy Buehler]]|September 26, 2003}}</ref> ''Mirrodin'' was the first expansion set to feature the new [[card face]] which had debuted in ''[[Eighth Edition]]''. The high number of artifacts revealed the inherent flaw of the new [[card frame]]: they were very hard to distinguish from white cards. <ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/make-no-mistake-2003-11-10|Make No Mistake|[[Mark Rosewater]]|November 10, 2003}}</ref>
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Starting with the [[Mirrodin block]], [[WotC]] took 44 cards out of the [[large expansion]] and added 22 cards to each of the two [[small expansion]]s. ''Mirrodin'' therefore contained 306 black-bordered cards (88 rare, 88 uncommon, 110 common, and 20 basic lands), which is 22 rares and 22 commons less than ''[[Onslaught]]''.<ref>{{NewRef|size-sets-2003-06-20|The Size of Sets|[[Randy Buehler]]|June 20, 2003}}</ref> ''Mirrodin'' features a heavy [[artifact]] theme. Its [[expansion symbol]] is a small image of <c>Sword of Kaldra</c>, a card from the set.<ref>{{NewRef|ask-wizards-october-2006-2006-10-02|Ask Wizards|[[Brady Dommermuth]]|October 31, 2006}}</ref> ''Mirrodin'' set introduced a new artifact subtype in [[Equipment]] with the accompanying keyword [[Equip]], armor, swords and other utensils which can be attached to a [[creature]] to enhance that creature. Unlike [[Aura]]s, the equipment stays on the [[battlefield]] even if the creature is put in the graveyard. The set and block is also noted for many allusions to famous artifacts and related mechanics from previous blocks, such as <c>Chrome Mox</c> or Clockwork creatures. The set also featured <c>Solemn Simulacrum</c>, Jens Thoren's [[Magic Invitational|invitational]] card.<ref>{{NewRef|post-development-digest-2003-09-26|Post-Development Digest|[[Randy Buehler]]|September 26, 2003}}</ref> ''Mirrodin'' was the first expansion set to feature the new [[card face]] which had debuted in ''[[Eighth Edition]]''. The high number of artifacts revealed the inherent flaw of the new [[card frame]]: they were very hard to distinguish from white cards.<ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/make-no-mistake-2003-11-10|Make No Mistake|[[Mark Rosewater]]|November 10, 2003}}</ref>
 
===Marketing===
  
===Marketing===
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''Mirrodin'' was sold in 75-card [[tournament deck]]s, 15-card [[boosters]], four [[preconstructed theme deck]]s and a [[fat pack]]. <ref>{{NewRef|arcana/mirrodin-product-images-2003-08-14|''Mirrodin'' product images|[[Magic Arcana]]|August 14, 2003}}</ref> The booster packs featured artwork from <c>Mindslaver</c>, <c>Icy Manipulator</c> and <c>Worldslayer</c>. The [[prerelease card]] was a [[foil]] <c>Sword of Kaldra</c>. This was the first prerelease card to feature [[alternate art]] and the first that wasn't a creature. <ref>{{NewRef|arcana/mirrodin-prerelease-card-2003-09-22|''Mirrodin'' Prerelease card|[[Magic Arcana]]|September 22, 2003}}</ref> The set was accompanied by a [[The Moons of Mirrodin|novel]] by [[Will McDermott]]. A [[Demon]] [[Token]] with Flying for <c>Promise of Power</c> <ref>{{NewRef|arcana/new-look-tokens-2003-09-24|The new look of tokens|[[Magic Arcana]]|September 24, 2003}}</ref> and an 1/1 [[Pentavite]] Token with Flying for <c>Pentavus</c> <ref>{{NewRef|upcoming-magic-rewards-tokens-2003-11-17|Upcoming Magic Rewards tokens|[[Magic Arcana]]|November 17, 2003}}</ref> were offered as [[Magic Player Reward]].
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''Mirrodin'' was sold in 75-card [[tournament deck]]s, 15-card [[boosters]], four [[preconstructed theme deck]]s and a [[fat pack]].<ref>{{NewRef|arcana/mirrodin-product-images-2003-08-14|''Mirrodin'' product images|[[Magic Arcana]]|August 14, 2003}}</ref> The booster packs featured artwork from <c>Mindslaver</c>, <c>Icy Manipulator</c> and <c>Worldslayer</c>. The [[prerelease card]] was a [[foil]] <c>Sword of Kaldra</c>. This was the first prerelease card to feature [[alternate art]] and the first that wasn't a creature.<ref>{{NewRef|arcana/mirrodin-prerelease-card-2003-09-22|''Mirrodin'' Prerelease card|[[Magic Arcana]]|September 22, 2003}}</ref> The set was accompanied by a [[The Moons of Mirrodin|novel]] by [[Will McDermott]]. A [[Demon]] [[Token]] with Flying for <c>Promise of Power</c> <ref>{{NewRef|arcana/new-look-tokens-2003-09-24|The new look of tokens|[[Magic Arcana]]|September 24, 2003}}</ref> and an 1/1 [[Pentavite]] Token with Flying for <c>Pentavus</c> <ref>{{NewRef|upcoming-magic-rewards-tokens-2003-11-17|Upcoming Magic Rewards tokens|[[Magic Arcana]]|November 17, 2003}}</ref> were offered as [[Magic Player Reward]].
   
 
===Flavor and storyline===
  
===Flavor and storyline===
 
{{Main|The Moons of Mirrodin}}
  
{{Main|The Moons of Mirrodin}}
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The setting for ''Mirrodin'' is a plane [[Mirrodin (plane)|by the same name]], an artificial world created by the [[planeswalker]] [[Karn]], and named after the [[Mirari]] by [[Memnarch]]. Mirrodin's environments and inhabitants mix organic and metallic. <ref>{{NewRef|feature/image-2003-09-09|''Mirrodin'' Image|[[Rei Nakazawa]]|September 09, 2003}}</ref> Mirrodin is orbited by four satellites, which are called suns and moons interchangeably, that correspond to [[red]], [[black]], [[white]] and [[blue]] magic. Green was notably absent. [[Glissa Sunseeker]], the finest hunter and perhaps the most skilled warrior of the [[elves]], begins her story to find out why the monstrous "levelers" seek to destroy her. It is this search for answers that will begin to uncover the mysteries within Mirrodin.
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The setting for ''Mirrodin'' is a plane [[Mirrodin (plane)|by the same name]], an artificial world created by the [[planeswalker]] [[Karn]], and named after the [[Mirari]] by [[Memnarch]]. Mirrodin's environments and inhabitants mix organic and metallic.<ref>{{NewRef|feature/image-2003-09-09|''Mirrodin'' Image|[[Rei Nakazawa]]|September 09, 2003}}</ref> Mirrodin is orbited by four satellites, which are called suns and moons interchangeably, that correspond to [[red]], [[black]], [[white]] and [[blue]] magic. Green was notably absent. [[Glissa Sunseeker]], the finest hunter and perhaps the most skilled warrior of the [[elves]], begins her story to find out why the monstrous "levelers" seek to destroy her. It is this search for answers that will begin to uncover the mysteries within Mirrodin.
   
 
===Tournament impact===
  
===Tournament impact===
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==Themes and mechanics==
  
==Themes and mechanics==
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*'''[[Artifacts]]''', including artifacts with [[color]]ed [[activation cost]]s, [[Artifact lands]] and [[Equipment]]. <ref>{{NewRef|when-artifacts-arent-spells-2003-09-05|When Artifacts Aren't Spells|[[Randy Buehler]]|September 05, 2003}}</ref> <ref>{{NewRef|latest-developments/white-and-artifacts-2003-09-12|White and Artifacts|[[Randy Buehler]]|September 12, 2003}}</ref> <ref>{{NewRef|artifacts-and-color-2003-10-03|Artifacts and Color|[[Randy Buehler]]|October 03, 2003}}</ref>
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*'''[[Artifacts]]''', including artifacts with [[color]]ed [[activation cost]]s, [[Artifact lands]] and [[Equipment]].<ref>{{NewRef|when-artifacts-arent-spells-2003-09-05|When Artifacts Aren't Spells|[[Randy Buehler]]|September 05, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{NewRef|latest-developments/white-and-artifacts-2003-09-12|White and Artifacts|[[Randy Buehler]]|September 12, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{NewRef|artifacts-and-color-2003-10-03|Artifacts and Color|[[Randy Buehler]]|October 03, 2003}}</ref>
 
*'''[[Affinity]]''' {{-}} A card becomes cheaper by {{1}} for each permanent of a certain type specified (usually artifacts).
  
*'''[[Affinity]]''' {{-}} A card becomes cheaper by {{1}} for each permanent of a certain type specified (usually artifacts).
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*'''[[Imprint]]''' {{-}} This ability found on artifacts allows you to remove a card from the game and "imprint" attributes of the removed card onto your artifact such as <c>Chrome Mox</c>. <ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/someday-my-imprints-will-come-2003-09-01|Someday My Imprints Will Come|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 01, 2003}}</ref>
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*'''[[Imprint]]''' {{-}} This ability found on artifacts allows you to remove a card from the game and "imprint" attributes of the removed card onto your artifact such as <c>Chrome Mox</c>.<ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/someday-my-imprints-will-come-2003-09-01|Someday My Imprints Will Come|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 01, 2003}}</ref>
 
*'''[[Entwine]]''' {{-}} Appears on modal spells and presents an extra cost; pay that cost to use both effects instead of only one, as on <c>Tooth and Nail</c>.
  
*'''[[Entwine]]''' {{-}} Appears on modal spells and presents an extra cost; pay that cost to use both effects instead of only one, as on <c>Tooth and Nail</c>.
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* '''[[Equipment]]''': an [[artifact]] [[subtype]] that has the "[[equip]]" [[keyword ability]]. By paying the equip cost, it attaches to a creature you control. If that creature leaves play, the Equipment becomes unattached and remains in play. Paying the equip cost also allows the Equipment to be moved from one creature to another. <ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/equip-iceberg-2003-09-08|Equip of the Iceberg|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 08, 2003}}</ref> <ref>{{NewRef|feature/rules-equipment-2003-09-02|Rules for Equipment|[[Paul Barclay]]|September 02, 2003}}</ref>
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* '''[[Equipment]]''': an [[artifact]] [[subtype]] that has the "[[equip]]" [[keyword ability]]. By paying the equip cost, it attaches to a creature you control. If that creature leaves play, the Equipment becomes unattached and remains in play. Paying the equip cost also allows the Equipment to be moved from one creature to another.<ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/equip-iceberg-2003-09-08|Equip of the Iceberg|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 08, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{NewRef|feature/rules-equipment-2003-09-02|Rules for Equipment|[[Paul Barclay]]|September 02, 2003}}</ref>
   
 
===Creature types===
  
===Creature types===
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''[[Mirrodin]]'' introduced the [[race/class model]] and the [[creature type]] [[Human]]. <ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/change-better-2004-10-04|Change For the Better|[[Mark Rosewater]]|October 04, 2004}}</ref> Other introduced types were [[Drone]], [[Myr]], [[Rogue]], [[Shaman]], [[Slith]], and [[Vedalken]] in this expansion. The set featured all eight major tribes from the previous [[Onslaught block]]. <ref>{{NewRef|tribes-mirrodin-2003-11-11|Tribes in ''Mirrodin''|[[Magic Arcana]]|November 11, 2003}}</ref>
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''Mirrodin'' introduced the [[race/class model]] and the [[creature type]] [[Human]].<ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/change-better-2004-10-04|Change For the Better|[[Mark Rosewater]]|October 04, 2004}}</ref> Other introduced types were [[Drone]], [[Myr]], [[Rogue]], [[Shaman]], [[Slith]], and [[Vedalken]] in this expansion. The set featured all eight major tribes from the previous [[Onslaught block]].<ref>{{NewRef|tribes-mirrodin-2003-11-11|Tribes in ''Mirrodin''|[[Magic Arcana]]|November 11, 2003}}</ref>
   
 
The following creature types that are not new to ''Magic'' are used in this expansion:
  
The following creature types that are not new to ''Magic'' are used in this expansion:
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''Mirrodin'' has 11 [[Cycle]]s:
  
''Mirrodin'' has 11 [[Cycle]]s:
   
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*'''Artifact lands''': <c>Ancient Den</c>, <c>Seat of the Synod</c>, <c>Vault of Whispers</c>, <c>Great Furnace</c> and <c>Tree of Tales</c> {{-}} Each of these common cards, representing an important location in each of [[Mirrodin (plane)|Mirrodin]]'s different regions, counted as both artifacts and lands, and could be tapped for one mana of a given color. <ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/come-together-2003-10-06-0|Come Together|[[Mark Rosewater]]|October 06, 2003}}</ref> Each was illustrated by [[Rob Alexander]]. Artifact lands reduced the cost of spells with [[Affinity]], and proved to be so powerful they were eventually banned in Mirrodin [[Block Constructed|block tournaments]]. Darksteel would later add a sixth artifact land to this cycle, <c>Darksteel Citadel</c>.
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*'''Artifact lands''': <c>Ancient Den</c>, <c>Seat of the Synod</c>, <c>Vault of Whispers</c>, <c>Great Furnace</c> and <c>Tree of Tales</c> {{-}} Each of these common cards, representing an important location in each of [[Mirrodin (plane)|Mirrodin]]'s different regions, counted as both artifacts and lands, and could be tapped for one mana of a given color.<ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/come-together-2003-10-06-0|Come Together|[[Mark Rosewater]]|October 06, 2003}}</ref> Each was illustrated by [[Rob Alexander]]. Artifact lands reduced the cost of spells with [[Affinity]], and proved to be so powerful they were eventually banned in Mirrodin [[Block Constructed|block tournaments]]. Darksteel would later add a sixth artifact land to this cycle, <c>Darksteel Citadel</c>.
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*'''[[Entwine]] spells''': Each of these [[modal ]] [[common]] spells has [[Entwine]] {{-}} <c>Blinding Beam</c>, <c>Dream's Grip</c>, <c>Wail of the Nim</c>, <c>Incite War</c>, and <c>Journey of Discovery</c>.
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*'''[[Entwine]] spells''': Each of these [[modal]] [[common]] spells has [[Entwine]] {{-}} <c>Blinding Beam</c>, <c>Dream's Grip</c>, <c>Wail of the Nim</c>, <c>Incite War</c>, and <c>Journey of Discovery</c>.
 
*'''Golems''': <c>Titanium Golem</c>, <c>Cobalt Golem</c>, <c>Pewter Golem</c>, <c>Hematite Golem</c>, and <c>Malachite Golem</c> {{-}} Each of these common artifact creatures has a color-specific ability. Each was illustrated by [[Paolo Parente]].
  
*'''Golems''': <c>Titanium Golem</c>, <c>Cobalt Golem</c>, <c>Pewter Golem</c>, <c>Hematite Golem</c>, and <c>Malachite Golem</c> {{-}} Each of these common artifact creatures has a color-specific ability. Each was illustrated by [[Paolo Parente]].
 
*'''Mana [[Myr]]''': <c>Gold Myr</c>, <c>Silver Myr</c>, <c>Leaden Myr</c>, <c>Iron Myr</c>, and <c>Copper Myr</c>.{{-}} Each of these common myr artifact creatures costs {{2}} and has a mana ability in which they tap, and which produce a color-appropriate mana. which does not leave the field at end of turn. Each represents a zone of Mirrodin corresponding to the color. Each is illustrated by [[Kev Walker]].
  
*'''Mana [[Myr]]''': <c>Gold Myr</c>, <c>Silver Myr</c>, <c>Leaden Myr</c>, <c>Iron Myr</c>, and <c>Copper Myr</c>.{{-}} Each of these common myr artifact creatures costs {{2}} and has a mana ability in which they tap, and which produce a color-appropriate mana. which does not leave the field at end of turn. Each represents a zone of Mirrodin corresponding to the color. Each is illustrated by [[Kev Walker]].
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*'''Sliths''': Each of these uncommon 1/1 [[Slith]] creatures has a mana cost containing two colored mana of the same type and the ability "Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, put a +1/+1 counter on it". Each of them was illustrated by [[Justin Sweet]] {{-}} <c>Slith Ascendant</c>, <c>Slith Strider</c>, <c>Slith Bloodletter</c>, <c>Slith Firewalker</c> and <c>Slith Predator</c>.
  
*'''Sliths''': Each of these uncommon 1/1 [[Slith]] creatures has a mana cost containing two colored mana of the same type and the ability "Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, put a +1/+1 counter on it". Each of them was illustrated by [[Justin Sweet]] {{-}} <c>Slith Ascendant</c>, <c>Slith Strider</c>, <c>Slith Bloodletter</c>, <c>Slith Firewalker</c> and <c>Slith Predator</c>.
 
*'''Spellbombs''': Each of these common artifacts costs {{1}} and has two activated abilities which require to sacrifice them. One is the same for each of them: "{{1}}, sacrifice this: Draw a card.". They were all illustraded by [[Jim Nelson]] {{-}} <c>Sunbeam Spellbomb</c>, <c>Æther Spellbomb</c>, <c>Necrogen Spellbomb</c>, <c>Pyrite Spellbomb</c>, and <c>Lifespark Spellbomb</c>.
  
*'''Spellbombs''': Each of these common artifacts costs {{1}} and has two activated abilities which require to sacrifice them. One is the same for each of them: "{{1}}, sacrifice this: Draw a card.". They were all illustraded by [[Jim Nelson]] {{-}} <c>Sunbeam Spellbomb</c>, <c>Æther Spellbomb</c>, <c>Necrogen Spellbomb</c>, <c>Pyrite Spellbomb</c>, and <c>Lifespark Spellbomb</c>.
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*'''Talismans''': <c>Talisman of Progress</c>, <c>Talisman of Dominance</c>, <c>Talisman of Indulgence</c>, <c>Talisman of Impulse</c> and <c>Talisman of Unity</c> {{-}} Each of these uncommon artifacts cost {{2}} to cast. Each had the same abilities as an allied-color [[Painlands|painland]]. Each was illustrated by [[Mike Dringenberg]]. <ref>{{NewRef|arcana/burden-talisman-2004-04-29|The Burden of a Talisman|[[Magic Arcana]]|April 29, 2004}}</ref>
 +
*'''Talismans''': <c>Talisman of Progress</c>, <c>Talisman of Dominance</c>, <c>Talisman of Indulgence</c>, <c>Talisman of Impulse</c> and <c>Talisman of Unity</c> {{-}} Each of these uncommon artifacts cost {{2}} to cast. Each had the same abilities as an allied-color [[Painlands|painland]]. Each was illustrated by [[Mike Dringenberg]].<ref>{{NewRef|arcana/burden-talisman-2004-04-29|The Burden of a Talisman|[[Magic Arcana]]|April 29, 2004}}</ref>
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*'''Towers''': <c>Tower of Champions</c>, <c>Tower of Eons</c>, <c>Tower of Fortunes</c> and <c>Tower of Murmurs</c> {{-}} Each of these rare artifacts cost {{4}} to cast and have an {{8}}, {{T}} ability. Each of these artifacts are affiliated with a certain color; Green, White, Blue, and Black, respectively. ''[[Scars of Mirrodin]]'' would later add a fifth Red Tower to this cycle: <c>Tower of Calamities</c>. <ref>{{NewRef|arcana/fifth-tower-2010-09-22|The Fifth Tower|[[Monty Ashley]]|September 22, 2010}}</ref>
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*'''Towers''': <c>Tower of Champions</c>, <c>Tower of Eons</c>, <c>Tower of Fortunes</c> and <c>Tower of Murmurs</c> {{-}} Each of these rare artifacts cost {{4}} to cast and have an {{8}}, {{T}} ability. Each of these artifacts are affiliated with a certain color; Green, White, Blue, and Black, respectively. ''[[Scars of Mirrodin]]'' would later add a fifth Red Tower to this cycle: <c>Tower of Calamities</c>.<ref>{{NewRef|arcana/fifth-tower-2010-09-22|The Fifth Tower|[[Monty Ashley]]|September 22, 2010}}</ref>
   
 
==Reprinted cards==
  
==Reprinted cards==
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''Mirrodin'' [[reprint]]ed 17 cards from previous sets. <ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/bacon-bits-2003-09-22|Bacon Bits|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 22, 2003}}</ref>
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''Mirrodin'' [[reprint]]ed 17 cards from previous sets.<ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/bacon-bits-2003-09-22|Bacon Bits|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 22, 2003}}</ref>
   
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*<c>Annul</c> {{-}} was first printed in ''[[Urza's Saga]]''. In ''Mirrodin'' its focus reversed, with countering artifacts becoming the primary value, with countering [[enchantments]] as a side benefit. <ref name="Reincarnation">{{NewRef|latest-developments/reincarnation-2008-03-21|Reincarnation|[[Devin Low]]|March 21, 2008}}</ref> <ref>{{NewRef|arcana/whats-annul-annulling-2004-01-06|What's Annul annulling?|[[Magic Arcana]]|January 06, 2004}}</ref>
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*<c>Annul</c> {{-}} was first printed in ''[[Urza's Saga]]''. In ''Mirrodin'' its focus reversed, with countering artifacts becoming the primary value, with countering [[enchantments]] as a side benefit.<ref name="Reincarnation">{{NewRef|latest-developments/reincarnation-2008-03-21|Reincarnation|[[Devin Low]]|March 21, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{NewRef|arcana/whats-annul-annulling-2004-01-06|What's Annul annulling?|[[Magic Arcana]]|January 06, 2004}}</ref>
 
*<c>Arrest</c> {{-}} was last seen in ''[[Mercadian Masques]]''. It changed rarity from an uncommon to a common. The only reprint not to mention artifacts <ref name="Reincarnation"/>
  
*<c>Arrest</c> {{-}} was last seen in ''[[Mercadian Masques]]''. It changed rarity from an uncommon to a common. The only reprint not to mention artifacts <ref name="Reincarnation"/>
 
*<c>Atog</c> {{-}} first printed in ''[[Antiquities]]'', last seen in ''[[5th Edition]]''.
  
*<c>Atog</c> {{-}} first printed in ''[[Antiquities]]'', last seen in ''[[5th Edition]]''.
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*<c>Chromatic Sphere</c> {{-}} first printed in ''[[Invasion]]''.
  
*<c>Chromatic Sphere</c> {{-}} first printed in ''[[Invasion]]''.
 
*<c>Creeping Mold</c> {{-}} first printed in ''[[Visions]]'', last seen in ''[[Kaladesh]]''.
  
*<c>Creeping Mold</c> {{-}} first printed in ''[[Visions]]'', last seen in ''[[Kaladesh]]''.
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*<c>Detonate</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Antiquities'', last seen in ''5th Edition''. ''Detonate'' had a new role in [[Mirrodin block]]: Destroying artifact lands for just {{R}}. <ref name="Reincarnation"/>
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*<c>Detonate</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Antiquities'', last seen in ''5th Edition''. ''Detonate'' had a new role in [[Mirrodin block]]: Destroying artifact lands for just {{R}}.<ref name="Reincarnation"/>
 
*<c>Dragon Blood</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Urza's Saga''.
 
*<c>Dragon Blood</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Urza's Saga''.
−
*<c>Icy Manipulator</c> {{-}} first printed in ''[[Alpha]]'', last seen in ''Ice Age''. Along with <c>Chrome Mox</c> and <c>Gilded Lotus</c>, ''Icy Manipulator'' provided a "Greatest Artifact Hits of Magic" feel. <ref name="Reincarnation"/>
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*<c>Icy Manipulator</c> {{-}} first printed in ''[[Alpha]]'', last seen in ''Ice Age''. Along with <c>Chrome Mox</c> and <c>Gilded Lotus</c>, ''Icy Manipulator'' provided a "Greatest Artifact Hits of Magic" feel.<ref name="Reincarnation"/>
 
*<c>Ornithopter</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Antiquities'', last seen in ''[[Aether Revolt]]''
  
*<c>Ornithopter</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Antiquities'', last seen in ''[[Aether Revolt]]''
 
*<c>Shatter</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Alpha'', last seen in ''[[Eighth Edition]]''.
  
*<c>Shatter</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Alpha'', last seen in ''[[Eighth Edition]]''.
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*<c>Terror</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Alpha'', last seen in ''[[Beatdown]]''.
  
*<c>Terror</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Alpha'', last seen in ''[[Beatdown]]''.
 
*<c>Triskelion</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Antiquities'', last seen in ''[[Fourth Edition]]''.
  
*<c>Triskelion</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Antiquities'', last seen in ''[[Fourth Edition]]''.
−
*<c>Yotian Soldier</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Antiquities'', last seen in ''Fourth Edition''. <ref>{{NewRef|arcana/yotian-soldiers-2011-03-24|Yotian Soldiers|[[Monty Ashley]]|March 24, 2011}}</ref>
 +
*<c>Yotian Soldier</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Antiquities'', last seen in ''Fourth Edition''.<ref>{{NewRef|arcana/yotian-soldiers-2011-03-24|Yotian Soldiers|[[Monty Ashley]]|March 24, 2011}}</ref>
   
 
===Functional reprints===
  
===Functional reprints===
−
''Mirrodin'' has 4 [[functional reprint|functional reprints]]:
 +
''Mirrodin'' has 4 [[functional reprint]]s:
   
 
*<c>Dross Prowler</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Razortooth Rats</c> from ''[[Weatherlight]]'', save for creature type.
  
*<c>Dross Prowler</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Razortooth Rats</c> from ''[[Weatherlight]]'', save for creature type.
Line 137: Line 137:
 
==Notable cards==
  
==Notable cards==
 
*<c>Chimney Imp</c> {{-}} Arguably one of the worst creatures ever printed
  
*<c>Chimney Imp</c> {{-}} Arguably one of the worst creatures ever printed
−
*<c>Mindslaver</c> {{-}} Rules had to be added to the [[Comprehensive Rules]] for [[controlling another player's turn]] thanks to this card. <ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/mind-wonderful-thing-waste-2003-09-15|A Mind Is A Wonderful Thing To Waste|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 15, 2003}}</ref>
 +
*<c>Mindslaver</c> {{-}} Rules had to be added to the [[Comprehensive Rules]] for [[controlling another player's turn]] thanks to this card.<ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/mind-wonderful-thing-waste-2003-09-15|A Mind Is A Wonderful Thing To Waste|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 15, 2003}}</ref>
 
*<c>Chalice of the Void</c> {{-}} A staple of Legacy prison decks
  
*<c>Chalice of the Void</c> {{-}} A staple of Legacy prison decks
 
*<c>Disciple of the Vault</c> {{-}} A staple of Standard and Legacy affinity decks, this card rapidly decreases the opponent's life total.
  
*<c>Disciple of the Vault</c> {{-}} A staple of Standard and Legacy affinity decks, this card rapidly decreases the opponent's life total.

Revision as of 22:35, 28 February 2019

For other uses, see Mirrodin (disambiguation).

Mirrodin
MRD logo
Set Information
Set symbol
Symbol description The Sword of Kaldra
Design Mark Rosewater (lead),
Bill Rose,
Brian Tinsman,
Mike Elliott,
Tyler Bielman
Development Randy Buehler (lead),
Brian Schneider,
Henry Stern,
Elaine Chase,
Brandon Bozzi,
Brian Tinsman
Art direction Jeremy Cranford
Release date October 2, 2003
Plane Mirrodin
Themes and mechanics Artifacts, Artifact lands and Equipment
Keywords/​ability words Affinity (for artifacts),
Imprint,
Entwine[1]
Set size 306
(20 basic lands, 110 commons, 88 uncommons, 88 rares)
Expansion code MRD[3]
Development codename Bacon[4]
Mirrodin block
'''Mirrodin''' [[Darksteel]] [[Fifth Dawn]]
Magic: The Gathering Chronology
[[Eighth Edition]] Mirrodin [[Darksteel]]

Mirrodin is the first set in the Mirrodin block. It is the 30th Magic: The Gathering expansion and was released on October 2, 2003. The prerelease was September 20–21, 2003 [5][6]

Set details

Starting with the Mirrodin block, WotC took 44 cards out of the large expansion and added 22 cards to each of the two small expansions. Mirrodin therefore contained 306 black-bordered cards (88 rare, 88 uncommon, 110 common, and 20 basic lands), which is 22 rares and 22 commons less than Onslaught.[7] Mirrodin features a heavy artifact theme. Its expansion symbol is a small image of Sword of Kaldra, a card from the set.[8] Mirrodin set introduced a new artifact subtype in Equipment with the accompanying keyword Equip, armor, swords and other utensils which can be attached to a creature to enhance that creature. Unlike Auras, the equipment stays on the battlefield even if the creature is put in the graveyard. The set and block is also noted for many allusions to famous artifacts and related mechanics from previous blocks, such as Chrome Mox or Clockwork creatures. The set also featured Solemn Simulacrum, Jens Thoren's invitational card.[9] Mirrodin was the first expansion set to feature the new card face which had debuted in Eighth Edition. The high number of artifacts revealed the inherent flaw of the new card frame: they were very hard to distinguish from white cards.[10]

Marketing

Mirrodin was sold in 75-card tournament decks, 15-card boosters, four preconstructed theme decks and a fat pack.[11] The booster packs featured artwork from Mindslaver, Icy Manipulator and Worldslayer. The prerelease card was a foil Sword of Kaldra. This was the first prerelease card to feature alternate art and the first that wasn't a creature.[12] The set was accompanied by a novel by Will McDermott. A Demon Token with Flying for Promise of Power [13] and an 1/1 Pentavite Token with Flying for Pentavus [14] were offered as Magic Player Reward.

Flavor and storyline

Main article: The Moons of Mirrodin

The setting for Mirrodin is a plane by the same name, an artificial world created by the planeswalker Karn, and named after the Mirari by Memnarch. Mirrodin's environments and inhabitants mix organic and metallic.[15] Mirrodin is orbited by four satellites, which are called suns and moons interchangeably, that correspond to red, black, white and blue magic. Green was notably absent. Glissa Sunseeker, the finest hunter and perhaps the most skilled warrior of the elves, begins her story to find out why the monstrous "levelers" seek to destroy her. It is this search for answers that will begin to uncover the mysteries within Mirrodin.

Tournament impact

Mirrodin is infamous for an imbalanced power level due to the set not restricting most of its cards to a certain color and the introduction of the Affinity mechanic and Artifact lands which enhanced each other. The set contained many cards which were banned or restricted in all major tournament formats such as Disciple of the Vault, the Artifact lands or Thirst for Knowledge.

Themes and mechanics

  • Artifacts, including artifacts with colored activation costs, Artifact lands and Equipment.[16][17][18]
  • Affinity — A card becomes cheaper by {1} for each permanent of a certain type specified (usually artifacts).
  • Imprint — This ability found on artifacts allows you to remove a card from the game and "imprint" attributes of the removed card onto your artifact such as Chrome Mox.[19]
  • Entwine — Appears on modal spells and presents an extra cost; pay that cost to use both effects instead of only one, as on Tooth and Nail.
  • Equipment: an artifact subtype that has the "equip" keyword ability. By paying the equip cost, it attaches to a creature you control. If that creature leaves play, the Equipment becomes unattached and remains in play. Paying the equip cost also allows the Equipment to be moved from one creature to another.[20][21]

Creature types

Mirrodin introduced the race/class model and the creature type Human.[22] Other introduced types were Drone, Myr, Rogue, Shaman, Slith, and Vedalken in this expansion. The set featured all eight major tribes from the previous Onslaught block.[23]

The following creature types that are not new to Magic are used in this expansion:

Cycles

Mirrodin has 11 Cycles:

Reprinted cards

Mirrodin reprinted 17 cards from previous sets.[27]

Functional reprints

Mirrodin has 4 functional reprints:

Card comparison

Colorshifted

Strictly better

Notable cards

Preconstructed decks

Main article: Mirrodin/Theme decks

Mirrodin has two monocolored and two bicolored theme decks.

Theme
deck name 		Colors Included
{W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Bait and Bludgeon U B
Little Bashers W
Sacrificial Bam B R
Wicked Big G

References

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  22. ↑ Template:NewRef
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  27. ↑ Template:NewRef
  28. ↑ a b c d Template:NewRef
  29. ↑ Template:NewRef
  30. ↑ Template:NewRef
  31. ↑ Template:NewRef
  32. ↑ Template:NewRef

External links

Mirrodin block
Scars of Mirrodin block
Phyrexia 2023
Mirrodin/New Phyrexia
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