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{{SubTabs
⚫
{{For|the accompanying novel to ''Saviors of Kamigawa''|Guardian: Saviors of Kamigawa}}
  
  +
|sub1 = Theme decks
  +
}}
 
{{Infobox set
  
{{Infobox set
 
|image = SOK logo.png
  
|image = SOK logo.png
  +
|image_bgcolor = white
 
|plane = [[Kamigawa]]
  
|plane = [[Kamigawa]]
 
|symbol_description = Lantern
  
|symbol_description = Lantern
−
|design = [[Brian Tinsman]] (lead) <ref>{{NewRef|suppressing-fire-how-we-designed-saviors-axe-2005-05-30|Suppressing Fire: How We Designed ''Saviors'' with an Axe|[[Brian Tinsman]]|May 30, 2005}}</ref> <br/> [[Brian Schneider]]<br/>[[Brandon Bozzi]]<br/>[[Devin Low]]
 +
|design = [[Brian Tinsman]] (lead) <ref>{{DailyRef|suppressing-fire-how-we-designed-saviors-axe-2005-05-30|Suppressing Fire: How We Designed ''Saviors'' with an Axe|[[Brian Tinsman]]|May 30, 2005}}</ref> <br/> [[Brian Schneider]]<br/>[[Brandon Bozzi]]<br/>[[Devin Low]]
−
|development = [[Randy Buehler]] (lead) <ref>{{NewRef|latest-developments/future-present-past-2005-05-06|Future, Present, Past|[[Aaron Forsythe]]|May 06, 2005}}</ref><br/>Brian Schneider<br/>[[Worth Wollpert]]<br/>[[Mons Johnson]]<br/>[[Justin Webb]]
 +
|development = [[Randy Buehler]] (lead) <ref>{{DailyRef|latest-developments/future-present-past-2005-05-06|Future, Present, Past|[[Aaron Forsythe]]|May 06, 2005}}</ref><br/>Brian Schneider<br/>[[Worth Wollpert]]<br/>[[Mons Johnson]]<br/>[[Justin Webb]]
 
|art = [[Jeremy Cranford]]
  
|art = [[Jeremy Cranford]]
 
|release = June 3, 2005
 
|release = June 3, 2005
 
|mechanics = [[Flip cards]], [[Wisdom]] ([[hand]]size matters)
  
|mechanics = [[Flip cards]], [[Wisdom]] ([[hand]]size matters)
 
|keywords = ''[[Channel]]'', [[Epic]], ''[[Sweep]]''
  
|keywords = ''[[Channel]]'', [[Epic]], ''[[Sweep]]''
−
|size= 165 (55 Common 55 Uncommon 55 Rare)
 +
|size= 165 cards<br/>{{curmb|55|55|55}}
 
|code_expansion = SOK
 
|code_expansion = SOK
−
|code_expansion_ref=<ref>{{NewRef|ask-wizards-august-2004-2004-08-02|Ask Wizards - August, 2004|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|August 02, 2004}}</ref>
 +
|code_expansion_ref= {{DailyRef|ask-wizards-august-2004-2004-08-02|Ask Wizards - August, 2004|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|August 02, 2004}}
 
|code_development = Fire
 
|code_development = Fire
 
|series = [[Kamigawa block]]
  
|series = [[Kamigawa block]]
−
|first = [[Champions of Kamigawa]]
 +
|first = Champions of Kamigawa
−
|second = [[Betrayers of Kamigawa]]
 +
|second = Betrayers of Kamigawa
−
|third = [[Saviors of Kamigawa]]
 +
|third = Saviors of Kamigawa
−
|previous = [[Betrayers of Kamigawa]]
 +
|previous = Betrayers of Kamigawa
−
|next = [[9th Edition]]
 +
|next = Ninth Edition
 
}}
  
}}
  ⚫
{{for|the novel|Guardian: Saviors of Kamigawa}}
−
'''Saviors of Kamigawa''' is the thirty-fifth ''[[Magic]]'' [[expansion]] and was released in June, 2005 as the third set in the [[Kamigawa block]]. The [[prerelease]] was May 21, 2005. <ref>{{NewRef|feature/saviors-kamigawa-prerelease-primer-2005-05-16|''Saviors of Kamigawa'' Prerelease Primer|[[Brian David-Marshall]]|May 16, 2005}}</ref>
 +
'''''Saviors of Kamigawa''''' is the thirty-fifth ''[[Magic]]'' [[expansion]] and was released in June, 2005 as the third set in the [[Kamigawa block]]. The [[prerelease]] was May 21, 2005.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/saviors-kamigawa-prerelease-primer-2005-05-16|''Saviors of Kamigawa'' Prerelease Primer|[[Brian David-Marshall]]|May 16, 2005}}</ref>
   
 
==Set details==
  
==Set details==
−
''Saviors of Kamigawa'' contains 165 black-bordered cards (55 rare, 55 uncommon, and 55 commons). Its [[expansion symbol]] is a "toro". <ref>{{NewRef|arcana/saviors-logo-concepts-2005-03-02|''Saviors'' Logo Concepts|[[Magic Arcana]]|March 02, 2005}}</ref> A toro is a lamp of stone, bronze, iron, wood, or another heavy material. These illuminate the grounds of Japanese temples, shrines, gardens, and other places that include tradition in their decor. It's also a symbol of hope. <ref>{{NewRef|ask-wizards-october-2006-2006-10-02|Ask Wizards|[[Brady Dommermuth]]|October 31, 2006}}</ref> ''Saviors of Kamigawa'' expands on the Kamigawa block themes, featuring cards with [[spiritcraft]], [[Soulshift]], [[Spirits]], [[Arcane]] instants and sorceries, cards with [[Splice|Splice onto Arcane]], and a high number of legendary creatures. It introduced [[flip cards]] that change their permanent type when flipped. With <c>Evermind</c>, it featured the first spell in ''Magic'' without a [[casting cost]] (its effect can only be achieved through the use of the Splice mechanic).
 +
''Saviors of Kamigawa'' contains 165 black-bordered cards (55 rare, 55 uncommon, and 55 commons). Its [[expansion symbol]] is a "toro".<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/saviors-logo-concepts-2005-03-02|''Saviors'' Logo Concepts|[[Magic Arcana]]|March 02, 2005}}</ref> A toro is a lamp of stone, bronze, iron, wood, or another heavy material. These illuminate the grounds of Japanese temples, shrines, gardens, and other places that include tradition in their decor. It's also a symbol of hope.<ref>{{DailyRef|ask-wizards-october-2006-2006-10-02|Ask Wizards|[[Brady Dommermuth]]|October 31, 2006}}</ref> ''Saviors of Kamigawa'' expands on the Kamigawa block themes, featuring cards with [[spiritcraft]], [[Soulshift]], [[Spirit]]s, [[Arcane]] instants and sorceries, cards with [[Splice|Splice onto Arcane]], and a high number of legendary creatures. It introduced [[flip cards]] that change their permanent type when flipped. With <c>Evermind</c>, it featured the first spell in ''Magic'' without a [[casting cost]] (its effect can only be achieved through the use of the Splice mechanic).
 
===Marketing===
  
===Marketing===
−
''Saviors of Kamigawa'' was sold in 15-card [[boosters]], four [[preconstructed theme deck]]s and a [[fat pack]]. <ref>{{NewRef|arcana/saviors-kamigawa-product-shots-2005-04-20|''Saviors of Kamigawa'' Product Shots|[[Magic Arcana]]|April 20, 2005}}</ref> The booster packs featured artwork from <c>Infernal Kirin</c>, <c>Maga, Traitor to Mortals</c> and <c>Adamaro, First to Desire</c>. The [[prerelease card]] was a [[foil]] [[alternate art]] <c>Kiyomaro, First to Stand</c>. The [[release card]] was <c>Ghost-Lit Raider</c>. The set was accompanied by a [[Guardian: Saviors of Kamigawa|novel]] by [[Scott McGough]].
 +
''Saviors of Kamigawa'' was sold in 15-card [[boosters]], four [[preconstructed theme deck]]s and a [[fat pack]].<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/saviors-kamigawa-product-shots-2005-04-20|''Saviors of Kamigawa'' Product Shots|[[Magic Arcana]]|April 20, 2005}}</ref> The booster packs featured artwork from <c>Infernal Kirin</c>, <c>Maga, Traitor to Mortals</c> and <c>Adamaro, First to Desire</c>. The [[prerelease card]] was a [[foil]] [[alternate art]] <c>Kiyomaro, First to Stand</c>. The [[release card]] was <c>Ghost-Lit Raider</c>. The set was accompanied by a [[Guardian: Saviors of Kamigawa|novel]] by [[Scott McGough]].
   
 
===Storyline===
  
===Storyline===
 
{{main|Guardian: Saviors of Kamigawa}}
  
{{main|Guardian: Saviors of Kamigawa}}
−
The ronin [[Toshi Umezawa|Toshi]] has sought to avoid the [[Kami War|great conflict]] between the spirit and [[utsushiyo|human realms]]. But despite his best efforts, he's not only involved in it, he's at the center of it. Together with [[Michiko Konda|Princess Michiko]], daughter of [[Konda|Daimyo Konda]], he must find a way to stave off the impending victory of the [[kami]], while preserving his own life into the bargain. <ref>{{NewRef|feature/saving-grace-taking-last-look-kamigawa-2005-05-09|Saving Grace - Taking a Last Look at Kamigawa?|[[Rei Nakazawa]]|May 09, 2005}}</ref> <ref>{{NewRef|feature/tales-beyond-veil-2005-06-13|Tales From Beyond the Veil|[[Jay Moldenhauer-Salazar]]|June 13, 2005}}</ref>
 +
The ronin [[Toshi Umezawa|Toshi]] has sought to avoid the [[Kami War|great conflict]] between the spirit and [[utsushiyo|human realms]]. But despite his best efforts, he's not only involved in it, he's at the center of it. Together with [[Michiko Konda|Princess Michiko]], daughter of [[Konda|Daimyo Konda]], he must find a way to stave off the impending victory of the [[kami]], while preserving his own life into the bargain.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/saving-grace-taking-last-look-kamigawa-2005-05-09|Saving Grace - Taking a Last Look at Kamigawa?|[[Rei Nakazawa]]|May 09, 2005}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|feature/tales-beyond-veil-2005-06-13|Tales From Beyond the Veil|[[Jay Moldenhauer-Salazar]]|June 13, 2005}}</ref>
   
 
===Tournament impact===
  
===Tournament impact===
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==Mechanics==
  
==Mechanics==
 
''Saviors of Kamigawa'' introduced the [[ability word]]s ''[[Sweep]]'' and ''[[Channel]]'', the keyword [[Epic]]. It also introduced the [[wisdom]] mechanic, cards that get better depending on your and sometimes your opponents' hand size. Several cards altered your or your opponent's [[maximum hand size]].
  
''Saviors of Kamigawa'' introduced the [[ability word]]s ''[[Sweep]]'' and ''[[Channel]]'', the keyword [[Epic]]. It also introduced the [[wisdom]] mechanic, cards that get better depending on your and sometimes your opponents' hand size. Several cards altered your or your opponent's [[maximum hand size]].
−
* '''Sweeps''' {{-}} some powerful spells can uproot the land itself. When you play a spell with the sweep ability, you can return to your hand any number of your lands of the right type. The more lands you return, the more devastating the spell is (e.g. <c>Sink into Takenuma</c>).
 +
* '''[[Sweep]]s''' {{-}} some powerful spells can uproot the land itself. When you play a spell with the sweep ability, you can return to your hand any number of your lands of the right type. The more lands you return, the more devastating the spell is (e.g. <c>Sink into Takenuma</c>).
−
* '''Channel''' {{-}} near the final days of the war, the veil between worlds became increasingly volatile. [[Kami]] with the channel ability could focus their life essence into a one-shot blast of energy instead of solidifying into a creature (e.g. <c>Ghost-Lit Redeemer</c>). Since this is an ability instead of a spell, regular countering spells can’t stop it. <ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/choosing-channel-2005-05-23|Choosing a Channel|[[Mark Rosewater]]|May 23, 2005}}</ref>
 +
* '''[[Channel]]''' {{-}} near the final days of the war, the veil between worlds became increasingly volatile. [[Kami]] with the channel ability could focus their life essence into a one-shot blast of energy instead of solidifying into a creature (e.g. <c>Ghost-Lit Redeemer</c>). Since this is an ability instead of a spell, regular countering spells can't stop it.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/choosing-channel-2005-05-23|Choosing a Channel|[[Mark Rosewater]]|May 23, 2005}}</ref>
−
* '''Epic''' {{-}} Spells with the epic ability are so extraordinary that once you play one, you can’t play any more spells for the rest of the game. However, each time your upkeep starts, you get another free copy of the epic spell (e.g. <c>Enduring Ideal</c>). <ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/epic-struggles-2005-05-09-0|Epic Struggles|[[Mark Rosewater]]|May 09, 2005}}</ref>
 +
* '''[[Epic]]''' {{-}} Spells with the epic ability are so extraordinary that once you play one, you can't play any more spells for the rest of the game. However, each time your upkeep starts, you get another free copy of the epic spell (e.g. <c>Enduring Ideal</c>).<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/epic-struggles-2005-05-09-0|Epic Struggles|[[Mark Rosewater]]|May 09, 2005}}</ref>
−
* '''Wisdom''' {{-}} the set is filled with creatures and spells that get better the more cards you have in your hand (e.g. <c>Akki Underling</c>, <c>Kitsune Bonesetter</c>).
 +
* '''[[Wisdom]]''' {{-}} the set is filled with creatures and spells that get better the more cards you have in your hand (e.g. <c>Akki Underling</c>, <c>Kitsune Bonesetter</c>).
   
 
==Creature types==
  
==Creature types==
−
The following [[Creature type|creature types]] are introduced in this expansion: [[Kirin]].
 +
The following [[creature type]]s are introduced in this expansion: [[Kirin]].
   
 
The following creature types are used in this expansion but also appear in previous sets: [[Advisor]], [[Archer]], [[Beast]], [[Cleric]], [[Demon]], [[Druid]], [[Fox]], [[Goblin]], [[Insect]], [[Mercenary]], [[Monk]], [[Moonfolk]], [[Ogre]], [[Rat]], [[Rogue]], [[Scout]], [[Shaman]], [[Shapeshifter]], [[Snake]], [[Soldier]], [[Spirit]], [[Warrior]], [[Zubera]].
  
The following creature types are used in this expansion but also appear in previous sets: [[Advisor]], [[Archer]], [[Beast]], [[Cleric]], [[Demon]], [[Druid]], [[Fox]], [[Goblin]], [[Insect]], [[Mercenary]], [[Monk]], [[Moonfolk]], [[Ogre]], [[Rat]], [[Rogue]], [[Scout]], [[Shaman]], [[Shapeshifter]], [[Snake]], [[Soldier]], [[Spirit]], [[Warrior]], [[Zubera]].
Line 49: Line 53:
 
==Cycles==
  
==Cycles==
 
Saviors of Kamigawa has nine [[cycles]] and a [[vertical cycle]].
  
Saviors of Kamigawa has nine [[cycles]] and a [[vertical cycle]].
  +
{| class="wikitable"
⚫
*'''Ascendants''': Each of these [[rare]] [[legendary]] [[Classes#Monks|Monk]] [[creature]]s [[flip cards|flip]] to legendary [[enchantment]]s {{-}} <c>Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant</c>, <c>Erayo, Soratami Ascendant</c>, <c>Kuon, Ogre Ascendant</c>, <c>Homura, Human Ascendant</c> and <c>Sasaya, Orochi Ascendant</c>. <ref>{{NewRef|feature/ascendants-ascendance-2005-12-27|Ascendants in Ascendance|[[Magic Arcana]]|June 02, 2005}}</ref>
  
  +
! Cycle name
⚫
*'''Bouncers''': Each of these uncommon creatures requires another creature of its color to be returned to your hand during each of your [[upkeep]]s, keeping your hand full and fitting with the [[wisdom]] mechanic {{-}} <c>Eiganjo Free-Riders</c>, <c>Oni of Wild Places</c>, <c>Skull Collector</c>, <c>Stampeding Serow</c>, and <c>Trusted Advisor</c>.
  
  +
! {{W}}
⚫
*'''Epic''': Each of these rare sorceries restrict you from playing any more spells for the rest of the game, but the epic spell is copied during each of your upkeeps until the game ends {{-}} <c>Enduring Ideal</c>, <c>Eternal Dominion</c>, <c>Neverending Torment</c>, <c>Undying Flames</c>, and <c>Endless Swarm</c>.
  
  +
! {{U}}
⚫
*'''Ghost-Lit''': Each of these uncommon [[Spirits|Spirit]] creatures has an activated ability and can be be discarded from your hand using the [[channel]] ability for twice the effect {{-}} <c>Ghost-Lit Redeemer</c>, <c>Ghost-Lit Warder</c>, <c>Ghost-Lit Stalker</c>, <c>Ghost-Lit Raider</c> and <c>Ghost-Lit Nourisher</c>. <ref>{{NewRef|ghost-lit-kami-2005-06-20|Ghost-Lit Kami|[[Magic Arcana]]|June 20, 2005}}</ref>
  
  +
! {{B}}
⚫
*'''Kirin''': Each of these rare legendary Spirit creatures has flying and a [[spiritcraft]] ability related to the casting cost of the spell cast {{-}} <c>Celestial Kirin</c>, <c>Cloudhoof Kirin</c>, <c>Infernal Kirin</c>, <c>Skyfire Kirin</c>, and <c>Bounteous Kirin</c>.
  
  +
! {{R}}
⚫
*'''[[Maro]]s''': Each of these legendary Spirit creatures, fashioned after the card <c>Maro</c> from ''[[Mirage]]'', have power and toughness dependent on the number of cards in a player's hand {{-}} <c>Kiyomaro, First to Stand</c>, <c>Soramaro, First to Dream</c>, <c>Kagemaro, First to Suffer</c>, <c>Adamaro, First to Desire</c>, and <c>Masumaro, First to Live</c>. <ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/sun’ll-come-out-maro-2005-05-16|The Sun'll Come Out To Maro|[[Mark Rosewater]]|May 16, 2005}}</ref>
  
  +
! {{G}}
−
*'''Maro spells''': Each of these spells is related to the corresponding legendary Maro Spirit {{-}} <c>Descendant of Kiyomaro</c>, <c>Descendant of Soramaro</c>, <c>Kagemaro's Clutch</c>, <c>Gaze of Adamaro</c>, and <c>Descendant of Masumaro</c>.
  
  +
|-
⚫
*'''Onna''': Each of these uncommon Spirit creatures have comes-into-play abilities can be returned to your hand whenever you play a Spirit or [[Arcane]] spell {{-}} <c>Haru-Onna</c>, <c>Kemuri-Onna</c>, <c>Kiri-Onna</c>, <c>Nikko-Onna</c>, and <c>Yuki-Onna</c>.
  
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Ascendants'''
⚫
*'''Shinen''': Each of these common Spirit creatures has a static ability and can be be discarded from your hand using [[channel]] to give this ability to another creature {{-}} <c>Shinen of Stars' Light</c>, <c>Shinen of Flight's Wings</c>, <c>Shinen of Fear's Chill</c>, <c>Shinen of Fury's Fire</c>, and <c>Shinen of Life's Roar</c>.
  
  +
|{{card|Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Erayo, Soratami Ascendant||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Kuon, Ogre Ascendant||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Homura, Human Ascendant||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Sasaya, Orochi Ascendant||SOK}}
  +
|-
  ⚫
|colspan="5"|Each of these [[rare]] [[legendary]] [[Monk]] [[creature]]s [[flip card|flip]] to legendary [[enchantment]]s.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/ascendants-ascendance-2005-12-27|Ascendants in Ascendance|[[Magic Arcana]]|June 02, 2005}}</ref>
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Bouncers'''
  +
|{{card|Eiganjo Free-Riders||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Trusted Advisor||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Skull Collector||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Oni of Wild Places||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Stampeding Serow||SOK}}
  +
|-
  ⚫
|colspan="5"|Each of these uncommon creatures requires another creature of its color to be returned to your hand during each of your [[upkeep]]s, keeping your hand full and fitting with the [[wisdom]] mechanic.
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Epic'''
  +
|{{card|Enduring Ideal||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Eternal Dominion||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Neverending Torment||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Undying Flames||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Endless Swarm||SOK}}
  +
|-
  ⚫
|colspan="5"|Each of these rare sorceries restrict you from playing any more spells for the rest of the game, but the epic spell is copied during each of your upkeeps until the game ends.
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Ghost-Lit'''
  +
|{{card|Ghost-Lit Redeemer||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Ghost-Lit Warder||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Ghost-Lit Stalker||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Ghost-Lit Raider||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Ghost-Lit Nourisher||SOK}}
  +
|-
  ⚫
|colspan="5"|Each of these uncommon [[Spirit]] creatures has an activated ability and can be discarded from your hand using the [[channel]] ability for twice the effect.<ref>{{DailyRef|ghost-lit-kami-2005-06-20|Ghost-Lit Kami|[[Magic Arcana]]|June 20, 2005}}</ref>
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Kirin'''
  +
|{{card|Celestial Kirin||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Cloudhoof Kirin||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Infernal Kirin||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Skyfire Kirin||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Bounteous Kirin||SOK}}
  +
|-
  ⚫
|colspan="5"|Each of these rare legendary Spirit creatures has flying and a [[spiritcraft]] ability related to the casting cost of the spell cast.
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''[[Maro]]s'''
  +
|{{card|Kiyomaro, First to Stand||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Soramaro, First to Dream||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Kagemaro, First to Suffer||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Adamaro, First to Desire||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Masumaro, First to Live||SOK}}
  +
|-
  ⚫
|colspan="5"|Each of these legendary Spirit creatures, fashioned after the card <c>Maro</c> from ''[[Mirage]]'', have power and toughness dependent on the number of cards in a player's hand.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/sun’ll-come-out-maro-2005-05-16|The Sun'll Come Out To Maro|[[Mark Rosewater]]|May 16, 2005}}</ref>
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Maro spells'''
  +
|{{card|Descendant of Kiyomaro||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Descendant of Soramaro||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Kagemaro's Clutch||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Gaze of Adamaro||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Descendant of Masumaro||SOK}}
  +
|-
  +
|colspan="5"|Each of these spells is related to the corresponding legendary Maro Spirit.
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Onna'''
  +
|{{card|Nikko-Onna||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Kiri-Onna||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Kemuri-Onna||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Yuki-Onna||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Haru-Onna||SOK}}
  +
|-
  ⚫
|colspan="5"|Each of these uncommon Spirit creatures have comes-into-play abilities can be returned to your hand whenever you play a Spirit or [[Arcane]] spell.
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Shinen'''
  +
|{{card|Shinen of Stars' Light||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Shinen of Flight's Wings||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Shinen of Fear's Chill||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Shinen of Fury's Fire||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Shinen of Life's Roar||SOK}}
  +
|-
  ⚫
|colspan="5"|Each of these common Spirit creatures has a static ability and can be discarded from your hand using [[channel]] to give this ability to another creature.
  +
|}
   
 
===Vertical cycle===
  
===Vertical cycle===
  +
{| class="wikitable"
⚫
*'''Recursive''': Each of these three black spells has an ability that returns it from the graveyard assuming you have more cards in hand than each opponent {{-}} <c>Death of a Thousand Stings</c> (common), <c>Exile Into Darkness</c> (uncommon) and <c>Akuta, Born of Ash</c> (rare).
  
  +
! Cycle name
  +
! {{keyrune|SOK}}
  +
! {{keyrune|SOK|rarity=u}}
  +
! {{keyrune|SOK|rarity=r}}
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Recursive'''
  +
|{{card|Death of a Thousand Stings||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Exile Into Darkness||SOK}}
  +
|{{card|Akuta, Born of Ash||SOK}}
  +
|-
  ⚫
|colspan="5"|Each of these three black spells has an ability that returns it from the graveyard assuming you have more cards in hand than each opponent.
  +
|}
   
−
==Mirrored pairs==
 +
===Pairs===
−
''Saviors of Kamigawa'' has four [[mirrored pair|mirrored pairs]].
 +
''Saviors of Kamigawa'' has four [[mirrored pair]]s.
   
  +
{| class="wikitable"
⚫
*<c>Arashi, the Sky Asunder</c> (green) and <c>Jiwari, the Earth Aflame</c> (red) are both rare legendary Spirit creatures for {{3}}MM with an activated ability to deal damage to a (non-) flying creature and can both be discarded using [[channel]] to deal damage to all (non-) flying creatures.
  
  +
|-
⚫
*<c>Burning-Eye Zubera</c> (red) and <c>Rushing-Tide Zubera</c> (blue) are both 3/3 uncommon Zubera Spirit creatures for {{2}}MM with an ability that triggers if they go to the graveyard from play after being dealt four damage or more that turn.
  
  +
! colspan="2"|Mirrored Pairs
⚫
*<c>Hand of Cruelty</c> (black) and <c>Hand of Honor</c> (white) are both 2/2 Human Samurai for MM, both with protection from the opposing color and [[Bushido]] 1.
  
  +
!Description
⚫
* <c>Ivory Crane Netsuke</c> and <c>Ebony Owl Netsuke</c> are both uncommon artifacts for {{2}} with an upkeep ability which triggers when certain players have seven or more cards in hand.
  
  +
|-
  +
|{{card|Arashi, the Sky Asunder||SOK}} <br/> {{nowrap|({{G}})}}
  +
|{{card|Jiwari, the Earth Aflame||SOK}} <br/> {{nowrap|({{R}})}}
  ⚫
|Rare legendary Spirit creatures for {{3}}MM with an activated ability to deal damage to a (non-) flying creature and can both be discarded using [[channel]] to deal damage to all (non-) flying creatures.
  +
|-
  +
|{{card|Burning-Eye Zubera||SOK}} <br/> {{nowrap|({{R}})}}
  +
|{{card|Rushing-Tide Zubera||SOK}} <br/> {{nowrap|({{U}})}}
  ⚫
|3/3 uncommon Zubera Spirit creatures for {{2}}MM with an ability that triggers if they go to the graveyard from play after being dealt four damage or more that turn.
  +
|-
  +
|{{card|Hand of Cruelty||SOK}} <br/> {{nowrap|({{B}})}}
  +
|{{card|Hand of Honor||SOK}} <br/> {{nowrap|({{W}})}}
  ⚫
|2/2 Human Samurai for MM, both with protection from the opposing color and [[Bushido]] 1.
  +
|-
  +
|{{card|Ivory Crane Netsuke||SOK}} <br/> {{nowrap|({{C}})}}
  +
|{{card|Ebony Owl Netsuke||SOK}} <br/> {{nowrap|({{C}})}}
  ⚫
|Uncommon artifacts for {{2}} with an upkeep ability which triggers when certain players have seven or more cards in hand.
  +
|}
   
−
===Functional reprints===
 +
==Functional reprints==
−
''Saviors of Kamigawa'' has five [[functional reprint|functional reprints]]:
 +
''Saviors of Kamigawa'' has five [[functional reprint]]s:
   
 
*<c>Blood Clock</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Umbilicus</c> from ''[[Urza's Saga]]''.
  
*<c>Blood Clock</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Umbilicus</c> from ''[[Urza's Saga]]''.
Line 81: Line 194:
 
==Notable cards==
  
==Notable cards==
 
*<c>Pithing Needle</c> became a popular counter against combo decks and other strategies relying on a specific card, and was reprinted several times.
  
*<c>Pithing Needle</c> became a popular counter against combo decks and other strategies relying on a specific card, and was reprinted several times.
−
*<c>Erayo, Soratami Ascendant</c> was so effective in [[Commander format]] [[control deck]]s that he was banned from use as a [[Deck commander|Commander]].
 +
*<c>Erayo, Soratami Ascendant</c> was so effective in [[Commander format]] [[control deck]]s that she was banned from use as a [[commander (designation)|commander]], and later banned altogether in the format.
 
*<c>Ebony Owl Netsuke</c>, along with <c>Howling Mine</c>, became the namesake of a popular deck in "Owling Mine," which sought to kill an opponent by filling their hand with cards.
  
*<c>Ebony Owl Netsuke</c>, along with <c>Howling Mine</c>, became the namesake of a popular deck in "Owling Mine," which sought to kill an opponent by filling their hand with cards.
   
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*{{Prodpage|saviors-of-kamigawa|Saviors of Kamigawa}}
  
*{{Prodpage|saviors-of-kamigawa|Saviors of Kamigawa}}
   
  +
{{Sets|state=collapsed}}
 
{{Kamigawa|block}}
  
{{Kamigawa|block}}
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{{Sets}}
  

Revision as of 01:55, 21 June 2021

Saviors of Kamigawa
 
Theme decks
 

Saviors of Kamigawa
SOK logo
Set Information
Set symbol
Symbol description Lantern
Design Brian Tinsman (lead) [1]
Brian Schneider
Brandon Bozzi
Devin Low
Development Randy Buehler (lead) [2]
Brian Schneider
Worth Wollpert
Mons Johnson
Justin Webb
Art direction Jeremy Cranford
Release date June 3, 2005
Plane Kamigawa
Themes and mechanics Flip cards, Wisdom (handsize matters)
Keywords/​ability words Channel, Epic, Sweep
Set size 165 cards
(55 commons, 55 uncommons, 55 rares)
Expansion code SOK[3]
Development codename Fire
Kamigawa block
Champions of Kamigawa Betrayers of Kamigawa Saviors of Kamigawa
Magic: The Gathering Chronology
Betrayers of Kamigawa Saviors of Kamigawa Ninth Edition
For the novel, see Guardian: Saviors of Kamigawa.

Saviors of Kamigawa is the thirty-fifth Magic expansion and was released in June, 2005 as the third set in the Kamigawa block. The prerelease was May 21, 2005.[4]

Set details

Saviors of Kamigawa contains 165 black-bordered cards (55 rare, 55 uncommon, and 55 commons). Its expansion symbol is a "toro".[5] A toro is a lamp of stone, bronze, iron, wood, or another heavy material. These illuminate the grounds of Japanese temples, shrines, gardens, and other places that include tradition in their decor. It's also a symbol of hope.[6] Saviors of Kamigawa expands on the Kamigawa block themes, featuring cards with spiritcraft, Soulshift, Spirits, Arcane instants and sorceries, cards with Splice onto Arcane, and a high number of legendary creatures. It introduced flip cards that change their permanent type when flipped. With Evermind, it featured the first spell in Magic without a casting cost (its effect can only be achieved through the use of the Splice mechanic).

Marketing

Saviors of Kamigawa was sold in 15-card boosters, four preconstructed theme decks and a fat pack.[7] The booster packs featured artwork from Infernal Kirin, Maga, Traitor to Mortals and Adamaro, First to Desire. The prerelease card was a foil alternate art Kiyomaro, First to Stand. The release card was Ghost-Lit Raider. The set was accompanied by a novel by Scott McGough.

Storyline

Main article: Guardian: Saviors of Kamigawa

The ronin Toshi has sought to avoid the great conflict between the spirit and human realms. But despite his best efforts, he's not only involved in it, he's at the center of it. Together with Princess Michiko, daughter of Daimyo Konda, he must find a way to stave off the impending victory of the kami, while preserving his own life into the bargain.[8][9]

Tournament impact

Following the steps of the rest of the block, Saviors of Kamigawa contributed to the tournament scene with strong finishers and "fatties" like Kagemaro, First to Suffer, Maga, Traitor to Mortals and Arashi, the Sky Asunder, as well as strong sideboard cards, like Pithing Needle, Manriki-Gusari and Kataki, War's Wage. It also featured a good amount of quality weenies like Hand of Honor, Hand of Cruelty that helped aggro decks battle the mostly control environment of Kamigawa Block Constructed.

Mechanics

Saviors of Kamigawa introduced the ability words Sweep and Channel, the keyword Epic. It also introduced the wisdom mechanic, cards that get better depending on your and sometimes your opponents' hand size. Several cards altered your or your opponent's maximum hand size.

  • Sweeps — some powerful spells can uproot the land itself. When you play a spell with the sweep ability, you can return to your hand any number of your lands of the right type. The more lands you return, the more devastating the spell is (e.g. Sink into Takenuma).
  • Channel — near the final days of the war, the veil between worlds became increasingly volatile. Kami with the channel ability could focus their life essence into a one-shot blast of energy instead of solidifying into a creature (e.g. Ghost-Lit Redeemer). Since this is an ability instead of a spell, regular countering spells can't stop it.[10]
  • Epic — Spells with the epic ability are so extraordinary that once you play one, you can't play any more spells for the rest of the game. However, each time your upkeep starts, you get another free copy of the epic spell (e.g. Enduring Ideal).[11]
  • Wisdom — the set is filled with creatures and spells that get better the more cards you have in your hand (e.g. Akki Underling, Kitsune Bonesetter).

Creature types

The following creature types are introduced in this expansion: Kirin.

The following creature types are used in this expansion but also appear in previous sets: Advisor, Archer, Beast, Cleric, Demon, Druid, Fox, Goblin, Insect, Mercenary, Monk, Moonfolk, Ogre, Rat, Rogue, Scout, Shaman, Shapeshifter, Snake, Soldier, Spirit, Warrior, Zubera.

Cycles

Saviors of Kamigawa has nine cycles and a vertical cycle.

Cycle name {W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Ascendants Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant Erayo, Soratami Ascendant Kuon, Ogre Ascendant Homura, Human Ascendant Sasaya, Orochi Ascendant
Each of these rare legendary Monk creatures flip to legendary enchantments.[12]
Bouncers Eiganjo Free-Riders Trusted Advisor Skull Collector Oni of Wild Places Stampeding Serow
Each of these uncommon creatures requires another creature of its color to be returned to your hand during each of your upkeeps, keeping your hand full and fitting with the wisdom mechanic.
Epic Enduring Ideal Eternal Dominion Neverending Torment Undying Flames Endless Swarm
Each of these rare sorceries restrict you from playing any more spells for the rest of the game, but the epic spell is copied during each of your upkeeps until the game ends.
Ghost-Lit Ghost-Lit Redeemer Ghost-Lit Warder Ghost-Lit Stalker Ghost-Lit Raider Ghost-Lit Nourisher
Each of these uncommon Spirit creatures has an activated ability and can be discarded from your hand using the channel ability for twice the effect.[13]
Kirin Celestial Kirin Cloudhoof Kirin Infernal Kirin Skyfire Kirin Bounteous Kirin
Each of these rare legendary Spirit creatures has flying and a spiritcraft ability related to the casting cost of the spell cast.
Maros Kiyomaro, First to Stand Soramaro, First to Dream Kagemaro, First to Suffer Adamaro, First to Desire Masumaro, First to Live
Each of these legendary Spirit creatures, fashioned after the card Maro from Mirage, have power and toughness dependent on the number of cards in a player's hand.[14]
Maro spells Descendant of Kiyomaro Descendant of Soramaro Kagemaro's Clutch Gaze of Adamaro Descendant of Masumaro
Each of these spells is related to the corresponding legendary Maro Spirit.
Onna Nikko-Onna Kiri-Onna Kemuri-Onna Yuki-Onna Haru-Onna
Each of these uncommon Spirit creatures have comes-into-play abilities can be returned to your hand whenever you play a Spirit or Arcane spell.
Shinen Shinen of Stars' Light Shinen of Flight's Wings Shinen of Fear's Chill Shinen of Fury's Fire Shinen of Life's Roar
Each of these common Spirit creatures has a static ability and can be discarded from your hand using channel to give this ability to another creature.

Vertical cycle

Cycle name
Recursive Death of a Thousand Stings Exile Into Darkness Akuta, Born of Ash
Each of these three black spells has an ability that returns it from the graveyard assuming you have more cards in hand than each opponent.

Pairs

Saviors of Kamigawa has four mirrored pairs.

Mirrored Pairs Description
Arashi, the Sky Asunder
({G}) 		Jiwari, the Earth Aflame
({R}) 		Rare legendary Spirit creatures for {3}MM with an activated ability to deal damage to a (non-) flying creature and can both be discarded using channel to deal damage to all (non-) flying creatures.
Burning-Eye Zubera
({R}) 		Rushing-Tide Zubera
({U}) 		3/3 uncommon Zubera Spirit creatures for {2}MM with an ability that triggers if they go to the graveyard from play after being dealt four damage or more that turn.
Hand of Cruelty
({B}) 		Hand of Honor
({W}) 		2/2 Human Samurai for MM, both with protection from the opposing color and Bushido 1.
Ivory Crane Netsuke
({C}) 		Ebony Owl Netsuke
({C}) 		Uncommon artifacts for {2} with an upkeep ability which triggers when certain players have seven or more cards in hand.

Functional reprints

Saviors of Kamigawa has five functional reprints:

Notable cards

Theme decks

Main article: Saviors of Kamigawa/Theme decks

The preconstructed theme decks are:

Theme
deck name 		Colors Included
{W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Critical Mass B R
Soratami's Wisdom W U
Spirit Flames R G
Truth Seekers W G

References

  1. ↑ Brian Tinsman (May 30, 2005). "Suppressing Fire: How We Designed Saviors with an Axe". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  2. ↑ Aaron Forsythe (May 06, 2005). "Future, Present, Past". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  3. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (August 02, 2004). "Ask Wizards - August, 2004". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  4. ↑ Brian David-Marshall (May 16, 2005). "Saviors of Kamigawa Prerelease Primer". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  5. ↑ Magic Arcana (March 02, 2005). "Saviors Logo Concepts". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  6. ↑ Brady Dommermuth (October 31, 2006). "Ask Wizards". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  7. ↑ Magic Arcana (April 20, 2005). "Saviors of Kamigawa Product Shots". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  8. ↑ Rei Nakazawa (May 09, 2005). "Saving Grace - Taking a Last Look at Kamigawa?". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  9. ↑ Jay Moldenhauer-Salazar (June 13, 2005). "Tales From Beyond the Veil". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  10. ↑ Mark Rosewater (May 23, 2005). "Choosing a Channel". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  11. ↑ Mark Rosewater (May 09, 2005). "Epic Struggles". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  12. ↑ Magic Arcana (June 02, 2005). "Ascendants in Ascendance". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  13. ↑ Magic Arcana (June 20, 2005). "Ghost-Lit Kami". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  14. ↑ Mark Rosewater (May 16, 2005). "The Sun'll Come Out To Maro". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.

External links

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