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{{SubTabs
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{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Mirrodin''}}
  
  ⚫
|sub1 = Theme decks
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{{Otheruses}}
  
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}}
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{{Infobox set|
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{{Infobox set
⚫
|set name = Mirrodin
  
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|logo = [[File:MRD logo.png|250px]]|
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|image = MRD logo.png
  ⚫
|symbol_description = The Sword of Kaldra
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|symbol = MRD symbol.png
  
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|design = [[Mark Rosewater]] (lead),<br/>[[Bill Rose]],<br/>[[Brian Tinsman]],<br/>[[Mike Elliott]],<br/>[[Tyler Bielman]]
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|symbol description = The Sword of Kaldra
  
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|design team = [[Mark Rosewater]] (lead),<BR>[[Bill Rose]],<BR>[[Brian Tinsman]],<BR>[[Mike Elliott]],<BR>[[Tyler Bielman]]
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|development = [[Randy Buehler]] (lead),<br/>[[Brian Schneider]],<br/>[[Henry Stern]],<br/>[[Elaine Chase]],<br/>[[Brandon Bozzi]],<br/>Brian Tinsman
  ⚫
|art = [[Jeremy Cranford]]
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|development team = [[Randy Buehler]] (lead),<BR>[[Brian Schneider]],<BR>[[Henry Stern]],<BR>[[Elaine Chase]],<BR>[[Brandon Bozzi]],<BR>Brian Tinsman
  
  ⚫
|release = October 2, 2003
⚫
|art director = [[Jeremy Cranford]]
  
  +
|plane = [[Mirrodin (plane)|Mirrodin]]
⚫
|date_release = October 2, 2003
  
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|mechanics = [[Artifacts]], [[Artifact lands]] and [[Equipment]]
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|mechanics = [[Artifact]]s, [[artifact land]]s, and [[Equipment]]
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|keywords = [[Affinity]] (for artifacts),<BR>[[Imprint]],<BR>[[Entwine]]<ref>{{DailyRef|magic/faq/mirrodin|''Mirrodin'' Frequently Asked Questions|Wizards of the Coast|September 23, 2003}}</ref>
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|keywords = [[Affinity]] (for artifacts), [[Imprint]], [[Entwine]]<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/mirrodin-frequently-asked-questions-2003-09-23|''Mirrodin'' Frequently Asked Questions|Wizards of the Coast|September 23, 2003}}</ref>
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|size = 306 <BR><small>(20 basic lands, 110 commons, 88 uncommons, 88 rares)</small>
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|size = 306 cards<br/>{{curmb|110|88|88||20}}
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|code_expansion = MRD
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|code_expansion = MRD
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|code_development = Bacon<ref>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/daily/mr33|Codename of the Game|[[Mark Rosewater]]|August 12, 2002}}</ref>
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|code_expansion_ref= {{DailyRef|ask-wizards-august-2004-2004-08-02|Ask Wizards - August, 2004|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|August 02, 2004}}
  +
|code_development = Bacon<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/codename-game-2002-08-12-0|Codename of the Game|[[Mark Rosewater]]|August 12, 2002}}</ref>
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|block name = [[Mirrodin block]]
  
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|first set = '''Mirrodin'''
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|series = [[Mirrodin block]]
  ⚫
|first = Mirrodin
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|second set = [[Darksteel]]
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|second = Darksteel
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|third set = [[Fifth Dawn]]
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|third = Fifth Dawn
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|previous set = [[8th Edition]]
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|previous = Eighth Edition
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|this set = Mirrodin
  
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|next set = [[Darksteel]]
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|next = Darksteel
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|}}
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}}
  +
{{AboutSet|plane=yes|disambig=yes}}
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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">{{DailyRef|mtgcom/arcana/407|''Mirrodin'' Fact Sheet|Wizards of the Coast|September 1, 2003}}</ref> <ref>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/feature/177|''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 thirtieth ''[[Magic: The Gathering]]'' [[Set|expansion]] and was released on October 2, 2003. The [[prerelease]] was September 20–21, 2003 <ref name="MRD Fact Sheet">{{DailyRef|arcana/mirrodin-fact-sheet-2003-09-01|''Mirrodin'' Fact Sheet|Wizards of the Coast|September 1, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|feature/mirrodin-prerelease-primer-2003-09-18|''Mirrodin'' Prerelease Primer|[[Brian David-Marshall]]|September 18, 2003}}</ref>
   
 
==Set details==
  
==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 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>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/daily/rb76|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>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/askwizards/1006|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>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/daily/rb90|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 [[border]]: they were very hard to distinguish from white cards. <ref>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/daily/mr97|Make No Mistake|[[Mark Rosewater]]|November 10, 2003}}</ref>
 +
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 rares, 88 uncommons, 110 commons, and 20 basic lands), which is 22 rares and 22 uncommons less than ''[[Onslaught]]''.<ref>{{DailyRef|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>{{DailyRef|ask-wizards-october-2006-2006-10-02|Ask Wizards|[[Brady Dommermuth]]|October 31, 2006}}</ref> ''Mirrodin'' introduced a new artifact subtype in [[Equipment]] with the accompanying keyword [[equip]], representing 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 it's attached to dies. The set 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>{{DailyRef|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>{{DailyRef|making-magic/make-no-mistake-2003-11-10|Make No Mistake|[[Mark Rosewater]]|November 10, 2003}}</ref>
  +
 
===Marketing===
  
===Marketing===
−
''Mirrodin'' was sold in 75-card [[tournament deck]]s, 15-card [[boosters]], four [[preconstructed theme deck]]s and a [[fat pack]]. <ref>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/arcana/397|''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>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/arcana/420|''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>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/arcana/422|The new look of tokens|[[Magic Arcana]]|September 24, 2003}}</ref> and an 1/1 [[Pentavite]] Token with Flying for <c>Pentavus</c> <ref>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/arcana/453|Upcoming Magic Rewards tokens|[[Magic Arcana]]|November 17, 2003}}</ref> were offered as [[Magic Player Rewards]].
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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>{{DailyRef|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>, <c>Clockwork Dragon</c>, <c>Pentavus</c>, and <c>Worldslayer</c>. The [[Prerelease card]] was a [[foil]] <c>Sword of Kaldra</c>. This was the first Prerelease promo card to feature [[alternate art]] and the first that wasn't a creature.<ref>{{DailyRef|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>{{DailyRef|arcana/new-look-tokens-2003-09-24|The new look of tokens|[[Magic Arcana]]|September 24, 2003}}</ref> and a 1/1 [[Pentavite]] token with flying for <c>Pentavus</c><ref>{{DailyRef|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}}
−
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>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/feature/174|''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.
 +
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>{{DailyRef|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===
−
''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 <c>Disciple of the Vault</c>, the Artifact lands or <c>Thirst for Knowledge</c>.
 +
''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 land]]s which synergized with each other. The set contained many cards which were [[banned]] or [[restricted]] in several competitive formats, such as <c>Disciple of the Vault</c>, the artifact land cycle, and <c>Thirst for Knowledge</c>.
   
 
==Themes and mechanics==
  
==Themes and mechanics==
−
*'''[[Artifacts]]''', including artifacts with [[color]]ed [[activation cost]]s, [[Artifact lands]] and [[Equipment]]. <ref>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/daily/rb87|When Artifacts Aren't Spells|[[Randy Buehler]]|September 05, 2003}}</ref> <ref>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/daily/rb88|White and Artifacts|[[Randy Buehler]]|September 12, 2003}}</ref> <ref>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/daily/rb91|Artifacts and Color|[[Randy Buehler]]|October 03, 2003}}</ref>
 +
*'''[[Artifacts]]''', including artifacts with [[color]]ed [[activation cost]]s, [[artifact land]]s, and [[Equipment]].<ref>{{DailyRef|when-artifacts-arent-spells-2003-09-05|When Artifacts Aren't Spells|[[Randy Buehler]]|September 05, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|latest-developments/white-and-artifacts-2003-09-12|White and Artifacts|[[Randy Buehler]]|September 12, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|artifacts-and-color-2003-10-03|Artifacts and Color|[[Randy Buehler]]|October 03, 2003}}</ref>
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*'''[[Affinity]]''' {{-}} A card becomes cheaper by {{1}} for each permanent of a certain type specified (usually artifacts).
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*'''[[Affinity]]''' — Makes cards cheaper to cast by {{1}} for each permanent controlled by its caster 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>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/daily/mr87|Someday My Imprints Will Come|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 01, 2003}}</ref>
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*'''[[Imprint]]''' — This ability found on artifacts like <c>Chrome Mox</c> allows you to exile a card and "imprint" attributes of that card onto the artifact, such as colors or abilities.<ref>{{DailyRef|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 represents an extra cost; paying that cost allows you to use both effects instead of only one, such as on <c>Tooth and Nail</c>.
−
* '''[[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>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/daily/mr88|Equip of the Iceberg|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 08, 2003}}</ref> <ref>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/feature/171|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 becomes attached to a creature you control. If that creature leaves the battlefield, the Equipment becomes unattached and remains on the battlefield. Paying the equip cost also allows the Equipment to be moved from one creature to another.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/equip-iceberg-2003-09-08|Equip of the Iceberg|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 08, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|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>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/daily/mr144|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>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/arcana/449|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>{{DailyRef|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>{{DailyRef|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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{{columns-list|colwidth=8em|
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{{Div col|4}}
  
 
*[[Angel]]
  
*[[Angel]]
 
*[[Archer]]
  
*[[Archer]]
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*[[Wurm]]
  
*[[Wurm]]
 
*[[Zombie]]
  
*[[Zombie]]
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}}
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{{Div col end}}
  
   
 
==Cycles==
  
==Cycles==
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''Mirrodin'' has 11 [[Cycle]]s:
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''Mirrodin'' has 11 [[cycle]]s:
  +
{| class="wikitable"
  +
! Cycle name
  +
! {{W}}
  +
! {{U}}
  +
! {{B}}
  +
! {{R}}
  +
! {{G}}
  +
|-
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|rowspan="2"|'''Artifact lands'''
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|{{card|Ancient Den||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Seat of the Synod||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Vault of Whispers||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Great Furnace||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Tree of Tales||MRD}}
  +
|-
  ⚫
|colspan="5"|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>{{DailyRef|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]] for artifacts, and proved to be so powerful they were eventually banned in Mirrodin [[Block Constructed]] tournaments. Darksteel would later add a sixth artifact land to this cycle, <c>Darksteel Citadel</c>.
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Entwine spells'''
  +
|{{card|Blinding Beam||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Dream's Grip||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Wail of the Nim||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Incite War||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Journey of Discovery||MRD}}
  +
|-
  +
|colspan="5"|Each of these [[modal]] [[common]] spells has [[entwine]]
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Golems'''
  +
|{{card|Titanium Golem||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Cobalt Golem||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Pewter Golem||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Hematite Golem||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Malachite Golem||MRD}}
  +
|-
  ⚫
|colspan="5"|Each of these common artifact creatures has a color-specific ability. Each was illustrated by [[Paolo Parente]].
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Mana Myr'''
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|{{card|Gold Myr||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Silver Myr||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Leaden Myr||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Iron Myr||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Copper Myr||MRD}}
  +
|-
  +
|colspan="5"|Each of these common [[Myr]] [[artifact creature]]s costs {{2}} to cast and has an ability in which they produce colored mana. They represent different areas of Mirrodin and the mana they produce is appropriately colored to match their environment. Each is illustrated by [[Kev Walker]].
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Rare color artifacts'''
  +
|{{card|Leonin Sun Standard||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Proteus Staff||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Altar of Shadows||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Bosh, Iron Golem||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Tangleroot||MRD}}
  +
|-
  +
|colspan="5"|Each of these rare artifacts is tied to one of the five colors.
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Replicas'''
  +
|{{card|Soldier Replica||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Wizard Replica||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Nim Replica||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Goblin Replica||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Elf Replica||MRD}}
  +
|-
  ⚫
|colspan="5"|Each of these common artifact creatures costs {{3}} and has an ability with the cost of being sacrificed and a certain amount of partially colored mana, and an effect, which is typical for the mana used. Each of them has a creature type from the [[tribal (theme)|tribes]] of the [[Onslaught block]]. They were each illustrated by [[Carl Critchlow]].
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Shards'''
  +
|{{card|Pearl Shard||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Crystal Shard||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Skeleton Shard||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Granite Shard||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Heartwood Shard||MRD}}
  +
|-
  ⚫
|colspan="5"|Each of these uncommon artifacts costs {{3}} and has an activated ability which cost {{3}} or one mana of a given color to activate, and produce different color-oriented effects. Each represents a piece of another world found by each of [[Mirrodin (plane)|Mirrodin]]'s races. They were each illustrated by [[Doug Chaffee]].
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Sliths'''
  +
|{{card|Slith Ascendant||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Slith Strider||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Slith Bloodletter||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Slith Firewalker||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Slith Predator||MRD}}
  +
|-
  ⚫
|colspan="5"|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". They were each illustrated by [[Justin Sweet]].
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Spellbombs'''
  +
|{{card|Sunbeam Spellbomb||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Æther Spellbomb||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Necrogen Spellbomb||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Pyrite Spellbomb||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Lifespark Spellbomb||MRD}}
  +
|-
  ⚫
|colspan="5"|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 each illustrated by [[Jim Nelson]].
  +
|-
  +
|-ALLIED
  +
! Cycle name
  +
! {{W}}{{U}}
  +
! {{U}}{{B}}
  +
! {{B}}{{R}}
  +
! {{R}}{{G}}
  +
! {{G}}{{W}}
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Talismans'''
  +
|{{card|Talisman of Progress||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Talisman of Dominance||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Talisman of Indulgence||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Talisman of Impulse||MRD}}
  +
|{{card|Talisman of Unity||MRD}}
  +
|-
  ⚫
|colspan="5"|Each of these uncommon artifacts costs {{2}} to cast. Each had the same abilities as an allied-color [[pain land]]. Each was illustrated by [[Mike Dringenberg]].<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/burden-talisman-2004-04-29|The Burden of a Talisman|[[Magic Arcana]]|April 29, 2004}}</ref>
  +
|}
   
  +
===Mega cycle===
⚫
*'''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>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/daily/mr92|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>.
  
  +
{| class="wikitable"
−
*'''[[Entwine]] spells''': Each of these [[modal ]] [[common]] spells has [[Entwine]] {{-}} <c>Blinding Beam</c>, <c>Dream's Grip</c>, <c>Incite War</c>, <c>Journey of Discovery</c> and <c>Wail of the Nim</c>.
 
  +
! Cycle name
⚫
*'''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]].
  
  +
! {{keyrune|MRD}}
−
*'''Mana [[Myr]]''': <c>Copper Myr</c>, <c>Gold Myr</c>, <c>Iron Myr</c>, <c>Leaden Myr</c>, and <c>Silver 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]].
  
  +
! {{keyrune|DST}}
−
*'''Rare color artifacts''': Each of these rare artifacts is tied to one of the five colors. {{-}} <c>Leonin Sun Standard</c>, <c>Proteus Staff</c>, <c>Altar of Shadows</c>, <c>Bosh, Iron Golem</c>, and <c>Tangleroot</c>
  
  +
! {{keyrune|5DN}}
⚫
*'''Replicas''': Each of these common artifact creatures costs {{3}} and has an ability with the cost of being sacrificed and a certain amount of partialy colored mana, and an effect, which is typical for the mana used. Each of them has a creature type from the [[tribal (theme)|tribes]] of the [[Onslaught block]] and was illustrated by [[Carl Critchlow]] {{-}} <c>Soldier Replica</c>, <c>Wizard Replica</c>, <c>Nim Replica</c>, <c>Goblin Replica</c> and <c>Elf Replica</c>.
 
  +
|-
⚫
*'''Shards''': <c>Crystal Shard</c>, <c>Granite Shard</c>, <c>Heartwood Shard</c>, <c>Pearl Shard</c>, and <c>Skeleton Shard</c> {{-}} Each of these uncommon artifacts cost {{3}} and had an activated ability which cost {{3}} or one mana of a given color, and which produced a color-appropriate effect. Each represented a piece of another world found by each of [[Mirrodin (plane)|Mirrodin]]'s races. Each was illustrated by [[Doug Chaffee]].
  
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Kaldra Equipment'''
⚫
*'''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>.
  
  +
|{{card|Sword of Kaldra|Mirrodin}}
⚫
*'''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>.
  
  +
|{{card|Shield of Kaldra|Darksteel}}
⚫
*'''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>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/arcana/555|The Burden of a Talisman|[[Magic Arcana]]|April 29, 2004}}</ref>
  
  +
|{{card|Helm of Kaldra|Fifth Dawn}}
⚫
*'''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>.
  
  +
|-
  +
|colspan="4"|Each expansion symbol in the Mirrodin block represents one of the Kaldra artifacts. Shield of Kaldra, the second card in the cycle, is especially noteworthy for naming the Helm in its card text, despite the Helm not having been printed or revealed at that time. This was the first card and first cycle to refer to "future cards" in this way.
  +
|}
  +
  +
===Mega-mega cycles===
  +
{| class="wikitable"
  +
! Cycle name
  +
! {{W}}
  +
! {{U}}
  +
! {{B}}
  +
! {{R}}
  +
! {{G}}
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Towers'''
  +
|{{card|Tower of Eons|Mirrodin}}
  +
|{{card|Tower of Fortunes|Mirrodin}}
  +
|{{card|Tower of Murmurs|Mirrodin}}
  +
|{{card|Tower of Calamities|Scars of Mirrodin}}
  +
|{{card|Tower of Champions|Mirrodin}}
  +
|-
  ⚫
|colspan="5"|Each of these rare artifacts costs {{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 card to this cycle to represent a red affiliation: <c>Tower of Calamities</c>.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/fifth-tower-2010-09-22|The Fifth Tower|[[Monty Ashley]]|September 22, 2010}}</ref>
  +
|}
   
 
==Reprinted cards==
  
==Reprinted cards==
−
''Mirrodin'' [[reprint]]ed 17 cards from previous sets. <ref>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/daily/mr90|Bacon Bits|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 22, 2003}}</ref>
 +
''Mirrodin'' [[reprint]]ed 17 cards from previous sets.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/bacon-bits-2003-09-22|Bacon Bits|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 22, 2003}}</ref>
   
−
*<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">{{DailyRef|mtgcom/daily/dl29|Reincarnation|[[Devin Low]]|March 21, 2008}}</ref> <ref>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/arcana/477|What's Annul annulling?|[[Magic Arcana]]|January 06, 2004}}</ref>
 +
*<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">{{DailyRef|latest-developments/reincarnation-2008-03-21|Reincarnation|[[Devin Low]]|March 21, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|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 uncommon to common. It's 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> was first printed in ''[[Antiquities]]'' and last seen in ''[[5th Edition]]''.
−
*<c>Bottle Gnomes</c> {{-}} first printed in ''[[Tempest]]''.
 +
*<c>Bottle Gnomes</c> was first printed in ''[[Tempest]]''.
−
*<c>Brown Ouphe</c> {{-}} first printed in ''[[Ice Age]]'', "interesting interactions in a set full of artifacts. So it was included in the set for play reasons." <ref name="Flavorful Reprints">{{DailyRef|mtgcom/arcana/473|Flavorful Reprints of ''Mirrodin''|Wizards of the Coast|December 18, 2003}}</ref>
 +
*<c>Brown Ouphe</c> was first printed in ''[[Ice Age]]''. The reason for its reprinting was because of "interesting interactions in a set full of artifacts."<ref name="Flavorful Reprints">{{DailyRef|arcana/flavorful-reprints-mirrodin-2003-12-18|Flavorful Reprints of ''Mirrodin''|Wizards of the Coast|December 18, 2003}}</ref>
−
*<c>Cathodion</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Urza's Saga''.
+
*<c>Cathodion</c> was first printed in ''Urza's Saga''.
−
*<c>Chromatic Sphere</c> {{-}} first printed in ''[[Invasion]]''.
 +
*<c>Chromatic Sphere</c> was first printed in ''[[Invasion]]''.
−
*<c>Creeping Mold</c> {{-}} first printed in ''[[Visions]]'', last seen in ''[[8th Edition]]''.
 +
*<c>Creeping Mold</c> was first printed in ''[[Visions]]'' and last seen in ''[[Kaladesh]]''.
−
*<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>Detonate</c> was first printed in ''Antiquities'' and 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> was first printed in ''Urza's Saga''.
−
*<c>Icy Manipulator</c> {{-}} firat 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>Icy Manipulator</c> was first printed in ''[[Alpha]]'' and 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 ''[[6th Edition]]''
 +
*<c>Ornithopter</c> was first printed in ''Antiquities'' and last seen in ''[[Aether Revolt]]''
−
*<c>Shatter</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Alpha'', last seen in ''8th Edition''.
 +
*<c>Shatter</c> was first printed in ''Alpha'' and last seen in ''[[Eighth Edition]]''.
−
*<c>Stalking Stones</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Tempest''.
 +
*<c>Stalking Stones</c> was first printed in ''Tempest''.
−
*<c>Terror</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Alpha'', last seen in ''[[Beatdown]]''.
 +
*<c>Terror</c> was first printed in ''Alpha'' and last seen in ''[[Beatdown]]''.
−
*<c>Triskelion</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Antiquities'', last seen in ''[[4th Edition]]''.
 +
*<c>Triskelion</c> was first printed in ''Antiquities'' and last seen in ''[[Fourth Edition]]''.
−
*<c>Yotian Soldier</c> {{-}} first printed in ''Antiquities'', last seen in ''4th Edition''.
 +
*<c>Yotian Soldier</c> was first printed in ''Antiquities'' and last seen in ''Fourth Edition''.<ref>{{DailyRef|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 four [[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 128: Line 258:
 
*<c>Viridian Shaman</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Uktabi Orangutan</c> from ''[[Visions]]'', save for creature type.
  
*<c>Viridian Shaman</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Uktabi Orangutan</c> from ''[[Visions]]'', save for creature type.
   
  +
==Card comparison==
 
===Colorshifted===
  
===Colorshifted===
−
*<c>Mass Hysteria</c> is the [[colorshifted]] version of <c>Concordant Crossroads</c> from ''[[Legends]]''.
 +
*<c>Mass Hysteria</c> is the [[colorshift]]ed version of <c>Concordant Crossroads</c>- except that <c>Concordant Crossroads</c> is a World Enchantment - from ''[[Legends]]''.
  +
*<c>Rule of Law</c> is the [[colorshift]]ed version of <c>Arcane Laboratory</c> last seen in ''[[Seventh Edition]]''.
   
 
===Strictly better===
  
===Strictly better===
  +
*<c>Lumengrid Warden</c> is an upgrade of <c>Vodalian Soldiers</c>, with an additional point of toughness.
⚫
*<c>Tel-Jilad Chosen</c> is an upgrade of <c>Argothian Pixies</c> from ''[[Antiquities]]''. The former specifically says it has "Protection from Artifacts", the latter has almost full protection but not quite.
  
  +
*<c>Predator's Strike</c> is an upgrade of <c>Fanatical Fever</c>, granting an additional toughness boost and at half the cost.
  ⚫
*<c>Tel-Jilad Chosen</c> is an upgrade of <c>Argothian Pixies</c> from ''[[Antiquities]]''. The former specifically says it has "Protection from Artifacts", the latter has almost full protection but not quite.
   
 
==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.
  +
*{{Card|Glissa Sunseeker}} — One of two cards that refer to unspent mana outside of the context of losing mana at the end of phases. The other is the unusual [[mana rock]] {{Card|Doubling Cube}}.
⚫
*<c>Mindslaver</c> {{-}} Rules had to be added to the [[Comprehensive Rules]] for [[controlling another player's turn]] thanks to this card. <ref>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/daily/mr89|A Mind Is A Wonderful Thing To Waste|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 15, 2003}}</ref>
  
  +
*{{Card|Fatespinner}} — While skipping draw steps turns up as a downside for [[draw engine]]s, and skipping [[combat]] has happened a few times as a pre-emptive [[Fog]], {{Card|Fatespinner}} is the only card to skip a [[main phase]].
⚫
*<c>Chalice of the Void</c> {{-}} A staple of Legacy prison decks
  
  +
*{{Card|Grim Reminder}} — A curious card that punishes the opponent for playing the same cards as the controller. The only card that reveals a searched card without putting it anywhere else.
⚫
*<c>Disciple of the Vault</c> {{-}} A staple of Standard and Legacy affinity decks, this card rapidly decreases the opponent's life total.
  
  +
*{{Card|Liar's Pendulum}} — The first [[black-bordered]] card to feature [[Guess]].
  ⚫
*<c>Mindslaver</c> — Rules had to be added to the [[Comprehensive Rules]] for [[controlling another player's turn]] due to this card's effect.<ref>{{DailyRef|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>Disciple of the Vault</c> — A staple of [[Standard]] and Legacy affinity decks; this card rapidly decreases the opponent's life total when used correctly.
  +
*<c>Platinum Angel</c> — It had good synergies with cards like <c>Shield of Kaldra</c>.
  +
*<c>Reiver Demon</c> — Great for mass removal and as a [[finisher]], even if the meta was full of artifacts.
  +
*<c>Sword of Kaldra</c> — The first card of the unusual Kaldra [[mega cycle]] spanning [[Mirrodin block]], and the set symbol for ''Mirrodin''.
   
 
==Preconstructed decks==
  
==Preconstructed decks==
 
{{Main|Mirrodin/Theme decks}}
  
{{Main|Mirrodin/Theme decks}}
 
''Mirrodin'' has two monocolored and two bicolored theme decks.
  
''Mirrodin'' has two monocolored and two bicolored theme decks.
  +
{{Decks|theme
⚫
{{Theme decks
  
  ⚫
|Little Bashers|W
⚫
|deck1=[[Bait and Bludgeon]]||u|b||
  
  +
|Wicked Big|G
⚫
|deck2=[[Little Bashers]]|w||||
  
  ⚫
|Bait and Bludgeon|UB
−
|deck3=[[Sacrificial Bam]]|||b|r|
 +
|Sacrificial Bam|BR
−
|deck4=[[Wicked Big]]|||||g}}
  
  +
}}
−
{{MRD theme decks}}
  
   
 
==References==
  
==References==
Line 154: Line 295:
   
 
==External links==
  
==External links==
  +
*{{DailyRef|making-magic/lessons-learned-part-1|Lesson Learned, Part 1|[[Mark Rosewater]]|March 14, 2023}}
−
*{{Prodpage|mirrodin|Mirrodin}}
  
−  
−
{{sets}}
  
   
  +
{{Sets|state=collapsed}}
−
[[Category:Mirrodin block]]
 +
{{Mirrodin|block}}

Latest revision as of 18:48, 8 December 2023

Mirrodin
 
Theme decks
 

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 cards
(110 commons, 88 uncommons, 88 rares, 20 basic lands)
Expansion code MRD[2]
Development codename Bacon[3]
Mirrodin block
Mirrodin Darksteel Fifth Dawn
Magic: The Gathering Chronology
Eighth Edition Mirrodin Darksteel
This page is about the set. For the plane, see Mirrodin (plane). For other uses, see Mirrodin (disambiguation).

Mirrodin is the first set in the Mirrodin block. It is the thirtieth Magic: The Gathering expansion and was released on October 2, 2003. The prerelease was September 20–21, 2003 [4][5]

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 rares, 88 uncommons, 110 commons, and 20 basic lands), which is 22 rares and 22 uncommons less than Onslaught.[6] Mirrodin features a heavy artifact theme. Its expansion symbol is a small image of Sword of Kaldra, a card from the set.[7] Mirrodin introduced a new artifact subtype in Equipment with the accompanying keyword equip, representing 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 it's attached to dies. The set 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.[8] 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.[9]

Marketing[ | ]

Mirrodin was sold in 75-card tournament decks, 15-card boosters, four preconstructed theme decks and a fat pack.[10] The booster packs featured artwork from Mindslaver, Icy Manipulator, Clockwork Dragon, Pentavus, and Worldslayer. The Prerelease card was a foil Sword of Kaldra. This was the first Prerelease promo card to feature alternate art and the first that wasn't a creature.[11] The set was accompanied by a novel by Will McDermott. A */* Demon token with flying for Promise of Power[12] and a 1/1 Pentavite token with flying for Pentavus[13] 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.[14] 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 synergized with each other. The set contained many cards which were banned or restricted in several competitive formats, such as Disciple of the Vault, the artifact land cycle, and Thirst for Knowledge.

Themes and mechanics[ | ]

  • Artifacts, including artifacts with colored activation costs, artifact lands, and Equipment.[15][16][17]
  • Affinity — Makes cards cheaper to cast by {1} for each permanent controlled by its caster of a certain type specified (usually artifacts).
  • Imprint — This ability found on artifacts like Chrome Mox allows you to exile a card and "imprint" attributes of that card onto the artifact, such as colors or abilities.[18]
  • Entwine — Appears on modal spells and represents an extra cost; paying that cost allows you to use both effects instead of only one, such as on Tooth and Nail.
  • Equipment — An artifact subtype that has the equip keyword ability. By paying the equip cost, it becomes attached to a creature you control. If that creature leaves the battlefield, the Equipment becomes unattached and remains on the battlefield. Paying the equip cost also allows the Equipment to be moved from one creature to another.[19][20]

Creature types[ | ]

Mirrodin introduced the race/class model and the creature type Human.[21] 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.[22]

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

Cycles[ | ]

Mirrodin has 11 cycles:

Cycle name {W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Artifact lands Ancient Den Seat of the Synod Vault of Whispers Great Furnace Tree of Tales
Each of these common cards, representing an important location in each of Mirrodin's different regions, counted as both artifacts and lands, and could be tapped for one mana of a given color.[23] Each was illustrated by Rob Alexander. Artifact lands reduced the cost of spells with affinity for artifacts, and proved to be so powerful they were eventually banned in Mirrodin Block Constructed tournaments. Darksteel would later add a sixth artifact land to this cycle, Darksteel Citadel.
Entwine spells Blinding Beam Dream's Grip Wail of the Nim Incite War Journey of Discovery
Each of these modal common spells has entwine
Golems Titanium Golem Cobalt Golem Pewter Golem Hematite Golem Malachite Golem
Each of these common artifact creatures has a color-specific ability. Each was illustrated by Paolo Parente.
Mana Myr Gold Myr Silver Myr Leaden Myr Iron Myr Copper Myr
Each of these common Myr artifact creatures costs {2} to cast and has an ability in which they produce colored mana. They represent different areas of Mirrodin and the mana they produce is appropriately colored to match their environment. Each is illustrated by Kev Walker.
Rare color artifacts Leonin Sun Standard Proteus Staff Altar of Shadows Bosh, Iron Golem Tangleroot
Each of these rare artifacts is tied to one of the five colors.
Replicas Soldier Replica Wizard Replica Nim Replica Goblin Replica Elf Replica
Each of these common artifact creatures costs {3} and has an ability with the cost of being sacrificed and a certain amount of partially colored mana, and an effect, which is typical for the mana used. Each of them has a creature type from the tribes of the Onslaught block. They were each illustrated by Carl Critchlow.
Shards Pearl Shard Crystal Shard Skeleton Shard Granite Shard Heartwood Shard
Each of these uncommon artifacts costs {3} and has an activated ability which cost {3} or one mana of a given color to activate, and produce different color-oriented effects. Each represents a piece of another world found by each of Mirrodin's races. They were each illustrated by Doug Chaffee.
Sliths Slith Ascendant Slith Strider Slith Bloodletter Slith Firewalker Slith Predator
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". They were each illustrated by Justin Sweet.
Spellbombs Sunbeam Spellbomb Æther Spellbomb Necrogen Spellbomb Pyrite Spellbomb Lifespark Spellbomb
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 each illustrated by Jim Nelson.
Cycle name {W}{U} {U}{B} {B}{R} {R}{G} {G}{W}
Talismans Talisman of Progress Talisman of Dominance Talisman of Indulgence Talisman of Impulse Talisman of Unity
Each of these uncommon artifacts costs {2} to cast. Each had the same abilities as an allied-color pain land. Each was illustrated by Mike Dringenberg.[24]

Mega cycle[ | ]

Cycle name
Kaldra Equipment Sword of Kaldra (Mirrodin) Shield of Kaldra (Darksteel) Helm of Kaldra (Fifth Dawn)
Each expansion symbol in the Mirrodin block represents one of the Kaldra artifacts. Shield of Kaldra, the second card in the cycle, is especially noteworthy for naming the Helm in its card text, despite the Helm not having been printed or revealed at that time. This was the first card and first cycle to refer to "future cards" in this way.

Mega-mega cycles[ | ]

Cycle name {W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Towers Tower of Eons (Mirrodin) Tower of Fortunes (Mirrodin) Tower of Murmurs (Mirrodin) Tower of Calamities (Scars of Mirrodin) Tower of Champions (Mirrodin)
Each of these rare artifacts costs {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 card to this cycle to represent a red affiliation: Tower of Calamities.[25]

Reprinted cards[ | ]

Mirrodin reprinted 17 cards from previous sets.[26]

Functional reprints[ | ]

Mirrodin has four 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}
Little Bashers W
Wicked Big G
Bait and Bludgeon U B
Sacrificial Bam B R

References[ | ]

  1. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (September 23, 2003). "Mirrodin Frequently Asked Questions". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  2. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (August 02, 2004). "Ask Wizards - August, 2004". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  3. ↑ Mark Rosewater (August 12, 2002). "Codename of the Game". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  4. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (September 1, 2003). "Mirrodin Fact Sheet". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  5. ↑ Brian David-Marshall (September 18, 2003). "Mirrodin Prerelease Primer". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  6. ↑ Randy Buehler (June 20, 2003). "The Size of Sets". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  7. ↑ Brady Dommermuth (October 31, 2006). "Ask Wizards". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  8. ↑ Randy Buehler (September 26, 2003). "Post-Development Digest". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  9. ↑ Mark Rosewater (November 10, 2003). "Make No Mistake". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  10. ↑ Magic Arcana (August 14, 2003). "Mirrodin product images". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  11. ↑ Magic Arcana (September 22, 2003). "Mirrodin Prerelease card". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  12. ↑ Magic Arcana (September 24, 2003). "The new look of tokens". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  13. ↑ Magic Arcana (November 17, 2003). "Upcoming Magic Rewards tokens". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  14. ↑ Rei Nakazawa (September 09, 2003). "Mirrodin Image". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  15. ↑ Randy Buehler (September 05, 2003). "When Artifacts Aren't Spells". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  16. ↑ Randy Buehler (September 12, 2003). "White and Artifacts". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  17. ↑ Randy Buehler (October 03, 2003). "Artifacts and Color". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  18. ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 01, 2003). "Someday My Imprints Will Come". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  19. ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 08, 2003). "Equip of the Iceberg". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  20. ↑ Paul Barclay (September 02, 2003). "Rules for Equipment". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  21. ↑ Mark Rosewater (October 04, 2004). "Change For the Better". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  22. ↑ Magic Arcana (November 11, 2003). "Tribes in Mirrodin". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  23. ↑ Mark Rosewater (October 06, 2003). "Come Together". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  24. ↑ Magic Arcana (April 29, 2004). "The Burden of a Talisman". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  25. ↑ Monty Ashley (September 22, 2010). "The Fifth Tower". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  26. ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 22, 2003). "Bacon Bits". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  27. ↑ a b c d Devin Low (March 21, 2008). "Reincarnation". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  28. ↑ Magic Arcana (January 06, 2004). "What's Annul annulling?". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  29. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (December 18, 2003). "Flavorful Reprints of Mirrodin". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  30. ↑ Monty Ashley (March 24, 2011). "Yotian Soldiers". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  31. ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 15, 2003). "A Mind Is A Wonderful Thing To Waste". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.

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