Invasion (Magic: The Gathering)
| Released | September 2000 | |||
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| Size | 350 cards (110 commons, 110 uncommons, 110 rares, 20 basic lands) | |||
| Keywords | Kicker | |||
| Mechanics | Multicolored Cards, Split cards | |||
| Development code | Beijing | |||
| Expansion code | INV | |||
| First set in the Invasion block | ||||
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Invasion is the 21st expert level set, and the first set in the Invasion block of cards of Magic: The Gathering. The rest of the block is Planeshift and Apocalypse. It contains 350 cards.
Set History
Invasion saw the return of multi-colored "gold" cards, absent since the Stronghold expansion. Its major themes revolved around multicolor decks and strategies. The popularity and appeal of "gold" cards along with high but balanced power level culminated into making Invasion one of the most popular Magic sets in the game's history.[citation needed]
The multi-color nature of the set had been decided by late in 1998[1] The set was designed by Bill Rose, Mike Elliot and Mark Rosewater, the crux of the design occurred late in 2000 over the course of five days at Rosewater's fathers cabin on Lake Tahoe.[2]
Storyline
The time has come. Urza the Planeswalker must now help Gerrard Capashen and the crew of Weatherlight to repel the invading Phyrexians from Dominaria. However, it will not be easy, as Yawgmoth will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
Mechanics
The following mechanics first appeared in Invasion:
- Kicker - Cards with kicker had an optional cost in addition to the card's casting cost. Paying this additional cost would activate an additional ability or effect on the card.
- Domain - An ability word. Cards that have an effect based on the number of basic land types the casting player controlled. When printed this effect had no keyword; only when it was revived in Conflux was it named. Cards from the Invasion block would later have their rules text errataed with Domain.
- Split cards - Literally two cards printed on one, Split cards had two different effects for different costs. As they were played, their controller chose which half to use. They were almost killed in development as almost all of Wizard's R&D disliked them. [3]
References
- ^ Setting the Standard, Bill Rosehttp://www.wizards.com/Magic/Magazine/Article.aspx?x=mtgcom/feature/278
- ^ Body Snatchers of the Invasion, Mark Rosewater, http://www.wizards.com/magic/magazine/Article.aspx?x=mtgcom/daily/mr188
- ^ Mark Rosewater, Split Decisions http://www.wizards.com/Magic/Magazine/Article.aspx?x=mtgcom/daily/mr7
External links
