Shards of Alara

Infobox mtgset
Expansion Name = "Shards of Alara"
Expansion Symbol =
Symbol Description = five-shard crystal
Release Date = October 3 2008
Keywords = Exaltedcite web|url=http://www.wizards.com/Magic/Magazine/Article.aspx?x=mtg/daily/mm/3 |title=Between a Rock and a Shard Place |last=Rosewater |first=Mark |authorlink=Mark Rosewater |publisher=Wizards of the Coast |date=2008-09-08 |accessdate=2008-09-09] , Unearthcite web|url=http://www.wizards.com/Magic/Magazine/Article.aspx?x=mtg/daily/mm/4 |title=Shard Candy |last=Rosewater |first=Mark |authorlink=Mark Rosewater |publisher=Wizards of the Coast |date=2008-16-08 |accessdate=2008-16-09] , Devour, Cycling
Size = 249 cards (15 Mythic Rare, 53 Rare, 60 Uncommon, 101 Common, 20 Basic Lands)
Mechanics =
Designers = Bill Rose (lead)
Developers = Devin Low (lead)
Development Code = Rock
Expansion Code = ALA
Last Set = "Eventide"
Next Set = "Conflux"
Block Name = Shards of Alara
Set Position = First
First Set = "Shards of Alara"
Second Set = "Conflux"
Third Set = Scissors

Shards of Alara is an expansion set from the trading card game . It was released on October 3, 2008. cite web |url=http://wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/arcana/1549 |title=Announcing Shards of Alara|work=Magic Arcana |publisher=Wizards of the Coast |date=2008-03-18 |accessdate=2008-03-18]

et Details

"Shards of Alara" is the first set of the "Alara" block. Bill Rose was its Design lead, and Devin Low was its development lead. Its tagline is, "five worlds share one fate." "Shards of Alara" is a multicolour set which revolves around three-color combinations.

The design of "Shards of Alara" focuses on five different "shards" which together formed a single world once. Mechanically, each shard consists of one of the five magic colors and its two allied colors. Each shard has its own key worded mechanic or strong over-arching theme. Each shard also has its own creature types. Each shard was designed by a three person design team.

"Shards of Alara" is the first set to feature several changes in WOTC's design and publishing approach. Sets from "Shards" forward will have a smaller number of cards, to reduce the size of the constructed cardpool for Block and Standard tournament formats, but will add the new "Mythic Rare" level of rarity, which appear in place of the pack's rare in 1 out of every 8 packs. Also, as part of their move to make products more beginner friendly, booster packs include a basic land in place of one of the commons, and pre-constructed decks will be rebranded as "Intro Packs" and include a 41-card preconstructed deck and one Booster Pack. The Magic:the Gathering website has also announced new design changes to the Alara fat pack, which includes 5 distinct box arts and the replacement of the usual set novel with "A Planeswalker's Guide to Alara". cite web |url=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/daily/mr334 |title=The Year of Living Changerously |work=Making Magic |publisher=Wizards of the Coast |date=2008-06-02 |accessdate=2008-06-02]

"Shards of Alara" also brings new multicolored Planeswalker cards into the game. The first such to be introduced publicly was the red and green "Sarkhan Vol", followed shortly by the red and white "Ajani Vengeant". The latter planeswalker is a new form of "Ajani Goldmane" from the Lorwyn set, and was the promotional card at Alara's prerelease event in September. cite web |url=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/arcana/1660 |title=Shards of Alara Prerelease Card |work=Magic Arcana |publisher=Wizards of the Coast |date=2008-08-21 |accessdate=2008-08-21]

References