Magic:
The Gathering Set Spotlight: Betrayers of Kamigawa

Release Date: February 04, 2005

Introduction to Betrayers of Kamigawa

‘Betrayers of Kamigawa’ is an intriguing expansion set within the
world of Magic: The Gathering. Released in February 04 2005, it marked the
thirty-fourth expansion set and continued the storyline set on the plane
of Kamigawa, a world steeped in Japanese-inspired folklore and
mythology.

The Shadows of Kamigawa

Betrayers of Kamigawa takes players deeper into the mysteries and
conflicts of the plane, where the shadowy ninjutsu technique and the
clash between mortals and spirits continue to play a central role. The
set explores themes of espionage, betrayal, and the tensions between the
mortal realm and the spirit world.

Notable Mechanics and Themes

Betrayers of Kamigawa introduced several mechanics and themes that
set it apart:

• Ninjutsu: The set heavily emphasized the
  ‘ninjutsu’ mechanic, which allowed creatures to enter the battlefield in
  a sneaky and strategic manner.
• Spiritcraft: Betrayers of Kamigawa featured the
  ‘spiritcraft’ mechanic, which rewarded players for playing spirits and
  offered bonuses and abilities.
• Legendary Creatures: The set continued to
  introduce legendary creatures with unique abilities, expanding on
  Kamigawa’s rich lore.

Notable Cards from Betrayers of Kamigawa

Betrayers of Kamigawa features several cards with distinctive
abilities and connections to the theme of ninjutsu, spirits, and
legendary creatures. Some of the most notable include:

• Ink-Eyes, Servant of Oni: A legendary ninja
  creature with ninjutsu that could steal creatures from the opponent’s
  graveyard.
• Goryo’s Vengeance: A black instant that could
  return a legendary creature from the graveyard to the
  battlefield.
• Umezawa’s Jitte: An artifact equipment that
  offered a wide range of abilities, making it a powerful and versatile
  card.

The Betrayers of Kamigawa Expansion Symbol

The expansion symbol for Betrayers of Kamigawa features a stylized
shuriken, symbolizing the stealth and espionage central to the set’s
storyline.

Limited Print Run and Collectible Value

Betrayers of Kamigawa had a limited print run, contributing to the
collectible value of its cards. The cards from this set are recognized
by their distinctive black border, setting them apart from other Magic
sets.

Historical Significance

Betrayers of Kamigawa is historically significant for its expansion
of the ninjutsu and spiritcraft mechanics, its continuation of the
legendary creature theme, and its deepening of Kamigawa’s unique lore.
It’s celebrated for its impact on Magic’s gameplay and storytelling.

As with all Magic cards, the value of cards from Betrayers of
Kamigawa can fluctuate over time due to collector demand and format
legality. To stay updated on Betrayers of Kamigawa and its cards, we
recommend checking Magic: The Gathering websites, consulting with local
card shops, and connecting with fellow collectors.