Magic:
The Gathering Set Spotlight: Shadows over Innistrad

Release Date: April 08, 2016

Introduction to Shadows over Innistrad

‘Shadows over Innistrad’ is a captivating expansion set within the
world of Magic: The Gathering. Released in April 08 2016, it marked the
seventieth expansion set and returned players to the plane of Innistrad,
a world of gothic horror, dark mysteries, and supernatural forces.

Return to the Gothic Horror of Innistrad

Shadows over Innistrad takes players back to the plane of Innistrad,
where eerie darkness and sinister forces lurk around every corner. The
set explores themes of madness, transformation, and the battle against
ancient, malevolent beings.

Notable Mechanics and Themes

Shadows over Innistrad introduced several mechanics and themes that
set it apart:

• Delirium: The set featured the ‘delirium’
  mechanic, which encourages players to fill their graveyards with
  different card types to unlock powerful abilities.
• Investigate: The set introduced the
  ‘investigate’ mechanic, which allows players to create Clue tokens for
  additional card draw.
• Transform and Double-Faced Cards: Shadows over
  Innistrad continued the use of double-faced cards, where cards can
  transform into more powerful versions.

Notable Cards from Shadows over Innistrad

Shadows over Innistrad features several cards with distinctive
abilities and connections to the theme of gothic horror and the
mysteries of Innistrad. Some of the most notable include:

• Arlinn Kord: A planeswalker card featuring
  Arlinn Kord, known for her ability to transform into a powerful
  wolf.
• Archangel Avacyn: A legendary angel card
  representing the archangel Avacyn, a central figure in the
  storyline.
• Nahiri, the Harbinger: A planeswalker card
  embodying Nahiri, a key character in the Shadows over Innistrad
  storyline.

The Shadows over Innistrad Expansion Symbol

The expansion symbol for Shadows over Innistrad features a depiction
of the creepy, moonlit symbol, symbolizing the pervasive darkness of
Innistrad.

Limited Print Run and Collectible Value

Shadows over Innistrad 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

Shadows over Innistrad is historically significant for its return to
the beloved plane of Innistrad, the introduction of the ‘delirium’ and
‘investigate’ mechanics, and the continuation of the plane’s rich lore.
It’s celebrated for its eerie atmosphere and gothic horror themes.

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