Darksteel
February 6, 2004Champions of Kamigawa
October 1, 2004Magic: The
Gathering Set Spotlight: Fifth Dawn
Release Date: June 04, 2004
Introduction to Fifth Dawn
‘Fifth Dawn’ is a captivating expansion set within the world of
Magic: The Gathering. Released in June 04 2004, it marked the thirty-second
expansion set and concluded the storyline set on the plane of Mirrodin,
a world of metal and innovation.
The Dazzling Light of Fifth Dawn
Fifth Dawn leads players to the heart of Mirrodin’s sun, where the
power of the mysterious and radiant sunspear is harnessed. The set
explores themes of light, energy, and the pursuit of ultimate power.
Notable Mechanics and Themes
Fifth Dawn introduced several mechanics and themes that set it
apart:
- Sunburst: The set heavily emphasized the
‘sunburst’ mechanic, which enhanced the abilities of spells and
creatures based on the number of different colored mana used to cast
them. - Artifact Lands: Fifth Dawn featured artifact
lands, which added an extra layer of versatility and mana-fixing to
gameplay. - Equipment: The set continued to explore the
‘equipment’ mechanic, allowing players to attach artifacts to creatures
to enhance their abilities.
Notable Cards from Fifth Dawn
Fifth Dawn features several cards with distinctive abilities and
connections to the theme of harnessing the sun’s power. Some of the most
notable include:
- Sword of Light and Shadow: An artifact equipment
that offers protection from white and black, and the ability to return
creatures from the graveyard to the hand. - Engineered Explosives: An artifact with sunburst
that could be used to remove multiple permanents of a specific mana
cost. - Skullclamp: An artifact that allowed players to
draw cards when creatures died, showcasing the power of the ‘equipment’
mechanic.
The Fifth Dawn Expansion Symbol
The expansion symbol for Fifth Dawn features a radiant sun,
symbolizing the theme of harnessing the power of the sunspear in the
set.
Limited Print Run and Collectible Value
Fifth Dawn 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
Fifth Dawn is historically significant for its conclusion to the
Mirrodin storyline, its heavy emphasis on the ‘sunburst’ mechanic, and
its contribution to the ‘artifact lands’ and ‘equipment’ mechanics. It’s
celebrated for its impact on Magic’s gameplay and lore.
As with all Magic cards, the value of cards from Fifth Dawn can
fluctuate over time due to collector demand and format legality. To stay
updated on Fifth Dawn and its cards, we recommend checking Magic: The
Gathering websites, consulting with local card shops, and connecting
with fellow collectors.