Magic: The
Gathering Set Spotlight: Homelands

Release Date: October 14, 1995

Introduction to Homelands

‘Homelands’ is a distinctive expansion set within the vast world of
Magic: The Gathering. Released in October 1995, it marked the seventh
expansion set and brought a unique and story-driven theme to the
game.

Journey to Ulgrotha

Homelands takes players on a journey to the mysterious plane of
Ulgrotha. This set is renowned for its strong emphasis on storytelling
and character development, creating a rich narrative experience for
players.

Notable Mechanics and Themes

Homelands introduced several mechanics and themes that set it
apart:

• Legends Matter: Homelands continued the
  tradition of Legends mattering in Magic, with several cards that
  interacted with legendary creatures and legends-matters
  mechanics.
• Baron Sengir: One of the most iconic characters
  in Magic’s lore, Baron Sengir, played a central role in Homelands. His
  influence can be seen in cards like ‘Sengir Vampire.’
• Koskun Falls: A unique land that introduced the
  ‘banding’ mechanic and added tactical depth to gameplay.

Notable Cards from Homelands

Homelands features several cards with distinctive abilities and
connections to the plane of Ulgrotha. Some of the most notable
include:

• Autumn Willow: A powerful green legend with
  shroud, making it difficult to target with spells or abilities.
• Didgeridoo: An artifact that helps players cast
  Minotaurs more easily, adding an element of tribal synergy to the
  game.
• Serrated Arrows: An artifact that can deal
  damage to creatures over time, providing control and removal
  options.

The Homelands Expansion Symbol

The expansion symbol for Homelands features a castle turret,
reflecting the setting of Ulgrotha and the presence of key characters
like Baron Sengir.

Limited Print Run and Collectible Value

Homelands had a limited print run, contributing to the collectible
value of its cards. The cards from this set are known for their
distinctive brown border, setting them apart from other Magic sets.

Historical Significance

Homelands is historically significant for its storytelling and
emphasis on character-driven narrative, making it a unique entry in the
world of Magic: The Gathering.

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