Magic:
The Gathering Set Spotlight: Ravnica: City of Guilds

Release Date: October 07, 2005

Introduction to Ravnica: City of Guilds

‘Ravnica: City of Guilds’ is an immersive expansion set within the
world of Magic: The Gathering. Released in October 07 2005, it marked the
thirty-sixth expansion set and introduced players to the plane of
Ravnica, a sprawling and intricate cityscape where powerful guilds
rule.

The Intricacies of Ravnica

Ravnica: City of Guilds takes players to the plane of Ravnica, a city
that covers the entire world, with each guild controlling a different
aspect of city life. The set explores themes of politics, urban life,
and the conflict between guilds.

Notable Mechanics and Themes

Ravnica: City of Guilds introduced several mechanics and themes that
set it apart:

• Guilds: The set prominently featured ten guilds,
  each with its own unique abilities and characteristics, encouraging
  players to align with their favorite.
• Multicolor Cards: Ravnica introduced a
  significant number of multicolored cards, reflecting the diverse and
  intricate nature of the city.
• Hybrid Mana: The set included hybrid mana
  symbols, allowing players to cast spells with multiple color
  options.

Notable Cards from Ravnica: City of Guilds

Ravnica: City of Guilds features several cards with distinctive
abilities and connections to the theme of guilds and city life. Some of
the most notable include:

• Dark Confidant: A black creature that allows
  players to draw an additional card at the cost of life, showcasing the
  power of the guild system.
• Doubling Season: A green enchantment that
  doubles the number of tokens and counters placed on permanents, creating
  powerful synergies.
• Mystic Enforcer: A white and blue creature that
  becomes more powerful based on the number of cards in an opponent’s
  graveyard, reflecting Ravnica’s complexity.

The Ravnica: City of Guilds Expansion Symbol

The expansion symbol for Ravnica: City of Guilds features a stylized,
intertwined ‘R,’ representing the city’s intricate web of guilds and
alliances.

Limited Print Run and Collectible Value

Ravnica: City of Guilds 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

Ravnica: City of Guilds is historically significant for its deep
exploration of the guild system, its introduction of multicolor cards
and hybrid mana, and the impact of the ten guilds on Magic’s lore and
gameplay. It’s celebrated for its role in shaping the way Magic
approaches multicolor sets.

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