Magic: The Gathering
Set Spotlight: Tempest

Release Date: October 14, 1997

Introduction to Tempest

‘Tempest’ is a captivating expansion set within the world of Magic:
The Gathering. Released in October 1997, it marked the twelfth expansion
set and transported players to the tumultuous world of Rath, a plane
filled with political intrigue and powerful mages.

Venturing into Rath

Tempest invites players to venture into the unique and treacherous
plane of Rath. The set is renowned for its dynamic storyline, featuring
characters like the Weatherlight crew and the villainous Volrath.

Notable Mechanics and Themes

Tempest introduced several mechanics and themes that set it
apart:

• Shadow: The set featured the ‘shadow’ mechanic,
  which introduced evasive creatures that could only be blocked by other
  creatures with shadow.
• Phasing: Phasing, a mechanic introduced in
  earlier sets, continued to play a role in Tempest, adding complexity and
  strategy to gameplay.
• Rebels and Mercenaries: The set included
  creatures with the ‘Rebel’ and ‘Mercenary’ subtypes, which offered
  unique abilities and interactions.

Notable Cards from Tempest

Tempest features several cards with distinctive abilities and
connections to the world of Rath. Some of the most notable include:

• Yawgmoth’s Will: A black sorcery with the power
  to replay cards from the graveyard, making it a potent combo
  piece.
• Volrath’s Stronghold: A land that could
  resurrect creatures from the graveyard, offering both control and
  recursion.
• Survival of the Fittest: A green enchantment
  that facilitates creature tutoring and graveyard manipulation.

The Tempest Expansion Symbol

The expansion symbol for Tempest features a distinctive tornado,
symbolizing the turbulence and chaos of the plane of Rath.

Limited Print Run and Collectible Value

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

Historical Significance

Tempest is historically significant for its compelling storyline,
including the conflict between the Weatherlight crew and Volrath, as
well as the introduction of mechanics like ‘shadow’ and the ‘Rebel’ and
‘Mercenary’ subtypes.

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