Magic: The Gathering - Mercadian Masques Booster Set (350 Cards)

Set Overview: Dive into the world of Magic: The Gathering with Mercadian Masques, the 18th expansion released in October 1999, and the first set in the Masques Block. Notably, Mercadian Masques is the first set in Magic history not protected by Wizards of the Coast's "Reprint Policy," marking it as a pivotal point in the game's evolution. With a massive card pool of 350 cards—110 commons, 110 uncommons, 110 rares, and 20 basic lands—Mercadian Masques introduces players to new themes, mechanics, and a rich, narrative-driven experience.

Expansion Symbol: The expansion symbol for Mercadian Masques features a stylized mask, symbolizing the intrigues, deceptions, and double dealings at the heart of the Mercadia storyline. This visual representation captures the core themes of subterfuge and hidden motives that define the expansion's rich lore.

Key Themes and Mechanics: Set in the politically charged world of Mercadia, the set introduces a series of cards that emphasize deception, manipulation, and trickery. One of the key mechanics of Mercadian Masques is the “Echo” mechanic, which requires players to pay a cost for certain creatures when they enter the battlefield and then again at the end of the turn, representing the fleeting and unpredictable nature of the world in which they reside. This new mechanic adds layers of complexity to gameplay, encouraging strategic decision-making and resource management.

Mercadian Masques also marks the first large expansion to use the updated 6th Edition rules, which introduced important changes like the new functionality of Interrupts and Instants, as well as updated card templating. This shift ensured smoother gameplay and better alignment with the evolving standards of Magic: The Gathering.

Product Features:

• 350 Cards in Total: Includes 110 Commons, 110 Uncommons, 110 Rares, and 20 Basic Lands
• Unique Expansion Symbol: A stylized mask representing the intrigue and deception central to the Mercadia storyline
• New Mechanics: Introduces the Echo mechanic, a game-changing feature that adds strategic depth to creature play
• 6th Edition Rules: First large expansion to use the new set of rules, improving clarity and gameplay flow
• Part of the Masques Block: Expands on the narrative arc and themes set forth in the Masques Block series, laying the foundation for future expansions