Inkling

Set Diversity Possibility

With Omenpaths existing, is it possible to have a set with Satyrs, Aetherborn, Myr, Inkling, Demigod, Moonfolk, etc?

It makes such a thing possible.

Aetherborn Demigod Inkling Moonfolk Myr Omenpaths Satyr

Revealing Future Content

Just to clarify, if we ask for a specific thing (that's a broad concept, not necessarily a specific "thing"). Recent example: a wedge set. You are allowed to state that it's in the pipeline, posiibly even that you have an inkling of when (as you stated you know what set the example given is slated), but not allowed to give is a timeframe (or any other details)? I understand part of it is the nature of the business, but is part of it also to allow some flexibility (as the farther out something is, the more it could be changed over time to fit different needs and demands)?

I’m not allowed to hint at when things are coming. That’s why I’m always vague about timelines. Obviously, the further out something is, the greater chance it can change.

Inkling

Unique Creatures Production Frequency

"1) There are also a bunch lower down on the scale. We have a lot of unique things to Magic.2) A bunch you have listed aren’t unique to Magic (like noggle or ouphe)." Which unique creatures are lower on the scale besides Slivers? And even those are only in supplemental sets at this point. I didn't know those weren't unique to magic, but the point is still the same; you guys seem to produce the more interesting looking and less generic creatures less often.

The original Magic creature types: Aetherborn, Assembly-Worker, Atog, Azra, Beeble, Blinkmoth, Bringer, Brushwagg, Camarid, Cephalid, Eldrazi, Fractal, Graveborn, Homarid, Inkling, Kavu, Kithkin, Kor, Lhurgoyf, Licid, Masticore, Metathran, Myr, Nightstalker, Orgg, Pentavite, Pest, Phelddagrif, Phyrexian, Praetor, Rigger, Saproling, Slith, Sliver, Soltari, Spellshaper, Spike, Surrakar, Tetravite, Thalakos, Triskelavite, Vedalken, Viashino, Volver, and Zubera.A bunch of those have appeared on new cards in the last five years.

Aetherborn Assembly-Worker Assembly-Worker Atog Atog Azra Beeble Blinkmoth Bringer Brushwagg Brushwagg Camarid Cephalid Colorless Competitive Play Creatures Eldrazi Fractal Graveborn Homarids Inkling Kavu Kithkin Kor Lhurgoyf Lhurgoyf Licid Masticore Masticore Metathran Myr Nightstalker Noggle Orgg Orgg Ouphe Pentavite Pest Phelddagrif Phelddagrif Phyrexian Praetor Rigger Saprolings Slith Sliver Soltari Spellshaper Spike Surrakar Tetravite Thalakos Triskelavite Vedalken Viashino Volver Zubera

Strixhaven Return and Doco

If we ever return to Strixhaven can I request a card for Doco, Killian's inkling? Or are inklings remaining token only?

Pests got a card.

Inkling Pest Tokens

Comparison of Inklings and Beebles

I dont see much difference between inklings and beebles. they just seem like a 90s design.

I’m not even quite sure what that means.

Beeble Inkling

Probability of Legendary Inkling Arrival

I hope we get a Legendary Inkling some time soon. It's the only mascot that didn't get a Legendary Creature card.

Perhaps one day.

Creatures Inkling

Fractals and Inklings: Creature Types

Was there a lot of puahback against Fractals and Inklings? They are fairly strange creature types that don't seem very applicable outside of Strixhaven.

Sometimes you make creature types for the Vorthos (flavorful) and sometimes for the Mels (functional) and sometimes both when it works out.

Creatures Flavor Fractal Inkling Melvin / Mel Vorthos

Ikoria's Success Prediction

At what point did you know Ikoria wasn't going to be a great set? You mentioned a few hiccups in development, so at some point you have to have an inkling that it wouldn't be up to normal standards.

When did I know that Ikoria wasn’t just going to be a great set, but something even better? That’s an interesting question. I knew in vision design that we were playing with something out of the ordinary, but it wasn’t until I saw what Dave and his set design team was doing that I really started to realize we had something awesome. What cemented it was watching all the excitement from the fans who really have embraced the monster set in a spectacular way.

Inkling Set Design Vision Design

Contraption Mechanic Origins

Did you always have some inkling that "assembling a contraption" would be an extra deck thing? Did you try other ideas first?

I spent years trying to make contraptions as a black bordered mechanic, so none of the earlier versions used a separate deck.

Black Black Border Contraptions Inkling Mechanics

R&D Public Perceptions

Do you think R&D should make more concessions when building a set to how the public might see the set? You must have at least had an inkling that people would be disappointed there weren't more cards for Indian mythology in Kaladesh, enchantments in Theros, or graveyard interaction in Innistrad, to name a few times recently where public perception of a set's focus didn't match Wizards'.

That’s not a fight you can ever win. If Kaladesh had leaned more towards top down India, we would have gotten complaints that we didn’t do enough with steam punk.The players don’t all want or expect the same thing so the key is figuring out what plays best that’s in the general area and shoot for that.The idea that there’s some perfect version that everyone would be equally happy with is a fool’s errand.

Enchantments Fight / Bite Game Design Inkling Innistrad Kaladesh The General The Graveyard Theros Top Down

Vic's Popularity

Did Wizards realize how popular Vic would be and so quickly?

He was popular with us, so we had an inkling.

Inkling

Card Competitiveness Prediction

Before a set is released, do you have a pretty good idea about which cards are going to see the most competitive play (e.g. did you have an inkling that Thassa would see the most competitive play of all of the gods?)

No, because it’s not my job to know that.

Competitive Play God Inkling

Fastest Mechanic Inspiration

What is the mechanic that came to you the fastest and the easiest? How do you think it ranks amongst the rest of your mechanics?

I’m not sure how to rank fast. I don’t have the idea until I do and then it’s fast. Now, some mechanics take a while to figure out while some come forth very close to their finished version. Split cards and flashback both came very fast in be sense that from inkling to idea they formed quickly and then didn’t really change (other than costing).

Flashback Inkling Mechanics Split Cards

From the Vault Nope

"Do I see a From the Vault: Terrible in the future. No. No chance. Seriously, not even the slightest inkling of a possibility." Who are you? Maro would never say never!

I tend to never say never but even I occasionally break my own rules. Would a From the Vault set that only reprints cards that have a rating of 1 or less in Gatherer sell out?

Card Printing Inkling Mark Rosewater Reprints Rules

Future of Terrible Format?

What's your take on the Gatherer-Terrible Format? Do you see a future for a 'From the Vault: Terrible' add-on?

It’s a fun format. For those unaware of Gatherer-Terrible, you can only play cards rated 1 or less on Gatherer. Do I see a From the Vault: Terrible in the future. No. No chance. Seriously, not even the slightest inkling of a possibility.

Inkling