Generated on 10 Jul 2024
Based on 272 answers
The evolution of horses and associated mechanics in Magic: The Gathering provides a fascinating insight into the development and intricacies of the game. From the origins of **Horsemanship** to the potential for horse tribal decks, Mark Rosewater has shared numerous details that paint a comprehensive picture of horses' role in Magic.
Origins and Mechanics
The concept of Horsemanship was introduced as a form of **evasion** similar to flying in the Portal Three Kingdoms set. This decision stemmed from the flavor needs of the source material, which did not have creatures that fit flying (like dragons or birds) but had numerous mounted units. Horsemanship essentially functions the same as flying but represents cavalry and other horseback figures.
One notable aspect of **Horsemanship** is its slightly contentious nature. According to Rosewater, it functions just like flying but with a "worse name and flavor." This raises questions as to why it was created in the first place, and the consensus is that it fills a specific thematic gap that flying could not adequately cover within the context of Portal Three Kingdoms.
From a **color pie** standpoint, Horsemanship follows the same primary/secondary/tertiary rules as flying: Primary in white and blue, secondary in black, and tertiary in red and green.
Impact and Reception
Horsemanship has not been widely incorporated into many sets due to its **parasitic nature**. This attribute essentially means that Horsemanship cards have limited interaction with other cards outside the specific set they are part of. This limited interaction reduces their overall playability and impact in broader formats.
One direct explanation from Rosewater sums this up concisely: "It’s an odd flavor done only in Portal Three Kingdoms because Flying didn’t work in the source material." Moreover, Rosewater has often stated that the ability is essentially treated as unblockable, meaning that designing cards with this mechanic without creating unintended balance issues can be challenging.
Despite these limitations, Horsemanship has made occasional cameos, such as in the **Commander line**, a supplemental product line that allows designers more freedom to experiment with one-off mechanics and old favorites. However, as Rosewater often emphasizes, Horsemanship’s return to mainstream Magic sets remains highly unlikely.
Design Commentary and Legacy
In terms of broader game design, the concept of **rideable horses or mounts** has been a recurring topic. Players have frequently asked about mechanics that explicitly allow one creature to ride another, creating cards that encapsulate the idea of mounted combat outside the keyword Horsemanship.
Rosewater addressed this notion by saying, "It’s come up numerous times. I feel like soulbond is us hitting that design space." Soulbond, introduced in the Avacyn Restored set, enables two creatures to pair up and share abilities, essentially mimicking a rider-mount relationship without the technical baggage that comes with creating new keywords.
Another fascinating aspect is the push for **tribal support**. Players have asked about batching horses with other similar creatures like unicorns and pegasi. This concept is considered potentially viable by Rosewater, indicating a willingness to explore this angle in the future, primarily through Commander sets or other spaces where keywording and themes can be a bit looser.
Trivia and Humor
Mark Rosewater’s humor often shines through in his responses. When asked about how game design might shift if he were a horse, he comically replied, "Oats would play a bigger role." This playful engagement not only keeps interactions entertaining but also humanizes the intricate design processes behind the world's most popular trading card game.
On a more serious note, Rosewater often references **the flexibility and adaptability** of Magic’s design over the years. Flexibility is seen in numerous instances such as errata considerations and the continual evolution of gameplay philosophies. Rosewater’s embrace of change and nuanced responses, while sometimes sardonic, frequently shed light on the high-level strategic thinking that maintains Magic's longevity.
Conclusion
The story of horses in Magic illustrates a broader narrative about the game’s adaptability, flavor inclusions, and player engagement. Horsemanship, despite its limited application, represents a significant effort to align game mechanics with thematic narratives. Future explorations may find novel ways to incorporate horseback mechanics or even horse tribal themes, continually advancing Magic’s captivating world.
The evolution of horses and associated mechanics in Magic: The Gathering provides a fascinating insight into the development and intricacies of the game. From the origins of **Horsemanship** to the potential for horse tribal decks, Mark Rosewater has shared numerous details that paint a comprehensive picture of horses' role in Magic.
Origins and Mechanics
The concept of Horsemanship was introduced as a form of **evasion** similar to flying in the Portal Three Kingdoms set. This decision stemmed from the flavor needs of the source material, which did not have creatures that fit flying (like dragons or birds) but had numerous mounted units. Horsemanship essentially functions the same as flying but represents cavalry and other horseback figures.
One notable aspect of **Horsemanship** is its slightly contentious nature. According to Rosewater, it functions just like flying but with a "worse name and flavor." This raises questions as to why it was created in the first place, and the consensus is that it fills a specific thematic gap that flying could not adequately cover within the context of Portal Three Kingdoms.
From a **color pie** standpoint, Horsemanship follows the same primary/secondary/tertiary rules as flying: Primary in white and blue, secondary in black, and tertiary in red and green.
Impact and Reception
Horsemanship has not been widely incorporated into many sets due to its **parasitic nature**. This attribute essentially means that Horsemanship cards have limited interaction with other cards outside the specific set they are part of. This limited interaction reduces their overall playability and impact in broader formats.
One direct explanation from Rosewater sums this up concisely: "It’s an odd flavor done only in Portal Three Kingdoms because Flying didn’t work in the source material." Moreover, Rosewater has often stated that the ability is essentially treated as unblockable, meaning that designing cards with this mechanic without creating unintended balance issues can be challenging.
Despite these limitations, Horsemanship has made occasional cameos, such as in the **Commander line**, a supplemental product line that allows designers more freedom to experiment with one-off mechanics and old favorites. However, as Rosewater often emphasizes, Horsemanship’s return to mainstream Magic sets remains highly unlikely.
Design Commentary and Legacy
In terms of broader game design, the concept of **rideable horses or mounts** has been a recurring topic. Players have frequently asked about mechanics that explicitly allow one creature to ride another, creating cards that encapsulate the idea of mounted combat outside the keyword Horsemanship.
Rosewater addressed this notion by saying, "It’s come up numerous times. I feel like soulbond is us hitting that design space." Soulbond, introduced in the Avacyn Restored set, enables two creatures to pair up and share abilities, essentially mimicking a rider-mount relationship without the technical baggage that comes with creating new keywords.
Another fascinating aspect is the push for **tribal support**. Players have asked about batching horses with other similar creatures like unicorns and pegasi. This concept is considered potentially viable by Rosewater, indicating a willingness to explore this angle in the future, primarily through Commander sets or other spaces where keywording and themes can be a bit looser.
Trivia and Humor
Mark Rosewater’s humor often shines through in his responses. When asked about how game design might shift if he were a horse, he comically replied, "Oats would play a bigger role." This playful engagement not only keeps interactions entertaining but also humanizes the intricate design processes behind the world's most popular trading card game.
On a more serious note, Rosewater often references **the flexibility and adaptability** of Magic’s design over the years. Flexibility is seen in numerous instances such as errata considerations and the continual evolution of gameplay philosophies. Rosewater’s embrace of change and nuanced responses, while sometimes sardonic, frequently shed light on the high-level strategic thinking that maintains Magic's longevity.
Conclusion
The story of horses in Magic illustrates a broader narrative about the game’s adaptability, flavor inclusions, and player engagement. Horsemanship, despite its limited application, represents a significant effort to align game mechanics with thematic narratives. Future explorations may find novel ways to incorporate horseback mechanics or even horse tribal themes, continually advancing Magic’s captivating world.