Origins and Early Design

Tempest was not just another set; it marked a significant milestone as the first set led by Mark Rosewater. It holds a special place in his heart, as he often mentions that you always remember your first. The set is unique because it was conceived and designed in-house by the R&D department, setting a precedent for future endeavors.

The early days of Tempest's design were full of experimentation. According to Mark, one of the memorable aspects of its creation involved a week-long design offsite in Portland, where the entire team didn't shave as a sort of bonding exercise. This camaraderie translated into a set that was rich in mechanics and storytelling.

Storytelling and Mechanics

Tempest also marked the beginning of the Weatherlight Saga, a storyline that had long-lasting implications for MTG lore. The plot was woven directly into the cards, making Tempest one of the most story-driven sets at the time. Interestingly, Mark and his collaborator, Michael Ryan, didn't initially intend to start the Weatherlight Saga with Tempest. The brand manager’s eagerness led them to write a precursor story, culminating in the iconic saga that fans today cherish.

In terms of mechanics, Tempest introduced us to buyback, a mechanic that allowed players to return a spell to their hand after casting it, provided they could pay an additional cost. According to Mark, this was one of his proudest mechanic creations and was something he defended passionately during the set's design phase. Other noteworthy mechanics include shadow, a form of creature evasion that plays uniquely, and the introduction of slivers, which would go on to become a beloved creature type with a hive-mind mechanic.

Behind-the-Scenes Trivia

• Kezzerdrix and Vizzerdrix: As a part of a marketing campaign, Kezzerdrix from Tempest was featured in TV commercials, requiring a simpler version for beginner products. This led to the creation of Vizzerdrix in the Starter set.
• Grinded Mechanics: When Mark originally proposed a mechanic allowing players to start with a specific card in hand in exchange for one less draw, it caused massive imbalance and had to be scrapped.
• Mindslaver: Designed initially for Tempest, the card didn't see the light of day until years later in Mirrodin due to its complex mechanics.
• Scragnoth: Known by its playtest name, "Greased Weasel," Scragnoth was one of Mark’s earliest creations. He had a soft spot for this anti-counterspell creature.

These tidbits offer a snapshot of the creativity and trial-and-error process that underscores set design in Magic.

Impacts and Legacy

Tempest was revolutionary for several reasons. First, it was the first set fully designed with draft in mind. This laid the groundwork for the importance of limited play, a staple in today's Magic tournaments. Mark has often talked about how design for limited formats became a core part of R&D's philosophy moving forward.

Another notable contribution was the storytelling through cards. Mark often emphasized how Tempest aimed to tell a coherent story through the art and flavor text on the cards. This approach was both innovative and risky, but it ultimately set a new standard for future sets.

Mark fondly recalls that the storyline elements were directly tied to the card design. For instance, Volrath's Helm was intended to be the "marquee" card of the set, which was supposed to showcase the new mechanic of controlling another player's turn. While it didn't make it into Tempest, it was later adapted as Mindslaver in Mirrodin.

Controversies and Evolution

Tempest wasn't without its share of controversies, particularly concerning gameplay mechanics like the ante and ownership-changing cards such as Tempest Efreet. These mechanics were considered highly problematic and divisive among players. Mark admits that ante and ownership changes were some of the most disliked mechanics ever created for the game.

Moreover, the introduction of mechanics like buyback and shadow led to debates about balance and complexity. While buyback has been well received, it is challenging from a developmental standpoint. Shadow was a unique but polarizing mechanic, with some players loving its interaction and others finding it too limiting.

Mark's Reflections and Quotes

Over the years, Mark has shared many insights and nostalgic reflections about Tempest:

"I was very proud of Duplicity when Tempest came out. In interviews, I said it was one of my favorite cards. It obviously has gone on to be a forgotten card."

"The name Rath came from the design name for Death Pits of Rath. Michael Ryan and I liked the sound of the name on those two cards so much, we named the plane after them."

Conclusion

Tempest set the stage for future sets in ways that are still felt today. Its intricate storytelling, innovative mechanics, and memorable cards created a legacy that continues to influence the design of Magic: The Gathering. Whether it's for the introduction of slivers or the groundbreaking Weatherlight Saga, Tempest is a testament to the creative vision and determination of Mark Rosewater and his team.