Mechanics
Below is the list of mechanics introduced by Mirrodin:
- Affinity - This keyword reduces the total cost of the spell by the number of permanents in play of a certain type, for instance "affinity for artifacts" under your control.
- Artifact lands - While artifact creatures were not a new addition, Mirrodin introduced artifact lands. These enhanced the power of cards with the "Affinity" mechanic by increasing the number of artifacts in play while still being considered lands. The cycle of artifact lands (with the exception of Darksteel Citadel from Darksteel) are banned in Modern format, and all six artifact lands are banned in Mirrodin Block.
- Imprint - This keyword allows a player to "imprint" some card on the artifact (removing that card from the game). That artifact's effect depends on the card imprinted (for example you can imprint a creature on Duplicant and then activate it to reproduce copies of that creature).
- Entwine - An ability on modal spells, which normally require a player to choose only one of multiple effects. By paying the Entwine cost, all of the effects occur.
- Equipment - A new artifact subtype that denotes things which could be wielded or worn by creatures. Equipment functions like the older "Enchant Creature" cards (now called Auras) in that they provide some effect while attached to the creature. Unlike Auras, however, Equipment can only be attached to creatures you control in most cases, and remain in play even if the creature they were attached to leaves play. Equipment have gone on to be a staple of Magic in general, being featured in subsequent core sets and expansions.
Read more about this topic: Mirrodin
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