In a move sure to stun long-term players, it was leaked earlier this week that the first expansion of the block after Mirrodin, code-named "Control," green will have a card with the ability to prevent all combat damage during a given turn. The effect is reminiscent of the staple green card Fog, which has been helping ten-year-olds survive Overrun since 1997.

Wizards has a history of printing green cards with effects similar to Fog. Angus Mackenzie is a shifty little fellow with a stylish hat and the ability to prevent all combat damage on command. Constant Mist can be bought back at the cost of but a single land. Your mana curve is a small price to pay for Fog. Undergrowth allows a player to ignore the effect for red creatures.

But they aren't all superstars. Spore Flower made use of the Fallen Empires "spore counter" mechanic, allowing it to produce its effect during a harmonic convergence.

But what will this new Fog effect do? There are already cyclable fogs, creature fogs, life-gaining fogs, spellshaper fogs and flashbacking fogs. What's on the horizon?

"Well, we've been toying with the idea of a Fog with affinity," said Mark Rosewater of Wizards of the Coast. "Sure, the effect already only costs one, but we can just give it a cantrip or something. Do you work here?" When reminded that affinity is the Mirrodin mechanic, MaRo excused himself calmly and ran down the hall shouting "stop the presses, for the love of God, stop the presses."

Most of the Magic community is excited about the news. Sales of Leery Fogbeast have exploded, as players begin to buy into the prediction that the post-Ctrl rotation metagame will be dominated by Fog decks.

Seizing upon the news, local pyramid schemer Mike Long has produced a pamphlet on the proper use of the new Fog Effect, because he wants to help you, but needs your help, e-mail address and social security number first. "The secret to Fog Effects," says Long, "is that it prevents your combat damage too. It's a tricky little piece of work."

Discuss this article in the Magic: the Gathering Forums!

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• Mirrodin Mechanic Revealed
• Darksteel Card Restricted In Type I
• Wizards of the Coast Reveals New “Slammer” Mechanic

In a move sure to stun long-term players, it was leaked earlier this week that the first expansion of the block after Mirrodin, code-named "Control," green will have a card with the ability to prevent all combat damage during a given turn. The effect is reminiscent of the staple green card Fog, which has been helping ten-year-olds survive Overrun since 1997.

Wizards has a history of printing green cards with effects similar to Fog. Angus Mackenzie is a shifty little fellow with a stylish hat and the ability to prevent all combat damage on command. Constant Mist can be bought back at the cost of but a single land. Your mana curve is a small price to pay for Fog. Undergrowth allows a player to ignore the effect for red creatures.

But they aren't all superstars. Spore Flower made use of the Fallen Empires "spore counter" mechanic, allowing it to produce its effect during a harmonic convergence.

But what will this new Fog effect do? There are already cyclable fogs, creature fogs, life-gaining fogs, spellshaper fogs and flashbacking fogs. What's on the horizon?

"Well, we've been toying with the idea of a Fog with affinity," said Mark Rosewater of Wizards of the Coast. "Sure, the effect already only costs one, but we can just give it a cantrip or something. Do you work here?" When reminded that affinity is the Mirrodin mechanic, MaRo excused himself calmly and ran down the hall shouting "stop the presses, for the love of God, stop the presses."

Most of the Magic community is excited about the news. Sales of Leery Fogbeast have exploded, as players begin to buy into the prediction that the post-Ctrl rotation metagame will be dominated by Fog decks.

Seizing upon the news, local pyramid schemer Mike Long has produced a pamphlet on the proper use of the new Fog Effect, because he wants to help you, but needs your help, e-mail address and social security number first. "The secret to Fog Effects," says Long, "is that it prevents your combat damage too. It's a tricky little piece of work."

Discuss this article in the Magic: the Gathering Forums!

Related Stories

• Mirrodin Mechanic Revealed
• Darksteel Card Restricted In Type I
• Wizards of the Coast Reveals New “Slammer” Mechanic