Mirage (Magic: The Gathering)

Mirage is the name of a Magic: The Gathering expansion set released in October 1996. It is the first set in the Mirage block, which also includes Visions and Weatherlight.

The Mirage set features a storyline set on the continent of Jamuraa, which is inspired by African cultures and mythology. The story revolves around three powerful warlords – Kaervek, Teferi, and Mangara – and their struggle for control of the land. Mangara imprisons both Kaervek and Teferi in the Mangara's Tome, a magical artifact, kicking off the block's overarching narrative.

Mechanically, Mirage introduced several new keywords, including Flanking and Phasing. Flanking is a combat ability that gives attacking creatures an advantage against defending creatures without flanking. Phasing allows permanents to temporarily disappear from the game, returning during their controller’s next untap step. Other notable mechanics in Mirage included cumulative upkeep, which required players to pay an increasing cost each turn to keep a permanent in play, and color hosers - cards specifically designed to be effective against a single color.

The set is known for its distinctive card art and flavor, further solidifying its unique place within Magic's history. Key cards from Mirage include Lion's Eye Diamond, Mystical Tutor, and Phyrexian Dreadnought, which have become staples in various formats over the years.