Tempest rare.
The card name comes from the military term “give no quarter.” The reference is to military quarters–accommodations–to which prisoners of war are entitled. The command “give no quarter” would have meant “take no prisoners” or “show no mercy.”
Mirage uncommon.
The playest name for Withering Boon was “Dauthi.” While it didn’t stick there, it was resurrected for use on the black shadow creatures in Tempest.
Tempest uncommon.
From the time it was released until the release of Odyssey, Abandon Hope is the first card alphabetically in all of Magic. It has since been surpassed by Abandoned Outpost if you ignore spaces.
Urza’s Destiny common.
This card was originally slated to be reprinted in Onslaught, but the team came up with Festering Goblin instead.
Onslaught uncommon.
Early on in development, the Couriers could target two different creature types. Everglove Courier could be used on a Cleric or and Elf. They were changed to unify the tribes more.
Urza’s Legacy common.
Intervene was going to be repeated in Onslaught, but with Confound being printed somewhat recently the team decided to reprint Meddle instead.
Onslaught uncommon.
The activation cost on this land was originally just R, but it was ending games too fast and was increased to 1R.
Ice Age rare.
Favorite card of Magic creative director Brady Dommermuth. “It’s a blue card that screams to be broken, and no one has ever been able to do it.”
Legends rare.
Favorite card of the DCI’s Jeff Donais. He liked it so much, he even played it in his deck at Worlds years ago.
Ice Age rare.
Favorite card of mtg.com web developer Doug Beyer. “I’ve always loved big, sweeping effects that create the opportunity for breaking symmetries.”
