Shilgengar, the demon that birthed the creation of all vampires on Innistrad, and indirectly the spark of Sorin Markov, finally has its own MTG card.
DailyMTG, the official site for Magic: The Gathering, revealed Shilgengar, Sire of Famine for the Modern Horizons 3 set. The legendary demon will also receive the below profile borderless printing and an etched foil printing.
MH3 is not just a set packed with powerful tournament cards; it’s also a heartfelt tribute to the game. In the debut video released last week, game designers revealed it would call back to the lore of MTG and bring depth to familiar characters. Shilgengar, Sire of Famine is a prime example.
For those unfamiliar with Shilgengar, he plays a pivotal role in the development of Innistrad, and indirectly, the history of MTG that follows. On this plane, the specter of famine loomed over its people. The survival of its townsfolk and civilization teetered on the brink of collapse. Driven by unyielding desperation, one individual resolved to find a solution.
That individual, Edgar Markov, refused to succumb to the afflictions of Innistrad. A talented alchemist, he vowed to find a way to survive in a world blighted with famine.
Shilgengar approached Edgar and offered him immortality through a ritual that required the blood of an angel. Edgar obtained what he needed and used the concoction to transform himself into the first vampire of Innistrad.
Edgar appealed to his family to join the ranks, partake in the ritual, and ascend beyond the destiny of humans on Innistrad. The event is memorialized in the MTG card Blood Tribute.
This event, a historic moment in Innistrad, brought forth most of the vampires we are familiar with in the game today.
Through this ritual, Sorin Markov, the grandson of Edgar, gained his spark and traveled for thousands of years across the multiverse. Other iconic vampires, such as Olivia Voldaren, come from the plane of Innistrad.
Thanks to MH3, we not only get to see Shilgengar get its own MTG card for the first time ever, we also get to see the transformation of the young and broody Sorin Markov into a planeswalker.
The lore of Modern Horizons 3 is rich with nostalgia, and gives us more insights into some of our favorite planes and characters. Shilgengar and Sorin being just a few examples.
Previews for MH3 will continue until May 31. Prerelease events begin on June 7 and the set releases on June 14, 2024.
MH3 will also be featured in Pro Tour Modern Horizons 3 at MagicCon Amsterdam June 28-30.
