Spellshaper

Spellshaper is a creature class. Spellshapers are amongst the most narrowly focused spellcasters. They are salesmen of magical spells and devote themselves to perfecting a single spell or selection of spells, relying on the mastery of their focus to making up for their lack of versatility. In all other respects, they are similar to wizards, clerics, and druids.
==Description==
Spellshapers were introduced in Mercadian Masques, appearing in the subsequent sets of the block, and reappeared in the Time Spiral block. Creatures with this type have at least one activated ability of the form "[mana cost], , Discard [a number of] cards: [Effect]." The effect is often the same as a sorcery or instant card already in print and the mana cost is often the same as the referenced sorcery or instant card. Most Spellshaper abilities require the discard of one card, but more powerful effects may require the discard of more than one card. 
Spellshapers were designed by Mercadian Masques lead designer Mike Elliott. The flavor that inspired him was that these creatures could themselves cast spells.
A cycle of legendary spellshapers was printed in Prophecy. Each of these legendary rare creatures cost MM and requires a discard of two cards. They are: <c>Alexi, Zephyr Mage</c>, <c>Greel, Mind Raker</c>, <c>Jolrael, Empress of Beasts</c> (which was reprinted in Time Spiral as a timeshifted card), <c>Latulla, Keldon Overseer</c> and <c>Mageta the Lion</c>. These use modified versions of existing spells, rather than exact copies. The Spellshapers of Future Sight create token copies of one-mana creatures rather than spells, and as befitting Future Sight's theme, one (<c>Goldmeadow Harrier</c>) of which only was printed the following year.
Mark Rosewater has stated that was unlikely that Spellshapers as a whole would return in a Standard-legal set, but that occasional versions would be possible in a supplemental set. He deemed the return of the mechanic, but without the creature class, a bit more likely. A Spellshaper appeared on the back side of the battle card <c>Invasion of Mercadia</c> in March of the Machine. This particular Spellshaper produces a distinct effect not seen on a previous spell. <c>Jaxis, the Troublemaker</c> mechanically acts like a Spellshaper (casting <c>Heat Shimmer</c>, but with upside), but is not classified as such.
==Notable Spellshapers==
;Dominaria
*Alexi
*Greel
*Jaya Ballard
*Jolrael
*Latulla
*Mageta
==Examples==
==References==
Category:Miscellaneous mechanics