Specialize

Specialize is a designed-for-digital, MTG Arena-specific mechanic introduced in Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate. As a mechanic that adds a color and abilities to a legendary creature, it acts as a parallel to choosing a Background.
==Description==
Specialize is a digital-only mechanic similar to transform which permanently changes a card into an alternate counterpart. Cards with specialize feature a circled upward pointing triangle in the upper left corner of the card, identical to that of transforming double-faced cards. This indicates that it is able to specialize. The ability invokes the choosing of a D&D character's new class during a campaign.
You may pay the specialize cost (an entirely generic mana cost) and discard a card of your choice to specialize the creature into one of five options, one for each color. The available options are determined by the color and/or basic land type of the discarded card. Specialized creatures have different names to their original counterparts, an extra mana symbol of the chosen color in their mana cost, and a 5-way branching arrow icon in the top left corner.
Specialize is mostly seen on reimagined cards, all of which originally had "Choose a Background". There are two that are not, who are characters original to this set: and . Both have six arts, whereas the reimagined cards only have one that is color shaded to match their new color when specialized. The other exception is of : mixing Lae'Zel's Baldur's Gate III ending with the player character's, it has unique art, a different name structure than Lae'zel's other forms, and is the only one that adds Horror to the type.
In terms of rules text, all but have consistency in their specialized abilities. Any keyword and non-specialize activated abilities are retained after changing forms. If the original card had an enters the battlefield ability, the specialized card has a new ability that synergizes with it. Triggered abilities on specialized cards have identical conditions for each character, with a color-appropriate payoff. Some will also gain a color-appropriate keyword. Finally, aside from , and , the sizing boost is consistent and symmetrical across all five forms.
As specializing permanently changes the cards, they normally retain their specialization when changing zones. However, is unique in how each of its specialized counterparts has the ability to "unspecialize" when it dies, permanently changing it back to its original counterpart.
===Icons===
Specialize cards have an icon next to the name representing a triangle , indicating their ability improve or upgrade. The specialized cards have a five-branching arrow , representing the five different color paths the card could have taken.
==Rules==
Specialize is not included as part of the Comprehensive Rules. It operates according to the programmed rules of Magic: The Gathering Arena.
===Commander===
Cards with specialize have a unique color identity when used as a commander in Brawl. During deck construction, the player must pick one of the five colors - representing each of the five cards the commander can specialize into. The chosen color then becomes part of the commander's color identity for the purposes of deck construction. This forces each card to act similarly to a traditional transforming card with only one alternative counterpart, rather than a commander.
==Example==
==References==
Category:Magic Arena