Conspiracy: Year Seven

## Summary

Conspiracy: Year Seven was a draft-focused format revolving set, albeit one with a relatively high story impact. It was released following World on Fire, and was followed by Asridia.

The set takes place on Fiora, though the reprints include legendary characters from other planes.

## Lore

Following the phyrexian invasion of the multiverse, Queen Marchesa had gained respect in the eyes of much of Fiora, and the total dissension surprisingly fell to an all-time low. While some still dreamed and schemed, it seemed Marchesa had an unprecedented hold over the planes leadership. However, Marchesa didn't get where she was without an insatiable hunger for power. Knowing her ally Daretti was a planeswalker, and not liking that such a power was out of her reach, she tricked and betrayed him, using the throne's magic to bind him to the plane.

This, as it would to any planeswalker, infuriated Daretti, who returned to his old ally Grenzo, hoping to riot and break the magical seal. This dissension peaked the ears of Muzzio, Adriana and Selvala, who all had their own problems with Marchesa, and a claim to the throne, and once again a struggle for power will arise between the five new factions.

Marchesa, and her spymaster Lucia form the head of the Black Faction, seeking to keep and consolidate power, and crush dissent. In this new era of decent, Marchesa may only trust her closest attendant, but together they make a lethal duo.

Grenzo and Daretti lead the Red Faction, seeking chaos, revenge and freedom, both within and between the planes.

Selvala has found an unlikely ally in Edric, having bonded over their use of animal familiars, and Selvala truly does wish for the safety of Fiora's natural world. However, whether out of naivety, or a genuine dark turn of character, Selvala has seemingly strayed further and further from her original goals and values, taking a darker turn in her original noble quest.

Adriana had original wanted Selvala to take the throne, but over time was disgusted by the very concept of monarchy, and split ways. Allying with Livio, and offering them more formal direction and training, the two seek not for chaos, but to turn Fiora into a republic. Adriana does not actual believe she should be the leader of Fiora, whether leading a monarchy or a republic, but occasionally does have to act as such for the sake of public perception and political gaming.

Finally, the Blue faction of the disgraced artificers Muzzio and Sydri, in all of their ego, believe they know what's best for the plane. Enraged at their exile, and the plane-wide hatred of their craft, they seek to gain control and establish a new, better Fiora with automotons in each and every home and building.

## Themes/Mechanics

Conspiracy: Year Seven, as with past Conspiracy sets, was designed first and foremost to be drafted. This meant the inclusion of draft-specific cards, as well as a high density of reprints.

Representing the five factions, and to make draft building easier, the set has a strong monocolor matters theme, wanting you to pledge allegiance to your faction for great rewards.

The set marked the return of many multiplayer mechanics and themes, including Monarch, Dethrone, and generally more effects that cared about the player with the highest life total.

The most dramatic change to the game's landscape that would come in the introduction of five new companions. For the first time, companions existed in sorcery form, with the special "Conspiracy" type allowing them to start the game face down and avoid the 3-mana "hand fee".

## Popular Cards and Decks

All five of the conspiracy spells became widely used, as companions tend to be. While not particularly powerful, the surprise factor and increased consistency to a deck made them each worth building around for their own reasons.

## Associated Products

Conspiracy: Year Seven was sold in draft booster packs and boxes, as the entirety of the set was built for draft.

## Promo Cards

An actual gold-plated foil version of The Monarch token was included in one out of every 10,000 packs sold.

## Associated Events

The Conspiracy: Year Seven Grand Tour was an event that contained a mix of different limited play formats, primarily draft but including some sealed.

## Critical Reception

Conspiracy: Year Seven was widely loved by everyone except for a small minority who didn't understand limited play, and were highly confused by the draft-specific cards.