Fallen Empires, released in November 1994, is Magic: The Gathering’s fifth expansion set. It takes place on the continent of Sarpadia after the catastrophic Brothers’ War, delving into the cultural and societal collapses of once-proud civilizations. Each color spotlights a different faction facing internal strife and external pressures:
- White: Icatia’s soldiers and their struggle against Farrelite cultist infiltration.
- Blue: The Vodalian merfolk battling the rapidly multiplying Homarids.
- Black: The Order of the Ebon Hand rebelling against their own Thrull creations.
- Red: Dwarven strongholds under siege by Orcs and Goblins.
- Green: Elves combating runaway fungal growths and Thallid infestations.
The set’s crown-shaped symbol represents the downfall of these waning empires.
Fallen Empires Set Info #
| Set | Set Symbol | Symbol Description | Set Code | Release Date | Total Cards | Common | Uncommon | Rare | Mythic Rare | Basic Land |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fallen Empires | A crown | FEM | November 1994 | 187 | 121 | 66 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Note: Mythic Rare did not exist at the time, and Basic Lands were not included in this set.
Fallen Empires Card Counts #
Although Fallen Empires contains 187 total cards, only 102 of these are functionally unique. The remaining cards are alternate-art reprints of those same mechanics, an experimental design choice that gave players multiple artwork options for the same card.
- Tribal Focus: Goblins, Merfolk, Thrulls, and Elves.
- Emphasis on Counters & Tokens: Many spells and abilities created tokens or used counters, foreshadowing future design in Magic.
More About Fallen Empires #
As tensions and natural forces overwhelmed the fractured cultures of Sarpadia, Fallen Empires offered deeper lore and introduced a heavier tribal theme than previous expansions. Tokens and counters were more widely used, setting a precedent for future mechanics in Magic. Though its overall power level was considered modest compared to neighboring sets like Antiquities and Legends, Fallen Empires nonetheless left a mark on the game’s evolution and storytelling.
Notable Fallen Empires MTG Cards #
Below are some cards that have stood the test of time.
Hymn to Tourach
A powerful and efficient discard spell forcing a target player to discard two cards at random.
High Tide
An instant that temporarily doubles the mana output of Islands, enabling explosive combo strategies.
Goblin Grenade
A staple in Goblin tribal decks, it trades one Goblin for a swift 5 damage to any target.
Order of Leitbur / Order of the Ebon Hand
Two Knight creatures with Protection from opposing colors, each boasting pump abilities and First Strike.
While Fallen Empires may not carry the same competitive reputation as other classic expansions, its narrative approach to declining civilizations, increased focus on tokens and counters, and experimentation with multiple artworks have secured its place in Magic’s history. Whether it’s for its lore, its tribal synergies, or its uniquely evocative setting, Fallen Empires remains a memorable chapter in Magic: The Gathering’s early years.
