Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is a game known for its rich lore, diverse mechanics, and ever-expanding universe. One way that Wizards of the Coast, the company behind MTG, organizes and classifies its myriad of planes and worlds is through the Rabiah Scale. This scale helps players understand the likelihood of revisiting certain planes within the game’s narrative and future sets. In this article, we’ll delve into what the Rabiah Scale is, its origins, and its significance in the world of MTG.
What is the Rabiah Scale?
The Rabiah Scale is a classification system used by Wizards of the Coast to rate the likelihood of a plane being revisited in future MTG sets. Named after the plane of Rabiah, from the set Arabian Nights, the scale ranges from 1 to 10. A lower score indicates a higher likelihood of return, while a higher score suggests that revisiting that plane is less probable.
Origins of the Rabiah Scale
The Rabiah Scale is named after Rabiah, a unique plane that was featured in the Arabian Nights set, one of the earliest expansions in MTG. Rabiah is based on One Thousand and One Nights, a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales. Despite its rich and intriguing lore, Rabiah has not been revisited in subsequent MTG sets, leading to its namesake being used as a measure for planes less likely to be explored again.
The Rabiah Scale Explained
Here’s a breakdown of the Rabiah Scale:
- 1 to 2: Planes with a high probability of return. These are popular, well-loved planes with significant narrative importance or fan interest. Examples include Ravnica, Dominaria, and Zendikar.
- 3 to 4: Planes that have a moderate chance of being revisited. These planes may have a strong fan base or unresolved storylines but are not as central to the MTG universe as those with lower scores. Examples include Kaladesh and Amonkhet.
- 5 to 6: Planes with an uncertain future. They have unique aspects that could be explored further but do not have the immediate draw of the more popular planes. Examples include Kamigawa and Alara.
- 7 to 8: Planes that are unlikely to be revisited. These planes might have been designed for a specific set or theme and lack broader appeal or narrative hooks. Examples include Lorwyn and Shadowmoor.
- 9 to 10: Planes with little to no chance of return. These planes were either one-off concepts, have complex legal or narrative issues, or simply did not resonate with the player base. Rabiah, Ulgrotha (from Homelands), and Mercadia are examples.
Why the Rabiah Scale Matters
The Rabiah Scale is more than just a fun classification system; it provides insight into the creative and logistical decisions made by Wizards of the Coast. Understanding the scale can help players set their expectations regarding future sets and narrative developments. For example, a plane with a low Rabiah Scale score like Ravnica is a safer bet for future expansions, whereas hoping for a return to Rabiah itself might be a long shot.
The Impact on Collectors and Players
For collectors, the Rabiah Scale can influence the perceived value of cards from certain planes. Cards from planes with a high score might become more valuable due to their rarity and the unlikelihood of reprints. Players who enjoy the lore and narrative aspects of MTG can use the Rabiah Scale to predict and speculate on future story arcs and settings.
Conclusion
The Rabiah Scale is a fascinating tool that sheds light on the expansive multiverse of Magic: The Gathering. By understanding where various planes fall on this scale, players and collectors can better appreciate the rich tapestry of worlds MTG has to offer and anticipate the exciting possibilities for future sets. Whether you’re a lore enthusiast, a collector, or a casual player, the Rabiah Scale is a valuable piece of the MTG puzzle, offering a glimpse into the potential journeys that lie ahead in this beloved game.
