The curios from the Sorcery: Contested Realm Beta set are some of the most fascinating and collectible cards, each featuring unique characteristics that distinguish them from their standard counterparts. Below is a list of known curios:
1. Avatar of Earth (Uncolored Sketch)
- This card is an uncolored sketch version of the Avatar of Earth from the Alpha preconstructed decks. The minimalist style emphasizes the raw art, showcasing the early creative process of card development.
2. Avatar of Water (Uncolored Sketch)
- An uncolored sketch version of the Avatar of Water from the Alpha preconstructed decks. It highlights the conceptual artistry behind this elemental figure.
3. Avatar of Fire (Uncolored Sketch)
- Similar to its counterparts, this card presents the Avatar of Fire as an uncolored sketch, showcasing the raw, detailed lines of the original artwork.
4. Avatar of Air (Uncolored Sketch)
- The Avatar of Air appears as an uncolored sketch, rounding out the set of elemental avatars with an artistic and collectible touch.
5. Black Obelisk
- This version carries the Alpha set symbol despite being part of the Beta release, an anomaly that makes it highly collectible.
6. Adept Illusionist
- A curious twist: the artwork is printed in reverse, and the rarity text humorously reads "Duplicious means" instead of the normal "Duplicious Skills." This intentional error aligns with the illusionist theme of trickery.
7. Sirian Templar (Foil with Alternate Back and Artwork)
- Features artwork from the Alpha set and is printed as a foil with a Spellbook back, blending Alpha and Beta aesthetics. This dual homage makes it highly desirable for collectors.
8. Critical Strike (Foil with Alternate Back and Artwork)
- Like the Sirian Templar, this card includes Alpha artwork but in foil with a Spellbook back, creating a hybrid design exclusive to Beta curios.
9. Water Castle (Legendary Portrait Site)
- This curio stands out for its "Legendary" status and unique portrait orientation, deviating from the typical landscape layout of site cards.
10. Far East Assassin (Alternate Artwork)
- This curio's alternate artwork removes the sword reflection, creating a subtle but intriguing change that adds a layer of exclusivity.
11. Guile Sirens (Foil and Alternate Artwork)
- This card features the same artwork as the pledge packs but with a Beta symbol and slightly altered text, combining pledge exclusivity with Beta accessibility.
12. Infernal Legion (Alternate Artwork)
- The card includes older, lighter colored, thematic artwork that distinguishes it from its standard counterpart.
13. Spear of Destiny (Alpha Symbol)
- Despite being part of the Beta release, this card retains the Alpha set symbol.
14. Steppe (Unique Dual Artwork)
- The alternate artwork shows Crusade and Jihad cards side by side, creating a striking visual that ties into the card's thematic duality.
15. Extinguish (Color and Text Variation)
- This curio has darker colors, and its text uses "flickering" instead of the usual "guttering," adding a unique linguistic twist to the card’s flavor.
16. Erik’s Curiosa
- If pulled from a Beta pack, it’s considered a curio. There are some very minor print differences between this version and the one from Alpha packs.
17. West-East Dragon (Reversed Orientation)
- The artwork is mirrored compared to the regular version, and the name is reversed (East-West becomes West-East).
18. Shifting Sands (Alpha Symbol)
- Like other curios, this card features the Alpha set symbol and some very minor print differences.
Summary
These curios showcase the creative and experimental aspects of Sorcery: Contested Realm. From alternate artworks to printing anomalies and sketches, they offer collectors and players unique pieces that celebrate the game’s artistic journey. If you’re lucky enough to pull one of these curios, you’ve unearthed a piece of the game’s short but rich history!