Tortoise Formation is a blue Instant from the 2008 Magic: The Gathering Shards of Alara expansion, valued for its protective shroud effect.
Tortoise Formation
2008 • Magic: The Gathering • Shards of Alara
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Market & Price History
| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$0.11 | Guide Estimate | +57.1% | ||
- $0.11
- Source
- Guide Estimate
- Trend
- +57.1%
- Price Details
30-day Price History
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Sep 20, 2026
Description
Released in 2008 as card number 61 in the Shards of Alara set, Tortoise Formation stands as a distinct Instant within the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Designed by Mark Zug, this card belongs to the blue mana color identity and carries a mana value of four, requiring three generic mana and one blue mana to cast. Collectors of the Shards of Alara expansion often seek this common rarity card to complete their base set collections, appreciating its place in the diverse array of cards that defined the block's complex world-building. The card's strategic identity centers on its protective capability. It grants creatures you control shroud until the end of the turn, preventing them from being targeted by opposing spells or abilities. This defensive utility makes it a staple for players looking to protect key pieces during critical moments in the game. The flavor text hints at the tactical shift required when the Jhessian fleet moves from sea to land, reflecting the cautious strategies needed against Valeron's elite cavalry. Whether you are building a competitive blue deck or simply assembling a comprehensive library of modern Magic history, this card offers both mechanical depth and historical significance. Its straightforward design and reliable effect have made it a recognizable part of the Magic: The Gathering canon for over a decade. Enthusiasts of the game's strategic evolution often keep this card in their collection as a reminder of the intricate interactions that define the trading card experience.
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Card Details
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
Catalog Profile
The core identity of the card within the set.
Featured Subject
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Tortoise Formation
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
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Common
Mark Zug
Card Stock
English
{3}{U}
Instant
U
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Creatures you control gain shroud until end of turn. (They can't be the targets of spells or abilities.)
At sea, the Jhessian fleet strikes swiftly and decisively. On land, facing the elite cavalry of Valeron, its marines must rely on more cautious strategies.






