First Volley

First Volley was released in February 2005 as part of the Betrayers of Kamigawa set, the second expansion in the Kamigawa block for Magic: The Gathering. This set shifted the narrative focus toward the internal conflicts of the Kamigawa plane, specifically highlighting the betrayal of the Myojin of Night's Reach and the unfolding war between the mortal and spirit realms. As a common-rarity red instant, the card was designed to provide players with a functional, low-cost removal option that reflected the chaotic, skirmish-heavy nature of the set's thematic setting.

The card’s illustration was crafted by artist Matt Cavotta, who contributed significantly to the aesthetic identity of the Kamigawa block. Cavotta’s design focused on capturing the kinetic energy of a sudden strike, utilizing a visual style that blended traditional Japanese motifs with the high-fantasy elements characteristic of the game. Upon its release, the card was well-received by players in the Limited environment for its efficiency and ability to mitigate early-game threats, serving as a reliable staple for red-aligned decks during the Kamigawa draft cycle.