Pendulum of Patterns

Pendulum of Patterns was released in 2017 as part of the Aether Revolt set, the second expansion in the Kaladesh block for Magic: The Gathering. Set on the plane of Kaladesh, a world defined by the innovation of aether-driven technology and intricate inventions, the card reflects the block's focus on artifact-centric mechanics and the growing political unrest between the city's ruling Consulate and the rogue inventors. It was designed as an uncommon artifact, intended to integrate with the 'improvise' mechanic that allowed players to tap artifacts to reduce the casting cost of spells.

The card’s illustration was created by artist Igor Kieryluk, whose work often emphasizes the crystalline and ethereal nature of magic in the game. For this piece, Kieryluk captured the aesthetic of Kaladeshi artifice—a blend of flowing, ornate gold filigree and glowing blue aether energy. Upon its release, the card was received as a niche functional tool for players focusing on deck archetypes that utilized high artifact counts, fitting seamlessly into the established visual and mechanical language of the set's technological theme.