Some number of really archetype specific cards are good, but this one worries me from a development perspective. It's so strong in an Assassin-heavy deck and so weak elsewhere that its existence will push the limited environment it's in to play out like Lorwyn: you have to commit to a tribe before you know if it's open to have a shot at a strong deck.
That all said, it's much cleaner than a less swingy version like:
Assassin's Contract {B} Instant (C) Target creature gets -1/-1 until end of turn. If you control an Assassin, destroy that creature instead.
It's definitely a tribal-heavy card. Why do you think you have to commit to a tribe before you know it's open? Is that different from committing to a color before you know it's open?
Live W Sorcery Put a 1/1 black Assassin creature token onto the battlefield. Fuse // Let Die 1B Sorcery If you control an Assassin, destroy target creature. Fuse
It's not as solid as Tragic Slip. You can use Tragic Slip's insta-kill in practically any deck. You can only use this card's destruction ability in decks that run Assassins.
that wasn't really the problem with lorwin. in lorwin the tribal cards often intermingled (see Silvergill Douser) and tribal aligned cards were plentiful. (at common and uncommon) the problem was that every card effected every other card so that the board complexity was really high. this card just isn't all that great and it's super parasitic. development tends to shy from this type of card recently but there isn't a huge problem with it. (aside form the redundancy that most assassins in the game are able to kill creatures.
The biggest problem with Lorwyn was definitely board complexity, I agree.
I wouldn't call Assassin's Contract parasitic, because every block and almost every set has had at least one assassin in it.
Another possibility: Assassin's Contract B Instant (cmn) If you control an Assassin, destroy target creature. Otherwise, put a 1/1 black Assassin creature token OTB.
You could make it a sorcery so you can't surprise-block with the Assassin, or you could go the opposite direction and give it deathtouch (and raise its cost).
As a Vorthos, it bothers me that any creature can become an Assassin… and then immediately forget everything. Maybe:
Assassin Training 2B Enchantment-Aura (unc) Enchanted creature is an Assassin in addition to its other types and has "T: Destroy target tapped creature."
Cant the flavor be that the magic you cast grants the target creature all the abilities and skills of an assassin, but the spell is temporary (lasts a turn) and then the creature forgets everything it "knew" before?
1) because its cheaper (mana wise) to just make your guy into one for a turn!
2) i like the idea you have there. maybe this too:
Unwitting Assassin 2BB Sorcery (Rare) Untap target creature and gain control of it until the end of turn. that creature gains haste and has "T: destroy target tapped creature" until the end of turn
Here's why it should be as Ipaulsen said originally: Your assassin is undercover! He reveals himself for a turn to fulfill his terms. Then he disappears back into the shadows. Also, Brushwagg Assassins.
Cool Card Design of the Day
Some number of really archetype specific cards are good, but this one worries me from a development perspective. It's so strong in an Assassin-heavy deck and so weak elsewhere that its existence will push the limited environment it's in to play out like Lorwyn: you have to commit to a tribe before you know if it's open to have a shot at a strong deck.
ReplyDeleteThat all said, it's much cleaner than a less swingy version like:
Assassin's Contract {B}
Instant (C)
Target creature gets -1/-1 until end of turn. If you control an Assassin, destroy that creature instead.
It's definitely a tribal-heavy card. Why do you think you have to commit to a tribe before you know it's open? Is that different from committing to a color before you know it's open?
DeleteLive
DeleteW
Sorcery
Put a 1/1 black Assassin creature token onto the battlefield.
Fuse
//
Let Die
1B
Sorcery
If you control an Assassin, destroy target creature.
Fuse
Sweet fuse card.
DeleteNice. Would fit very well in Suvnica too.
DeleteNice. Would fit very well in Suvnica too.
DeleteWhy cant this be mono black?
Deleteagreed tho very cool fuse card.
also to reply to jules,
DeleteI like that the card now feels like tragic slip
you get the -1/-1 and if you meet the threshold (having an assassin instead of a creature being killed ala morbid) the target dies.
very cool.
It's not as solid as Tragic Slip. You can use Tragic Slip's insta-kill in practically any deck. You can only use this card's destruction ability in decks that run Assassins.
Deletethat wasn't really the problem with lorwin. in lorwin the tribal cards often intermingled (see Silvergill Douser) and tribal aligned cards were plentiful. (at common and uncommon) the problem was that every card effected every other card so that the board complexity was really high. this card just isn't all that great and it's super parasitic. development tends to shy from this type of card recently but there isn't a huge problem with it. (aside form the redundancy that most assassins in the game are able to kill creatures.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest problem with Lorwyn was definitely board complexity, I agree.
DeleteI wouldn't call Assassin's Contract parasitic, because every block and almost every set has had at least one assassin in it.
Another possibility:
Assassin's Contract B
Instant (cmn)
If you control an Assassin, destroy target creature. Otherwise, put a 1/1 black Assassin creature token OTB.
You could make it a sorcery so you can't surprise-block with the Assassin, or you could go the opposite direction and give it deathtouch (and raise its cost).
Contract an Assassin 1B
DeleteInstant (U)
Put a 1/1 Black Assassin creature token with deathtouch onto the battlefield under your control.
Kinda cool, but it begs the question as to why you were playing an assassin that couldn't destroy that creature in the first place ;)
ReplyDeleteAssassin's Contract
ReplyDeleteB
Instant
Until end of turn, target creature is an Assassin in addition to its other types and gains "T: Destroy target creature."
This is my favorite.
DeleteI like it too. I think it could be done without the creature type change. Banishing Knack doesn't make its target a Wizard.
DeleteBut flavor!
Deletehaha agree with Ben here. the flavor makes it that much better.
DeleteAs a Vorthos, it bothers me that any creature can become an Assassin… and then immediately forget everything. Maybe:
DeleteAssassin Training 2B
Enchantment-Aura (unc)
Enchanted creature is an Assassin in addition to its other types and has "T: Destroy target tapped creature."
Cant the flavor be that the magic you cast grants the target creature all the abilities and skills of an assassin, but the spell is temporary (lasts a turn) and then the creature forgets everything it "knew" before?
DeleteIt could be, but then why not just summon an assassin?
DeleteAnother flavor I'd be okay with, you 'mind control' a creature into killing the target, leaving them none-the-wiser afterward:
Unwitting Assassin 2BB
Instant (unc)
Target untapped creature fights target tapped creature.
1) because its cheaper (mana wise) to just make your guy into one for a turn!
Delete2) i like the idea you have there. maybe this too:
Unwitting Assassin 2BB
Sorcery (Rare)
Untap target creature and gain control of it until the end of turn. that creature gains haste and has "T: destroy target tapped creature" until the end of turn
Here's why it should be as Ipaulsen said originally: Your assassin is undercover! He reveals himself for a turn to fulfill his terms. Then he disappears back into the shadows.
DeleteAlso, Brushwagg Assassins.
I really like it.
ReplyDelete