M13 Trajectories: Sultan's Lamp

Hello. My name is Griselbrand. Let's play a little game, you and I.

If you win, there will be a reward. Great power shall be granted.
If you lose, your soul is mine.

Sound fair? Good. Here are the rules.

» Click here to see the rules «

Before you is an altar holding ten chalices. We each take turns drinking a number of chalices, starting from the left. You can choose to drink up to three per turn, and you must always drink at least one.

Be careful of the last chalice on the lower right, though. It is — let us say — very special. The one who drinks the last chalice shall lose the game.

You shall be the one to start. Now, drink!


There are 10 chalices in front of you.

» Drink 1 chalice «

[1]
You drain one chalice. There are nine chalices left.
Griselbrand drains one of the remaining chalices, leaving you with eight chalices.


Now there are 8 chalices left.

» Drink 1 chalice «

[1]-[1]
You drain one chalice. There are seven chalices left.
Griselbrand drains two of the remaining chalices, leaving you with five chalices. Somehow, you feel that there's a malicious twinkle in his eye.


There are 5 chalices remaining on the altar.

» Drink 1 chalice «

[1]-[1]-[1]
You drain one chalice. There are four chalices left.
Griselbrand grins a huge grin and drains three of the remaining chalices, leaving you with only one chalice.

As you may have expected, the last chalice begins to glow with an ominous dark aura, revealing itself to be the Chalice of Death. The powerful demon is watching on with cold but excited eyes and a cruel grin on his face.

» Gulp... «

It's as if the demon is controlling your will. You can't help but move your hands to drink the cup. As your hand grasps the chalice, suddenly you hear a voice.

"I've been looking for you, Griselbrand."

Both of you turn around to face a young woman shrouded in dark clothes. Her face is covered with a veil, but underneath it you can see arcane runic patterns writhing on her face.

Her hands start to emit tendrils of dark energy that turn into a violent black vortex swirling around her.

Griselbrand begins to roar something incomprehensible, starting with "YOOOUUUUUU!!!!"

But the dark energy from the woman blasts the demon before he is allowed to finish. The demon disintegrates into a disgusting pile of bone shards, pieces of flesh, and dark bile. Then it disintegrates further into ash-like dust, which finally turn into tiny floating orbs of black mana before trailing off and fading away.

"Yes! Thank you! You totally saved my life!" you shout to the woman. But her eyes are glowing strangely and aren't registering you at all. She seems to be lost in a destructive trance, reveling in her power. You watch in horror as the dark vortex around her keeps growing wider and wider, until it engulfs you too.

You die.

(Scroll down to continue with the main article.)

» Drink 2 chalices «

[1]-[1]-[2]
You drain two chalices. There are three chalices left.
Griselbrand grins a huge grin and drains two of the remaining chalices, leaving you with only one chalice.

As you may have expected, the last chalice begins to glow with an ominous dark aura, revealing itself to be the Chalice of Death. The powerful demon is watching on with cold but excited eyes and a cruel grin on his face.

» Gulp... «

It's as if the demon is controlling your will. You can't help but move your hands to drink the cup. As your hand grasps the chalice, suddenly you hear a voice.

"I've been looking for you, Griselbrand."

Both of you turn around to face a young woman shrouded in dark clothes. Her face is covered with a veil, but underneath it you can see arcane runic patterns writhing on her face.

Her hands start to emit tendrils of dark energy that turn into a violent black vortex swirling around her.

Griselbrand begins to roar something incomprehensible, starting with "YOOOUUUUUU!!!!"

But the dark energy from the woman blasts the demon before he is allowed to finish. The demon disintegrates into a disgusting pile of bone shards, pieces of flesh, and dark bile. Then it disintegrates further into ash-like dust, which finally turn into tiny floating orbs of black mana before trailing off and fading away.

"Yes! Thank you! You totally saved my life!" you shout to the woman. But her eyes are glowing strangely and aren't registering you at all. She seems to be lost in a destructive trance, reveling in her power. You watch in horror as the dark vortex around her keeps growing wider and wider, until it engulfs you too.

You die.

(Scroll down to continue with the main article.)

» Drink 3 chalices «

[1]-[1]-[3]
You drink from 3 chalices. There are only two chalices left.
Griselbrand grins a huge grin and drains one of the remaining chalices, leaving you with only one chalice.

As you may have expected, the last chalice begins to glow with an ominous dark aura, revealing itself to be the Chalice of Death. The powerful demon is watching on with cold but excited eyes and a cruel grin on his face.

» Gulp... «

It's as if the demon is controlling your will. You can't help but move your hands to drink the cup. As your hand grasps the chalice, suddenly you hear a voice.

"I've been looking for you, Griselbrand."

Both of you turn around to face a young woman shrouded in dark clothes. Her face is covered with a veil, but underneath it you can see arcane runic patterns writhing on her face.

Her hands start to emit tendrils of dark energy that turn into a violent black vortex swirling around her.

Griselbrand begins to roar something incomprehensible, starting with "YOOOUUUUUU!!!!"

But the dark energy from the woman blasts the demon before he is allowed to finish. The demon disintegrates into a disgusting pile of bone shards, pieces of flesh, and dark bile. Then it disintegrates further into ash-like dust, which finally turn into tiny floating orbs of black mana before trailing off and fading away.

"Yes! Thank you! You totally saved my life!" you shout to the woman. But her eyes are glowing strangely and aren't registering you at all. She seems to be lost in a destructive trance, reveling in her power. You watch in horror as the dark vortex around her keeps growing wider and wider, until it engulfs you too.

You die.

(Scroll down to continue with the main article.)

» Drink 2 chalices «

[1]-[2]
You drain two chalices. There are six chalices left.
Griselbrand drains one of the remaining chalices, leaving you with five chalices. Somehow, you feel that there's a malicious twinkle in his eye.


There are 5 chalices remaining on the altar.

» Drink 1 chalice «

[1]-[2]-[1]
You drain one chalice. There are four chalices left.
Griselbrand grins a huge grin and drains three of the remaining chalices, leaving you with only one chalice.

As you may have expected, the last chalice begins to glow with an ominous dark aura, revealing itself to be the Chalice of Death. The powerful demon is watching on with cold but excited eyes and a cruel grin on his face.

» Gulp... «

It's as if the demon is controlling your will. You can't help but move your hands to drink the cup. As your hand grasps the chalice, suddenly you hear a voice.

"I've been looking for you, Griselbrand."

Both of you turn around to face a young woman shrouded in dark clothes. Her face is covered with a veil, but underneath it you can see arcane runic patterns writhing on her face.

Her hands start to emit tendrils of dark energy that turn into a violent black vortex swirling around her.

Griselbrand begins to roar something incomprehensible, starting with "YOOOUUUUUU!!!!"

But the dark energy from the woman blasts the demon before he is allowed to finish. The demon disintegrates into a disgusting pile of bone shards, pieces of flesh, and dark bile. Then it disintegrates further into ash-like dust, which finally turn into tiny floating orbs of black mana before trailing off and fading away.

"Yes! Thank you! You totally saved my life!" you shout to the woman. But her eyes are glowing strangely and aren't registering you at all. She seems to be lost in a destructive trance, reveling in her power. You watch in horror as the dark vortex around her keeps growing wider and wider, until it engulfs you too.

You die.

(Scroll down to continue with the main article.)

» Drink 2 chalices «

[1]-[2]-[2]
You drain two chalices. There are three chalices left.
Griselbrand grins a huge grin and drains two of the remaining chalices, leaving you with only one chalice.

As you may have expected, the last chalice begins to glow with an ominous dark aura, revealing itself to be the Chalice of Death. The powerful demon is watching on with cold but excited eyes and a cruel grin on his face.

» Gulp... «

It's as if the demon is controlling your will. You can't help but move your hands to drink the cup. As your hand grasps the chalice, suddenly you hear a voice.

"I've been looking for you, Griselbrand."

Both of you turn around to face a young woman shrouded in dark clothes. Her face is covered with a veil, but underneath it you can see arcane runic patterns writhing on her face.

Her hands start to emit tendrils of dark energy that turn into a violent black vortex swirling around her.

Griselbrand begins to roar something incomprehensible, starting with "YOOOUUUUUU!!!!"

But the dark energy from the woman blasts the demon before he is allowed to finish. The demon disintegrates into a disgusting pile of bone shards, pieces of flesh, and dark bile. Then it disintegrates further into ash-like dust, which finally turn into tiny floating orbs of black mana before trailing off and fading away.

"Yes! Thank you! You totally saved my life!" you shout to the woman. But her eyes are glowing strangely and aren't registering you at all. She seems to be lost in a destructive trance, reveling in her power. You watch in horror as the dark vortex around her keeps growing wider and wider, until it engulfs you too.

You die.

(Scroll down to continue with the main article.)

» Drink 3 chalices «

[1]-[2]-[3]
You drink from 3 chalices. There are only two chalices left.
Griselbrand grins a huge grin and drains one of the remaining chalices, leaving you with only one chalice.

As you may have expected, the last chalice begins to glow with an ominous dark aura, revealing itself to be the Chalice of Death. The powerful demon is watching on with cold but excited eyes and a cruel grin on his face.

» Gulp... «

It's as if the demon is controlling your will. You can't help but move your hands to drink the cup. As your hand grasps the chalice, suddenly you hear a voice.

"I've been looking for you, Griselbrand."

Both of you turn around to face a young woman shrouded in dark clothes. Her face is covered with a veil, but underneath it you can see arcane runic patterns writhing on her face.

Her hands start to emit tendrils of dark energy that turn into a violent black vortex swirling around her.

Griselbrand begins to roar something incomprehensible, starting with "YOOOUUUUUU!!!!"

But the dark energy from the woman blasts the demon before he is allowed to finish. The demon disintegrates into a disgusting pile of bone shards, pieces of flesh, and dark bile. Then it disintegrates further into ash-like dust, which finally turn into tiny floating orbs of black mana before trailing off and fading away.

"Yes! Thank you! You totally saved my life!" you shout to the woman. But her eyes are glowing strangely and aren't registering you at all. She seems to be lost in a destructive trance, reveling in her power. You watch in horror as the dark vortex around her keeps growing wider and wider, until it engulfs you too.

You die.

(Scroll down to continue with the main article.)

» Drink 3 chalices «

[1-3]
You drain three chalices. There are five chalices left.
Griselbrand drains one of the remaining chalices, leaving you with four chalices.


4 chalices remain.

» Drink 1 chalice «

[1]-[3]-[1]
You drain one chalice. There are three chalices left.
Griselbrand grins a huge grin and drains two of the remaining chalices, leaving you with only one chalice.

As you may have expected, the last chalice begins to glow with an ominous dark aura, revealing itself to be the Chalice of Death. The powerful demon is watching on with cold but excited eyes and a cruel grin on his face.

» Gulp... «

It's as if the demon is controlling your will. You can't help but move your hands to drink the cup. As your hand grasps the chalice, suddenly you hear a voice.

"I've been looking for you, Griselbrand."

Both of you turn around to face a young woman shrouded in dark clothes. Her face is covered with a veil, but underneath it you can see arcane runic patterns writhing on her face.

Her hands start to emit tendrils of dark energy that turn into a violent black vortex swirling around her.

Griselbrand begins to roar something incomprehensible, starting with "YOOOUUUUUU!!!!"

But the dark energy from the woman blasts the demon before he is allowed to finish. The demon disintegrates into a disgusting pile of bone shards, pieces of flesh, and dark bile. Then it disintegrates further into ash-like dust, which finally turn into tiny floating orbs of black mana before trailing off and fading away.

"Yes! Thank you! You totally saved my life!" you shout to the woman. But her eyes are glowing strangely and aren't registering you at all. She seems to be lost in a destructive trance, reveling in her power. You watch in horror as the dark vortex around her keeps growing wider and wider, until it engulfs you too.

You die.

(Scroll down to continue with the main article.)

» Drink 2 chalices «

[1]-[3]-[2]
You drain two chalices. There are only two chalices left.
Griselbrand grins a huge grin and drains one chalice of the remaining chalices, leaving you with only one chalice.

As you may have expected, the last chalice begins to glow with an ominous dark aura, revealing itself to be the Chalice of Death. The powerful demon is watching on with cold but excited eyes and a cruel grin on his face.

» Gulp... «

It's as if the demon is controlling your will. You can't help but move your hands to drink the cup. As your hand grasps the chalice, suddenly you hear a voice.

"I've been looking for you, Griselbrand."

Both of you turn around to face a young woman shrouded in dark clothes. Her face is covered with a veil, but underneath it you can see arcane runic patterns writhing on her face.

Her hands start to emit tendrils of dark energy that turn into a violent black vortex swirling around her.

Griselbrand begins to roar something incomprehensible, starting with "YOOOUUUUUU!!!!"

But the dark energy from the woman blasts the demon before he is allowed to finish. The demon disintegrates into a disgusting pile of bone shards, pieces of flesh, and dark bile. Then it disintegrates further into ash-like dust, which finally turn into tiny floating orbs of black mana before trailing off and fading away.

"Yes! Thank you! You totally saved my life!" you shout to the woman. But her eyes are glowing strangely and aren't registering you at all. She seems to be lost in a destructive trance, reveling in her power. You watch in horror as the dark vortex around her keeps growing wider and wider, until it engulfs you too.

You die.

(Scroll down to continue with the main article.)

» Drink 3 chalices «

You drain three chalices. There is only one chalice left.
[1]-[3]-[3]

"Your turn," you say to Griselbrand.

The final chalice glows with a dark and ominous aura on the altar. As you may have expected, it has turned into the Chalice of Death.

On the other side, Griselbrand stands brooding with his hands on the altar, staring long and hard at the chalice, his face stern and expressionless. Then he looks up. Rather than a look of defeat, his face has broken into a nasty grin.

"You have won this game. Now, as I have promised, there shall be a reward and great power shall be granted... to me!"

The demon leaps over the altar between you, knocking aside the final chalice, and pins you down with his club-like hand. His other scythe-shaped hand is poised high, presumably to carve out your heart for some demonic ritual. In a rush of thoughts, it occurs to you that all of the chalices you drank must have been to prepare your body as sacrifice for this ritual.

Griselbrand's eyes are almost bulging with voracious eagerness. Then suddenly, his eyes literally bulge. You see that a shining silver spearhead has erupted through his chest, creating a fountain of gushing bile that spatters all over you. Behind him floats an angelic figure silhouetted in the moonlight.

Twisting the spear, the figure causes the demon to collapse to the side with a thud. You are able to roll away. Turning back, you see that the fallen demon's body has begun to fade, melting away into wisps of dark energy starting with the limbs. The demon's face, still solid, speaks in a menacing low grumble, "We shall meet again. I won't be away for long."

"You won't be away at all," the angel's voice rings as she attaches a silver collar to the demon's neck. Suddenly, the demon's body appears to be bound to this world again.

The angel turns to you. She speaks with a piercing voice that seems to ring through space rather than come from any one direction.
"Come mortal! Rise! As I have saved you, so you shall save others. We have work to do!"

(Scroll down to continue with the main article.)

» Drink 2 chalices «

[2]
You drain two chalices. There are eight chalices left.
Griselbrand drains three of the remaining chalices, leaving you with five chalices. Somehow, you feel that there's a malicious twinkle in his eye.


There are 5 chalices remaining on the altar.

» Drink 1 chalice «

[2]-[1]
You drain one chalice. There are four chalices left.
Griselbrand grins a huge grin and drains three of the remaining chalices, leaving you with only one chalice.

As you may have expected, the last chalice begins to glow with an ominous dark aura, revealing itself to be the Chalice of Death. The powerful demon is watching on with cold but excited eyes and a cruel grin on his face.

» Gulp... «

It's as if the demon is controlling your will. You can't help but move your hands to drink the cup. As your hand grasps the chalice, suddenly you hear a voice.

"I've been looking for you, Griselbrand."

Both of you turn around to face a young woman shrouded in dark clothes. Her face is covered with a veil, but underneath it you can see arcane runic patterns writhing on her face.

Her hands start to emit tendrils of dark energy that turn into a violent black vortex swirling around her.

Griselbrand begins to roar something incomprehensible, starting with "YOOOUUUUUU!!!!"

But the dark energy from the woman blasts the demon before he is allowed to finish. The demon disintegrates into a disgusting pile of bone shards, pieces of flesh, and dark bile. Then it disintegrates further into ash-like dust, which finally turn into tiny floating orbs of black mana before trailing off and fading away.

"Yes! Thank you! You totally saved my life!" you shout to the woman. But her eyes are glowing strangely and aren't registering you at all. She seems to be lost in a destructive trance, reveling in her power. You watch in horror as the dark vortex around her keeps growing wider and wider, until it engulfs you too.

You die.

(Scroll down to continue with the main article.)

» Drink 2 chalices «

[2]-[2]
You drain two chalices. There are three chalices left.
Griselbrand grins a huge grin and drains two of the remaining chalices, leaving you with only one chalice.

As you may have expected, the last chalice begins to glow with an ominous dark aura, revealing itself to be the Chalice of Death. The powerful demon is watching on with cold but excited eyes and a cruel grin on his face.

» Gulp... «

It's as if the demon is controlling your will. You can't help but move your hands to drink the cup. As your hand grasps the chalice, suddenly you hear a voice.

"I've been looking for you, Griselbrand."

Both of you turn around to face a young woman shrouded in dark clothes. Her face is covered with a veil, but underneath it you can see arcane runic patterns writhing on her face.

Her hands start to emit tendrils of dark energy that turn into a violent black vortex swirling around her.

Griselbrand begins to roar something incomprehensible, starting with "YOOOUUUUUU!!!!"

But the dark energy from the woman blasts the demon before he is allowed to finish. The demon disintegrates into a disgusting pile of bone shards, pieces of flesh, and dark bile. Then it disintegrates further into ash-like dust, which finally turn into tiny floating orbs of black mana before trailing off and fading away.

"Yes! Thank you! You totally saved my life!" you shout to the woman. But her eyes are glowing strangely and aren't registering you at all. She seems to be lost in a destructive trance, reveling in her power. You watch in horror as the dark vortex around her keeps growing wider and wider, until it engulfs you too.

You die.

(Scroll down to continue with the main article.)

» Drink 3 chalices «

[2]-[3]
You drink from 3 chalices. There are only two chalices left.
Griselbrand grins a huge grin and drains one of the remaining chalices, leaving you with only one chalice.

As you may have expected, the last chalice begins to glow with an ominous dark aura, revealing itself to be the Chalice of Death. The powerful demon is watching on with cold but excited eyes and a cruel grin on his face.

» Gulp... «

It's as if the demon is controlling your will. You can't help but move your hands to drink the cup. As your hand grasps the chalice, suddenly you hear a voice.

"I've been looking for you, Griselbrand."

Both of you turn around to face a young woman shrouded in dark clothes. Her face is covered with a veil, but underneath it you can see arcane runic patterns writhing on her face.

Her hands start to emit tendrils of dark energy that turn into a violent black vortex swirling around her.

Griselbrand begins to roar something incomprehensible, starting with "YOOOUUUUUU!!!!"

But the dark energy from the woman blasts the demon before he is allowed to finish. The demon disintegrates into a disgusting pile of bone shards, pieces of flesh, and dark bile. Then it disintegrates further into ash-like dust, which finally turn into tiny floating orbs of black mana before trailing off and fading away.

"Yes! Thank you! You totally saved my life!" you shout to the woman. But her eyes are glowing strangely and aren't registering you at all. She seems to be lost in a destructive trance, reveling in her power. You watch in horror as the dark vortex around her keeps growing wider and wider, until it engulfs you too.

You die.

(Scroll down to continue with the main article.)

» Drink 3 chalices «

[3]
You drain three chalices. There are seven chalices left.
Griselbrand drains two of the remaining chalices, leaving you with five chalices. Somehow, you feel that there's a malicious twinkle in his eye.


There are 5 chalices remaining on the altar.

» Drink 1 chalice «

[3]-[1]
You drain one chalice. There are four chalices left.
Griselbrand grins a huge grin and drains three of the remaining chalices, leaving you with only one chalice.

As you may have expected, the last chalice begins to glow with an ominous dark aura, revealing itself to be the Chalice of Death. The powerful demon is watching on with cold but excited eyes and a cruel grin on his face.

» Gulp... «

It's as if the demon is controlling your will. You can't help but move your hands to drink the cup. As your hand grasps the chalice, suddenly you hear a voice.

"I've been looking for you, Griselbrand."

Both of you turn around to face a young woman shrouded in dark clothes. Her face is covered with a veil, but underneath it you can see arcane runic patterns writhing on her face.

Her hands start to emit tendrils of dark energy that turn into a violent black vortex swirling around her.

Griselbrand begins to roar something incomprehensible, starting with "YOOOUUUUUU!!!!"

But the dark energy from the woman blasts the demon before he is allowed to finish. The demon disintegrates into a disgusting pile of bone shards, pieces of flesh, and dark bile. Then it disintegrates further into ash-like dust, which finally turn into tiny floating orbs of black mana before trailing off and fading away.

"Yes! Thank you! You totally saved my life!" you shout to the woman. But her eyes are glowing strangely and aren't registering you at all. She seems to be lost in a destructive trance, reveling in her power. You watch in horror as the dark vortex around her keeps growing wider and wider, until it engulfs you too.

You die.

(Scroll down to continue with the main article.)

» Drink 2 chalices «

[3]-[2]
You drain two chalices. There are three chalices left.
Griselbrand grins a huge grin and drains two of the remaining chalices, leaving you with only one chalice.

As you may have expected, the last chalice begins to glow with an ominous dark aura, revealing itself to be the Chalice of Death. The powerful demon is watching on with cold but excited eyes and a cruel grin on his face.

» Gulp... «

It's as if the demon is controlling your will. You can't help but move your hands to drink the cup. As your hand grasps the chalice, suddenly you hear a voice.

"I've been looking for you, Griselbrand."

Both of you turn around to face a young woman shrouded in dark clothes. Her face is covered with a veil, but underneath it you can see arcane runic patterns writhing on her face.

Her hands start to emit tendrils of dark energy that turn into a violent black vortex swirling around her.

Griselbrand begins to roar something incomprehensible, starting with "YOOOUUUUUU!!!!"

But the dark energy from the woman blasts the demon before he is allowed to finish. The demon disintegrates into a disgusting pile of bone shards, pieces of flesh, and dark bile. Then it disintegrates further into ash-like dust, which finally turn into tiny floating orbs of black mana before trailing off and fading away.

"Yes! Thank you! You totally saved my life!" you shout to the woman. But her eyes are glowing strangely and aren't registering you at all. She seems to be lost in a destructive trance, reveling in her power. You watch in horror as the dark vortex around her keeps growing wider and wider, until it engulfs you too.

You die.

(Scroll down to continue with the main article.)

» Drink 3 chalices «

[3]-[3]
You drink from 3 chalices. There are only two chalices left.
Griselbrand grins a huge grin and drains one of the remaining chalices, leaving you with only one chalice.

As you may have expected, the last chalice begins to glow with an ominous dark aura, revealing itself to be the Chalice of Death. The powerful demon is watching on with cold but excited eyes and a cruel grin on his face.

» Gulp... «

It's as if the demon is controlling your will. You can't help but move your hands to drink the cup. As your hand grasps the chalice, suddenly you hear a voice.

"I've been looking for you, Griselbrand."

Both of you turn around to face a young woman shrouded in dark clothes. Her face is covered with a veil, but underneath it you can see arcane runic patterns writhing on her face.

Her hands start to emit tendrils of dark energy that turn into a violent black vortex swirling around her.

Griselbrand begins to roar something incomprehensible, starting with "YOOOUUUUUU!!!!"

But the dark energy from the woman blasts the demon before he is allowed to finish. The demon disintegrates into a disgusting pile of bone shards, pieces of flesh, and dark bile. Then it disintegrates further into ash-like dust, which finally turn into tiny floating orbs of black mana before trailing off and fading away.

"Yes! Thank you! You totally saved my life!" you shout to the woman. But her eyes are glowing strangely and aren't registering you at all. She seems to be lost in a destructive trance, reveling in her power. You watch in horror as the dark vortex around her keeps growing wider and wider, until it engulfs you too.

You die.

(Scroll down to continue with the main article.)

Welcome to M13 Trajectories, where I discuss how card designs in our fan M13 set changed based on input from various people! Today I talk about a card inspired by a mini-game.

The game you just played can be played using trinkets placed on a table. With some variants, the person who takes the last piece wins; with others, the person who takes the last piece loses. Either way, it's an easily "solvable" game like the game of tic-tac-toe.

One time during design, I was trying to come up with a card to fill a hole in the file for a Johnny artifact slot, and I thought I could design a card that emulates the game above. It became this:

The idea was that it would start players on a mini-game, challenging players to plan out their turns in order to be the one who casts the seventh spell. It's like the game you played above, except it's interwoven with the Magic game that's taking place on the board.

I like cards that create mini-games like this. Johnnies can see this card as a creative exercise of building around a card, while Timmies can enjoy it more as a wild ride with an unpredictable outcome.

I also hoped this card would appeal to Spikes who like to show off their superior ability in reading hands and planning how the turns play out. This card would create mind games, revolving around guessing whether a player has a cheap instant or not. Also, a player with a devious mind can put the opponent in a hard spot by playing just the right number of spells so that there will be exactly 5 counters on the lamp while you are ahead on the board. For example, when there are 4 counters on the lamp, you could cast a threat as the 5th spell and dare the opponent to counter it. Your opponent wants to counter it, but if she does, your next spell will be the seventh spell. Or, you could play a Giant Growth on your attacking creature to bait out a Doom Blade so that after combat, you can cast the seventh spell. It must be a moment of great relish for a Spikey player to put the opponent in a spot where that opponent is forced to cast the 6th spell so that you get to cast the final 7th spell. While the card is probably too risky to appeal to Spike, I imagined these mind-game scenarios and I really wanted to make it work for Spike somehow.

However, when I thought about it, this implementation had practical problems. Whenever a player casts a spell, there is a delay before the counter is put on the lamp, since the triggered effect uses the stack. The person who responds to it can then either respond before the trigger resolves, or let the trigger resolve first and then respond with his or her own spell. That's too complex for players who don't understand the details of the stack or triggered effects and are just playing intuitively. Also, when multiple spells are cast at instant speed, one after another, a whole pile of triggers will be generated. During resolution some of the triggers will be resolved and some of them unresolved, and that may cause memory issues; the triggers will be hard to track outside of a program like Duels of the Planeswalkers or Magic Online.

Because of this problem, the wording had to change a lot over the course of design. By the time I submitted this card, I had changed it to this wording:

If a spell a player cast would resolve, put a charge counter on Absorbant Lamp as that spell resolves. Then, if there are seven or more charge counters on Absorbant Lamp, sacrifice it and put a red 5/5 Djinn token with flying onto the battlefield under that player’s control.

This uses the word "as" to avoid it from being a triggered effect. However, this text probably requires even more technical knowledge than the original.

Jules suggested this wording:

Spells have "Put a charge counter on Absorbant Lamp. Then, if there are seven or more charge counters on Absorbant Lamp..."

I also considered:

As an additional cost to cast spells, players put a counter on Absorbant Lamp. Then, if there are seven or more charge counters on Absorbant Lamp...

In the end, it was Jay who suggested a way to cut the Gordian knot.

Since seven is a big number to remember, Jay then brought it down to three and the text was changed to only count spells cast in the current turn.

This change made the card much more manageable.

As I mentioned earlier, I liked how this card might appeal to both Johnny and Timmy. You can imagine how Johnny would try to build around it with Gut Shots, Gitaxian Probes, and Think Twices. I wanted this card to appeal to Spike too, but unfortunately it is probably too risky to appeal to Spike, even for the type of Spike who wants to show off and say "Haha, just as I planned. I knew how the turn was going to play out. You walked right into my trap!" I suggested a change to the card so that it doesn't sacrifice itself when the condition is met.

This version should have more build-around value for Johnny since it can produce multiple tokens over time. Also, Spikes who don't like the risk factor of a one-shot version might still like this repeatable version since even if the opponent gets a token through a fluke, the Spike can come back by playing skillfully and triggering it more often, especially if his or her deck is built for it.

I suggested changing the flavor from a magic lamp to a gong that opens a portal when you strike it three times. Pasteur suggested that the creature token should be an Efreet to fit the flavor change; the token's not coming from a lamp but rather from an eerie portal to another world.

Also, I made this version check for a spell's resolution rather than the casting of a spell. This way, the active player is not guaranteed a token by simply casting 3 spells in a row without yielding priority; the opponent has a chance to steal the token with a well-timed instant, so the mind game factor is still there.

I expect this card to have wacky implications in multiple formats. You can imagine the chaos this would cause in a multiplayer game. I like how it warps game play in a way similar to spells such as Grip of Chaos or Scrambleverse, without turning off players who hate randomness. If you had this card in Limited, you could try to maximize your potential to cast multiple spells in one turn by running spells like Disentomb, Portent, or Saving Grasp. That would be a fun thing to pull off.

It remains to be seen if this card is acceptable in a core set. While this version of the card is in the back of the files as a candidate, we're still not sure whether the spell should check for the resolution of a spell or the casting of a spell. As a core set, we want to use as few game terms as possible, and "resolve" might be less intuitive that "cast." Also, the flavor of a Lamp with a Djinn seems to be more popular among the team, since it is a well-known trope.

I hope you enjoyed this. Come back on Friday, when I talk about the perfect 2-mana counterspell.