Weekend Art ChallengeClick through to see this weekend's art and the design requirements for your card submission, due Monday morning. Every submission warrants feedback, which I will try to provide, and which everyone is welcome to provide as well.
If you choose, you may use that feedback to revise your submission any number of times. I will post and review the most recent submission from each designer some time on Monday, life permitting. To help ensure I recreate your design accurately, please use CARDNAME instead of ~ and don't use the {} symbol images in your submissions.
This weekend's art is by depingo. Your card must be awesome. There are numerous ways you could interpret that, and they're all fine. As long as some segment of the audience would look at the card and respond "awesome." You can make it any rarity, but understand that the threshold for many values of awesome scales by rarity.
Defend Your Turf - 1RG
ReplyDeleteEnchantment - MR
When a creature an opponent controls attacks you, reveal the top card of your library. If it's a creature card, you may put it onto the battlefield. If you do, exile it at end of turn.
This is inspired by Lurking Predators. I feel like the lower mana cost is justified by the fact that you lose the creature to exile afterwards.
This could very well be 4cmc and rare and it might be less pushed - but you asked for awesome so I went for it.
Should we put the creature OTB blocking?
DeleteFabled Feud 1W/R
ReplyDeleteSorcery
Put a 5/5 red Dragon token with flying onto the battlefield under target player's control.
Put a 5/5 white indestructible Knight token onto the battlefield under another target player's control.
Rough draft, but there you have it. Probably rare.
That's a big Knight.
DeleteSlightly smaller than Emmara Tandris.
DeleteReally, though, the size is intentional - the Knight and the dragon are equally matched, and equally threatening. It's a powerful card, and there are times you would play it either way - if you have a Vapor Snag or they have a Wall, take the Dragon. If either player is playing with Wraths, take the Knight. The ease with which you can design your deck to take out the opposing token offsets the fact that in a vacuum, your opponent will win the race (since neither token has haste). Plus, a 5/5 for 2 mana is !exciting! but balanced, since you're the one down a card.
DeleteIdeally, it's setup to be very Johnny/Spike, but in a context I think Timmy can enjoy too.
looking through my file of cool cards I found two that fit the art, but white, both on similar themes:
ReplyDeleteLightbound Avenger 1W
Creature- Human Soldier (C)
When CARDNAME dies, you may have it deal 3 damage to target attacking or blocking creature.
2/2
Homeguard En-Dal W
Creature- Human Soldier (U)
At the beginning of each end step, if you were dealt damage this turn, put a +1/+1 counter on CARDNAME.
1/1
and one card that didn't fit the art as well but I thought was a cool design:
Evangelical Purist 1WW
Creature- Dragon(jk) (R)
Protection from black
Permanents cannot be sacrificed.
2/3
I like the first design, though the name is misleading since this Avenger is the one being avenged? Is he avenging himself?
DeleteI like the second design, except I'm not convinced it's white: Why is this soldier being rewarded for not defending you? It seems masochistic and thus black or red.
it comes with flavor text: "Each day I meet the invaders with the fury of my burnt fields."
Deletethe flavor being that he tries really hard to defend his fields but at first he isn't so good. but as time goes on he gets more passionate. white gets a lot of "us verses them cards" originally this indicated that the source had to be an opponent but I cut that because it added 5-6 words to the card.
also yes, the avenger is avenging himself... more into white's hypocritical xenophobic nature.
I'm gonna say the first one will be my submission.
DeleteDragonslayer (mythic)
ReplyDelete2WW
Creature - Human Knight
Double strike, vigilance, protection from red and from black
When you cast CARDNAME, put a 6/6 red and black Dragon creature token with flying onto the battlefield under target opponent's control.
Whenever a Dragon dies, if CARDNAME dealt combat damage to it this turn, you win the game.
3/3
I like cards that evoke stories with their mechanics. I'm also extremely surprised that in 20 years of Magic there's never been a card named "Dragonslayer."
This is awesome, however maybe cutting it down to just pro-red and a mono-red dragon might make it cleaner.
DeleteEdward has a point.
DeleteI grant this last hoop isn't easy, but is winning the game the right reward?
It's pro-black for two reasons: flavor (red and black are white's enemies, and this is a great hero for white) and also to prevent feel-bad moments from this thing getting Doom Bladed. I'll think about the hoop.
DeleteNot every card needs to do everything the color can. Should White Knight also have pro:red? This guy's a dragon slayer and dragons are red. Why dilute that identity with an unrelated knight?
DeleteInteresting, I remembered Skithiryx and assumed there were more monoblack Dragons. There aren't, at least not in Modern design! There are multicolored Dragons that aren't red, though...
DeleteDragonslayer (mythic)
2WW
Creature - Human Knight
Double strike, vigilance, protection from red and from Dragons
When you cast CARDNAME, put a 6/6 red Dragon creature token with flying onto the battlefield under target opponent's control.
Whenever a Dragon dies, if CARDNAME dealt combat damage to it this turn, exile all permanents your opponents control.
3/3
Instead of winning the game outright, slaying a dragon now causes a world-shattering explosion of power. Cooler?
Were the Hunted cards popular? I liked them as a Johnny, but I got the impression Timmy and Spike hated them.
DeleteThis is absolutely a Johnny build-around-me. I do think that "combat damage" should be changed to "damage", though, because "protection from dragons" means that the trigger can never happen when the Dragonslayer is on the attack.
DeleteThanks for reminding me of the proper templating, though.
Dragonslayer (mythic)
1WWW
Creature - Human Knight
Double strike, vigilance, protection from red and from Dragons
When you cast CARDNAME, target opponent puts a 6/6 red Dragon creature token with flying onto the battlefield.
Whenever a Dragon dies, if CARDNAME dealt damage to it this turn, exile all permanents your opponents control.
3/3
Not *awesome* but an idea that this art sparked:
ReplyDeleteEqual Footing 2WW
Enchantment
Creatures defending players control may block attacking creatures as if those creatures had no abilities.
More *awesome* design:
Nameless Hero 2WW
Legendary Creature - Human Soldier
Indestructible
Vigilance
Whenever CARDNAME deals damage to a creature, put a +1/+1 counter on CARDNAME.
1/1
Is vigilance too much? Does the mechanic seem to vampiric?
Is he nameless or legendary?
DeleteI hate Tajic, and he's not even vigilant.
That said, this does not feel too vampiric to me.
Would this make it a bit less aggravating?
DeleteProtector of the Realm 1GW
Creature - Human Soldier (R)
Reach
Whenever CARDNAME deals damage to a creature, put a +1/+1 counter on CARDNAME.
Prevent all damage done to CARDNAME by creatures.
1/1
I feel like I lost the awesome somewhere though.
DeleteIf a creature would deal damage to CARDNAME, put a +1/+1 counter on CARDNAME instead?
DeleteThis feels a lot like Phytohydra.
DeleteHaha, I made a Phytohydra variant in an earlier challenge (for the Dragon's Maze art one). Guess it's a trend.
DeleteStuff of Legends - 4RW (6)
ReplyDeleteEnchantment (Mythic)
When CARDNAME enters the battlefield, destroy all creatures, then target player puts a 5/5 red Dragon creature token with flying onto the battlefield, and target opponent of that player puts a 2/2 white Knight token onto the battlefield.
Dragons have "this creature attacks each turn if able."
Knights have vigilance and protection from Dragons.
It's an uphill battle for the Knight to win, but shouldn't that be the case? Maybe the Dragon has to ETB under an opponent's control.
Knight vs Dragons is classic, but I'm not sure why we're killing everything else too, other than to put this conflict on center stage. Or why the sorcery becomes an enchantment...
DeleteTrying to tell the story of a dragon that's ravaged the countryside and needs putting down. Enchantment for the static abilities, which I didn't want on the tokens... and I think the anthem effect is cute.
DeleteProbably, though, the card is just trying to do too much.
It's doing an awful lot, yeah.
DeleteValiant Stand W
ReplyDeleteInstant (R)
Split second
Target blocking creature gets +10/+10, has hexproof, and is indestructible until end of turn.
This card makes you win the combat. It's basically a more awesome Righteousness.
The 'indestructible' feels redundant, though I guess it's proof against death touch.
DeleteKnightscourge Dragon
ReplyDelete3RRRR
Creature - Dragon (M)
Flying, trample, double strike
Whenever Knightscourge Dragon deals combat damage to a player, exile the top card of your library. You may play it this turn.
6/6
Feedback appreciated.
"Protection from Knights" would be fun trinket text, given the name.
Deletewhat does this have to do with knights other than being a 7 mana 12/6 flyier + 2*curiosity?
DeleteYeah, the name isn't working for me either. Officially changing it to Lifescourge Dragon.
DeleteBrutal that even if you chump-block it with a 5/5 flier, you still take 7 damage.
DeleteTrue. You know what? I think I'll make the player work for it. Officially removing double strike and changing "exile a card" to "exile that many cards".
DeleteSlightly less brutal but more rewarding. Still awesome and a little reckless.
So official final:
DeleteLifescourge Dragon
3RRRR
Creature - Dragon (M)
Flying, trample
Whenever Lifescourge Dragon deals combat damage to a player, exile that many cards from the top of your library. You may play them this turn.
6/6
Nicol Bolas, Savage Mind (Mythic Rare)
ReplyDeleteUUBRR
Planeswalker - Bolas
Starting Loyalty 4
+2: Each other player discards a card. You draw a card for each land card discarded this way.
-1: You get an emblem with "Each opponent's maximum hand size is reduced by one. Your maximum hand size is increased by one."
-9: Draw cards equal to the number of cards in your opponents' graveyards.
This seems more black than blue, and doesn't seem red at all. Apart from being very discard-focused, I like the synergy.
DeleteThe mana cost could be UBBBR but it wasn't something I overly worried about. Making a three color spell is tough. Making a Planeswalker is tough. You understand.
DeleteI am eager to know whether you think this is an acceptable Planeswalker design, appropriate for Nicol Bolas's character, and if it has wow factor. I like it, but I don't know if printable for a set like Theros.
DeleteInstill Courage W
ReplyDeleteInstant (U)
Target creature gains flying, first strike, vigilance, trample, haste, and protection from black and from red until the end of turn.
I think making creatures mini Akorma until the end of turn is pretty awesome, but maybe i'm easily impressed?
I don't know what's more ludicrous: the CMC or the rarity. It's a cool idea, though, maybe as a rare WWW.
DeleteI think this a pushed cost for the ability as an uncommon combat trick but I don't think it needs to be a rare or cost more than WW. It plays like a charm where many of the abilities won't be utilized when it's cast.
DeleteTrample and haste are not in white's part of the color pie in modern design, hence why this shouldn't be uncommon.
DeleteI think the colour bleed helps to make the card "awesome", however I agree that under modern design constraints the card would have to be either RW or be included in a set where it could be used to allude to a rare/mythic card, in the same vein as Gem of Becoming is to Nicol Bolas.
DeleteA more white version of this card would of course be:
Instill Baneslaying Qualities W
Instant (U)
Target creature gains Flying, first strike, lifelink and protection from Demons and from Dragons until the end of turn.
This is not as awesome.
Instill Baneslaying Qualities is plenty awesome.
DeleteI'm inclined to agree with Evan about WWAD's cost and rarity. You're right some of the abilities will be wasted, but many won't be. And, honestly, many players won't find this as awesome at one mana.
Baneslaying is cooler. (Heck, why not just make that the name?)
DeleteAerial Maneuver is 1W. This is definitely not one mana.
Yet Swift Justice, a card that is at least on par with Baneslaying, is one W. The cost of combat tricks depends heavily on the rest of the set, also I think it would take something like Instill Courage at W to possibly bring combat tricks back to constructed magic.
DeleteYet Swift Justice, a card that is at least on par with Baneslaying, is one W, it's also common.
DeleteI think that the cost of combat tricks depends heavily on the set that they're in and that it would take something like Instill Courage at W to bring combat tricks anywhere near back to constructed relevance.
There's a dragon filling up 90% of the frame. So let's make a dragon:
ReplyDeletePredatory Hellkite 3RRGG
Creature - Dragon (mythic)
Flash
Flying, first strike
Whenever Predatory Hellkite enters the battlefield or attacks, it fights up to one target creature an opponent controls.
7/7
I think flash and the ETB ability are duplicating the same story. Should this dragon really eat two creatures when you cast it?
DeletePrinting first strike on this will make some players think it counts in a fight.
To me the art represents an epic fight, so:
ReplyDeleteFinal Battle 9R
Sorcery (M)
Target creature you control fights target creature of an opponent’s choice he or she controls. At the beginning of your next end step, if your creature is on the battlefield and the creature chosen by the opponent is not on the battlefield, you win the game.
The original idea was that you won right on resolution, but I thought the effect would be fairer that way (also I don't know if rules-wise, the spell "can see" in the future, a la Equinox)
I honestly can't say how much this spell should cost and, all said, this may actually be an effect that should never be printed (but hey they printed Enter The Infinite). Finally, I don't know if this captures the wanted feel and if it 'is' actually fun.
Feedback appreciated.
How many responses does your opponent have to prevent this from auto-winning the game? Ranger's Guile? Might of Oaks? Regenerate? Cancel? And killing your creature in response?
DeleteShould this win a multiplayer game? Will EDH ban it instantly?
Yep, the unique precedent to this is Coalition Victory, which I repute "awesome", nonetheless it is banned in Commander, aha.
DeleteThank you for your thoughts, ok I'll go with this:
Final Battle 8RRRR
Sorcery (M)
Target creature you control fights target creature of an opponent’s choice he or she controls. At the beginning of your next end step, if your creature is on the battlefield and the creature chosen by the opponent is not on the battlefield, that opponent loses the game.
Destined Slayer W
ReplyDeleteCreature - Human Soldier (R)
First strike
When Destined Slayer enters the battlefield, you may put a fate counter on target creature.
Whenever Destined Slayer deals damage to a creature with a fate counter on it, destroy that creature.
1/1
Another "epic battle" themed card. Is it too overpowered/breakable?
Interactions with Oblivion Stone intentional?
DeleteI love the flavor on this one, I just hope the gameplay delivers. It might actually be better without first strike so that it's more likely to get into combat with the chosen creature.
DeleteI like it.
DeleteOn its own, it just keeps the fated creature from attacking on the ground. But combo it with green and sometimes red and it'll kill anything.
Sudden Dragon 4RR
ReplyDeleteSorcery (Uncommon)
Put a 5/5 red dragon creature token with flying onto the battlefield. You may have it fight target creature.
This is really similar to Jenesis' card, but it seemed the obvious interpretation to me. To me, simple cards are more awesome, so I pared this right down. Ideally it would be instant to support the "eek" flavour, but I think it's too complicated to have it both fight and be a surprise blocker. Any suggestions for the best compromise?
This is solid.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSkulk the Knight-Slayer 2RRR
ReplyDeleteLegendary Creature-Dragon (Mythic)
Flying, Protection from Humans
R: +1/+0
If you control a human, place CARDNAME on top of its owner's library.
"Puny humans. Leave Skulk ALONE!"
I swear I didn't see Ben Nassau's submission until well after I posted mine.
DeleteI quite enjoy the flavor of this though. I think that Skulk kills because the humans keep bothering him, most often knights. So if he was sent to battle alongside humans, he would fly off to his cave.
I think ours are different enough that it isn't an issue.
DeleteI like the story of a dragon who's just tired of humans, but this card isn't very exciting. It's just a Shivan Dragon you won't want to play in your Humans tribal deck.
DeleteSlight revision, trying for more utility, while maintaining the flavor. How about the dragon causing your opponent's creatures to quest after it every turn?
DeleteSkulk the Knight-Slayer 2RRR
Legendary Creature-Dragon (Mythic)
Flying, Protection from Humans
Your opponents may only attack with one creature each turn. Your opponents must attack with a creature each turn if able.
If you control a human, place CARDNAME on top of its owner's library.
4/4
"Puny humans. Leave Skulk ALONE!"
Baneslayer Paladin 1WW
ReplyDeleteCreature - Knight (R)
First Strike, Vigilance, Protection from Dragons.
CARDNAME may block dragons with flying as though it had flying.
2/2
mono white hasn't gotten a creature with reach since 7th addition, reach was something white did occasionally but no longer. that said, this should just have reach.
DeleteBut it doesn't have reach per say, just an anti dragon reach which does sort of feel white. One alternative could be:
Delete"~ had flying as long as an opponent controls a dragon"
But personally I prefer lobster's
But why can this block flying creatures only if they're dragons?
DeleteDragons For All 4RRR
ReplyDeleteSorcery (M)
Destroy all creatures with power 2 or less. For each creature destroyed this way put a 5/5 dragon with flying onto the battlefield under your control.
"One minute I was riding with my trustee squire, next I was forced to take my sword to what he had become."
A push for red's colour wheel but I'd prefer not to splash black if necessary. What do you think?
I like it. Can you do it with "2 damage to each creature" instead of "2 power"? That's a lot more red and seems very similar.
DeleteFunny I was coming around to the idea of damage over destruction. Let's go for.
DeleteDragons For All 4RRR
Sorcery (M)
~ deals 2 damage to each creature. Whenever a creature dealt damage by ~ dies this turn, put a 5/5 dragon with flying onto the battlefield under your control.
"One minute I was riding with my trustee squire, next I was forced to take my sword to what he had become."
I might add a without flying rider but for now this works.
Also the name should Dragon Invocation :)
DeleteThe flavor text suggests the squire is transforming into a Dragon, but I read the rules text as dragons swooping into eat all the tasty little guys. Which seems more awesome, which this card otherwise is.
DeleteBattle Tested
ReplyDelete2RW
Enchantment - Rare
Whenever a creature you control is dealt combat damage, put that many +1/+1 counters on it at end of combat.
[i]"I leave each hoard where it is for the treasure hunters. Surviving a fight with a dragon is its own reward."[/i]
Reads cool, but it'll usually just play for your opponent as:
Delete"Don't battle unless you're going to win the fight or you have to chump-block to stay alive."
Pseudo-Submission
ReplyDeleteReprisal - 1W
Instant
Destroy target creature with power 4 or greater. It can't be regenerated.
Actual submission:
Den Master Dragon - 2RRR
Creature - Dragon
Flying
Whenever a creature attacks you or a Planeswalker you control, put a +1/+1 counter on ~ and then ~ fights that creature.
3/3
Reprisal would be good for this art.
DeleteDen Master Dragon is mathy.
If I attack with three 2/2s, what happens? What about a 4/4 and a 0/1? Every possible combination requires calculation.
Wow, we ended up with really similar submissions!
DeleteRousted Hellkite 2RR
ReplyDeleteCreature-Dragon (R)
Flying
Whenever a creature attacks you or a planeswalker you control, CARDNAME fights that creature. (You choose the order in which they fight.)
5/5
Insignificant Opposition 3RR
ReplyDeleteInstant - Rare
Blocked creatures you control get +2/+0, double strike and trample until end of turn.
"Heroism sometimes is not enough."
Oooh or:
Delete"When you pose as much treat to it as a fly, being heroic does not amount to a lot."
I know it is a better red over-run, but only if your creatures are blocked... I do not know if I want this as a sorcery or an instant however.
"So pityfull a defence may be overlooked."
DeleteThis is an insane card. +2/+0 and double strike is a much bigger bonus than +4/+0 because you're also doubling whatever the printed power on the creature was.
DeleteYou swing with a 1-power, 2-power, and 3-power creature. Your opponent blocks all of them. You cast this spell and now she suddenly has 26 trample damage coming at her and (effectively) a one-sided boardwipe. I suspect that's going to lead to a *lot* of feel-bad moments.
Sorcery it is.
Delete