Weekend
Click through to see this weekend's design challenge. Your single, final submission is due by Monday morning. Every submission warrants feedback, which I will try to provide, and which everyone is encouraged to provide as well. You may use that feedback to revise your submission any number of times. If and only if you provide a direct link to art for your submission, and the artist's name, will I mock it up and include it in a follow-up review.
Design a card top-down from one of the ideas on Jenna Helland's list. Obviously, don't duplicate a card they actually made. You can make a new card based on a used inspiration, but know that it will be compared directly to that.
Mournful Echo 1U
ReplyDeleteEnchantment Creature- Spirit (Rare)
0/0
You may have CARDNAME enter the battlefield as a copy of any creature on the battlefield, except that it can't attack or block.
I went for the first cool-looking trope I saw. They put Narcissus in the set-- it's hardly fair to exclude Echo.
Also, shameless plug here-- I kind of designed a whole set worth of these (with a Roman rather than a Greek theme): http://mondaymorningmaro.blogspot.com/2013/07/dactyla-card-image-gallery.html
Feedback welcome and appreciated!
Beautiful design. I adore it.
DeleteThanks!
DeleteArt: http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2013/232/3/2/her_pleas_are_heard_in_the_mountains_by_tigerli_ly-d6izgww.jpg
Artist: tigerli-ly
Mournful Echo is very cool. Potentially very powerful.
DeleteThe one thing I might change is making "This creature can't attack or block" an explicit ability of the copy, so it's clearer how it works with effects that add and remove abilities.
Good point. Text box changed to:
DeleteYou may have CARDNAME enter the battlefield as a copy of any creature on the battlefield, except that it gains "This creature can't attack or block."
As a Clone-loving Johnny I adore this card, so assuming market research shows some players feel similarly I'd fight hard to get it printed.
DeleteThis might fit the flavor of a statue of a great person, since the Greeks created great sculptures.
DeleteOoh, I like that a lot!
DeleteFatal Flaw {B}
ReplyDeleteInstant - Uncommon
Destroy target creature that was dealt exactly 1 damage this turn.
"There is no such thing as an insurmountable foe. If your enemy bleeds, they may be killed."
Ekeres, Akroan legionnaire
http://i.imgur.com/5OWtA8O.jpg
I love how this exactly captures something out of Greek mythology (the "Achilles' heel" trope) and also interacts with a common aspect of Magic gameplay (chump-blocking). Very smart design.
DeleteI like this design and don't have any trouble imagining it seeing print, but I think the trope would come through better on an indestructible creature where you can see more contrast.
DeleteYeah, I loved that Achilles card that was indestructible but died when dealt exactly 1 damage. I can't remember who designed it but it must be one of the most awesome designs on this blog in terms of flavor.
DeleteAs an Instant, it would be very hard to play this card though. It's very conditional and it 2-for-1s you even when it works.
Chah: Unless your creature survives the block or attack.
DeleteJules+Chah: This was inspired by that aforementioned Achilles card. What I like about this is that it can apply the "fatal flaw" cliche to any character in Magic - it's fun to imagine that your creature, alongside your actions, used wits and wiles to slay a creature by attacking its weak point "for massive damage". I feel like this card is improved greatly by being more broadly applicable and having more universal flavor than an Achilles design.
Epic Voyage 1UU
ReplyDeleteEnchantment (R)
Whenever a land enters the battlefield under your control, put a verse counter on Epic Voyage.
Sacrifice Epic Voyage: Scry X, then draw X cards, where X is the number of verse counters on Epic Voyage.
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Sylvan-Flagship-92552682
Artist: Marek Hlavaty
Nice choice of counter.
DeleteOn the other hand, there's a strong case to be made for quest counters as well.
DeleteDo we need the Scry X?
Delete"Draw X" for 1UU is pretty exciting all by itself.
I'm with Jay on this one.
DeleteOn second thought, I'm not loving the clause that lets you sacrifice it at any time. What do people think of this:
DeleteEpic Voyage 1UU
Enchantment (R)
Whenever a land enters the battlefield under your control, put a verse counter on Epic Voyage.
At the beginning of your upkeep, you may sacrifice Epic Voyage. If you do, draw X cards, where X is the number of verse counters on Epic Voyage.
And an alternative Zendikar-flavored card, for lpaulsen:
Quest to Unknown Isles 1UU
Enchantment (R)
Landfall — Whenever a land enters the battlefield under your control, put a quest counter on Quest to Unknown Isles.
At the beginning of your upkeep, you may sacrifice Quest to Unknown Isles. If you do, draw X cards, where X is the number of quest counters on Quest to Unknown Isles.
I don't see much issue with sac anytime given that card draw doesn't impact the board, but if you want to restrict it upkeep makes you miss out on a land drop and end step makes you miss spellcasting, the best option is probably to tie it all together:
DeleteWhenever a land enters the battlefield under your control, put a quest counter on Quest to Unknown Isles. Then you may sacrifice Quest to Unknown Isles and draw X cards, where X is the number of quest counters on Quest to Unknown Isles."
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHubris WU
DeleteEnchantment-Aura (U)
Enchant Creature
Enchanted Creature has flying.
Spells that target enchanted creature cost 2 less to cast.
/Those who rise to heights unknown have farther still to fall./
Art by mopeydecker
http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs19/f/2007/309/d/3/Icarus_Drowning_by_mopeydecker.jpg
If you ask me, this doesn't play up the negative side of hubris nearly enough-- but it's a cool design in its own right.
DeleteI love how this shows both the benefits and negative aspects of pride with just one ability. Especially since this block is full of expensive removal like Sip of Hemlock that would be turned on by the cost reduction. I get Ipaulsen's comment as well though since the word hubris highlights the negative side of pride more.
DeleteGaining flying might not be enough to make this worth playing, but it's neat as a way that fits the flavor of being high up/elated that increases its playability a bit.
Yeah, I was really happy that the Icarus tie-in made sense on its own. It might be better to make Hubris as a downside Aura for an opponent's creature, but if you're meant to put it on your own guy I wouldn't want much more downside than this; auras have enough built-in as it is.
DeleteStinging Gadfly
ReplyDelete1G
Creature - Insect (C)
G, Sacrifice Stinging Gadfly: Destroy target creature with flying.
1/1
“That’s it?” chuckled the centaur, swatting at the insect. “What’s a little bug going to do to us?” “Laugh not at the gadfly,” warned the Champion. “I’ve lost many a good rider to their potent sting. Stay close.”
—The Theriad
In which case it's this art: http://tamujin.deviantart.com/art/insect-57851325
OR
Stinging Gadfly
1B
Creature - Insect (C)
Flying
G, Sacrifice Stinging Gadfly: Destroy target creature with flying.
1/1
“What’s a little bug going to do to us?” chuckled the centaur. “Laugh not at the gadfly,” warned the Champion. “I’ve lost many a good rider to their potent sting. Stay close.”
—The Theriad
In which case this art: http://akiman.deviantart.com/art/insect-175698379
I don't know which is better. Dev may want to raise the activation cost either way. Feedback appreciated as always (also on the flavortext please).
So the only difference is the mana cost? My instinct is to go with the second version for color pie reasons, and because off-color activations are neat.
DeleteI also like the black one better (though the art is clearly not flying). I kinda want the ability to be {1}{G} not for power concerns, but because it matches Plummet's cost.
DeleteI like the black one better as well. Also, while there's no issue printing this card at common it should set off alarm bells for adding to board complexity and discouraging spellcasting, neither of which we want to do very frequently.
DeleteBlack one it is. Do we want to up the mana cost so that its discouragement doesn't happen until later? I'm okay making it 3B for a 1/2 flyer or something. Keeping the activation at G for now.
DeleteMessenger God {2}{W/U}{R}
ReplyDeleteLegendary Enchantment Creature - God (R)
Haste, Flying
Whenever a creature you control deals combat damage to a player, that player discards a card, then draws a card.
At the beginning of your upkeep, if your devotion to red, white, and blue is more than 6, you may return CARDNAME from your graveyard to your hand.
4/2
Hermes was pretty explicitly minor, so I figured he had to be part of a sub-sub pantheon... which leads to a whole lot of completion issues. Can you imagine even more indestructible motherfuckers running around? So I tried to go for a slightly different tack.
I found art with both a god and stars in it, so clearly it's the most suitable, right?
Deletehttp://valerhon.deviantart.com/art/Hermes-72905607
Make sure to include the butt.
Is the self recursion a peculiar feature of Messenger God, or do you envision as a clause that each of the minor-minor gods have? If it's the first, I would change it, because colorpie wise, it doesn't fit UWR at all: in fact it's pretty black/green.
DeleteIt feels odd to me that the big gods need devotion to take corporeal form, but Hermes doesn't.
DeleteAgreed. if we're matching this trope I'd rather have Hermes suplant one of the current minor gods..
DeleteAs a messenger, Hermes seems like a guy who could make an appearance in the mortal world more often than others.
DeleteWhat if the second ability said, "At the end of combat, return this to your hand unless your devotion to __ is higher than __?"
It would be like he can only stay materialized for so long without devotion.
I don't think Hermes needs to be a literal god. Enchantment Creature is magical enough. Then, the first three abilities are perfect.
DeleteI'll leave it to you, then. I felt that the flavor of the major god's devotion was more that they wouldn't deign to help you unless you paid fealty, so that's why Hermes is still a creature without help, but he only displays immortality when you believe in him. (So you're correct, it would be an ability that spans the entire cycle.)
DeleteI'm totally cool with him just being an enchantment creature. In that case, what colors should he be? White and blue both value the idea of information transfer for different reasons, and Hermes himself was definitely a Red sort of guy (also, haste.)
I'm just here to give feedback. Final design has to be yours.
DeleteI can see arguments for several color combos, but red and blue make the most sense to me.
Aggelos, Divine Courier 2{U}{R}
DeleteLegendary Creature - Spirit (R)
Flying, haste
Whenever a creature you control deals combat damage to a player, that player discards a card, then draws a card.
4/3
I like this much better. That said, given the enchantment-y effect and the fact that there's no need for the gods to only have one messenger, I'd prefer this as a no-legendary enchantment creature. Another small issue is that MaRo has stated on his tumblr that he doesn't like red forcing opponents to discard since that's black's shtick. I'd be okay printing this, but some might take issue.
DeleteHome From War (uncommon)
ReplyDelete1W
Enchantment - Aura
Enchant creature
Enchanted creature can't attack or block.
Enchanted creature has "T: Gain life equal to this creature's power."
Art by Jean-Jacques Lagrenée
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/60/Jean-Jacques_Lagren%C3%A9e_-_Helen_Recognising_Telemachus%2C_Son_of_Odysseus_-_WGA12378.jpg
This seems like it might create some really crazy life swings. Or I am I just imagining things?
DeleteIf W is enough to grant lifelink, 1W seems reasonable for this. Also, great art.
DeleteIt looks like it's a flexible card—sometimes you cast it offensively and sometimes defensively. But I'd be pretty miserable casting this on one of my own creatures. And not super-happy to cast it on one of my opponent's.
DeleteRepeated lifegain on this scale can lead to some pretty aggraavating games. I'd probably make it a flat 2 life.
DeleteCasting it on your own creatures is designed to synergize with Inspired.
DeleteI love the flavor. I think it's hard to use on both the opponent's creature and on your own.
DeleteI think it would be much easier to cast on your own creature if it could still block after being enchanted. In that case, the life gain amount should be lower, maybe just 1 life.
With either version though, I could see being forced to cast this on an opponent's Nessian Asp, making it so that neither player can win easily.
The idea of an Aura that a clever player can use on his/her own creature to enable inspired is cool, and I'm sure there's some iteration out there that does't overly stagnate the game.
Good feedback, all. Two directions I think we can go with this:
Delete#1: Guard Duty with upside for the affected player. Weaker removal, but gives you a way to trigger inspired on your own people for inspired cards you don't want to attack with.
Home From War (common)
W
Enchantment - Aura
Enchant creature
Enchanted creature has defender.
Enchanted creature has "T: Gain 1 life."
#2: Better removal for serious threats, but with a nice enough upside that you might really consider putting this on your own creatures.
Home From War (uncommon)
1WU
Enchantment - Aura
Enchant creature
Enchanted creature can't attack or block.
Enchanted creature has "T: Draw a card."
Thoughts?
I can see the former being played both ways. Less so the latter.
DeleteAgreed with Jay. I love that Home from War makes a creature a defender. Of course it does!
DeleteCool, let's go with the Guard Duty variant then (#1). Note that the mana cost is {W} not {1}{W} like the original submission.
DeletePrice of Hubris (uncommon)
ReplyDelete2B
Enchantment - Aura
Enchant creature
Whenever enchanted creature attacks, its controller loses life equal to enchanted creature's power.
Image: http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8gtnuJTo41r4nrc6o1_500.jpg
Artist: Titian
I like the myth that this is referencing, Greek myths have so many cool stories. Unfortunately, it's a bit problematic that Sisyphus just gets to stay home so it doesn't take any damage.
DeleteMaybe:
Price of Hubris (Uncommon)
1W
Enchantment - Aura
Enchant creature
Enchanted creature attacks each turn if able.
Prevent all combat damage that would be dealt to and dealt by enchanted creature.
Maybe add "Enchanted creature can't block" onto the original? Seems a sufficiently black-feeling drawback.
DeleteSisyphus picture was mostly out of convenience, to be honest. The flavor is meant to be a more general "punishing hubris" effect, playing as a counter to the "make a monster" theme of Theros without being too back-breakingly punishing.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIdyllic Statue 1
DeleteArtifact (U)
Idyllic Statue may be targeted and enchanted by your auras as though it was a creature.
As long as Idyllic Statue is enchanted it is a 2/2 Construct artifact creature.
Image:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ch%C3%A2teau_de_Versailles,_salon_des_nobles,_Pygmalion_priant_V%C3%A9nus_d%27animer_sa_statue,_Jean-Baptiste_Regnault.jpg
Artist: Jean-Baptiste Regnault
Very cool, assuming that the first line of text actually works. One thing to consider: suppose you wanted to enchant this with Runner's Bane for some reason. Could you?
DeleteNot that the'd ever want to, but any reason to prevent your opponent's aura from enchanting it?
DeleteI get that the statue isn't all that big, but would it be a more fun card if it were bigger rather than cheaper?
Agreed. Right now this only pleases diehard Melvins, but if we turned it into something you really wanted to put Auras on we could get a bunch of other Timmies on board.
DeleteThere is an actual card like this in the spoiler! (Maybe it was one of the accidentally spoiled ones) Nice.
DeleteIt's much cleaner to start out as a creature that can't attack or block until enchanted rather than be an artifact that can be targeted with enchant creature Auras.
Yeah, I was going for more of a Johnny/Spike feel for the card by making it an efficient body that's hard to kill in response to being enchanted. I guess you could tweak the stats, but I wanted it to work with the Ordeals (Again, for Spike). Also, the flavor of the original myth (and the art that I can find to accompany the card) means that the card wants to probably look more like this:
DeleteIdyllic Statue 1
Artifact (U)
Idyllic Statue may be targeted and enchanted by your auras as though it was a creature.
As long as Idyllic Statue is enchanted it is a 2/2 Human artifact creature with Indestructible.
As for why only you can enchant it is flavor, you make it human by showing it love.
As to runner's bane, the game normally treats "missing" info as 0, like cascadeing into a costless spell. Shouldn't be a problem.
I would love to be able to enchant my 2HG partner's Statue.
DeleteI had never even considered that as a potential issue, partially because I have rarely played 2HG, but also because that's not how I even assumed the card would work in 2HG. Any idea how to allow 2HG shenanigans without allowing it to be hit by opponents auras?
Delete"CARDNAME may be targeted and enchanted by auras as if it were a creature."
DeleteWe don't have to exclude your opponents, because they have no motivation to give you more creatures. (Nor to Mind Control this.)
Maybe. But
DeleteA) It probably makes more sense to make it work like other creatures with heroic, which don't trigger in 2HG
2) There are several forms of enchantment based removal in Theros (Weight of the Underworld, Viper's Kiss) so the targeting restriction does give the statue some protection from common removal.
@chah I actually hadn't made the connection there, but having actually seen the art it makes a fair amount of sense. I like their design a lot, even if it isn't quite as explicitly addressing the story but rather just the "statues come alive" trope.
Heroic—Whenever you cast a spell that targets CARDNAME, it becomes a 2/2 Human artifact creature with indestructible until EOT?
DeleteNote that the existing text doesn't stop opponents from targeting it once it's animated, it just doesn't let them animate it.
Riddle of the Sphinx (Rare)
ReplyDelete3UU
Enchantment
At the beginning of your upkeep, scry 1. Then, target opponent names a card. Reveal the top card of your library. If it is the named card, sacrifice Riddle of the Sphinx. Otherwise, draw a card.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/Oedipus_und_die_Sphinx_(Gustave_Moreau).jpg
Artist: Gustave Moreau
Neat.
DeleteThat's one saucy sphinx in the art.
Adding scry to let players feel in control is clever!
DeleteThis is a cool concept, but requires knowledge of the entire environment for the opponent to guess correctly. What if the opponent names a card type or a converted mana cost?
DeleteLand or nonland?
DeleteIF the set weren't using +1/+1 counters, I'd suggest:
ReplyDeleteLeprosy {B}
Enchant creature
At the beginning of your upkeep step, put a -1/-1 counter on enchanted creature.
Whenever enchanted creature deals combat damage to a creature, put a -1/-1 counter on that creature.
actual submission:
ReplyDeleteFrantic Passion {2}{R}
Sorcery (cmn)
Two target creatures can’t block this turn.
Discard a card, then draw a card.
This is the funny art I probably won't use:
http://padubs.deviantart.com/art/Kiss-kiss-272535239
http://padubs.deviantart.com/art/Kiss-kiss-272535239
Personally I don't have an issue with rewarding red for being hellbent, but R&D seems to have decided that red looting should only work when you actually discard.
DeleteThe awkard wordings on Academy Raider, Curse of Chaos, Viashino Racketeer, and to a lesser extent Rummaging Goblin and Wild Guess.
DeleteLooting as a weaker cantrip effect is interesting. But unless it's a perfect flavor fit with two creatures in rapture with each other, in this block it might be better as Scry.
DeleteI originally has "discard 2 cards and draw 2 cards" but that was too good as a rider.
DeleteI think this is a good flavor fit. The lovers lose track of the outside world, but discover something new.
Whereas scry makes it feel mystical in a strange way. Not that that stopped R&D from tacking scry onto everything in BotG.
Sacking of Akros [2RR]
ReplyDeleteSorcery [Mythic rare]
Until end of turn, creatures you control can't be blocked except by creatures with vigilance and gain "Whenever this creature deals combat damage to an opponent, destroy target artifact or land that player controls."
So all decks that aren't playing white can't block on the turn you play this, and even most white creatures can't? Without the blocking restriction, it might have some interesting counterplay, but as-is, the possibility of a one-sided Armageddon makes me want to cost this at no less than 6.
DeleteLand destruction is extremely unfun for most players, so we shouldn't be putting it at mana costs where any but its most diehard fans will be tempted to play with it.
DeleteAkros is the Sparta equivalent - see Akroan Horse. So why are they sacking themselves?
DeleteJenesis & Jules – I think you are overselling how powerful this is. In casual, this might be too good where board states can get huge and people rely on lots of mana, but I doubt this would make it to constructed; it's a harder to cast Craterize. Think about it; you need to have two creatures, ready to attack in order to do more than a single Craterize. I'm willing to concede it might be too cheap, I just don't think it's so obvious that it is.
DeleteInanimate – The Trojan horse was made by Greeks and used to sack Troy. Ergo, the Akroan horse was made by someone else and used to sack Akros.
This card is insane. 95% of the time it says "Creatures can't block this turn." It also destroys 1-4 lands. Even if it were costed fairly, when would it be fun to lose against?
DeleteNo idea. It's quite possible it would be one of those cards that wrecks casual and does nothing in tournaments, thereby, it has no fans at all, except major griefers. There's probably a better solution to match the flavour.
DeleteActually... so I'm building a multiplayer cube and it looks like I need to make a few cards. One is a red card that rewards you for donating all your stuff to your opponents. There's a bunch of fun cards like that, but only Zedruu really rewards it. Maybe I can use that here, as it would work with Akroan Horse. How about...
Sacking of Akros [5RR]
Sorcery [mythic rare]
Each opponent sacrifices X permanents, where X is the total converted mana cost of permanents you own but that player controls. (X may be different for each opponent.)
I'm actually going to try that in my cube. Thanks for the feedback, guys. :)
Mosaic of Meletis (Rare)
ReplyDelete2U
Enchantment
When Mosaic of Meletis enters the battlefield, exile the top five cards of your library face up.
Whenever you cast a spell, if it has the same mana cost as a spell exiled with Mosaic of Meletis, draw a card.
It commemorates Ephara granting the Meletians magic to overthrow tyranny, and expel the leonin.
With art from The Alexander Mosaic:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:BattleofIssus333BC-mosaic-detail1.jpg
Explanation: The mana symbols of a bunch of cards remind me of mosaic tiles. When you gaze upon the mosaic, you may become inspired.
DeleteIt feels weird that only the costs matter. What about: "Whenever you cast a spell, if it has the same mana cost as a card exiled with CARDNAME, you may cast that card without paying its mana cost."
DeleteNot that we worry about this that much, but I'd like a (mana cost includes color) reminder text.
DeleteI wonder what kind of a deck you could build in Standard with mana cost {2}{U}...
Deletehttp://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?action=advanced&format=[%22Standard%22]&mana=+=[2U]
I wonder if a less used mana cost would be a way to encourage more variety in mana costs in deck construction with this. Also, all these mono-Black and UB mirror matches make me want to find a way to use the opponent's deck against them. Also, since it now triggers each turn, I made it Legendary to keep the boardstate easy to read.
DeleteMosaic of Meletis (Rare)
WUU
Legendary Enchantment
At the beginning of each player’s upkeep, exile the top card of that player’s library.
Whenever a player casts a spell with the same mana cost as one of the exiled cards, draw a card. (Mana cost includes color.)
It commemorates Ephara granting the Meletians magic to overthrow tyranny, and expel the leonin.
Fate of the Shunned UB
ReplyDeleteEnchantment (R)
Enchant creature
Targeted spells must target enchanted creature.
At the end of your turn draw a card.
"Those petty gods took everything from me! May they strike me down before I have my vengeance."
Art: http://www.intothepixel.com/artwork-details/winner_details.asp?idArtwork=1237
Actually that flavor deviates a bit too much from the theme (Which was just supposed to be "Fitting End").
DeleteWhatever change it to "Endless Toil".
DeleteEndless Toil UB
DeleteEnchantment (R)
Enchant creature
Targeted spells must target enchanted creature.
At the end of your turn draw a card.
"Those petty gods took everything from me! May they strike me down before I have my vengeance."
Art: http://www.intothepixel.com/artwork-details/winner_details.asp?idArtwork=1237
Do you draw a card at the end of each of your turns?
DeleteWhat's happening here?
Yeah, I thought that was how it worked unless it says the "creature's controller". It sounds kind of janky to say "This enchantment's controller draws a card at the end of your turn".
DeleteLike if you enchanted the opponents creature with "Herald of Torment" (that Moroii bestow) for whatever reason, you still lose the life because you control the enchantment. The effect always goes to the enchantment's controller unless otherwise stated, I'm pretty sure at least.
DeleteIt does. I just wasn't sure because without 'each' it reads more like the old delayed cantrips.
DeleteI'm not getting the story here. What do these two lines of rules text have to do with each other? Or shunning?
I guess it was clearer in my head. I thought about gods targeting you and making your life miserable. You know like "Yo, beat up this guy!" and killing your oxen and wife, etc. So the creature feeling dicked over by the gods stops worshipping them and decides to go AWOL, gaining power for himself.
DeleteI guess this would be better represented with some kind of +/+ stats increase overtime thing, but I thought "this effect is 100% blue + a bit black" so gaining power in blue would be drawing cards. The fact that you always draw a card regards of who it enchants is a bit of a flavor hit, but I thought it'd be cool to enchant your opponents stuff with it.
Maybe I could change it to some kind of "forbidden learning" or "Taboo". Like this guy is learning some stuff the gods don't want him to (drawing cards) so the gods want to kill him (that targeting nonsense).
There's very little room for story on the cards, so Event-descibed-by-title-happens-but-then-what-follows tends to overstep what a card is capable of presenting. Since gaining power isn't an integral part of being shunned, putting that part on a card of that name is confusing.
DeleteForbidden Learning, on the other hand, is a much better description of the combination of drawings cards and becoming a target.
That said, I have a problem with "all spells must target this" as a drawback, because there are a lot of good spells I don't want to target your guy, particularly in an environment that pushes auras and tricks like Theros. Even if you could force only negative spells to target it, whose to say I wouldn't rather Shock your other guy.
I actually think this spell fits the flavor of Narcissism. I've been thinking of an Aura named Narcissism where all spells must target that creature if able. I didn't think of pairing it with T: draw a card, but that would be neat.
DeleteThat's actually why I thought it was really interesting in Theros. You know you could enchant your guy and cut off their boonful enchantments or enchant their guy and cut off their kill spells (unless they want the 3 for 1). Normally this wouldn't be as exciting and would only really go on their guy to stop removal but in theros tons of stuff that targets. So the continual draw makes it a drawback on your guy, or a tension-increaser on their guy. Which I thought was pretty interesting.
DeleteAs for story, maybe my execution was shit, but I think while there isn't a ton of literal room for story on cards I think they can have a story. Even more interesting than that cards have like a shard of a story, that you can piece together.
I don't know about narcissism, narcissism sort of means you are all into yourself, not that everyone around you is super into you. I imagine an enchantment version of narcissim would give you (the player) hexproof, but you can only target yourself with spells. I imagine a creature version would just give it shroud or something. You know self-contained and whatnot.
Deletewhat happens when this is on a creature and someone casts stone rain? what about counterspell?
DeleteI understand that this text doesn't represent Narcissism literally; mechanically, it's about players caring about the creature rather than the creature caring about itself.
DeleteHowever, I do think the human mind can feel that this represents Narcissism even if it's not a literal representation of Narcissism. The reason I think so is because of cards like Child of Night. The lifelink ability fits the concept of a vampire perfectly, even though if you really think about it, the vampire should be gaining the life that it steals, not the player controlling the vampire. Another example is Stab Wound. It feels like the creature is dying from bleeding slowly, even though the player is actually losing life instead. So, I feel that Narcissism's text doesn't need to be literal to work.
Now that I think about it, there is another problem though. The tap ability might not be easily explained with Narcissism, so maybe the name shouldn't be used. In my mind the ability would represent the creature being more self-observed and introspective rather than going out into the world to fight. But that part might not be so clear.
k i can get that reasoning, Chah, anyways new card
DeleteCannabalism BBB
Enchantment - Aura (R)
Enchant Creature
Whenever a creature dies put three +1/+1 counters on enchanted creature
At the beginning of your upkeep sacrifice a creature.
"Pay little attention to them, they will turn on themselves well before they reach our gates."
ART: http://my.opera.com/Nomieghirl/albums/showpic.dml?album=1400881&picture=90717382
Or since that art looks suitably Black/White
DeleteCannibalism 2WB
Enchantment
Whenever a creature dies gain 3 life and put a +1/+1 creature on each creature you control
At the beginning of your upkeep sacrifice a creature
"I may have regrets, but everything I've done. I've done for my people."
R
Delete
ReplyDeleteStarscape Navigator 1
Artifact Creature - Construct
Whenever a creature you control dies, exile it.
Cards exiled with Starscape Navigator count towards your devotion to a color as if they were on the battlefield.
Heroes of the past live on in the sky, in eternal glory.
0/2
Art: http://amaruuk.deviantart.com/art/Futuristic-Sphinx-357790667
fix flavor text to:
DeleteHeroes of the past live on in the night sky, in eternal glory.
I wish I could find art of a temple statue that gazes up at a night sky filled with constellations.
Neat core idea.
DeleteRare?
Is the purpose of this being a creature so that it's easier for your opponent to answer?
I'd go for "another creature" so that this doesn't strangely exile itself. Anyway, I like what you're going for.
DeleteRare. "Another creature" sounds better.
DeleteYes, I made it a creature so it could be answered. If it weren't for that, it could have been a temple, shrine, or a star-gazing tool. However, some kind of art and name could make it work.
Devotion is good because opponents have a way to interact with it, so I didn't want to cut off that aspect entirely. But I do think it's fitting to have a way for heroes to turn into constellations somewhere in the set, since that's such a big part of Greek mythology.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteFickle Judgment - R
ReplyDeleteInstant (unc)
As an additional cost to cast CARDNAME, sacrifice a random creature you control.
Destroy a random creature an opponent controls.
"Creativity requires destruction. Action requires reaction. The god of the forge answers your prayer in kind." - Eocles, Oracle of Purphoros
Does red need a (much) worse Bone Splinters?
DeleteI'd rather see something closer to Wild Swing...
The random removal factor really fits the name "Fickle Judgment!"
DeleteI agree with Jay; the creature that you sacrifice and the target shouldn't both be random. It would be really hard to use since it's a guaranteed 1-for-2 in most cases.
It might be a little more playable as some kind of Soul Fire that deals damage to a random target.
"Target creature you control deals damage equal to its power to target creature chosen at random" works well at R.
Delete
ReplyDeleteRiddle of the Sphinx 3WU
Sorcery R
Draw three cards. Then reveal a card from your hand, if it’s a human, you gain 10 life.
This had better have some very descriptive flavor text because I have no inkling of what riddle makes for this effect.
DeleteThe answer to the riddle is 'man', so...
DeleteHoly shit! I didn't get it but that is brilliant!
DeleteIt's a reference to Oedipus and the Sphinx
Deletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riddle_of_the_Sphinx#The_Riddle_of_the_Sphinx
Drawing cards represents pondering the question and the reveal represents the answer (which in the most common retelling of the myth, is man).
Yep.
DeleteIt is a little ironic that the question is so much stronger than the answer.
Seek Your Fortune (1U)
ReplyDeleteEnchantment- Aura [U]
Enchant Creature
When enchanted creature attacks, scry 2, then draw a card.
http://embrisionarts.deviantart.com/art/Seek-your-fortune-331839478
I was a little delayed on this one because there were so many options.
Having this both scry and draw feels unnecessary and it's a bit overpowered at present.
DeleteI'd pay {1}{U} for a sorcery that did this just once.
DeleteJay -- So, a strictly worse Preordain?
DeleteWell, Preordain was overpowered in Standard and currently banned in Modern...
Deletegiving no buff to the creaiutre in a format like theros makes it very risky to "seek ones fortune"
DeleteI considered UU and 2U but I wanted to push the power level. it probably would be better as 2U.
the reason preordain is banned in modern is because nigh creatureless storm combo decks would run it to get consistent combos. having a creature that can attack is limited for these decks.
"Whenever enchanted creature attacks, draw a card" is strictly better than Curiosity. Adding scry 2 to that isn't a tiny upgrade. I'm not saying this is broken (as long as there are no Invisible Stalkers around), but it is Very Good, at least in Limited.
DeleteWaves Run Red with Blood 3UU
ReplyDeleteSorcery (Rare)
Return all creatures to their owners' hands. If R was spent to cast Waves Run Red with Blood, return all creatures you don't control to their owners' hands instead.
So the cost is actually 2RUU?
DeleteGiven that this ability was only red in Planar Chaos this doesn't make much sense in Theros block.
DeleteWith a name like "Waves Run Red with Blood" I'd have expected the kicker to destroy all creatures instead.
DeleteJust a reprint I would have loved to see:
ReplyDeleteRite of Consumption
Sorcery, 1B (C)
As an additional cost to cast Rite of Consumption, sacrifice a creature.
Rite of Consumption deals damage equal to the sacrificed creature's power to target player. You gain life equal to the damage dealt this way.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/82/Francisco_de_Goya%2C_Saturno_devorando_a_su_hijo_%281819-1823%29.jpg/326px-Francisco_de_Goya%2C_Saturno_devorando_a_su_hijo_%281819-1823%29.jpg
Artist: Francisco de Goya
Late to the party, and I know the template's wonky, but here it goes:
ReplyDeleteEpic Voyage 1W
Instant - (R)
Exile target creature you control with five odyssey counters on it. Whenever you play a land, remove an odyssey counter from it. When the last is removed, return it to the battlefield with ten +1/+1 counters on it.
art: http://www.catherinesvehla.com/.a/6a00e55503899c8834019aff18a8b9970b-pi
artist: Claude Lorrain
This is a fine design, but it feels like it's doing exactly the same thing as the Ordeal cycle in a less dynamic way.
DeleteYou're right. This one's flavor is harder to discern, but it could be fun:
DeleteEpic Voyage 3WWW
Enchantment - Aura (r)
Enchant tapped creature
Enchanted creature doesn't untap during untap steps.
When enchanted creature untaps, destroy all other creatures.
Johnny likes this.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSacking of Akros 7RRR
ReplyDeleteSorcery (Mythic)
Put 3 1/1 red human soldier creature tokens with haste into play.
Until the end of turn, creatures you control have "T: choose one: deal damage to target creature equal to this creatures power, or gain control of target land an opponent controls, or gain control of target artifact an opponent controls.
Holy crap there's a big difference between the power level of the first and third ability versus the second.
DeleteYea true... how about:
DeleteSacking of Akros 7RRR
Sorcery (Mythic)
Put 3 1/1 red human soldier creature tokens with haste into play.
Until the end of turn, creatures you control have "T: choose one: deal damage to target creature equal to this creatures power, or gain control of target non-basic land an opponent controls, or gain control of target artifact an opponent controls.
Splinter Soul 1B
ReplyDeleteSorcery (R)
Exile target creature. Its controller puts X black 1/1 bird enchantment creature tokens with flying onto the battlefield, where X is that creature's toughness.
"The mortals see only the birds' golden plumage - to them, their shrieks sound no different than any other bird's call."
Hero's Prize 2
Artifact - Equipment (R)
Whenever a creature an opponent controls dies, if CARDNAME is not attached to a creature, you may attach CARDNAME to target creature that dealt damage to that creature this turn.
Equipped creature gets +2/+2 and has hexproof.
Neat.
Delete