GDS3 Discussions: Chris Mooney's Challenge 3 Submission

(These posts are being backdated for administrative purposes. They were not disclosed to nor published on this site prior to their publication on the mothership. You can read the judge commentary on Chris's submission on their official GDS page)




CONTESTANT COMMENTS

This week, my inspiration came from D&D. I enjoy the simplicity of the Rogue's "sneak attack" ability (even if it doesn't always make sense fictionally). I wanted a mechanic that let your creatures hit harder if your opponent was distracted.

Originally, backstab gave +1/+0 for each other unblocked attacker. This made combat math impossible; your opponent's attackers would change size dramatically depending on how you blocked. While a bit less flavorful, the final version is much simpler—you only need to make one check (can I block every attacker?). As a static ability, it's less wordy and avoids excessive triggers (expecting/accepting slight confusion about post-combat interactions).

The sneaky flavor of backstab pulled it toward blue and black, two evasive colors in need of a combat keyword. Red was a natural third color, due to backstab's aggressive playstyle. I'll admit that a creature-boosting mechanic is a slight bend in blue, but I feel it's acceptable due to the emphasis on evasion and the direct control designers have over the size of the boost.

Taking your feedback to heart, my goal this week was to submit a straightforward mechanic that wouldn't need major reworks to see print. Backstab is simple, versatile, and mixes well with familiar mechanics at all rarities. You already know I can think outside of the box, this week I hope to prove that my ideas from inside the box can be just as fun.

Alternate playtest names: Shank, Sideswipe, Blindside, Pierce, Feint, Juke

1) Rusty Rogue (Common)
1B
Creature — Human Rogue
1/1
Deathtouch
Backstab 1 (This creature gets +1/+0 as long as you control one or more unblocked attackers.)

2) Stunning Spy (Common)
2U
Creature — Human Rogue
1/3
Backstab 1 (This creature gets +1/+0 as long as you control one or more unblocked attackers.)
Whenever CARDNAME deals combat damage to a creature, tap that creature. It doesn't untap during its controller's next untap step.

3) Stab-Happy (Common)
R
Enchantment — Aura
Enchant creature you control
Enchanted creature has first strike and backstab 2. (A creature with backstab 2 gets +2/+0 as long as you control one or more unblocked attackers. Creatures can have multiple instances of backstab.)

4) Vampiric Rogue (Uncommon)
2BB
Creature — Vampire Rogue
1/2
Flying, lifelink
Backstab 2 (This creature gets +2/+0 as long as you control one or more unblocked attackers.)

5) Skulking Stabbist (Uncommon)
3U
Creature — Human Rogue
2/3
Backstab 1 (This creature gets +1/+0 as long as you control one or more unblocked attackers.)
Creatures you control can't be blocked by creatures that have greater power.

6) Card Sharp (Rare)
1UU
Creature — Human Rogue
1/1
Backstab 2 (This creature gets +2/+0 as long as you control one or more unblocked attackers.)
Whenever CARDNAME becomes blocked, draw cards equal to its power.

7) Startle Pest (Rare)
1R
Creature — Goblin Rogue
0/1
Haste, menace
Whenever CARDNAME attacks, creatures you control gain backstab 1 until end of turn. (They each get +1/+0 as long as you control at least one unblocked attacker. Creatures can have multiple instances of backstab.)

8) Gang Leader (Mythic Rare)
4BB
Creature — Human Rogue
3/3
Menace
Other Rogues you control have menace.
Backstab X, where X is the number of unblocked attackers you control. (This creature gets +1/+0 for each unblocked attacker you control.)
When CARDNAME enters the battlefield, create three 1/1 black Rogue creature tokens.