Check out "The Lion's Lair", the article series where I specifically talk about custom card design with the intent to help you get better at it. The article index is always updated with the latest content.
Welcome all to this month's MCC! I can't tell you the theme yet, because if I did my whole plan for this month's challenges would be uncovered. I'll just give a cryptic clue: we'll be climbing up some metaphorical stairs, and sometimes the first step is the hardest to climb. Well, actually in this MCC it will be the easiest one, but you won't let that scare you off, will you?
Main challenge: design a monocolored creature card.
Subchallenge 1: the card is not a Human, Merfolk, Vampire, Zombie, Goblin, or Elf.
Subchallenge 2: the card has no evergreen keywords in its rules text, and it also doesn't grant any evergreen keywords.
Please see clarifications.
- For the main challenge, the card must have exactly one color of mana in its mana cost or have a monocolored color indicator.
A card with a colorless mana cost but that has a monocolored color indicator DOES count, because the color indicator makes the card that color. For example, if the Pacts were creatures, they would count.
A card with a colorless mana cost and no color indicator but that contains a colored mana symbol in its rules text (or, in other words, that has a monocolored color identity) does NOT count, because being a color and having a color identity are different things. For example, Insatiable Souleater does NOT count for this round, even if it has a monocolored color identity, because it's still a colorless card (it has no colored mana in its mana cost, nor it has a color indicator).
- For subchallenge 2, as long as the card doesn't have or grant evergreen keywords it's fine. It can interact with evergreen abilities in any other way than having them or granting them.
Subchallenge 2 only cares about rules text, not reminder text. For example, a card with suspend is fine, because haste is only in reminder text.
A list of all evergreen keywords can be found here.
Design deadline: Saturday, April 4th at 23:59 EDT.
Judge deadline: Tuesday, April 7th at 23:59 EDT.
Design (X/10) - This reflects the work put into the initial concept of the card. Creativity - How original or innovative is the card? Does it present an old idea with a new twist? Does it employ an entirely new mechanic? Elegance - Is the concept easily understood at a glance? Does the design just 'click' with the flavor? Potential - Will different player psychographics (Timmy/Johnny/Spike) find a use for this card? Does it stand out as a card to build a deck around?
Development (X/10) - This reflects the execution of the idea, fleshing it into a playable card. Viability - How well does this card fit into the color wheel? Does it break or bend the rules of the game? Is it at the appropriate rarity? Balance - Does the card's cost match its power? How balanced are its interactions with other cards? Can it be played in constructed, limited, or multiplayer without breaking any of those formats? Creative Writing - Does the name sound like it fits on a card? Does the flavor text feel natural and professional? Does the combination of name, flavor text, and card concept make Vorthos spout poetry?
Polish - This reflects the finishing touches made to the card, polishing it to an end product that could see print. Challenge (X/2) - One point awarded per satisfied subchallenge condition. Quality (X/3) - Points deducted for incorrect spelling, grammar, and templating.
PLAYERS:
To be a player this month, simply post a card in this thread satisfying the main challenge.
I remind everyone that new players can only join during this round. In future rounds, there will be a list of admitted players and new players will NOT be able to join. So if you want to play this month, post here now! BRACKETS
Unfortunately, scrad_the_wanderer and silence_dais have been disqualified for posting a card that is not monocolored, and thus failing the main challenge. Also, Legend had a placeholder but didn't post a card within the deadline.
MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016 DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for: "Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index.Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
Xiax, Bane of Sanity4BBB
Legendary Creature - Demon (Mythic)
Xiax can't be blocked and attack each turn if able.
At the beginning of your upkeep, choose an opponent.
The chosen opponent controls you until end of turn. "To conquer the world is to conquer yourself"
10/10
Obeisance Rhox4W
Creature - Rhino Soldier (U)
Obeisance Rhox enters the battlefield tapped.
As long as Obeisance Rhox is tapped, other creatures enter the battlefield tapped. Loyal to a fault, if they bow they expect the same from all present.
3/5
Noble Nymph
Enchantment Creature - Nymph (R)
Bestow 1G(If you cast this card for its bestow cost, it's an Aura spell with enchant creature. It becomes a creature again if it's not attached to a creature.)
Enchanted creature gets +1/+1. T: Add G to your mana pool. (Auras can T as soon as they come under your control.)
1/1
Mirror of Reality2UU
Legendary Creature- Illusion (R)
Whenever a creature becomes the target of a spell or ability, it's controller sacrifices it. Reality warps around it, shattering and fracturing in inconceivable arrays.
4/3
Mortiferous Fleshripper
Creature - Horror (R)
When Mortiferous Fleshripper enters the battlefield, each player sacrifices a creature.
Undying (When this creature dies, if it had no +1/+1 counters on it, return it to the battlefield under its owner's control with a +1/+1 counter on it.) While most fear death above all else, there are some that revel in it.
2/1
(22 Total) - October 2014; December 2014; January 2015; April 2015; June 2015; August 2015; September 2015; November 2015; December 2015(T); January 2016; March 2016(T); April 2016; June 2016; October 2016; December 2016(T); February 2017; April 2017; December 2017; November 2018(T); January 2019; April 2019; June 2019
(8 Total) - May 2015; May 2016; June 2016; August 2016; October 2016; December 2016; October 2017; May 2019
(7 Total) - September 2015; October 2015; January 2016; March 2016; April 2016; July 2016(T); March 2019(T)
Nefarious Censor1BB
Creature — Horror [R]
Whenever an opponent casts a spell, that player discards a card.
Nefarious Censor gets +2/+0 and can't be blocked as long as each opponent has no cards in hand. "Silence yourself in my presence, lest you let the darkness enter your mouth with every wasted breath."
—Kaervek the Merciless
2/2
Blind MorticianB
Creature — Skeleton Cleric (R)
Permanent cards in graveyards are creatures with base power and toughness 0/0 in addition to their other types. Zyzat's masters can't agree whether he's bad at his job or just too good at it.
1/2
Embermane Masticore3RR
Creature -- Masticore [R]
At the beginning of your upkeep, sacrifice Embermane Masticore unless you exile a card from your hand.
You may cast instant or sorcery cards exiled with Embermane Masticore. Stone, fire and steel made flesh.
5/5
Æther Extraction Rig(2/B)(2/B)(2/B)(2/B)
Artifact Creature -- Construct [U]
When Æther Extraction Rig enters the battlefield, you draw two cards and you lose 2 life.
[4/4]
MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016 DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for: "Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index.Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
Custodian of Lost Asdun1RR
Creature-Spirit [M]
Whenever Custodian of Lost Asdun or another nontoken creature enters the battlefield under your control, you may seek an instant or sorcery. If you succeed, until end of turn, you may cast nonland cards in your hand that share a name with the revealed card without paying their mana cost. (Reveal the top card of your library. If it's an instant or sorcery, you may put it into your hand. Otherwise, put it into your graveyard.)
3/3
Oracle of Flames1R
Creature - Minotaur Wizard (R)
Whenever Oracle of Flames enters the battlefield or attacks, exile the top card of your library.
Oracle of Flames get +1/+1 for each card exiled with it.
You may play cards exiled with Oracle of Flames.
2/1
Lavished Sage2UU
Creature - Djinn Wizard (U)
Exploit (When this creature enters the battlefield, you may sacrifice a creature.)
When Lavished Sage exploits a creature, return target instant or sorcery card from your graveyard to your hand. More magically inclined defectors from the Ojutai clan were always welcomed by Silumgar's brood.
3/3
Gravedancer Hag3B
Creature - Hag (R)
If a creature card would be returned from your graveyard to your hand, put it onto the battlefield instead of putting it into your hand. "I too would flee my bed if that thing were to dance around it."
-Calydd, kithkin farmer
2/2
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Multiple instances of lifelink on the same creature are redundant.
Multiple instances of lifelink on the same creature are redundant.
Multiple instances of lifelink on the same creature are redundant.
—Eli Shiffrin, Rules Manager, on a design stacking lifelink instances
Arcane Flux-Fiend1R
Creature - Weird (R)
Whenever Arcane Flux-Fiend deals combat damage to a player, discard your hand, then draw a card. It knows nothing and sees everything.
3/1
Iceberg Devourer0 U Creature - Kraken (Rare)
You can't cast Iceberg Devourer unless there are six or more Islands on the battlefield.
If Iceberg Devourer would enter the battlefield, search your library for six Island cards, exile them, then shuffle your library instead. If you exiled six Island cards this way, put Iceberg Devourer onto the battlefield. If you didn't, put it into its owner's graveyard.
6/6
Ambitious Apprentice3U
Creature - Vedalken Wizard (R)
When Ambitious Apprentice enters the battlefield, you may search your library for an instant or sorcery with converted mana cost 7 or greater, reveal it and put it into your hand. If you do, shuffle your library.
2/2 "The master thinks me a fool, but I'll show him..."
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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April MCC Round 1
"The first step"
Check out "The Lion's Lair", the article series where I specifically talk about custom card design with the intent to help you get better at it. The article index is always updated with the latest content.
Welcome all to this month's MCC! I can't tell you the theme yet, because if I did my whole plan for this month's challenges would be uncovered. I'll just give a cryptic clue: we'll be climbing up some metaphorical stairs, and sometimes the first step is the hardest to climb. Well, actually in this MCC it will be the easiest one, but you won't let that scare you off, will you?
Main challenge: design a monocolored creature card.
Subchallenge 1: the card is not a Human, Merfolk, Vampire, Zombie, Goblin, or Elf.
Subchallenge 2: the card has no evergreen keywords in its rules text, and it also doesn't grant any evergreen keywords.
Please see clarifications.
- For the main challenge, the card must have exactly one color of mana in its mana cost or have a monocolored color indicator.
A card with a colorless mana cost but that has a monocolored color indicator DOES count, because the color indicator makes the card that color. For example, if the Pacts were creatures, they would count.
A card with a colorless mana cost and no color indicator but that contains a colored mana symbol in its rules text (or, in other words, that has a monocolored color identity) does NOT count, because being a color and having a color identity are different things. For example, Insatiable Souleater does NOT count for this round, even if it has a monocolored color identity, because it's still a colorless card (it has no colored mana in its mana cost, nor it has a color indicator).
- For subchallenge 2, as long as the card doesn't have or grant evergreen keywords it's fine. It can interact with evergreen abilities in any other way than having them or granting them.
Subchallenge 2 only cares about rules text, not reminder text. For example, a card with suspend is fine, because haste is only in reminder text.
A list of all evergreen keywords can be found here.
Design deadline: Saturday, April 4th at 23:59 EDT.
Judge deadline: Tuesday, April 7th at 23:59 EDT.
Creativity - How original or innovative is the card? Does it present an old idea with a new twist? Does it employ an entirely new mechanic?
Elegance - Is the concept easily understood at a glance? Does the design just 'click' with the flavor?
Potential - Will different player psychographics (Timmy/Johnny/Spike) find a use for this card? Does it stand out as a card to build a deck around?
Development (X/10) - This reflects the execution of the idea, fleshing it into a playable card.
Viability - How well does this card fit into the color wheel? Does it break or bend the rules of the game? Is it at the appropriate rarity?
Balance - Does the card's cost match its power? How balanced are its interactions with other cards? Can it be played in constructed, limited, or multiplayer without breaking any of those formats?
Creative Writing - Does the name sound like it fits on a card? Does the flavor text feel natural and professional? Does the combination of name, flavor text, and card concept make Vorthos spout poetry?
Polish - This reflects the finishing touches made to the card, polishing it to an end product that could see print.
Challenge (X/2) - One point awarded per satisfied subchallenge condition.
Quality (X/3) - Points deducted for incorrect spelling, grammar, and templating.
Total: X/25
JUDGES:
bravelion83
Ogonomany
Moss_Elemental
Tilwin
PLAYERS:
To be a player this month, simply post a card in this thread satisfying the main challenge.
I remind everyone that new players can only join during this round. In future rounds, there will be a list of admitted players and new players will NOT be able to join. So if you want to play this month, post here now!
BRACKETS
Unfortunately, scrad_the_wanderer and silence_dais have been disqualified for posting a card that is not monocolored, and thus failing the main challenge. Also, Legend had a placeholder but didn't post a card within the deadline.
Brackets are as follows:
Judge: bravelion83
Piar
Trivmvirate
Mix Master Mikaeus
doomfish
FortuitousEntity
Ryder052
Altaurus321
Judge: Ogonomany
Link
Guesswork
Flatline
SelesnyaNewLife
riliss
Figurative
Jimmy Groove
Judge: Moss_Elemental
netn10
admirableadmiral
Vertain
L0ng5h0t
Marco
TacticalCelebrant
Judge: Tilwin
IcariiFA
CrazyMatt
Ninja Caterpie
thenoodler
FreshMeat
PsyOp
J.Do
Top 4 from each bracket advance to round 2.
Judges, please try to respect the deadline.
MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here)
CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016
DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for:
"Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index. Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
Legendary Creature - Demon (Mythic)
Xiax can't be blocked and attack each turn if able.
At the beginning of your upkeep, choose an opponent.
The chosen opponent controls you until end of turn.
"To conquer the world is to conquer yourself"
10/10
Creature - Rhino Soldier (U)
Obeisance Rhox enters the battlefield tapped.
As long as Obeisance Rhox is tapped, other creatures enter the battlefield tapped.
Loyal to a fault, if they bow they expect the same from all present.
3/5
Enchantment Creature - Nymph (R)
Bestow 1G (If you cast this card for its bestow cost, it's an Aura spell with enchant creature. It becomes a creature again if it's not attached to a creature.)
Enchanted creature gets +1/+1.
T: Add G to your mana pool. (Auras can T as soon as they come under your control.)
1/1
Legendary Creature- Illusion (R)
Whenever a creature becomes the target of a spell or ability, it's controller sacrifices it.
Reality warps around it, shattering and fracturing in inconceivable arrays.
4/3
Creature - Horror (R)
When Mortiferous Fleshripper enters the battlefield, each player sacrifices a creature.
Undying (When this creature dies, if it had no +1/+1 counters on it, return it to the battlefield under its owner's control with a +1/+1 counter on it.)
While most fear death above all else, there are some that revel in it.
2/1
Creature — Horror [R]
Whenever an opponent casts a spell, that player discards a card.
Nefarious Censor gets +2/+0 and can't be blocked as long as each opponent has no cards in hand.
"Silence yourself in my presence, lest you let the darkness enter your mouth with every wasted breath."
—Kaervek the Merciless
2/2
Creature — Skeleton Cleric (R)
Permanent cards in graveyards are creatures with base power and toughness 0/0 in addition to their other types.
Zyzat's masters can't agree whether he's bad at his job or just too good at it.
1/2
Creature -- Masticore [R]
At the beginning of your upkeep, sacrifice Embermane Masticore unless you exile a card from your hand.
You may cast instant or sorcery cards exiled with Embermane Masticore.
Stone, fire and steel made flesh.
5/5
CCL Winner- July '08, Aug '08 Sept '08, Oct '08
Survivor- CCS: Lost in Takenuma, CCS: Stranded In Tolaria
Artifact Creature -- Construct [U]
When Æther Extraction Rig enters the battlefield, you draw two cards and you lose 2 life.
[4/4]
Yes, it's a temporary anti-spam limitation. For more info, check out this thread and this other thread.
MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here)
CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016
DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for:
"Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index. Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
Creature-Spirit [M]
Whenever Custodian of Lost Asdun or another nontoken creature enters the battlefield under your control, you may seek an instant or sorcery. If you succeed, until end of turn, you may cast nonland cards in your hand that share a name with the revealed card without paying their mana cost. (Reveal the top card of your library. If it's an instant or sorcery, you may put it into your hand. Otherwise, put it into your graveyard.)
3/3
----------------------------
Club Flamingo Wins: 10
----------------------------
EDH Decks
BG Vicious Varolz | RW Jor Kadeen, the Mean Machine | RG Atarka: Muh_Dragons.dec (WIP) | WU Brago, Blink Eternal (WIP)
----------------------------
Creature - Minotaur Wizard (R)
Whenever Oracle of Flames enters the battlefield or attacks, exile the top card of your library.
Oracle of Flames get +1/+1 for each card exiled with it.
You may play cards exiled with Oracle of Flames.
2/1
Creature - Djinn Wizard (U)
Exploit (When this creature enters the battlefield, you may sacrifice a creature.)
When Lavished Sage exploits a creature, return target instant or sorcery card from your graveyard to your hand.
More magically inclined defectors from the Ojutai clan were always welcomed by Silumgar's brood.
3/3
You got 99 attackers but I'm blocking with 1.
The Winner is Judge | 7
This Winner is Also Judge | 6
Club Flamingo | Lots
Creature - Hag (R)
If a creature card would be returned from your graveyard to your hand, put it onto the battlefield instead of putting it into your hand.
"I too would flee my bed if that thing were to dance around it."
-Calydd, kithkin farmer
2/2
Multiple instances of lifelink on the same creature are redundant.
Multiple instances of lifelink on the same creature are redundant.
—Eli Shiffrin, Rules Manager, on a design stacking lifelink instances
Creature - Horror Wizard (R)
Whenever a spell or ability would cause
an opponent to sacrifice a creature, that
opponent sacrifices a creature of your
choice instead.
1BBB, T: Each player sacrifices a
creature. Activate this ability only any
time you could cast a sorcery.
3/2
Creature - Weird (R)
Whenever Arcane Flux-Fiend deals combat damage to a player, discard your hand, then draw a card.
It knows nothing and sees everything.
3/1
GWU Bant Manifest - The Future Is Here. Or it will be at the end of turn. GWU
U Creature - Kraken (Rare)
You can't cast Iceberg Devourer unless there are six or more Islands on the battlefield.
If Iceberg Devourer would enter the battlefield, search your library for six Island cards, exile them, then shuffle your library instead. If you exiled six Island cards this way, put Iceberg Devourer onto the battlefield. If you didn't, put it into its owner's graveyard.
6/6
Creature - Vedalken Wizard (R)
When Ambitious Apprentice enters the battlefield, you may search your library for an instant or sorcery with converted mana cost 7 or greater, reveal it and put it into your hand. If you do, shuffle your library.
2/2
"The master thinks me a fool, but I'll show him..."