There are many types of mystery stories. Two common ones includes either someone getting murdered or something valuable getting stolen.
Challenge: Design a legendary artifact (aka, the stolen item) or legendary creature (aka, the murder victim.) Subchallenge 1: Does not have any abilities that can protect itself (Hexproof, protection, etc.) After all, it did get stolen or murdered. See clarifications. Subchallenge 2: Has flavour text that shows some history.
Subchallenge 1: In the case of the creature, the idea is that it was murdered, i.e. it didn't die in combat,so combat-related abilities like flying and first strike don't qualify as protection.
(X/3) Appeal: Do the different player psychographics (Timmy/Johhny/Spike) have a use for the card? (X/3) Elegance: Is the card easily understandable at a glance? Do all the flavor and mechanics combined as a whole make sense?
Development - (X/3) Viability: How well does the card fit into the color wheel? Does it break or bend the rules of the game? Is it the appropriate rarity? (X/3) Balance: Does the card have a power level appropriate for contemporary constructed/limited environments without breaking them? Does it play well in casual and multiplayer formats? Does it create or fit into a deck/archetype? Does it create an oppressive environment?
Creativity - (X/3) Uniqueness: Has a card like this ever been printed before? Does it use new mechanics, ideas, or design space? Does it combine old ideas in a new way? Overall, does it feel “fresh”? (X/3) Flavor: Does the name seem realistic for a card? Does the flavor text sound professional? Do all the flavor elements synch together to please Vorthos players?
Polish - (X/3) Quality: Points deducted for incorrect spelling, grammar, and templating. (X/2) *Main Challenge: Was the main challenge satisfied? Was it approached in a unique or interesting way? Does the card fit the intent of the challenge? (X/2) Subchallenges: One point awarded per satisfied subchallenge condition.
Total: X/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
DEADLINES In green, the next deadline to come.
In blue, further future deadlines to come.
In red, past deadlines.
Player deadline: Monday, April 4th 2016 23:59 EDT
Judge deadline: Friday, April 8th 2016 23:59 EDT
Karnas, Emperor's Scepter2
Legendary Artifact - Equipment (R)
Equipped creature gets +1/+1.
Whenever equipped creature attacks, put two 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens onto the battlefield.
When equipped creature dies, transform Karnas, Emperor's Scepter and target opponent gains control of it.
Equip 2 "For millenia, the emperors of Lirial held this sacred scepter, without knowing its sinister secret." - Arsalan Dreya, History of the Rift Kingdoms
// Karnas, Conduit of Destruction
Legendary Artifact (R) 2, t, Sacrifice Karnas, Conduit of Destruction: Put a 5/5 black Demon creature token with flying onto the battlefield. "The unnamed archmage who stole the scepter managed to shred the fabric of reality, and madness oozed forth." - Arsalan Dreya, History of the Rift Kingdoms
Order of the Laurel2GG
Legendary creature - Human Monk (mythic rare) T: Add G to your mana pool for each creature you control. Spend this mana only to cast creature spells.
When Order of the Laurel dies, return it to the battlefield transformed under your control at the beginning of the next end step.
2/2 The monks always welcomed travelers with hospitality. Little did they know...
//
Wraiths of the Slaughtered Order (black)
Legendary creature - Spirit Horror( mythic rare)
Creature spells you cast cost 3 more to cast.
At the beginning of each end step, return all creatures you control that died this turn to the battlefield under your control.
3/3 ...that sometimes kindness lead to great tragedies.
Jace's Hoodie 2
Legendary Artifact - Garment {mythic}
Attire 1 (1: Attach to target planeswalker you control. Attire only as a sorcery.)
Whenever you draw one or more cards, put a loyalty counter on attired planewalker. "Forget Tamiyo, where is Dack?" Jace to Sorin
Avicis, The Origin Of War3
Legendary Artifact - Equipment (MR) Lone - Equipped creature gets +2/+2. If no other creature shares a creature type with equipped creature, it gets +4/+4 and has indestructable instead
At the beginning of your upkeep, Equipped creature fights target creature that shares a creature type with it.
Equip 3 Its gold blade was the first metal worked by human hands. The blood of the first murder victim once stained it, though it has long since been washed away in generations of conflict.
Kana, Unwanted Psychic1U
Legendary Creature - Human (R)
Your opponents play with their hands revealed. T: Scry 1.
At the beginning of each upkeep, if you control at least three other humans, sacrifice Kana. If you do, you may pay W. If you do, return Kana to the battlefield at the beginning of the next end step. "That kid livin' up there, they say she's got some weird mind readin' powers. Really unsettlin' too. We should do something about 'er."
-Nanm, Village Gossiper
0/2
//
Kana, Benevolent Spirit (White/Blue)
Legendary Creature - Spirit (R)
Flying
Other creatures you control get +1/+1. T: Exile another target creature you control, then return that card to the battlefield under your control. Even in death, all she wants is to finally be accepted by others.
2/2
Cursed Relic4
Artifact
Whenever a creature deals combat damage to you, that creature's controller gains control of Treasured Relic.
At the beginning of each upkeep, if you own Treasured Relic, you gain 1 life. Otherwise, Treasured Relic deals 1 damage to you. Legends spoke of a great treasure hidden in the heart of Akoum, immensely valuable but immensely perilous.
Herlock Sholmes, Master Detective
Legendary Creature — Human Advisor (M)
Vigilance, prowess
, : Investigate. (Put a colorless Clue artifact token onto the battlefield with " , Sacrifice this artifact: Draw a card.")
, Sacrifice a Clue: Scry 1, then draw a card. "Elementary my dear Jatson."
3/4
(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)
Scepter of Ages5
Legendary Artifact (M)
At the beginning of your upkeep, put an age counter on Scepter of Ages. Then choose X, where X is the number of age counters on Scepter of Ages. You may choose the same mode more than once.
• Scepter of Ages deals 1 damage to target creature or player.
• You gain 2 life.
• Tap target permanent. Every era imbues a spell granting it limitless potential.
Bital, Scornful CriticRW
Legendary Creature - Orc Advisor (R)
Menace
When Bital, Scornful Critic deals combat damage to a player, he or she sacrifices an artifact or enchantment. Not so much Revence’s most revered art critic as he is the most feared.
2/2
Eraya the Cobbler1U
Legendary Creature — Human [M]
When Eraya the Cobbler dies, name a card. An opponent guesses whether a card with that name is in your hand. Reveal your hand. If your opponent guessed wrong, draw three cards. Though she was called the most vile criminal in imperial history, Eraya's trial was short, her execution swift. Many murders later, citizens wondered if the true Bloody Shoe Killer yet lived.
[1/1]
Teysa, Ghost Outcast1WB
Legendary Creature - Spirit Advisor (R)
Flying
Whenever an opponent gains life, you gain that much life.
Whenever Teysa, Ghost Outcast attacks, you may return target card from exile to its owner's graveyard. If you do, its owner gains life equal to its converted mana cost. The Obzedat sought to silence her, but they created an enemy outside the reaches of their power.
2/2
Chronicle of Time4
Legendary Artifact (MR)
Whenever a player casts a spell, you may put a charge counter on Chronicle of Time.
Sacrifice Chronicle of Time: Draw a card for each charge counter on Chronicle of Time. The value of any commodity changes, but one: Knowledge.
Scepter of Fire1RR
Legendary Artifact (M) T: Target player gets a burn counter. Scepter of Fire deals damage to that player or target creature that player controls equal to the number of burn counters he or she has. The damage can't be prevented. This ancient scepter was forged by dwarves of the Heart Mountains. A symbol of kingship, it has the power to shoot balls of raging fire.
ATTACHMENTS
Scepter of Fire
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Create your own cards on MTG.Design
( ancestral on Custom Magic Discord server )
( mproud on reddit )
The Heaviest Crown4
Legendary Artifact [M]
At the beginning of your end step and the beginning of your upkeep, exile your hand, then draw that many cards.
Sacrifice a legendary creature: Target player gains control of The Heaviest Crown. Any player may activate this ability. "I come from a long line of kings, boy. I will not be the last." - High Lord Greelix, to his betrayer, Ulmic Riverstead.
At the beginning of each end step: look at the top 4 cards of your library. Choose an instant or sorcery card from among them and exile that card marked as foretold. Return the rest to the bottom of your library in any order.
When Dream-Seer Elder dies, add up to three foretold cards from exile to your hand. Oracles are always a danger to those with evil plans.
3/4
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
MtG is where you can hate white players or black players, and still not be racist.
Pibbles, Prized PetG
Legendary Creature - Squirrel (R)
At the beginning of your end step, if Pibbles, Prized Pet is tapped, you draw a card. "The lady's pet does serve as some much needed distraction for the crew during our many hardships. The tricks it performs are truly delightful."
-Entry in Captain Buck’s logbook
0/1
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
The Lost Ark4
Legendary Artifact (M) T, tap 2 untapped creatures you control: Destroy all tapped creatures. "All your life has been spent in pursuit of archaeological relics. Inside the Ark are treasures beyond your wildest aspirations. You want to see it opened as well as I. We are simply passing through history. This, this *is* history."
-Belloq, famous last words
Silva, Blade of Fate3
Legendary Artifact - Equipment R
Equipped creature gets +4/+4 and has vigilance, first strike, and trample.
Whenever a legendary creature enters the battlefield, its controller may pay 3. If he or she does, that player gains control of Silva and attaches it to that creature.
Equip 3 The Sword never lets anyone take hold of it themselves, instead choosing its wielder. If it is anywhere, it is because thats where it wants to be.
ANATOMY OF A MYSTERY
Round 1: The Crime
There are many types of mystery stories. Two common ones includes either someone getting murdered or something valuable getting stolen.
Challenge: Design a legendary artifact (aka, the stolen item) or legendary creature (aka, the murder victim.)
Subchallenge 1: Does not have any abilities that can protect itself (Hexproof, protection, etc.) After all, it did get stolen or murdered. See clarifications.
Subchallenge 2: Has flavour text that shows some history.
MCC Rules
(X/3) Appeal: Do the different player psychographics (Timmy/Johhny/Spike) have a use for the card?
(X/3) Elegance: Is the card easily understandable at a glance? Do all the flavor and mechanics combined as a whole make sense?
Development -
(X/3) Viability: How well does the card fit into the color wheel? Does it break or bend the rules of the game? Is it the appropriate rarity?
(X/3) Balance: Does the card have a power level appropriate for contemporary constructed/limited environments without breaking them? Does it play well in casual and multiplayer formats? Does it create or fit into a deck/archetype? Does it create an oppressive environment?
Creativity -
(X/3) Uniqueness: Has a card like this ever been printed before? Does it use new mechanics, ideas, or design space? Does it combine old ideas in a new way? Overall, does it feel “fresh”?
(X/3) Flavor: Does the name seem realistic for a card? Does the flavor text sound professional? Do all the flavor elements synch together to please Vorthos players?
Polish -
(X/3) Quality: Points deducted for incorrect spelling, grammar, and templating.
(X/2) *Main Challenge: Was the main challenge satisfied? Was it approached in a unique or interesting way? Does the card fit the intent of the challenge?
(X/2) Subchallenges: One point awarded per satisfied subchallenge condition.
Total: X/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
DEADLINES
In green, the next deadline to come.
In blue, further future deadlines to come.
In red, past deadlines.
Player deadline: Monday, April 4th 2016 23:59 EDT
Judge deadline: Friday, April 8th 2016 23:59 EDT
Judges:
Moss_Elemental
bravelion83
LnGrrrR
aurorasparrow
Players:
Just submit a card and you're in.
Good luck, everyone.
Judge: Moss_Elemental
TriceDefied
P E
thenoodler
Forestguy
ArchSinncubus
Flatline
CXA26483
Judge: bravelion83
Mr__Buttons
RickyRister
Jimmy Groove
proudawesome
glurman
maplesmall
doomfish
Judge: LnGrrrR
IcariiFA
Tesco(black)lotus
sperlman
Rhand
Ink-Treader
sunshinesoldier
Judge: aurorasparrow
SelesnyaNewLife
Guesswork
theazurespirit
void_nothing
riliss
scrad_the_wanderer
The top 4 from each bracket advances.
Legendary Artifact - Equipment (R)
Equipped creature gets +1/+1.
Whenever equipped creature attacks, put two 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens onto the battlefield.
When equipped creature dies, transform Karnas, Emperor's Scepter and target opponent gains control of it.
Equip 2
"For millenia, the emperors of Lirial held this sacred scepter, without knowing its sinister secret." - Arsalan Dreya, History of the Rift Kingdoms
//
Karnas, Conduit of Destruction
Legendary Artifact (R)
2, t, Sacrifice Karnas, Conduit of Destruction: Put a 5/5 black Demon creature token with flying onto the battlefield.
"The unnamed archmage who stole the scepter managed to shred the fabric of reality, and madness oozed forth." - Arsalan Dreya, History of the Rift Kingdoms
Legendary creature - Human Monk (mythic rare)
T: Add G to your mana pool for each creature you control. Spend this mana only to cast creature spells.
When Order of the Laurel dies, return it to the battlefield transformed under your control at the beginning of the next end step.
2/2
The monks always welcomed travelers with hospitality. Little did they know...
//
Wraiths of the Slaughtered Order (black)
Legendary creature - Spirit Horror( mythic rare)
Creature spells you cast cost 3 more to cast.
At the beginning of each end step, return all creatures you control that died this turn to the battlefield under your control.
3/3
...that sometimes kindness lead to great tragedies.
Jace's Hoodie 2
Legendary Artifact - Garment {mythic}
Attire 1 (1: Attach to target planeswalker you control. Attire only as a sorcery.)
Whenever you draw one or more cards, put a loyalty counter on attired planewalker.
"Forget Tamiyo, where is Dack?" Jace to Sorin
Legendary Artifact - Equipment (MR)
Lone - Equipped creature gets +2/+2. If no other creature shares a creature type with equipped creature, it gets +4/+4 and has indestructable instead
At the beginning of your upkeep, Equipped creature fights target creature that shares a creature type with it.
Equip 3
Its gold blade was the first metal worked by human hands. The blood of the first murder victim once stained it, though it has long since been washed away in generations of conflict.
Legendary Creature - Human (R)
Your opponents play with their hands revealed.
T: Scry 1.
At the beginning of each upkeep, if you control at least three other humans, sacrifice Kana. If you do, you may pay W. If you do, return Kana to the battlefield at the beginning of the next end step.
"That kid livin' up there, they say she's got some weird mind readin' powers. Really unsettlin' too. We should do something about 'er."
-Nanm, Village Gossiper
0/2
//
Kana, Benevolent Spirit (White/Blue)
Legendary Creature - Spirit (R)
Flying
Other creatures you control get +1/+1.
T: Exile another target creature you control, then return that card to the battlefield under your control.
Even in death, all she wants is to finally be accepted by others.
2/2
Artifact
Whenever a creature deals combat damage to you, that creature's controller gains control of Treasured Relic.
At the beginning of each upkeep, if you own Treasured Relic, you gain 1 life. Otherwise, Treasured Relic deals 1 damage to you.
Legends spoke of a great treasure hidden in the heart of Akoum, immensely valuable but immensely perilous.
Legendary Creature — Human Advisor (M)
Vigilance, prowess
, : Investigate. (Put a colorless Clue artifact token onto the battlefield with " , Sacrifice this artifact: Draw a card.")
, Sacrifice a Clue: Scry 1, then draw a card.
"Elementary my dear Jatson."
3/4
Legendary Artifact (M)
At the beginning of your upkeep, put an age counter on Scepter of Ages. Then choose X, where X is the number of age counters on Scepter of Ages. You may choose the same mode more than once.
• Scepter of Ages deals 1 damage to target creature or player.
• You gain 2 life.
• Tap target permanent.
Every era imbues a spell granting it limitless potential.
Legendary Creature - Orc Advisor (R)
Menace
When Bital, Scornful Critic deals combat damage to a player, he or she sacrifices an artifact or enchantment.
Not so much Revence’s most revered art critic as he is the most feared.
2/2
Choose one of these judge of creation:
Make Strionic Resonator shine!
You can not grasp the true form of Ashiok's attack!
Legendary Creature — Human [M]
When Eraya the Cobbler dies, name a card. An opponent guesses whether a card with that name is in your hand. Reveal your hand. If your opponent guessed wrong, draw three cards.
Though she was called the most vile criminal in imperial history, Eraya's trial was short, her execution swift. Many murders later, citizens wondered if the true Bloody Shoe Killer yet lived.
[1/1]
Legendary Creature - Spirit Advisor (R)
Flying
Whenever an opponent gains life, you gain that much life.
Whenever Teysa, Ghost Outcast attacks, you may return target card from exile to its owner's graveyard. If you do, its owner gains life equal to its converted mana cost.
The Obzedat sought to silence her, but they created an enemy outside the reaches of their power.
2/2
Legendary Artifact (MR)
Whenever a player casts a spell, you may put a charge counter on Chronicle of Time.
Sacrifice Chronicle of Time: Draw a card for each charge counter on Chronicle of Time.
The value of any commodity changes, but one: Knowledge.
Legendary Artifact (M)
T: Target player gets a burn counter. Scepter of Fire deals damage to that player or target creature that player controls equal to the number of burn counters he or she has. The damage can't be prevented.
This ancient scepter was forged by dwarves of the Heart Mountains. A symbol of kingship, it has the power to shoot balls of raging fire.
( ancestral on Custom Magic Discord server )
( mproud on reddit )
Legendary Artifact [M]
At the beginning of your end step and the beginning of your upkeep, exile your hand, then draw that many cards.
Sacrifice a legendary creature: Target player gains control of The Heaviest Crown. Any player may activate this ability.
"I come from a long line of kings, boy. I will not be the last." - High Lord Greelix, to his betrayer, Ulmic Riverstead.
GWU Bant Manifest - The Future Is Here. Or it will be at the end of turn. GWU
Legendary Creature - Orc Wizard
At the beginning of each end step: look at the top 4 cards of your library. Choose an instant or sorcery card from among them and exile that card marked as foretold. Return the rest to the bottom of your library in any order.
When Dream-Seer Elder dies, add up to three foretold cards from exile to your hand.
Oracles are always a danger to those with evil plans.
3/4
Legendary Creature - Squirrel (R)
At the beginning of your end step, if Pibbles, Prized Pet is tapped, you draw a card.
"The lady's pet does serve as some much needed distraction for the crew during our many hardships. The tricks it performs are truly delightful."
-Entry in Captain Buck’s logbook
0/1
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
Legendary Artifact (M)
T, tap 2 untapped creatures you control: Destroy all tapped creatures.
"All your life has been spent in pursuit of archaeological relics. Inside the Ark are treasures beyond your wildest aspirations. You want to see it opened as well as I. We are simply passing through history. This, this *is* history."
-Belloq, famous last words
Legendary Artifact - Equipment R
Equipped creature gets +4/+4 and has vigilance, first strike, and trample.
Whenever a legendary creature enters the battlefield, its controller may pay 3. If he or she does, that player gains control of Silva and attaches it to that creature.
Equip 3
The Sword never lets anyone take hold of it themselves, instead choosing its wielder. If it is anywhere, it is because thats where it wants to be.