After a month based on top-down design, it only feels appropriate to go for a month dedicated to its opposite. So, the theme of this month will be bottom-up card design. For those who might not know, what that means is a card design that starts with a mechanical idea and only then finds a flavor that suits it. This time, rounds will differ, but they will all be based on some kind of mechanical idea.
Maro's article from last Monday revealed to us the existence of "planeswalker decks" as a new product starting with Kaladesh. In that article, Maro tells us those decks will have some new cards in it. Here is the relevant section of the article in a spoiler for convenience:
The other big difference about Planeswalker Decks is that there's going to be five cards in each that won't be found in the expansion, but that will be considered connected to that block for Standard legality (meaning Planeswalker Decks will be playable in Standard). Here's what you can expect:
• One copy of a mythic rare planeswalker
Each Planeswalker Deck will have a brand-new planeswalker card, obviously of the Planeswalker the deck is themed around. These cards are being designed to be fun and flavorful but not pushed for tournament play. The idea is we want new players to be excited by them and for them to have a big impact on the game, but we don't want established players to feel obligated to buy the Planeswalker Decks. As a default, the planeswalkers will be expensive to cast and splashy. There will be one copy of this card in the deck, with art tied to the appropriate world.
R&D spent a lot of time debating whether or not the decks should have planeswalkers, and ultimately decided that we couldn't have a Planeswalker focus to the decks without having a card that actually represented them. We felt very strongly that the Planeswalker focus was key. We then had an even lengthier debate about how the planeswalkers should be designed. How many loyalty abilities should they have? Ideas ran the gamut from three to zero. In the end, we decided that we wanted them to work like all the other planeswalkers, but that we would make sure to design them more with beginners in mind.
• Two copies of a rare spell that has an effect and also tutors for the specific planeswalker
It was important to us for the deck to have a planeswalker, but we wanted it to be mythic rare—which meant that each deck could only have one. Was there a way to help the planeswalker have a big impact if only one was in your deck? The rare was our solution to this problem. The rare usually will cost one mana less than the planeswalker (to help ramp into the planeswalker) and have an appropriately themed effect. It will then search your library or graveyard for a copy of the specific planeswalker and put it into your hand. (Note that it only looks for the Planeswalker Deck's version of the planeswalker and not any version. Allowing you to get any version had huge developmental issues.) This functionally allows the player to have three copies of their planeswalker, which will increase the chances that it makes its way into play. There will be two copies of this card in the deck and it will have art tied to the Planeswalker.
• Three copies of an uncommon permanent that is enhanced by having the planeswalker on the battlefield
For the uncommon, we are making a permanent that is upgraded if you have the relevant planeswalker on the battlefield. Note that unlike the rare spell, the uncommon is looking for any version of the planeswalker—not just the one that comes in the Planeswalker Deck. This card will be thematically tied to the Planeswalker of the deck in name and art. There will be three copies of this card in the deck.
• Four copies of a common flavored to the Planeswalker
At common, we have a basic staple effect—one the Planeswalker would cast most often, with art showing them casting it. There will be four copies of this card in the deck.
In this round, you will have to create those new cards for an hypothetical planeswalker deck based on an existing planeswalker of your choice, except from the Lorwyn five and the Origins five. We will assume that the mythic rare will be a reprint of that planeswalker's card, and you will make the rest following Maro's guidelines from the spoiler above.
Challenge:
Choose an existing planeswalker that does NOT belong to the "Lorwyn five" or to the "Origins five" (so no Ajani, Gideon, Jace, Liliana, Chandra, Garruk, or Nissa).
If that planeswalker has been printed on more than one card, choose one of his or her planeswalker cards to be reprinted as the mythic rare of this hypothetical planeswalker deck.
Please mention the chosen planeswaker card in your submission.
Design the rare card, the uncommon card, AND the common card for your chosen planeswalker's deck following Maro's guidelines.
That means:
• A rarespell (aka nonpermanent, aka instant or sorcery) that has an effect and also tutors for the planeswalker card you chose referencing it by name.
• An uncommonpermanent that is enhanced by having a planeswalker with the chosen planeswalker's type on the battlefield.
• A common that can be anything, but has to be flavorfully (and possibly mechanically too) tied to the chosen Planeswalker.
For more details, see the spoiler above.
Obviously, each of the cards still has to belong to its rarity.
An example featuring my favorite planeswalker, conveniently forbidden for this challenge: Ajani.
I choose Ajani Vengeant as my reference planeswalker card.
Ajani’s Vengeance1RW(Costs one mana less than my chosen planeswalker card.)
Sorcery (R) (It's not a permanent.)
Creatures you control get +1/+0 and gain first strike until end of turn.
Search your library or graveyard for a card named Ajani Vengeant and put that card into your hand. If you searched your library this way, shuffle it. (Tutors for my chosen planeswalker card by name looking for it in both my library and graveyard.) “My rage won’t be quenched until I find out my brother’s killer!”
Ajani’s BreathrenRW
Creature — Cat Warrior (U) (It's a permanent.)
First strike
If you control an Ajani planeswalker, Ajani’s Breathren gets +1/+1 and has double strike. (It gets better if I control any planeswalker of that type, it references my chosen planeswalker card by type and not by name.) “He’s been the one who taught me how to properly channel my rage in battle.”
2/1
Ajani’s Peace3W
Instant (C)
You gain life equal to the damage dealt to target opponent this turn. “After you let it out, rage becomes peace.”
—Ajani (Has mechanical and flavorful ties with my chosen planeswalker.)
The submission deadline is Tuesday, May 24th 23:59 EDT.
The critique deadline is Friday, May 27th 23:59 EDTas soon as all critiques are posted. Please post critiques asap. Everyone critiques everybody else and ranks the top 3.
PLAYERS
theazurespirit
Ink-Treader
willows
RaikouRider
First place gives 3 points, second place 2 points, third place 1 point.
1 bonus point for posting critiques.
1 bonus point for posting a top 3.
The points received by each player will be added up and calculated as a percentage of the maximum points that player could have obtained, which are given by 3 * (number of critiques received) + 2
The percentages will then be ordered in decreasing order and that will be the standings for the round.
The percentages from the first three rounds will be added up at the end of round 3 to determine the top 8 or top 4 (see schedule above).
The same system will be used in top 8 and top 4 rounds.
As usual, the final winner will be determined by a public poll.
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.)
Frenzied Revelry1RG
Sorcery (R)
Choose target creature. Each creature you control deals damage equal to its power to that creature.
Search your library or graveyard for a card named Xenagos, God of Revels and put that card into your hand. If you searched your library this way, shuffle it.
Censer of Xenagos3
Artifact (U) T: Add R or G to your mana pool. Then, if you control a Xenagos planeswalker, put a +1/+1 counter on target creature. A flame as wild as the revels it inspires.
Satyr of the Great Revel1G
Creature - Satyr (C)
Whenever Satyr of the Great Revel attacks, add R to your mana pool at the beginning of your next main phase. "What have the gods ever done for us? Join Xenagos, and dance your cares away!"
2/1
Venser's Respite2WU
Instant (R)
Exile any number of target permanents you own. Return those permanents to the battlefield at the beginning of the next end step.
You may search your library or graveyard for a card named Venser, the Sojourner and put that card into your hand. If you do, shuffle your library.
Venser's Companion1WU
Creature - Human Wizard (U)
Vigilance
When Sojourner's Companion enters the battlefield, you gain 3 life. Then, if you control a Venser planeswalker, you may return target nonland permanent to its owner's hand. The best travelling comapanion's are those that look out for you.
1/3
Venser's CollectionU
Instant (C)
Return target permanent you own to your hand. "I still need to study that."
-Venser
Explore the Archives1UW
Sorcery (R)
Choose one—
• Search your library or graveyard for a card named Narset Transcendent and reveal it. If you do, put it into your hand.
• Shuffle your graveyard into your library.
• Scry 1. Draw a card.
Student of Narset3U
Creature — Djinn Monk (U)
Prowess
Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, if you control a Narset planeswalker, you may draw a card. If you do, discard a card.
3/2
Scroll of Secret Arts2
Artifact (C)
Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, you may pay 1. If you do, scry 1.
Only RaikouRider is missing, I'll leave him a few more hours to post before starting critiques.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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.)
Citywide BrawlXRGG
Sorcery {R}
Creatures you control get +X/+X until end of turn. Each of those creatures fights a creature you don't control.
Search your library and/or graveyard for a card named Domri Rade, reveal that card, and put it into your hand. If you searched your library this way, shuffle it.
Shaman of the Clans1RG
Creature - Human Shaman {U}
When Shaman of the Clans attacks, reveal the top card of your library. If it's a creature card, Shaman of the Clans gets +X/+X until end of turn, where X is that card's converted mana cost. If you control a Domri planeswalker, creatures you control gain trample until end of turn. 1/2
War-painted Slab2
Artifact {C}
War-painted Slab enters the battlefield tapped. T: Add C to your mana pool. T: Add R or G to your mana pool. Spend this mana only to cast creature spells.
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.)
Citywide BrawlXRGG
Sorcery {R}
Creatures you control get +X/+X until end of turn. Each of those creatures fights a creature you don't control.
Search your library and/or graveyard for a card named Domri Rade, reveal that card, and put it into your hand. If you searched your library this way, shuffle it.
Shaman of the Clans1RG
Creature - Human Shaman {U}
When Shaman of the Clans attacks, reveal the top card of your library. If it's a creature card, Shaman of the Clans gets +X/+X until end of turn, where X is that card's converted mana cost. If you control a Domri planeswalker, creatures you control gain trample until end of turn. 1/2
War-painted Slab2
Artifact {C}
War-painted Slab enters the battlefield tapped. T: Add C to your mana pool. T: Add R or G to your mana pool. Spend this mana only to cast creature spells.
Citywide Brawl: I'm pretty sure with X=0 and sans the tutor, this would be too strong. Might be fine with just an extra R to the cost... but even then I'd advise an extra 1 on top of that.
Shaman of the Clans: Swingy, but might be alright.
War-Painted Slab: Nice. I quite like it.
Explore the Archives1UW
Sorcery (R)
Choose one—
• Search your library or graveyard for a card named Narset Transcendent and reveal it. If you do, put it into your hand.
• Shuffle your graveyard into your library.
• Scry 1. Draw a card.
Student of Narset3U
Creature — Djinn Monk (U)
Prowess
Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, if you control a Narset planeswalker, you may draw a card. If you do, discard a card.
3/2
Scroll of Secret Arts2
Artifact (C)
Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, you may pay 1. If you do, scry 1.
Explore the Archives: First mode is alright, interesting way of approaching the challenge. Second mode is Reminisce, that's fine. Third mode is too weak. Could increase the scry to 2 or 3 easily.
Student of Narset: Simple and solid.
Scroll of Secret Arts: Seems alright. Might even be able to reduce the casting cost by 1.
Frenzied Revelry1RG
Sorcery (R)
Choose target creature. Each creature you control deals damage equal to its power to that creature.
Search your library or graveyard for a card named Xenagos, God of Revels and put that card into your hand. If you searched your library this way, shuffle it.
Censer of Xenagos3
Artifact (U) T: Add R or G to your mana pool. Then, if you control a Xenagos planeswalker, put a +1/+1 counter on target creature. A flame as wild as the revels it inspires.
Satyr of the Great Revel1G
Creature - Satyr (C)
Whenever Satyr of the Great Revel attacks, add R to your mana pool at the beginning of your next main phase. "What have the gods ever done for us? Join Xenagos, and dance your cares away!"
2/1
Frenzied Revelry: Should search for Xenagos, the Reveler, but other fine.
Censer of Xenagos: This is problematic. Word the second part "...put a +1/+1 counter on a creature you control." Targeting requires you to add a "can only be activated any time you could cast a instant."
Satyr of the Great Revel: Quite nice, and an effect we haven't seen often... actually might be too complex for common, but I think it'd be fine.
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.)
Frenzied Revelry: I feel like this is a three-mana spell on its own, without the tutor effect. Should search for the other Xenagos.
Censer of Xenagos: Okay, this is fine.
Satyr of the Great Revel: This I like a lot. It’s a cute effect.
Venser’s Respite: This has good Venser flavor.
Venser’s Companion: You’ve got a cardname typo in this. I’m not getting a lot of flavor out of this and the vigilance seems unneeded, but it’s okay.
Venser’s Collection: Cool sure.
Citywide Brawl: I feel that at minimum this needs an “X can’t be 0” clause; it is a little too cheap for a RG sweeper. Also I am not convinced that using X satisfies the “ramp into your walker” requirement.
Shaman of the Clans: This card is great fun. I like it a lot.
Venser's Respite: A very Venser-like ability for the Venser tutor. Appropriate for its cost. I like it.
Venser's Companion: Very weak without the Venser bonus. I think a planeswalker's companion creature should be playable without the planeswalker.
Venser's Collection: The restriction makes this quite narrow, and I don't think the ability to bounce noncreatures makes up for that. I wouldn't be happy to play this.
Explore the Archives: A modal card with the tutor as one of the modes fulfills the requirements, but it would also set the expectation that all the tutors would be similar. The other two modes are very weak, and while it’s probably playable, it’s not going to be particularly exciting.
Student of Narset: A nice, simple flavorful card. The planeswalker bonus is substantial enough to be exciting, but not so high that you feel compelled to wait until you have your planeswalker to play it. I like it.
Scroll of Secret Arts: Fine card, but probably a little too complex at common. The scry is probably small enough that you don’t need an extra mana; that can easily feel overly restrictive in play.
Citywide Brawl: A potential one-sided board wipe for 3 mana with no conditions attached plus a tutor is too strong. Need to be toned down a bit.
Shaman of the Clans: This is very swingy, but could be quite fun with the support of deck manipulation. Giving all creatures trample is a good choice for the planeswalker bonus; impactful, but not overly so.
War-Painted Slab: A decent mana rock with a restriction that makes a lot of sense in a Domri deck. Pretty good.
Now we're only missing RaikouRider. I'll wait a few more hours then I'll move on without him.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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.)
EDIT: I messed this up. Somehow I gave theazurespirit one more first place than he/she actually has, and one less to willows. I apologize. Many thanks and honor to theazurespirit who made me notice this against his/her own interest.
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.)
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
"Ramp of Approval"
After a month based on top-down design, it only feels appropriate to go for a month dedicated to its opposite. So, the theme of this month will be bottom-up card design. For those who might not know, what that means is a card design that starts with a mechanical idea and only then finds a flavor that suits it. This time, rounds will differ, but they will all be based on some kind of mechanical idea.
Maro's article from last Monday revealed to us the existence of "planeswalker decks" as a new product starting with Kaladesh. In that article, Maro tells us those decks will have some new cards in it. Here is the relevant section of the article in a spoiler for convenience:
The other big difference about Planeswalker Decks is that there's going to be five cards in each that won't be found in the expansion, but that will be considered connected to that block for Standard legality (meaning Planeswalker Decks will be playable in Standard). Here's what you can expect:
• One copy of a mythic rare planeswalker
Each Planeswalker Deck will have a brand-new planeswalker card, obviously of the Planeswalker the deck is themed around. These cards are being designed to be fun and flavorful but not pushed for tournament play. The idea is we want new players to be excited by them and for them to have a big impact on the game, but we don't want established players to feel obligated to buy the Planeswalker Decks. As a default, the planeswalkers will be expensive to cast and splashy. There will be one copy of this card in the deck, with art tied to the appropriate world.
R&D spent a lot of time debating whether or not the decks should have planeswalkers, and ultimately decided that we couldn't have a Planeswalker focus to the decks without having a card that actually represented them. We felt very strongly that the Planeswalker focus was key. We then had an even lengthier debate about how the planeswalkers should be designed. How many loyalty abilities should they have? Ideas ran the gamut from three to zero. In the end, we decided that we wanted them to work like all the other planeswalkers, but that we would make sure to design them more with beginners in mind.
• Two copies of a rare spell that has an effect and also tutors for the specific planeswalker
It was important to us for the deck to have a planeswalker, but we wanted it to be mythic rare—which meant that each deck could only have one. Was there a way to help the planeswalker have a big impact if only one was in your deck? The rare was our solution to this problem. The rare usually will cost one mana less than the planeswalker (to help ramp into the planeswalker) and have an appropriately themed effect. It will then search your library or graveyard for a copy of the specific planeswalker and put it into your hand. (Note that it only looks for the Planeswalker Deck's version of the planeswalker and not any version. Allowing you to get any version had huge developmental issues.) This functionally allows the player to have three copies of their planeswalker, which will increase the chances that it makes its way into play. There will be two copies of this card in the deck and it will have art tied to the Planeswalker.
• Three copies of an uncommon permanent that is enhanced by having the planeswalker on the battlefield
For the uncommon, we are making a permanent that is upgraded if you have the relevant planeswalker on the battlefield. Note that unlike the rare spell, the uncommon is looking for any version of the planeswalker—not just the one that comes in the Planeswalker Deck. This card will be thematically tied to the Planeswalker of the deck in name and art. There will be three copies of this card in the deck.
• Four copies of a common flavored to the Planeswalker
At common, we have a basic staple effect—one the Planeswalker would cast most often, with art showing them casting it. There will be four copies of this card in the deck.
Challenge:
Choose an existing planeswalker that does NOT belong to the "Lorwyn five" or to the "Origins five" (so no Ajani, Gideon, Jace, Liliana, Chandra, Garruk, or Nissa).
If that planeswalker has been printed on more than one card, choose one of his or her planeswalker cards to be reprinted as the mythic rare of this hypothetical planeswalker deck.
Please mention the chosen planeswaker card in your submission.
Design the rare card, the uncommon card, AND the common card for your chosen planeswalker's deck following Maro's guidelines.
That means:
• A rare spell (aka nonpermanent, aka instant or sorcery) that has an effect and also tutors for the planeswalker card you chose referencing it by name.
• An uncommon permanent that is enhanced by having a planeswalker with the chosen planeswalker's type on the battlefield.
• A common that can be anything, but has to be flavorfully (and possibly mechanically too) tied to the chosen Planeswalker.
For more details, see the spoiler above.
Obviously, each of the cards still has to belong to its rarity.
An example featuring my favorite planeswalker, conveniently forbidden for this challenge: Ajani.
I choose Ajani Vengeant as my reference planeswalker card.
Ajani’s Vengeance 1RW (Costs one mana less than my chosen planeswalker card.)
Sorcery (R) (It's not a permanent.)
Creatures you control get +1/+0 and gain first strike until end of turn.
Search your library or graveyard for a card named Ajani Vengeant and put that card into your hand. If you searched your library this way, shuffle it. (Tutors for my chosen planeswalker card by name looking for it in both my library and graveyard.)
“My rage won’t be quenched until I find out my brother’s killer!”
Ajani’s Breathren RW
Creature — Cat Warrior (U) (It's a permanent.)
First strike
If you control an Ajani planeswalker, Ajani’s Breathren gets +1/+1 and has double strike. (It gets better if I control any planeswalker of that type, it references my chosen planeswalker card by type and not by name.)
“He’s been the one who taught me how to properly channel my rage in battle.”
2/1
Ajani’s Peace 3W
Instant (C)
You gain life equal to the damage dealt to target opponent this turn.
“After you let it out, rage becomes peace.”
—Ajani
(Has mechanical and flavorful ties with my chosen planeswalker.)
The submission deadline is Tuesday, May 24th 23:59 EDT.
The critique deadline is
Friday, May 27th 23:59 EDTas soon as all critiques are posted. Please post critiques asap. Everyone critiques everybody else and ranks the top 3.PLAYERS
theazurespirit
Ink-Treader
willows
RaikouRider
First place gives 3 points, second place 2 points, third place 1 point.
1 bonus point for posting critiques.
1 bonus point for posting a top 3.
The points received by each player will be added up and calculated as a percentage of the maximum points that player could have obtained, which are given by 3 * (number of critiques received) + 2
The percentages will then be ordered in decreasing order and that will be the standings for the round.
The percentages from the first three rounds will be added up at the end of round 3 to determine the top 8 or top 4 (see schedule above).
The same system will be used in top 8 and top 4 rounds.
As usual, the final winner will be determined by a public poll.
SCORES FROM PREVIOUS ROUNDS
Asrama: 9/17=53%
Ink-Treader: 7/14=50%
glurman: 7/14=50%
theazurespirit: 7/14=50%
RaikouRider: 8/17=47%
drewdagreek: 9/20=45%
netn10: 9/20=45%
sperlman: 7/20=35%
willows: 5/17=29%
proudawesome: 3/14=21%
Jimmy Groove: 1/17=6%
willows: 6/8=75%
theazurespirit: 8/11=73%
Ink-Treader: 5/8=63%
RaikouRider: 7/14=50%
Asrama: 3/8=38%
glurman: 3/8=38%
RedGauntlet: 4/11=36%
netn10: 4/11=36%
proudawesome: 5/14=36%
Jimmy Groove: 2/8=25%
drewdagreek: 0/11=0%
theazurespirit: 11/11=100%
Ink-Treader: 9/14=64%
willows: 7/11=64%
proudawesome: 5/11=45%
netn10: 7/17=41%
RaikouRider: 8/20=40%
Asrama: 5/14=36%
drewdagreek: 5/17=29%
glurman: 4/17=24%
Voxzorz: 3/14=21%
NimBalor: 0/20=0%
theazurespirit: 50+73+100=223%
Ink-Treader: 50+63+64=177%
willows: 23+75+64=168%
RaikouRider: 47+50+40=137%
Asrama: 53+38+36=126%
netn10: 45+36+41=123%
glurman: 50+38+24=111%
proudawesome: 21+36+45=103%
drewdagreek: 45+0+29=74%
RedGauntlet: 0+36+0=36%
sperlman: 35+0+0=35%
Jimmy Groove: 6+25+0=31%
Voxzorz: 0+0+21=21%
NimBalor: 0+0+0=0%
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.)
Sorcery (R)
Choose target creature. Each creature you control deals damage equal to its power to that creature.
Search your library or graveyard for a card named Xenagos, God of Revels and put that card into your hand. If you searched your library this way, shuffle it.
Censer of Xenagos 3
Artifact (U)
T: Add R or G to your mana pool. Then, if you control a Xenagos planeswalker, put a +1/+1 counter on target creature.
A flame as wild as the revels it inspires.
Satyr of the Great Revel 1G
Creature - Satyr (C)
Whenever Satyr of the Great Revel attacks, add R to your mana pool at the beginning of your next main phase.
"What have the gods ever done for us? Join Xenagos, and dance your cares away!"
2/1
Venser's Respite 2WU
Instant (R)
Exile any number of target permanents you own. Return those permanents to the battlefield at the beginning of the next end step.
You may search your library or graveyard for a card named Venser, the Sojourner and put that card into your hand. If you do, shuffle your library.
Venser's Companion 1WU
Creature - Human Wizard (U)
Vigilance
When Sojourner's Companion enters the battlefield, you gain 3 life. Then, if you control a Venser planeswalker, you may return target nonland permanent to its owner's hand.
The best travelling comapanion's are those that look out for you.
1/3
Venser's Collection U
Instant (C)
Return target permanent you own to your hand.
"I still need to study that."
-Venser
Choose one of these judge of creation:
Make Strionic Resonator shine!
You can not grasp the true form of Ashiok's attack!
Explore the Archives 1UW
Sorcery (R)
Choose one—
• Search your library or graveyard for a card named Narset Transcendent and reveal it. If you do, put it into your hand.
• Shuffle your graveyard into your library.
• Scry 1. Draw a card.
Student of Narset 3U
Creature — Djinn Monk (U)
Prowess
Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, if you control a Narset planeswalker, you may draw a card. If you do, discard a card.
3/2
Scroll of Secret Arts 2
Artifact (C)
Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, you may pay 1. If you do, scry 1.
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.)
Domri Rade
Citywide Brawl XRGG
Sorcery {R}
Creatures you control get +X/+X until end of turn. Each of those creatures fights a creature you don't control.
Search your library and/or graveyard for a card named Domri Rade, reveal that card, and put it into your hand. If you searched your library this way, shuffle it.
Shaman of the Clans 1RG
Creature - Human Shaman {U}
When Shaman of the Clans attacks, reveal the top card of your library. If it's a creature card, Shaman of the Clans gets +X/+X until end of turn, where X is that card's converted mana cost. If you control a Domri planeswalker, creatures you control gain trample until end of turn.
1/2
War-painted Slab 2
Artifact {C}
War-painted Slab enters the battlefield tapped.
T: Add C to your mana pool.
T: Add R or G to your mana pool. Spend this mana only to cast creature spells.
Emille, Seven-Sting Dancer Shalin Nariya
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.)
Citywide Brawl: I'm pretty sure with X=0 and sans the tutor, this would be too strong. Might be fine with just an extra R to the cost... but even then I'd advise an extra 1 on top of that.
Shaman of the Clans: Swingy, but might be alright.
War-Painted Slab: Nice. I quite like it.
Explore the Archives: First mode is alright, interesting way of approaching the challenge. Second mode is Reminisce, that's fine. Third mode is too weak. Could increase the scry to 2 or 3 easily.
Student of Narset: Simple and solid.
Scroll of Secret Arts: Seems alright. Might even be able to reduce the casting cost by 1.
Frenzied Revelry: Should search for Xenagos, the Reveler, but other fine.
Censer of Xenagos: This is problematic. Word the second part "...put a +1/+1 counter on a creature you control." Targeting requires you to add a "can only be activated any time you could cast a instant."
Satyr of the Great Revel: Quite nice, and an effect we haven't seen often... actually might be too complex for common, but I think it'd be fine.
1. willows
2. theazurespirit
3. RaikouRider
Choose one of these judge of creation:
Make Strionic Resonator shine!
You can not grasp the true form of Ashiok's attack!
theazurespiritwillowsRaikouRider
There's no further deadline, but please post your critiques asap.
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.)
Censer of Xenagos: Okay, this is fine.
Satyr of the Great Revel: This I like a lot. It’s a cute effect.
Venser’s Companion: You’ve got a cardname typo in this. I’m not getting a lot of flavor out of this and the vigilance seems unneeded, but it’s okay.
Venser’s Collection: Cool sure.
Shaman of the Clans: This card is great fun. I like it a lot.
War-Painted Slab: No problem here.
2. theazurespirit
3. RaikouRider
Venser's Companion: Very weak without the Venser bonus. I think a planeswalker's companion creature should be playable without the planeswalker.
Venser's Collection: The restriction makes this quite narrow, and I don't think the ability to bounce noncreatures makes up for that. I wouldn't be happy to play this.
Student of Narset: A nice, simple flavorful card. The planeswalker bonus is substantial enough to be exciting, but not so high that you feel compelled to wait until you have your planeswalker to play it. I like it.
Scroll of Secret Arts: Fine card, but probably a little too complex at common. The scry is probably small enough that you don’t need an extra mana; that can easily feel overly restrictive in play.
Shaman of the Clans: This is very swingy, but could be quite fun with the support of deck manipulation. Giving all creatures trample is a good choice for the planeswalker bonus; impactful, but not overly so.
War-Painted Slab: A decent mana rock with a restriction that makes a lot of sense in a Domri deck. Pretty good.
2. RaikouRider
3. Ink-Treader
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.)
1) Ink-Treader
2) willows
3) theazurespirit
Emille, Seven-Sting Dancer Shalin Nariya
EDIT: I messed this up. Somehow I gave theazurespirit one more first place than he/she actually has, and one less to willows. I apologize. Many thanks and honor to theazurespirit who made me notice this against his/her own interest.
willows: 10/11=91%
Ink-Treader: 9/11=82%
theazurespirit: 7/11=64%
RaikouRider: 5/11=45%
The final round will be posted in a few minutes.
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.)