Tezzeret's Simulacrum, taken from MTG Art, by Craig J. Spearing and Wizards of the Coast
Welcome to the Card Creation League! Everyone is free to participate in either or both of the first two rounds. Come join us!
Theme
This month we're going to care about creature types! This may seem like quite simple stuff but it can get pretty complex given the many possible tribal interactions.
A handful of creature types are more or less reserved for artifact creatures only, and some of them have a pedigree going back to the beginning of the game. Once upon a time most artifact creatures (save for Golems for whatever reason) didn't get any subtypes at all, and there still hasn't been much done with tribal interactions with these types. Let's open up some of that space.
Challenge
Design an artifact creature card with at least one of the following types: Golem, Thopter,
Dreadnought, Juggernaut, or Construct.
Your card can be colored or colorless as long as it has the artifact type.
Make sure to include a rarity.
Your submissions are due Thursday, April 20th, 23:59 EST.
Arceron, the Inevitable
Legendary Artifact Creature - Contruct (M)
Trample
, Tap another untapped creature you control: Put a +1/+1 counter on Arceron, the Inevitable. Then, if Arceron has a power 5 or greater, it deals 5 damage to each opponent. The day Arceron was completed, not a soul was left to remember.
2/2
Arcbound Channeler
Artifact Creature — Construct (R)
Modular X (This enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters on it. When it dies, you may put its +1/+1 counters on target artifact creature.)
0/0
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
(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)
Urza's Constructor2
Artifact Creature - Golem (U)
When Urza’s Constructor enters the battlefield, you may sacrifice a land. If you do, search your library for an Urza’s land card and put it onto the battlefield. Then shuffle your library. When progress and obsession intersect, the world is irrevocably changed.
2/1
Neurok Cuffbinder1UU
Artifact Creature - Thopter (R)
Flying
You may choose not to untap Neurok Cuffbinder during your untap step. U, T: Tap target creature. That creature doesn't untap during its controller untap step for as long as Neurok Cuffbinder remains tapped.
1/4
Formidable Automation3
Creature - Construct (Rare)
When Formidable Automation enters the the battlefield or at the beginning of your upkeep, choose attack, defense or upgrade;
* Attack - Formidable Automation gets +2/+0 and has first strike and trample.
* Defense - Formidable Automation gets +0/+2 and has hexproof and vigilance.
* Upgrade - Put a +1/+1 counter on Formidable Automation.
2/2
Research Assistant4
Artifact Creature - Construct (U)
Whenever a nontoken artifact enters the battlefield under your control, you may draw a card. If you do, discard a card. Designs improve faster when they design each other.
2/3
Warden of the Eternities8
Creature - Golem(R)
Flash
If an opponent activated an ability of a planeswalker this turn, Warden of the Eternies costs4 less to cast Built to contain the mad mages from a long forgotten plane, the sentinels expanded their crusade to include any who would cross between worlds.
6/6
Oops. I thought I had one more day. Pretend my card has flavor text.
Holder....
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
(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)
Koopa: I think the general idea here is fine, it certainly feels like what a dreadnought might be like (considering we only have one example in MTG history.) That said, people are still more likely to just revive/cheat this into play and ignore casting it with delve. That makes it too powerful without some other clause attached to it.
Flatline: This card is well balanced. That said, it's a little dull. Between generic naming, a simple use of modular, and a lack of flavor text it lacks creativity. If modular returned though I think some X form of it is agiven.
Ink-Treader: I like the idea here. This is certainly a cool design for non-standard formats. However, if this were in standard with the full suit of Urza lands, I think it'd be too powerful. Strong flavor text.
iphanx: Outside of being a colored artifact card, this design feels pretty dated. It also feels like a card that is rare entirely for limited sake and wouldn't be played anywhere else. That said, it's a balanced design.
netn10: So I get a 5/3 first strike trampler for 3 colorless? That's not balanced. I'm not sure you intended the Attack and Defense mode options to be indefinite but that how the card reads to me without reminder text. It certainly takes the card from being pushed to clearly overpowered. Likely this card will enter the battelfield as a 3/3, become a 5/3 first strike trample creature on your first upkeep, and keep getting stronger every turn from there. I do like that flavor you're evoking here of having named modes, though I imagine three named modes would be too much at common if this was used in a set. Probably just attack or defense modes.
Theelkspeaks: This card is fine. It feels well balanced. It takes a generic name an ties it in thoughtfully with good flavor text that makes it feel less generic. It's flavor and mechanics match. I will say though, as for an entry for a design competition, this is safe and doesn't really tread new ground. The only creative aspect about it is the flavor text.
drewdagreek: I think the idea here of a planeswalker hate card is good. I think the numbers may be slightly off. 8 for a 6/6 flash creature is pretty underwhelming, and the situational discount makes this certainly above curve but still risky. Particularly since those planeswalker abilities don't cost mana which leaves your opponents lands untapped to counter or destroy this thing when you do cast it. I would consider adding hexproof or a can't be counter clause. It is a rare after all. The flavor text is a good explanation.
Worldtiller20
Legendary Artifact Creature - Dreadnought (M)
Delve
Trample A manufactured force of nature.
20/20
I'm... actually not sure what to think of this. The amount of delve needed is immense, but I always figured delving for even seven was a tall order, clearly my thought there was wrong, soo... hm. With no haste or protection, it can't immediately threaten the board, but it definitely demands an immediate answer. This probably isn't far off from the fabled 20/20 that it feels like will inevitably see print.
Arceron, the Inevitable
Legendary Artifact Creature - Contruct (M)
Trample
, Tap another untapped creature you control: Put a +1/+1 counter on Arceron, the Inevitable. Then, if Arceron has a power 5 or greater, it deals 5 damage to each opponent. The day Arceron was completed, not a soul was left to remember.
2/2
<---------- Post #1500
Relatively easy to keep down, but it wouldn't take much for this to be able to hit the board and immediately start slaughtering everyone. It's cool... but I fear it's too powerful.
Arcbound Channeler
Artifact Creature — Construct (R)
Modular X (This enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters on it. When it dies, you may put its +1/+1 counters on target artifact creature.)
0/0
Heh, flavor text would have helped, but this seems about right in terms of name to mechanics.
Neurok Cuffbinder1UU
Artifact Creature - Thopter (R)
Flying
You may choose not to untap Neurok Cuffbinder during your untap step. U, T: Tap target creature. That creature doesn't untap during its controller untap step for as long as Neurok Cuffbinder remains tapped.
1/4
Hm. Dungeon Geists feel so much better than this even if they do cost 1 more. I think at least it's ability doesn't need to cost mana, even if the ability does have flexibility over the geists
Formidable Automation3
Creature - Construct (Rare)
When Formidable Automation enters the the battlefield or at the beginning of your upkeep, choose attack, defense or upgrade;
* Attack - Formidable Automation gets +2/+0 and has first strike and trample.
* Defense - Formidable Automation gets +0/+2 and has hexproof and vigilance.
* Upgrade - Put a +1/+1 counter on Formidable Automation.
2/2
I'm going to guess the Attack and defense options were intended to last until your next turn. It's a pretty cool design if that's the case. Mayhaps needs to cost 1 more.
Research Assistant4
Artifact Creature - Construct (U)
Whenever a nontoken artifact enters the battlefield under your control, you may draw a card. If you do, discard a card. Designs improve faster when they design each other.
2/3
Comparable to Riddlesmith. Unlike the smith it does trigger itself though, and it's a nice body. Seems fair.
Warden of the Eternities8
Creature - Golem(R)
Flash
If an opponent activated an ability of a planeswalker this turn, Warden of the Eternies costs4 less to cast Built to contain the mad mages from a long forgotten plane, the sentinels expanded their crusade to include any who would cross between worlds.
6/6
Reasonably costed, though it could perhaps be cheaper, and a neat and unusual cost reduction condition. I quite like it.
Koopa: 20 for 20/20 reminds me of Darksteel Colossus, itself is pretty much weak, but Delve 20 sure does help casting it normally... this feels more like just a fat reanimation target somehow.. Icariifa: 2/2 for 2 with trample is very very good i think, in addition to that , it can pump itself.. as it pumps, it also have an extra ability that it deals 5 damage when its power is 5 or more, repeteadly if you have more than 1 untapped creatures, this is where i felt its somewhat too powerful.. ink-treader: i believe if it is to be printed, the way you would want to, we have to change the type of the Urza's lands to just Urza's.. otherwise you need to state the name of the things it can fetch.. this apart.. sure this will go to any tron decks with its ability you can search any of the pieces and just drop it down Flatline: Arcboundy stuff.. is arcboundy.. this is somewhat an upgrade to Endless One where the counter can be moved around.. netn10: this reminds me of a good old big robot stuff that has many option.. i assume the attack and defense is until end of turn.. power level wise it is pretty fine.. cool design! Theelspeaks: a fine uncommon although usually if it meant to make itself trigger its ability the wording would be "if ~ or other artifacts enter the battlefield" like in Aetherstorm Roc.. its balanced and usable limited card in artifact sets Drewdagreek: This is my favorite design of this challenge, this feels like how Izzet will react upon their research on Planeswalker is sufficient and they now go on the hunt for Planeswalkers.. good job..
Worldtiller20
Legendary Artifact Creature - Dreadnought (M)
Delve
Trample A manufactured force of nature.
20/20
This seems like a very cool build around, but could potentially be abused with some dredge-like mechanic. Even if you do cheat it into play quickly, it can be dealt with by non-damage removal, so it's not completely breaking. I like it!
Arceron, the Inevitable
Legendary Artifact Creature - Contruct (M)
Trample
, Tap another untapped creature you control: Put a +1/+1 counter on Arceron, the Inevitable. Then, if Arceron has a power 5 or greater, it deals 5 damage to each opponent. The day Arceron was completed, not a soul was left to remember.
2/2
<---------- Post #1500
I love the way this presents a massive threat that can't be ignored, but it might ramp up a little too quickly in a tokens strategy. On the whole, this is a very cool idea!
Arcbound Channeler
Artifact Creature — Construct (R)
Modular X (This enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters on it. When it dies, you may put its +1/+1 counters on target artifact creature.)
0/0
This feels like an interesting take on modular that makes it almost an inverse-bestow. I think it executes its idea excellently, I'm just not sure if modular plays as well as some of the other ideas in this round.
Urza's Constructor2
Artifact Creature - Golem (U)
When Urza’s Constructor enters the battlefield, you may sacrifice a land. If you do, search your library for an Urza’s land card and put it onto the battlefield. Then shuffle your library. When progress and obsession intersect, the world is irrevocably changed.
2/1
It's a Tron tutor as a 2 mana 2/1, which feels ok, but I'm not sure that this plays especially well in Tron and almost certainly doesn't play well anywhere else. You're turning on your opponents' small creature removal, but the ETB alone does get you most of the value. I'm also not sure how good sacrificing a land feels in Tron, it seems a little on the painful side.
Neurok Cuffbinder1UU
Artifact Creature - Thopter (R)
Flying
You may choose not to untap Neurok Cuffbinder during your untap step. U, T: Tap target creature. That creature doesn't untap during its controller untap step for as long as Neurok Cuffbinder remains tapped.
1/4
This is a very cool indefinite tapper as long as the creature stays tapped, and plays well in a limited control deck. I'm not sure it justifies being rare rather than uncommon.
Formidable Automation3
Creature - Construct (Rare)
When Formidable Automation enters the the battlefield or at the beginning of your upkeep, choose attack, defense or upgrade;
* Attack - Formidable Automation gets +2/+0 and has first strike and trample.
* Defense - Formidable Automation gets +0/+2 and has hexproof and vigilance.
* Upgrade - Put a +1/+1 counter on Formidable Automation.
2/2
I assume that both attack and defense are until end of turn, but it needs to say that. Also, unless this is part of a cycle, it seems like it could just be a choose one, rather than actually naming the three choices.
Warden of the Eternities8
Creature - Golem(R)
Flash
If an opponent activated an ability of a planeswalker this turn, Warden of the Eternies costs4 less to cast Built to contain the mad mages from a long forgotten plane, the sentinels expanded their crusade to include any who would cross between worlds.
6/6
This is a pretty cool anti-planeswalker hate card, though it seems very chump-able in most circumstances to protect your walker, especially if the walker makes tokens.
Koopa - Oh my! It's pretty cool, but I don't think it's my type of thing. It should probably shuffle into your librar if put into your graveyard.
IcarriFA - This is ok, but it just seems a bit disjointed to me.
Ink-Treader - This is very one dimensional. I wish the Urza lands weren't legal in Modern.
iphanx - I like this, but it seems a bit underpowered to me for a rare.
netn10 - I like this idea. I assume the first two choices are supoosed to be until end of turn?
Theelkspeaks - This is a really solid UC.
drewdagreek - This thing's ability is very dependent on what your opponent is doing. This one just doesn't really do a lot for me.
1st: netn10 (Assuming the first two abilities are supposed to be until end of turn.)
2nd: iphanx
3rd: Theelkspeaks
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
(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)
There's been enough extra time for other contestants to critique and no one has.
Because of the way scores worked out (a four-way tie for second place) the top 4 round is actually a top 6. Congratulations to the following contestants for moving on:
“Built Not Born”
Tezzeret's Simulacrum, taken from MTG Art, by Craig J. Spearing and Wizards of the Coast
Theme
This month we're going to care about creature types! This may seem like quite simple stuff but it can get pretty complex given the many possible tribal interactions.
A handful of creature types are more or less reserved for artifact creatures only, and some of them have a pedigree going back to the beginning of the game. Once upon a time most artifact creatures (save for Golems for whatever reason) didn't get any subtypes at all, and there still hasn't been much done with tribal interactions with these types. Let's open up some of that space.
Challenge
Contestants:
Ink-Treader
iphanx
IcariiFA
Theelkspeaks
Flatline
drewdagreek
Koopa
netn10
Schedule
I̟̥͍̠ͅn̩͉̣͍̬͚ͅ ̬̬͖t̯̹̞̺͖͓̯̤h̘͍̬e͙̯͈̖̼̮ ̭̬f̺̲̲̪i͙͉̟̩̰r̪̝͚͈̝̥͍̝̲s̼̻͇̘̳͔ͅt̲̺̳̗̜̪̙ ̳̺̥̻͚̗ͅm̜̜̟̰͈͓͎͇o̝̖̮̝͇m̯̻̞̼̫̗͓̤e̩̯̬̮̩n͎̱̪̲̹͖t͇̖s̰̮ͅ,̤̲͙̻̭̻̯̹̰ ̖t̫̙̺̯͖͚̯ͅh͙̯̦̳̗̰̟e͖̪͉̼̯ ̪͕g̞̣͔a̗̦t̬̬͓͙̫̖̭̻e̩̻̯ ̜̖̦̖̤̭͙̬t̞̹̥̪͎͉ͅo͕͚͍͇̲͇͓̺ ̭̬͙͈̣̻t͈͍͙͓̫̖͙̩h̪̬̖̙e̗͈ ̗̬̟̞̺̤͉̯ͅa̦̯͚̙̜̮f͉͙̲̣̞̼t̪̤̞̣͚e̲͉̳̥r͇̪̙͚͓l̥̞̞͎̹̯̹ͅi͓̬f̮̥̬̞͈ͅe͎ ̟̩̤̳̠̯̩̯o̮̘̲p̟͚̣̞͉͓e͍̩̣n͔̼͕͚̜e̬̱d̼̘͎̖̹͍̮̠,͖̺̭̱̮ ̣̲͖̬̪̭̥a̪͚n̟̲̝̤̤̞̗d̘̱̗͇̮͕̳͕͔ ͖̞͉͎t̹̙͎h̰̱͉̗e̪̞̱̝̹̩ͅ ̠̱̩̭̦p̯̙e͓o̳͚̰̯̺̱̰͔̘p̬͎̱̣̼̩͇l̗̟̖͚̠e̱͉͔̱̦̬̟̙ ̖͚̪͔̼̦w̺̖̤̱e͖̗̻̦͓̖̘̜r̭̥e͔̹̫̱͕̦̰͕ ̗͔̠p̠̗͍͍̱̳̠r̰͔͎̰o͉̥͓̰͚̥s̟͚̹̱͔̣t͉̙̳̖͖̪̮r̥̘̥͙̹a͉̟̫̟̳̠̟̭t͈̜̰͈͎e̞̣̭̲̬ ͚̗̯̟͙i͍͖̰̘̦͖͉ṇ̮̻̯̦̲̩͍ ̦̮͚̫̤t͉͖̫͕ͅͅh͙̮̻̘̣̮̼e͕̺ ͙l͕̠͎̰̥i̲͓͉̲g̫̳̟͈͇̖h̠̦̖t͓̯͎̗ ̳̪̘̟̙̩̦o̫̲f̙͔̰̙̠ ̹̪̗͇̯t͖̼̼͉͖̬h̹͇̩e͚̖̺̤͉̹͕̪ ͚͓̭̝̺G͎̗̯̩o̫̯̮̟̮̳̘d̜̲͙̠-̩̳̯̲̗̜P̹̘̥͉̝h͍͈̗̖̝ͅa͍̗̮̼̗r̜̖͇̙̺a̭̺͔̞̳͈o̪̣͓̯̬͙̯̰̗h̖̦͈̥̯͔.͇̣̙̝
Legendary Artifact Creature - Dreadnought (M)
Delve
Trample
A manufactured force of nature.
20/20
BGStandard Green AggroGB
UWRGModern Saheeli CobraGRWU
UBRGLegacy StormGRBU
Wizards Certified Rules Advisor
Legendary Artifact Creature - Contruct (M)
Trample
, Tap another untapped creature you control: Put a +1/+1 counter on Arceron, the Inevitable. Then, if Arceron has a power 5 or greater, it deals 5 damage to each opponent.
The day Arceron was completed, not a soul was left to remember.
2/2
<---------- Post #1500
Artifact Creature — Construct (R)
Modular X (This enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters on it. When it dies, you may put its +1/+1 counters on target artifact creature.)
0/0
Artifact Creature - Golem (U)
When Urza’s Constructor enters the battlefield, you may sacrifice a land. If you do, search your library for an Urza’s land card and put it onto the battlefield. Then shuffle your library.
When progress and obsession intersect, the world is irrevocably changed.
2/1
Choose one of these judge of creation:
Make Strionic Resonator shine!
You can not grasp the true form of Ashiok's attack!
Artifact Creature - Thopter (R)
Flying
You may choose not to untap Neurok Cuffbinder during your untap step.
U, T: Tap target creature. That creature doesn't untap during its controller untap step for as long as Neurok Cuffbinder remains tapped.
1/4
Creature - Construct (Rare)
When Formidable Automation enters the the battlefield or at the beginning of your upkeep, choose attack, defense or upgrade;
* Attack - Formidable Automation gets +2/+0 and has first strike and trample.
* Defense - Formidable Automation gets +0/+2 and has hexproof and vigilance.
* Upgrade - Put a +1/+1 counter on Formidable Automation.
2/2
Artifact Creature - Construct (U)
Whenever a nontoken artifact enters the battlefield under your control, you may draw a card. If you do, discard a card.
Designs improve faster when they design each other.
2/3
Creature - Golem(R)
Flash
If an opponent activated an ability of a planeswalker this turn, Warden of the Eternies costs4 less to cast
Built to contain the mad mages from a long forgotten plane, the sentinels expanded their crusade to include any who would cross between worlds.
6/6
I̟̥͍̠ͅn̩͉̣͍̬͚ͅ ̬̬͖t̯̹̞̺͖͓̯̤h̘͍̬e͙̯͈̖̼̮ ̭̬f̺̲̲̪i͙͉̟̩̰r̪̝͚͈̝̥͍̝̲s̼̻͇̘̳͔ͅt̲̺̳̗̜̪̙ ̳̺̥̻͚̗ͅm̜̜̟̰͈͓͎͇o̝̖̮̝͇m̯̻̞̼̫̗͓̤e̩̯̬̮̩n͎̱̪̲̹͖t͇̖s̰̮ͅ,̤̲͙̻̭̻̯̹̰ ̖t̫̙̺̯͖͚̯ͅh͙̯̦̳̗̰̟e͖̪͉̼̯ ̪͕g̞̣͔a̗̦t̬̬͓͙̫̖̭̻e̩̻̯ ̜̖̦̖̤̭͙̬t̞̹̥̪͎͉ͅo͕͚͍͇̲͇͓̺ ̭̬͙͈̣̻t͈͍͙͓̫̖͙̩h̪̬̖̙e̗͈ ̗̬̟̞̺̤͉̯ͅa̦̯͚̙̜̮f͉͙̲̣̞̼t̪̤̞̣͚e̲͉̳̥r͇̪̙͚͓l̥̞̞͎̹̯̹ͅi͓̬f̮̥̬̞͈ͅe͎ ̟̩̤̳̠̯̩̯o̮̘̲p̟͚̣̞͉͓e͍̩̣n͔̼͕͚̜e̬̱d̼̘͎̖̹͍̮̠,͖̺̭̱̮ ̣̲͖̬̪̭̥a̪͚n̟̲̝̤̤̞̗d̘̱̗͇̮͕̳͕͔ ͖̞͉͎t̹̙͎h̰̱͉̗e̪̞̱̝̹̩ͅ ̠̱̩̭̦p̯̙e͓o̳͚̰̯̺̱̰͔̘p̬͎̱̣̼̩͇l̗̟̖͚̠e̱͉͔̱̦̬̟̙ ̖͚̪͔̼̦w̺̖̤̱e͖̗̻̦͓̖̘̜r̭̥e͔̹̫̱͕̦̰͕ ̗͔̠p̠̗͍͍̱̳̠r̰͔͎̰o͉̥͓̰͚̥s̟͚̹̱͔̣t͉̙̳̖͖̪̮r̥̘̥͙̹a͉̟̫̟̳̠̟̭t͈̜̰͈͎e̞̣̭̲̬ ͚̗̯̟͙i͍͖̰̘̦͖͉ṇ̮̻̯̦̲̩͍ ̦̮͚̫̤t͉͖̫͕ͅͅh͙̮̻̘̣̮̼e͕̺ ͙l͕̠͎̰̥i̲͓͉̲g̫̳̟͈͇̖h̠̦̖t͓̯͎̗ ̳̪̘̟̙̩̦o̫̲f̙͔̰̙̠ ̹̪̗͇̯t͖̼̼͉͖̬h̹͇̩e͚̖̺̤͉̹͕̪ ͚͓̭̝̺G͎̗̯̩o̫̯̮̟̮̳̘d̜̲͙̠-̩̳̯̲̗̜P̹̘̥͉̝h͍͈̗̖̝ͅa͍̗̮̼̗r̜̖͇̙̺a̭̺͔̞̳͈o̪̣͓̯̬͙̯̰̗h̖̦͈̥̯͔.͇̣̙̝
Holder....
Flatline: This card is well balanced. That said, it's a little dull. Between generic naming, a simple use of modular, and a lack of flavor text it lacks creativity. If modular returned though I think some X form of it is agiven.
Ink-Treader: I like the idea here. This is certainly a cool design for non-standard formats. However, if this were in standard with the full suit of Urza lands, I think it'd be too powerful. Strong flavor text.
iphanx: Outside of being a colored artifact card, this design feels pretty dated. It also feels like a card that is rare entirely for limited sake and wouldn't be played anywhere else. That said, it's a balanced design.
netn10: So I get a 5/3 first strike trampler for 3 colorless? That's not balanced. I'm not sure you intended the Attack and Defense mode options to be indefinite but that how the card reads to me without reminder text. It certainly takes the card from being pushed to clearly overpowered. Likely this card will enter the battelfield as a 3/3, become a 5/3 first strike trample creature on your first upkeep, and keep getting stronger every turn from there. I do like that flavor you're evoking here of having named modes, though I imagine three named modes would be too much at common if this was used in a set. Probably just attack or defense modes.
Theelkspeaks: This card is fine. It feels well balanced. It takes a generic name an ties it in thoughtfully with good flavor text that makes it feel less generic. It's flavor and mechanics match. I will say though, as for an entry for a design competition, this is safe and doesn't really tread new ground. The only creative aspect about it is the flavor text.
drewdagreek: I think the idea here of a planeswalker hate card is good. I think the numbers may be slightly off. 8 for a 6/6 flash creature is pretty underwhelming, and the situational discount makes this certainly above curve but still risky. Particularly since those planeswalker abilities don't cost mana which leaves your opponents lands untapped to counter or destroy this thing when you do cast it. I would consider adding hexproof or a can't be counter clause. It is a rare after all. The flavor text is a good explanation.
2nd: drewdagreek
3rd: Theelkspeaks
I'm... actually not sure what to think of this. The amount of delve needed is immense, but I always figured delving for even seven was a tall order, clearly my thought there was wrong, soo... hm. With no haste or protection, it can't immediately threaten the board, but it definitely demands an immediate answer. This probably isn't far off from the fabled 20/20 that it feels like will inevitably see print.
Relatively easy to keep down, but it wouldn't take much for this to be able to hit the board and immediately start slaughtering everyone. It's cool... but I fear it's too powerful.
Heh, flavor text would have helped, but this seems about right in terms of name to mechanics.
Hm. Dungeon Geists feel so much better than this even if they do cost 1 more. I think at least it's ability doesn't need to cost mana, even if the ability does have flexibility over the geists
I'm going to guess the Attack and defense options were intended to last until your next turn. It's a pretty cool design if that's the case. Mayhaps needs to cost 1 more.
Comparable to Riddlesmith. Unlike the smith it does trigger itself though, and it's a nice body. Seems fair.
Reasonably costed, though it could perhaps be cheaper, and a neat and unusual cost reduction condition. I quite like it.
2. drewdagreek
3. Theelkspeaks
Choose one of these judge of creation:
Make Strionic Resonator shine!
You can not grasp the true form of Ashiok's attack!
Koopa: 20 for 20/20 reminds me of Darksteel Colossus, itself is pretty much weak, but Delve 20 sure does help casting it normally... this feels more like just a fat reanimation target somehow..
Icariifa: 2/2 for 2 with trample is very very good i think, in addition to that , it can pump itself.. as it pumps, it also have an extra ability that it deals 5 damage when its power is 5 or more, repeteadly if you have more than 1 untapped creatures, this is where i felt its somewhat too powerful..
ink-treader: i believe if it is to be printed, the way you would want to, we have to change the type of the Urza's lands to just Urza's.. otherwise you need to state the name of the things it can fetch.. this apart.. sure this will go to any tron decks with its ability you can search any of the pieces and just drop it down
Flatline: Arcboundy stuff.. is arcboundy.. this is somewhat an upgrade to Endless One where the counter can be moved around..
netn10: this reminds me of a good old big robot stuff that has many option.. i assume the attack and defense is until end of turn.. power level wise it is pretty fine.. cool design!
Theelspeaks: a fine uncommon although usually if it meant to make itself trigger its ability the wording would be "if ~ or other artifacts enter the battlefield" like in Aetherstorm Roc.. its balanced and usable limited card in artifact sets
Drewdagreek: This is my favorite design of this challenge, this feels like how Izzet will react upon their research on Planeswalker is sufficient and they now go on the hunt for Planeswalkers.. good job..
1. Drewdagreek
2. netn10
3. ink-treader
This seems like a very cool build around, but could potentially be abused with some dredge-like mechanic. Even if you do cheat it into play quickly, it can be dealt with by non-damage removal, so it's not completely breaking. I like it!
I love the way this presents a massive threat that can't be ignored, but it might ramp up a little too quickly in a tokens strategy. On the whole, this is a very cool idea!
This feels like an interesting take on modular that makes it almost an inverse-bestow. I think it executes its idea excellently, I'm just not sure if modular plays as well as some of the other ideas in this round.
It's a Tron tutor as a 2 mana 2/1, which feels ok, but I'm not sure that this plays especially well in Tron and almost certainly doesn't play well anywhere else. You're turning on your opponents' small creature removal, but the ETB alone does get you most of the value. I'm also not sure how good sacrificing a land feels in Tron, it seems a little on the painful side.
This is a very cool indefinite tapper as long as the creature stays tapped, and plays well in a limited control deck. I'm not sure it justifies being rare rather than uncommon.
I assume that both attack and defense are until end of turn, but it needs to say that. Also, unless this is part of a cycle, it seems like it could just be a choose one, rather than actually naming the three choices.
This is a pretty cool anti-planeswalker hate card, though it seems very chump-able in most circumstances to protect your walker, especially if the walker makes tokens.
Top 3:
1. IcariiFA
2. Koopa
3. drewdagreek
IcarriFA - This is ok, but it just seems a bit disjointed to me.
Ink-Treader - This is very one dimensional. I wish the Urza lands weren't legal in Modern.
iphanx - I like this, but it seems a bit underpowered to me for a rare.
netn10 - I like this idea. I assume the first two choices are supoosed to be until end of turn?
Theelkspeaks - This is a really solid UC.
drewdagreek - This thing's ability is very dependent on what your opponent is doing. This one just doesn't really do a lot for me.
2nd: iphanx
3rd: Theelkspeaks
Because of the way scores worked out (a four-way tie for second place) the top 4 round is actually a top 6. Congratulations to the following contestants for moving on:
Ink-Treader
drewdagreek
IcariiFA
Theelkspeaks
Flatline
netn10
I̟̥͍̠ͅn̩͉̣͍̬͚ͅ ̬̬͖t̯̹̞̺͖͓̯̤h̘͍̬e͙̯͈̖̼̮ ̭̬f̺̲̲̪i͙͉̟̩̰r̪̝͚͈̝̥͍̝̲s̼̻͇̘̳͔ͅt̲̺̳̗̜̪̙ ̳̺̥̻͚̗ͅm̜̜̟̰͈͓͎͇o̝̖̮̝͇m̯̻̞̼̫̗͓̤e̩̯̬̮̩n͎̱̪̲̹͖t͇̖s̰̮ͅ,̤̲͙̻̭̻̯̹̰ ̖t̫̙̺̯͖͚̯ͅh͙̯̦̳̗̰̟e͖̪͉̼̯ ̪͕g̞̣͔a̗̦t̬̬͓͙̫̖̭̻e̩̻̯ ̜̖̦̖̤̭͙̬t̞̹̥̪͎͉ͅo͕͚͍͇̲͇͓̺ ̭̬͙͈̣̻t͈͍͙͓̫̖͙̩h̪̬̖̙e̗͈ ̗̬̟̞̺̤͉̯ͅa̦̯͚̙̜̮f͉͙̲̣̞̼t̪̤̞̣͚e̲͉̳̥r͇̪̙͚͓l̥̞̞͎̹̯̹ͅi͓̬f̮̥̬̞͈ͅe͎ ̟̩̤̳̠̯̩̯o̮̘̲p̟͚̣̞͉͓e͍̩̣n͔̼͕͚̜e̬̱d̼̘͎̖̹͍̮̠,͖̺̭̱̮ ̣̲͖̬̪̭̥a̪͚n̟̲̝̤̤̞̗d̘̱̗͇̮͕̳͕͔ ͖̞͉͎t̹̙͎h̰̱͉̗e̪̞̱̝̹̩ͅ ̠̱̩̭̦p̯̙e͓o̳͚̰̯̺̱̰͔̘p̬͎̱̣̼̩͇l̗̟̖͚̠e̱͉͔̱̦̬̟̙ ̖͚̪͔̼̦w̺̖̤̱e͖̗̻̦͓̖̘̜r̭̥e͔̹̫̱͕̦̰͕ ̗͔̠p̠̗͍͍̱̳̠r̰͔͎̰o͉̥͓̰͚̥s̟͚̹̱͔̣t͉̙̳̖͖̪̮r̥̘̥͙̹a͉̟̫̟̳̠̟̭t͈̜̰͈͎e̞̣̭̲̬ ͚̗̯̟͙i͍͖̰̘̦͖͉ṇ̮̻̯̦̲̩͍ ̦̮͚̫̤t͉͖̫͕ͅͅh͙̮̻̘̣̮̼e͕̺ ͙l͕̠͎̰̥i̲͓͉̲g̫̳̟͈͇̖h̠̦̖t͓̯͎̗ ̳̪̘̟̙̩̦o̫̲f̙͔̰̙̠ ̹̪̗͇̯t͖̼̼͉͖̬h̹͇̩e͚̖̺̤͉̹͕̪ ͚͓̭̝̺G͎̗̯̩o̫̯̮̟̮̳̘d̜̲͙̠-̩̳̯̲̗̜P̹̘̥͉̝h͍͈̗̖̝ͅa͍̗̮̼̗r̜̖͇̙̺a̭̺͔̞̳͈o̪̣͓̯̬͙̯̰̗h̖̦͈̥̯͔.͇̣̙̝