The $10k figure is the amount of boosters you need to open to crack 30 masterpieces on average. The number you're saying is the estimate to buy them all as singles.
Currently Starcity them at $2540 for a complete set.
Challenge Rating - 18
Ward Self Against Lava
Design: Red Ward and friends say you're pretty securely underpowered, here, and I'm treating Guildscorn Ward as an indication that the Wards are still balanced. 3/10
Flavor: Decent flavor. 10/10
Polish: Good man. 5/5
Overall Score: 18 (Success, Mana Spent, 1 exp gained)
With a little patience, you manage to coax a bit of white mana into forming a shield against the heat around you, and, boldly, head down to the coast of the sea of lava, before crafting the rune into the molten surface there. After that is done, it's not even two minutes before the colossus erupts from the depths some ways away, and, with a smile and a thunderous laugh, it beckons to you, "Come here, little ???. We are going down a long way, and will have a ??? day to ???."
Once you've swam out to the foot of the colossus, it speaks again, "Take a deep breath," before closing a fist around you and plunging straight down, back into the magma.
The rush of liquid and light and heat is almost more than you can stand, more than the rush of wind or of water from your training with the elementals of Fiona, but before too long, it's stopped, and you find yourself being deposited on what seems to be giant metal plate at the bottom of the crushing weight of what must be several kilometers of lava. You hear the colossus speak, but fail to make out the words, as they reverberate through the magma, and the lava in your eyes is preventing you from seeing anything around you.
Well, you're surviving the heat, at least.
Xenaris expected they'd swim in lava. He did not expect however to be yanked miles down and deposited on some metal thing with no instructions at all (that he could understand anyway) of what was expected. The colossus had said "day". It hinted that they would be there for a long time. He certainly didn't have anyway of escape. His ward prevented the lava from harming him, but didn't do anything about the intense weight that pressed against him. That was the first order of business. He attempted to harness the magmatic energy and work with it in order to move.
Into the Volcano1R
Sorcery (C)
Target creature you control gets mountainwalk until end of turn.
Add RR to your mana pool. Those who survive the plunge arise surging with magmatic energy.
(OOC: If the spell fails ignore what is below.)
Once he had done his best to move around he sat down and meditated. He stared into the magma, trying to see through it. He did so for a long time, that was also a short time due to his dwindling air supply. Eventually, something just clicked. When the shift happened, Xenaris could no longer noticed the passing of time.
He was transfixed by the visions he saw swirling in the lava. He saw many shapes of elementals like the colossus and others that were different. Some of the shapes were hazier than others, this he guessed were memories or perhaps apparitions of elementals that once were. Xenaris didn't think on this however, he just let himself be.
Pyromantic VisionsRR
Sorcery (U)
Exile the top three cards of your library, You may play those cards this turn. The shortest flames fortell the farthest futures.
(OOC: The idea is after the series of mental visions his physical vision, primarily the ability to see in the lava is also improved.)
Once his visions had ended he immediately came back to himself. He examined the metal plate below him and the surrounding area as best he could. While his findings were interesting, they didn't help him out of his current predicament. The colossus had said it would teach him how to melt. He hoped that it would be able to sense his runes even in the depths. As the lava had mumbled the verbal language of the colossus, Xenaris wrote the following glowing runes on the metal plate.
WHAT - DO - ? HOW - MELT - ?
Xenaris Stormwind
Creature - Elf Wizard Archer :symu:, : Target creature gains flying until end of turn. :symg:, : Xenaris Stormwind deals 1 damage to target creature with flying.
1/1
Challenge Rating - 14
Find Food Design: Odd design. Why is it nonartifact? The life gain seems out-of-place, but I suppose it could make for an alternate-cantrip. I guess this could work as common as well. Also, microtext. 3/10 Flavor: Okay, the life-gain still seems a little out-of-place, but I get it. The food gives you the energy to stay up all night. 7/10 Polish: Good man. 5/5 Overall Score: 15 -1: 14 (Success, Mana Spent, 1 exp gained)
Challenge Rating - 18
Ward Self Against Lava Design: Okay, big color bleed. You have red getting protection from red, which I get, but then black getting protection from black which has not happened in a long time, black getting protection from red, which has only ever happened on a single card, and red getting protection from black, which has never happened. Neither of these colors are big on protection. Black only cares about protection from white, after all. Mask of Law and Grace says that, if this were feasible in these colors, you'd be balanced, however. 2/10 Flavor: Neat flavor. You know yourself so well that others like you can't harm you. However, you try and tie it into Shadowmoor, and then lose me. Good flavor, though. 7/10 Polish: Good man. 5/5 Overall Score: 14 (Failure, Mana Spent)
The transformation doesn't hold, unfortunately, and, while you've had a nice meal, you're not yet prepared for a trip into that sea of lava down the slope.
OOC: There are more ways to survive something than to gain protection from it.
(OOC: The nonartifact thing was there because only a living creature gets energy from food. But it only made the card look clunky it seems.)
His hunger sated, Xenaris tried once again to enchant himself. Instead of trying an outlandish transformation into an Elemental he decided to use his newly found white mana to protect himself from the intense heat. His elemental transformation had taught him a bit how to use mana for protection so he used that as a guide when making his enchantment.
Flame WardW
Enchantment - Aura (C)
Enchant creature
Prevent all damage that would be dealt to enchanted creature by red sources. Those that are steadfast in their convictions never need to fear trials by fire.
Should his enchantment remain stable, Xenaris then would use the rune given to him by the colossal lava elemental to call him and begin his training.
Xenaris Stormwind
Creature - Elf Wizard Archer :symu:, : Target creature gains flying until end of turn. :symg:, : Xenaris Stormwind deals 1 damage to target creature with flying.
1/1
OOC: Not having Survival means that you'll have to find logical means of sustaining yourself. Also, places of rest will not come easy here.
As you quickly scan the volcano-sides for a place to rest, you spot a few caves and a few outcroppings that might make good campsites, though you see no place where you could grab a bite to eat. However, you are out of mana and exhausted, so a long search is out of the question, and you quickly pick a cave and, after a quick conversation with the elemental, you pass out.
Waking up a while later (you're unsure how long, there is no way of telling time on this sphere), and are immensely hungry and stiff from sleeping on volcanic rock for hours. Your body also aches with burns across all portions of your exposed skin, due to the ambient heat of Morkla. You take a -1 penalty to card design until you get some food in you. However, the rest must have been long, as you feel your mana stores burgeoning with 2WBR(B/R)(W/B)(R/W). You're unsure where the W mana is coming from, but it's useful to have, regardless.
So, what first? Food? Return to the teaching? Find way to survive the heat more permanently?
Xenaris was quite famished having felt like he hadn't eaten for weeks. He reached into his supplies, hoping he hadn't dropped any of his foodstuffs. Xenaris would eat a week's worth of the flatbread if only he could find it.
Fionan Flatbread
Sorcery (C)
Target nonartifact creature you control gains vigilance until end of turn.
You gain 2 life. The elves of Fiona bake the bounty of the forests into their bread. A single piece of this magic bread makes a complete, nourishing meal that gives them the energy to work hard throughout the day. The night too if they have guard duty.
After attempting to find (and eat) the flatbread he packed before he set out on his journey, he decided to meditate to clear his mind before beginning the intense training under the lava colossus. He was excited and jittery with anticipation so it took him almost an hour to settle down enough to clear his mind. Once he did he walked to the edge of the lava pool. He attempted to change into his elemental form, but a new version utilizing the ash around him.
Ashenmoor Armor:SymBR:
Enchantment - Aura (U)
Enchant creature
Enchanted creature has protection from red and black and is a red and black Elemental in addition to its other colors and types. This effect doesn't remove Ashenmoor Armor. "The ashes of Ashenmoor are one of the few materials that can survive both the heat of lava and the vile taint of Ashling."
After successfully changing he called the colossus with the rune that it had taught him. He then asked the colossus to begin the training. (Should he fail, he will try again to change into a newish elemental form.)
Xenaris Stormwind
Creature - Elf Wizard Archer :symu:, : Target creature gains flying until end of turn. :symg:, : Xenaris Stormwind deals 1 damage to target creature with flying.
1/1
Rai exited the temple with the others and joined them at the Ranger Station.
(OOC: Sorry about the MIA. I'll still be MIA for 2 weeks or so. Until I come back I'm auto-following Josh/Billy. Josh and Billy may feel free to RP my character if they wish and use my items.)
Retroactive Challenge Rating - 18
Regenerate the Elemental
Secondary Challenge Rating - 22
Impress the Colossus Balance: This is definitely green, and not black, considering that black only really regenerates itself. Having said that, I think this is fairly balanced. Mending Hands with a restriction (red/black), and a boost (Battlegrowth). Should be uncommon for complexity, however. 4/10 Flavor: Interesting take on Flame-kin, making them more like phoenixes than insane elementals. 10/10 Polish: Good man 5/5 Overall Score: 19 (Success, Secondary Objective Failed, Mana Spent, 1 exp gained)
Retroactive Challenge Rating - 16
Buff Self
Secondary Challenge Rating - 22
Impress the Colossus Balance: I can see this at uncommon, given your reasoning. Also, seems well balanced with both Reckless Charge and Uncanny Speed, but I think it would wind up being a blow-out a bit too often. Nice design, of course 9/10 Flavor: Nice flavor. 10/10 Polish: Good man. 5/5 Overall Score: 24 (Success, Secondary Objective Success, Mana Spent, 3 exp gained)
Retroactive Challenge Rating - 18
Survive the Fist
Secondary Challenge Rating - 22
Impress the Colossus Balance: Should be fine. Not too many cards like this exist, but, considering Inside Out and Twisted Image, you might actually be underpowered. However, I quite dislike how this does not end at end of turn. 5/10 Flavor: I'm not sure I like the mixing of a Kamigawa character and a Ravinca mechanic. Beyond that, nice, simple flavor. 8/10 Polish: Good man. 5/5 Overall Score: 18 (Success, Secondary Objective Failed, Mana Spent, 2 exp gained)
OOC: Stop making so many cards that I like.
With some rapid-fire spells, you shield the storm elemental, intensify your own flames, and then meet the conflagration heading for your face with your own flame.
It seems like forever until the onslaught of heat passes, but when it finally does, the deafening rush of magma is replaced by the tumultuous, roaring laughter of the colossus. You and your mount are both a little worse for wear, and you feel you're going to pass out if you take in too much more mana too soon. Your transformation will not last too much longer anyways (1 more update). You need to acquire rest.
However, the colossus seems to be having a wonderful time, "???! Absolutely ???! You're fun, for a ???! Okay, I'll see if I can make a ??? learn! Oh wait, are you tired?!" and he begins laughing even louder. It's starting to seriously hurt your ears, "Tell you what, ???," he struggled through the stitch in his side, "you come back here soon. ??? this rune on the lava," he flashes a rune in the air which hurts your eyes, "I'll come up, and we'll start learning. Be prepared to go swimming!"
"I will! Thank you!' he said bowing to the immense colossus of an elemental.
When the colossus had left he flew back to the coast and looked for a good place to rest for a while. The challenge had completely drained him and he would need to recover his strength. Once he set down he told his summoned elemental to relate his adventures to Uzurai. He would certainly like to hear of them. After making sure the elemental had all the stories down perfectly, he sent it back to Fiona.
Utterly exhausted Xenaris sat down to rest. Unable to fight his weariness any longer he lied down and drifted off to sleep.
OOC: I'll be taking a break from the game until Sunday-Monday at earliest.
Xenaris Stormwind
Creature - Elf Wizard Archer :symu:, : Target creature gains flying until end of turn. :symg:, : Xenaris Stormwind deals 1 damage to target creature with flying.
1/1
Retroactive Challenge Rating - 22
Impress the Colossus
Secondary Challenge Rating - 17
Survive the Heat Balance: The closest thing I can find to this is Dust Corona, and that indicates that you've gone a little overboard. Instead of evasion, this gives protection from a color, which is far more brutal. Not only that, but you gain a plethora of additional benefits which would only be useful in the correct set, but in the correct set, would be very useful. Sure, Dust Corona isn't the most balanced card in the world, but it was useful in limited, and this certainly would swing games in your favor, given the correct limited environment. Having said that, I believe you have the correct rarity, considering complexity, just not the correct power level. 5/10 Flavor: Very good flavor. 10/10 Polish: Good man. 5/5 Overall Score: 20 (Failure, Secondary Success, Mana Spent, 1 exp gained)
The colossus roars with laughter as he witnesses your transformation into a Flamekin, "Foolish ???. I do not wish to ??? what ??? can do, but why ??? deserves to learn. Only the strong deserve to learn. Prove your strength! Survive! ???!"
With that, a gargantuan fist of sleek lava begins streaking through the air towards your head, burning you even as you feel the mana flood the world around you, suffusing your body with (B/R)RR.
The colossus just cast:
Atmospheric Ignition3RRR
Instant M
Atmospheric Ignition deals 5 damage to target player and each creature that player controls. This damage can't be prevented. That player can't gain life this turn. Those creatures can't block this turn.
Xenaris felt the great energy behind the elemental's attack. He let the energy suffuse himself. With this energy he could easily survive the attack. However, that wasn't enough for Xenaris. He didn't just want to beat the test by merely surviving. He wanted to meet the strength of the monumental colossus with a strength of his own and best it. But first he would make sure his summoned elemental didn't come to permanent harm. He channeled his mana into a spell of rebirth.
Rise from the AshesB
Instant (C)
Regenerate target red or black creature. When it regenerates this way, put a +1/+1 counter on it. For the flame-kin, death is merely a way to come back stronger than they were before.
The spell would channel the power of the attack from the colossus to reform the elemental stronger and better than ever... in theory anyway. Xenaris was running purely on instincts at this point. Next, he prepared to meet the attack of the colossus. He had a vision of an elemental of both fire and lightning. Whether a creation of his own mind, or something elses he did not know but he knew this was the path he needed to take.
Fury of MalignusR
Sorcery (U)
Target creature gets +3/+0 until end of turn. Damage that would be dealt by that creature can't be prevented this turn. Wherever the great storm went, its rage and anger lingered. The elements continued to batter the land for days and weeks so that all would know its wrath.
I made this uncommon because Unstable Footing was uncommon. "can't be prevented" effects overhwhelming are uncommon/rare effects. Power level wise its a common however.
He used his skill with lightning to draw the magma from the ocean beneath him. The amount of strength he had was enormous but couldn't be held for long. Instead of using it for attack however he would use the magma for defense.
Mannichi's ManueverR
Instant (U)
Switch target creature's power and toughness.
Overload 2R Might from mischief.
Xenaris channeled a great gout of magma at the oncoming fist intending to overwhelm it and push it back if he could.
Xenaris is a 3/1 from Be the Flame. Fury of Malignus makes Xenaris 6/1. Mannichi's Mania switches the power and toughness to make Xenaris 1/6 and survive. I just flavored it as him attacking the fist with an attack of his own.
Xenaris Stormwind
Creature - Elf Wizard Archer :symu:, : Target creature gains flying until end of turn. :symg:, : Xenaris Stormwind deals 1 damage to target creature with flying.
1/1
Retroactive Challenge Rating - 17
Summon a Ride Balance:Darklit Gargoyle says this should be fine, with losing the "artifact creature in a block where artifacts matter" and gaining a point of toughness. You have it at the wrong rarity, though, as this could easily be a common, since it doesn't exhibit any particularly complex ideas. 8/10 Flavor: The scenario you describe in the flavor text doesn't seem all that chaotic. Sure, storms are chaotic, but a storm can be expected to have lightning and wind, often simultaneously. Maybe I'm just splitting hairs, though. 8/10 Polish: Good man. 5/5 Overall Score: 21 (Success, Mana Spent, 2 exp gained)
Retroactive Challenge Rating - 19
Find an Elemental Balance: So, this is Flamekin Harbinger, but dealing 1 damage instead of giving a 1/1 body. That is awesome. I want to say that it's too similar to Flamekin Harbinger, but it's really not. This design should be fine. Only thing is that tutors are usually kept at uncommon or rare in modern design, so, point there. 8/10 Flavor: So it's like a drop of blood drawing in more sharks. Very nice flavor. The only gripe I have is that it categorizes all elementals into a single group. Why do water elementals draw air elementals using their flames? 9/10 Polish: Good man. 5/5 Overall Score: 22 (Success, Mana Spent, 2 exp gained)
After a long time flying about the sky of Morkla, casting a few spells, and even summoning a storm elemental to help keep your search going, you're finally rewarded: Far below, directly where you sculpted your runes, a shape emerges…
But continues to emerge…
Holy crap you summoned a big one…
After about a full minute, the colossus of lava looks down upon you, towering at least half a mile tall, and made of lava of a kind unlike the other lava around you, sleeker, and seeming to flow more quickly, just looking at it hurts you eyes.
After a few seconds of glowering, the elemental speaks. It's language is strange, but similar to the storm elementals you conversed with at great length back home. You miss a few words as it roars, molten spittle flying at you from it's gigantic maw, "Why have you called, ???. Your runes ??? strange. ??? do not call ??? ones. Not before. You are first, ???. Why have you called, ???."
When you explain that you want to be taught, the giant throws back it's head in laughter, "Teach ???. What ??? want to learn? How to melt?! I can teach ??? how to melt!"
Though, you have to give it one last chance, and request a task to earn it's tutelage. At this, the giant tilts his head at you, "Prove to ??? That you deserve to learn, that ??? can learn, that ??? has something more than ??? has."
Your proximity to the lava awards you another R, and, presuming you don't move next round, will deal you 1 damage.
Xenaris was awed at the great colossus of lava. It was on a completely different level from the elementals he had met before. His friend Uzurai was one of the most powerful elementals in Fiona but was absolutely no match for what lay before him.
His resolve wavered for a moment but his determination kept him from despair. He would prove himself to this lordly lava elemental. Conveniently, how to prove himself was simple. The lava would melt him soon if he did nothing. Simply surviving would be a task all its own.
However, he also had to prove he could learn and he had potential to grow. With some effort he calmed his nerves and simply let himself be. The answer came to him as if it had been there all along. He channeled his mana around himself and attempted to transform himself.
Be the FlameR
Enchantment - Aura (U)
Enchant creature
Enchanted creature gets +2/+0, has protection from red, and is a red Elemental in addition to its other colors and types. This effect doesn't remove Be the Flame. Why fight fire when one can become it?
Rather than fighting against the lava and its heat, he embraced it and took it all into himself. His body began to become similar to the lava elemental, his skin becoming orange-black and burning with orange flame. In place of hair he sprouted a long streak of bluish-green flames, making himself quite distinct from any other Morklan elemental.
(OOC: He's becoming a flame-kin rather than a lava elemental or some such.)
Attempting to maintain his form, he looked the giant, colossal elemental in the eye. "Does this prove I can learn? Does this prove I can become something more than I am?" he asked. He fought to control his flames as he did so, trying not to cause harm to either his mount or himself.
Xenaris Stormwind
Creature - Elf Wizard Archer :symu:, : Target creature gains flying until end of turn. :symg:, : Xenaris Stormwind deals 1 damage to target creature with flying.
1/1
Uranti went with Alvril to the bazaar. He used the opportunity to upgrade his cloak and amulet. He offered to exchange his Shawl and 30 gold for a Flittering Cloak and his Attuner's Sphere and 30 gold for a Simple-Gem Amulet. (He'll pay up to 20 gold more if need be. Otherwise he will do without the upgrades for now.)
"Alvril, there is a small matter I must attend to while there is time to do so. I will come back shortly and then let us and anyone who wish to join us journey to Glimasco and begin to stop the threat to our lands."
Uranti activated his new cloaks power of flight (should he be able to resonably acquire it) and with haste made his way to Ratbreath Hills. He sought to gather the Ratbloom that was said to grow there. Then he would return to deliver to the Begrinan merchant the 3 items he had requested so long ago.
Uranti1W
Creature - Cat Monk
Whenever you cast a spell, if you control three or more creatures, regenerate target creature.
3/4
Gold: 96
Inventory: Adventurer's Clothes, World-Imaging Device, Timeglass (Quest), 3 Colorless Mana Vials
Begrina Guard Plate (+1 Power/Toughness, increased colorless mana draw, +1 Universal Mod when spending colorless mana)
Mantis Helm (Increased black/green mana draw; +1 Universal vs. Insects)
Fine Birch Staff (+1 Out-Of-Combat Spell Mod; Increased mana draw)
Simple-Gem Amulet (+1 Universal Mod)
Sapshield (Absorb 1)
Flittering Cloak (1: Flying until EOT)
Abilities: Warmonk (You get +1/+2 in combat when you cast no spells)
Current Goals: Return to Begrina with the Timeglass so that Father Tor'ka can use it. Then, travel to Authina to acquire some mounts.
The merchant you behaved rashly with:
Twilight Rock x1 [X]
Moonwood x1 [X]
Ratbloom x1
The staffsmith:
Moonwood x1 [X]
Luminous Pollen x1
OOC: You do realize that you'll stop flying soon, right?
Retroactive Challenge Rating - 19
Find an Elemental Balance:Tracker's Instinct, but with the colors reversed, each cost dropped by 1, and which can get tribal cards, but which requires the player to choose a creature type before the cards are ever revealed. I'm feeling that this would be a bit on the too-good side, considering that you are digging four cards down for a single U, and then again for 1G. Also, unoriginal. 4/10 Flavor:Tracker's Instinct does fit in the flavor here. The addition of good flavor text is also good, but again, unoriginal. 7/10 Polish: Good man. 5/5 Overall Score: 16 (Failure, Mana Spent)
You make loops over the sea over and over again, but see no sign of a trail or shimmer of differently colored lava. You do, however, gain RR from your prolonged proximity to magma, and would have been dealt 3 damage by it as well, if it wasn't for the spell that is currently granting you flight.
Speaking of that spell, it's currently weakening, and you need to find a place to touch down, and soon. Perhaps you can go about finding out how to get yourself out of this predicament.
Xenaris continued to attempt to track down an elemental in the sea of lava. However he changed his tactics. First he summoned a Fionan elemental to ensure he didn't fall.
Spawn of UzuraiUR
Creature - Elemental (U)
Flying
:symur:: Switch Spawn of Uzurai's power and toughness until end of turn. The storms made by newly born storm elementals are highly chaotic. They shift from harsh buffeting winds to rapid lightning strikes and back again in the blink of an eye.
1/3
With the elemental keeping him from falling he continued his search. Like the mood of the elemental he summoned he searched in a chaotic, random fashion. He let the elemental choose the course trusting that it would guide him. When he had gone in this fashion for a few minutes he decided it was time to try and call a lava elemental.
Instead of simply attempting to observe its trail like last time he would actually try to call an elemental to this place. His chaotic path had put him in the correct state of mind. Now he shaped his remaining fire mana. He formed it into bluish-green flames and fired these flames into the lava. Carefully, he wrote a character in the elementals (of Fiona anyway) language with his flames: "come". He focused his feelings and desire of meeting a lava elemental as he wrote, hoping it would help.
Called by FlamesR
Sorcery (C)
Called by Flames deals 1 damage to target creature or player.
You may search your library for an Elemental card, reveal it, then shuffle your library and put that card on top of it. Elementals draw each other by their flames. The tiniest ember can portend the coming of a great inferno.
Should he find an elemental he would ask if the elemental would consent to teach him the ways of its kind. To earn its trust Xenaris offered to perform a task for the elemental of its choosing.
Xenaris Stormwind
Creature - Elf Wizard Archer :symu:, : Target creature gains flying until end of turn. :symg:, : Xenaris Stormwind deals 1 damage to target creature with flying.
1/1
Retroactive Challenge Rating - 16 Avoid Detection
Balance: Very good call making this only stay on if you control the creature. Beyond that, it's Fog Bank for 1 less, but which requires another creature to feed to it in order to work. Seems a little weak, considering it's a spell and a creature just to get a good blocker. 8/10
Flavor: I can grok it, but fog on a volcano world? 9/10 Polish: Good man. 5/5 Overall Score: 22 (Success, Mana Spent, 2 exp gained)
OOC: So you're drifting out over the ocean of lava? What do you do when you get there? Also, remember, permanents only last so long. You'll be dropping inside an update or two.
EDITS COMPLETE
Xenaris attempted to track down an elemental in the sea of lava.
Pathfinder's PerceptionU
Sorcery (U)
Choose a creature type. Reveal the top four cards of your library. Put a card of the chosen type from among them into your hand and the rest into your graveyard.
Flashback 1G Every creature leaves a trail one can see if they look closely enough.
Should he find an elemental he would ask if the elemental would consent to teach him the ways of its kind. To earn its trust Xenaris offered to perform a task for the elemental of its choosing.
Xenaris Stormwind
Creature - Elf Wizard Archer :symu:, : Target creature gains flying until end of turn. :symg:, : Xenaris Stormwind deals 1 damage to target creature with flying.
1/1
Currently Starcity them at $2540 for a complete set.
Ward Self Against Lava
Design: Red Ward and friends say you're pretty securely underpowered, here, and I'm treating Guildscorn Ward as an indication that the Wards are still balanced. 3/10
Flavor: Decent flavor. 10/10
Polish: Good man. 5/5
Overall Score: 18 (Success, Mana Spent, 1 exp gained)
With a little patience, you manage to coax a bit of white mana into forming a shield against the heat around you, and, boldly, head down to the coast of the sea of lava, before crafting the rune into the molten surface there. After that is done, it's not even two minutes before the colossus erupts from the depths some ways away, and, with a smile and a thunderous laugh, it beckons to you, "Come here, little ???. We are going down a long way, and will have a ??? day to ???."
Once you've swam out to the foot of the colossus, it speaks again, "Take a deep breath," before closing a fist around you and plunging straight down, back into the magma.
The rush of liquid and light and heat is almost more than you can stand, more than the rush of wind or of water from your training with the elementals of Fiona, but before too long, it's stopped, and you find yourself being deposited on what seems to be giant metal plate at the bottom of the crushing weight of what must be several kilometers of lava. You hear the colossus speak, but fail to make out the words, as they reverberate through the magma, and the lava in your eyes is preventing you from seeing anything around you.
Well, you're surviving the heat, at least.
Xenaris expected they'd swim in lava. He did not expect however to be yanked miles down and deposited on some metal thing with no instructions at all (that he could understand anyway) of what was expected. The colossus had said "day". It hinted that they would be there for a long time. He certainly didn't have anyway of escape. His ward prevented the lava from harming him, but didn't do anything about the intense weight that pressed against him. That was the first order of business. He attempted to harness the magmatic energy and work with it in order to move.
Into the Volcano 1R
Sorcery (C)
Target creature you control gets mountainwalk until end of turn.
Add RR to your mana pool.
Those who survive the plunge arise surging with magmatic energy.
(OOC: If the spell fails ignore what is below.)
Once he had done his best to move around he sat down and meditated. He stared into the magma, trying to see through it. He did so for a long time, that was also a short time due to his dwindling air supply. Eventually, something just clicked. When the shift happened, Xenaris could no longer noticed the passing of time.
He was transfixed by the visions he saw swirling in the lava. He saw many shapes of elementals like the colossus and others that were different. Some of the shapes were hazier than others, this he guessed were memories or perhaps apparitions of elementals that once were. Xenaris didn't think on this however, he just let himself be.
Pyromantic Visions RR
Sorcery (U)
Exile the top three cards of your library, You may play those cards this turn.
The shortest flames fortell the farthest futures.
(OOC: The idea is after the series of mental visions his physical vision, primarily the ability to see in the lava is also improved.)
Once his visions had ended he immediately came back to himself. He examined the metal plate below him and the surrounding area as best he could. While his findings were interesting, they didn't help him out of his current predicament. The colossus had said it would teach him how to melt. He hoped that it would be able to sense his runes even in the depths. As the lava had mumbled the verbal language of the colossus, Xenaris wrote the following glowing runes on the metal plate.
WHAT - DO - ? HOW - MELT - ?
Creature - Elf Wizard Archer
:symu:,
:symg:,
1/1
Gold: 0
Inventory: Clothes
Abilities:
Traits: Hawk Eyes
Experience: 18/20
Mana:1(B/R)(W/B)
Find Food
Design: Odd design. Why is it nonartifact? The life gain seems out-of-place, but I suppose it could make for an alternate-cantrip. I guess this could work as common as well. Also, microtext. 3/10
Flavor: Okay, the life-gain still seems a little out-of-place, but I get it. The food gives you the energy to stay up all night. 7/10
Polish: Good man. 5/5
Overall Score: 15 -1: 14 (Success, Mana Spent, 1 exp gained)
Challenge Rating - 18
Ward Self Against Lava
Design: Okay, big color bleed. You have red getting protection from red, which I get, but then black getting protection from black which has not happened in a long time, black getting protection from red, which has only ever happened on a single card, and red getting protection from black, which has never happened. Neither of these colors are big on protection. Black only cares about protection from white, after all. Mask of Law and Grace says that, if this were feasible in these colors, you'd be balanced, however. 2/10
Flavor: Neat flavor. You know yourself so well that others like you can't harm you. However, you try and tie it into Shadowmoor, and then lose me. Good flavor, though. 7/10
Polish: Good man. 5/5
Overall Score: 14 (Failure, Mana Spent)
The transformation doesn't hold, unfortunately, and, while you've had a nice meal, you're not yet prepared for a trip into that sea of lava down the slope.
OOC: There are more ways to survive something than to gain protection from it.
(OOC: The nonartifact thing was there because only a living creature gets energy from food. But it only made the card look clunky it seems.)
His hunger sated, Xenaris tried once again to enchant himself. Instead of trying an outlandish transformation into an Elemental he decided to use his newly found white mana to protect himself from the intense heat. His elemental transformation had taught him a bit how to use mana for protection so he used that as a guide when making his enchantment.
Flame Ward W
Enchantment - Aura (C)
Enchant creature
Prevent all damage that would be dealt to enchanted creature by red sources.
Those that are steadfast in their convictions never need to fear trials by fire.
Should his enchantment remain stable, Xenaris then would use the rune given to him by the colossal lava elemental to call him and begin his training.
Creature - Elf Wizard Archer
:symu:,
:symg:,
1/1
Gold: 0
Inventory: Clothes
Abilities:
Traits: Hawk Eyes
Experience: 17/20
Mana:2R(B/R)(W/B)
As you quickly scan the volcano-sides for a place to rest, you spot a few caves and a few outcroppings that might make good campsites, though you see no place where you could grab a bite to eat. However, you are out of mana and exhausted, so a long search is out of the question, and you quickly pick a cave and, after a quick conversation with the elemental, you pass out.
Waking up a while later (you're unsure how long, there is no way of telling time on this sphere), and are immensely hungry and stiff from sleeping on volcanic rock for hours. Your body also aches with burns across all portions of your exposed skin, due to the ambient heat of Morkla. You take a -1 penalty to card design until you get some food in you. However, the rest must have been long, as you feel your mana stores burgeoning with 2WBR(B/R)(W/B)(R/W). You're unsure where the W mana is coming from, but it's useful to have, regardless.
So, what first? Food? Return to the teaching? Find way to survive the heat more permanently?
Xenaris was quite famished having felt like he hadn't eaten for weeks. He reached into his supplies, hoping he hadn't dropped any of his foodstuffs. Xenaris would eat a week's worth of the flatbread if only he could find it.
Fionan Flatbread
Sorcery (C)
Target nonartifact creature you control gains vigilance until end of turn.
You gain 2 life.
The elves of Fiona bake the bounty of the forests into their bread. A single piece of this magic bread makes a complete, nourishing meal that gives them the energy to work hard throughout the day. The night too if they have guard duty.
After attempting to find (and eat) the flatbread he packed before he set out on his journey, he decided to meditate to clear his mind before beginning the intense training under the lava colossus. He was excited and jittery with anticipation so it took him almost an hour to settle down enough to clear his mind. Once he did he walked to the edge of the lava pool. He attempted to change into his elemental form, but a new version utilizing the ash around him.
Ashenmoor Armor :SymBR:
Enchantment - Aura (U)
Enchant creature
Enchanted creature has protection from red and black and is a red and black Elemental in addition to its other colors and types. This effect doesn't remove Ashenmoor Armor.
"The ashes of Ashenmoor are one of the few materials that can survive both the heat of lava and the vile taint of Ashling."
After successfully changing he called the colossus with the rune that it had taught him. He then asked the colossus to begin the training. (Should he fail, he will try again to change into a newish elemental form.)
Creature - Elf Wizard Archer
:symu:,
:symg:,
1/1
Gold: 0
Inventory: Clothes
Abilities:
Traits: Hawk Eyes
Experience: 16/20
Mana:2R(B/R)(W/B)(R/W)
(OOC: Sorry about the MIA. I'll still be MIA for 2 weeks or so. Until I come back I'm auto-following Josh/Billy. Josh and Billy may feel free to RP my character if they wish and use my items.)
Retroactive Challenge Rating - 18
Regenerate the Elemental
Secondary Challenge Rating - 22
Impress the Colossus
Balance: This is definitely green, and not black, considering that black only really regenerates itself. Having said that, I think this is fairly balanced. Mending Hands with a restriction (red/black), and a boost (Battlegrowth). Should be uncommon for complexity, however. 4/10
Flavor: Interesting take on Flame-kin, making them more like phoenixes than insane elementals. 10/10
Polish: Good man 5/5
Overall Score: 19 (Success, Secondary Objective Failed, Mana Spent, 1 exp gained)
Retroactive Challenge Rating - 16
Buff Self
Secondary Challenge Rating - 22
Impress the Colossus
Balance: I can see this at uncommon, given your reasoning. Also, seems well balanced with both Reckless Charge and Uncanny Speed, but I think it would wind up being a blow-out a bit too often. Nice design, of course 9/10
Flavor: Nice flavor. 10/10
Polish: Good man. 5/5
Overall Score: 24 (Success, Secondary Objective Success, Mana Spent, 3 exp gained)
Retroactive Challenge Rating - 18
Survive the Fist
Secondary Challenge Rating - 22
Impress the Colossus
Balance: Should be fine. Not too many cards like this exist, but, considering Inside Out and Twisted Image, you might actually be underpowered. However, I quite dislike how this does not end at end of turn. 5/10
Flavor: I'm not sure I like the mixing of a Kamigawa character and a Ravinca mechanic. Beyond that, nice, simple flavor. 8/10
Polish: Good man. 5/5
Overall Score: 18 (Success, Secondary Objective Failed, Mana Spent, 2 exp gained)
OOC: Stop making so many cards that I like.
With some rapid-fire spells, you shield the storm elemental, intensify your own flames, and then meet the conflagration heading for your face with your own flame.
It seems like forever until the onslaught of heat passes, but when it finally does, the deafening rush of magma is replaced by the tumultuous, roaring laughter of the colossus. You and your mount are both a little worse for wear, and you feel you're going to pass out if you take in too much more mana too soon. Your transformation will not last too much longer anyways (1 more update). You need to acquire rest.
However, the colossus seems to be having a wonderful time, "???! Absolutely ???! You're fun, for a ???! Okay, I'll see if I can make a ??? learn! Oh wait, are you tired?!" and he begins laughing even louder. It's starting to seriously hurt your ears, "Tell you what, ???," he struggled through the stitch in his side, "you come back here soon. ??? this rune on the lava," he flashes a rune in the air which hurts your eyes, "I'll come up, and we'll start learning. Be prepared to go swimming!"
"I will! Thank you!' he said bowing to the immense colossus of an elemental.
When the colossus had left he flew back to the coast and looked for a good place to rest for a while. The challenge had completely drained him and he would need to recover his strength. Once he set down he told his summoned elemental to relate his adventures to Uzurai. He would certainly like to hear of them. After making sure the elemental had all the stories down perfectly, he sent it back to Fiona.
Utterly exhausted Xenaris sat down to rest. Unable to fight his weariness any longer he lied down and drifted off to sleep.
OOC: I'll be taking a break from the game until Sunday-Monday at earliest.
Creature - Elf Wizard Archer
:symu:,
:symg:,
1/1
Gold: 0
Inventory: Clothes
Abilities:
Traits: Hawk Eyes
Experience: 16/20
Mana:
Impress the Colossus
Secondary Challenge Rating - 17
Survive the Heat
Balance: The closest thing I can find to this is Dust Corona, and that indicates that you've gone a little overboard. Instead of evasion, this gives protection from a color, which is far more brutal. Not only that, but you gain a plethora of additional benefits which would only be useful in the correct set, but in the correct set, would be very useful. Sure, Dust Corona isn't the most balanced card in the world, but it was useful in limited, and this certainly would swing games in your favor, given the correct limited environment. Having said that, I believe you have the correct rarity, considering complexity, just not the correct power level. 5/10
Flavor: Very good flavor. 10/10
Polish: Good man. 5/5
Overall Score: 20 (Failure, Secondary Success, Mana Spent, 1 exp gained)
The colossus roars with laughter as he witnesses your transformation into a Flamekin, "Foolish ???. I do not wish to ??? what ??? can do, but why ??? deserves to learn. Only the strong deserve to learn. Prove your strength! Survive! ???!"
With that, a gargantuan fist of sleek lava begins streaking through the air towards your head, burning you even as you feel the mana flood the world around you, suffusing your body with (B/R)RR.
The colossus just cast:
Atmospheric Ignition 3RRR
Instant M
Atmospheric Ignition deals 5 damage to target player and each creature that player controls. This damage can't be prevented. That player can't gain life this turn. Those creatures can't block this turn.
Xenaris felt the great energy behind the elemental's attack. He let the energy suffuse himself. With this energy he could easily survive the attack. However, that wasn't enough for Xenaris. He didn't just want to beat the test by merely surviving. He wanted to meet the strength of the monumental colossus with a strength of his own and best it. But first he would make sure his summoned elemental didn't come to permanent harm. He channeled his mana into a spell of rebirth.
Rise from the Ashes B
Instant (C)
Regenerate target red or black creature. When it regenerates this way, put a +1/+1 counter on it.
For the flame-kin, death is merely a way to come back stronger than they were before.
The spell would channel the power of the attack from the colossus to reform the elemental stronger and better than ever... in theory anyway. Xenaris was running purely on instincts at this point. Next, he prepared to meet the attack of the colossus. He had a vision of an elemental of both fire and lightning. Whether a creation of his own mind, or something elses he did not know but he knew this was the path he needed to take.
Fury of Malignus R
Sorcery (U)
Target creature gets +3/+0 until end of turn. Damage that would be dealt by that creature can't be prevented this turn.
Wherever the great storm went, its rage and anger lingered. The elements continued to batter the land for days and weeks so that all would know its wrath.
He used his skill with lightning to draw the magma from the ocean beneath him. The amount of strength he had was enormous but couldn't be held for long. Instead of using it for attack however he would use the magma for defense.
Mannichi's Manuever R
Instant (U)
Switch target creature's power and toughness.
Overload 2R
Might from mischief.
Xenaris channeled a great gout of magma at the oncoming fist intending to overwhelm it and push it back if he could.
Creature - Elf Wizard Archer
:symu:,
:symg:,
1/1
Gold: 0
Inventory: Clothes
Abilities:
Traits: Hawk Eyes
Experience: 10/20
Mana:
Summon a Ride
Balance: Darklit Gargoyle says this should be fine, with losing the "artifact creature in a block where artifacts matter" and gaining a point of toughness. You have it at the wrong rarity, though, as this could easily be a common, since it doesn't exhibit any particularly complex ideas. 8/10
Flavor: The scenario you describe in the flavor text doesn't seem all that chaotic. Sure, storms are chaotic, but a storm can be expected to have lightning and wind, often simultaneously. Maybe I'm just splitting hairs, though. 8/10
Polish: Good man. 5/5
Overall Score: 21 (Success, Mana Spent, 2 exp gained)
Retroactive Challenge Rating - 19
Find an Elemental
Balance: So, this is Flamekin Harbinger, but dealing 1 damage instead of giving a 1/1 body. That is awesome. I want to say that it's too similar to Flamekin Harbinger, but it's really not. This design should be fine. Only thing is that tutors are usually kept at uncommon or rare in modern design, so, point there. 8/10
Flavor: So it's like a drop of blood drawing in more sharks. Very nice flavor. The only gripe I have is that it categorizes all elementals into a single group. Why do water elementals draw air elementals using their flames? 9/10
Polish: Good man. 5/5
Overall Score: 22 (Success, Mana Spent, 2 exp gained)
After a long time flying about the sky of Morkla, casting a few spells, and even summoning a storm elemental to help keep your search going, you're finally rewarded: Far below, directly where you sculpted your runes, a shape emerges…
But continues to emerge…
Holy crap you summoned a big one…
After about a full minute, the colossus of lava looks down upon you, towering at least half a mile tall, and made of lava of a kind unlike the other lava around you, sleeker, and seeming to flow more quickly, just looking at it hurts you eyes.
After a few seconds of glowering, the elemental speaks. It's language is strange, but similar to the storm elementals you conversed with at great length back home. You miss a few words as it roars, molten spittle flying at you from it's gigantic maw, "Why have you called, ???. Your runes ??? strange. ??? do not call ??? ones. Not before. You are first, ???. Why have you called, ???."
When you explain that you want to be taught, the giant throws back it's head in laughter, "Teach ???. What ??? want to learn? How to melt?! I can teach ??? how to melt!"
Though, you have to give it one last chance, and request a task to earn it's tutelage. At this, the giant tilts his head at you, "Prove to ??? That you deserve to learn, that ??? can learn, that ??? has something more than ??? has."
Your proximity to the lava awards you another R, and, presuming you don't move next round, will deal you 1 damage.
Xenaris was awed at the great colossus of lava. It was on a completely different level from the elementals he had met before. His friend Uzurai was one of the most powerful elementals in Fiona but was absolutely no match for what lay before him.
His resolve wavered for a moment but his determination kept him from despair. He would prove himself to this lordly lava elemental. Conveniently, how to prove himself was simple. The lava would melt him soon if he did nothing. Simply surviving would be a task all its own.
However, he also had to prove he could learn and he had potential to grow. With some effort he calmed his nerves and simply let himself be. The answer came to him as if it had been there all along. He channeled his mana around himself and attempted to transform himself.
Be the Flame R
Enchantment - Aura (U)
Enchant creature
Enchanted creature gets +2/+0, has protection from red, and is a red Elemental in addition to its other colors and types. This effect doesn't remove Be the Flame.
Why fight fire when one can become it?
Rather than fighting against the lava and its heat, he embraced it and took it all into himself. His body began to become similar to the lava elemental, his skin becoming orange-black and burning with orange flame. In place of hair he sprouted a long streak of bluish-green flames, making himself quite distinct from any other Morklan elemental.
(OOC: He's becoming a flame-kin rather than a lava elemental or some such.)
Attempting to maintain his form, he looked the giant, colossal elemental in the eye. "Does this prove I can learn? Does this prove I can become something more than I am?" he asked. He fought to control his flames as he did so, trying not to cause harm to either his mount or himself.
Creature - Elf Wizard Archer
:symu:,
:symg:,
1/1
Gold: 0
Inventory: Clothes
Abilities:
Traits: Hawk Eyes
Experience: 9/20
Mana:
[DICE] 100 [/DICE]
"Alvril, there is a small matter I must attend to while there is time to do so. I will come back shortly and then let us and anyone who wish to join us journey to Glimasco and begin to stop the threat to our lands."
Uranti activated his new cloaks power of flight (should he be able to resonably acquire it) and with haste made his way to Ratbreath Hills. He sought to gather the Ratbloom that was said to grow there. Then he would return to deliver to the Begrinan merchant the 3 items he had requested so long ago.
Creature - Cat Monk
Whenever you cast a spell, if you control three or more creatures, regenerate target creature.
3/4
Gold: 96
Inventory: Adventurer's Clothes, World-Imaging Device, Timeglass (Quest), 3 Colorless Mana Vials
Begrina Guard Plate (+1 Power/Toughness, increased colorless mana draw, +1 Universal Mod when spending colorless mana)
Mantis Helm (Increased black/green mana draw; +1 Universal vs. Insects)
Fine Birch Staff (+1 Out-Of-Combat Spell Mod; Increased mana draw)
Simple-Gem Amulet (+1 Universal Mod)
Sapshield (Absorb 1)
Flittering Cloak (1: Flying until EOT)
Abilities: Warmonk (You get +1/+2 in combat when you cast no spells)
Current Goals: Return to Begrina with the Timeglass so that Father Tor'ka can use it. Then, travel to Authina to acquire some mounts.
The merchant you behaved rashly with:
Twilight Rock x1 [X]
Moonwood x1 [X]
Ratbloom x1
The staffsmith:
Moonwood x1 [X]
Luminous Pollen x1
The amulet maker:
Crimson Sands x2
Onyx Sands x2
Marble x2
Additional Materials collected:
Twilight Rock x1
Moonwood x1
Mantis Exoskeleton x4
Mantis Meat x3
Experience: 35/45
Mana: 8UB
Retroactive Challenge Rating - 19
Find an Elemental
Balance: Tracker's Instinct, but with the colors reversed, each cost dropped by 1, and which can get tribal cards, but which requires the player to choose a creature type before the cards are ever revealed. I'm feeling that this would be a bit on the too-good side, considering that you are digging four cards down for a single U, and then again for 1G. Also, unoriginal. 4/10
Flavor: Tracker's Instinct does fit in the flavor here. The addition of good flavor text is also good, but again, unoriginal. 7/10
Polish: Good man. 5/5
Overall Score: 16 (Failure, Mana Spent)
You make loops over the sea over and over again, but see no sign of a trail or shimmer of differently colored lava. You do, however, gain RR from your prolonged proximity to magma, and would have been dealt 3 damage by it as well, if it wasn't for the spell that is currently granting you flight.
Speaking of that spell, it's currently weakening, and you need to find a place to touch down, and soon. Perhaps you can go about finding out how to get yourself out of this predicament.
Xenaris continued to attempt to track down an elemental in the sea of lava. However he changed his tactics. First he summoned a Fionan elemental to ensure he didn't fall.
Spawn of Uzurai UR
Creature - Elemental (U)
Flying
:symur:: Switch Spawn of Uzurai's power and toughness until end of turn.
The storms made by newly born storm elementals are highly chaotic. They shift from harsh buffeting winds to rapid lightning strikes and back again in the blink of an eye.
1/3
With the elemental keeping him from falling he continued his search. Like the mood of the elemental he summoned he searched in a chaotic, random fashion. He let the elemental choose the course trusting that it would guide him. When he had gone in this fashion for a few minutes he decided it was time to try and call a lava elemental.
Instead of simply attempting to observe its trail like last time he would actually try to call an elemental to this place. His chaotic path had put him in the correct state of mind. Now he shaped his remaining fire mana. He formed it into bluish-green flames and fired these flames into the lava. Carefully, he wrote a character in the elementals (of Fiona anyway) language with his flames: "come". He focused his feelings and desire of meeting a lava elemental as he wrote, hoping it would help.
Called by Flames R
Sorcery (C)
Called by Flames deals 1 damage to target creature or player.
You may search your library for an Elemental card, reveal it, then shuffle your library and put that card on top of it.
Elementals draw each other by their flames. The tiniest ember can portend the coming of a great inferno.
Should he find an elemental he would ask if the elemental would consent to teach him the ways of its kind. To earn its trust Xenaris offered to perform a task for the elemental of its choosing.
Creature - Elf Wizard Archer
:symu:,
:symg:,
1/1
Gold: 0
Inventory: Clothes
Abilities:
Traits: Hawk Eyes
Experience: 5/20
Mana:
[DICE] 100 [/DICE]
Balance: Very good call making this only stay on if you control the creature. Beyond that, it's Fog Bank for 1 less, but which requires another creature to feed to it in order to work. Seems a little weak, considering it's a spell and a creature just to get a good blocker. 8/10
Flavor: I can grok it, but fog on a volcano world? 9/10 Polish: Good man. 5/5 Overall Score: 22 (Success, Mana Spent, 2 exp gained)
OOC: So you're drifting out over the ocean of lava? What do you do when you get there? Also, remember, permanents only last so long. You'll be dropping inside an update or two.
Xenaris attempted to track down an elemental in the sea of lava.
Pathfinder's Perception U
Sorcery (U)
Choose a creature type. Reveal the top four cards of your library. Put a card of the chosen type from among them into your hand and the rest into your graveyard.
Flashback 1G
Every creature leaves a trail one can see if they look closely enough.
Should he find an elemental he would ask if the elemental would consent to teach him the ways of its kind. To earn its trust Xenaris offered to perform a task for the elemental of its choosing.
Creature - Elf Wizard Archer
:symu:,
:symg:,
1/1
Gold: 0
Inventory: Clothes
Abilities:
Traits: Hawk Eyes
Experience: 5/20
Mana: