-I'll give you a task, and each leaguer has 3.5 days to submit a card. (We have a deadline, so try to adhere to this.)
- Then, the round closes, and each of you will have 1.5 days to post a Top 3 and reviews (And I shall do my best to have the next round up every 5 days.)
- Each 1st place earns you 3 points, 2nd place earns 2 points and 3rd place earns 1 point
- Additionaly, each player who posts a review for at least half the cards gains 1 point. Anyone who submits a T3 within deadline also receives a point.
- At the end of the third round, we go to a Top 8, where each session becomes a 1 vs. 1 (or not, it can sometimes be a 1 vs. 1 vs. 1 battle royale ) elimination, until we have our champion.
- If you don't post a round, you're on probation. If you don't post again, I'm sorry, but you're out.
- We have a "No Review Penalty" which means that if you don't post a T3, you are on probation, just as if you didn't post a card. If you didn't have time to post your T3 in time, PM it to me and I'll remove the probation, no extra charge!
- We'll have 2 teams. Each team will review the other team's cards. After 3 rounds, we will have a T4 for each team (team A 1st will face Team B 4th, team B 1st will face team A 4th, and so on).
- Some rounds I will vary the teams and scoring policies. I'll do my best to inform everyone what those changes entail.
The CCL is among the more fun games on the MtGSalvation forums due to its inherent aspect of interactivity among the Leaguers (that’s you). We actively critique each other’s card designs at the end of each round, putting a more personal interest into our cards and generally making us all better designers. Typically, we build worlds more complete than many games, as each round builds on the designs and ideas of previous rounds in the month. The CCL allows for Leaguers to plumb the depths of creativity, as the point schedule aspect allows for three full rounds without fear of elimination.
Schedule
The CCL will run six rounds, each lasting five days.
Rounds 1, 2 & 3 will be free-for-alls with each leaguer fighting for the most points during critiques. At the beginning of each of these rounds. The host will divide the league members evenly into two teams and each team will be assigned their design challenge. At the challenge deadline, the round will elapse into the critique section (see Critiques below). Once the critique section ends, the host will tally points and post the next round. Team rosters are likely to change between rounds; the new rosters will be included in the initial posting for the next round.
Each round will last five days: 3.5 to finalize designs, 1.5 for critiques.
The schedule will usually operate according to US Easter time zone (GMT -5) We will stick to this schedule as closely as possible, adjusting as necessary.
Challenge Rounds
At the start of each round, the host will post the challenge for the round. This may be, at the host’s discretion, a single challenge for all leaguers, a list for each leaguer to choose from, challenges assigned to each leaguer, or other challenge variation.
Each Leaguer will post his/her entry by the deadline, 3.5 days after the round is posted.
Critique Rounds
At the end of each challenge round, the host, or an individual the host designates, will officially close the round and open the forum for critiques. After this point, modifying the post containing your entry for the round will incur penalties (see Penalties section).
Each Leaguer will thoroughly critique at least 50% of the entries given by the leaguers on the other team.
In addition to the critiques, each Leaguer generates his/her list of the Top 3 entries for the round. The Top 3 listings are the chief source of points within the CCL and are therefore required to complete. Even if critiques are not completed, Top 3’s must be listed to avoid penalties (see Penalties for penalty schedule). Regardless of the cards actually critiqued by a given Leaguer, Top 3’s can be drawn from any valid entry of the round. Submitting Top 3’s grants one point.
A valid critique does not need to be lengthy. A few constructive sentences will do as long as they are meaningful. Neither “Hated it,” “Too expensive,” nor “Bahhrokken!!!” are valid critiques.
Example: The following card is submitted by Fitzgerald:
A few decent critics:
from Tiberius: Templating issue with “nonpermanent card,” it's confusing and should just read “instant or sorcery card.” And the cost seems steep: I’m giving up a mana, a card, and immediate access to the card I looked for. Creative, but not bad.
from Wilhelmina: I hate the name. Also the shuffle part should be right after removing the tutored card instead of on a separate line. Seems powerful as an instant, play it on the opponents turn and you get basically a free draw, but you get to pick it.
from Beauregard: A bit complicated for uncommon. It doesn’t go to microtext on a render (sans flavor text) but it still isn’t all that intuitive.
Valid Entry Constitution
A valid entry in a given round cleanly delivers all required components of the challenge. The CCL is based around card design, so each challenge will direct Leaguers to design one or more cards, but other components may be given according to the judge’s discretion. Historically, these non-card components have included such things as keyword mechanic designs, story pieces, and various ideas for the judge to incorporate into later rounds. Include only what is described by the challenge requirements, as superfluous items may sway judgings unfairly and will incur penalties.
It is customary to include card renders in entries. This is not required. Some Leaguers may not have access to render design software and therefore will not be penalized for posting an entry without a render. However, it must be understood that a proper render is easier to judge/critique as it is more pleasing to the eye, more memorable and allows for Leaguers to judge the card by its wordiness, a very important aspect of a card’s design. Common rendering software used include Magic Set Editor (free program, the standard that most amateur designers use), PhotoShop (not free), and GIMP (free PhotoShop knockoff).
Scoring
The bulk of available points will be derived from Top 3 listings, as is League custom. Within each Top 3 listing, the choice for 1st place will be awarded 3 points, the choice for 2nd place will receive 2 points, and the choice for 3rd place will receive 1 point. It is common for Leaguers to post an Honorable Mention or two along with their T3 listings. Honorable Mentions are not awarded points. Posting T3s is required and awards one point for completion of the requirements. There are penalties for failure to post T3s (see Penalties section).
Critiques are an optional aspect of the CCL, therefore no penalties are given for failure to complete critiques. Any Leaguer completing critiques for at least 50% of the other team's entries will receive 1 bonus point. An additional point will be awarded if a Leaguer critiques all valid entries in the round.
As noted in the section on Valid Entry Constitution, entries are encouraged to contain proper card renders. Some Leaguers may not have access to render design software and will not be penalized for posting an entry without a render.
Penalties
Failure to post Top 3s as required during the Critique section of any round will put a Leaguer on probation. While on probation, failure to post an Top 3 in any later round will disqualify that Leaguer for the remainder of the month.
Once a Round elapses into its critique section, any Leaguer modifying their entry after any leaguer has posted a critique, will be disqualified for the round.
Failure to post an entry within the Challenge round will put a Leaguer on probation. While on probation, failure to post an entry in any later round will disqualify that Leaguer for the remainder of the month.
Making Magic by Mark Rosewater, current head of Magic Design at Wizards of the Coast. Making Magic is a weekly article detailing the trials, tribulations and achievements of Magic R&D in riveting prose.
Magiccards.info is the database mtgsalvation draws upon when you use the [card] tag. The advanced search functionality is useful for searching all cards officially printed by WotC.
Gatherer is the database maintained officially by WotC. It has slightly different functionality than magiccards.info, but the differences are too numerable to list here. (Someone should write an article about that)
Your other Leaguers are fantastic resources. We, more than the players of other games on this forum, are a community, as can be seen by the dialogue of any CCL thread.
Question, consult with, challenge and encourage each other at every opportunity.
Credits
Round 1 Posted - August 3 Round 1 Critiques - August 6
Round 2 Posted - August 9 Round 2 Critiques - August 13
Round 3 Posted - August 16 Round 3 Critiques - August 19
Round 4 Posted - August 24 Round 4 Critiques - August 27
Round 5 Posted - August 30
Round 5 Critiques - September 2
Round 6 Posted - September 4
Round 6 Critiques - September 8
Semifinals: Hero Meet and Greet and Smash
"Did we get it? Huh? I think I have mine, I do. Well, maybe.I got more than one, Lets go a few more times maybe?" -"No. We have caused enough damage as it is. We Get one chance to decide who's the best of us, and each get to choose one champion and one only. These are the rules, and we shall abide by them."
"But you got more than one, I saw them. You have four. You need to decide one one. You said yourself. Why can't we have four? One is such a small number..." - "The Planar Analysis shows that this plane cannot take morethan one battle at this time. We have agried to a contest of merit. The choice of a champion was one of the tests to preform."
"But you have more than one, too!" - "Analysis of combative skills was insuficiant to determine the best specimen."
"So your saying you need some more stupid tests to decide?" -"That is a crude way to put it, but yes."
"Well then, How about we use my way to decide on a final champion?" - "your way?"
"You know, a good old fashion grand melee..."
~~~~~
Finally, You have proven your worth to your worth to your planeswalker. You are now one of his most trusted servants, and you feel secure in your high rank. You planeswalker has told you a secret. There is going to be a great battle, one that will require your planeswalker to come up with a champion. You may just be that champion, but you'll need to prove yourself first.
Should you succeed, you will not only be able to go back to your plane, but you'll be incharge of your very own army, and will travel the planes to a fate you have not even dreamed of.
Should you fail, no one will remember your name.
To decide on a champion, your planeswalker has gathered the best of his servants. They are all from different lands, they have shapes and power you've never seen and cannot understand.
There is no other choice, you must defeat them.
Your mission is to create three legendary creature cards, each from a different plane to your own, represanting the competition. You cannot repeat planes or CMC between the legends and your avatar.Your Avatar must be able to defeat each one in a single combat. Interpret as you will.
Match 1: Maokun vs Koolkoal
Match 2: MagicProfessor28 vs Twilight Kiwi
Each player will critique match other than their own.
Kasir Eol, Master Cytoshaper2UG
Legendary Creature - Human Wizard
Graft 3 2UG: Choose a creature with a +1/+1 counter on it. Target creature becomes a copy of that creature until the beginning of the end step. "The best way to verify the success of an experiment is to duplicate it."
0/0
Their work was nearly complete. Though the use of Kasir's cytoplasts was only grudgingly accepted by his peers - and outright rejected by some, as more left the ranks of Zeronym's disciples - their use in strengthening the various flora and fauna within their forest and creating a tightly-knit, simbiotic ecosystem had accelerated their progress exponentially. Soon, the planeswalker believed, their carefully controlled growth would pay off in a realm that would be able to sustain life on its own within the tattered remains of Dominaria.
Today, on the brink of success, Zeronym had called Kasir to meet him along with several of his other most loyal and capable followers. Eying his fellows, Kasir could barely restrain himself from shivering in excitement; a few of his cytoplasts fidgeted restlessly. Something big was about to happen.
His excitement crashed and burned as his mentor elaborated on a competition.
Kasir could scarcely believe what he was hearing! It went against everything he thought Zeronym believed in, the guiding principles that had shaped their project over the past weeks. The fact that everything they had been working on had merely been a test embittered the biomancer far worse than his earlier uncertainty over his place at Zeronym's side.
"Do not devalue the work you have all poured sweat, blood, and mana into," the planeswalker insisted when Kasir protested. "It may have been a test, but I believe the goal was worthy. One that needed to be done, and will have far-reaching effects on the recovery of this world. Those of you who do not pass this final challenge can still be proud of what we have accomplished here." His expression became distant, clouded. "I am sorry I could not tell you all sooner. This is not a fate I would have chosen for any of you, nor the way I would have gone about things. But unfortunately the choice was out of my hands, and there are far greater things at stake here."
While Kasir continued to argue with Zeronym, hoping there was some other way, begging him to tell them the whole story, his rivals turned to contemplation, preparing for the battles to come. Zeronym had urged them not to fight to the death, but Kasir feared some of them anticipated their challenge far too eagerly.
Round One Aelysa the Godwaker2WGR
Legendary Creature - Elf Shaman
Other creatures you control are 5/5. "Blessed is she, in whose presence gods are born." - Mayael
2/3
Kasir's first opponent was Aelysa, an elf that would have been almost unrecognizable as one on Ravnica. Hailing from a world she called Naya, she almost glowed with an aura of savage beauty. They had gotten along well enough but interacted little; she had a tendency to hold herself aloof from humans and other non-elves. He knew she was proficient in summoning magic, but the full nature of her abilities was unkown to him.
There was no ring or stadium in which to fight; their battlefield was simply a stretch of land at the edge of their forest, scattered with shattered, ancient trunks from the old woodlands and covered in a carpet of sickly-looking fungus.
"Good luck," Kasir called nerviously to the elf. "I will do my best not to cause you permanent harm." She simply gazed at him coldly down her perfectly-shaped nose in response.
"Begin," Zeronym shouted solemnly. Kasir had struggled to come up with a strategy to use against her; he was no battle-mage, and while she seemed slighter than he Kasir was loathe to resort to physical combat. Finally, he had decided that he might be able to subdue her with magic meant to restrain unruly experiments. Before he could act, however, she raised her hands high above her head. Beneath her feet, a mass of fungus began squirming, forming a vaguely animal-like shape.
"Awaken," she commanded in a barely-audible whisper, and suddenly the saproling exploded outwards, vegetable mass filling out and forming into a massive, hulking myconoid beast. With a vegetable screech it began lumbering towards him. Obviously, Aelysa had no qualms about causing permanent damage. Panicking, Kasir did the first thing that came to mind - he launched a cytoplasm at it, stumbling out of the way of its charge.
Aelysa had seen his "pets" in action. She laughed scornfully. "If you think giving such a small offering of strength to this newborn gargantuan will sate it, or inspire me to turn its wrath aside in pity, you are sadly mistaken." But Kasir was too busy concentrating to pay much attention to her taunts as the monster slowly wheeled to charge again. Bonds of magic shimmered birefly in the air between the myconoid and his remaning cytoplasts.
And then, blue liquid squirming across his body, Kasir grew.
With his newfound strength and size, Kasir found it relatively easy to rend the fungus back to its composite parts. Aelysa fell to her knees, gazing up at him in a mixture of fear and reverence. "Im... impossible..."
Round Two Urroth Haleroot4:symwg::symwg:
Legendary Creature - Treefolk Druid
Urroth Haleroot is indestructible.
Whenever Urroth Haleroot becomes the target of a spell or ability, counter that spell or ability and put two -1/-1 counters on Urroth Haleroot.
Whenever a land comes onto the battlefield, you may remove a -1/-1 counter from each creature you control.
3/6
Kasir's next opponent was one he knew more personally. Though they had little common ground, he and the massive treefolk had worked closely together as he adapted his cytoplasts to thrive in Dominaria's harsh, mana-starved environment. The timeworn sage of grim Shadowmoor had a long-practiced talent for removing impurities, infections, and curses from life forms, and Kasir had come to respect his ponderously-considered advice and ancient wisdom.
Kasir had no desire to harm this being, but he also didn't want to simply give up.
"Your attacks will not harm me," Urroth warned matter-of-factly, his voice the creaking and moaning of batterd branches on a chill wind. "I have survived centuries in a world as dark as this one."
"I wasn't going to bother trying," Kasir shrugged with resignation. "I have no weapon, nor the skill to use one. "You could crush me easily enough, anyways."
"We will decide this with magic, then," Urroth suggested. "I will avoid lethal spells."
"As will I, of course. I'm sure between the two of us, we..."
Kasir suddenly realized he could not move his legs.
Struggling to tug free of the roots that had encircled him so slowly he hadn't even noticed, Kasir had to give the treefolk due credit. Obviously Urroth's survival had been due as much to cunning as it had resilience. Still, the biomancer knew something of cunning himself. Calling up his most familiar spell, he smiled in satisfaction as he felt the magic coalesce to force the mighty oak into the form of a mere saproling.
His exultant grin crumpled as Urroth remained unmoved. The magic seemed to ripple across his scarred bark, as if seeking entry, before finally dissipating. It was apparent that the sage's skin afforded more than physical protection.
In response, Urroth groaned mightily as new growth surged up around them, their forest expanding rapidly to overtake their part of the battlefield. The roots enlarged, cementing Kasir firmly in place and encroaching further up to his torso, but his hands were still free to cast for the moment.
Perhaps it was a fluke, Kasir mused desperately, or just a counterspell. As Urroth recovered from the exertion of unaccustomed haste, the biomancer tried again to render his opponent into a less threatening shape. Again the magic formed and cast itself uselessly against the oak's towering form.
"That will not work either," the treefolk sighed; but this time Kasir applied a scientist's eye to the problem. He observed intently as Urroth's living bark and leafless branches seemed to wither at his magic's touch. The spell might not be inducing its intended effect, but it wasn't simply being deflected or negated; it was as if Urroth was absorbing the magic directly, leaving it in a form he could deal with in the way he was most capable - an impurity in his own body.
Kasir could overcome this opponent, but he had to act fast, before Urroth had time to recover again. Drawing some of what little mana remained in his nearly-spent signet, Kasir focused all his magical prowess on his opponent. The sage shriveled even further, limbs quivering and closing in together until he was a small fraction of his original size.
"Enough," Urroth wheezed. "I submit. You have bested me, wizard."
Round Three Garos, Sylvok Savant1GG
Legendary Artifact Creature - Golem
Whenever an artifact enters the battlefield, put X 1/1 green Insect creature tokens onto the battlefield, where X is that artifact's converted mana cost. A living bond between nature and technology, he has transcended his origins to become something far greater.
0/1
Finally, Kasir faced possibly the most bizarre of their number - a golem, formed of nothing but small orbs and cylinders of smooth metal, joined by thick bands of cable-like, copper-tinged vines. Physically, it was even less imposing than Kasir himself; but the biomancer knew a keen intellect lurked behind those glowing, inhuman eyes. Neither of them seemed keen to rush into direct combat. The two beings approached each other cautiously.
"Kasir Eol, you and I have more in common than you know. For one thing, we both have our own... companions." The golem raised a tendril-arm, and a tiny, vicious-looking bug crawled out if it to stand on his outstretched appendage. "My friends have observed your previous challenges, to see where our former rivals failed and you succeeded. I am well aware of your strengths... and limitations." A cold fear gripped the pit of Kasir's stomach as an echoing chitter arose from the ground around him. Within moments, a small horde of insects surrounded them both, many clambering around and over the golem's slim form. For the moment, they seemed to keep a respectful distance from Kasir himself, snipping and clacking claws and mandibles at the edge of an invisible circle. "You have no choice but to surrender. Whether you take the form of one of my friends, force me into such a shape, or even foolishly attempt to take me head-on, you will still be devoured by the swarm. I have no weaknesses that you are capable of exploiting with the magic at your command." Kasir tried to back away, but the bugs followed him, their beady eyes eagerly sizing him up. He had no doubt such a swarm would only take seconds to overcome him.
"Please," Garos urged. "I would prefer our conflict not end in violence - and inevitably, death. Think of the forest, Kasir; without your help, it may never flourish. Surrender, and continue your work. I am better suited to be our master's champion." But Kasir barely heard his words, his mind racing furiously to find an answer.
There was a basic tenet of reality, one that those who sought to pursue replication magic had to be intimately familiar with, but few others were aware of. Certain individuals - their race or creed made no difference - had a kind of destiny about them, as if fate had something great in store for them. It was said that such beings were so unique, a world could not hold two so similar; that certain magics had very different effects on them. There was no easy way to detect such a soul - and it was nothing on the scale of a planeswalker's spark - but in this situation Kasir was willing to make a gamble. No - he clarified, an educated guess. It was likely that if Zeronym was looking for a champion for some cause, he would have picked out such individuals.
The golem lacked human expressions, but it seemed disappointed when Kasir let a cytoplasm squirm off his arm to leap the distance between them, a metallic sigh escaping Garos as it coiled around his torso. "So you choose oblivion. I am truly sorry, Kasir..." His voice trailed off as one of his insects began to shiver and glow. "What are you-"
Another golem stood beside him now, completely identical. Another Garos. "How... interesting..." they both whisperd as their forms suddenly seemed to fade and dissolve into nothing. Deprived of a master, the insects vanished as well, some simply following in Garos' wake while the rest returned to the hidden nooks and crannies of the forest.
Good Luck Twilight Kiwi- If I lose, I am glad to have lost to such a great designer!
Svogthir, Golgari Deity 3BBGG Legendary Creature- Plant Zombie {MR} Dredge 10 Svogthir, Golgari Deity’s power and toughness are each equal to the number of creature cards in your graveyard. XXT: Put target creature card with converted mana cost X or less in your graveyard onto the battlefield under your control. That creature is a black Zombie in addition to its other colors and types. He has found a way to transcend death by embracing it head on. */*
Scouting Swarm BG Instant {Uncommon} As an additional cost to cast Scouting Swarm, sacrifice a land. Put a 1/1 green and black Insect creature token onto the battlefield with “When this creature leaves the battlefield, search your library for up to two basic land cards and put them onto the battlefield tapped.” Dredge 3 Much like the cycle of life and death, Golgari scouting insects will descend upon infertile land and cause a fruitful vineyard to arise. Illus. Jan Patrik Krasny
Golgari Riftwurm4:symbg::symbg: Creature-Wurm Zombie {Uncommon} Trample When Golgari Riftwurm is put into a graveyard from the battlefield, put the top X cards of your library into your graveyard, where X is equal to Golgari Riftwurm’s power. Dredge 2 Through an alliance with the Simic Combine, the Golgari were able to develop the ultimate test subject – one that doesn’t die and still contributes to the cycle of life and death. 6/5 Illus. Dénes Nagy
Hana Marika, Deathcycler3BG Planeswalker- Hana {Mythic Rare} [+1]: Put the top ten cards of your library into your graveyard. [-4]: Destroy target nonland permanent and all other permanents with the same name as that permanent [-7]: Each creature you control’s power and toughness are each equal to the number of cards in your graveyard until end of turn. {4} Illus. Jen Emery
Necromancer's Cauldron 1
Artifact {Rare}
Whenever you return a creature card from your graveyard to the battlefield, you may search your library for a creature card and put it into your graveyard. Then shuffle your library.
Dredge 2 According to Guildpact statutes, Golgari rituals that disrupt the cycle of life and death, require an offering to balance the natural order.
Illus. Richard Sardinha
From the Wanderwine of Lorwyn
Urnn, Sanity Deluger3UU Legendary Creature-Merfolk Wizard {R} When Urnn, Sanity Deluger enters the battlefield, choose a creature. Target player puts the top X cards of his or her library into his or her graveyard, where X is equal to the power of the chosen creature. U, T: If target Merfolk would deal combat damage to a player, instead that player puts that many cards from the top of his or her library into his or her graveyard. Deep in the waters of the Wanderbrine, she learned the art of manipulating history like water at an early age. 2/2
Kichiro, Chest-Slicer4BB Legendary Creature- Rat Assassin {R} Fear Whenever a creature enters the battlefield, that creature’s controller sacrifices it unless he or she puts the top two cards of his or her library into his or her graveyard. The Nezumi assassins are known for accepting an alternative life in exchange for your own. 3/2
Eliza of the Keep1UBR Legendary Creature- Human Wizard {R} Whenever a creature is returned from a graveyard to the battlefield, it enters the battlefield with two +1/+1 counters on it. UBR, T: If target creature would be exiled, instead put it into its owner’s graveyard. While a young woman who still holds on to her mortal life, Eliza commands a legion of undead to do her bidding. 1/1
Please bare in mind that due to my avatar's circumstancial power, I have tried to make the cards as versitile as possible, but please give me some leeway in that respect. Thanks!
@ MP28 - This is where you'll have to get creative. I'll accept most of any solution you'll come up with, but don't design a 20/20 creature and claim that your avatar could win against it sometimes. Work within reason.
Terrami, Vulshok Alchemist :3mana::symr::symr:
Legendary Artifact Creature - Human Artificer
Whenever an artifact is put into a graveyard from the battlefield, Tarramir gets +2/+1 and gains first strike until end of turn. Terrami altered the metal of her being. And while she gave herself all the power she craved, she became more a being of metal than of flesh.
3/3
Gloimy, Boggart DiplomatUR
Legendary Creature - Goblin Rogue (R)
When Gloimy, Boggart enters the battlefield, destroy a random permanent.
Whenever a land is sent to your graveyard from the battlefield, you may draw a card.
1/1 "Useful servant, poor combatant. I guess that's what happens when you recruit the weirdo from a goblin family on an idyllic plane." —Goorlk, Planeswalker
Matikuse Flat-Fang2RG
Legendary Creature - Snake Warrior (R)
Deathtouch, first strike
Prevent all damage Matikuse Flat-Fang would deal to artifact creatures and to Spirits.
2/3 A dull bite leaves a glaring weakness to both the inexorable and the incorporeal.
Rogue Archmage, Neirrot4URG
Legendary Artifact Creature - Human Shaman (MR)
Rogue Archmage, Neirrot can't block.
At the beginning of each upkeep, put a 1/3 colorless Construct artifact creature token with defender into play.
Whenever Rogue Archmage, Neirrot attacks, sacrifice each other artifact you control. Neirrot gets +1/+0 for each artifact sacrificed in this way.
8/5 "I no longer hold faith in control, my Esperites, but you may continue to fight the nature of existence once I take my leave."
Crimson-Tail, Kitsune Captain :2mana::symw::symr:
Legendary Creature - Fox Knight Samurai
Bushido 2, double strike, haste
Whenever Crimson-Tail, Kitsune Captain deals combat damage, target creature you control gets +X/+X until the beginning of the end step where X is Crimson-Tail's power.
1/3
"Rage is a valuable trait in the hands who can control it and harness its power" -Teachings of Eight-and-a-half-Tails
From the unforgiving Jungles of Naya:
Shezz'na, The All-Seeing2RGW
Legendary Creature - Spider Beast
Lifelink, Trample
Shezz'na, The All-seeing blocks each turn if able and is able to block each turn. (Ignore any effect that would prevent Shezz'na from blocking such as evasion abilities on attackers, or Shezz'na being tapped.)
"Perched atop of the canopy, protecting the jungle from potential invaders, she's one of Naya's most revered Gargantuans."
5/6
From the fairytale lands of Lorwynn:
Geucros of the Blazing Will4RRRR
Legendary Creature - Elemental Warrior
Haste, trample
Whenever Geucros of the Blazing Will deals combat damage to a player, you may add that much red mana to your mana pool.
"Whenever the thing he manages to obtain in his lifelong pylgrimage is consumed away, he realizes it wasn't what he was looking for and moves on."
9/6
From the uptightiest district in Ravnica
Piets Ulf, Azorious Impeacher4WU
Legendary Creature - Human Advisor
Vigilance, Flash
Attacking creatures get -X/0 where X is the number of attacking creatures.
Blocking creatures get +0/X where X is the number of blocking creatures.
"According to the 7th ammendment to resolution number XVII of the Underscripting Law, your claim should have been presented in duplicate forms upon the first 15 minutes from the occurence of the event to hold validity."
4/3
The maths are a bit complex, but I assure you my guy can (barely) defeat all these guys in combat and live to tell the tale.
I'm calling it right now- worst rare in the set. Even good limited players will find better bombs at common and uncommon no sweat. Worst. Episode. Ever.
I really do predict this to be our worst rare in set award winner. I'd be happier opening a jar of eyeballs, so I think anything worse is highly unlikely. This card wont just have zero constructed potential, but not be significantly better than a mass of ghouls in a draft.
Your mission is to create three legendary creature cards, each from a different plane to your own, represanting the competition. You cannot repeat planes or CMC between the legends and your avatar.Your Avatar must be able to defeat each one in a single combat. Interpret as you will.
Meaning that each legand you create needs to have a different plane and most importantly CMC from both your avatar and the other legends. You each have at least one card that doesn't follow that rule.
I'm calling it right now- worst rare in the set. Even good limited players will find better bombs at common and uncommon no sweat. Worst. Episode. Ever.
I really do predict this to be our worst rare in set award winner. I'd be happier opening a jar of eyeballs, so I think anything worse is highly unlikely. This card wont just have zero constructed potential, but not be significantly better than a mass of ghouls in a draft.
Aelysa the Godwaker :2mana::symw::symg::symr:
Legendary Creature - Elf Shaman
Other creatures you control are 5/5. "Blessed is she, in whose presence gods are born." - Mayael
2/3
Great card. I love it. I fail to see how did they do not do this for Naya. Very flavorful, very useful and well balanced. Too bad she's so small herself, an easy prey for Kasir. 5/5
Urroth Haleroot :4mana::symgw::symgw:
Legendary Creature - Treefolk Druid
Urroth Haleroot is indestructible.
Whenever Urroth Haleroot becomes the target of a spell or ability, counter that spell or ability and put two -1/-1 counters on Urroth Haleroot.
Whenever a land comes onto the battlefield, you may remove a -1/-1 counter from each creature you control.
3/6
A very well balanced creature. A hard to remove threat that is also a combo piece in persist decks. However, I fail to see how kasi could take him out. Your narrated combat was really cool, but in reality, and in a one-on-one battle, Kasir can't take him, as the only creature with +1/+1 counters he could use to transform the treefolk, is himself, and both of them would die. Even if he had another creature with a +1/+1 counter around, he would need 12 mana to shrivel Urroth down to nothingness as in your story. The card is good but in my eyes fails to immediately meet the requeriment. 3/5
Garos, Sylvok Savant :1mana::symg::symg:
Legendary Artifact Creature - Golem
Whenever an artifact enters the battlefield, put X 1/1 green Insect creature tokens onto the battlefield, where X is that artifact's converted mana cost. A living bond between nature and technology, he has transcended his origins to become something far greater.
0/1
Interesting concept of merging nature and artifact, though I'm a bit worried about its power. Artifacts are the permanents with easiest and cheapest recursion, things could become really ugly, really quick, specially with such a small manacost. Kasir can defeat it easily, though I'm a bit disappointed there is not a bit more of interaction between both of them. 3/10
MagicProffessor28
Urnn, Sanity Deluger :3mana::symu::symu: Legendary Creature-Merfolk Wizard {R} When Urnn, Sanity Deluger enters the battlefield, choose a creature. Target player puts the top X cards of his or her library into his or her graveyard, where X is equal to the power of the chosen creature. :symu:, : If target Merfolk would deal combat damage to a player, instead that player puts that many cards from the top of his or her library into his or her graveyard. Deep in the waters of the Wanderbrine, she learned the art of manipulating history like water at an early age. 2/2
Heh, Svoghtir likes this little guy, he's so unwittingly helpful. However, I think he's not too good by itself. It's a very expensive merfolk (for the average) with a very small body for that cost, that does NOT want to attack, and wants you to make your bigger attacker deal no damage, which is no good. Would you rather have your Wake Trasher clobbering your opponent for 7 life or for 7 cards of his library? And his first ability is not good enough to warrant his inclusion in a deck either, specially if you think that for 5 mana mill usually can take over 20 cards. Good interaction, bad card. 2.5/5
Kichiro, Chest-Slicer :4mana::symb::symb: Legendary Creature- Rat Assassin {R} Fear Whenever a creature enters the battlefield, that creature’s controller sacrifices it unless he or she puts the top two cards of his or her library into his or her graveyard. The Nezumi assassins are known for accepting an alternative life in exchange for your own. 3/2
Very interesting. A real nice tension for the opponent to choose between his resources. I think you could have even gone away with making the opponent sacrifice unless he mills = CMC for that cost and p/t. I really like the idea, and again it's good interaction with Svoghtir 4.5/5
Eliza of the Keep :1mana::symu::symb::symr: Legendary Creature- Human Wizard {R} Whenever a creature is returned from a graveyard to the battlefield, it enters the battlefield with two +1/+1 counters on it. :symu::symb::symr:, : If target creature would be exiled, instead put it into its owner’s graveyard. While a young woman who still holds on to her mortal life, Eliza commands a legion of undead to do her bidding. 1/1
I don't really like this one. Symetrical statical effects have been shun by Wizards for a good while now, and it's obvious this one has one only to interact with Svoghtir. Also, her abilities really look black and green to me. Blue as a stretch and definitely not red. Finally the effect is not even that great to have her a tiny 1/1 for that cost. 1.5/5
The Winner: Twilight Kiwi, congratulations to both!
I'm calling it right now- worst rare in the set. Even good limited players will find better bombs at common and uncommon no sweat. Worst. Episode. Ever.
I really do predict this to be our worst rare in set award winner. I'd be happier opening a jar of eyeballs, so I think anything worse is highly unlikely. This card wont just have zero constructed potential, but not be significantly better than a mass of ghouls in a draft.
Gloimy, Boggart Diplomat What doesn't work: I'm not too keen on this one. UR seems to me like the least likely color combination to find "destroy target permanent," even if it's random; and I don't like the fact that, theoretically, he could destroy Terrami at random when he pops in, before the artificer gets a chance to smash the goblin's face in. Also, I know he's a goblin, but wouldn't Advisor be more appropriate than Rogue? Just sayin'. What does: Still, this definitely seems like the goblin idea of diplomacy. "See, since I picked your goat at random to kill, it's fair! Next time it might be one of my neighbors, you know. Since I have so many of them. What are you so upset about!?" "Obviously, since it was my warren that got blown up, it's only fair that I get compensated." "Diplomacy at work makes the world a better place! For boggarts." Random Comments: ...and now I'm laughing at the image of such a well-spoken goblin. ;P
Matikuse Flat-Fang What doesn't work: A weakness to artifacts seems out of place on a creature of the two colors that traditionally hate artifacts the most. What does: I do like the flavor of a guy who compensates for a physical disability by being extra-fast and deadly, though with flat fangs how does he deliver his venom to even regular folks? Random Comments: I actually think you could've costed this guy at 1RG - or maybe even RG, given the occasionally-relevant drawback - and it would've still been okay.
Rogue Archmage, Neirrot: What doesn't work: Man, this guy is huge for a human! That mighty power makes his third ability seem a little redundant. Maybe should've started him out smaller, so you could cost him less too. And his types don't fit on the type line (I tried something similar with Garos, who was originally going to be a Legendary Artifact Creature - Human Shaman). What does: Let's see... the first ability is red, the second seems like a good fit for a UG artifact, and the third definitely feels GR, so he's appropriate enough color-wise. Flavor-wise, this does work for me... if I imagine him riding in a giant robot suit, using his hapless defender-drones as melee weapons and ammunition when he attacks. I also like that he seems like an appropriate nemesis for your artificer, as they have much in common. Kind of a "if we'd met in a different life, we coulda been friends" deal. Random Comments: I think this is actually my favorite of your three challengers, and an opportunity to explore possibilities for enemy color 'shards' is always fun.
Shezz'na, The All-Seeing What doesn't work: I'm not sure how that ability shoud be worded, but I don't think that's quite it. Feels a little off to me. It might even be fine worded as-is, but the reminder text definitely needs work. Also, I almost feel the lifelink and trample detract from the coolness of the card and feel weird on a spider; I would imagine this more as a green-only - or maybe GW - creature with only its defensive ability. What does: On the other hand, that is a really cool ability that I haven't seen before, and is definitely appropriate on a spider - which, IMO, were sorely underrepresented on Naya, as it seemed like a good environment for them, and also would've provided a logical reason RE: why Naya's skies lacked airborne behemoths. The psuedo-vigilance is a nice side effect. Random Comments: Spiders, weee!
Geucros of the Blazing Will What doesn't work: Like your opponent's disillusioned Esperite, this guy feels too big for his britches. I think 6 or 7 power is the max I would feel comfortable with, and his toughness should be lower. I feel a little wary about that ability being abused, too, as many repeatably-used large sources of mana are. This + Aggravated Assault = infinite combat phases and mana?
And his name makes me think of sucrose. What does: This guy looks fun! Used less exploitively, you can smash face then shoot off a Fireball for free to finish the job! Everybody likes free Fireballs. Well, except the people on fire. Random Comments: I like the flavor of a flamekin so strong-willed, his mere presence disintegrates the very thing he seeks. I feel like this should've been expressed in a more flavor-connected ability, though.
Piets Ulf, Azorious Impeacher What doesn't work: I know you were just trying to balance the combat math so your samurai wins by the skin of his foxy teeth, but 4/3 seems inappropriately aggressive for a human Azorius advisor. What does: However, that's my only gripe. Other than the p/t, both flavorfully and mechanically Mr. Ulf hits home. I imagine him popping onto a chaotic battlefield with a Phoenix Wright-style "OBJECTION!" freezing the enemy in their confused tracks. I also find it cool that he inderectly encourages a Bant-style approach to combat on both sides, and would fit well in such a deck himself as it would be equipped to deal with his 'drawback'. Random Comments: Is his name an acronym for something? Just curious.
There were things I liked and disliked about both sets of cards, but overall I have to give the edge to Maokun. Great job to both of you, though!
A side note: When facing Urroth, I assumed Kasir should safely be able to try and make the treefolk a copy of himself since the ability will be countered, and thus there are never two Kasirs. Was I wrong about that?
Uh, I missed that! Yes, the ability is countered. Still, you need 12 mana Anyway, it wasn't a big concern.
I dont really think Geucros is too big for its cost: it is based on Lightning Ball, however you are right about Aggravated Assault. It wouldn't have been the first time that my ignorance about pre-Mirrodin cards costed me greatly. Also Geucros = Scourge
Piets Ulf = Spiteful And I dont really think it's too big for an azorian, look at Sky Hussar. The reason why I made it 4/3, was so it becomes 3/3 on attack and 4/4 on defense
I'm calling it right now- worst rare in the set. Even good limited players will find better bombs at common and uncommon no sweat. Worst. Episode. Ever.
I really do predict this to be our worst rare in set award winner. I'd be happier opening a jar of eyeballs, so I think anything worse is highly unlikely. This card wont just have zero constructed potential, but not be significantly better than a mass of ghouls in a draft.
I'm calling it right now- worst rare in the set. Even good limited players will find better bombs at common and uncommon no sweat. Worst. Episode. Ever.
I really do predict this to be our worst rare in set award winner. I'd be happier opening a jar of eyeballs, so I think anything worse is highly unlikely. This card wont just have zero constructed potential, but not be significantly better than a mass of ghouls in a draft.
Only time for short critiques at the moment- I will try and get more complete ones later.
1. I really like Shezz’na’s abilities. I have never seen anything like a creature being “able to block each turn” no matter what. It is a lot like an uber-reach and is an awesome drawback, especially against your avatar. Very nice job! The only thing I was disappointed in was that 5 mana for a 5/6 seems quite undercosted despite the abilities. A
2. Geucros is pretty cool also. I really like the effect to add mana based on damage being dealt. This could be easily broken with the right cards, but it is great the way it is. I like the ratio of mana to power and toughness. It is a unique idea and I am very pleased with the flavor of Lorwyn in your card. A-
3. Piets Ulf is one of my most favorite Azorious cards I have ever seen. Everything about it coalesces into a pure embodiment of law. It took me a little calculating, but indeed your avatar does kill Piets. The only thing I really have some trouble understanding is why an Azorius would be in combat. I would have liked to have seen some writing explaining all of your enemies. A+
1. Gloimy, Boggart Diplomat is an interesting idea of a card that reminds me a lot of the month I ran the TTC. I like the land effect, however I strongly dislike the first ability- especially because it can kill Terrami as soon as it enters the battlefield. I really like the flavor text however because it gave me a good laugh trying to imagine the goblin. I envision the humor much like the card Clambassadors and it is a cool idea. Finally, I can’t really figure out the plane as to where this card would belong. D-
2. Matikuse Flat-Fang is a unique card that seems very overcosted. I have some trouble understanding how he can’t kill your avatar because even if Terrami has first strike, so does Matikuse and deathtouch would still result in them both dying at once. The flavor behind this snake is cool and I like the addition of red to the Kamigawa snakes. B-
3. Rogue Archmage, Neirrot is an awesome idea! I really like how your avatar can kill Neirrot. I do like the Alaran flavor and I think that it is especially effective. Great job! A+.
Winner: Maokun
Also @Maokun: In regards to my final enemy, the idea is that she not only combos with my avatar, but also with Unearth.
I'm going with Twilight Kiwi, it was close, but his treefolk pushed his submission over the top for me.
@MagicProfessor: On my first card, my interpretation of the flavor of the round was that the creatures would start in play, so I thought the EtBf effect would be fine. And as for the plane, its obviously Lorwyn as it says Boggart, but the off colors is probably what confused you. I tried to hint that he was still from Lorwyn in the flavor text, just that he's a weird goblin out of the family.
Nice job Maokun, I wish I had spent a little more time on my card's now.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I'll bet you wish you had a non-unglued/unhinged card that shared your first name.
-I'll give you a task, and each leaguer has 3.5 days to submit a card. (We have a deadline, so try to adhere to this.)
- Then, the round closes, and each of you will have 1.5 days to post a Top 3 and reviews (And I shall do my best to have the next round up every 5 days.)
- Each 1st place earns you 3 points, 2nd place earns 2 points and 3rd place earns 1 point
- Additionaly, each player who posts a review for at least half the cards gains 1 point. Anyone who submits a T3 within deadline also receives a point.
- At the end of the third round, we go to a Top 8, where each session becomes a 1 vs. 1 (or not, it can sometimes be a 1 vs. 1 vs. 1 battle royale ) elimination, until we have our champion.
- If you don't post a round, you're on probation. If you don't post again, I'm sorry, but you're out.
- We have a "No Review Penalty" which means that if you don't post a T3, you are on probation, just as if you didn't post a card. If you didn't have time to post your T3 in time, PM it to me and I'll remove the probation, no extra charge!
- We'll have 2 teams. Each team will review the other team's cards. After 3 rounds, we will have a T4 for each team (team A 1st will face Team B 4th, team B 1st will face team A 4th, and so on).
- Some rounds I will vary the teams and scoring policies. I'll do my best to inform everyone what those changes entail.
The Long Version:
The following card is submitted by Fitzgerald:
from Wilhelmina: I hate the name. Also the shuffle part should be right after removing the tutored card instead of on a separate line. Seems powerful as an instant, play it on the opponents turn and you get basically a free draw, but you get to pick it.
from Beauregard: A bit complicated for uncommon. It doesn’t go to microtext on a render (sans flavor text) but it still isn’t all that intuitive.
Round 1 Posted - August 3
Round 1 Critiques - August 6
Round 2 Posted - August 9
Round 2 Critiques - August 13
Round 3 Posted - August 16
Round 3 Critiques - August 19
Round 4 Posted - August 24
Round 4 Critiques - August 27
Round 5 Posted - August 30
Round 5 Critiques - September 2
Round 6 Posted - September 4
Round 6 Critiques - September 8
Semifinals: Hero Meet and Greet and Smash
"Did we get it? Huh? I think I have mine, I do. Well, maybe.I got more than one, Lets go a few more times maybe?"
-"No. We have caused enough damage as it is. We Get one chance to decide who's the best of us, and each get to choose one champion and one only. These are the rules, and we shall abide by them."
"But you got more than one, I saw them. You have four. You need to decide one one. You said yourself. Why can't we have four? One is such a small number..."
- "The Planar Analysis shows that this plane cannot take morethan one battle at this time. We have agried to a contest of merit. The choice of a champion was one of the tests to preform."
"But you have more than one, too!"
- "Analysis of combative skills was insuficiant to determine the best specimen."
"So your saying you need some more stupid tests to decide?"
-"That is a crude way to put it, but yes."
"Well then, How about we use my way to decide on a final champion?"
- "your way?"
"You know, a good old fashion grand melee..."
~~~~~
Finally, You have proven your worth to your worth to your planeswalker. You are now one of his most trusted servants, and you feel secure in your high rank. You planeswalker has told you a secret. There is going to be a great battle, one that will require your planeswalker to come up with a champion. You may just be that champion, but you'll need to prove yourself first.
Should you succeed, you will not only be able to go back to your plane, but you'll be incharge of your very own army, and will travel the planes to a fate you have not even dreamed of.
Should you fail, no one will remember your name.
To decide on a champion, your planeswalker has gathered the best of his servants. They are all from different lands, they have shapes and power you've never seen and cannot understand.
There is no other choice, you must defeat them.
Your mission is to create three legendary creature cards, each from a different plane to your own, represanting the competition. You cannot repeat planes or CMC between the legends and your avatar.Your Avatar must be able to defeat each one in a single combat. Interpret as you will.
Match 1:
Maokun vs Koolkoal
Match 2:
MagicProfessor28 vs Twilight Kiwi
Each player will critique match other than their own.
Good luck!
Host, December 2015: A Winter Wonderland? - R1|R2|R3|Top 8|Semifinals|Finals|Poll
Host, CCL April 2014: A Game of Fate - Signup|R1|R2|R3|Top 8|Semifinal|Finals|Poll
Host, CCL December 2012: Spy Games - Signup|R1|R2|R3|Top 8|Semifinals|Finals|Poll
Host, CCL November 2010: The Perfect Crime - Signup|R1|R2|R3|Top 8|Semifinals|Finals|Poll
Host, CCL August 2009: A Commander's Journey: Signups|R1|R2|R3|Top 8|Semifinals|Finals|Poll
I've got tons of art from the web. Want art for a render? PM me! Want to create your own collection? Start here!
Legendary Creature - Human Wizard
Graft 3
2UG: Choose a creature with a +1/+1 counter on it. Target creature becomes a copy of that creature until the beginning of the end step.
"The best way to verify the success of an experiment is to duplicate it."
0/0
Their work was nearly complete. Though the use of Kasir's cytoplasts was only grudgingly accepted by his peers - and outright rejected by some, as more left the ranks of Zeronym's disciples - their use in strengthening the various flora and fauna within their forest and creating a tightly-knit, simbiotic ecosystem had accelerated their progress exponentially. Soon, the planeswalker believed, their carefully controlled growth would pay off in a realm that would be able to sustain life on its own within the tattered remains of Dominaria.
Today, on the brink of success, Zeronym had called Kasir to meet him along with several of his other most loyal and capable followers. Eying his fellows, Kasir could barely restrain himself from shivering in excitement; a few of his cytoplasts fidgeted restlessly. Something big was about to happen.
His excitement crashed and burned as his mentor elaborated on a competition.
Kasir could scarcely believe what he was hearing! It went against everything he thought Zeronym believed in, the guiding principles that had shaped their project over the past weeks. The fact that everything they had been working on had merely been a test embittered the biomancer far worse than his earlier uncertainty over his place at Zeronym's side.
"Do not devalue the work you have all poured sweat, blood, and mana into," the planeswalker insisted when Kasir protested. "It may have been a test, but I believe the goal was worthy. One that needed to be done, and will have far-reaching effects on the recovery of this world. Those of you who do not pass this final challenge can still be proud of what we have accomplished here." His expression became distant, clouded. "I am sorry I could not tell you all sooner. This is not a fate I would have chosen for any of you, nor the way I would have gone about things. But unfortunately the choice was out of my hands, and there are far greater things at stake here."
While Kasir continued to argue with Zeronym, hoping there was some other way, begging him to tell them the whole story, his rivals turned to contemplation, preparing for the battles to come. Zeronym had urged them not to fight to the death, but Kasir feared some of them anticipated their challenge far too eagerly.
Round One
Aelysa the Godwaker 2WGR
Legendary Creature - Elf Shaman
Other creatures you control are 5/5.
"Blessed is she, in whose presence gods are born." - Mayael
2/3
There was no ring or stadium in which to fight; their battlefield was simply a stretch of land at the edge of their forest, scattered with shattered, ancient trunks from the old woodlands and covered in a carpet of sickly-looking fungus.
"Good luck," Kasir called nerviously to the elf. "I will do my best not to cause you permanent harm." She simply gazed at him coldly down her perfectly-shaped nose in response.
"Begin," Zeronym shouted solemnly. Kasir had struggled to come up with a strategy to use against her; he was no battle-mage, and while she seemed slighter than he Kasir was loathe to resort to physical combat. Finally, he had decided that he might be able to subdue her with magic meant to restrain unruly experiments. Before he could act, however, she raised her hands high above her head. Beneath her feet, a mass of fungus began squirming, forming a vaguely animal-like shape.
"Awaken," she commanded in a barely-audible whisper, and suddenly the saproling exploded outwards, vegetable mass filling out and forming into a massive, hulking myconoid beast. With a vegetable screech it began lumbering towards him. Obviously, Aelysa had no qualms about causing permanent damage. Panicking, Kasir did the first thing that came to mind - he launched a cytoplasm at it, stumbling out of the way of its charge.
Aelysa had seen his "pets" in action. She laughed scornfully. "If you think giving such a small offering of strength to this newborn gargantuan will sate it, or inspire me to turn its wrath aside in pity, you are sadly mistaken." But Kasir was too busy concentrating to pay much attention to her taunts as the monster slowly wheeled to charge again. Bonds of magic shimmered birefly in the air between the myconoid and his remaning cytoplasts.
And then, blue liquid squirming across his body, Kasir grew.
With his newfound strength and size, Kasir found it relatively easy to rend the fungus back to its composite parts. Aelysa fell to her knees, gazing up at him in a mixture of fear and reverence. "Im... impossible..."
Urroth Haleroot 4:symwg::symwg:
Legendary Creature - Treefolk Druid
Urroth Haleroot is indestructible.
Whenever Urroth Haleroot becomes the target of a spell or ability, counter that spell or ability and put two -1/-1 counters on Urroth Haleroot.
Whenever a land comes onto the battlefield, you may remove a -1/-1 counter from each creature you control.
3/6
Kasir had no desire to harm this being, but he also didn't want to simply give up.
"Your attacks will not harm me," Urroth warned matter-of-factly, his voice the creaking and moaning of batterd branches on a chill wind. "I have survived centuries in a world as dark as this one."
"I wasn't going to bother trying," Kasir shrugged with resignation. "I have no weapon, nor the skill to use one. "You could crush me easily enough, anyways."
"We will decide this with magic, then," Urroth suggested. "I will avoid lethal spells."
"As will I, of course. I'm sure between the two of us, we..."
Kasir suddenly realized he could not move his legs.
Struggling to tug free of the roots that had encircled him so slowly he hadn't even noticed, Kasir had to give the treefolk due credit. Obviously Urroth's survival had been due as much to cunning as it had resilience. Still, the biomancer knew something of cunning himself. Calling up his most familiar spell, he smiled in satisfaction as he felt the magic coalesce to force the mighty oak into the form of a mere saproling.
His exultant grin crumpled as Urroth remained unmoved. The magic seemed to ripple across his scarred bark, as if seeking entry, before finally dissipating. It was apparent that the sage's skin afforded more than physical protection.
In response, Urroth groaned mightily as new growth surged up around them, their forest expanding rapidly to overtake their part of the battlefield. The roots enlarged, cementing Kasir firmly in place and encroaching further up to his torso, but his hands were still free to cast for the moment.
Perhaps it was a fluke, Kasir mused desperately, or just a counterspell. As Urroth recovered from the exertion of unaccustomed haste, the biomancer tried again to render his opponent into a less threatening shape. Again the magic formed and cast itself uselessly against the oak's towering form.
"That will not work either," the treefolk sighed; but this time Kasir applied a scientist's eye to the problem. He observed intently as Urroth's living bark and leafless branches seemed to wither at his magic's touch. The spell might not be inducing its intended effect, but it wasn't simply being deflected or negated; it was as if Urroth was absorbing the magic directly, leaving it in a form he could deal with in the way he was most capable - an impurity in his own body.
Kasir could overcome this opponent, but he had to act fast, before Urroth had time to recover again. Drawing some of what little mana remained in his nearly-spent signet, Kasir focused all his magical prowess on his opponent. The sage shriveled even further, limbs quivering and closing in together until he was a small fraction of his original size.
"Enough," Urroth wheezed. "I submit. You have bested me, wizard."
Garos, Sylvok Savant 1GG
Legendary Artifact Creature - Golem
Whenever an artifact enters the battlefield, put X 1/1 green Insect creature tokens onto the battlefield, where X is that artifact's converted mana cost.
A living bond between nature and technology, he has transcended his origins to become something far greater.
0/1
"Kasir Eol, you and I have more in common than you know. For one thing, we both have our own... companions." The golem raised a tendril-arm, and a tiny, vicious-looking bug crawled out if it to stand on his outstretched appendage. "My friends have observed your previous challenges, to see where our former rivals failed and you succeeded. I am well aware of your strengths... and limitations." A cold fear gripped the pit of Kasir's stomach as an echoing chitter arose from the ground around him. Within moments, a small horde of insects surrounded them both, many clambering around and over the golem's slim form. For the moment, they seemed to keep a respectful distance from Kasir himself, snipping and clacking claws and mandibles at the edge of an invisible circle. "You have no choice but to surrender. Whether you take the form of one of my friends, force me into such a shape, or even foolishly attempt to take me head-on, you will still be devoured by the swarm. I have no weaknesses that you are capable of exploiting with the magic at your command." Kasir tried to back away, but the bugs followed him, their beady eyes eagerly sizing him up. He had no doubt such a swarm would only take seconds to overcome him.
"Please," Garos urged. "I would prefer our conflict not end in violence - and inevitably, death. Think of the forest, Kasir; without your help, it may never flourish. Surrender, and continue your work. I am better suited to be our master's champion." But Kasir barely heard his words, his mind racing furiously to find an answer.
There was a basic tenet of reality, one that those who sought to pursue replication magic had to be intimately familiar with, but few others were aware of. Certain individuals - their race or creed made no difference - had a kind of destiny about them, as if fate had something great in store for them. It was said that such beings were so unique, a world could not hold two so similar; that certain magics had very different effects on them. There was no easy way to detect such a soul - and it was nothing on the scale of a planeswalker's spark - but in this situation Kasir was willing to make a gamble. No - he clarified, an educated guess. It was likely that if Zeronym was looking for a champion for some cause, he would have picked out such individuals.
The golem lacked human expressions, but it seemed disappointed when Kasir let a cytoplasm squirm off his arm to leap the distance between them, a metallic sigh escaping Garos as it coiled around his torso. "So you choose oblivion. I am truly sorry, Kasir..." His voice trailed off as one of his insects began to shiver and glow. "What are you-"
Another golem stood beside him now, completely identical. Another Garos. "How... interesting..." they both whisperd as their forms suddenly seemed to fade and dissolve into nothing. Deprived of a master, the insects vanished as well, some simply following in Garos' wake while the rest returned to the hidden nooks and crannies of the forest.
My First (And Probably Only) MCC Perfect Score: December 09 (Round One)
Svogthir, Golgari Deity 3BBGG
Legendary Creature- Plant Zombie {MR}
Dredge 10
Svogthir, Golgari Deity’s power and toughness are each equal to the number of creature cards in your graveyard.
XXT: Put target creature card with converted mana cost X or less in your graveyard onto the battlefield under your control. That creature is a black Zombie in addition to its other colors and types.
He has found a way to transcend death by embracing it head on.
*/*
Scouting Swarm BG
Instant {Uncommon}
As an additional cost to cast Scouting Swarm, sacrifice a land.
Put a 1/1 green and black Insect creature token onto the battlefield with “When this creature leaves the battlefield, search your library for up to two basic land cards and put them onto the battlefield tapped.”
Dredge 3
Much like the cycle of life and death, Golgari scouting insects will descend upon infertile land and cause a fruitful vineyard to arise.
Illus. Jan Patrik Krasny
Golgari Riftwurm 4:symbg::symbg:
Creature-Wurm Zombie {Uncommon}
Trample
When Golgari Riftwurm is put into a graveyard from the battlefield, put the top X cards of your library into your graveyard, where X is equal to Golgari Riftwurm’s power.
Dredge 2
Through an alliance with the Simic Combine, the Golgari were able to develop the ultimate test subject – one that doesn’t die and still contributes to the cycle of life and death.
6/5
Illus. Dénes Nagy
Hana Marika, Deathcycler 3BG
Planeswalker- Hana {Mythic Rare}
[+1]: Put the top ten cards of your library into your graveyard.
[-4]: Destroy target nonland permanent and all other permanents with the same name as that permanent
[-7]: Each creature you control’s power and toughness are each equal to the number of cards in your graveyard until end of turn.
{4}
Illus. Jen Emery
Necromancer's Cauldron 1
Artifact {Rare}
Whenever you return a creature card from your graveyard to the battlefield, you may search your library for a creature card and put it into your graveyard. Then shuffle your library.
Dredge 2
According to Guildpact statutes, Golgari rituals that disrupt the cycle of life and death, require an offering to balance the natural order.
Illus. Richard Sardinha
From the Wanderwine of Lorwyn
Urnn, Sanity Deluger 3UU
Legendary Creature-Merfolk Wizard {R}
When Urnn, Sanity Deluger enters the battlefield, choose a creature. Target player puts the top X cards of his or her library into his or her graveyard, where X is equal to the power of the chosen creature.
U, T: If target Merfolk would deal combat damage to a player, instead that player puts that many cards from the top of his or her library into his or her graveyard.
Deep in the waters of the Wanderbrine, she learned the art of manipulating history like water at an early age.
2/2
Kichiro, Chest-Slicer 4BB
Legendary Creature- Rat Assassin {R}
Fear
Whenever a creature enters the battlefield, that creature’s controller sacrifices it unless he or she puts the top two cards of his or her library into his or her graveyard.
The Nezumi assassins are known for accepting an alternative life in exchange for your own.
3/2
Eliza of the Keep 1UBR
Legendary Creature- Human Wizard {R}
Whenever a creature is returned from a graveyard to the battlefield, it enters the battlefield with two +1/+1 counters on it.
UBR, T: If target creature would be exiled, instead put it into its owner’s graveyard.
While a young woman who still holds on to her mortal life, Eliza commands a legion of undead to do her bidding.
1/1
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Legendary Artifact Creature - Human Artificer
Whenever an artifact is put into a graveyard from the battlefield, Tarramir gets +2/+1 and gains first strike until end of turn.
Terrami altered the metal of her being. And while she gave herself all the power she craved, she became more a being of metal than of flesh.
3/3
Legendary Creature - Goblin Rogue (R)
When Gloimy, Boggart enters the battlefield, destroy a random permanent.
Whenever a land is sent to your graveyard from the battlefield, you may draw a card.
1/1
"Useful servant, poor combatant. I guess that's what happens when you recruit the weirdo from a goblin family on an idyllic plane."
—Goorlk, Planeswalker
Legendary Creature - Snake Warrior (R)
Deathtouch, first strike
Prevent all damage Matikuse Flat-Fang would deal to artifact creatures and to Spirits.
2/3
A dull bite leaves a glaring weakness to both the inexorable and the incorporeal.
Legendary Artifact Creature - Human Shaman (MR)
Rogue Archmage, Neirrot can't block.
At the beginning of each upkeep, put a 1/3 colorless Construct artifact creature token with defender into play.
Whenever Rogue Archmage, Neirrot attacks, sacrifice each other artifact you control. Neirrot gets +1/+0 for each artifact sacrificed in this way.
8/5
"I no longer hold faith in control, my Esperites, but you may continue to fight the nature of existence once I take my leave."
Legendary Creature - Fox Knight Samurai
Bushido 2, double strike, haste
Whenever Crimson-Tail, Kitsune Captain deals combat damage, target creature you control gets +X/+X until the beginning of the end step where X is Crimson-Tail's power.
1/3
"Rage is a valuable trait in the hands who can control it and harness its power" -Teachings of Eight-and-a-half-Tails
From the unforgiving Jungles of Naya:
Shezz'na, The All-Seeing 2RGW
Legendary Creature - Spider Beast
Lifelink, Trample
Shezz'na, The All-seeing blocks each turn if able and is able to block each turn. (Ignore any effect that would prevent Shezz'na from blocking such as evasion abilities on attackers, or Shezz'na being tapped.)
"Perched atop of the canopy, protecting the jungle from potential invaders, she's one of Naya's most revered Gargantuans."
5/6
From the fairytale lands of Lorwynn:
Geucros of the Blazing Will 4RRRR
Legendary Creature - Elemental Warrior
Haste, trample
Whenever Geucros of the Blazing Will deals combat damage to a player, you may add that much red mana to your mana pool.
"Whenever the thing he manages to obtain in his lifelong pylgrimage is consumed away, he realizes it wasn't what he was looking for and moves on."
9/6
From the uptightiest district in Ravnica
Piets Ulf, Azorious Impeacher 4WU
Legendary Creature - Human Advisor
Vigilance, Flash
Attacking creatures get -X/0 where X is the number of attacking creatures.
Blocking creatures get +0/X where X is the number of blocking creatures.
"According to the 7th ammendment to resolution number XVII of the Underscripting Law, your claim should have been presented in duplicate forms upon the first 15 minutes from the occurence of the event to hold validity."
4/3
The maths are a bit complex, but I assure you my guy can (barely) defeat all these guys in combat and live to tell the tale.
Meaning that each legand you create needs to have a different plane and most importantly CMC from both your avatar and the other legends. You each have at least one card that doesn't follow that rule.
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My First (And Probably Only) MCC Perfect Score: December 09 (Round One)
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Great card. I love it. I fail to see how did they do not do this for Naya. Very flavorful, very useful and well balanced. Too bad she's so small herself, an easy prey for Kasir. 5/5
A very well balanced creature. A hard to remove threat that is also a combo piece in persist decks. However, I fail to see how kasi could take him out. Your narrated combat was really cool, but in reality, and in a one-on-one battle, Kasir can't take him, as the only creature with +1/+1 counters he could use to transform the treefolk, is himself, and both of them would die. Even if he had another creature with a +1/+1 counter around, he would need 12 mana to shrivel Urroth down to nothingness as in your story. The card is good but in my eyes fails to immediately meet the requeriment. 3/5
Interesting concept of merging nature and artifact, though I'm a bit worried about its power. Artifacts are the permanents with easiest and cheapest recursion, things could become really ugly, really quick, specially with such a small manacost. Kasir can defeat it easily, though I'm a bit disappointed there is not a bit more of interaction between both of them. 3/10
MagicProffessor28
Heh, Svoghtir likes this little guy, he's so unwittingly helpful. However, I think he's not too good by itself. It's a very expensive merfolk (for the average) with a very small body for that cost, that does NOT want to attack, and wants you to make your bigger attacker deal no damage, which is no good. Would you rather have your Wake Trasher clobbering your opponent for 7 life or for 7 cards of his library? And his first ability is not good enough to warrant his inclusion in a deck either, specially if you think that for 5 mana mill usually can take over 20 cards. Good interaction, bad card. 2.5/5
Very interesting. A real nice tension for the opponent to choose between his resources. I think you could have even gone away with making the opponent sacrifice unless he mills = CMC for that cost and p/t. I really like the idea, and again it's good interaction with Svoghtir 4.5/5
I don't really like this one. Symetrical statical effects have been shun by Wizards for a good while now, and it's obvious this one has one only to interact with Svoghtir. Also, her abilities really look black and green to me. Blue as a stretch and definitely not red. Finally the effect is not even that great to have her a tiny 1/1 for that cost. 1.5/5
The Winner: Twilight Kiwi, congratulations to both!
What doesn't work: I'm not too keen on this one. UR seems to me like the least likely color combination to find "destroy target permanent," even if it's random; and I don't like the fact that, theoretically, he could destroy Terrami at random when he pops in, before the artificer gets a chance to smash the goblin's face in. Also, I know he's a goblin, but wouldn't Advisor be more appropriate than Rogue? Just sayin'.
What does: Still, this definitely seems like the goblin idea of diplomacy. "See, since I picked your goat at random to kill, it's fair! Next time it might be one of my neighbors, you know. Since I have so many of them. What are you so upset about!?" "Obviously, since it was my warren that got blown up, it's only fair that I get compensated." "Diplomacy at work makes the world a better place! For boggarts."
Random Comments: ...and now I'm laughing at the image of such a well-spoken goblin. ;P
Matikuse Flat-Fang
What doesn't work: A weakness to artifacts seems out of place on a creature of the two colors that traditionally hate artifacts the most.
What does: I do like the flavor of a guy who compensates for a physical disability by being extra-fast and deadly, though with flat fangs how does he deliver his venom to even regular folks?
Random Comments: I actually think you could've costed this guy at 1RG - or maybe even RG, given the occasionally-relevant drawback - and it would've still been okay.
Rogue Archmage, Neirrot:
What doesn't work: Man, this guy is huge for a human! That mighty power makes his third ability seem a little redundant. Maybe should've started him out smaller, so you could cost him less too. And his types don't fit on the type line (I tried something similar with Garos, who was originally going to be a Legendary Artifact Creature - Human Shaman).
What does: Let's see... the first ability is red, the second seems like a good fit for a UG artifact, and the third definitely feels GR, so he's appropriate enough color-wise. Flavor-wise, this does work for me... if I imagine him riding in a giant robot suit, using his hapless defender-drones as melee weapons and ammunition when he attacks. I also like that he seems like an appropriate nemesis for your artificer, as they have much in common. Kind of a "if we'd met in a different life, we coulda been friends" deal.
Random Comments: I think this is actually my favorite of your three challengers, and an opportunity to explore possibilities for enemy color 'shards' is always fun.
What doesn't work: I'm not sure how that ability shoud be worded, but I don't think that's quite it. Feels a little off to me. It might even be fine worded as-is, but the reminder text definitely needs work. Also, I almost feel the lifelink and trample detract from the coolness of the card and feel weird on a spider; I would imagine this more as a green-only - or maybe GW - creature with only its defensive ability.
What does: On the other hand, that is a really cool ability that I haven't seen before, and is definitely appropriate on a spider - which, IMO, were sorely underrepresented on Naya, as it seemed like a good environment for them, and also would've provided a logical reason RE: why Naya's skies lacked airborne behemoths. The psuedo-vigilance is a nice side effect.
Random Comments: Spiders, weee!
Geucros of the Blazing Will
What doesn't work: Like your opponent's disillusioned Esperite, this guy feels too big for his britches. I think 6 or 7 power is the max I would feel comfortable with, and his toughness should be lower. I feel a little wary about that ability being abused, too, as many repeatably-used large sources of mana are. This + Aggravated Assault = infinite combat phases and mana?
And his name makes me think of sucrose.
What does: This guy looks fun! Used less exploitively, you can smash face then shoot off a Fireball for free to finish the job! Everybody likes free Fireballs. Well, except the people on fire.
Random Comments: I like the flavor of a flamekin so strong-willed, his mere presence disintegrates the very thing he seeks. I feel like this should've been expressed in a more flavor-connected ability, though.
Piets Ulf, Azorious Impeacher
What doesn't work: I know you were just trying to balance the combat math so your samurai wins by the skin of his foxy teeth, but 4/3 seems inappropriately aggressive for a human Azorius advisor.
What does: However, that's my only gripe. Other than the p/t, both flavorfully and mechanically Mr. Ulf hits home. I imagine him popping onto a chaotic battlefield with a Phoenix Wright-style "OBJECTION!" freezing the enemy in their confused tracks. I also find it cool that he inderectly encourages a Bant-style approach to combat on both sides, and would fit well in such a deck himself as it would be equipped to deal with his 'drawback'.
Random Comments: Is his name an acronym for something? Just curious.
A side note: When facing Urroth, I assumed Kasir should safely be able to try and make the treefolk a copy of himself since the ability will be countered, and thus there are never two Kasirs. Was I wrong about that?
My First (And Probably Only) MCC Perfect Score: December 09 (Round One)
I dont really think Geucros is too big for its cost: it is based on Lightning Ball, however you are right about Aggravated Assault. It wouldn't have been the first time that my ignorance about pre-Mirrodin cards costed me greatly. Also Geucros = Scourge
Piets Ulf = Spiteful And I dont really think it's too big for an azorian, look at Sky Hussar. The reason why I made it 4/3, was so it becomes 3/3 on attack and 4/4 on defense
1. I really like Shezz’na’s abilities. I have never seen anything like a creature being “able to block each turn” no matter what. It is a lot like an uber-reach and is an awesome drawback, especially against your avatar. Very nice job! The only thing I was disappointed in was that 5 mana for a 5/6 seems quite undercosted despite the abilities. A
2. Geucros is pretty cool also. I really like the effect to add mana based on damage being dealt. This could be easily broken with the right cards, but it is great the way it is. I like the ratio of mana to power and toughness. It is a unique idea and I am very pleased with the flavor of Lorwyn in your card. A-
3. Piets Ulf is one of my most favorite Azorious cards I have ever seen. Everything about it coalesces into a pure embodiment of law. It took me a little calculating, but indeed your avatar does kill Piets. The only thing I really have some trouble understanding is why an Azorius would be in combat. I would have liked to have seen some writing explaining all of your enemies. A+
1. Gloimy, Boggart Diplomat is an interesting idea of a card that reminds me a lot of the month I ran the TTC. I like the land effect, however I strongly dislike the first ability- especially because it can kill Terrami as soon as it enters the battlefield. I really like the flavor text however because it gave me a good laugh trying to imagine the goblin. I envision the humor much like the card Clambassadors and it is a cool idea. Finally, I can’t really figure out the plane as to where this card would belong. D-
2. Matikuse Flat-Fang is a unique card that seems very overcosted. I have some trouble understanding how he can’t kill your avatar because even if Terrami has first strike, so does Matikuse and deathtouch would still result in them both dying at once. The flavor behind this snake is cool and I like the addition of red to the Kamigawa snakes. B-
3. Rogue Archmage, Neirrot is an awesome idea! I really like how your avatar can kill Neirrot. I do like the Alaran flavor and I think that it is especially effective. Great job! A+.
Winner: Maokun
Also @Maokun: In regards to my final enemy, the idea is that she not only combos with my avatar, but also with Unearth.
Nice job Maokun, I wish I had spent a little more time on my card's now.
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