The following keyword is a play on tribute - the worry that some commentators have had when I ran it by them is that unlike +1/+1 counters the life drain will almost always be chosen, simply by dint of Orzhov gameplay which is defensive instead of aggressive. The help I'm asking is if the keyword is decent enough and if the below "X"s may appropriately be filled. I have included the original numbers in brackets, but have been consistently told that they are too low.
Sample Cards:
Purchased Custodian 2W
Creature - Spirit (C)
Bribe X[2] (As this creature enters the battlefield, any opponent may pay X[2] life and have you gain X[2] life. If he or she does, place a bribe counter on this creature.)
Defender, Flying
Unless Purchased Custodian has been bribed, creatures can't attack you unless their controller pays 1 for each creature they control that's attacking you.
0/4
Procurer of Indulgences 2WB
Creature - Human Cleric (U)
Bribe X[3] (As this creature enters the battlefield, any opponent may pay X[3] life and have you gain X[3] life. If he or she does, place a bribe counter on this creature.)
When Procurer of Indulgences dies, unless Procurer of Indulgences has been bribed return all creature cards in your graveyard to your hand.
3/1
Reasoned Kidnapper 1BB
Creature - Human Rogue (U)
Bribe X[2] (As this creature enters the battlefield, any opponent may pay X[2] life and have you gain X[2] life. If he or she does, place a bribe counter on this creature.)
When Reasoned Kidnapper enters the battlefield, unless has been bribed, exile target creature other than Reasoned Kidnapper. When Reasoned Kidnapper leaves the battlefield, return the exiled card to the battlefield under its owner’s control.
2/3
Saint of Subornation 5WB
Creature - Archon Horror (R)
Bribe X[4] (As this creature enters the battlefield, any opponent may pay X[4] life and have you gain X[4] life. If he or she does, place a bribe counter on this creature.)
Flying
When Saint of Subornation enters the battlefield, unless has been bribed, exile target permanent.
At the end of each turn exile, Saint of Subornation and then return it to the battlefield.
5/5
You have fallen into the same trap that gets most people when they have modal/punisher cards. The difference between your effects is too big so when you get the worse option you have always over paid.
Purchased Custodian, assuming you are bribed; as a 1/4 it would be the standard late pick defensive common in white. As a 0/4 its a disappointing card that only makes it into the deck if you are lacking any early interaction. Without the bribe its power house first pick rare that begins construction on your indestructible pillow fort. These two modes shouldn't be on the same card, if they were I would expect them to be on a rare or mythic with Bribe 5 or higher. To stay a common bribe 2 it should be a 1/4 and have defender only if bribed.
Procurer of Indulgences, again, assuming you were bribed its a mediocre late pick that fills out the mid section of the deck. Without its a first pick combo mythic that is the backbone of your card advantage. I would give it flying, bribe 6 and self exile so as to not get too crazy.
Reasoned Kidnapper, change to the current standard of duration rather than two seperate effects and this could be reasonable at bribe 3.
Saint of Subornation appropriately terrifying, not sure how I stand on the nonland vs any but its at a reasonable cost where it can hit lands.
I like the idea. I've noticed opponent choose is put into 3 categories:
1) Gifts Ungiven - You don't really get a choice, all choices lead to you getting comboed out
2) Value Gifts Ungiven/ Vexing Devil/ Risk Factor with two powerful effects, but is is balanced by giving your opponent choices. These type of abilities have been proven to be underwhelming because of the option given to your opponent.
3) Fact or Fiction / Gifts Ungiven - Your opponent's decision matters a lot and your decision matters as well. Its not usually one is correct and the other is incorrect.
I personally would aim for cards in the third category. Would you like me to give recommendations on your cards based on the second category or how I think these types of cards should be structured towards the third category?
RE user_938036: I feel that you are correct that the main issue is that the effects are too disparate. As you noted the non-bribed effects all seem to be appropriate for rares. I guess, the issue on my end is coming up with good bribe effects for Common/Uncommon that are worth only 1-3 Bribe. I don't particularly want to go further than 3 with common/uncommon as I feel bribe 4 at that rarity would be obnoxious.
Trying to find a better balance of effects, what about these 3 Commons?
Common #1 2W
Creature - Human Knight C
Bribe [2] (As this creature enters the battlefield, any opponent may pay [2] life and have you gain [2] life. If he or she does, place a bribe counter on this creature.)
First strike
When ~ enters the battlefield, unless it was bribed, create a 1/1 white Soldier creature token.
2/3
Common #2 1BB
Creature - Human Rogue
Bribe [2] (As this creature enters the battlefield, any opponent may pay [2] life and have you gain [2] life. If he or she does, place a bribe counter on this creature.)
When ~ enters the battlefield, unless ~ was bribed, target opponent puts a card from their hand on top of their library.
3/2
Common #3 2WB
Bribe [3] (As this creature enters the battlefield, any opponent may pay [3] life and have you gain [3] life. If he or she does, place a bribe counter on this creature.)
Flash
When ~ enters the battlefield, unless ~ was bribed, exile another target permanent you own, then return it to the battlefield under your control.
2/4
Are these more balanced - or do I have the calculation of the power of the drain versus the effects off?
RE: alanyuan0408 - not sure how the mechanic would be changed to be more like your category 3?
There was a 2 mana black counter spell that was "counter target spell or your opponent loses 5 life". In testing, both effects are extremely aggressively costed for 2 mana (you could make the case that if either effect was legal on a modern legal card, it would have been banned). But in testing, the option made the card very underwhelming.
I believe some sort of hidden information would help make choice cards alot better. I.e. when you cast fact or fiction, you have no idea what is in my hand/ what I'm digging for or what pile I will pick.
I think it would be interesting if it was something like "Human Knight C" If Bribe isn't paid reveal the top card of your library and put a X/X token where X is its CMC or reveal the top card, for every mana symbol in its mana cost, put a 1/1 token.
That's an interesting suggestion RE hidden information. However, the top card of the library would seem to be hidden even from you and is more of an introduction of randomness rather than new information. The choice would be instead X versus Random rather than X versus a variable that is known to the Caster
What about something regarding revealing from your hand? It could even be binary land/non-land (or creature since Lands are more of a green/red domain). For example, taking the first two commons in the last post and introducing this binary idea:
Common #1 Version 2 2W
Creature - Human Knight C
Bribe [2] (As this creature enters the battlefield, any opponent may pay [2] life and have you gain [2] life. If he or she does, place a bribe counter on this creature.)
First strike
When ~ enters the battlefield, unless it was bribed, reveal a card from your hand. If its a creature create two 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens, otherwise create a 1/1 white Soldier creature token.
2/3
Common #2 Version 2 1BB
Creature - Human Rogue
Bribe [2] (As this creature enters the battlefield, any opponent may pay [2] life and have you gain [2] life. If he or she does, place a bribe counter on this creature.)
When ~ enters the battlefield, unless ~ was bribed, reveal a card from your hand. If its a creature target opponent reveals his hand and you may choose a card, if you do place that card on top of its owner's library, otherwise target opponent puts a card from their hand on top of their library.
3/2
In review - I fear that these versions are too wordy, especially for commons. Moreover, the lack of information simply makes it more likely that the opponent would choose the drain - while the opponent would always choose the worst option for you, these versions make it seem that the drain is always the worst option for you as the opponent would always assume the worst in regards to the reveal.
Also, it loses some flavor, what about bribery involves secret information - the secret information is if the bribed is bribed but then chooses to carry on with their threat. With that flavor in mind then there is a potential of having the ETB effect take place even if bribed. What about something like:
Common #1 Version 3 2W
Creature - Human Knight C
Bribe [2] (As this creature enters the battlefield, any opponent may pay [2] life and have you gain [2] life. If he or she does, place a bribe counter on this creature.)
First strike
When ~ enters the battlefield create a 1/1 white Soldier creature token. If ~ was bribed instead reveal a card from your hand if it is a creature create a 1/1 white Soldier creature token
2/3
Common #2 Version 3 1BB
Creature - Human Rogue
Bribe [2] (As this creature enters the battlefield, any opponent may pay [2] life and have you gain [2] life. If he or she does, place a bribe counter on this creature.)
When ~ enters the battlefield target opponent puts a card from their hand on top of their library. If ~ was bribed instead reveal a card from your hand if it is a creature card target opponent puts a card from their hand on top of their library.
3/2
That is sort of repetitive, but unlike the Version 2, Version 3 would push players into accepting the ETB as they can never know if you have had set up that the bribe was ineffective. To equalize the positions but keeping the one-sided information, it would seem that you would have to make the reveal somewhat trickier than a creature and or land.
Commons should be very simple, your batch of ETBs all look like good commons, straying a little too much towards 'card advantage or life' but its in a good place. You want to make sure that your cards don't all produce card advantage if they aren't bribed, some of them should just be better, because you are using a counter there is a wide range of benefits you can get.
I like your second reworking, but I think keeping it slightly repetitive is good or else the thinking on your opponent is just too much (Goblin Game is a terrible card, don;t play it, but this article shows the amount of depth involved in playing a simple card well - https://math.stackexchange.com/questions/876643/the-goblin-game)
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Sample Cards:
Purchased Custodian 2W
Creature - Spirit (C)
Bribe X[2] (As this creature enters the battlefield, any opponent may pay X[2] life and have you gain X[2] life. If he or she does, place a bribe counter on this creature.)
Defender, Flying
Unless Purchased Custodian has been bribed, creatures can't attack you unless their controller pays 1 for each creature they control that's attacking you.
0/4
Procurer of Indulgences 2WB
Creature - Human Cleric (U)
Bribe X[3] (As this creature enters the battlefield, any opponent may pay X[3] life and have you gain X[3] life. If he or she does, place a bribe counter on this creature.)
When Procurer of Indulgences dies, unless Procurer of Indulgences has been bribed return all creature cards in your graveyard to your hand.
3/1
Reasoned Kidnapper 1BB
Creature - Human Rogue (U)
Bribe X[2] (As this creature enters the battlefield, any opponent may pay X[2] life and have you gain X[2] life. If he or she does, place a bribe counter on this creature.)
When Reasoned Kidnapper enters the battlefield, unless has been bribed, exile target creature other than Reasoned Kidnapper. When Reasoned Kidnapper leaves the battlefield, return the exiled card to the battlefield under its owner’s control.
2/3
Saint of Subornation 5WB
Creature - Archon Horror (R)
Bribe X[4] (As this creature enters the battlefield, any opponent may pay X[4] life and have you gain X[4] life. If he or she does, place a bribe counter on this creature.)
Flying
When Saint of Subornation enters the battlefield, unless has been bribed, exile target permanent.
At the end of each turn exile, Saint of Subornation and then return it to the battlefield.
5/5
Purchased Custodian, assuming you are bribed; as a 1/4 it would be the standard late pick defensive common in white. As a 0/4 its a disappointing card that only makes it into the deck if you are lacking any early interaction. Without the bribe its power house first pick rare that begins construction on your indestructible pillow fort. These two modes shouldn't be on the same card, if they were I would expect them to be on a rare or mythic with Bribe 5 or higher. To stay a common bribe 2 it should be a 1/4 and have defender only if bribed.
Procurer of Indulgences, again, assuming you were bribed its a mediocre late pick that fills out the mid section of the deck. Without its a first pick combo mythic that is the backbone of your card advantage. I would give it flying, bribe 6 and self exile so as to not get too crazy.
Reasoned Kidnapper, change to the current standard of duration rather than two seperate effects and this could be reasonable at bribe 3.
Saint of Subornation appropriately terrifying, not sure how I stand on the nonland vs any but its at a reasonable cost where it can hit lands.
1) Gifts Ungiven - You don't really get a choice, all choices lead to you getting comboed out
2) Value Gifts Ungiven/ Vexing Devil/ Risk Factor with two powerful effects, but is is balanced by giving your opponent choices. These type of abilities have been proven to be underwhelming because of the option given to your opponent.
3) Fact or Fiction / Gifts Ungiven - Your opponent's decision matters a lot and your decision matters as well. Its not usually one is correct and the other is incorrect.
I personally would aim for cards in the third category. Would you like me to give recommendations on your cards based on the second category or how I think these types of cards should be structured towards the third category?
RE user_938036: I feel that you are correct that the main issue is that the effects are too disparate. As you noted the non-bribed effects all seem to be appropriate for rares. I guess, the issue on my end is coming up with good bribe effects for Common/Uncommon that are worth only 1-3 Bribe. I don't particularly want to go further than 3 with common/uncommon as I feel bribe 4 at that rarity would be obnoxious.
Trying to find a better balance of effects, what about these 3 Commons?
Common #1 2W
Creature - Human Knight C
Bribe [2] (As this creature enters the battlefield, any opponent may pay [2] life and have you gain [2] life. If he or she does, place a bribe counter on this creature.)
First strike
When ~ enters the battlefield, unless it was bribed, create a 1/1 white Soldier creature token.
2/3
Common #2 1BB
Creature - Human Rogue
Bribe [2] (As this creature enters the battlefield, any opponent may pay [2] life and have you gain [2] life. If he or she does, place a bribe counter on this creature.)
When ~ enters the battlefield, unless ~ was bribed, target opponent puts a card from their hand on top of their library.
3/2
Common #3 2WB
Bribe [3] (As this creature enters the battlefield, any opponent may pay [3] life and have you gain [3] life. If he or she does, place a bribe counter on this creature.)
Flash
When ~ enters the battlefield, unless ~ was bribed, exile another target permanent you own, then return it to the battlefield under your control.
2/4
Are these more balanced - or do I have the calculation of the power of the drain versus the effects off?
RE: alanyuan0408 - not sure how the mechanic would be changed to be more like your category 3?
I believe some sort of hidden information would help make choice cards alot better. I.e. when you cast fact or fiction, you have no idea what is in my hand/ what I'm digging for or what pile I will pick.
I think it would be interesting if it was something like "Human Knight C" If Bribe isn't paid reveal the top card of your library and put a X/X token where X is its CMC or reveal the top card, for every mana symbol in its mana cost, put a 1/1 token.
What about something regarding revealing from your hand? It could even be binary land/non-land (or creature since Lands are more of a green/red domain). For example, taking the first two commons in the last post and introducing this binary idea:
Common #1 Version 2 2W
Creature - Human Knight C
Bribe [2] (As this creature enters the battlefield, any opponent may pay [2] life and have you gain [2] life. If he or she does, place a bribe counter on this creature.)
First strike
When ~ enters the battlefield, unless it was bribed, reveal a card from your hand. If its a creature create two 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens, otherwise create a 1/1 white Soldier creature token.
2/3
Common #2 Version 2 1BB
Creature - Human Rogue
Bribe [2] (As this creature enters the battlefield, any opponent may pay [2] life and have you gain [2] life. If he or she does, place a bribe counter on this creature.)
When ~ enters the battlefield, unless ~ was bribed, reveal a card from your hand. If its a creature target opponent reveals his hand and you may choose a card, if you do place that card on top of its owner's library, otherwise target opponent puts a card from their hand on top of their library.
3/2
In review - I fear that these versions are too wordy, especially for commons. Moreover, the lack of information simply makes it more likely that the opponent would choose the drain - while the opponent would always choose the worst option for you, these versions make it seem that the drain is always the worst option for you as the opponent would always assume the worst in regards to the reveal.
Also, it loses some flavor, what about bribery involves secret information - the secret information is if the bribed is bribed but then chooses to carry on with their threat. With that flavor in mind then there is a potential of having the ETB effect take place even if bribed. What about something like:
Common #1 Version 3 2W
Creature - Human Knight C
Bribe [2] (As this creature enters the battlefield, any opponent may pay [2] life and have you gain [2] life. If he or she does, place a bribe counter on this creature.)
First strike
When ~ enters the battlefield create a 1/1 white Soldier creature token. If ~ was bribed instead reveal a card from your hand if it is a creature create a 1/1 white Soldier creature token
2/3
Common #2 Version 3 1BB
Creature - Human Rogue
Bribe [2] (As this creature enters the battlefield, any opponent may pay [2] life and have you gain [2] life. If he or she does, place a bribe counter on this creature.)
When ~ enters the battlefield target opponent puts a card from their hand on top of their library. If ~ was bribed instead reveal a card from your hand if it is a creature card target opponent puts a card from their hand on top of their library.
3/2
That is sort of repetitive, but unlike the Version 2, Version 3 would push players into accepting the ETB as they can never know if you have had set up that the bribe was ineffective. To equalize the positions but keeping the one-sided information, it would seem that you would have to make the reveal somewhat trickier than a creature and or land.
What do you think of these ideas?