Plucked from their mundane lives, trapped on the arena-world of Crucible, and forced to fight for the entertainment of Crucible's cruel Masters, Koopa and Oculus are the last and strongest pawns remaining in this twisted game. Rising from the rank and file, growing in power and cunning, even unlocking the secrets of magic, these two have proven themselves to be Crucible's greatest champions. But now, on the final battlefield, both warriors are refusing to play - not by the Masters' rules anymore, at least. Joining forces, our would-be champions have turned against those who have enslaved them, fighting together to free themselves and others from the tyranny of the Masters. But will they both survive the battle to come?
Before the Final Round truly began, our contestants started off turning the partners that have fought alongside them all month into Legends, drawing power from those they have defeated. They also made an important decision: rather than fight to the death against each other as they had done so many times before for the pleasure of the Masters, both chose to fight as comrades instead.
Our Champions were tasked with creating:
A creature tailor made to work against their own creature, with converted mana cost 8 or more.
A Scheme card to represent part of a convoluted gambit the two of them could enact together to outmaneuver the Masters.
An enchantment, instant, or sorcery to represent a combined "ultimate move" used by their two creatures, a powerful spell drawing inspiration from both companions.
An artifact of some kind that serves as a combo piece or synergistic card with the themes they've used on their cards throughout the month - the "Prize" that was meant to be their reward for victory in the arena.
A way home.
Their responses:
Syphon our strength? Treat us as pawns? Our power is unimaginable! Our strength is unfathomable! We are titans of this world and together nobody, not even these oracles that look down on us can stand in our way. Oculus, take up your seal and your companion and join me as we break the chains of bondage and take our place as kings of this world.
Companion Snapper1U
Creature - Turtle (C) T, Put a -1/-1 counter on Companion Snapper: Prevent all damage a source of your choice would deal this turn. "As soon as our eyes met I knew we would risk our lives for each other." - Koopa
1/3
Snapping Shaman2UU
Creature - Turtle Shaman (U) T, Put a -1/-1 counter on Snapping Shaman: Counter target spell that targets you and or permanents you control. "With each battle and with each victory we get closer and stronger." - Koopa
2/4
Teleportation Ring3
Artifact - Equipment (R)
Equipped creature has "3: Exile this creature, return it to the battlefield under you control and attach Teleportation Ring to it."
Equip 3 When you are slow and steady you still have to find away to win the race.
The Basking Tower
Plane - Crucible
Whenever you counter a spell, you may remove a -1/-1 counter from each creature you control, give target creature +2/+2 until end of turn, or gain 3 life.
Whenever you roll C, regenerate each creature you control, remove all counters from each creature you control, and your life total becomes 20.
Explaination:
While I am not a fan of putting a story to a card I create (as I feel all of the flavor should be tied to the card or cards that support the card) I think Planechase cards deserve a little more... attention. Especially since I can't put flavor text on it! >:(
It was an odd name for what was supposed to hold the newest one to rise to the level of the elite. As I approached the tower I noticed it was mossy and the sounds of water echoed from within. I approached the door, a mighty wooden door with a giant symbol on it, similar to the one on the talisman I held. Before I had a chance to knock the massive doors creaked open every so slowly by themselves... or so I thought. As I walked in I noticed the doors were opened by turtles, at least twenty of them. They were all over the place and they all seemed to be doing nothing but living their lives. Could this really be the tower of a champion? I walked down a large hallway from the door with a light at the end, the hallway was, like the outside, mossy and had streams of water on both sides. The streams and hallway emptied into a large room, lit naturally with light from holes in the ceiling that was at least a 100 ft up. In the center of the room was a large pool with floating islands on it and across from it was him, the champion himself; accompanied of course with his trusty warrior friend.
He said nothing as my talisman began to glow. I knew this meant the battle had already started as my own creature lept from my shoulder to one of the islands. His turtle companion teleported to the furthest islands and the battle began.
My warrior slung his spells left and right, trying to weaken our opponent. But each attack just slid off him and he would appear to get weaker but then rejuvenate with each spell. That's when I realized what was happening, he wasn't even trying to beat us, but allows us to beat ourselves. This arena was built specifically to cater his warrior, not only as a natural habitat but also as extension of his abilities. However, by the time I had realized this it was too late. The battle had already dragged on long enough and my warrior was weak and tired. With a quick flash his champion jumped across the arena and delivered the finishing blow to my friend. My talisman grew black, and my hopes and dreams were crushed. I found myself falling into a river, which swept me out of the castle and down to the beach where the river emptied into a great ocean. I was stuck here, stranded on the Crucible, and anyone who attemped to take down The Basking Tower was going to suffer the same fate.
Mimic Shell1UU
Enchantment - Aura
Enchant creature
Enchanted creature has "T, Put a -1/-1 counter on this creature: Copy target activated or triggered ability". There is a shell, physical or magical, for every situation.
Inhibition Trap1UU
Instant - Trap (R)
If your opponent has already activated two or more activated or triggered abilities this turn, you may pay 1 instead of paying Inhibition Trap's mana cost.
Counter target activated or triggered ability. (Mana abilities can't be targeted.)
Since my opponent's creature has an activated and triggered ability and my opponent's equipment and plane also have activated and triggered abilities I figured the best way to stop them would be to stop them at the source, the activation of their abilities.
Slip of the MindU
Instant (C)
Target player puts the two cards of his or her library into his or her graveyard.
Draw a card. Even a second of hesitation will give me the opportunity to strike.
Withdrawl into ShellsUUU
Instant (U)
You and everything you control phases out then phases in. I am never surprised. Never.
Wipe CleanXUUU
Instant (MR)
Return all noncreature, nonland permanents and spells to their owners hand. Then, remove all counters from X target creatures, lands, and players. Exile Wipe Clean. Leaves A LOT more room for the big ones to fight in, you know.
Bowsor, Turtle Sorcerer2GWU
Legendary Creature - Turtle Shaman (MR) T,G: Target creature gets a +1/+1 counter. T,W: Put target creature on target players library third from the top. T,U: Counter target spell or ability. (Mana abilities can't be targeted.) Through all of the trials, the tests, and the battles he has grown from a small warrior to a master of sorcery.
4/6
--------------------------------------- Stifling Archangel4UW
Creature - Angel (MR)
Flying, flash
When Stifling Archangel enters the battlefield, counter target activated ability.
Activated abilities can't be activated unless they're mana abilities. She slaughters the first and silences the rest.
5/5
It's Time To Fight On Equal Terms
Scheme
When you put this scheme into motion, until your next turn, all creatures lose all abilities. Why don't you pick on somebody your own size?
Overdrive4UG
Sorcery (MR)
Put a copy of each creature token onto the battlefield under your control. Until end of turn, you may copy each spell and ability. You may choose new targets for the copies. Exile Overdrive. "In an instant our armies doubled and our magic became even more potent." ~Koopa
Pendant of Vigilance4
Artifact (R)
Whenever a creature you control is tapped, you may untap target creature. Vigilance. Something that I will take from the Crucible both in mind and in hand.
Second Life2RGW
Instant (MR)
Each player discards their hand, shuffles all cards from his or her graveyard and exiled zone into his or her library, and draws seven cards. Each of us had lives before the Crucible, and to those lives we shall return.
Wait, weren't me and Rimeshade tied?
At any rate, confound you and your Prisoner's Dilemna. C'mon Koopa, we can take these suckers.
Previous Rounds:
ME:
Baby baloth:
Baloth Cub1G
Creature - Beast {C}
Baloth Cub can't attack or block unless its power is 4 or greater. Fully matured baloths are ferocious predators - however, their offspring are surprisingly timid.
3/3
Bigger beastie:
Baloth Yearling2G
Creature - Beast {U}
Baloth Yearling has defender as long as its power is 3 or less. 1G: Baloth Yearling gets +2/+2 until end of turn. Activate this ability only once each turn. In their first year, baloths do not develop as much in size as they do in ferocity.
3/3
Beastie Beatstick:
Rage Spurs2
Artifact - Equipment {U}
Equipped creatures gets +2/+2 and gains trample, haste and "this creature attacks each turn if able".
Equip 2 From meek to menace.
Rumbling Grounds:
The Thrashing Undergrowth
Plane - Crucible
Creatures with power 3 or less can't attack or block.
Whenever you roll C,put a +1/+1 counter on each creature you control. Those creatures gain trample until end of turn.
Description
In the heart of the Crucible's greatest rainforest lies the Thrashing Undergrowth, an enormous grove surrounded by all manner of exotic (and very tall!) trees. Most of these have grown so intertwined that the only access to the Thrashing Undergroth is via the canopy layer - however, entering this arena is the least of your worries. Like some sort of bizarre cathedral, the tree trunks and assorted vines form a living wall, while the highest branches, covered in tangleshrub, appear as an eerily shifting, yet translucent, vaulted ceiling. The sky above is clearly visible, but don't be fooled - anything attempting to escape or enter by flying through will quickly be ensnared by tangleshrubs that have made their home far up in the canopy. These ravenous epiphytes constantly sway around, quickly ensnaring anything that gets too close, be it sparrow or drake.
As one approaches the Thrashing Undergrowth, the reason for the name quickly becomes apparent - vines, tangleshrubs, roots and kudzus all seem to be fighting for a foothold on the forest floor, making for an especially dangerous terrain. Almost any creature that stays still for even a fraction of a second will be engulfed by the Thrashing Undergrowth's flora - the main exception appears to be the Baloths, which will periodically drive back the mass of plants to search for any prey unfortunate enough to have been ensnared.
Agressor Aura:
Tangleshrub Mane3GG
Enchantment - Aura {R}
Enchant creature
Enchanted creature gets +4/+4 and has trample.
Whenever enchanted creature becomes blocked by a creature, you may move all counters from that creature onto enchanted creature. Tangleshrub hide will both protect and consume.
Cunning Trap:
Primordium Trap5GG
Instant - Trap {R}
If an equipped and/or enchanted creature an opponent controls is attacking, you may pay 2G rather than pay Primordium Trap's mana cost.
Destroy all artifacts and/or enchantments target player controls. You gain 2 life for each permanent destroyed this way. If you rouse the earth's hunger, be prepared for a feeding frenzy.
The Absorbed:
The Enemy:
Mischevious Cheshire - 1WU
Creature - Cat Spirit
Michevious Cheshire is unblockable.
Morph - UW
When Mischevious Cheshire is turned face up you may exile target creature.
2/1
Repelling Aura - 1WU Enchantment - Aura
Prevent all combat damage that would be dealt to enchanted creature.
Whenever enchanted creature blocks you may return target creature it's blocking to its owner's hand, if that creature's power is greater than enchanted creature's power, you may exile it instead. The bigger they are, the further they're flung
Trap:
Andromorph Trap - 2UU Instant - Trap
If an opponent had a creature with a combined power and toughness equal to 8 or greater enter the battlefield this turn you may pay 1U instead of paying Andromorph Trap's mana cost.
Target creature loses all abilities and becomes a 0/1 Human creature (this effect doesn't end at end of turn). Brings a whole new dimension to the phrase "man up".
Alpha Call1GG
Instant {R}
Multikicker 2G
Choose target Beast you control. Choose one, then choose again for each time Alpha Call was kicked - put a 3/3 green Beast creature token onto the battlefield; or put a +1/+1 counter on that creature for each other Beast you control.
Rule of Nature1G
Instant {U}
Rule of Nature can't be countered.
Until end of turn, spells, permanents and players can't be the target of nongreen spells or abilities.
SunblessingXRGW
Sorcery {R}
Choose two - Up to X target lands are 3/3 green Beast creatures until end of turn that are still lands, then untap those lands; or Sunblessing deals X damage to each creature; or prevent the next X damage that would be dealt to each creature you control.
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Oculus remained still as a statue as the pair faded into nothingness. He stood there ponderingly for a while, until Obrun's thoughts intruded into his.
He frowned - Rimeshade was a worthy opponent, and had very nearly gotten the best of him. No matter what was to come, this would be his greatest challenge yet.
The rune - I can feel its pull. And my pack back in the Undergrowth, they can feel it too.
This, at least, was good news. Obrun had grown strong since the two first met, but it had really been his pack of Baloths that had helped them overcome dozens of mighty challengers.
Do you think you could call them to you for this final battle? I'll try, but we have to move quickly. The arena is disintegrating all around us.
Obrun braced himself, then stomped down on the ground, shattering the marble floor of the Hidden Library, and gave a mighty summon-bellow. An instant later, Oculus drew up the mana from what remained of the crumbling arena and channeled it. In a flash of light, his baloth companion disappeared. Time seemed to stand still for a minute, then Obrun came leaping through a rift, runes shining brilliantly across his scales . Close behind him was Mur, one of the newer beasts to enter his pack.
It looks like this won't be hard as hard as anticipated. Oculus grinned. Let's find out.
With the last pieces of the library falling into a mist behind them, the trio walked into the unknown before them.
---------------------------------------------
The Slave Becomes the Master:
Obrun the Packcaller4GGW
Legendary Creature - Beast {M}
Trample
When Obrun the Packcaller enters the battlefield, put a 3/3 green Beast creature token onto the battlefield. 1GW: Exile Obrun the Packcaller, then return it to the battlefield.
5/5
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It took the Crucible masters longer to react than any of them expected. Oculus realized that although they could talk down to them, the masters could not hear what they had to say. But now they were enraged, and a deep drone filled the arena as they began drawing up mana. They would have to think fast, and act faster. A monstrous shape was taking form in the center of the arena; as it did so, the five warriors felt a shudder, as though the writing of destiny had been split into two paths. Oculus and Koopa could see the same thought in each other's eyes: which of the two destinies was doomed to fail?
---------------------------------------------
Nemesis Titan:
Crucible Enforcer5BBB
Creature - Demon {R}
Flying
Whenever a permanent enters the battlefield under an opponent's control, its controller sacrifices a permanent. It only punishes one thing: resistance.
6/6
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None of them had time for such dark thoughts - the summoning was complete, and in the center of the arena towered a demon of dreadful proportions. From its skin and maw, a thick, black mist was rolling in, choking the warriors and shortening their field of view.
Silence.
With no warning, an imp, shrieking horribly, appeared behind Obrun. Mur snarled and sliced it down before its claws could reach him - the demon had lost the initiative, and we were all now alert to the shapes leaping from the mists. There was no time for words - Koopa's companion Bowsor motioned to the center of the arena. While the two gladiators covered the rear, their companions charged ahead. Obrun was first to charge, leaping at the colossal shape and ready to tear it apart. The battle that ensued was ferocious, but ultimately the demon overpowered the baloth. As its claws came down to finish Oculus' companion off, he disappeared in a flash of Æther, only to return moments later with another pack member. We must remember to thank Rimeshade...if we ever get out of here alive, that is.
The small moment of triumph did not last long - as the fog touched the rift, dark bolts of mana crackled through, striking both Mur and the new pack member dead. ...perhaps not.
"Koopa, Bowsor, any ideas?"
Then two muttered among each other. Reaching a consensus amongst themselves, the turtle mage entered a trance.
The demon turned to face him.
Both reacted at the same time. The demon's intentions were to swallow the turtle whole, but he had different ideas. In a surge of white mana, Bowsor's staff lashed out, enveloping the demon mid-flight before it disintegrated into black mana. The fog was starting to thin, allowing the warriors to locate and kill the last of the demon's minions.
The masters looked confused for a while, but it wasn't long until they started their rituals again.
"We have a few moments' reprieve before the battle starts again. How about a plan of some sort?"
Oculus mused over Koopa's question for a few moments.
"Bowsor seems to be able to keep the demon under control for a while, but if we are to overthrow the masters, we will need the full might of Obrun's pack." Rimeshade's runes will only allow me to travel so much to the Undergrowth though. True.
"We have no time to waste. Koopa, Bowsor, we have to rely on you two to keep the demon at bay. Obrun's pack will protect us, and then it's just a matter of time until we have another oppurtunity to strike."
"Sounds like a plan, but we better hurry - the demon is taking shape again."
"Is everybody clear on what is about to happen?"
"Yes." Yes.
Bowsor nodded his affirmation. The final battle was about to begin...
---------------------------------------------
Ever So Cunning Plan:
We Shall Remain Vigilant
Ongoing Scheme
Whenever a creature enters the battlefield, you may untap target creature. 0: Put a 3/3 green Beast creature token onto the battlefield for each attacking creature, then abandon this scheme. Activate this ability only once each turn and only if you're being attacked. "Go ahead, strike. One way or the other, this will be the end of you."
---------------------------------------------
While not flawless, the plan had worked as intended. While Koopa and his sorcerer turtle drove back the demon, allowing Obrun to travel freely between the planes, the baloth pack held back the various horrors and abominations it had created. More than once, one of them had nearly been killed, as each resummoning of the demon brought new henchfiends along with it, forcing the group to readjust their battle plan. But the Crucible masters were growing visibly weaker, and their grip on the arena's mana wells was fading. With each passing wave, the assailants were less in number, and Oculus and Koopa felt their grip on the plane's mana strengthening.
The tide of battle finally turned in the contestants' favor. The demon had been freshly banished, and was expected to return any moment; instead, each shadowy figure had begun summoning its own minions. Goblins, elementals, and countless other creatures rushed forth.
Oculus gave the signal, and the pack, now three dozen strong, charged to meet the wave. Mana now crackling beneath all of their skins, each of them prepared to strike their devastating blow.
Obrun, once again, was first. Channeling an unfathomable amount of mana through his body, the runes inscribed upon his scales shattered, and the air around him spasmed as the rest of the pack came charging out. Koopa and Bowsor had already begun brawling their way to the first of the masters.
Oculus smiled to himself. He had been waiting for this exact moment.
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Ultimate:
Vigor Tempest3GWU
Instant {R}
Choose two - Tap all creatures your opponents control; or untap all creatures you control; or creatures you control get +3/+3 until end of turn.
---------------------------------------------
The masters had used the final assault as a means to buy themselves time, time to hide behind a wall of elementals and golems. But the spell had smashed into their creations, scattering them and leaving the figures exposed. At the same time, the assault of the baloth pack doubled in intensity. They were no longer fighting - anything that stood in their way was ripped into shreds without even slowing down the stampede.
Unsheathing his blade, Oculus finished the casting and rushed at a master that had avoided getting trampled. It was cowering as the blade ore down on its neck, but there was no blood. Instead, a spine-chilling shriek came from its mouth, and corrupted mana erupted from the wound, withering away what remained of its body.
As the last master fell, the shapes of the fallen gladiators came into focus. Bowsor's legs gave way, the continuous channelling of mana taking its toll. Oculus and Koopas' eyes met, and both shared a smile.
Calling to each of the two victors was a trinket on the pedestal. Without much ceremony, each clasped theirs and gave it a quick inspection. Oculus was mesmerized by his, its serpentine inscriptions unreadable, yet the meaning so clear. He gazed up; an otherwordly breeze was blowing through the arena, sweeping away the outlines of the fallen champions and their companions. He swore he saw Rimeshade's grin last for a moment after the rest of his body was swept away.
"Goodbye, and may we meet in another life..."
Oculus realized the words were coming from his mouth, that it was him casting the spell. And now, as the accursed Crucible was fading into memory, his home village was materializing before him...
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Crucible Relic:
Primordial Amulet3
Artifact {M} 2G,T:Put a 3/3 green Beast creature token onto the battlefield. 1G,Q:Put a +1/+1 counter on each creature you control. Its inscriptions are perfectly clear: Help nature, and nature helps you.
Travelling Home:
Planar Return 2W
Instant {R}
Each player shuffles each exiled card he or she owns into his or her library.
Draw a card. All past sins forgotten, demon and hero alike were given reprieve of their sentence.
---------------------------------------------
This vision had presented itself to all of them, but doubt still remained. The masters knew what the future could hold, and may prevent it more easily now. Oculus and Koopa grinned as they drew their weapons.
Only one way to find out.
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Yeah, yeah, I'm not great at writing stories. Consider this a snapshot of my train of thought
Now their trials come to an end, and their ultimate fate is left in your hands.
I was very tempted to include a third "they should both win" option, but I figured the two of you would prefer not to be cheated out of a real victory. I suppose there's still the possibility of a tie in the votes, though! Has that ever happened in the CCL before?
Private Mod Note
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Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Suffer the little creatures, for they may yet rise up and beat you senseless."
Koopa
Bowsor - Creatures with multiple tap abilities always make me sad, not to mention that the first one is worded wrong (put a counter on a creature), and the second two are way more powerful than the first. The best part about it is the way the second two abilities work together.
Stifling Archangel - Ok, but Linvalla, Keeper of Silence is basically just better for this purpose; it only affects opponents, it gets mana abilities, and it comes out faster. Getting activated abilities of non-creatures is the only reason you would want this instead.
Scheme - This would be a very disappointing flip in most Archenemy games, not to mention that it affects your own guys. You need more cruelty or power in a Scheme.
Overdrive - Lots of wording issues here, and it hurts itself by costing so much, making it very difficult to activate any abilities that require mana. Being able to copy all other spells and abilities for a turn is the best part of this, you should have focused on that.
Pendant of Vigilance - For 4 mana I can infinitely tap anything that doesn't require mana to tap? Unless I'm missing something, broken beyond belief.
Second Life - Why did Time Reversal stop being blue?
Oculus
Obrun - Cute legend, I like the gold application of white blink with an ETB ability. I think green could have contributed haste to make him work a little better.
Crucible Enforcer - Great black effect, almost a white aspect to it as well with the balancing. I'm not aware of anything else that does this, nice find.
Scheme - Not bad, guaranteed to hurt the attacking heroes, but the execution seems a little janky. Nature Shields Its Own is pretty close to this. I could also see it working with or 5 counters that are removed and become blocking beasts whenever you are attacked.
Vigor Tempest - I guess this is a fine gold Overrun, but the choosing mechanic falls a little short for me. I'm not sure when you would use the tap/untap modes together; either you tap down all their guys and alpha strike, or you use it as a defensive trick to ambush all incoming attackers with guys that are suddenly untapped.
Primordial Amulet - Other than the slight wonkiness of loading up tokens with counters, this is pretty nice.
Planar Return - Seems like a fine niche rare, although it's almost Mudhole like in its narrowness.
I felt Oculus had the better overall presentation and execution, with the legend, demon, and artifact particularly good. Koopa's submission felt like it needed some more time and checking against existing stuff.
To be honest, the demon was based on Tainted Æther - was going a bit meta here, as this happens to be the least fun card I consistently come up against in my group.
Vigor Tempest seems like something you never would use two of the modes together with, but it does simplify things - for example, have you ever seen someone use Cryptic Command as a cantripping Boomerang?
A little over a day left for votes! I'll have my own comments up by the time the round closes, but I'm sure our contestants would appreciate any further critiques of their submissions.
Private Mod Note
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Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Suffer the little creatures, for they may yet rise up and beat you senseless."
So, poll closes in an hour or so if I'm not mistaken, and we have a tie? Kiwi, you voted yet? Or do you have a backup plan where the Crucible masters ambush us in our home village for a post-final showdown final-final showdown?
Ah, sorry! To make it official: Tie it is. Through the power of Friendship, together both Oculus and Koopa have cast the Masters down from their throne and returned home!
Private Mod Note
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Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Suffer the little creatures, for they may yet rise up and beat you senseless."
Plucked from their mundane lives, trapped on the arena-world of Crucible, and forced to fight for the entertainment of Crucible's cruel Masters, Koopa and Oculus are the last and strongest pawns remaining in this twisted game. Rising from the rank and file, growing in power and cunning, even unlocking the secrets of magic, these two have proven themselves to be Crucible's greatest champions. But now, on the final battlefield, both warriors are refusing to play - not by the Masters' rules anymore, at least. Joining forces, our would-be champions have turned against those who have enslaved them, fighting together to free themselves and others from the tyranny of the Masters. But will they both survive the battle to come?
Round One
Round Two
Round Three
Round Four
Round Five
Final Round
Companion Snapper 1U
Creature - Turtle (C)
T, Put a -1/-1 counter on Companion Snapper: Prevent all damage a source of your choice would deal this turn.
"As soon as our eyes met I knew we would risk our lives for each other." - Koopa
1/3
Snapping Shaman 2UU
Creature - Turtle Shaman (U)
T, Put a -1/-1 counter on Snapping Shaman: Counter target spell that targets you and or permanents you control.
"With each battle and with each victory we get closer and stronger." - Koopa
2/4
Teleportation Ring 3
Artifact - Equipment (R)
Equipped creature has "3: Exile this creature, return it to the battlefield under you control and attach Teleportation Ring to it."
Equip 3
When you are slow and steady you still have to find away to win the race.
The Basking Tower
Plane - Crucible
Whenever you counter a spell, you may remove a -1/-1 counter from each creature you control, give target creature +2/+2 until end of turn, or gain 3 life.
Whenever you roll C, regenerate each creature you control, remove all counters from each creature you control, and your life total becomes 20.
Explaination:
While I am not a fan of putting a story to a card I create (as I feel all of the flavor should be tied to the card or cards that support the card) I think Planechase cards deserve a little more... attention. Especially since I can't put flavor text on it! >:(
It was an odd name for what was supposed to hold the newest one to rise to the level of the elite. As I approached the tower I noticed it was mossy and the sounds of water echoed from within. I approached the door, a mighty wooden door with a giant symbol on it, similar to the one on the talisman I held. Before I had a chance to knock the massive doors creaked open every so slowly by themselves... or so I thought. As I walked in I noticed the doors were opened by turtles, at least twenty of them. They were all over the place and they all seemed to be doing nothing but living their lives. Could this really be the tower of a champion? I walked down a large hallway from the door with a light at the end, the hallway was, like the outside, mossy and had streams of water on both sides. The streams and hallway emptied into a large room, lit naturally with light from holes in the ceiling that was at least a 100 ft up. In the center of the room was a large pool with floating islands on it and across from it was him, the champion himself; accompanied of course with his trusty warrior friend.
He said nothing as my talisman began to glow. I knew this meant the battle had already started as my own creature lept from my shoulder to one of the islands. His turtle companion teleported to the furthest islands and the battle began.
My warrior slung his spells left and right, trying to weaken our opponent. But each attack just slid off him and he would appear to get weaker but then rejuvenate with each spell. That's when I realized what was happening, he wasn't even trying to beat us, but allows us to beat ourselves. This arena was built specifically to cater his warrior, not only as a natural habitat but also as extension of his abilities. However, by the time I had realized this it was too late. The battle had already dragged on long enough and my warrior was weak and tired. With a quick flash his champion jumped across the arena and delivered the finishing blow to my friend. My talisman grew black, and my hopes and dreams were crushed. I found myself falling into a river, which swept me out of the castle and down to the beach where the river emptied into a great ocean. I was stuck here, stranded on the Crucible, and anyone who attemped to take down The Basking Tower was going to suffer the same fate.
Mimic Shell 1UU
Enchantment - Aura
Enchant creature
Enchanted creature has "T, Put a -1/-1 counter on this creature: Copy target activated or triggered ability".
There is a shell, physical or magical, for every situation.
Inhibition Trap 1UU
Instant - Trap (R)
If your opponent has already activated two or more activated or triggered abilities this turn, you may pay 1 instead of paying Inhibition Trap's mana cost.
Counter target activated or triggered ability. (Mana abilities can't be targeted.)
Since my opponent's creature has an activated and triggered ability and my opponent's equipment and plane also have activated and triggered abilities I figured the best way to stop them would be to stop them at the source, the activation of their abilities.
Slip of the Mind U
Instant (C)
Target player puts the two cards of his or her library into his or her graveyard.
Draw a card.
Even a second of hesitation will give me the opportunity to strike.
Withdrawl into Shells UUU
Instant (U)
You and everything you control phases out then phases in.
I am never surprised. Never.
Wipe Clean XUUU
Instant (MR)
Return all noncreature, nonland permanents and spells to their owners hand. Then, remove all counters from X target creatures, lands, and players. Exile Wipe Clean.
Leaves A LOT more room for the big ones to fight in, you know.
Bowsor, Turtle Sorcerer 2GWU
Legendary Creature - Turtle Shaman (MR)
T,G: Target creature gets a +1/+1 counter.
T,W: Put target creature on target players library third from the top.
T,U: Counter target spell or ability. (Mana abilities can't be targeted.)
Through all of the trials, the tests, and the battles he has grown from a small warrior to a master of sorcery.
4/6
---------------------------------------
Stifling Archangel 4UW
Creature - Angel (MR)
Flying, flash
When Stifling Archangel enters the battlefield, counter target activated ability.
Activated abilities can't be activated unless they're mana abilities.
She slaughters the first and silences the rest.
5/5
It's Time To Fight On Equal Terms
Scheme
When you put this scheme into motion, until your next turn, all creatures lose all abilities.
Why don't you pick on somebody your own size?
Overdrive 4UG
Sorcery (MR)
Put a copy of each creature token onto the battlefield under your control. Until end of turn, you may copy each spell and ability. You may choose new targets for the copies. Exile Overdrive.
"In an instant our armies doubled and our magic became even more potent." ~Koopa
Pendant of Vigilance 4
Artifact (R)
Whenever a creature you control is tapped, you may untap target creature.
Vigilance. Something that I will take from the Crucible both in mind and in hand.
Second Life 2RGW
Instant (MR)
Each player discards their hand, shuffles all cards from his or her graveyard and exiled zone into his or her library, and draws seven cards.
Each of us had lives before the Crucible, and to those lives we shall return.
At any rate, confound you and your Prisoner's Dilemna. C'mon Koopa, we can take these suckers.
Previous Rounds:
ME:
Baby baloth:
Baloth Cub 1G
Creature - Beast {C}
Baloth Cub can't attack or block unless its power is 4 or greater.
Fully matured baloths are ferocious predators - however, their offspring are surprisingly timid.
3/3
Bigger beastie:
Baloth Yearling 2G
Creature - Beast {U}
Baloth Yearling has defender as long as its power is 3 or less.
1G: Baloth Yearling gets +2/+2 until end of turn. Activate this ability only once each turn.
In their first year, baloths do not develop as much in size as they do in ferocity.
3/3
Beastie Beatstick:
Rage Spurs 2
Artifact - Equipment {U}
Equipped creatures gets +2/+2 and gains trample, haste and "this creature attacks each turn if able".
Equip 2
From meek to menace.
Rumbling Grounds:
The Thrashing Undergrowth
Plane - Crucible
Creatures with power 3 or less can't attack or block.
Whenever you roll C,put a +1/+1 counter on each creature you control. Those creatures gain trample until end of turn.
Description
In the heart of the Crucible's greatest rainforest lies the Thrashing Undergrowth, an enormous grove surrounded by all manner of exotic (and very tall!) trees. Most of these have grown so intertwined that the only access to the Thrashing Undergroth is via the canopy layer - however, entering this arena is the least of your worries. Like some sort of bizarre cathedral, the tree trunks and assorted vines form a living wall, while the highest branches, covered in tangleshrub, appear as an eerily shifting, yet translucent, vaulted ceiling. The sky above is clearly visible, but don't be fooled - anything attempting to escape or enter by flying through will quickly be ensnared by tangleshrubs that have made their home far up in the canopy. These ravenous epiphytes constantly sway around, quickly ensnaring anything that gets too close, be it sparrow or drake.
As one approaches the Thrashing Undergrowth, the reason for the name quickly becomes apparent - vines, tangleshrubs, roots and kudzus all seem to be fighting for a foothold on the forest floor, making for an especially dangerous terrain. Almost any creature that stays still for even a fraction of a second will be engulfed by the Thrashing Undergrowth's flora - the main exception appears to be the Baloths, which will periodically drive back the mass of plants to search for any prey unfortunate enough to have been ensnared.
Agressor Aura:
Tangleshrub Mane 3GG
Enchantment - Aura {R}
Enchant creature
Enchanted creature gets +4/+4 and has trample.
Whenever enchanted creature becomes blocked by a creature, you may move all counters from that creature onto enchanted creature.
Tangleshrub hide will both protect and consume.
Cunning Trap:
Primordium Trap 5GG
Instant - Trap {R}
If an equipped and/or enchanted creature an opponent controls is attacking, you may pay 2G rather than pay Primordium Trap's mana cost.
Destroy all artifacts and/or enchantments target player controls. You gain 2 life for each permanent destroyed this way.
If you rouse the earth's hunger, be prepared for a feeding frenzy.
The Absorbed:
The Enemy:
Mischevious Cheshire - 1WU
Creature - Cat Spirit
Michevious Cheshire is unblockable.
Morph - UW
When Mischevious Cheshire is turned face up you may exile target creature.
2/1
Repelling Aura - 1WU
Enchantment - Aura
Prevent all combat damage that would be dealt to enchanted creature.
Whenever enchanted creature blocks you may return target creature it's blocking to its owner's hand, if that creature's power is greater than enchanted creature's power, you may exile it instead.
The bigger they are, the further they're flung
Trap:
Andromorph Trap - 2UU
Instant - Trap
If an opponent had a creature with a combined power and toughness equal to 8 or greater enter the battlefield this turn you may pay 1U instead of paying Andromorph Trap's mana cost.
Target creature loses all abilities and becomes a 0/1 Human creature (this effect doesn't end at end of turn).
Brings a whole new dimension to the phrase "man up".
Alpha Call 1GG
Instant {R}
Multikicker 2G
Choose target Beast you control. Choose one, then choose again for each time Alpha Call was kicked - put a 3/3 green Beast creature token onto the battlefield; or put a +1/+1 counter on that creature for each other Beast you control.
Rule of Nature 1G
Instant {U}
Rule of Nature can't be countered.
Until end of turn, spells, permanents and players can't be the target of nongreen spells or abilities.
Sunblessing XRGW
Sorcery {R}
Choose two - Up to X target lands are 3/3 green Beast creatures until end of turn that are still lands, then untap those lands; or Sunblessing deals X damage to each creature; or prevent the next X damage that would be dealt to each creature you control.
---------------------------------------------
Oculus remained still as a statue as the pair faded into nothingness. He stood there ponderingly for a while, until Obrun's thoughts intruded into his.
He frowned - Rimeshade was a worthy opponent, and had very nearly gotten the best of him. No matter what was to come, this would be his greatest challenge yet.
The rune - I can feel its pull. And my pack back in the Undergrowth, they can feel it too.
This, at least, was good news. Obrun had grown strong since the two first met, but it had really been his pack of Baloths that had helped them overcome dozens of mighty challengers.
Do you think you could call them to you for this final battle?
I'll try, but we have to move quickly. The arena is disintegrating all around us.
Obrun braced himself, then stomped down on the ground, shattering the marble floor of the Hidden Library, and gave a mighty summon-bellow. An instant later, Oculus drew up the mana from what remained of the crumbling arena and channeled it. In a flash of light, his baloth companion disappeared. Time seemed to stand still for a minute, then Obrun came leaping through a rift, runes shining brilliantly across his scales . Close behind him was Mur, one of the newer beasts to enter his pack.
It looks like this won't be hard as hard as anticipated. Oculus grinned.
Let's find out.
With the last pieces of the library falling into a mist behind them, the trio walked into the unknown before them.
---------------------------------------------
The Slave Becomes the Master:
Obrun the Packcaller 4GGW
Legendary Creature - Beast {M}
Trample
When Obrun the Packcaller enters the battlefield, put a 3/3 green Beast creature token onto the battlefield.
1GW: Exile Obrun the Packcaller, then return it to the battlefield.
5/5
---------------------------------------------
It took the Crucible masters longer to react than any of them expected. Oculus realized that although they could talk down to them, the masters could not hear what they had to say. But now they were enraged, and a deep drone filled the arena as they began drawing up mana. They would have to think fast, and act faster. A monstrous shape was taking form in the center of the arena; as it did so, the five warriors felt a shudder, as though the writing of destiny had been split into two paths. Oculus and Koopa could see the same thought in each other's eyes: which of the two destinies was doomed to fail?
---------------------------------------------
Nemesis Titan:
Crucible Enforcer 5BBB
Creature - Demon {R}
Flying
Whenever a permanent enters the battlefield under an opponent's control, its controller sacrifices a permanent.
It only punishes one thing: resistance.
6/6
---------------------------------------------
None of them had time for such dark thoughts - the summoning was complete, and in the center of the arena towered a demon of dreadful proportions. From its skin and maw, a thick, black mist was rolling in, choking the warriors and shortening their field of view.
Silence.
With no warning, an imp, shrieking horribly, appeared behind Obrun. Mur snarled and sliced it down before its claws could reach him - the demon had lost the initiative, and we were all now alert to the shapes leaping from the mists. There was no time for words - Koopa's companion Bowsor motioned to the center of the arena. While the two gladiators covered the rear, their companions charged ahead. Obrun was first to charge, leaping at the colossal shape and ready to tear it apart. The battle that ensued was ferocious, but ultimately the demon overpowered the baloth. As its claws came down to finish Oculus' companion off, he disappeared in a flash of Æther, only to return moments later with another pack member.
We must remember to thank Rimeshade...if we ever get out of here alive, that is.
The small moment of triumph did not last long - as the fog touched the rift, dark bolts of mana crackled through, striking both Mur and the new pack member dead.
...perhaps not.
"Koopa, Bowsor, any ideas?"
Then two muttered among each other. Reaching a consensus amongst themselves, the turtle mage entered a trance.
The demon turned to face him.
Both reacted at the same time. The demon's intentions were to swallow the turtle whole, but he had different ideas. In a surge of white mana, Bowsor's staff lashed out, enveloping the demon mid-flight before it disintegrated into black mana. The fog was starting to thin, allowing the warriors to locate and kill the last of the demon's minions.
The masters looked confused for a while, but it wasn't long until they started their rituals again.
"We have a few moments' reprieve before the battle starts again. How about a plan of some sort?"
Oculus mused over Koopa's question for a few moments.
"Bowsor seems to be able to keep the demon under control for a while, but if we are to overthrow the masters, we will need the full might of Obrun's pack."
Rimeshade's runes will only allow me to travel so much to the Undergrowth though.
True.
"We have no time to waste. Koopa, Bowsor, we have to rely on you two to keep the demon at bay. Obrun's pack will protect us, and then it's just a matter of time until we have another oppurtunity to strike."
"Sounds like a plan, but we better hurry - the demon is taking shape again."
"Is everybody clear on what is about to happen?"
"Yes."
Yes.
Bowsor nodded his affirmation. The final battle was about to begin...
---------------------------------------------
Ever So Cunning Plan:
We Shall Remain Vigilant
Ongoing Scheme
Whenever a creature enters the battlefield, you may untap target creature.
0: Put a 3/3 green Beast creature token onto the battlefield for each attacking creature, then abandon this scheme. Activate this ability only once each turn and only if you're being attacked.
"Go ahead, strike. One way or the other, this will be the end of you."
---------------------------------------------
While not flawless, the plan had worked as intended. While Koopa and his sorcerer turtle drove back the demon, allowing Obrun to travel freely between the planes, the baloth pack held back the various horrors and abominations it had created. More than once, one of them had nearly been killed, as each resummoning of the demon brought new henchfiends along with it, forcing the group to readjust their battle plan. But the Crucible masters were growing visibly weaker, and their grip on the arena's mana wells was fading. With each passing wave, the assailants were less in number, and Oculus and Koopa felt their grip on the plane's mana strengthening.
The tide of battle finally turned in the contestants' favor. The demon had been freshly banished, and was expected to return any moment; instead, each shadowy figure had begun summoning its own minions. Goblins, elementals, and countless other creatures rushed forth.
Oculus gave the signal, and the pack, now three dozen strong, charged to meet the wave. Mana now crackling beneath all of their skins, each of them prepared to strike their devastating blow.
Obrun, once again, was first. Channeling an unfathomable amount of mana through his body, the runes inscribed upon his scales shattered, and the air around him spasmed as the rest of the pack came charging out. Koopa and Bowsor had already begun brawling their way to the first of the masters.
Oculus smiled to himself. He had been waiting for this exact moment.
---------------------------------------------
Ultimate:
Vigor Tempest 3GWU
Instant {R}
Choose two - Tap all creatures your opponents control; or untap all creatures you control; or creatures you control get +3/+3 until end of turn.
---------------------------------------------
The masters had used the final assault as a means to buy themselves time, time to hide behind a wall of elementals and golems. But the spell had smashed into their creations, scattering them and leaving the figures exposed. At the same time, the assault of the baloth pack doubled in intensity. They were no longer fighting - anything that stood in their way was ripped into shreds without even slowing down the stampede.
Unsheathing his blade, Oculus finished the casting and rushed at a master that had avoided getting trampled. It was cowering as the blade ore down on its neck, but there was no blood. Instead, a spine-chilling shriek came from its mouth, and corrupted mana erupted from the wound, withering away what remained of its body.
As the last master fell, the shapes of the fallen gladiators came into focus. Bowsor's legs gave way, the continuous channelling of mana taking its toll. Oculus and Koopas' eyes met, and both shared a smile.
Calling to each of the two victors was a trinket on the pedestal. Without much ceremony, each clasped theirs and gave it a quick inspection. Oculus was mesmerized by his, its serpentine inscriptions unreadable, yet the meaning so clear. He gazed up; an otherwordly breeze was blowing through the arena, sweeping away the outlines of the fallen champions and their companions. He swore he saw Rimeshade's grin last for a moment after the rest of his body was swept away.
"Goodbye, and may we meet in another life..."
Oculus realized the words were coming from his mouth, that it was him casting the spell. And now, as the accursed Crucible was fading into memory, his home village was materializing before him...
---------------------------------------------
Crucible Relic:
Primordial Amulet 3
Artifact {M}
2G,T:Put a 3/3 green Beast creature token onto the battlefield.
1G,Q:Put a +1/+1 counter on each creature you control.
Its inscriptions are perfectly clear: Help nature, and nature helps you.
Travelling Home:
Planar Return 2W
Instant {R}
Each player shuffles each exiled card he or she owns into his or her library.
Draw a card.
All past sins forgotten, demon and hero alike were given reprieve of their sentence.
---------------------------------------------
This vision had presented itself to all of them, but doubt still remained. The masters knew what the future could hold, and may prevent it more easily now. Oculus and Koopa grinned as they drew their weapons.
Only one way to find out.
---------------------------------------------
Yeah, yeah, I'm not great at writing stories. Consider this a snapshot of my train of thought
Voting will run for a week from today.
My First (And Probably Only) MCC Perfect Score: December 09 (Round One)
Good luck Koopa.
[15:21] <@CC> Remember, if you argue, you are an idiot.
Untrophied Wins:
Perfect MCC Scores: 2
---------------------------------------------------------------
I was very tempted to include a third "they should both win" option, but I figured the two of you would prefer not to be cheated out of a real victory. I suppose there's still the possibility of a tie in the votes, though! Has that ever happened in the CCL before?
My First (And Probably Only) MCC Perfect Score: December 09 (Round One)
[15:21] <@CC> Remember, if you argue, you are an idiot.
Untrophied Wins:
Perfect MCC Scores: 2
---------------------------------------------------------------
BGStandard Green AggroGB
UWRGModern Saheeli CobraGRWU
UBRGLegacy StormGRBU
Wizards Certified Rules Advisor
[15:21] <@CC> Remember, if you argue, you are an idiot.
Untrophied Wins:
Perfect MCC Scores: 2
---------------------------------------------------------------
EDIT: If you guys could provide just some basic crits it would be very much appreciated.
BGStandard Green AggroGB
UWRGModern Saheeli CobraGRWU
UBRGLegacy StormGRBU
Wizards Certified Rules Advisor
Koopa
Bowsor - Creatures with multiple tap abilities always make me sad, not to mention that the first one is worded wrong (put a counter on a creature), and the second two are way more powerful than the first. The best part about it is the way the second two abilities work together.
Stifling Archangel - Ok, but Linvalla, Keeper of Silence is basically just better for this purpose; it only affects opponents, it gets mana abilities, and it comes out faster. Getting activated abilities of non-creatures is the only reason you would want this instead.
Scheme - This would be a very disappointing flip in most Archenemy games, not to mention that it affects your own guys. You need more cruelty or power in a Scheme.
Overdrive - Lots of wording issues here, and it hurts itself by costing so much, making it very difficult to activate any abilities that require mana. Being able to copy all other spells and abilities for a turn is the best part of this, you should have focused on that.
Pendant of Vigilance - For 4 mana I can infinitely tap anything that doesn't require mana to tap? Unless I'm missing something, broken beyond belief.
Second Life - Why did Time Reversal stop being blue?
Oculus
Obrun - Cute legend, I like the gold application of white blink with an ETB ability. I think green could have contributed haste to make him work a little better.
Crucible Enforcer - Great black effect, almost a white aspect to it as well with the balancing. I'm not aware of anything else that does this, nice find.
Scheme - Not bad, guaranteed to hurt the attacking heroes, but the execution seems a little janky. Nature Shields Its Own is pretty close to this. I could also see it working with or 5 counters that are removed and become blocking beasts whenever you are attacked.
Vigor Tempest - I guess this is a fine gold Overrun, but the choosing mechanic falls a little short for me. I'm not sure when you would use the tap/untap modes together; either you tap down all their guys and alpha strike, or you use it as a defensive trick to ambush all incoming attackers with guys that are suddenly untapped.
Primordial Amulet - Other than the slight wonkiness of loading up tokens with counters, this is pretty nice.
Planar Return - Seems like a fine niche rare, although it's almost Mudhole like in its narrowness.
I felt Oculus had the better overall presentation and execution, with the legend, demon, and artifact particularly good. Koopa's submission felt like it needed some more time and checking against existing stuff.
Vigor Tempest seems like something you never would use two of the modes together with, but it does simplify things - for example, have you ever seen someone use Cryptic Command as a cantripping Boomerang?
[15:21] <@CC> Remember, if you argue, you are an idiot.
Untrophied Wins:
Perfect MCC Scores: 2
---------------------------------------------------------------
...not again.
[15:21] <@CC> Remember, if you argue, you are an idiot.
Untrophied Wins:
Perfect MCC Scores: 2
---------------------------------------------------------------
My First (And Probably Only) MCC Perfect Score: December 09 (Round One)
My First (And Probably Only) MCC Perfect Score: December 09 (Round One)
[15:21] <@CC> Remember, if you argue, you are an idiot.
Untrophied Wins:
Perfect MCC Scores: 2
---------------------------------------------------------------
My First (And Probably Only) MCC Perfect Score: December 09 (Round One)
So, are you two satisfied calling this a draw, or would you like me to provide a further challenge?
My First (And Probably Only) MCC Perfect Score: December 09 (Round One)
[15:21] <@CC> Remember, if you argue, you are an idiot.
Untrophied Wins:
Perfect MCC Scores: 2
---------------------------------------------------------------
BGStandard Green AggroGB
UWRGModern Saheeli CobraGRWU
UBRGLegacy StormGRBU
Wizards Certified Rules Advisor
[15:21] <@CC> Remember, if you argue, you are an idiot.
Untrophied Wins:
Perfect MCC Scores: 2
---------------------------------------------------------------
My First (And Probably Only) MCC Perfect Score: December 09 (Round One)
[15:21] <@CC> Remember, if you argue, you are an idiot.
Untrophied Wins:
Perfect MCC Scores: 2
---------------------------------------------------------------
BGStandard Green AggroGB
UWRGModern Saheeli CobraGRWU
UBRGLegacy StormGRBU
Wizards Certified Rules Advisor