Think of a world. Think of Thanreus. Think of the verdant forests that spread out across its continent like a spider's web, flushed green from the light of the twin suns. Think of the mountains that spreads its jagged fingers upwards, red peaks that curve upwards to swallow the sky. Think of its dark hearts sinking in pools of filth, think of the wide expanses of sun-dappled lands, think of the seas and lakes that soak in the fiery light of the nebulae at night and drink deep from the stars.
But they don't really matter. An empty plane, no matter how picturesque, how beautiful, would be desolate and haunting. Does a place really exist if there are no eyes to see it and no minds to recognise it? And so, think of Thanreus, and think of its people. Think of the diverse races that have grown beneath the burning skies and surrounded by the tumultuous Tidewall. Can you see them? Can you see all that they have accomplished, all they can do?
And can you even fathom all the dark acts they will commit in the days to come?
♤♤♤
The Challenges.
CHOOSE 2.
I. Create a creature card representing your race's fighting class.
II. Create a creature card representing your race's magic class.
III. Create a creature card representing your race's trading or working class.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS.
I. Each card must use a different mechanic/theme of your race.
II. Entries can only be commons and uncommons.
DUE DATES.
Cards Due 6PM EST, Tuesday, 5 June.
Rankings Due 6PM EST, Thursday, 7 June.
Informational Hazards.
THE PRO TOUR
The Magic Wars is a two-month long event that fires off the Winter Pro Tour season. Because of this, it's a double qualifier - both first and second place will get an invite into the Winter Pro Tour!
SCORING
Players work in teams which they stay in until the end. During the contest, you will be accruing both individual scores and an overall team score. Individual and team scores are determined below.
ROUND MAKEUP
There will be 8 Rounds for the two months. Each Round take place over 7/8 days, with 4 days for entries and 4 days for critiques. Each Round will involve the main challenge, giving you three card creation challenges from which you pick two. Such challenges may involve working with teammates, and multiple players submitting one card together - when it comes to these, the card should be judged the same for both players.
Your individual score is determined by fellow critiques. Critiquing will be done sort-of like a CCL; you'll be assigned a team to critique and then ranking the players of that team. So instead of a Top 3, it's more like a Top 5/6. This is slightly more work but in exchange, giving reviews/critiques is absolutely optional. We want to reduce the complexity of the critiquing system as much as we can so as to make your jobs easier. Your average rank will then be calculated, multipled by 10 and then added to your score; for example, let's say that there are 6 people in a team and you were ranked 1st, 1st, 3rd, 4th, 4th and 6th. Then your average rank is calculated in terms of points (with 1st = 6, etc.) and multipled by 10 to give you a final +38 to your score.
Each Round will also end with a review posted by Megiddo, Diefi00 and myself (sometimes one or another judge won't be able to contribute, but at least 2 reviews will be made each round, promise!). Each review is marked out of 30 and the average of the three scores will be your team score gain for that Round. The scoring is as followed:
Cards (15)
Teamwork (10)
Lore (5)
LORE CHALLENGES
So, every round has card design challenges, right? That's the main challenge. But then we also have the lore challenges. These will be little summaries that guide how the overall storyline on Thanreus is progressing, and push it to its inevitable conclusion. Purely optional, but they give you some inspiration for making more lore. And we worked hard on it, so don't let us down, okay? =D The lore challenge occurs in the main discussion thread and your team threads, while each Round's main challenge will be posted in a new thread.
THE FIRST LEG
Rounds 1 - 4 happen in June. At the end of the month, the three teams with the lowest team scores are eliminated.
THE SECOND LEG
Rounds 5 - 8 happen in July. Teams scores are no longer necessary. Individual scores are reset at the beginning of the second leg; you get a new starting score which reflects your rank in your team. For example, if you were the highest scoring player in your team when the first leg ends, you get the highest starting score when the second leg begins. This is so that people that are behind are able to catch up.
Critique assignments this time will be easy: during Rounds 5 - 7, you will be critiquing the opposing team.
At the end of Round 7, the highest scoring players of both teams are taken for the final matchup in Round 8. The epic showdown, if you will, with both teams able to support their champions as they've always done. By this point, both winners will have an invite into the Pro Tour; they're just competing for First Place (and more Pro Points). The winner is then decided with a poll; voters will make their decision based on the Round 8 cards and lore, to up the stakes just that tiny bit more.
Pro Points will be distributed as normal, except for two differences: 1) Second Place gets an invite, and 2) 9th - 12th (or however many more than 8 we have) also get 2 Pro Points. Basically, if you make it through to July, you're in for some Pro Points. Ranks will be determined by some nonsense which basically means that the 2nd player in the winning team is 3rd, the 4th player in the losing team is 8th, etc.
Team Conclave critiques Team Wynaut.
Team Wynaut critiques Team Consuming Ruin.
Team Consuming Ruin critiques Team GentleMons.
Team GentleMons critiques Team V.
Team V critiques Team Conclave.
The Magic Wars planned by NotoriousLynx, Diefi00 and yours truly.
Megiddo would also like credit but he's a greedy *****.
Lunar ArtisanUG
Creature - Lisan Wizard (U)
At the beginning of your upkeep, if no spells were cast last turn, draw a card. "Days change, lives change, and the world itself changes, but the moon and stars remain constant."
2/2
Fighter:
Muck Dweller3G
Creature - Lisan Warrior (C)
Morph 1GG(You may cast this face down as a 2/2 creature for 3. Turn it face up any time for its morph cost.)
Trample
4/2
Magic Class: Asuran Combustioneer2R
Creature - Asura Wizard {C} Warp1R (1R: Return this to your hand. Activate this ability only during your upkeep.)
When Asuran Combustioneer enters the battlefield, it deals 2 damage to target creature. 1/1
Working Class: Student of Synergystics1U
Creature - Asura Advisor {U}
At the beginning of each end step, if you cast two or more spells this turn, put a +1/+1 counter on Student of Synergistics. “By combining litrifusion with archionics, we get a result greater then the sum of its parts.”
— Krewe, Master of Synergistics 1/1
Order of Chelmea2WW
Creature- Lepith Soldier[U]
Flying
When Order of Chelmea would dies, you may transform it. If you do, attach it to a creature you control. Sent first into battle, they soak up the enemies attacks, and serve as material for new munitions when cleared from the battlefield afterwards.
2/2
///---//// Chelmean Spirit-Boon
Tribal Enchantment-Lepith Aura
(White) Enchant creature you control
Enchanted creature gets +2/+2, has flying and is a Lepith in addition to its other types. After having laid down their bodies in battle, their spirits emerge to join the fight again.
Phasmoan Heretic1GG
Creature- Lepith Spellshaper [U] G,t, discard a card: Put target card from your graveyard on top of your library. Though they respect nature, they find the old ways of the military necro-bishops much easier to work with.
0/2
Martial of the AgoraWW
Creature- Cloudwalker Soldier (C)
Defender
Mistveil 2 (If a source would deal damage to this creature, prevent that damage unless that source's controller pays 2.) The Martials guarding Marenhelm's Senate may be ceremonial, but that doesn't mean they're any less capable.
1/3
Agent of the Unveilers2U
Creature- Cloudwalker Scout (U)
Flying
Imbue (:Exile a creature card from your hand imbuing this. When this leaves the battlefield, return that card to your hand.)
Whenever Agent of the Unveilers deals combat damage to a player, draw a card for each creature imbuing it.
Wartide Trainee
Creature - Ayomis Soldier (C)
Feint (:2mana:: Switch the blockers of this creature and another target attacking creature.) "You may be patient, but never allow yourself to be indecisive." - Tactician Golyom
1/1
Worker:
Eruption Gleaner 4R
Creature - Ayomis Scout (U)
When Eruption Gleaner enters the battlefield, add RR to your mana pool, then clash with an opponent. If you win the clash, add an additional RRRR to your mana pool. Deepglass can only be worked with in perfect thermal and chemical conditions. Some ayomis make their livelihoods searching for those perfect conditions.
3/2
The dust settled and Yortuna felt a part of her soul snap. Already she could tell she was somewhere far from home. The Guaroga around her looked similarly disoriented; they had suddenly appeared in a very strange place. The connection with the plane they had taken a lifetime to develop was gone in the blink of an eye. As the realization dawned on each individual, panic began to spread. In an effort to calm her brethren, she called on four of her most cunning scouts. Each would set out in a different direction and answer the question on everyone's mind: "Where are we?"
Guaroga Pathfinder1GG
Creature - Guaroga Scout (U)
Whenever a creature enters the battlefield under an opponent's control, look at the top card of your library. You may reveal that card. If a land card is revealed this way, put it onto the battlefield tapped. "Bring word of our surroundings and those inhabiting them. If Mortifax has brought us here, we may not be amongst friends." - Yortuna, Warden of Balance
2/1
"28 years have passed since we've arrived on Thanreus. While most of our shaman have learned to adapt to the magic of a new world, we will never return to our true selves. However, we have not been at a complete loss; some of us have learned to cast spells using the lives of others instead of the world's mana. These gruesome rituals would have offended Vitani in the old world, but this is not the old world. We must make do with what we have been given if we ever hope to return home." - Yortuna, to the summit meeting
Warden of Blood2B
Creature - Guaroga Shaman (U)
Whenever you sacrifice Warden of Blood or another creature you control, target opponent loses 1 life and you gain 1 life. "Why mourn the loss of life when you can celebrate the gift of death?"
2/1
U// Sedris and the Traitor Kings U// G Seshiro, the Appointed G B// Vaevictus Asmadi - "I'm 'exy and I know it" B// W// Treva, The Renewerer W// B/ Rakdos, Lord of Grouphate B/ W//// Cromat the Charmer W////
Borderguard Purist2G Creature - Vaelshii Warrior (C) Enhanced - Borderguard Purist gets +3/+2 and has shroud as long as a permanent is attached to it. (A permanent is attached as long as it is equipped to or enchanting this permanent)
2/2
Worker:
Northgate Scrapper1U Creature - Vaelshii Artificer (U) 1UU, Exile an equipment card from your graveyard or hand: Untap each artificer and equipped creature you control. Sometimes all the inspiration you need is another man's trash.
Daxm tore the last piece of flesh of the morsel he had been snacking on as his Pack and several others neared their destination. Chains rattled behind him.
“Quiet.” Daxm snarled softly as they approached the campfires only to find that the camp was empty, Suddenly there was a loud shout, and the packs were surrounded by several smaller crimson skinned creatures with batlike wings for ears. Chains rattled again. It was tense for a moment as the two groups stared each other down, until what looked to be the leader of this contingent of Ignis Kor stepped forward.
“I am Unjike of the Blood tribe , you bring news?”
Daxm stepped forward and said “ Yes, me and my Packs have traveled a ways to get here, the raid begins at first light.”
Soon the two groups had merged and began making there way toward the Asuran city in the distance. They arrived a top a hill over looking the city. As the army assembled, soon the darkness began to lighten as the dawn was close at hand. The Ignis Kor began to descend when they were stopped by Daxm as he said “ Hold.”
Unjike stepped toward Daxm “ Who are you to command me?” he said stepping toward the Anabyn as Daxm let loose a low warning growl as he said “ Watch.”
There was another rattling of chains as members of the pack stepped out of the way, revealing what was attached to those chains. A large muscle bound Anabyn, held in chains, a metal muzzle with ruins on it clamped on his mouth. He moved forward to the front of the army and one by one other members of the pack removed his shackles.
“Since we left our city, he has been chained, and muzzled, he has denied himself food or drink in preparation for this day.” Daxm continue
“ We have time for your superstition, mongrel.” Unjike continued, before Daxm held out his hand once again as the muzzle was removed and a large axe handed to the muscular Anabyn warrior, who stood upright and snarled at the city in front of it. Then it let out long howl.
“Blessing of the Godess be upon you brother.” Daxm said his final words as the muscle bound Anabyn charged at the city, it’s mouth practically salivating as it ran, clawed it’s way up the wal of the city and leapt down into the city.
A Asuran guard was the first to have it’s throat ripped out by the Anabyn, others came to his rescue, but the Anabyn swung with his axe, bit with his teeth, and ripped a bloody swath. Finally a concentrated burst of spells from several of the little creatures, felled the solider as it fell dead, it’s mouth ringed with blood.
Daxm soon found himself pressed against a tree, the Ignis Kor pressing a blade to his throat. His pack Snarled in response, the hackles raising once more.
“ We have lost the element of surprise, what was the purpose of that idiotic display.”
Daxm laughed gutterly “ You don’t smell it do you? The fear permeating the air, fear is an emotion of prey, one we do not share, but can exploit. Those little weaklings watched as it took a concentrated effort to take down one of us. They think they’ve won the day. That’s when we strike and crush whatever hope this city has, by nightfall this cities inhabitants will be our dinner.”
Then an expression came over Daxm’s face that could be described a sneer as he said “ I don’t know about you but I like my meat a little bitter.”
Unjike released Daxm from the hold and what could perceived as a smile came over the Ingis Kor’s face “ I think I’m beginning to like you Ababyn, let’s raise this city to the ground.
The sky finally lightened as the dawn arose, and the startled Asuran’s looked out and saw the sea of predators and warriors at their doorstep.
The Anabyn’s howls were joined by the Ignis Kor’s screams of battle as the dawn came and terror descended up the Asura.
The card:
Unchained Martyr2R
Creature- Anabyn Warrior (U)
Unchained Martyr attacks each turn if able.
Berserk-R (Whenever this creature attacks, you may pay R. If you do, this creature gets +X/+0 until end of turn, where X is its power. Sacrifice this creature at end of turn.) They believe it is better to die full, then live hungry.
3/2
Mage:
Teeth of the Night
On the borders of a small Delthran settlement…
All was quiet by the rivers edge as most slept peacefully, and why should't they? Perimeter guards surrounded the settlement patrolling the outskirts, and if an alarm was raised gaurds would flood out from the nearby brracks.
However,deep within the jungle,the guard was being watched. The Anabyn cleric was dressed in all black,even the veil that covered the lower half of his face was also a dark grey. Around him several masked Gargoa also watched intently. With a slight nod of the clerics head the Gargoa disappeared into the trees. They knew to wait for the signal to attack.
The clerics nose twitched as a new stench moved toward his location. Shambling toward him, the Grubblin was about the size of small child, it’s dominating the better half of it’s face as it thrust a small writhing smack into the clerics hands. Despite the cleric urge to slice this disgusting things face off, these were different times so he swallowed his disgust
“As requested.” It said softly “ Though I am unsure why a courier was needed.”
“Simple,” the cleric whispered as in a flash a ceremonial knife came from the folds of his ropes. He cut the Grubblins throat and watched as it slowly deflated, fluids coming out from it, that the cleric could only guess at. He then said began to chant in a low voice.
Nox noctis , utor cruor effundo ut shround vestri secuutus ex os
Nox noctis , utor cruor effundo ut shround vestri secuutus ex os
The fluid from the now dead Grubblin coalesced and darkened, and soon dissipated entirely, as the cleric became cloaked in shadow. He moved quickly and freely past the guards sliding through the wall of a nearby barracks. He opened the squirming sack the now dead Grubblin had brought and tossed it in the air.
The sack spilled open and a dozen tiny Grubblin Larvae floated down and onto the sleeping bodies beneath. As the Delthran soliders opened their eyes their was only time for a single short scream.As the scuffle began in the barracks the perimeter guards, turned to see what it was, and the Gargoa in the tree’s loosed their arrows. The guards fell and the masked archers descended from the tree’s moving swiftly into the settlement, taking up watch posts should any reinforcements come.
As quiet once again reigned,the barracks opened, and the cleric walked out to rendezvous with the Gargoa archers,followed by a dozen Grubblins, having feasted on the enemy soldiers, now walking out in twisted grey-green parodies of the Delthran, mouths on their hands, mana pits for eyes, some with four arms, others with none, depending on how many they had eaten.
“ You know our orders,” the cleric said once they met back up. “ Round up the young ones. Kill the rest.”
By the time daybreak rose again, there was nothing left in the settlement but bones and blood.
The card
Shadow CallerB
Creature-Anabyn Cleric (C)
Gravestrike (Damage dealt by this creature also causes target opponent to exile X cards from his graveyard, X being this creatures power.)
Sacrifice a creature: Shadow Caller is unblockable this turn. They move with the grace of death.
1/1
Soldiers: Boneyard MaraudersGUB
Creature - Grubblin Warrior (U)
Trample
Mindleech (Whenever this creature deals damage to a player, that player puts that many cards from the top of his or her library into his or her graveyard.)
Whenever ~ attacks, it gets +1/+0 until end of turn for each creature card in defending player's graveyard "Burn the dead from now on. They shall not catch us unawares next time."
-Strant, Asuran general
1/1
Working Class: Grubblin Gardener 3G
Creature - Grubblin Shaman (C)
When ~ enters the battlefield, you may put target land card from an opponent's graveyard onto the battlefield tapped under your control. It awakens memories of lands long lost, only to twist them into rotting nests.
2/2
The night sky was cloudy, the air wet, and the light of the nebulae could not pierce the forest canopy. A shadow moved among the trees.
"You're late. And you were to come alone." His voice was a reedy whisper.
Three Grubblin walked down the road, two larger warriors following a smaller leader. The smaller one spoke.
"Greetings, Guaroga. I hope the night finds you well. These are simply some of my cousins, of Urbilix's squirm."
"Must you speak so loudly?"
Xixiss smiled but he was silent. The shadow moved forward out of the shadows of the great oaken boughs. Slender and long of limb, the Guaroga hunter stood a foot taller than even the larger grubblins. He wore a mask of stretched hide and a crown of small horns protruded along the top. His large pointed ears twitched.
"Get out of the road, a patrol is coming."
Xixiss looked up and down the roadway. No one was coming, but they moved off the road, back into the dark undergrowth. They waited. A few minutes later, two Ursk walked into their line of vision. They were outfitted in mismatched attire, one in full breastplate, the other only wearing a helm and a bracer on one arm.
"We should wait until we can find one alone," Xixiss whispered. But the Guaroga was already gone. Xixiss sighed and kept his senses focused on the path.
A lanky shadow appeared before the pair of patrollers and despite its height, the Ursks each towered over it as they stopped and brought their axes to bear. Before they could speak out, the shadow lunged through the night air at the first guard, who brought up a meaty forearm just in time to protect his face. A deep gash opened along his arm and the Grubblins behind Xixiss shuffled at the smell of blood in the air. He put out his hand to silence them but did not turn from the scene unfolding. He could see the Guargoa's weapon now, a long thin hunting knife, gently tapered, and the blood on the stylet appeared luminescent in the dim moonlight.
The second Ursk barreled forward to help his comrade and swung its heavy axe. The Gauroga ducked beneath the obsidian blade and brought the knife upwards, cleaving through the haft of the axe, and in the same motion leapt up to slide the blade across the warrior's throat. The Ursk dropped the bisected weapon and its claws clutched at its throat as it fell. Xixiss could see now that the knife was indeed glowing, wet light shimmering brightly through the bloody blade. The Guaroga turned to the remaining Ursk who swung its axe up with one hand, the other hanging limply at its side. The Guaroga moved even more quickly now than it had, and before the Ursk could react the hunter's knife had pierced breastplate and thick skin and ribcage and had transfixed the massive heart on its edge. The second Ursk fell to the wet dust of the road. Xixiss jumped into the pathway from his hiding place.
"Get them out of the road now, and remove their armor," he said, and the two larger Grubblins rushed into the open and began to haul the mounds of flesh. The Guaroga had not moved from the road, and the glow had left his knife.
"Who are you? You are not some simple hunter."
"I am Itayo, Warden of the Hunt. "
"I see. Well, your duty is done, Warden, you may leave." Itayo only followed the Grubblins into the forest. "Very well," Xixiss said quietly, and followed.
Back in under cover, the pair of Grubblins had removed all of the weaponry and armor from the bodies, and arranged them in respective piles. They stared hungrily at the corpses. Itayo lounged against the base of a tree. Xixiss pointed to one of the dead Ursks.
"Eat, my Grubkin, and grow strong. Slowly. Savor the flesh." The two pounced, digging their faces into the open wounds. Xixiss walked to the other Ursk and stretched his mouth open wide. Half a dozen mouthed tongues slithered out and wrapped around the fallen Ursk's limbs and latched onto its still warm flesh. Slowly, the tongues pulled the massive body into the Grubblin's mouth. The process took about an hour and when he had consumed the entire body, he leaned back, bloated and stretched to the point of translucence. Then his form seemed to condense, then expanded. His arms grew longer and fuller, as second pair of legs sprouted behind his first, and hindquarters developed. Hair began to sprout from his chest and arms and his face contorted. A few minutes later he stood before Itayo, an exact copy of the dead Ursk. He shook his new frame.
"His name was Undegren." His voice was now a low rumble, completely different than the thin whisper he had spoken in. He had even changed his accent to perfectly mimic that of the Gladeren Kingdom. "He had two children and the dead one there was Kralgot, his brother in law." He began to dress himself in the dead Ursk's effects.
"They died well," Itayo said.
"There is no such thing as far as my Grubkin are concerned. They were pieces of meat that died quickly in the dark, that we may war with them. They protected nothing."
"They died fighting for life. Their death will make life that much sweeter. And you have already completed the circle, transmuting their death into your strength. That is a good death."
"Their death will only lead to more death. It is the way of us Grubfolk." He sounded weary. He turned back to the grubblins feeding. One had torn open the chest wound and the other was sucking at the forearm. Their tongues writhed through muscle and tendons and they already looked bloated. Xixiss lifted his now massive arm and brought his clenched fist down on the nearest grubblin's head. There was a crunch, and fluids matted Xixiss's new fur. Before the other could turn, he slammed his other arm into its back, claws ripping out the front of its chest. The ruined Grubblin corpses slid to the ground, pooled dark grey in a bloody soup.
Jagged cuts and bitemarks sprouted over Xixiss's new frame. He lifted the mutilated Ursk body and slung it gently over one shoulder and spoke to Itayo.
"They came out of nowhere, there must have been a dozen of them. They killed Kralgot. I was able to hold them off and outrun them. These two I killed. Three more patrol parties were attacked and killed tonight by my brethren. I will be the only survivor."
He grasped the two grubblins by their necks in one huge claw and as he dragged them back to the road, he developed a limp. Itayo followed. First dawn was approaching and the nebulae grew faint above them.
"Wish me luck, Itayo, Warden of the Hunt. I go to start our war."
Itayo nodded. "Death is another force, just as life is." With that he turned back to the forest and disappeared again into the shadws.
Xixiss smiled and limped down the road, leaving twin trails of Ursk and Grubblin blood that coalesced into puddles behind him.
The greeting party lingered at the edge of the jungle, peering out between the trees at the rocky shore, where the light shined intensely and their territory ended. The group was silent, nervously awaiting the arrival of an Ursk. One of their number spoke, in a low voice, "I don't like this. We should not accept an invitation requested by a heretic."
Another replied, "Indeed, and you heard the stories of the last of these creatures to come here? It took down three warriors by itself! We should slit it's throat while we have the chance, else we might fall and give it the chance to set up a forward--"
"Silence, the both of you," their leader cut across them, "Even if my daughter is a heretic, she wouldn't send a bat with the single highest level of urgency unless this... Ursk," he fumbled with the word, "truly needed to come here. Besides, we brought a larger than usual group for this visitor specifically." He was a tall male Griosk by the name of Ksata, and a member of the high council of the Griosk theocracy. He had decided to personally see to the greeting of this beast, as it had been his daughter that asked for his right to enter the island. Though, no sooner had he finished speaking, but the first sight of the visitor appeared in the distance. A raft bobbing on the waves. They moved forward, into the light, so that Jannik might see where to land, and waited. Some of their number commented on how fast the beast had gotten here.
The raft ground to a halt on the stone coast of the island, and Ksata slithered forward, speaking in a rough accent, an ever present hiss in his voice, "Welkom, Jannikk, we heard you were koming. I am Ksata, a member of the high kouncil. Lodgings for you are being prepared as we speak, based on what we know of your kind, we hope they will be akkeptable. Though, the kouncil's home is still a day and a half travel away, and others have diffikulty in travel through our lands, sometimes, so we should begin to moving. Please to follow me," and with that, Ksata would turn, beckoning with a hand as he moved back into the trees, the other Griosk moving apart so they could flank the Ursk as they moved though the jungle.
The Vezung Rainforest was completely devoid of light, but for Jannik, this was no issue, though it was naturally a bit disconcreting to catch a glimpse of a star-like eye behind a veil of vines in the darkness. The Griosk were not very talkative, though, they would speak if Jannik tried to make conversation. Ksata wouldn't, however, as he stayed at the front of the group, leading their path through the jungle. They passed under two villages as they made their way forward. Several Griosk looking down from the huts suspended high in the trees to catch a glimpse of the first Ursk to set foot in their home in a long, long time.
The second day began with a downpour. The rain itself was no different than the storms in the Ursk's rainforest, but the result, the mud underfoot, was horrendously magnified. This didn't slow the Griosk down much, but it might have been an issue for Jannik. That is, if the snake-creatures weren't helping him as they went.
It felt like most of the day was gone when the rain finally let up, and they arrived under the high council's city. Almost every single one of the vast tree's in this place supported dozens of buildings, some even high up enough as to break through the canopy itself. Now was the first time that Ksata spoke since the greeting on the shore, "I will show you to your lodgings, Jannik," before escorting the Ursk to a stone hut on the forest floor. A few Griosk workers there eyed Jannik with jealousy. To have a home on the forest floor was a great honor. Ksata turned to Jannik then, "The kouncil will be waiting on your arrival. Make preparations and kome in your own time."
When Jannik would decide to go to the council, he would find it simply enough, as it in the lowest point in the city, and surrounded on all sides by towering trees. He hadn't see it clearly before, but at the top of the trees, the canopy was broken, allowing a single pillar of light shone down from the sky above, revealing that it was still only noon, despite the fact that the trip had felt like it had taken so long. The council circle was a stone platform, raised out of a murky pond that encompassed all of the titanic trees around it.
As he walked out onto the platform, the blinding light of the sun high above shocked his eyes, making the darkness look far darker. He wasn't even aware that there were others around him until someone spoke, Ksata, loud in the shadows before Jannik, "What is the purpose of your visit into our lands?"
Griosk StalkerG
Creature - Griosk Warrior
Distract (Whenever this creature attacks, put a 0/1 colorless Shadow creature token with "This creature must be blocked if able" onto the battlefield tapped and attacking. Exile that token at end of combat.)
1/1
Vezung Witch Doctor2B
Creature - Griosk Shaman U
Flash
When Vezung Witch Doctor enters the battlefield, target creature gets +1/+0 and gains deathtouch until end of turn. The Griosk are a terrifying foe in their territory, their shamans able to turn even the faintest shadow into a deadly foe.
2/2
Even in times of war, people continue to live and love...
Alluring Dancer1U
Creature - Feyrin Shaman (U)
Flying U,T: Uncover 3. If two or more blue cards are revealed this way, draw a card. (To uncover 3, reveal the top three cards of your library, then put them on the bottom of that library in any order.) "Every soldier yearns for their lover. Give them the warmth of flesh far from home, and even the worst misers will open their wallets."
1/1
...but in wartime, moments of happiness can be more fleeting than ever.
Sanctum Protector2WW
Creature - Feyrin Crusader (U)
Flying, first strike, rapidfire 2 (During each combat damage step, if this creature would deal combat damage, you may have it deal its combat damage two times instead.)
Whenever Sanctum Protector deals combat damage, prevent the next 2 damage that would be dealt to target creature or player this turn. "I was forced to watch the Legion ravage my closest friends and family. No longer will I stand by the sidelines - no more shall I stand helpless as my companions are taken from me."
1/3
For further information re: rule interactions, please go to my signature's race link, which has the comprehensive rules entry for each keyword.
(("Working class")) Child Keeper1(W/G)
Creature - Onite (Common)
When Child Keeper enters the battlefield, put 2 0/2 green Onite tokens onto the battlefield. "When young ones spawn, I watch. Keep out of trouble."
0/2
(("Warrior Class", though they are more of workers)) Onite HunterG
Creature - Onite Scout (Common)
Onite Hunter has +1/+0 as long as defending player controls an island or swamp. Onite skin dries out quickly when hunting inland.
0/2
Heck, the Vassav swamps would be better then going to Vezung Island.
But no, Jannik did get chosen to go to the Vezung jungle, and he had be chosen to contact the Griosk.
Jannik had been running for 3 days now, stopping only to rest at the occasional onite village, they were a peculiar folk, the onites, very different values from the ursk, but he couldn't say their simpler way of life didn't have an allure to it. Graggek had been chosen to act as the contact for the onites, reaching them would be the easy part, convincing the onites to actually do something organized was another issue entirely. The Ursk War Council had sent out ten emissaries bearing scrolls from King Grazmark telling of the oncoming Grubblin invasion, one to each of Kielra's major races. Nobody knew how many would return. Kielra is an unforgiving land, and the people had learned from it. Jannik just prayed that Kiele would see it that he be one of them.
Ducking under an elevated root, Jannik cursed the sight, shoreline, it meant he was near, the last time an ursk had set foot on Vezung he had been killed. He pushed the thought from his head, that had been years ago, after all maybe they've changed. no luck, that didn't even sound convincing in the the young ursk's head. But this was necessary, as much as the ursk and the griosk hated one another, they needed each other right now, neither could stand against the coming war alone.
A raft rested on the beach, The island seemed so near, it looked like he should be able to swim there, but he had been warned. The currents of the Nerrin trench were deceiving and exhausting, he would have to use the raft.
"Well, here goes everything" he muttered pushing the small craft out into the water.
Ursk Warrior: Just for so the flavor is not lost on this card, I ask you to read the section on the ursk's Lore & Life, there is a link in my signature
Venerated Ax-Bearer
:2mana::symw::symg:
Creature - Ursk Soldier
{C}
Battle Cry, Exalted
Fight like you pray, children. Stand alone in the morning, come together at day's peak, and celebrate your victory as the suns set!
[2/3]
Ursk Spellcaster: They don't have many mages, so clerics and priests are going to be my main "spellcasters"
War Priest of Kiele
:symw::symg:
Creature - Ursk Cleric
{U}
Lifelink, Bolster 2 (Whenever this blocks a creature, it gets +2/+2 until end of turn for each other creature blocking that creature.)
Whenever War Priest of Kiele blocks, you may prevent the next 1 damage that would be dealt to target creature this turn.
Worker, showcasing the "Arcane Affinity" keyword, and abilities that reference those colors.
Lefari GroundsculptorG
Creature - Lefari Druid {C}
Arcane Affinity Green T: Add one mana of any color of ~'s arcane affinity colors.
""
0/1
Mage, showing the "caste" mechanic, which are mechanics that work only if you control multiple creatures with the same Arcane Affinity.
Lefari ScholarU
Creature - Lefari Wizard {U}
Arcane Affinity Blue T: Tap an untapped creature you control that shares an Arcane Affinity color with ~. If you do, draw two cards.
"The school mages feel that the best way for the student to learn is to work with a partner."
0/1
Sinew Binder1G
Creature - Pod (C)
Soulbond (You may pair this creature with another unpaired creature when either enters the battlefield. They remain paired for as long as you control both of them.)
At the beginning of your upkeep, if Sinew Binder is paired with another creature, put a +1/+1 counter on that creature.
0/2
And one with a more magical bent:
SkygrabberGU
Creature - Pod (C) T: Target creature gains flying until end of turn. T: Target creature loses flying until end of turn. Pods have adapted well to the jungle canopy, melding with tall trees to control the network of branches and vines as extensions of their own bodies.
1/1
Rattling Poltergiest
Creature - Pamantine Soldier (U)
Animate (:4mana:, Exile this creature: Target noncreature artifact becomes an 4/4 Spirit Construct. When the artifact leaves the battlefield, return this creature to the battlefield.)
1/3
Working Class:
Wandering Trickster
Creature - Pamantine Citizen (C)
Absorb 1 (If a source would deal damage to this creature, prevent 1 of that damage.) They wander the vast world, adapting themselves to almost any environment.
0/1
Ancestor Caller3W
Creature - Annaki Dreamer Shaman (U)
When Ancestor Caller enters the battlefield, if you control a Dream permanent, put 2 1/1 green Annaki Spirit creature tokens onto the battlefield. "Mother, Father, we are in a time of great need. Come, bridge the Dreamweave and join our world again."
2/2
Annaki Fireheart1G
Creature - Annaki Dreamer (U) 3R: Put two +1/+1 counters on Annaki Fireheart. Activate this ability only once each turn and only if Annaki Fireheart is green.
As long as Annaki Fireheart has one or more +1/+1 counter on it, it is red and has first strike. He was born in peace, but dreams of glory.
2/2
Soothing Soul-Tender :symw::symw: Creature — Esferi(U)
When Soothing Soul-Tender enters the battlefield, put a 1/1 white Soulsprite creature token onto the battlefield.
: Tap target untapped creature. Its controller gains 1 life. Calm! Warm; safe. We rest.
[1/1]
...and a bit of labor.
Fleeting Burrower :1mana::symw: Creature — Esferi(C)
: Remove target attacking or blocking creature you control from combat. They always have a dozen places to hide.
[1/1]
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
The Magic Wars
Round I — Legion
♤ ♤ ♤
A People's Heartbeat
Think of a world. Think of Thanreus. Think of the verdant forests that spread out across its continent like a spider's web, flushed green from the light of the twin suns. Think of the mountains that spreads its jagged fingers upwards, red peaks that curve upwards to swallow the sky. Think of its dark hearts sinking in pools of filth, think of the wide expanses of sun-dappled lands, think of the seas and lakes that soak in the fiery light of the nebulae at night and drink deep from the stars.
But they don't really matter. An empty plane, no matter how picturesque, how beautiful, would be desolate and haunting. Does a place really exist if there are no eyes to see it and no minds to recognise it? And so, think of Thanreus, and think of its people. Think of the diverse races that have grown beneath the burning skies and surrounded by the tumultuous Tidewall. Can you see them? Can you see all that they have accomplished, all they can do?
And can you even fathom all the dark acts they will commit in the days to come?
The Challenges.
Cards Due 6PM EST, Tuesday, 5 June.
Rankings Due 6PM EST, Thursday, 7 June.
Informational Hazards.
The Magic Wars is a two-month long event that fires off the Winter Pro Tour season. Because of this, it's a double qualifier - both first and second place will get an invite into the Winter Pro Tour!
Players work in teams which they stay in until the end. During the contest, you will be accruing both individual scores and an overall team score. Individual and team scores are determined below.
There will be 8 Rounds for the two months. Each Round take place over 7/8 days, with 4 days for entries and 4 days for critiques. Each Round will involve the main challenge, giving you three card creation challenges from which you pick two. Such challenges may involve working with teammates, and multiple players submitting one card together - when it comes to these, the card should be judged the same for both players.
Your individual score is determined by fellow critiques. Critiquing will be done sort-of like a CCL; you'll be assigned a team to critique and then ranking the players of that team. So instead of a Top 3, it's more like a Top 5/6. This is slightly more work but in exchange, giving reviews/critiques is absolutely optional. We want to reduce the complexity of the critiquing system as much as we can so as to make your jobs easier. Your average rank will then be calculated, multipled by 10 and then added to your score; for example, let's say that there are 6 people in a team and you were ranked 1st, 1st, 3rd, 4th, 4th and 6th. Then your average rank is calculated in terms of points (with 1st = 6, etc.) and multipled by 10 to give you a final +38 to your score.
Each Round will also end with a review posted by Megiddo, Diefi00 and myself (sometimes one or another judge won't be able to contribute, but at least 2 reviews will be made each round, promise!). Each review is marked out of 30 and the average of the three scores will be your team score gain for that Round. The scoring is as followed:
Cards (15)
Teamwork (10)
Lore (5)
So, every round has card design challenges, right? That's the main challenge. But then we also have the lore challenges. These will be little summaries that guide how the overall storyline on Thanreus is progressing, and push it to its inevitable conclusion. Purely optional, but they give you some inspiration for making more lore. And we worked hard on it, so don't let us down, okay? =D The lore challenge occurs in the main discussion thread and your team threads, while each Round's main challenge will be posted in a new thread.
Rounds 1 - 4 happen in June. At the end of the month, the three teams with the lowest team scores are eliminated.
Rounds 5 - 8 happen in July. Teams scores are no longer necessary. Individual scores are reset at the beginning of the second leg; you get a new starting score which reflects your rank in your team. For example, if you were the highest scoring player in your team when the first leg ends, you get the highest starting score when the second leg begins. This is so that people that are behind are able to catch up.
Critique assignments this time will be easy: during Rounds 5 - 7, you will be critiquing the opposing team.
At the end of Round 7, the highest scoring players of both teams are taken for the final matchup in Round 8. The epic showdown, if you will, with both teams able to support their champions as they've always done. By this point, both winners will have an invite into the Pro Tour; they're just competing for First Place (and more Pro Points). The winner is then decided with a poll; voters will make their decision based on the Round 8 cards and lore, to up the stakes just that tiny bit more.
Pro Points will be distributed as normal, except for two differences: 1) Second Place gets an invite, and 2) 9th - 12th (or however many more than 8 we have) also get 2 Pro Points. Basically, if you make it through to July, you're in for some Pro Points. Ranks will be determined by some nonsense which basically means that the 2nd player in the winning team is 3rd, the 4th player in the losing team is 8th, etc.
Team X — Team Score
Name, Race — Individual Score
Team Conclave — 00
Achren, Esferi — 00
Jimmy Groove, Annaki — 00
Komachi, Feyrin — 00
KoolKoal, Platyns — 00
Link, Cloudwalkers — 00
Small Child, Vaelshii — 00
Team Wynaut — 00
Atrius, Pamantine — 00
Balefire, Asura — 00
CrustaceanCrusader, Vassav — 00
DeusofCalamity, Lefari — 00
Gallus, Lepith — 00
Ninja Caterpie, Lisandarians — 00
Team Consuming Ruin — 00
Prophylaxis, Dream Wisps — 00
queensauce, Guaroga — 00
Random_Nation, Anabyn — 00
Raziel_X007223, Ignis Kor — 00
UncleIstvan, Grubblins — 00
void_nothing, Ayomis — 00
Team GentleMons — 00
avatarz, Suspyrs — 00
Cardz5000, Ursk — 00
Flabort, Onites — 00
Gerrard's Mom, Pods — 00
Rithaniel, Griosk — 00
Team V — 00
CoiLic, Atceras — 00
Emocakes, Delthran — 00
Eskimo_Rage, Celestials — 00
Lordschuft, Lrin — 00
MirrorEntity, Reltathri — 00
Trabant777, Philerians — 00
Team Conclave critiques Team Wynaut.
Team Wynaut critiques Team Consuming Ruin.
Team Consuming Ruin critiques Team GentleMons.
Team GentleMons critiques Team V.
Team V critiques Team Conclave.
Megiddo would also like credit but he's a greedy *****.
My Pauper Cube ♤ The Pauper Cube Thread Common Knowledge — 1 2
Lunar Artisan UG
Creature - Lisan Wizard (U)
At the beginning of your upkeep, if no spells were cast last turn, draw a card.
"Days change, lives change, and the world itself changes, but the moon and stars remain constant."
2/2
Fighter:
Muck Dweller 3G
Creature - Lisan Warrior (C)
Morph 1GG (You may cast this face down as a 2/2 creature for 3. Turn it face up any time for its morph cost.)
Trample
4/2
You got 99 attackers but I'm blocking with 1.
The Winner is Judge | 7
This Winner is Also Judge | 6
Club Flamingo | Lots
Asuran Combustioneer 2R
Creature - Asura Wizard {C}
Warp 1R (1R: Return this to your hand. Activate this ability only during your upkeep.)
When Asuran Combustioneer enters the battlefield, it deals 2 damage to target creature.
1/1
Working Class:
Student of Synergystics 1U
Creature - Asura Advisor {U}
At the beginning of each end step, if you cast two or more spells this turn, put a +1/+1 counter on Student of Synergistics.
“By combining litrifusion with archionics, we get a result greater then the sum of its parts.”
— Krewe, Master of Synergistics
1/1
Creature- Lepith Soldier[U]
Flying
When Order of Chelmea would dies, you may transform it. If you do, attach it to a creature you control.
Sent first into battle, they soak up the enemies attacks, and serve as material for new munitions when cleared from the battlefield afterwards.
2/2
///---////
Chelmean Spirit-Boon
Tribal Enchantment-Lepith Aura
(White) Enchant creature you control
Enchanted creature gets +2/+2, has flying and is a Lepith in addition to its other types.
After having laid down their bodies in battle, their spirits emerge to join the fight again.
Phasmoan Heretic 1GG
Creature- Lepith Spellshaper [U]
G,t, discard a card: Put target card from your graveyard on top of your library.
Though they respect nature, they find the old ways of the military necro-bishops much easier to work with.
0/2
Creature- Cloudwalker Soldier (C)
Defender
Mistveil 2 (If a source would deal damage to this creature, prevent that damage unless that source's controller pays 2.)
The Martials guarding Marenhelm's Senate may be ceremonial, but that doesn't mean they're any less capable.
Creature- Cloudwalker Scout (U)
Flying
Imbue (:Exile a creature card from your hand imbuing this. When this leaves the battlefield, return that card to your hand.)
Whenever Agent of the Unveilers deals combat damage to a player, draw a card for each creature imbuing it.
Wartide Trainee
Creature - Ayomis Soldier (C)
Feint (:2mana:: Switch the blockers of this creature and another target attacking creature.)
"You may be patient, but never allow yourself to be indecisive." - Tactician Golyom
1/1
Worker:
Eruption Gleaner 4R
Creature - Ayomis Scout (U)
When Eruption Gleaner enters the battlefield, add RR to your mana pool, then clash with an opponent. If you win the clash, add an additional RRRR to your mana pool.
Deepglass can only be worked with in perfect thermal and chemical conditions. Some ayomis make their livelihoods searching for those perfect conditions.
3/2
I̟̥͍̠ͅn̩͉̣͍̬͚ͅ ̬̬͖t̯̹̞̺͖͓̯̤h̘͍̬e͙̯͈̖̼̮ ̭̬f̺̲̲̪i͙͉̟̩̰r̪̝͚͈̝̥͍̝̲s̼̻͇̘̳͔ͅt̲̺̳̗̜̪̙ ̳̺̥̻͚̗ͅm̜̜̟̰͈͓͎͇o̝̖̮̝͇m̯̻̞̼̫̗͓̤e̩̯̬̮̩n͎̱̪̲̹͖t͇̖s̰̮ͅ,̤̲͙̻̭̻̯̹̰ ̖t̫̙̺̯͖͚̯ͅh͙̯̦̳̗̰̟e͖̪͉̼̯ ̪͕g̞̣͔a̗̦t̬̬͓͙̫̖̭̻e̩̻̯ ̜̖̦̖̤̭͙̬t̞̹̥̪͎͉ͅo͕͚͍͇̲͇͓̺ ̭̬͙͈̣̻t͈͍͙͓̫̖͙̩h̪̬̖̙e̗͈ ̗̬̟̞̺̤͉̯ͅa̦̯͚̙̜̮f͉͙̲̣̞̼t̪̤̞̣͚e̲͉̳̥r͇̪̙͚͓l̥̞̞͎̹̯̹ͅi͓̬f̮̥̬̞͈ͅe͎ ̟̩̤̳̠̯̩̯o̮̘̲p̟͚̣̞͉͓e͍̩̣n͔̼͕͚̜e̬̱d̼̘͎̖̹͍̮̠,͖̺̭̱̮ ̣̲͖̬̪̭̥a̪͚n̟̲̝̤̤̞̗d̘̱̗͇̮͕̳͕͔ ͖̞͉͎t̹̙͎h̰̱͉̗e̪̞̱̝̹̩ͅ ̠̱̩̭̦p̯̙e͓o̳͚̰̯̺̱̰͔̘p̬͎̱̣̼̩͇l̗̟̖͚̠e̱͉͔̱̦̬̟̙ ̖͚̪͔̼̦w̺̖̤̱e͖̗̻̦͓̖̘̜r̭̥e͔̹̫̱͕̦̰͕ ̗͔̠p̠̗͍͍̱̳̠r̰͔͎̰o͉̥͓̰͚̥s̟͚̹̱͔̣t͉̙̳̖͖̪̮r̥̘̥͙̹a͉̟̫̟̳̠̟̭t͈̜̰͈͎e̞̣̭̲̬ ͚̗̯̟͙i͍͖̰̘̦͖͉ṇ̮̻̯̦̲̩͍ ̦̮͚̫̤t͉͖̫͕ͅͅh͙̮̻̘̣̮̼e͕̺ ͙l͕̠͎̰̥i̲͓͉̲g̫̳̟͈͇̖h̠̦̖t͓̯͎̗ ̳̪̘̟̙̩̦o̫̲f̙͔̰̙̠ ̹̪̗͇̯t͖̼̼͉͖̬h̹͇̩e͚̖̺̤͉̹͕̪ ͚͓̭̝̺G͎̗̯̩o̫̯̮̟̮̳̘d̜̲͙̠-̩̳̯̲̗̜P̹̘̥͉̝h͍͈̗̖̝ͅa͍̗̮̼̗r̜̖͇̙̺a̭̺͔̞̳͈o̪̣͓̯̬͙̯̰̗h̖̦͈̥̯͔.͇̣̙̝
Guaroga Pathfinder 1GG
Creature - Guaroga Scout (U)
Whenever a creature enters the battlefield under an opponent's control, look at the top card of your library. You may reveal that card. If a land card is revealed this way, put it onto the battlefield tapped.
"Bring word of our surroundings and those inhabiting them. If Mortifax has brought us here, we may not be amongst friends." - Yortuna, Warden of Balance
2/1
"28 years have passed since we've arrived on Thanreus. While most of our shaman have learned to adapt to the magic of a new world, we will never return to our true selves. However, we have not been at a complete loss; some of us have learned to cast spells using the lives of others instead of the world's mana. These gruesome rituals would have offended Vitani in the old world, but this is not the old world. We must make do with what we have been given if we ever hope to return home." - Yortuna, to the summit meeting
Warden of Blood 2B
Creature - Guaroga Shaman (U)
Whenever you sacrifice Warden of Blood or another creature you control, target opponent loses 1 life and you gain 1 life.
"Why mourn the loss of life when you can celebrate the gift of death?"
2/1
Custom Race: Guaroga
G Seshiro, the Appointed G
B// Vaevictus Asmadi - "I'm 'exy and I know it" B//
W// Treva, The Renewerer W//
B/ Rakdos, Lord of Grouphate B/
W//// Cromat the Charmer W////
Creature - Vaelshii Warrior (C)
Enhanced - Borderguard Purist gets +3/+2 and has shroud as long as a permanent is attached to it. (A permanent is attached as long as it is equipped to or enchanting this permanent)
Worker:
Creature - Vaelshii Artificer (U)
1UU, Exile an equipment card from your graveyard or hand: Untap each artificer and equipped creature you control.
Sometimes all the inspiration you need is another man's trash.
Generals meant to be drafted first in a single pack of 6 cards.
And here is the actual cube, meant to be drafted in 4 regular sized packs. (60 card decks)
Brutal Dawn
Daxm tore the last piece of flesh of the morsel he had been snacking on as his Pack and several others neared their destination. Chains rattled behind him.
“Quiet.” Daxm snarled softly as they approached the campfires only to find that the camp was empty, Suddenly there was a loud shout, and the packs were surrounded by several smaller crimson skinned creatures with batlike wings for ears. Chains rattled again. It was tense for a moment as the two groups stared each other down, until what looked to be the leader of this contingent of Ignis Kor stepped forward.
“I am Unjike of the Blood tribe , you bring news?”
Daxm stepped forward and said “ Yes, me and my Packs have traveled a ways to get here, the raid begins at first light.”
Soon the two groups had merged and began making there way toward the Asuran city in the distance. They arrived a top a hill over looking the city. As the army assembled, soon the darkness began to lighten as the dawn was close at hand. The Ignis Kor began to descend when they were stopped by Daxm as he said “ Hold.”
Unjike stepped toward Daxm “ Who are you to command me?” he said stepping toward the Anabyn as Daxm let loose a low warning growl as he said “ Watch.”
There was another rattling of chains as members of the pack stepped out of the way, revealing what was attached to those chains. A large muscle bound Anabyn, held in chains, a metal muzzle with ruins on it clamped on his mouth. He moved forward to the front of the army and one by one other members of the pack removed his shackles.
“Since we left our city, he has been chained, and muzzled, he has denied himself food or drink in preparation for this day.” Daxm continue
“ We have time for your superstition, mongrel.” Unjike continued, before Daxm held out his hand once again as the muzzle was removed and a large axe handed to the muscular Anabyn warrior, who stood upright and snarled at the city in front of it. Then it let out long howl.
“Blessing of the Godess be upon you brother.” Daxm said his final words as the muscle bound Anabyn charged at the city, it’s mouth practically salivating as it ran, clawed it’s way up the wal of the city and leapt down into the city.
A Asuran guard was the first to have it’s throat ripped out by the Anabyn, others came to his rescue, but the Anabyn swung with his axe, bit with his teeth, and ripped a bloody swath. Finally a concentrated burst of spells from several of the little creatures, felled the solider as it fell dead, it’s mouth ringed with blood.
Daxm soon found himself pressed against a tree, the Ignis Kor pressing a blade to his throat. His pack Snarled in response, the hackles raising once more.
“ We have lost the element of surprise, what was the purpose of that idiotic display.”
Daxm laughed gutterly “ You don’t smell it do you? The fear permeating the air, fear is an emotion of prey, one we do not share, but can exploit. Those little weaklings watched as it took a concentrated effort to take down one of us. They think they’ve won the day. That’s when we strike and crush whatever hope this city has, by nightfall this cities inhabitants will be our dinner.”
Then an expression came over Daxm’s face that could be described a sneer as he said “ I don’t know about you but I like my meat a little bitter.”
Unjike released Daxm from the hold and what could perceived as a smile came over the Ingis Kor’s face “ I think I’m beginning to like you Ababyn, let’s raise this city to the ground.
The sky finally lightened as the dawn arose, and the startled Asuran’s looked out and saw the sea of predators and warriors at their doorstep.
The Anabyn’s howls were joined by the Ignis Kor’s screams of battle as the dawn came and terror descended up the Asura.
The card:
Unchained Martyr 2R
Creature- Anabyn Warrior (U)
Unchained Martyr attacks each turn if able.
Berserk-R (Whenever this creature attacks, you may pay R. If you do, this creature gets +X/+0 until end of turn, where X is its power. Sacrifice this creature at end of turn.)
They believe it is better to die full, then live hungry.
3/2
Mage:
Teeth of the Night
On the borders of a small Delthran settlement…
All was quiet by the rivers edge as most slept peacefully, and why should't they? Perimeter guards surrounded the settlement patrolling the outskirts, and if an alarm was raised gaurds would flood out from the nearby brracks.
However,deep within the jungle,the guard was being watched. The Anabyn cleric was dressed in all black,even the veil that covered the lower half of his face was also a dark grey. Around him several masked Gargoa also watched intently. With a slight nod of the clerics head the Gargoa disappeared into the trees. They knew to wait for the signal to attack.
The clerics nose twitched as a new stench moved toward his location. Shambling toward him, the Grubblin was about the size of small child, it’s dominating the better half of it’s face as it thrust a small writhing smack into the clerics hands. Despite the cleric urge to slice this disgusting things face off, these were different times so he swallowed his disgust
“As requested.” It said softly “ Though I am unsure why a courier was needed.”
“Simple,” the cleric whispered as in a flash a ceremonial knife came from the folds of his ropes. He cut the Grubblins throat and watched as it slowly deflated, fluids coming out from it, that the cleric could only guess at. He then said began to chant in a low voice.
Nox noctis , utor cruor effundo ut shround vestri secuutus ex os
Nox noctis , utor cruor effundo ut shround vestri secuutus ex os
The fluid from the now dead Grubblin coalesced and darkened, and soon dissipated entirely, as the cleric became cloaked in shadow. He moved quickly and freely past the guards sliding through the wall of a nearby barracks. He opened the squirming sack the now dead Grubblin had brought and tossed it in the air.
The sack spilled open and a dozen tiny Grubblin Larvae floated down and onto the sleeping bodies beneath. As the Delthran soliders opened their eyes their was only time for a single short scream.As the scuffle began in the barracks the perimeter guards, turned to see what it was, and the Gargoa in the tree’s loosed their arrows. The guards fell and the masked archers descended from the tree’s moving swiftly into the settlement, taking up watch posts should any reinforcements come.
As quiet once again reigned,the barracks opened, and the cleric walked out to rendezvous with the Gargoa archers,followed by a dozen Grubblins, having feasted on the enemy soldiers, now walking out in twisted grey-green parodies of the Delthran, mouths on their hands, mana pits for eyes, some with four arms, others with none, depending on how many they had eaten.
“ You know our orders,” the cleric said once they met back up. “ Round up the young ones. Kill the rest.”
By the time daybreak rose again, there was nothing left in the settlement but bones and blood.
The card
Shadow Caller B
Creature-Anabyn Cleric (C)
Gravestrike (Damage dealt by this creature also causes target opponent to exile X cards from his graveyard, X being this creatures power.)
Sacrifice a creature: Shadow Caller is unblockable this turn.
They move with the grace of death.
1/1
The Anabyn
Stay Hungry My Friends....
Soldiers:
Boneyard Marauders GUB
Creature - Grubblin Warrior (U)
Trample
Mindleech (Whenever this creature deals damage to a player, that player puts that many cards from the top of his or her library into his or her graveyard.)
Whenever ~ attacks, it gets +1/+0 until end of turn for each creature card in defending player's graveyard
"Burn the dead from now on. They shall not catch us unawares next time."
-Strant, Asuran general
1/1
Working Class:
Grubblin Gardener 3G
Creature - Grubblin Shaman (C)
When ~ enters the battlefield, you may put target land card from an opponent's graveyard onto the battlefield tapped under your control.
It awakens memories of lands long lost, only to twist them into rotting nests.
2/2
The night sky was cloudy, the air wet, and the light of the nebulae could not pierce the forest canopy. A shadow moved among the trees.
"You're late. And you were to come alone." His voice was a reedy whisper.
Three Grubblin walked down the road, two larger warriors following a smaller leader. The smaller one spoke.
"Greetings, Guaroga. I hope the night finds you well. These are simply some of my cousins, of Urbilix's squirm."
"Must you speak so loudly?"
Xixiss smiled but he was silent. The shadow moved forward out of the shadows of the great oaken boughs. Slender and long of limb, the Guaroga hunter stood a foot taller than even the larger grubblins. He wore a mask of stretched hide and a crown of small horns protruded along the top. His large pointed ears twitched.
"Get out of the road, a patrol is coming."
Xixiss looked up and down the roadway. No one was coming, but they moved off the road, back into the dark undergrowth. They waited. A few minutes later, two Ursk walked into their line of vision. They were outfitted in mismatched attire, one in full breastplate, the other only wearing a helm and a bracer on one arm.
"We should wait until we can find one alone," Xixiss whispered. But the Guaroga was already gone. Xixiss sighed and kept his senses focused on the path.
A lanky shadow appeared before the pair of patrollers and despite its height, the Ursks each towered over it as they stopped and brought their axes to bear. Before they could speak out, the shadow lunged through the night air at the first guard, who brought up a meaty forearm just in time to protect his face. A deep gash opened along his arm and the Grubblins behind Xixiss shuffled at the smell of blood in the air. He put out his hand to silence them but did not turn from the scene unfolding. He could see the Guargoa's weapon now, a long thin hunting knife, gently tapered, and the blood on the stylet appeared luminescent in the dim moonlight.
The second Ursk barreled forward to help his comrade and swung its heavy axe. The Gauroga ducked beneath the obsidian blade and brought the knife upwards, cleaving through the haft of the axe, and in the same motion leapt up to slide the blade across the warrior's throat. The Ursk dropped the bisected weapon and its claws clutched at its throat as it fell. Xixiss could see now that the knife was indeed glowing, wet light shimmering brightly through the bloody blade. The Guaroga turned to the remaining Ursk who swung its axe up with one hand, the other hanging limply at its side. The Guaroga moved even more quickly now than it had, and before the Ursk could react the hunter's knife had pierced breastplate and thick skin and ribcage and had transfixed the massive heart on its edge. The second Ursk fell to the wet dust of the road. Xixiss jumped into the pathway from his hiding place.
"Get them out of the road now, and remove their armor," he said, and the two larger Grubblins rushed into the open and began to haul the mounds of flesh. The Guaroga had not moved from the road, and the glow had left his knife.
"Who are you? You are not some simple hunter."
"I am Itayo, Warden of the Hunt. "
"I see. Well, your duty is done, Warden, you may leave." Itayo only followed the Grubblins into the forest. "Very well," Xixiss said quietly, and followed.
Back in under cover, the pair of Grubblins had removed all of the weaponry and armor from the bodies, and arranged them in respective piles. They stared hungrily at the corpses. Itayo lounged against the base of a tree. Xixiss pointed to one of the dead Ursks.
"Eat, my Grubkin, and grow strong. Slowly. Savor the flesh." The two pounced, digging their faces into the open wounds. Xixiss walked to the other Ursk and stretched his mouth open wide. Half a dozen mouthed tongues slithered out and wrapped around the fallen Ursk's limbs and latched onto its still warm flesh. Slowly, the tongues pulled the massive body into the Grubblin's mouth. The process took about an hour and when he had consumed the entire body, he leaned back, bloated and stretched to the point of translucence. Then his form seemed to condense, then expanded. His arms grew longer and fuller, as second pair of legs sprouted behind his first, and hindquarters developed. Hair began to sprout from his chest and arms and his face contorted. A few minutes later he stood before Itayo, an exact copy of the dead Ursk. He shook his new frame.
"His name was Undegren." His voice was now a low rumble, completely different than the thin whisper he had spoken in. He had even changed his accent to perfectly mimic that of the Gladeren Kingdom. "He had two children and the dead one there was Kralgot, his brother in law." He began to dress himself in the dead Ursk's effects.
"They died well," Itayo said.
"There is no such thing as far as my Grubkin are concerned. They were pieces of meat that died quickly in the dark, that we may war with them. They protected nothing."
"They died fighting for life. Their death will make life that much sweeter. And you have already completed the circle, transmuting their death into your strength. That is a good death."
"Their death will only lead to more death. It is the way of us Grubfolk." He sounded weary. He turned back to the grubblins feeding. One had torn open the chest wound and the other was sucking at the forearm. Their tongues writhed through muscle and tendons and they already looked bloated. Xixiss lifted his now massive arm and brought his clenched fist down on the nearest grubblin's head. There was a crunch, and fluids matted Xixiss's new fur. Before the other could turn, he slammed his other arm into its back, claws ripping out the front of its chest. The ruined Grubblin corpses slid to the ground, pooled dark grey in a bloody soup.
Jagged cuts and bitemarks sprouted over Xixiss's new frame. He lifted the mutilated Ursk body and slung it gently over one shoulder and spoke to Itayo.
"They came out of nowhere, there must have been a dozen of them. They killed Kralgot. I was able to hold them off and outrun them. These two I killed. Three more patrol parties were attacked and killed tonight by my brethren. I will be the only survivor."
He grasped the two grubblins by their necks in one huge claw and as he dragged them back to the road, he developed a limp. Itayo followed. First dawn was approaching and the nebulae grew faint above them.
"Wish me luck, Itayo, Warden of the Hunt. I go to start our war."
Itayo nodded. "Death is another force, just as life is." With that he turned back to the forest and disappeared again into the shadws.
Xixiss smiled and limped down the road, leaving twin trails of Ursk and Grubblin blood that coalesced into puddles behind him.
Another replied, "Indeed, and you heard the stories of the last of these creatures to come here? It took down three warriors by itself! We should slit it's throat while we have the chance, else we might fall and give it the chance to set up a forward--"
"Silence, the both of you," their leader cut across them, "Even if my daughter is a heretic, she wouldn't send a bat with the single highest level of urgency unless this... Ursk," he fumbled with the word, "truly needed to come here. Besides, we brought a larger than usual group for this visitor specifically." He was a tall male Griosk by the name of Ksata, and a member of the high council of the Griosk theocracy. He had decided to personally see to the greeting of this beast, as it had been his daughter that asked for his right to enter the island. Though, no sooner had he finished speaking, but the first sight of the visitor appeared in the distance. A raft bobbing on the waves. They moved forward, into the light, so that Jannik might see where to land, and waited. Some of their number commented on how fast the beast had gotten here.
The raft ground to a halt on the stone coast of the island, and Ksata slithered forward, speaking in a rough accent, an ever present hiss in his voice, "Welkom, Jannikk, we heard you were koming. I am Ksata, a member of the high kouncil. Lodgings for you are being prepared as we speak, based on what we know of your kind, we hope they will be akkeptable. Though, the kouncil's home is still a day and a half travel away, and others have diffikulty in travel through our lands, sometimes, so we should begin to moving. Please to follow me," and with that, Ksata would turn, beckoning with a hand as he moved back into the trees, the other Griosk moving apart so they could flank the Ursk as they moved though the jungle.
The Vezung Rainforest was completely devoid of light, but for Jannik, this was no issue, though it was naturally a bit disconcreting to catch a glimpse of a star-like eye behind a veil of vines in the darkness. The Griosk were not very talkative, though, they would speak if Jannik tried to make conversation. Ksata wouldn't, however, as he stayed at the front of the group, leading their path through the jungle. They passed under two villages as they made their way forward. Several Griosk looking down from the huts suspended high in the trees to catch a glimpse of the first Ursk to set foot in their home in a long, long time.
The second day began with a downpour. The rain itself was no different than the storms in the Ursk's rainforest, but the result, the mud underfoot, was horrendously magnified. This didn't slow the Griosk down much, but it might have been an issue for Jannik. That is, if the snake-creatures weren't helping him as they went.
It felt like most of the day was gone when the rain finally let up, and they arrived under the high council's city. Almost every single one of the vast tree's in this place supported dozens of buildings, some even high up enough as to break through the canopy itself. Now was the first time that Ksata spoke since the greeting on the shore, "I will show you to your lodgings, Jannik," before escorting the Ursk to a stone hut on the forest floor. A few Griosk workers there eyed Jannik with jealousy. To have a home on the forest floor was a great honor. Ksata turned to Jannik then, "The kouncil will be waiting on your arrival. Make preparations and kome in your own time."
When Jannik would decide to go to the council, he would find it simply enough, as it in the lowest point in the city, and surrounded on all sides by towering trees. He hadn't see it clearly before, but at the top of the trees, the canopy was broken, allowing a single pillar of light shone down from the sky above, revealing that it was still only noon, despite the fact that the trip had felt like it had taken so long. The council circle was a stone platform, raised out of a murky pond that encompassed all of the titanic trees around it.
As he walked out onto the platform, the blinding light of the sun high above shocked his eyes, making the darkness look far darker. He wasn't even aware that there were others around him until someone spoke, Ksata, loud in the shadows before Jannik, "What is the purpose of your visit into our lands?"
Creature - Griosk Warrior
Distract (Whenever this creature attacks, put a 0/1 colorless Shadow creature token with "This creature must be blocked if able" onto the battlefield tapped and attacking. Exile that token at end of combat.)
1/1
Vezung Witch Doctor 2B
Creature - Griosk Shaman U
Flash
When Vezung Witch Doctor enters the battlefield, target creature gets +1/+0 and gains deathtouch until end of turn.
The Griosk are a terrifying foe in their territory, their shamans able to turn even the faintest shadow into a deadly foe.
2/2
Sig & Avvy by Disappointing Signets Inc.
CCC&G BRAGGING RIGHTS
Mafia Statistics
I collect pacifism: 228
Alluring Dancer 1U
Creature - Feyrin Shaman (U)
Flying
U,T: Uncover 3. If two or more blue cards are revealed this way, draw a card. (To uncover 3, reveal the top three cards of your library, then put them on the bottom of that library in any order.)
"Every soldier yearns for their lover. Give them the warmth of flesh far from home, and even the worst misers will open their wallets."
1/1
Sanctum Protector 2WW
Creature - Feyrin Crusader (U)
Flying, first strike, rapidfire 2 (During each combat damage step, if this creature would deal combat damage, you may have it deal its combat damage two times instead.)
Whenever Sanctum Protector deals combat damage, prevent the next 2 damage that would be dealt to target creature or player this turn.
"I was forced to watch the Legion ravage my closest friends and family. No longer will I stand by the sidelines - no more shall I stand helpless as my companions are taken from me."
1/3
For further information re: rule interactions, please go to my signature's race link, which has the comprehensive rules entry for each keyword.
Child Keeper 1(W/G)
Creature - Onite (Common)
When Child Keeper enters the battlefield, put 2 0/2 green Onite tokens onto the battlefield.
"When young ones spawn, I watch. Keep out of trouble."
0/2
(("Warrior Class", though they are more of workers))
Onite Hunter G
Creature - Onite Scout (Common)
Onite Hunter has +1/+0 as long as defending player controls an island or swamp.
Onite skin dries out quickly when hunting inland.
0/2
Ashamed of posts from years ago.
Ethereal Wraith 1UU
Creature - Wisp (U)
Vanishing 3
Whenever Ethereal Wraith dies, shuffle it into it's owner's library.
3/4
Magic Class
Trance Breaker 1WU
Creature - Wisp (C)
Dreamwalk (This creature is unblockable as long as the defending player controls a tapped creature.)
3/1
Out of all the people to contact, he got them.
Heck, the Vassav swamps would be better then going to Vezung Island.
But no, Jannik did get chosen to go to the Vezung jungle, and he had be chosen to contact the Griosk.
Jannik had been running for 3 days now, stopping only to rest at the occasional onite village, they were a peculiar folk, the onites, very different values from the ursk, but he couldn't say their simpler way of life didn't have an allure to it. Graggek had been chosen to act as the contact for the onites, reaching them would be the easy part, convincing the onites to actually do something organized was another issue entirely. The Ursk War Council had sent out ten emissaries bearing scrolls from King Grazmark telling of the oncoming Grubblin invasion, one to each of Kielra's major races. Nobody knew how many would return. Kielra is an unforgiving land, and the people had learned from it. Jannik just prayed that Kiele would see it that he be one of them.
Ducking under an elevated root, Jannik cursed the sight, shoreline, it meant he was near, the last time an ursk had set foot on Vezung he had been killed. He pushed the thought from his head, that had been years ago, after all maybe they've changed. no luck, that didn't even sound convincing in the the young ursk's head. But this was necessary, as much as the ursk and the griosk hated one another, they needed each other right now, neither could stand against the coming war alone.
A raft rested on the beach, The island seemed so near, it looked like he should be able to swim there, but he had been warned. The currents of the Nerrin trench were deceiving and exhausting, he would have to use the raft.
"Well, here goes everything" he muttered pushing the small craft out into the water.
Creature - Ursk Soldier
Battle Cry, Exalted
Fight like you pray, children. Stand alone in the morning, come together at day's peak, and celebrate your victory as the suns set!
Creature - Ursk Cleric
Lifelink, Bolster 2 (Whenever this blocks a creature, it gets +2/+2 until end of turn for each other creature blocking that creature.)
Whenever War Priest of Kiele blocks, you may prevent the next 1 damage that would be dealt to target creature this turn.
Worker, showcasing the "Arcane Affinity" keyword, and abilities that reference those colors.
Lefari Groundsculptor G
Creature - Lefari Druid {C}
Arcane Affinity Green
T: Add one mana of any color of ~'s arcane affinity colors.
""
0/1
Mage, showing the "caste" mechanic, which are mechanics that work only if you control multiple creatures with the same Arcane Affinity.
Lefari Scholar U
Creature - Lefari Wizard {U}
Arcane Affinity Blue
T: Tap an untapped creature you control that shares an Arcane Affinity color with ~. If you do, draw two cards.
"The school mages feel that the best way for the student to learn is to work with a partner."
0/1
Take a mechanic from the pre-mirrodin era, and a mechanic after the mirrodin era, and create a card that flavorfully melds both mechanics.
Like, Team Legion.
No seriously I didn't realize it when I chose it, but now I love myself for it. =P
Also, we're slightly slow-rolling right now, so I hope everyone's aware that it's 36 hours to the deadline.
My Pauper Cube ♤ The Pauper Cube Thread Common Knowledge — 1 2
daf did you really not realise that.
You got 99 attackers but I'm blocking with 1.
The Winner is Judge | 7
This Winner is Also Judge | 6
Club Flamingo | Lots
Hence why it took me a while to find the thread.
Ashamed of posts from years ago.
Sinew Binder 1G
Creature - Pod (C)
Soulbond (You may pair this creature with another unpaired creature when either enters the battlefield. They remain paired for as long as you control both of them.)
At the beginning of your upkeep, if Sinew Binder is paired with another creature, put a +1/+1 counter on that creature.
0/2
And one with a more magical bent:
Skygrabber GU
Creature - Pod (C)
T: Target creature gains flying until end of turn.
T: Target creature loses flying until end of turn.
Pods have adapted well to the jungle canopy, melding with tall trees to control the network of branches and vines as extensions of their own bodies.
1/1
Rattling Poltergiest
Creature - Pamantine Soldier (U)
Animate (:4mana:, Exile this creature: Target noncreature artifact becomes an 4/4 Spirit Construct. When the artifact leaves the battlefield, return this creature to the battlefield.)
1/3
Working Class:
Wandering Trickster
Creature - Pamantine Citizen (C)
Absorb 1 (If a source would deal damage to this creature, prevent 1 of that damage.)
They wander the vast world, adapting themselves to almost any environment.
0/1
Atrius' Posts 1W
Instant
You win target thread. If you aren't Atrius, Atrius wins that thread instead.
"Wait, can you actually win a thread?" - Atrius.
Creature - Annaki Dreamer Shaman (U)
When Ancestor Caller enters the battlefield, if you control a Dream permanent, put 2 1/1 green Annaki Spirit creature tokens onto the battlefield.
"Mother, Father, we are in a time of great need. Come, bridge the Dreamweave and join our world again."
2/2
Creature - Annaki Dreamer (U)
3R: Put two +1/+1 counters on Annaki Fireheart. Activate this ability only once each turn and only if Annaki Fireheart is green.
As long as Annaki Fireheart has one or more +1/+1 counter on it, it is red and has first strike.
He was born in peace, but dreams of glory.
2/2
Soothing Soul-Tender :symw::symw:
Creature — Esferi (U)
When Soothing Soul-Tender enters the battlefield, put a 1/1 white Soulsprite creature token onto the battlefield.
: Tap target untapped creature. Its controller gains 1 life.
Calm! Warm; safe. We rest.
[1/1]
...and a bit of labor.
Fleeting Burrower :1mana::symw:
Creature — Esferi (C)
: Remove target attacking or blocking creature you control from combat.
They always have a dozen places to hide.
[1/1]