Well, yeah, I'd be okay for loosing points for not including reminder text, but I'd still probably be upset about it, since reminder text is meant to just be a reminder of the rules as they exist in the game, and not an actual part of the card. That is why some versions of a card include reminder text, while others don't.
Either way, even if you stubbornly stick to the idea that it is difficult to understand, it definitely not so difficult to understand that I should lose several points over it, considering that you only need one sentence to clarify how the card works.
If it's so simple to clarify, why didn't you do it? The point is, under NWO, your card has complex rules implications. It's not about how you perceive the card, it's about how the newer players and/or the players more unfamiliar with the rules perceive it. After all, they're expressly the group reminder text is aimed at.
Also, for your given example, trample has appeared on hundreds of cards (and is an evergreen keyword!). Your card has, and I quote, "only one card in existence even remotely similar". Wouldn't such a niche case require reminder text?
If you took away the text of one of Dimir Guildmage's abilities, it would become an altogether different card and you would have to change the name. Yet when you take away reminder text, it is still the same card. Supposing you judge differently on whether or not reminder text is included, then the reprint of Dimir Guildmage would score lower than the original printing of it, even though they are both the exact same card. After all, a new player would not necessarily know how hybrid mana actually works.
Uhm, I've been on this forum designing cards since back in 2010. I consider myself a veteran card designer as I tend get to at least to the finals almost every time I play a game at all. I've taken about a year off recently, but I am definitely not just starting out and I am clear on modern practices in development.
My frustration comes from a judgement that docked a great number of points for what was clearly a very minor issue with the card. Not only that, but I was nickled and dimed in categories where there are no logical complaints, and these fractional losses put me into a losing position. This is even one of my favorite designs that I've ever produced, and is actually a repost from my custom cube.
Even with that in mind, I would usually just shrug and go on my way. However Brave Lion has, to effect, said "check out my blogs, because I know how to design cards amazingly well, and you reading them will make you better at designing cards." So I am examining his words with increased scrutiny, and holding him to a higher standard than I otherwise would. I am expecting a genius. The fact that I found what I consider to be obvious flaws with the first review of his that I read, has made me want to express my frustration.
Even with that in mind, I would usually just shrug and go on my way. However Brave Lion has, to effect, said "check out my blogs, because I know how to design cards amazingly well, and you reading them will make you better at designing cards." So I am examining his words with increased scrutiny, and holding him to a higher standard than I otherwise would. I am expecting a genius. The fact that I found what I consider to be obvious flaws with the first review of his that I read, has made me want to express my frustration.
No no no no, here there is a HUGE misunderstanding. I'm not a genius, far from it, and I don't know everything about Magic design or such, otherwise I'd be working in R&D. I wrote those articles because I was tired (and I still am) to see the same mistakes being done again and again and again around here in all the various contests and in custom card making in general. All I know about Magic card design comes from years of reading MaRo and many other articles. I never said "I know how to design cards amazingly well" because I don't, and please don't consider me an absolute authority. I'm no "card making God". I'm just an experienced and passionate custom card designer who chose to put his knowledge at the service of newer designers who might not know certain things, that's all. If you're an experienced custom card designer yourself, my articles are just NOT for you. You're NOT the target audience for those in that case, and I clarify that right in the first article of the series. You're approaching my work with the absolute wrong attitude.
That said, and it was very important to me to say it, let's move on. Let's talk about your actual card.
The point is, under NWO, your card has complex rules implications. It's not about how you perceive the card, it's about how the newer players and/or the players more unfamiliar with the rules perceive it.
This. First, you just have to consider that "land creature" is inherently the most complex combination of card types you can have on the type line. Many players are just going to play it wrong anyway because of the way the rules for lands work. Dryad Arbor is a very confusing card, and requires a very good knowledge of the rules to be played properly. Wizards sources have been very clear on this, and I don't think it's only MaRo. That's already a difficult starting point.
Okay, Brave Lion. A Genius Loci is the God of a location or the overall spirit of the place and it's wishes. In media, specifically Dungeons and Dragons, it has been adapted to mean, more broadly, "a piece of terrain that is living". I am using it here as a term for a generic piece of living land, because it is naturally a ubiquitous term for a land creature.
I didn't know this, so thanks for explaining. They say you always learn something new, and here I just did. I know how D&D works and I watched a couple campaigns (without playing myself), but I'm definitely not a D&D expert, and I know even less about D&D's locations and environments. With this explanation, the name makes sense. Thank you for giving it.
Now then, you took off half a point for a lack of uniqueness and then expound that there is only one card in existence even remotely similar, and I will detail that this one functions in a drastically different way than that similar card. You absolutely cannot say that this is less than a perfect 3 on uniqueness.
It would be if not even that existing card existed. If you had the idea of land creatures yourself, then it would be. I might concede that if the existing card were a really obscure one, but Dryad Arbor is a very well known and iconic card.
You took off half a point for a lack of viability, then describe how there is nothing wrong with it's viability at all.
The reason for that half a point deduction is at the end of what I wrote in Viability:
provided this card is actually printable, which I don't think it is for the confusion/complexity issues I talked about above.
Almost all the points you subtracted said "people won't get it", to which I reply "Then add reminder text that reads (This card is affected by summoning sickness.)" If they don't know what summoning sickness is, then that's a massive issue with their understanding of the game, not the card.
I definitely agree with the last sentence here, but reminder text would not be enough to lessen the complexity of the card. The first printing of Dryad Arbor in Future Sight had it and it wasn't limited to summoning sickness, and the card still got played wrong by many players. To be clear, the idea of making a land creature is very confusing in and of itself, and that alone definitely impacts multiple areas of the judgment. There's a reason Dryad Arbor is the only one ever printed and they haven't printed any more, nor they very probably will, at least in the foreseeable future.
Reminder text is generally treated as not being there anyways...
And this is just not true. Look at how reminder text is used in core sets vs in expansions. In core sets (ORI too), even flying has reminder text! And if there are a few cards without reminder text, they're always rare or mythics. In expansions, reminder text is much looser, but when there is potential confusion it's still here anyway. Choosing whether to put it or not DOES affect the judgment, as the text card should be the closest possible to how it would be printed. If this would be printed with reminder text, include it in your text card. Nothing is taken for granted.
It is not a delayed Evolving Wilds at all. It gives you the land untapped, ...
Yes, but only the turn after you played it. As you can't use the ability that turn, the land fetching ability is practically equivalent to the Wilds. You can't have the mana the same turn you played the land anyway: here because of summoning sickness, and in the case of the Wilds because the land enters tapped. It's only from the second turn that the fact that the land you fetch enters untapped would matter, but you won't have more mana anyway, as the Loci itself does NOT give you mana.
... so you get the mana at the same time, so it instantly proves to be better than Evolving Wilds, as this thing blocks Goblin Guide, Kird Ape, and dozens of other small guys in modern and legacy until you crack him for mana, so of course he would see constructed play. Maybe not in every deck, but Sakura Tribe Elder proves that a creature that can be freely sacked for a land is a useful commodity.
Yes, there is some reason in this. I probably undervalued its ability to block immediately.
Uhm, I've been on this forum designing cards since back in 2010. I consider myself a veteran card designer as I tend get to at least to the finals almost every time I play a game at all. I've taken about a year off recently, but I am definitely not just starting out and I am clear on modern practices in development.
No one said you're new at this, but if we're playing this game I actually starting designing custom cards way earlier than 2010 even if not publicly. Also, the fact that you almost always make the finals doesn't mean that you're always guaranteed to do. If that were the case, take three byes every month and see you directly in the finals! (I'm obviously being sarcastic here.) Anyway, all of this doesn't matter at all.
My frustration comes from a judgement that docked a great number of points for what was clearly a very minor issue with the card.
It's not a minor issue, it's a BIG issue, at least in modern Magic design. This is what you don't seem to accept. And it's an issue that definitely impacts multiple areas of the judgment, as I've already said.
Not only that, but I was nickled and dimed in categories where there are no logical complaints...
I hope to have further explained in this post that there are complaints and they are logical.
This is even one of my favorite designs that I've ever produced,
I'm sorry about that, but you loving it doesn't mean that everybody has to like it.
and is actually a repost from my custom cube.
I didn't know that and, again, this doesn't matter.
Hope this helps. The only parts where I will review my judgment is where I talked about the name and where I undervalued the ability of your card to block immediately, but that won't definitely be enough for you to enter the top 4. I'm sorry.
MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016 DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for: "Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index.Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
I was not under the impression that the card we were designing had to be an objectively good card from a playablitily standpoint. I thought the attention was on using the card as a way to tell a story. I also understood Balance to be the idea of whether a card is develop-able or not. Clearly that was not correct.
Huh. I must have misread the challenge. I thought my card was just meant to introduce a new character, as in literally that one person. I didn't realise we were expected to create an entirely new archetype of character... I thank you for not disqualifying me, at least.
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If you're having creature problems I feel bad for you son
You got 99 attackers but I'm blocking with 1.
The Winner is Judge | 7
This Winner is Also Judge | 6
Club Flamingo | Lots
Ok, the letter of that law is, "without breaking them." Bad cards need to exist. This is underpowered, intentionally so. The idea was to have a demon that demanded a lot of its controller. I assume the remainder of this challenge is to show multiple iterations of our character through rare, legend, and eventually planeswalker. I meant to show that evolution from a flavorful but relatively bad card through to the end of its journey where it would be memorable.
Well, CryoZenith is over a week late for June's MCC and is late for July's. I'm sufficiently certain he is AWOL. What should we do?
We could search the absolutely-removed-from-the-freaking-game-forever zone for him. But on a more serious note, it does sound like we need a replacement judge asap.
Well, CryoZenith is over a week late for June's MCC and is late for July's. I'm sufficiently certain he is AWOL. What should we do?
I will do his bracket myself in a few hours if he doesn't show up earlier and then post round 2 right after that.
Other notes: yes, this month is centered in flavor, but that doesn't mean development and balance aren't still important.
@Ninja: I saved your Electromancer because it still MAY be a new character, it's not a second version of an already existing named and known character, and that's what this round was meant to forbid. Anyway, we'll see very soon if it's a new character or not.
MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016 DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for: "Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index.Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
Firstly, thanks Piar for the judging and I appreciate your invitation to comment on the judgings here at the discussion thread.
I got the axe hard on balance and viability for Glory Dreamers, but I think it looks more powerful than it actually is. White has horrible card advantage and demanding a specific kind effect and connection seemed as a good cost for it. Glory dreamers can become a 3/6 in turn two (and put the counter to good use on turn three), but an Elite Vanguard with a Hero's Resolve gets you a 3/6 in turn two in a far simpler way, or even throwing a Hero's Resolve on a Lagonna-band trailblazer gets you 2/10 by using only commons. 3 power is not that much if you need to commit time and resources.
Firstly, thanks Piar for the judging and I appreciate your invitation to comment on the judgings here at the discussion thread.
I got the axe hard on balance and viability for Glory Dreamers, but I think it looks more powerful than it actually is. White has horrible card advantage and demanding a specific kind effect and connection seemed as a good cost for it. Glory dreamers can become a 3/6 in turn two (and put the counter to good use on turn three), but an Elite Vanguard with a Hero's Resolve gets you a 3/6 in turn two in a far simpler way, or even throwing a Hero's Resolve on a Lagonna-band trailblazer gets you 2/10 by using only commons. 3 power is not that much if you need to commit time and resources.
It's certainly possible that Renown plays differently than I anticipate and makes this a bit more fair. The crucial difference between Dreamers and the alternatives you mention is vigilance. Either an attacking or blocking early 3/6 is difficult to deal with, but when it attacks and blocks it becomes extremely efficient for the controlling player and extremely frustrating for opponents (who don't have a Doom Blade ready). Sorry if that context wasn't as clear in my judging statements.
I appreciate you bringing your comments up, and if you have any further responses or other concerns I'd be happy to discuss them (though I believe scores are supposed to be locked now).
(though I believe scores are supposed to be locked now).
Yes, they are. I'm going to begin CryoZenith's bracket right now, I'll try to do it as fast as I can while still living up to my standards. I apologize that there won't be time for discussion on that bracket and that scores will be immediately final.
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MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016 DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for: "Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index.Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
I accept Tilwin's judgement fully. Card didn't work out the way I wanted it to, anyway. A shame... I guess I'll have to sharpen my chops for next time.
I'm curious about one thing, though. How does my card go infinite? I don't understand.
MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016 DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for: "Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index.Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
Would creating two 2/2s achieve subchallenge 2? That's kind of my character's bread and butter and I dislike making blue dudes really big.
Alternatively, how would a shapeshifter affect scoring for that subchallenge?
Would creating two 2/2s achieve subchallenge 2? That's kind of my character's bread and butter and I dislike making blue dudes really big.
Alternatively, how would a shapeshifter affect scoring for that subchallenge?
Your creature must always enter the battlefield with both power and toughness 4 or greater. What happens after it entered the battlefield doesn't matter. Unfortunately, two 2/2 are not equal to a single 4/4, so they're not good for the challenge. The challenge doesn't care how much total power and toughness you're putting on the battlefield, but only what P/T values your creature/character has as it enters the battlefield. If other creatures/tokens are entering the battlefield at the same time, they don't matter, because they're different creatures/characters.
Anyway, subchallenges aren't mandatory. If you think you're making a card that gains in other areas more than what it loses not meeting the subchallenge (and it can very well happen), go for it.
EDIT: If with "shapeshifter" you mean a creature that enters as a copy of another creature (for example Clone), see the answer about the Hydra below: If your Hydra(in this case your Clone) somehow always enters the battlefield as at least a 4/4 it's fine. If it can enter as a smaller creature, it's not. For extra clarity, the card Clone itself would NOT pass subchallenge 2, as it can enter as a copy of a creature with P/T lower than 4.
What if it's like a hydra, as in it can enter at any p/t?
I'm answering this anyway even if you can't post a card for round 2 because unfortunately you didn't pass round 1. Check the list of admitted players in round 2's OP (still waiting for you next month and in other contests). Anyway, it may still be useful to someone else, so here we go. Again, as I said right above here: Your creature must always enter the battlefield with both power and toughness 4 or greater.
In this case, the key word is "always". If your Hydra somehow always enters the battlefield as at least a 4/4 it's fine. If it can enter as a smaller creature, it's not.
MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016 DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for: "Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index.Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
I'm answering this anyway even if you can't post a card for round 2 because unfortunately you didn't pass round 1.
I now understand this contest. I was confused, IDK why I didn't think to ask here. :\ Thanks.
No problem, you're welcome! You can play again in round 1 next month and in other contests around here! Hope to see you there!
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MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016 DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for: "Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index.Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
Thanks for stepping up Bravelion. Sorry you had to.
No need to be sorry at all! I like doing this even if sometimes it's a thankless job indeed. Otherwise I wouldn't have been doing it continously for eight months, with no plan to stop in the foreseeable future! I just had to do it all in a hurry (I think I broke any previous record of mine) and without time for people to discuss or ask questions about my judgments. That's the only thing I am sorry about!
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MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016 DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for: "Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index.Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
A 1/3 for balance because it's bad in constructed? Eh, sure why not. And would I be correct in assuming, bravelion83, that you yourself are a spike? Because I'm a hardcore johnny and every month for the 3 months you've done my judging and marked me down for cards you say johnny wouldn't like but that I would love to play.
- Both your round 1 and round 2 entries need to refer to the same character! If your round 1 card featured let's say a blue Merfolk encountering a not-so-nice pirate by the name of Tyrius (featured in the flavor text), your round 2 card must feature a legendary creature that depicts The Merfolk. Making a card of Tyrius, The Pirate for Round 2, or maybe Krevolius, the Pillager (flavor-wise referred to as Tyrius's captain) does not pass the main challenge. @Leo: Again, I suppose this is a disqualifying factor but it would be best to have it confirmed.
This is very very unintuitive and should of been made far more clear in the initial description brief...
When you're asked in the previous challenge to design a card referencing a future legendary character and the next challenge asks you to design a legendary character then its a very uphill battle to convey that you mean a different legendary character.
Considering how much the design of the challenge "swims upstream" to participant's expectations I'm not surprised there has been so much confusion.
I'd even consider reworking the challenge but it may be too late for that.
Since we are aiming for great entries each round and I am sure we would like to avoid misreads of the main challenge, I would like to remind everyone the following aspects:
- Your creature should be a legendary creature (both in card ruling and flavor)! @Leo: maybe you can clarify here whether this is mandatory and subject of disqualification in case the contestants fail to make the creature legendary (knowingly or unknowingly). Yes, the round 2 card must be legendary. If it's not, it's a DQ, because it's an explicit main challenge requirement.
- Both your round 1 and round 2 entries need to refer to the same character! If your round 1 card featured let's say a blue Merfolk encountering a not-so-nice pirate by the name of Tyrius (featured in the flavor text), your round 2 card must feature a legendary creature that depicts The Merfolk. Making a card of Tyrius, The Pirate for Round 2, or maybe Krevolius, the Pillager (flavor-wise referred to as Tyrius's captain) does not pass the main challenge. @Leo: Again, I suppose this is a disqualifying factor but it would be best to have it confirmed. Yes, this is also a DQ.
Also please make sure not to forget about the link to the post of your round 1 entry, or the quote of that entry in your round 2 submission. This will save judge time so that we don't have to go looking for your Round 1 entries so we can evaluate the evolution of your character. Thanks!
The character from your first round SHOULD BE the same with the character from your second round. In my example I was mentioning that if your first round card was the Merfolk character, your second card must ALSO be the Merfolk character. It should NOT be some other character that may have appeared in the flavor text of the Round 1 card or anything of the sort.
So for the example above, if the Merfolk character was featured in the Round 1, the same Merfolk character needs to be featured in the Round 2 card. The hypothetical Pirate character I was describing could have appeared in the Flavor Text of the Round 1 card (maybe by "catching our Merfolk" or anything of the sort), but since it is not the actual creature Merfolk depicted in the card, it is NOT viable for Round 2.
(my comments in bolded italics)
All of this is perfect, even the DQ part! This is exactly what this challenge is supposed to be. Everyone please read, notice, and digest this, and see if you need to modify your card...
Aww, I was hoping we'd get to design a card that shows the moment where the Round 1 entry 'ascends' to become legendary, rather than jumping straight to the legendary card... I'm looking forward to how this is going to end, though.
I hope the character doesn't have to become a Planeswalker - that might be awkward for people that have designed a character that can't hold a spark (like me).
I've always said this month is in theme with Origins, and try to think what the theme of Origins is... let's just say those people might have additional challenges in future rounds...
Clarification request: Is the new card supposed to replace the previous card, or coexist with it? Can the new card be a slightly fancier version of the previous one, or is it supposed supposed to be another version of the card (like the two versions of Xenagos).
Xenagos is a good example, just not for this round, but something like Mikaeus in Innistrad is a better example for this round. Your card should show a flavor progression in your character's story. Maybe he/she became more powerful, maybe he/she discovered something he/she didn't know about, maybe he/she just grew up and became adult (like my Jeff), or anything you can think about. The two cards are certainly meant to be in the same block and Standard environment, but they don't have to be exactly from the same set. Again, see Mikaeus in Innistrad: two versions in different sets of the same block.
Hope this clarifies. Adding to the clarifications (thank goodness they're in a spoiler because they're becoming quite long... I didn't think my plan would raise so many questions).
Ok. Is my current entry valid is all I want to know? I don't have to make a card of the priest from round 1 that I never intended to make a character?
If your Speaker of Tithes was Isa that later somehow became an Angel, than it's fine. If Isa was not the Speaker, than it's not. It should be clear from the cards that the character depicted in the two cards is the same. As I see it, there's nothing in your cards that prevents an interpretation like my first one: Isa was the Speaker that in her scouring the temples discovered that everything was a lie and that realization made her ascend as an Angel, as well as change colors. For me, that works. It may not have been your original vision though, and if you want you can still change your card obviously. Anyway, also consider my answer to Awkward Squirtle above...
I'm sorry if they caused confusion, I tried to write the challenges in the clearest way possible (I think you know that I do value simplicity and try to avoid comprehension complexity), and the fact that Tilwin above understood everything perfectly demonstrates to me that they're understandable. Of course, if I have a road in my mind for our characters to follow, I'm not just going to tell you in round 1. I won't say: design a character that later will do this and that, it would ruin everything. But I said in round 1 to design a new character represented by your submitted card, not just any creature card that mentioned a new character. Those are different things, and I'm also providing example cards for all rounds. I'm sorry, I didn't want it to be unintuitive and I did my best for it not to be such, and it was an actual concern to me when writing the challenges even before anyone said anything. If I failed in that, I apologize. Please refer to Tilwin's interpretation of the challenge, which is the right one.
As an aside, isn't your card busted in half Bravelion? Blocking/blocked creatures your opponents control automatically take 4 and get Maze of Ith'd?
It may very well be, I admit I didn't think that much about balance as I just meant for it to be an example card for this round's requirements. I'll clarify that by mentioning that it's just an example card, just meant to be considered for clarity of the round's requirements.
MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016 DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for: "Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index.Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
If it's so simple to clarify, why didn't you do it? The point is, under NWO, your card has complex rules implications. It's not about how you perceive the card, it's about how the newer players and/or the players more unfamiliar with the rules perceive it. After all, they're expressly the group reminder text is aimed at.
Also, for your given example, trample has appeared on hundreds of cards (and is an evergreen keyword!). Your card has, and I quote, "only one card in existence even remotely similar". Wouldn't such a niche case require reminder text?
Dryad Arbor (Future Sight)
Dimir Guildmage (Ravinca: City of Guilds)
Dimir Guildmage (Modern Masters)
If you took away the text of one of Dimir Guildmage's abilities, it would become an altogether different card and you would have to change the name. Yet when you take away reminder text, it is still the same card. Supposing you judge differently on whether or not reminder text is included, then the reprint of Dimir Guildmage would score lower than the original printing of it, even though they are both the exact same card. After all, a new player would not necessarily know how hybrid mana actually works.
My frustration comes from a judgement that docked a great number of points for what was clearly a very minor issue with the card. Not only that, but I was nickled and dimed in categories where there are no logical complaints, and these fractional losses put me into a losing position. This is even one of my favorite designs that I've ever produced, and is actually a repost from my custom cube.
Even with that in mind, I would usually just shrug and go on my way. However Brave Lion has, to effect, said "check out my blogs, because I know how to design cards amazingly well, and you reading them will make you better at designing cards." So I am examining his words with increased scrutiny, and holding him to a higher standard than I otherwise would. I am expecting a genius. The fact that I found what I consider to be obvious flaws with the first review of his that I read, has made me want to express my frustration.
No no no no, here there is a HUGE misunderstanding. I'm not a genius, far from it, and I don't know everything about Magic design or such, otherwise I'd be working in R&D. I wrote those articles because I was tired (and I still am) to see the same mistakes being done again and again and again around here in all the various contests and in custom card making in general. All I know about Magic card design comes from years of reading MaRo and many other articles. I never said "I know how to design cards amazingly well" because I don't, and please don't consider me an absolute authority. I'm no "card making God". I'm just an experienced and passionate custom card designer who chose to put his knowledge at the service of newer designers who might not know certain things, that's all. If you're an experienced custom card designer yourself, my articles are just NOT for you. You're NOT the target audience for those in that case, and I clarify that right in the first article of the series. You're approaching my work with the absolute wrong attitude.
That said, and it was very important to me to say it, let's move on. Let's talk about your actual card.
This. First, you just have to consider that "land creature" is inherently the most complex combination of card types you can have on the type line. Many players are just going to play it wrong anyway because of the way the rules for lands work. Dryad Arbor is a very confusing card, and requires a very good knowledge of the rules to be played properly. Wizards sources have been very clear on this, and I don't think it's only MaRo. That's already a difficult starting point.
I didn't know this, so thanks for explaining. They say you always learn something new, and here I just did. I know how D&D works and I watched a couple campaigns (without playing myself), but I'm definitely not a D&D expert, and I know even less about D&D's locations and environments. With this explanation, the name makes sense. Thank you for giving it.
It would be if not even that existing card existed. If you had the idea of land creatures yourself, then it would be. I might concede that if the existing card were a really obscure one, but Dryad Arbor is a very well known and iconic card.
The reason for that half a point deduction is at the end of what I wrote in Viability:
I definitely agree with the last sentence here, but reminder text would not be enough to lessen the complexity of the card. The first printing of Dryad Arbor in Future Sight had it and it wasn't limited to summoning sickness, and the card still got played wrong by many players. To be clear, the idea of making a land creature is very confusing in and of itself, and that alone definitely impacts multiple areas of the judgment. There's a reason Dryad Arbor is the only one ever printed and they haven't printed any more, nor they very probably will, at least in the foreseeable future.
And this is just not true. Look at how reminder text is used in core sets vs in expansions. In core sets (ORI too), even flying has reminder text! And if there are a few cards without reminder text, they're always rare or mythics. In expansions, reminder text is much looser, but when there is potential confusion it's still here anyway. Choosing whether to put it or not DOES affect the judgment, as the text card should be the closest possible to how it would be printed. If this would be printed with reminder text, include it in your text card. Nothing is taken for granted.
Yes, but only the turn after you played it. As you can't use the ability that turn, the land fetching ability is practically equivalent to the Wilds. You can't have the mana the same turn you played the land anyway: here because of summoning sickness, and in the case of the Wilds because the land enters tapped. It's only from the second turn that the fact that the land you fetch enters untapped would matter, but you won't have more mana anyway, as the Loci itself does NOT give you mana.
Yes, there is some reason in this. I probably undervalued its ability to block immediately.
No one said you're new at this, but if we're playing this game I actually starting designing custom cards way earlier than 2010 even if not publicly. Also, the fact that you almost always make the finals doesn't mean that you're always guaranteed to do. If that were the case, take three byes every month and see you directly in the finals! (I'm obviously being sarcastic here.) Anyway, all of this doesn't matter at all.
It's not a minor issue, it's a BIG issue, at least in modern Magic design. This is what you don't seem to accept. And it's an issue that definitely impacts multiple areas of the judgment, as I've already said.
I hope to have further explained in this post that there are complaints and they are logical.
I'm sorry about that, but you loving it doesn't mean that everybody has to like it.
I didn't know that and, again, this doesn't matter.
Hope this helps. The only parts where I will review my judgment is where I talked about the name and where I undervalued the ability of your card to block immediately, but that won't definitely be enough for you to enter the top 4. I'm sorry.
On a related note:
You're right, I think we might have something for another article here. I have to think exactly how to put it, but thanks for the idea Tilwin!
MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here)
CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016
DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for:
"Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index. Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
http://lefowens.blogspot.com/
You got 99 attackers but I'm blocking with 1.
The Winner is Judge | 7
This Winner is Also Judge | 6
Club Flamingo | Lots
http://lefowens.blogspot.com/
I will do his bracket myself in a few hours if he doesn't show up earlier and then post round 2 right after that.
Other notes: yes, this month is centered in flavor, but that doesn't mean development and balance aren't still important.
@Ninja: I saved your Electromancer because it still MAY be a new character, it's not a second version of an already existing named and known character, and that's what this round was meant to forbid. Anyway, we'll see very soon if it's a new character or not.
MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here)
CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016
DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for:
"Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index. Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
I got the axe hard on balance and viability for Glory Dreamers, but I think it looks more powerful than it actually is. White has horrible card advantage and demanding a specific kind effect and connection seemed as a good cost for it. Glory dreamers can become a 3/6 in turn two (and put the counter to good use on turn three), but an Elite Vanguard with a Hero's Resolve gets you a 3/6 in turn two in a far simpler way, or even throwing a Hero's Resolve on a Lagonna-band trailblazer gets you 2/10 by using only commons. 3 power is not that much if you need to commit time and resources.
Thanks again.
I appreciate you bringing your comments up, and if you have any further responses or other concerns I'd be happy to discuss them (though I believe scores are supposed to be locked now).
Yes, they are. I'm going to begin CryoZenith's bracket right now, I'll try to do it as fast as I can while still living up to my standards. I apologize that there won't be time for discussion on that bracket and that scores will be immediately final.
MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here)
CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016
DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for:
"Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index. Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
I'm curious about one thing, though. How does my card go infinite? I don't understand.
EDIT: And here it is. Good luck everyone!
MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here)
CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016
DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for:
"Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index. Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
Alternatively, how would a shapeshifter affect scoring for that subchallenge?
Your creature must always enter the battlefield with both power and toughness 4 or greater. What happens after it entered the battlefield doesn't matter. Unfortunately, two 2/2 are not equal to a single 4/4, so they're not good for the challenge. The challenge doesn't care how much total power and toughness you're putting on the battlefield, but only what P/T values your creature/character has as it enters the battlefield. If other creatures/tokens are entering the battlefield at the same time, they don't matter, because they're different creatures/characters.
Anyway, subchallenges aren't mandatory. If you think you're making a card that gains in other areas more than what it loses not meeting the subchallenge (and it can very well happen), go for it.
EDIT: If with "shapeshifter" you mean a creature that enters as a copy of another creature (for example Clone), see the answer about the Hydra below: If your
Hydra(in this case your Clone) somehow always enters the battlefield as at least a 4/4 it's fine. If it can enter as a smaller creature, it's not. For extra clarity, the card Clone itself would NOT pass subchallenge 2, as it can enter as a copy of a creature with P/T lower than 4.I'm answering this anyway even if you can't post a card for round 2 because unfortunately you didn't pass round 1. Check the list of admitted players in round 2's OP (still waiting for you next month and in other contests). Anyway, it may still be useful to someone else, so here we go. Again, as I said right above here:
Your creature must always enter the battlefield with both power and toughness 4 or greater.
In this case, the key word is "always". If your Hydra somehow always enters the battlefield as at least a 4/4 it's fine. If it can enter as a smaller creature, it's not.
MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here)
CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016
DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for:
"Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index. Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
I now understand this contest. I was confused, IDK why I didn't think to ask here. :\ Thanks.
No problem, you're welcome! You can play again in round 1 next month and in other contests around here! Hope to see you there!
MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here)
CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016
DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for:
"Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index. Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
No need to be sorry at all!
MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here)
CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016
DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for:
"Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index. Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
This is very very unintuitive and should of been made far more clear in the initial description brief...
When you're asked in the previous challenge to design a card referencing a future legendary character and the next challenge asks you to design a legendary character then its a very uphill battle to convey that you mean a different legendary character.
Considering how much the design of the challenge "swims upstream" to participant's expectations I'm not surprised there has been so much confusion.
I'd even consider reworking the challenge but it may be too late for that.
I guess I better go redesign my card
Are you designing commons? Check out my primer on NWO.
Interested in making a custom set? Check out my Set skeleton and archetype primer.
I also write articles about getting started with custom card creation.
Go and PLAYTEST your designs, you will learn more in a single playtests than a dozen discussions.
My custom sets:
Dreamscape
Coins of Mercalis [COMPLETE]
Exodus of Zendikar - ON HOLD
Are you designing commons? Check out my primer on NWO.
Interested in making a custom set? Check out my Set skeleton and archetype primer.
I also write articles about getting started with custom card creation.
Go and PLAYTEST your designs, you will learn more in a single playtests than a dozen discussions.
My custom sets:
Dreamscape
Coins of Mercalis [COMPLETE]
Exodus of Zendikar - ON HOLD
(my comments in bolded italics)
All of this is perfect, even the DQ part! This is exactly what this challenge is supposed to be. Everyone please read, notice, and digest this, and see if you need to modify your card...
I've always said this month is in theme with Origins, and try to think what the theme of Origins is... let's just say those people might have additional challenges in future rounds...
Xenagos is a good example, just not for this round, but something like Mikaeus in Innistrad is a better example for this round. Your card should show a flavor progression in your character's story. Maybe he/she became more powerful, maybe he/she discovered something he/she didn't know about, maybe he/she just grew up and became adult (like my Jeff), or anything you can think about. The two cards are certainly meant to be in the same block and Standard environment, but they don't have to be exactly from the same set. Again, see Mikaeus in Innistrad: two versions in different sets of the same block.
Hope this clarifies. Adding to the clarifications (thank goodness they're in a spoiler because they're becoming quite long... I didn't think my plan would raise so many questions).
If your Speaker of Tithes was Isa that later somehow became an Angel, than it's fine. If Isa was not the Speaker, than it's not. It should be clear from the cards that the character depicted in the two cards is the same. As I see it, there's nothing in your cards that prevents an interpretation like my first one: Isa was the Speaker that in her scouring the temples discovered that everything was a lie and that realization made her ascend as an Angel, as well as change colors. For me, that works. It may not have been your original vision though, and if you want you can still change your card obviously. Anyway, also consider my answer to Awkward Squirtle above...
I'm sorry if they caused confusion, I tried to write the challenges in the clearest way possible (I think you know that I do value simplicity and try to avoid comprehension complexity), and the fact that Tilwin above understood everything perfectly demonstrates to me that they're understandable. Of course, if I have a road in my mind for our characters to follow, I'm not just going to tell you in round 1. I won't say: design a character that later will do this and that, it would ruin everything. But I said in round 1 to design a new character represented by your submitted card, not just any creature card that mentioned a new character. Those are different things, and I'm also providing example cards for all rounds. I'm sorry, I didn't want it to be unintuitive and I did my best for it not to be such, and it was an actual concern to me when writing the challenges even before anyone said anything. If I failed in that, I apologize. Please refer to Tilwin's interpretation of the challenge, which is the right one.
It may very well be, I admit I didn't think that much about balance as I just meant for it to be an example card for this round's requirements. I'll clarify that by mentioning that it's just an example card, just meant to be considered for clarity of the round's requirements.
MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here)
CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016
DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for:
"Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index. Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)