Welcome to the first MCC of the new year! Prepare for a month of challenges that will test your metal as you fill in cards late into a sets development! Be ready to try and tie your design and development skills.
The latest Return to Innistrad set is about to hit the printing presses, but there is a problem. One of the cards had to be nixed at the very last second, as it proved both too splashy and convoluted for the set. It's your job to fix it, but your design constraints are pretty narrow. Especially since you wont have time to playtest it.
Main Challenge: Design a rare mono black card that uses the following art that would not disrupt standard:
Credit Jeremy Wilson
Subchallenge 1 : Your card alphabetically falls between Tandem Demise and Thunderous Laughter. (We can't change the card numbers of the set at this point) Subchallenge 2: Your card uses a new keyword ability or ability word that makes sense for our next visit to Innistrad. (the old card had it, this card needs it too for our ASFAN)
If you have questions about the challenge, please post in the MCC discussion thread. Best of luck!
Main Challenge
Design Deadline: All submissions are to be final and submitted by January 31th 11:59 PM EST
Judging Deadline: All judgements are to be final and completed by February 3rd 26th 11:59 PM EST
Design - (X/3) Appeal: Do the different player psychographics (Timmy/Johhny/Spike) have a use for the card? (X/3) Elegance: Is the card easily understandable at a glance? Do all the flavor and mechanics combined as a whole make sense?
Development - (X/3) Viability: How well does the card fit into the color wheel? Does it break or bend the rules of the game? Is it the appropriate rarity? (X/3) Balance: Does the card have a power level appropriate for contemporary constructed/limited environments without breaking them? Does it play well in casual and multiplayer formats? Does it create or fit into a deck/archetype? Does it create an oppressive environment?
Creativity - (X/3) Uniqueness: Has a card like this ever been printed before? Does it use new mechanics, ideas, or design space? Does it combine old ideas in a new way? Overall, does it feel “fresh”? (X/3) Flavor: Does the name seem realistic for a card? Does the flavor text sound professional? Do all the flavor elements synch together to please Vorthos players?
Polish - (X/3) Quality: Points deducted for incorrect spelling, grammar, and templating. (X/2) *Main Challenge: Was the main challenge satisfied? Was it approached in a unique or interesting way? Does the card fit the intent of the challenge? (X/2) Subchallenges: One point awarded per satisfied subchallenge condition.
Total: X/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
A reminder to everyone: In the MCC, putting rarity on cards is mandatory! If you don't put a rarity on your card, expect huge deductions in both Viability AND Quality.
Also, you should format your text cards accordingly to the forum rules (see the "this formatting looks best" spoiler in the linked OP). Again, expect deductions in Quality otherwise.
Tenebrous Skullbearer2B
Creature — Zombie (R)
Unbury (When this creature enters the battlefield, you may exile any number of creature cards from your graveyard. Put that many +1/+1 counters on this creature.) 1B, Remove a +1/+1 counter from Tenebrous Skullbearer: Create a 2/2 black Zombie creature token. “I’ve commanded one of mine to bring you this letter, my brother, along with some fresh gifts, just unburied. Gifts that will remind you of home. I’m sure you will appreciate.”
—Gisa, letter to Geralf
2/2
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.)
Teetering Amalgam4BB
Creature - Zombie Giant (R)
Trample
When this creature dies, all creatures get -X/-X until end of turn, where X is its power. Gravestitch — BBB, Exile Teetering Amalgam from your graveyard: It and target creature you control exchange either power, toughness, or all other abilities. Activate this ability only as a sorcery.
6/1
1) Gravestitch will always read: "Gravestitch — [COST], Exile ~ from your graveyard: It and target creature you control exchange either power, toughness, or all other abilities. Activate this ability only as a sorcery."
2) A creature with gravestitch will reference itself as "this creature" in its abilities so that those abilities are transferable.
3) Gravestitch does not override Rule 400.7 (An object that moves from one zone to another becomes a new object with no memory of, or relation to, its previous existence.).
4) We can handle difficult obscure cases by applying the rules Wizards created after printing Vehicles and Soul Separator. Choosing to gravestitch Teeming Amalgam's power onto Tarmogoyf, for example, would result in Tarmogoyf having a static power of 6 and a variable toughness. Choosing to gravestitch Teeming Amalgam's abilities onto Tarmogoyf would result in Tarmogoyf dying as a 0/0 creature (per rule 208.5).
5) A clarifying rule could be added to Exchange at 701.9h to the effect that an exchange of abilities would occur even if one of the creatures had no abilities. The creature with no abilities would gain the abilities of the other creature, and the creature with abilities would lose its abilities and not receive any in return. This is intuitive and probably unnecessary, but it never hurts to add a line to the rulebook.
Tested Survivor1BB
Creature - Human (R)
Gore (Whenever another creature dies, this creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.) 2BB: Your life total becomes equal to Tested Survivor's power. Return it to the battlefield transformed under your control. With each death of a loved one, his mind grows quicker, his body stronger ...
2/2
// Heartless Immortal (B)
Creature - Demon (R)
Flying, trample
At the beginning of your upkeep, you may sacrifice a creature.If yo do, you gain 2 life. If you don't, you lose 2 life.
Gore (Whenever another creature dies, this creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.) But his heart gave out, and he continues to survive without a reason to live.
4/3
Tenebrous Skullbearer2B
Creature — Zombie (R)
Unbury (When this creature enters the battlefield, you may exile any number of creature cards from your graveyard. Put that many +1/+1 counters on this creature.) 1B, Remove a +1/+1 counter from Tenebrous Skullbearer: Create a 2/2 black Zombie creature token. “I’ve commanded one of mine to bring you this letter, my brother, along with some fresh gifts, just unburied. Gifts that will remind you of home. I’m sure you will appreciate.”
—Gisa, letter to Geralf
2/2
Design - (3/3) Appeal: Timmy will like to make a big creature for such price, Spike will like to use it with an opportunity to make zombie tokens in response (in case of sudden removal too). Johnny knows 1000 ways to abuse it with counters and build about it. (3/3) Elegance: First ability is pretty clear and the second is well known.
Development - (3/3) Viability: As we all know, it can be also white and green but can be monoblack as well. Rare rarity is correct cause this card is not a bomb on its own so probably not a mythic. (2,5/3) Balance: Extremely usable in limited and commander, pretty sure it can find a place in Standard also. Eternal formats may be slightly interested thanks to Dredge/Scavenge but not likely.
Creativity - (2/3) Uniqueness: This card is a big mix of existing things. Devour, Delve, Diregraf Colossus, all Thallids, Custodi Soulbinders and, of course, Ghave, Guru of Spores. New ability (which is still a tweak of existing ones) adds some fresh air though. (2,5/3) Flavor: I have two good news for you. First: this name is excellent. I am surprised no one used the word Tenebrous on English cards before.
Second: I adore Gisa and Geralf family relationships and humour that comes with it. Bad news: I am not sure how this guy with a big bag of skulls supposed to make Zombies from them. Slitherhead comes to mind but still not the perfect example.
Polish - (3/3) Quality: No problems here. (2/2) *Main Challenge: Satisfied. (2/2) Subchallenges: Yes and yes.
Total: 23/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
Tested Survivor1BB
Creature - Human (R)
Gore (Whenever another creature dies, this creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.) 2BB: Your life total becomes equal to Tested Survivor's power. Return it to the battlefield transformed under your control. With each death of a loved one, his mind grows quicker, his body stronger ...
2/2
// Heartless Immortal (B)
Creature - Demon (R)
Flying, trample
At the beginning of your upkeep, you may sacrifice a creature.If yo do, you gain 2 life. If you don't, you lose 2 life.
Gore (Whenever another creature dies, this creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.) But his heart gave out, and he continues to survive without a reason to live.
4/3
Design - (1,5/3) Appeal: Drawback is too huge for Timmy, other two can try it and be risky but I'd say this card is barely appealing to anyone. See Balance section to more. (2,5/3) Elegance: Wordy but no bit problems, but see Quality section.
Development - (3/3) Viability: Very black, very rare for a major life total changing effect. (1,5/3) Balance: The face part is just mediocre, sort-of-prowess creature with intense mana cost. The transform ability is barely worth to activate, maybe only when you losing (how many creatures are supposed to die to make his power and your life total high enough? Sure a lot), but again, would 4/3 flyer with Gore and a drawback (let's be honest, sacrificing ability for tiny life gain is a drawback, not an advantage though you can fed you Gore creatures, yes) save you in late game? Ugh, sometimes, maybe. But in general this card design is too humble.
Creativity - (2,5/3) Uniqueness: Unique enough though every part of this card resembles something existing. (2,5/3) Flavor: No major problems here, though the transform of an evil soul into a demon is 100% Theros thing, not Innistrad.
Polish - (1,5/3) Quality: Return it to the battlefield transformed from... where? (-1) Also, you missed the space between "Creature." and "If" (-0,5). (1,5/2) *Main Challenge: It doesn't say "use this and only this artwork" but I see a stretch here. You need another artwork to make this card double-faced. (2/2) Subchallenges: Yes and yes.
Total: 18,5/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
Teetering Amalgam4BB
Creature - Zombie Giant (R)
Trample
When this creature dies, all creatures get -X/-X until end of turn, where X is its power. Gravestitch — BBB, Exile Teetering Amalgam from your graveyard: It and target creature you control exchange either power, toughness, or all other abilities. Activate this ability only as a sorcery.
6/1
1) Gravestitch will always read: "Gravestitch — [COST], Exile ~ from your graveyard: It and target creature you control exchange either power, toughness, or all other abilities. Activate this ability only as a sorcery."
2) A creature with gravestitch will reference itself as "this creature" in its abilities so that those abilities are transferable.
3) Gravestitch does not override Rule 400.7 (An object that moves from one zone to another becomes a new object with no memory of, or relation to, its previous existence.).
4) We can handle difficult obscure cases by applying the rules Wizards created after printing Vehicles and Soul Separator. Choosing to gravestitch Teeming Amalgam's power onto Tarmogoyf, for example, would result in Tarmogoyf having a static power of 6 and a variable toughness. Choosing to gravestitch Teeming Amalgam's abilities onto Tarmogoyf would result in Tarmogoyf dying as a 0/0 creature (per rule 208.5).
5) A clarifying rule could be added to Exchange at 701.9h to the effect that an exchange of abilities would occur even if one of the creatures had no abilities. The creature with no abilities would gain the abilities of the other creature, and the creature with abilities would lose its abilities and not receive any in return. This is intuitive and probably unnecessary, but it never hurts to add a line to the rulebook.
Design - (2,5/3) Appeal: Big power but weak body for Timmy, an opportunity to wipe the board for Spike, combos for Johnny. (2/3) Elegance: The Gravestich ability and issues that come with it (i mean exchange of abilities) is far from being elegant.
Development - (2,5/3) Viability: Option to wipe the board twice makes it dangerously close to mythic. Very black indeed. (2/3) Balance: Gravestich pushes it to higher levels, maybe it can find a place in Commander and such.
Creativity - (3/3) Uniqueness: Can't say it's not unique. (0,5/3) Flavor: I don't know where to start... First, Innistrad doesn't have Giants (Diregraf Colossus is technically a Giant but is made from a lot of bodies). Also looks like all these skulls are from other giants. Second, it called amalgam but it doesn't look like it stiched or something (compare with Prized Amalgam). And last but not least, toughness 1 for a Giant is a nonsense.
So I'd say "I don't believe" if I open this in pack.
Polish - (2/3) Quality: All good. (2/2) *Main Challenge: Seems so. (2/2) Subchallenges: Yes and yes.
Design - (3/3) Appeal: Timmy likes the idea of making this grow, and making a big army potentially is also cool. Johnny has lots of counters to play with. It also gives spike options to outplay his opponent. (3/3) Elegance: It's a very clean design that's easy to understand.
Development - (3/3) Viability: A black rare is spot on. No rules worries. (2.5/3) Balance: I think it's a fair, albiet strong card for 3. It does depend on how many other sources for +1/+1 counters are in standard. One thing I do have a problem with is your mechanic, unbury. It's a mroe narrow delve, which I think makes it balanced, but a little bit of a trap in terms of fun. You actually don't want to play cards with unbury together, as the graveyard resource is lost. Dedicating a mechanic to it like these would leave little else to use the graveyard as a resource.
Creativity - (2/3) Uniqueness: A balanced, flavorful twist on delve is a good dash of freshness to this otherwise pretty standard mechanical/flavored card. (1.5/3) Flavor: I don't think this creature would be a zombie based on the art, and I think using the same term for you mechanic in your flavor text is hokie. that first sentence of flavor text is choppy. The rest is nice.
Polish - (3/3) Quality: Checks out. (1.5/2) *Main Challenge: The amount of value this card creates is quite high. While it probable wont define standard, it has the potential to play a role. Since the challenge states that this card doesn't have time for the proper playtesting in this environment, it's slightly dangerous. (2/2) Subchallenges: Double check.
Total: 21.5/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
Design - (1.5/3) Appeal: Timmy is kinda into the demon on the back, but getting there doesn't appeal to him. Johnny wants to abuse that life setting activated ability, and also likes to tinker with underrated cards. Spike sells it to the comic store for a quarter. (2/3) Elegance: There are a lot of moving parts to this card, many which seem unconnected. Why does he change my life total to his power? Is it supposed to be a Form of the Dragon type reference?
Development - (3/3) Viability: I suppose this is all black. Some of the ideas here border on mythic rare though the power level is not there. The transform ability doesnt work, but I'll deduct for that in quality. (1.5/3) Balance: It's a pretty weak rare. Gore doesnt seem like a great ability since it won't be meaningful with combat related deaths. Sure you can sac stuff in the mainphase, surprise someone with death effects and damage before to mess with the math, but the ability doesn't play like a casual player would expect. thsi card overall doesn't seem that fun either. Only a determined johnny would play this, and not really as a beater.
Creativity - (2/3) Uniqueness: the life setting plus transform make this card pretty out there. The idea of turning into a demon has been done plenty of times otherwise not very distinct. (2/3) Flavor: I dont think the story you're trying to tell makes sense with the art. You flavor text and name, tested survivor, makes it seem like the character has struggled through hardship. The art has a character that is almost gleeful if not just satisfied with death.
Polish - (0.5/3) Quality: Your transform trigger should simply be "Then transform ~" or reference that this ability needs to be used in the graveyard. Line up your (...) on the front side correctly and use (...) as a lead in on the back. Multiple typos/spacing issues on the back. "Otherwise, you lose 2 life." (2/2) *Main Challenge: Sure this works. (2/2) Subchallenges: Got both.
Total: 16.5/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
Design - (3/3) Appeal: This has big power and splashy effects for Timmy. Johnny wants to do strange things with gravestitch. there are a long of options here for spike too. (2/3) Elegance: Gravestitch has a crazy amount of complexity and tracking associated with it.I can't see it being a keyword ability. Maybe a one of.
Development - (2/3) Viability: It's very black, but almost mythic. Gravestitch could edge this towards blue. Gravestitch creates rules problems with power/toughness setting abilities. (2/3) Balance: this would of been a fairly weak card without that gravestitch. it really makes this a control players dream, as it is feassible to use this to board wipe more than once. It is extremely fragile, but even just dumping this into the yard would be quite powerful. this card would be tried in standard and a casual fun card for sure.
Creativity - (3/3) Uniqueness: This feels really far out there, for both good and not so good reason. But certainly fresh (2/3) Flavor: I don't think the art is of a zombie, so the subtype and the mechanic name are a stretch. Also, the art doesn't depict a amalgamation of anything. Sure it's a variety of skulls, but your name suggests that the amalgam is the creature itself.
Polish - (2.5/3) Quality: Teetering Amalgam would refer to itself in it's -x/-x ability. (1.5/2) *Main Challenge: This card has a high chance of influencing standard. (2/2) Subchallenges: Both done.
Total: 20/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
Tenebrous Skullbearer2B
Creature — Zombie (R)
Unbury (When this creature enters the battlefield, you may exile any number of creature cards from your graveyard. Put that many +1/+1 counters on this creature.) 1B, Remove a +1/+1 counter from Tenebrous Skullbearer: Create a 2/2 black Zombie creature token. “I’ve commanded one of mine to bring you this letter, my brother, along with some fresh gifts, just unburied. Gifts that will remind you of home. I’m sure you will appreciate.”
—Gisa, letter to Geralf
2/2
Design - (5.5/6) (2.5/3) Appeal: Timmy and Spike both like a big cheap creature. Johhny likes to play with counters and tokens. I'm not sure any one of them are head over heels though. (3/3) Elegance: Very straight forward and cohesive.
Development - (5.5/6) (3/3) Viability: Color and rarity work for me. (2.5/3) Balance: The activated ability is bit expensive, but the fact that this can easily be a 4/4 for 3 CMC makes it something that might get a look in Standard. It's definitely a solid limited card. It's super weak if someone has a way to keep creatures out of your graveyard though, but that's ok. I don't see this making much of a splash in any other format, although it might see play in the right EDH deck.
Creativity - (3.5/6) (1.5/3) Uniqueness: Although this exact combination of a abilities has never been done before, this card feels very familiar. Nothing's really breaking any major ground. (2/3) Flavor: The flavor text is a bit choppy, but I like the idea behind it. The name is good. I don't really like the name unbury for the ability. It makes me think it should return the creature, not put a 1/1 counter on another creature. Something like "reap" would make more sense to me.
Polish - (6.5/7) (3/3) Quality: Looks good to me. (1.5/2) *Main Challenge: I think the card fits the art rather well, but that doesn't look like a zombie to me. (2/2) Subchallenges: Good and good.
Total: 21/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
Teetering Amalgam4BB
Creature - Zombie Giant (R)
Trample
When this creature dies, all creatures get -X/-X until end of turn, where X is its power. Gravestitch — BBB, Exile Teetering Amalgam from your graveyard: It and target creature you control exchange either power, toughness, or all other abilities. Activate this ability only as a sorcery.
6/1
1) Gravestitch will always read: "Gravestitch — [COST], Exile ~ from your graveyard: It and target creature you control exchange either power, toughness, or all other abilities. Activate this ability only as a sorcery."
2) A creature with gravestitch will reference itself as "this creature" in its abilities so that those abilities are transferable.
3) Gravestitch does not override Rule 400.7 (An object that moves from one zone to another becomes a new object with no memory of, or relation to, its previous existence.).
4) We can handle difficult obscure cases by applying the rules Wizards created after printing Vehicles and Soul Separator. Choosing to gravestitch Teeming Amalgam's power onto Tarmogoyf, for example, would result in Tarmogoyf having a static power of 6 and a variable toughness. Choosing to gravestitch Teeming Amalgam's abilities onto Tarmogoyf would result in Tarmogoyf dying as a 0/0 creature (per rule 208.5).
5) A clarifying rule could be added to Exchange at 701.9h to the effect that an exchange of abilities would occur even if one of the creatures had no abilities. The creature with no abilities would gain the abilities of the other creature, and the creature with abilities would lose its abilities and not receive any in return. This is intuitive and probably unnecessary, but it never hurts to add a line to the rulebook.
Design - (3/6) (2/3) Appeal: Timmy's a bit turned off by the low toughness on such a high cost creature and isn't a big fan of killing his own creatures. Spike is always a bit intrigued by something that wipes the baord and has additional upside. Gravestitch seems like an inherently Johhny ability. (1/3) Elegance: Gravestitch is not the most elegant of abilities. It is very complex, and it comes with tracking issues. Also, it seems weird that you will be giving the creature being exiled with gravestitch abilites or P/T it can never use. 1 tougness on a giant is a bit weird as well.
Development - (4.5/6) (2/3) Viability: The color and rarity seem fine to me, but I'm just not sure I can see something as complex as gravestitch being printed as an ability. (2.5/3) Balance: The fact that this can potentially wipe the board more than once makes this a potetnially strong card. You could even dump it in your yard to get the board wipe effect much earlier if needed. I could see this card getting a look in some sort of control, or graveyard-based Standard deck. Six power + board wipe are always useful in limited. I don't see this being played in any other formats except probably EDH.
Creativity - (5/6) (3/3) Uniqueness: Gravestitch certainly is different. (2/3) Flavor: Flavor seems ok for a card with no flavor text. Nothing really stands out here for me though.
Polish - (4.5/7) (1.5/3) Quality: Teetering Amalgam should refer to itself in the triggered ability. (1/2) *Main Challenge: I would be a bit nervous about printing this card without testing it for Standard. Also, there's no way that's a giant in the artwork. (2/2) Subchallenges: I'm not sure gravestitch could be printed, but Innistad would be the place if it so.
Total: 17/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
Tested Survivor1BB
Creature - Human (R)
Gore (Whenever another creature dies, this creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.) 2BB: Your life total becomes equal to Tested Survivor's power. Return it to the battlefield transformed under your control. With each death of a loved one, his mind grows quicker, his body stronger ...
2/2
// Heartless Immortal (B)
Creature - Demon (R)
Flying, trample
At the beginning of your upkeep, you may sacrifice a creature.If yo do, you gain 2 life. If you don't, you lose 2 life.
Gore (Whenever another creature dies, this creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.) But his heart gave out, and he continues to survive without a reason to live.4/3
Design - (3/6) (1/3) Appeal: Timmy hates this. Spike doesn't see much here either. This card is wacky enough for some Johhny to want to play with though. (2/3) Elegance: There's a whole lot going on here, which makes this card a bit difficult to follow. Also, gore is a bit wierd since, generally, most creatures die in combat, which means creatures with gore will get a lot of P/T boosts that don't really matter.
Development - (4/6) (3/3) Viability: Seems black, and is certainly complicated enough to be a rare. (1/3) Balance: This card just seems really weak to me. Unless there's some sort of crazy combo with this, or a really powerful fateful hour deck emerges, I just can't see this being played in Standard, or anywhere else for that matter. A whole lot of creatures would need to die, or you'd need to be nearly dead for this to gain you life. I'd say it could be fun with Death's Shadow, but there are just better cards.
Creativity - (5/6) (3/3) Uniqueness: The life setting transform ability is enough to garner a high mark here. (2/3) Flavor: I like the flavor of this card for the most part, but I don't get why it becomes a flying demon. It seems more like a person that turned to cannibalism after crashing in remote area.
Polish - (4.5/7) (0.5/3) Quality: Where is the transform ability returning this from? It should just be "Transform ~". You're missing a space before the second sentence on the second line of the backside. The "you" in that sentence is also missing a "u". The backside should read "If you do, you gain 2 life. Otherwise, you lose 2 life. (2/2) *Main Challenge: I could see this art on this card. (2/2) Subchallenges: Good.
Total: 16.5/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
bravelion83: 21
kjsharp: 17
Forestsguy: 16.5
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
(22 Total) - October 2014; December 2014; January 2015; April 2015; June 2015; August 2015; September 2015; November 2015; December 2015(T); January 2016; March 2016(T); April 2016; June 2016; October 2016; December 2016(T); February 2017; April 2017; December 2017; November 2018(T); January 2019; April 2019; June 2019
(8 Total) - May 2015; May 2016; June 2016; August 2016; October 2016; December 2016; October 2017; May 2019
(7 Total) - September 2015; October 2015; January 2016; March 2016; April 2016; July 2016(T); March 2019(T)
January MCC 2018 Finals - The Last Minute Fix
Welcome to the first MCC of the new year! Prepare for a month of challenges that will test your metal as you fill in cards late into a sets development! Be ready to try and tie your design and development skills.
The latest Return to Innistrad set is about to hit the printing presses, but there is a problem. One of the cards had to be nixed at the very last second, as it proved both too splashy and convoluted for the set. It's your job to fix it, but your design constraints are pretty narrow. Especially since you wont have time to playtest it.
Main Challenge: Design a rare mono black card that uses the following art that would not disrupt standard:
Credit Jeremy Wilson
Subchallenge 1 : Your card alphabetically falls between Tandem Demise and Thunderous Laughter. (We can't change the card numbers of the set at this point)
Subchallenge 2: Your card uses a new keyword ability or ability word that makes sense for our next visit to Innistrad. (the old card had it, this card needs it too for our ASFAN)
If you have questions about the challenge, please post in the MCC discussion thread. Best of luck!
Main Challenge
Design Deadline: All submissions are to be final and submitted by January 31th 11:59 PM EST
Judging Deadline: All judgements are to be final and completed by February 3rd 26th 11:59 PM EST
(X/3) Appeal: Do the different player psychographics (Timmy/Johhny/Spike) have a use for the card?
(X/3) Elegance: Is the card easily understandable at a glance? Do all the flavor and mechanics combined as a whole make sense?
Development -
(X/3) Viability: How well does the card fit into the color wheel? Does it break or bend the rules of the game? Is it the appropriate rarity?
(X/3) Balance: Does the card have a power level appropriate for contemporary constructed/limited environments without breaking them? Does it play well in casual and multiplayer formats? Does it create or fit into a deck/archetype? Does it create an oppressive environment?
Creativity -
(X/3) Uniqueness: Has a card like this ever been printed before? Does it use new mechanics, ideas, or design space? Does it combine old ideas in a new way? Overall, does it feel “fresh”?
(X/3) Flavor: Does the name seem realistic for a card? Does the flavor text sound professional? Do all the flavor elements synch together to please Vorthos players?
Polish -
(X/3) Quality: Points deducted for incorrect spelling, grammar, and templating.
(X/2) *Main Challenge: Was the main challenge satisfied? Was it approached in a unique or interesting way? Does the card fit the intent of the challenge?
(X/2) Subchallenges: One point awarded per satisfied subchallenge condition.
Total: X/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
Judges:
IcariiFA
Raptorchan
Flatline
Contestants:
bravelion83
Forestsguy
kjsharp
A helpful tip for those formatting their cards:
Tenebrous Skullbearer 2B
Creature — Zombie (R)
Unbury (When this creature enters the battlefield, you may exile any number of creature cards from your graveyard. Put that many +1/+1 counters on this creature.)
1B, Remove a +1/+1 counter from Tenebrous Skullbearer: Create a 2/2 black Zombie creature token.
“I’ve commanded one of mine to bring you this letter, my brother, along with some fresh gifts, just unburied. Gifts that will remind you of home. I’m sure you will appreciate.”
—Gisa, letter to Geralf
2/2
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.)
Creature - Zombie Giant (R)
Trample
When this creature dies, all creatures get -X/-X until end of turn, where X is its power.
Gravestitch — BBB, Exile Teetering Amalgam from your graveyard: It and target creature you control exchange either power, toughness, or all other abilities. Activate this ability only as a sorcery.
6/1
2) A creature with gravestitch will reference itself as "this creature" in its abilities so that those abilities are transferable.
3) Gravestitch does not override Rule 400.7 (An object that moves from one zone to another becomes a new object with no memory of, or relation to, its previous existence.).
4) We can handle difficult obscure cases by applying the rules Wizards created after printing Vehicles and Soul Separator. Choosing to gravestitch Teeming Amalgam's power onto Tarmogoyf, for example, would result in Tarmogoyf having a static power of 6 and a variable toughness. Choosing to gravestitch Teeming Amalgam's abilities onto Tarmogoyf would result in Tarmogoyf dying as a 0/0 creature (per rule 208.5).
5) A clarifying rule could be added to Exchange at 701.9h to the effect that an exchange of abilities would occur even if one of the creatures had no abilities. The creature with no abilities would gain the abilities of the other creature, and the creature with abilities would lose its abilities and not receive any in return. This is intuitive and probably unnecessary, but it never hurts to add a line to the rulebook.
Creature - Human (R)
Gore (Whenever another creature dies, this creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.)
2BB: Your life total becomes equal to Tested Survivor's power. Return it to the battlefield transformed under your control.
With each death of a loved one, his mind grows quicker, his body stronger ...
2/2
//
Heartless Immortal (B)
Creature - Demon (R)
Flying, trample
At the beginning of your upkeep, you may sacrifice a creature.If yo do, you gain 2 life. If you don't, you lose 2 life.
Gore (Whenever another creature dies, this creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.)
But his heart gave out, and he continues to survive without a reason to live.
4/3
Tenebrous Skullbearer 2B
Creature — Zombie (R)
Unbury (When this creature enters the battlefield, you may exile any number of creature cards from your graveyard. Put that many +1/+1 counters on this creature.)
1B, Remove a +1/+1 counter from Tenebrous Skullbearer: Create a 2/2 black Zombie creature token.
“I’ve commanded one of mine to bring you this letter, my brother, along with some fresh gifts, just unburied. Gifts that will remind you of home. I’m sure you will appreciate.”
—Gisa, letter to Geralf
2/2
Design -
(3/3) Appeal: Timmy will like to make a big creature for such price, Spike will like to use it with an opportunity to make zombie tokens in response (in case of sudden removal too). Johnny knows 1000 ways to abuse it with counters and build about it.
(3/3) Elegance: First ability is pretty clear and the second is well known.
Development -
(3/3) Viability: As we all know, it can be also white and green but can be monoblack as well. Rare rarity is correct cause this card is not a bomb on its own so probably not a mythic.
(2,5/3) Balance: Extremely usable in limited and commander, pretty sure it can find a place in Standard also. Eternal formats may be slightly interested thanks to Dredge/Scavenge but not likely.
Creativity -
(2/3) Uniqueness: This card is a big mix of existing things. Devour, Delve, Diregraf Colossus, all Thallids, Custodi Soulbinders and, of course, Ghave, Guru of Spores. New ability (which is still a tweak of existing ones) adds some fresh air though.
(2,5/3) Flavor: I have two good news for you. First: this name is excellent. I am surprised no one used the word Tenebrous on English cards before.
Second: I adore Gisa and Geralf family relationships and humour that comes with it. Bad news: I am not sure how this guy with a big bag of skulls supposed to make Zombies from them. Slitherhead comes to mind but still not the perfect example.
Polish -
(3/3) Quality: No problems here.
(2/2) *Main Challenge: Satisfied.
(2/2) Subchallenges: Yes and yes.
Total: 23/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
Creature - Human (R)
Gore (Whenever another creature dies, this creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.)
2BB: Your life total becomes equal to Tested Survivor's power. Return it to the battlefield transformed under your control.
With each death of a loved one, his mind grows quicker, his body stronger ...
2/2
//
Heartless Immortal (B)
Creature - Demon (R)
Flying, trample
At the beginning of your upkeep, you may sacrifice a creature.If yo do, you gain 2 life. If you don't, you lose 2 life.
Gore (Whenever another creature dies, this creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.)
But his heart gave out, and he continues to survive without a reason to live.
4/3
Design -
(1,5/3) Appeal: Drawback is too huge for Timmy, other two can try it and be risky but I'd say this card is barely appealing to anyone. See Balance section to more.
(2,5/3) Elegance: Wordy but no bit problems, but see Quality section.
Development -
(3/3) Viability: Very black, very rare for a major life total changing effect.
(1,5/3) Balance: The face part is just mediocre, sort-of-prowess creature with intense mana cost. The transform ability is barely worth to activate, maybe only when you losing (how many creatures are supposed to die to make his power and your life total high enough? Sure a lot), but again, would 4/3 flyer with Gore and a drawback (let's be honest, sacrificing ability for tiny life gain is a drawback, not an advantage though you can fed you Gore creatures, yes) save you in late game? Ugh, sometimes, maybe. But in general this card design is too humble.
Creativity -
(2,5/3) Uniqueness: Unique enough though every part of this card resembles something existing.
(2,5/3) Flavor: No major problems here, though the transform of an evil soul into a demon is 100% Theros thing, not Innistrad.
Polish -
(1,5/3) Quality: Return it to the battlefield transformed from... where? (-1) Also, you missed the space between "Creature." and "If" (-0,5).
(1,5/2) *Main Challenge: It doesn't say "use this and only this artwork" but I see a stretch here. You need another artwork to make this card double-faced.
(2/2) Subchallenges: Yes and yes.
Total: 18,5/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
Creature - Zombie Giant (R)
Trample
When this creature dies, all creatures get -X/-X until end of turn, where X is its power.
Gravestitch — BBB, Exile Teetering Amalgam from your graveyard: It and target creature you control exchange either power, toughness, or all other abilities. Activate this ability only as a sorcery.
6/1
2) A creature with gravestitch will reference itself as "this creature" in its abilities so that those abilities are transferable.
3) Gravestitch does not override Rule 400.7 (An object that moves from one zone to another becomes a new object with no memory of, or relation to, its previous existence.).
4) We can handle difficult obscure cases by applying the rules Wizards created after printing Vehicles and Soul Separator. Choosing to gravestitch Teeming Amalgam's power onto Tarmogoyf, for example, would result in Tarmogoyf having a static power of 6 and a variable toughness. Choosing to gravestitch Teeming Amalgam's abilities onto Tarmogoyf would result in Tarmogoyf dying as a 0/0 creature (per rule 208.5).
5) A clarifying rule could be added to Exchange at 701.9h to the effect that an exchange of abilities would occur even if one of the creatures had no abilities. The creature with no abilities would gain the abilities of the other creature, and the creature with abilities would lose its abilities and not receive any in return. This is intuitive and probably unnecessary, but it never hurts to add a line to the rulebook.
Design -
(2,5/3) Appeal: Big power but weak body for Timmy, an opportunity to wipe the board for Spike, combos for Johnny.
(2/3) Elegance: The Gravestich ability and issues that come with it (i mean exchange of abilities) is far from being elegant.
Development -
(2,5/3) Viability: Option to wipe the board twice makes it dangerously close to mythic. Very black indeed.
(2/3) Balance: Gravestich pushes it to higher levels, maybe it can find a place in Commander and such.
Creativity -
(3/3) Uniqueness: Can't say it's not unique.
(0,5/3) Flavor: I don't know where to start... First, Innistrad doesn't have Giants (Diregraf Colossus is technically a Giant but is made from a lot of bodies). Also looks like all these skulls are from other giants. Second, it called amalgam but it doesn't look like it stiched or something (compare with Prized Amalgam). And last but not least, toughness 1 for a Giant is a nonsense.
So I'd say "I don't believe" if I open this in pack.
Polish -
(2/3) Quality: All good.
(2/2) *Main Challenge: Seems so.
(2/2) Subchallenges: Yes and yes.
Total: 18,5/25
(3/3) Appeal: Timmy likes the idea of making this grow, and making a big army potentially is also cool. Johnny has lots of counters to play with. It also gives spike options to outplay his opponent.
(3/3) Elegance: It's a very clean design that's easy to understand.
Development -
(3/3) Viability: A black rare is spot on. No rules worries.
(2.5/3) Balance: I think it's a fair, albiet strong card for 3. It does depend on how many other sources for +1/+1 counters are in standard. One thing I do have a problem with is your mechanic, unbury. It's a mroe narrow delve, which I think makes it balanced, but a little bit of a trap in terms of fun. You actually don't want to play cards with unbury together, as the graveyard resource is lost. Dedicating a mechanic to it like these would leave little else to use the graveyard as a resource.
Creativity -
(2/3) Uniqueness: A balanced, flavorful twist on delve is a good dash of freshness to this otherwise pretty standard mechanical/flavored card.
(1.5/3) Flavor: I don't think this creature would be a zombie based on the art, and I think using the same term for you mechanic in your flavor text is hokie. that first sentence of flavor text is choppy. The rest is nice.
Polish -
(3/3) Quality: Checks out.
(1.5/2) *Main Challenge: The amount of value this card creates is quite high. While it probable wont define standard, it has the potential to play a role. Since the challenge states that this card doesn't have time for the proper playtesting in this environment, it's slightly dangerous.
(2/2) Subchallenges: Double check.
Total: 21.5/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
(1.5/3) Appeal: Timmy is kinda into the demon on the back, but getting there doesn't appeal to him. Johnny wants to abuse that life setting activated ability, and also likes to tinker with underrated cards. Spike sells it to the comic store for a quarter.
(2/3) Elegance: There are a lot of moving parts to this card, many which seem unconnected. Why does he change my life total to his power? Is it supposed to be a Form of the Dragon type reference?
Development -
(3/3) Viability: I suppose this is all black. Some of the ideas here border on mythic rare though the power level is not there. The transform ability doesnt work, but I'll deduct for that in quality.
(1.5/3) Balance: It's a pretty weak rare. Gore doesnt seem like a great ability since it won't be meaningful with combat related deaths. Sure you can sac stuff in the mainphase, surprise someone with death effects and damage before to mess with the math, but the ability doesn't play like a casual player would expect. thsi card overall doesn't seem that fun either. Only a determined johnny would play this, and not really as a beater.
Creativity -
(2/3) Uniqueness: the life setting plus transform make this card pretty out there. The idea of turning into a demon has been done plenty of times otherwise not very distinct.
(2/3) Flavor: I dont think the story you're trying to tell makes sense with the art. You flavor text and name, tested survivor, makes it seem like the character has struggled through hardship. The art has a character that is almost gleeful if not just satisfied with death.
Polish -
(0.5/3) Quality: Your transform trigger should simply be "Then transform ~" or reference that this ability needs to be used in the graveyard. Line up your (...) on the front side correctly and use (...) as a lead in on the back. Multiple typos/spacing issues on the back. "Otherwise, you lose 2 life."
(2/2) *Main Challenge: Sure this works.
(2/2) Subchallenges: Got both.
Total: 16.5/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
(3/3) Appeal: This has big power and splashy effects for Timmy. Johnny wants to do strange things with gravestitch. there are a long of options here for spike too.
(2/3) Elegance: Gravestitch has a crazy amount of complexity and tracking associated with it.I can't see it being a keyword ability. Maybe a one of.
Development -
(2/3) Viability: It's very black, but almost mythic. Gravestitch could edge this towards blue. Gravestitch creates rules problems with power/toughness setting abilities.
(2/3) Balance: this would of been a fairly weak card without that gravestitch. it really makes this a control players dream, as it is feassible to use this to board wipe more than once. It is extremely fragile, but even just dumping this into the yard would be quite powerful. this card would be tried in standard and a casual fun card for sure.
Creativity -
(3/3) Uniqueness: This feels really far out there, for both good and not so good reason. But certainly fresh
(2/3) Flavor: I don't think the art is of a zombie, so the subtype and the mechanic name are a stretch. Also, the art doesn't depict a amalgamation of anything. Sure it's a variety of skulls, but your name suggests that the amalgam is the creature itself.
Polish -
(2.5/3) Quality: Teetering Amalgam would refer to itself in it's -x/-x ability.
(1.5/2) *Main Challenge: This card has a high chance of influencing standard.
(2/2) Subchallenges: Both done.
Total: 20/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
Design - (5.5/6)
(2.5/3) Appeal: Timmy and Spike both like a big cheap creature. Johhny likes to play with counters and tokens. I'm not sure any one of them are head over heels though.
(3/3) Elegance: Very straight forward and cohesive.
Development - (5.5/6)
(3/3) Viability: Color and rarity work for me.
(2.5/3) Balance: The activated ability is bit expensive, but the fact that this can easily be a 4/4 for 3 CMC makes it something that might get a look in Standard. It's definitely a solid limited card. It's super weak if someone has a way to keep creatures out of your graveyard though, but that's ok. I don't see this making much of a splash in any other format, although it might see play in the right EDH deck.
Creativity - (3.5/6)
(1.5/3) Uniqueness: Although this exact combination of a abilities has never been done before, this card feels very familiar. Nothing's really breaking any major ground.
(2/3) Flavor: The flavor text is a bit choppy, but I like the idea behind it. The name is good. I don't really like the name unbury for the ability. It makes me think it should return the creature, not put a 1/1 counter on another creature. Something like "reap" would make more sense to me.
Polish - (6.5/7)
(3/3) Quality: Looks good to me.
(1.5/2) *Main Challenge: I think the card fits the art rather well, but that doesn't look like a zombie to me.
(2/2) Subchallenges: Good and good.
Total: 21/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
Design - (3/6)
(2/3) Appeal: Timmy's a bit turned off by the low toughness on such a high cost creature and isn't a big fan of killing his own creatures. Spike is always a bit intrigued by something that wipes the baord and has additional upside. Gravestitch seems like an inherently Johhny ability.
(1/3) Elegance: Gravestitch is not the most elegant of abilities. It is very complex, and it comes with tracking issues. Also, it seems weird that you will be giving the creature being exiled with gravestitch abilites or P/T it can never use. 1 tougness on a giant is a bit weird as well.
Development - (4.5/6)
(2/3) Viability: The color and rarity seem fine to me, but I'm just not sure I can see something as complex as gravestitch being printed as an ability.
(2.5/3) Balance: The fact that this can potentially wipe the board more than once makes this a potetnially strong card. You could even dump it in your yard to get the board wipe effect much earlier if needed. I could see this card getting a look in some sort of control, or graveyard-based Standard deck. Six power + board wipe are always useful in limited. I don't see this being played in any other formats except probably EDH.
Creativity - (5/6)
(3/3) Uniqueness: Gravestitch certainly is different.
(2/3) Flavor: Flavor seems ok for a card with no flavor text. Nothing really stands out here for me though.
Polish - (4.5/7)
(1.5/3) Quality: Teetering Amalgam should refer to itself in the triggered ability.
(1/2) *Main Challenge: I would be a bit nervous about printing this card without testing it for Standard. Also, there's no way that's a giant in the artwork.
(2/2) Subchallenges: I'm not sure gravestitch could be printed, but Innistad would be the place if it so.
Total: 17/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
Design - (3/6)
(1/3) Appeal: Timmy hates this. Spike doesn't see much here either. This card is wacky enough for some Johhny to want to play with though.
(2/3) Elegance: There's a whole lot going on here, which makes this card a bit difficult to follow. Also, gore is a bit wierd since, generally, most creatures die in combat, which means creatures with gore will get a lot of P/T boosts that don't really matter.
Development - (4/6)
(3/3) Viability: Seems black, and is certainly complicated enough to be a rare.
(1/3) Balance: This card just seems really weak to me. Unless there's some sort of crazy combo with this, or a really powerful fateful hour deck emerges, I just can't see this being played in Standard, or anywhere else for that matter. A whole lot of creatures would need to die, or you'd need to be nearly dead for this to gain you life. I'd say it could be fun with Death's Shadow, but there are just better cards.
Creativity - (5/6)
(3/3) Uniqueness: The life setting transform ability is enough to garner a high mark here.
(2/3) Flavor: I like the flavor of this card for the most part, but I don't get why it becomes a flying demon. It seems more like a person that turned to cannibalism after crashing in remote area.
Polish - (4.5/7)
(0.5/3) Quality: Where is the transform ability returning this from? It should just be "Transform ~". You're missing a space before the second sentence on the second line of the backside. The "you" in that sentence is also missing a "u". The backside should read "If you do, you gain 2 life. Otherwise, you lose 2 life.
(2/2) *Main Challenge: I could see this art on this card.
(2/2) Subchallenges: Good.
Total: 16.5/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
kjsharp: 17
Forestsguy: 16.5
bravelion83: 23 + 21.5 + 21 = 65.5
Forestsguy: 18.5 + 16.5 + 16.5 = 51.5
kjsharp: 18.5 + 20 + 17 = 55.5
We have a winner - Bravelion83, congrats on being the first winner of 2018!
Until next time!