(This month's banner is my own elaboration on the art of the card Sworn Companions by Jason Rainville, my favorite art from Guilds of Ravnica.)
November MCC Round 2
Pull the Trigger
I couldn't think of any good intro this time, so let's go straight to the challenges.
Main Challenge - Design a non-legendary colored creature card that has exactly one triggered ability. Use the trigger corresponding to its guild in the following list:
Dimir - Whenever CARDNAME deals combat damage to a player,
Selesnya - Whenever another creature enters the battlefield under your control,
Izzet - Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell,
Golgari - When CARDNAME dies,
Boros - Whenever CARDNAME attacks,
The card is supposed to come from the Guilds of Ravnica set, both in flavor and mechanics.
The guild you choose to design a card for must be one of the five included in the Guilds of Ravnica set (Dimir, Selesnya, Izzet, Golgari, and Boros) and not the same guild as the first round.
Subchallenge 1 - Your card has a two-colored hybrid mana cost corresponding to its guild.
Subchallenge 2 - Your card is common or uncommon.
Main challenge
Triggered abilities are written as “(trigger), (effect)” and always start with “when”, “whenever”, or “at”.
The card must have exactly one triggered ability. A card with no triggered abilities fails the main challenge and is DQ’ed. A card with two or more triggered abilities also fails the main challenge and is DQ’ed. The card can have any ability in addition to the required triggered ability, as long as the additional abilities are not triggered. This means that the additional abilities can be static or activated. The card can have any number of static and activated abilities.
The colors of the card must match the trigger you use. For example, an Izzet card with a death trigger fails the main challenge and is DQ’ed, because the death trigger is associated with another guild (Golgari). The same is true for an Izzet or Selesnya card with an attack trigger, because the attack trigger is associated with another guild (Boros).
Monocolored cards are allowed as long as they are one of the colors of the guild corresponding to its trigger. For example, a monoblack or monogreen card with a death trigger is ok. A monowhite, monoblue, or monored card with a death trigger fails the main challenge and is DQ’ed.
The wording of the trigger you use must match exactly the ones from the list. For example, Selesnya cards that have “When CARDNAME enters the battlefield,” or “Whenever a creature enters the battlefield under your control,” (without “another”) or “Whenever one or more creatures enter the battlefield under your control,” all fail the main challenge and are DQ’ed. Pay attention and use the exact trigger from the list.
Intervening if clauses are allowed. For example, a Boros card could say “Whenever CARDNAME attacks, if you control three or more attacking creatures, put a +1/+1 counter on CARDNAME.” or a Selesnya card could say “Whenever another creature enters the battlefield under your control, if that creature is green (and/or white), (do something).”
The effect of the triggered ability can be whatever. The main challenge only looks at the trigger condition.
The card must be a creature without the legendary supertype. Other additional types or supertypes are allowed.
The card must also be colored. That means there must be one or more colored mana symbols in the card’s mana cost. Colorless cards are NOT allowed and are DQ’ed. Mana symbols in the rules text do NOT count. In other words, the main challenge looks at the actual card’s colors and not its color identity. Colored artifact creatures are technically allowed, but consider that the flavor of a colored artifact might not be the best for the plane of Ravnica... and the main challenge also requires the card to be set on Ravnica.
Please, no DFCs or Kamigawa-style flip cards (the real "flip cards"). There are none in GRN and your card is supposed to come from GRN. As for split cards, you couldn't use them anyway as they can't be creatures, and the main challenge explicitly asks for a creature.
Here and in the list I used CARDNAME as a replacement, but you shouldn’t use it or ~ in your submission. You should write out the card’s full name in its place. Expect point deductions in Quality otherwise.
As in the previous round, the choice of the guild will influence future rounds.
Subchallenge 1
The card’s mana cost must contain exactly two colors. The only colored mana symbols in the card’s mana cost can be two-colored hybrid symbols of the colors corresponding to the trigger you used. Generic mana is allowed. “Two-brid” mana (technically colorless hybrid, example (2/W)) is not allowed. Colorless mana (C) is not allowed. Phyrexian mana is also obviously not allowed.
Examples of mana costs that pass this subchallenge: (R/W), 1(R/W), X(R/W), (R/W)(R/W), 3(R/W)(R/W)(R/W).
Examples of mana costs that do NOT pass this subchallenge: RW, RW(R/W), C(R/W), (2/R)(2/W), , (R/W)G.
This subchallenge only cares about the card’s mana cost. Any mana symbols of any kind can be included in the card’s rules text.
Subchallenge 2
Neither regular rare nor mythic rare are allowed.
If you have any additional question about any of the challenges, feel free to ask in the discussion thread.
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.
DEADLINES
Design deadline: Friday, November 16th 23:59 EST
Judging deadline: Monday, November 19th 23:59 EST
JUDGES
bravelion83
Antiantiserum
Superbajt
PLAYERS
Only the players in the following list can submit a card. Each player can choose between the guilds in the white cells. The deleted guilds (black cells) are those each player has already designed a card for in previous rounds.
Flatline - can design for Dimir, Selesnya, Izzet, Golgari
Freyleyes - can design for Dimir, Selesnya, Izzet, Golgari
Hemlock - can design for Dimir, Izzet, Golgari, Boros
netn10 - can design for Dimir, Selesnya, Izzet, Golgari
RaikouRider - can design for Dimir, Izzet, Golgari, Boros
Raptorchan - can design for Selesnya, Izzet, Golgari, Boros
rkohn1357 - can design for Dimir, Selesnya, Golgari, Boros
soramaro - can design for Dimir, Izzet, Golgari, Boros
StonerOfKruphix - can design for Dimir, Selesnya, Izzet, Boros
Subject16 - can design for Dimir, Izzet, Golgari, Boros
Ulka - can design for Dimir, Selesnya, Golgari, Boros
void_nothing - can design for Dimir, Izzet, Golgari, Boros
A helpful tip for those formatting their cards (I wrote it quite some time ago but it's still totally valid):
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.
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.)
Izzet Battlecaster(U/R)(U/R)
Creature — Human Wizard (U)
Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, target creature you control gets +1/+1 until end of turn. Not all Izzet mages work in a lab.
2/2
(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)
Gravetiller2
Creature - Troll (Common)
When Gravetiller dies, put the top four cards of your library into your graveyard, then return another creature or land card from your graveyard to your hand. When a troll dies, other trolls visit its den to pay their respects. And also to scavenge any nice looking junk they might have picked up.
2/4
Mist Lurker(U/B)(U/B)
Creature - Vampire {U}
Flying
Whenever Mist Lurker deals combat damage to a player, that player puts the top X cards from their library into their graveyard, where X is the the number of times you surveilled this turn. "What is worst? Knowing you have been wronged, or being wronged and not knowing it?"
—Lazav
1/2
Legion Preceptor2(R/W)(R/W)
Creature - Human Soldier (U)
Whenever Legion Preceptor attacks, you may have another target attacking creature's power become equal to Legion Preceptor's power until end of turn. In the Boros Legion, there is no such thing as passing the graduation exam on your own.
4/2
Infested Tunneler2(B/G)(B/G)
Creature - Zombie (U)
When Infested Tunneler dies, you may pay X(B/G). If you do, put the top X cards of your library into your graveyard, then create a 1/1 black and green Insect creature token for each creature card put into your graveyard this way.
4/2
Fearless Firstblade(R/W)(R/W)
Creature - Human Soldier (UC)
Whenever Fearless Firstblade attacks, if defending player has more cards in hand than you, it gets +1/+0 and gains double strike until end of turn.
--- "The world is filled with whispers and lies. But I know my cause. They won't lead me astray." 2/2
Selesnya Inspire-Singer2
Creature - Centaur Druid (Uncommon)
Whenever another creature enters the battlefield under your control, untap all creatures you control. "We share no blood, yet we are one, ready to aid each other in times of need."
2/4
Writhing Mound1
Creature - Elemental (u)
When Writhing Mound dies, you may put another target creature card in a graveyard on top of its owner's library. "Proper burial" is merely a formality in some parts of Ravnica.
3/2
Counselor to the Conclave1(G/W)(G/W)
Creature - Centaur Druid {U}
Whenever another creatures enters the battlefield under your control, if you control 3 or more creatures gain 3 life.
3/3
Steam Enigma
Creature - Weird {U}
Flying
: Steam Enigma gets +0/+1 until end of turn.
Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, you may switch Steam Enigma's power and toughness until end of turn. "Turning not just the lab, but the whole Fifth Precinct into a sauna? I'd call that a smashing success!"
--Lizzie, vent engineer 1/1
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A mere ten days after the Mending, a young knight of Valeron and a young ranger of Eos made a discovery that would change Alara forever.
Wojek Assailant3(R/W)(R/W)
Creature - Cyclops Soldier (U)
Whenever Wojek Assailant attacks, it deals damage equal to the number of attacking creatures you control to up to one target tapped creature. (R/W)(R/W)(R/W): Tap target creature. Wojek Assailant gets +2/+0 until end of turn. Activate this ability only any time you could cast a sorcery. "Subtle detective work is for some 'jeks. Roughing up suspects and full-scale hideout demolition is for others." - Libuse, Boros sergeant
2/5
Judge: Superbajt(many thanks to them for catching a wording mistake I originally made in the challenge)
netn10
rkohn1357
StonerOfKruphix
Ulka
Top 2 from each bracket advance.
Judgments complete, not final until deadline.
Writhing Mound1
Creature - Elemental (u)
When Writhing Mound dies, you may put another target creature card in a graveyard on top of its owner's library. "Proper burial" is merely a formality in some parts of Ravnica.
3/2
Design (3/3) Appeal - Timmy likes to get back his dead creatures. Johnny can also do some tricks with this, probably not as much as he could if the card went back to his hand, but he should be able to come up with something. Spike likes this effect, both for recycling his dead creature and because she can hit her opponents with this. Putting a useless creature from her opponent's graveyard and letting them draw that for the turn instead of a potentially more relevant card is definitely something she can be interested in. (3/3) Elegance - No problems here.
Development (2.5/3) Viability - Hybrid cards have to make sense as both monocolors. I think this mostly does. It's close enough to returning the creature to your hand as an effect, and that would make perfect sense in monoblack as a Gravedigger effect and in monogreen as a Regrowth effect. Being able to use the ability on your opponent as well feels more black than green though. I don't really see monogreen messing with the top card of its opponent's library, while I can easily see monoblack doing that. I think uncommon is exactly the right rarity for this card. (2.5/3) Balance - I feel like tha mana cost is fair for this card. I would definitely play this in limited, but probably not in constructed. No problems in casual or multiplayer.
Creativity (1.5/3) Uniqueness - This card is reminiscent of many other existing ones, yet I haven't been able to find this exact wording on any existing card. EDIT: Found one, Golgari Thug. It only hits you and it's not optional, so the Mound is still different enough, but it feels very close. (3/3) Flavor - Name, flavor text and card concept are all good. No problems here.
Polish (2.5/3) Quality - It should be "from a graveyard", not "in a graveyard" (see Noxious Revival and Golgari Thug for example, -0.5). (2/2) Main Challenge - Good. (2/2) Subchallenges - Both met.
Total: 22/25
Legion Preceptor2(R/W)(R/W)
Creature - Human Soldier (U)
Whenever Legion Preceptor attacks, you may have another target attacking creature's power become equal to Legion Preceptor's power until end of turn. In the Boros Legion, there is no such thing as passing the graduation exam on your own.
4/2
Design (2.5/3) Appeal - Timmy likes potentially making his creatures bigger as they attack. Hit a little token with this effect and it suddenly becomes an additional relevant threat for the turn. That's something Spike is also interested in, even if she doesn't like the 2 toughness for four mana. I don't see much for Johnny, but maybe he could come up with something. (2.5/3) Elegance - The wording is a little bad to read, but that's a necessary evil (see Quality).
Development (3/3) Viability - Hybrid cards have to make sense as both monocolors. This ability is new so it doesn't have an established place in the color pie. I can definitely see it in Boros. Rarity feels right to me. (2.5/3) Balance - I agree that this should not cost too few mana, but four mana looks enough to me. This probably plays better than it reads, like most mentor creatures in GRN. I'd play this in limited, but it doesn't feel like enough for competitive constructed to me. I wouldn't be surprised to see it make a splash in Standard though, even if the 2 toughness does hurt a bit there. I see no problems in casual or multiplayer.
Creativity (3/3) Uniqueness - This ability is definitely new. I don't remember any existing card doing that and I also haven't been able to find anything similar on Gatherer. Very good. You've probably noticed how hard it is to get full points in Uniqueness from me, so more congratulations for that. (3/3) Flavor - Name, flavor text and card concept are all good. No problems here. I particularly like how well the "can't pass the exam alone" flavor text blends with the mechanical need of another attacking creature to get the bonus. This creature is useless by itself both in flavor and mechanics. That's a sign of a very good flavor concept of the card as a whole.
Polish (3/3) Quality - I don't like how convoluted the wording has to be to make the ability optional and I wasn't able to find any precedent, but I see no realistic alternative if you want to keep the ability optional. (2/2) Main Challenge - Good. (2/2) Subchallenges - Both met.
Total: 23.5/25
Fearless Firstblade(R/W)(R/W)
Creature - Human Soldier (UC)
Whenever Fearless Firstblade attacks, if defending player has more cards in hand than you, it gets +1/+0 and gains double strike until end of turn.
--- "The world is filled with whispers and lies. But I know my cause. They won't lead me astray." 2/2
Design (2.5/3) Appeal - A potential 3/2 with double strike for two mana is definitely something both Timmy and Spike can appreciate. Johnny might come up with something like making his opponent draw cards using this as a reward, but I don't see him getting overly excited for that. (3/3) Elegance - No problems here.
Development (2.5/3) Viability - Hybrid cards have to make sense as both monocolors, but in this case I feel like the guild identity is more important. Boros is an aggressive guild, so it tends to play its cards quicker than most other guilds, and so the intervening if check makes perfect sense in Boros. Rarity is acceptable even if this looks like a strong uncommon to me, borderline rare if you consider it can be a 3/2 douuble strike relatively easily for just two mana. (3/3) Balance - I think this is playable in both limited and constructed. I can easily see this in Standard, in a Boros aggro deck or a white weenie deck. This card looks very strong, but I don't think it's broken. I still think the mana cost might be increased to three mana if it were to be printed for real. No problems in casual or multiplayer. In multiplayer, the fact fact that this only checks the number of cards in hand against only the player that's being attacked by it is actually quite interesting. If some opponents have more cards than you and some have less, you can just attack one of the former and you get the bonus.
Creativity (2/3) Uniqueness - This ability is very reminiscent of the "cards in hand" mechanic from Kamigawa block and some cards in Fifth Dawn. I still haven't been able to find that check being performed as an attack trigger and only on one specific opponent rather than any opponent (relevant in multiplayer). (2/3) Flavor - The name and flavor text are both good in a vacuum. I don't see much connection between the flavor text and the mechanics though. That flavor text could probably just go on any Boros soldier.
Polish (2.5/3) Quality - There is a reason I and most hosts these days always include my own recommendation post from long ago in the OP, the one about following the template from the forum rules. I understand why you did that (to make the text card resemble more a real card), but the MCC is a very formal contest, so I have to deduct points for the bar and the bold P/T. As they are just two very minor details, let's just say a -0.5 covers them both and call it done. (2/2) Main Challenge - Good. (2/2) Subchallenges - Both met.
Total: 21.5/25
Wojek Assailant3(R/W)(R/W)
Creature - Cyclops Soldier (U)
Whenever Wojek Assailant attacks, it deals damage equal to the number of attacking creatures you control to up to one target tapped creature. (R/W)(R/W)(R/W): Tap target creature. Wojek Assailant gets +2/+0 until end of turn. Activate this ability only any time you could cast a sorcery. "Subtle detective work is for some 'jeks. Roughing up suspects and full-scale hideout demolition is for others." - Libuse, Boros sergeant
2/5
Design (2.5/3) Appeal - Timmy likes how this card can affect the board. It looks open-ended enough for Johnny to work with. Spike likes removal but the 2 power for five mana reads really bad to her, even if the card is probably fine, just like Aurelia. (2/3) Elegance - The text is quite long (nine lines in MSE), but still very easy to understand. Most of this card's complexity is hidden away under the way the abilities interact with each other. This is a good example of lenticular design. The "up to one" wording looks really bad, but it's unfortunately necessary. It's either that or "you may have CARDNAME deal damage...", and neither looks particularly good to see.
Development (2/3) Viability - Hybrid cards have to make sense as both monocolors. The triggered ability might do, but the activated ability is definitely gold and not hybrid. It's literally made up by a white piece and a red piece put together, it's not an overlap between the two colors. Red doesn't tap creatures. White can boost power, but it usually does so while boosting toughness as well (yes, I know Fortify exist and I played it a lot in Time Spiral, but I feel like it's a bend for monowhite). I am convinced that the activated ability would need to cost 1RW instead of triple hybrid mana, and the challenge would have allowed it by the way. As for rarity, this looks quite strong as an uncommon to me, I can see it either as a powerful uncommon or as a rare. (2.5/3) Balance - This looks playable in limited to me and I can also see this getting some play in constructed. Five toughness and built-in removal is very nice for Standard, but five mana might be a bit much. No problems in casual or multiplayer.
Creativity (1/3) Uniqueness - This exact combination of abilities might have never been done before, but all single components definitely have. (3/3) Flavor - Name, flavor text and card concept are all good. No problems here.
Polish (2.5/3) Quality - In the flavor text, the attribution should be in its own line (-0.5). (2/2) Main Challenge - Good. (2/2) Subchallenges - Both met.
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.)
Izzet Battlecaster(U/R)(U/R)
Creature — Human Wizard (U)
Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, target creature you control gets +1/+1 until end of turn. Not all Izzet mages work in a lab.
2/2
Design .:. (2/3) Appeal: A nice toy for Jxnny and a good limited card for Spike. (3/3) Elegance: The card is easy to understand and makes sense.
Development .:. (2,5/3) Viability: Hybrid cards like these could be cast for either of their colors. That means that by design they should have an effect either color could have alone. Maximize Altitude shows us that blue is allowed to pump creatures a little, as a one time (technically two times, but one time per cast) effect. Usually you don't see this. Still I find the ability to repeatable pump a creature a little weird for blue. Red mostly upps the powert but has a fair share of p/t enhancing spells nontheless. Uncommon is fine. (3/3) Balance: This is a powerful limited uncommon. Adding a little buff to each instant and sorcery should add up quick and also makes combat for the opponent tricky to deal with. The card does a good job at enabling a strategy that's based on creatures and instants and sorceries.
Creativity .:. (2,5/3) Uniqueness: While pumping creatures is nothing new, there are only two cards with the line that comes after the trigger. Might appear weird as it looks like such a basic effect. But probably also too weak on its own to be used a lot. (3/3) Flavor: The flavor text already hints at this card's flavor bend a little. I think it's fine.
Polish .:. (3/3) Quality: No flaws detected! (2/2) Main Challenge: Main challenge satisfied! (2/2) Subchallenges: Both subchallenges satisfied!
Total: 23/25
Mist Lurker(U/B)(U/B)
Creature - Vampire {U}
Flying
Whenever Mist Lurker deals combat damage to a player, that player puts the top X cards from their library into their graveyard, where X is the the number of times you surveilled this turn. "What is worst? Knowing you have been wronged, or being wronged and not knowing it?"
—Lazav
1/2
Design .:. (1/3) Appeal: This card is not very good in limited and needs a strong commitment to surveil to shine in constructed. Seems like a task for Jxnny. (3/3) Elegance: The card is easy to understand and makes sense.
Development .:. (3/3) Viability: This is a fine dimir uncommon. (3/3) Balance: There are several playable surveil cards and a bunch of mill cards in standard right now. Could maybe make the mill deck more viable.
Creativity .:. (2,5/3) Uniqueness: We have seen mill cards in all varieties but not in combination with surveil. (3/3) Flavor: That's some dimir flavor here.
Polish .:. (3/3) Quality: No flaws detected! (2/2) Main Challenge: Main challenge satisfied! (2/2) Subchallenges: Both subchallenges satisfied!
Total: 22,5/25
Steam Enigma
Creature - Weird {U}
Flying
: Steam Enigma gets +0/+1 until end of turn.
Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, you may switch Steam Enigma's power and toughness until end of turn. "Turning not just the lab, but the whole Fifth Precinct into a sauna? I'd call that a smashing success!"
--Lizzie, vent engineer 1/1
Design .:. (1/3) Appeal: This is a good limited card, nice for Spike. (3/3) Elegance: The card is easy to understand and makes sense.
Development .:. (2/3) Viability: The ability to pump its own toughness is strongly associated with white. There are only a few cards that don't have a W somewhere with this kind of ability and all of them are old and/or green. While this can act as a power pumping ability I'd consider this a break. (3/3) Balance: The card is certainly powerful in limited and probably standard. Compared to Wee Dragonauts this card shines in a situations where you're low on cards and waiting for a good top deck. With this, any 1-mana instant or sorcery becomes a good late game top deck. It also blocks well, of course.
Creativity .:. (2,5/3) Uniqueness: Thoughness boost in ur is very unusual. P/t switching effects we have a few already. (3/3) Flavor: This is the kind of silly izzet flavor I like so much.
Polish .:. (3/3) Quality: No flaws detected! (2/2) Main Challenge: Main challenge satisfied! (2/2) Subchallenges: Both subchallenges satisfied!
Total: 21,5/25
Gravetiller2
Creature - Troll (Common)
When Gravetiller dies, put the top four cards of your library into your graveyard, then return another creature or land card from your graveyard to your hand. When a troll dies, other trolls visit its den to pay their respects. And also to scavenge any nice looking junk they might have picked up.
2/4
Design .:. (2/3) Appeal: This is a good limited card, nice for Spike. Filling the graveyard also always nice for Jxnny. (3/3) Elegance: The card is easy to understand and makes sense.
Development .:. (3/3) Viability: This is a fine golgari card. (2,5/3) Balance: It enables graveyard strategies and also virtually draws you a card. On top of that it's a reasonable attacker and blocker. Maybe a bit much for a common.
Creativity .:. (1/3) Uniqueness: There have been plenty of gravedigger-esque and self mill cards now. This is Grapple with the Past on a stick. (3/3) Flavor: The flavor text tells you about the doings of the troll while also explaining a little what the card does, quite nice.
Polish .:. (3/3) Quality: No flaws detected! (2/2) Main Challenge: Main challenge satisfied! (2/2) Subchallenges: Both subchallenges satisfied!
Boros Wartrumpeter(R/W)(R/W)
Creature — Human Soldier (U)
Whenever Boros Wartrumpeter attacks, target creature you control gains first strike until end of turn. Boros musical instruments are enchanted with spells that rally the troops and discourage the enemies at the same time.
3/1
Design - (1.5/3) Appeal: Only Spike uses this card and is happy about it. (2/3) Elegance: The target not being an attacking creature is vexing. Flavor text says about discouraging enemies, but abilities do not.
Development - (2.5/3) Viability: This card is a little too easy to cast to be a 3/1 for 2 with upside, especially as RR. Lightning Mare is the only example of such card, and it was created to hose a color and in much slower format. This card is not flashy enough to be rare, so no qualms here, however... (2/3) Balance: This card would be too good in Guilds. Buffing a mentor or even mentee will break any defender, and Boros is good enough already. It could be interesting in Standard, though. Of course, this card doesn't even think about older formats.
Creativity - (2.5/3) Uniqueness: No card with this text, but it's not groundbreaking, granting first strike on attack already exists. (2.5/3) Flavor: If I am to judge, and I am, "wartrumpeter" seems forced to me. And again, no debuffs in spite of flavor text.
Polish - (3/3) Quality: OK (2/2) Main Challenge: OK (2/2) Subchallenges: OK
Total: 20/25
Infested Tunneler2(B/G)(B/G)
Creature - Zombie (U)
When Infested Tunneler dies, you may pay X(B/G). If you do, put the top X cards of your library into your graveyard, then create a 1/1 black and green Insect creature token for each creature card put into your graveyard this way.
4/2
Design - (3/3) Appeal: Timmy likes creating many creatures, Johnny likes self-milling, Spike likes both in this format. (2.5/3) Elegance: The card makes a lot of sense but paying x+1 to mill x and get y creatures is not perfect.
Development - (2.5/3) Viability: Potentially massive token generation is a bend both for black and for uncommon, and I don't feel it is a necessary bend for this set. (3/3) Balance: Looks like balanced, fun card.
Creativity - (3/3) Uniqueness: Quite unique, interesting card. (3/3) Flavor: This card oozes with flavor, except not with flavor, but with insects, and not oozes, but explodes into. One thing, I feel that it could be Something Zombie, so the parasite flavor is even more powerful, but it is still more than correct.
Polish - (3/3) Quality: The most similar card to this is Oona, Queen of the Fae, and it has somewhat different wording. I would remove a point for it, but there are some cards that have similar wording to this (Assemble the Legion), so I think it's possible it would be templated this way. Otherwise no problems. (2/2) Main Challenge: OK (2/2) Subchallenges: OK
Total: 24/25
Selesnya Inspire-Singer2
Creature - Centaur Druid (Uncommon)
Whenever another creature enters the battlefield under your control, untap all creatures you control. "We share no blood, yet we are one, ready to aid each other in times of need."
2/4
Design - (2/3) Appeal: Timmy and Spike use it sporadically, Johnny adds it to his Naya Splinter Twin deck. (3/3) Elegance: I really like how subtle is the reference to convoke.
Development - (3/3) Viability: No color pie or rarity issues. (3/3) Balance: As I said before, this card comboes with Splinter Twin or Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker. It's not a good card for such decks, though, so I seriously doubt it could cause any problems in older formats. In Guilds, it could go nuts with convoke, but if it has to be cast with 4 real mana, I don't think that would be too good either.
Creativity - (2.5/3) Uniqueness:Intruder Alarm on the stick. Good use of it, though. (2.5/3) Flavor: Very generic Selesnya flavor.
Polish - (2.5/3) Quality: Is sharing blood an idiom? I'm not a native speaker, but I made some research and couldn't find any proof for this. If it is, please have this half a point back, as otherwise no problems. (2/2) Main Challenge: OK (2/2) Subchallenges: OK
Total: 22.5/25
Counselor to the Conclave1(G/W)(G/W)
Creature - Centaur Druid {U}
Whenever another creatures enters the battlefield under your control, if you control 3 or more creatures gain 3 life.
3/3
Design - (1.5/3) Appeal: Noone is neither offended nor happy about this card. Timmy may be happy that he will gain 15 life, but Spike knows that he will not. (2.5/3) Elegance: This trigger is quite complicated. Having multiple creatures enter the battlefield at the same time or killing a creature with ability on the stack have not obvious at the first glance results.
Development - (3/3) Viability: Neither colorpieness nor rarity is wrong. (2/3) Balance: Jump from 1 life on Soul Attendant to 3 is too big. This card would make any race unwinnable in a very short time, and resolving Izoni, Thousand-Eyed (why not playing them in the same deck, your card is a hybrid!) would be just game.
Creativity - (2/3) Uniqueness: Three Soul Attendants stapled together. (2/3) Flavor: This card lacks in Vorthos department and really could use a flavor text. It doesn't break the flavor in any way, though.
Polish - (2/3) Quality: "if you control 3 or more creatures, you gain 3 life." (2/2) Main Challenge: OK (2/2) Subchallenges: OK
(This month's banner is my own elaboration on the art of the card Sworn Companions by Jason Rainville, my favorite art from Guilds of Ravnica.)
November MCC Round 2
Pull the Trigger
I couldn't think of any good intro this time, so let's go straight to the challenges.
Main Challenge - Design a non-legendary colored creature card that has exactly one triggered ability. Use the trigger corresponding to its guild in the following list:
Dimir - Whenever CARDNAME deals combat damage to a player,
Selesnya - Whenever another creature enters the battlefield under your control,
Izzet - Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell,
Golgari - When CARDNAME dies,
Boros - Whenever CARDNAME attacks,
The card is supposed to come from the Guilds of Ravnica set, both in flavor and mechanics.
The guild you choose to design a card for must be one of the five included in the Guilds of Ravnica set (Dimir, Selesnya, Izzet, Golgari, and Boros) and not the same guild as the first round.
Subchallenge 1 - Your card has a two-colored hybrid mana cost corresponding to its guild.
Subchallenge 2 - Your card is common or uncommon.
Main challenge
Triggered abilities are written as “(trigger), (effect)” and always start with “when”, “whenever”, or “at”.
The card must have exactly one triggered ability. A card with no triggered abilities fails the main challenge and is DQ’ed. A card with two or more triggered abilities also fails the main challenge and is DQ’ed. The card can have any ability in addition to the required triggered ability, as long as the additional abilities are not triggered. This means that the additional abilities can be static or activated. The card can have any number of static and activated abilities.
The colors of the card must match the trigger you use. For example, an Izzet card with a death trigger fails the main challenge and is DQ’ed, because the death trigger is associated with another guild (Golgari). The same is true for an Izzet or Selesnya card with an attack trigger, because the attack trigger is associated with another guild (Boros).
Monocolored cards are allowed as long as they are one of the colors of the guild corresponding to its trigger. For example, a monoblack or monogreen card with a death trigger is ok. A monowhite, monoblue, or monored card with a death trigger fails the main challenge and is DQ’ed.
The wording of the trigger you use must match exactly the ones from the list. For example, Selesnya cards that have “When CARDNAME enters the battlefield,” or “Whenever a creature enters the battlefield under your control,” (without “another”) or “Whenever one or more creatures enter the battlefield under your control,” all fail the main challenge and are DQ’ed. Pay attention and use the exact trigger from the list.
Intervening if clauses are allowed. For example, a Boros card could say “Whenever CARDNAME attacks, if you control three or more attacking creatures, put a +1/+1 counter on CARDNAME.” or a Selesnya card could say “Whenever another creature enters the battlefield under your control, if that creature is green (and/or white), (do something).”
The effect of the triggered ability can be whatever. The main challenge only looks at the trigger condition.
The card must be a creature without the legendary supertype. Other additional types or supertypes are allowed.
The card must also be colored. That means there must be one or more colored mana symbols in the card’s mana cost. Colorless cards are NOT allowed and are DQ’ed. Mana symbols in the rules text do NOT count. In other words, the main challenge looks at the actual card’s colors and not its color identity. Colored artifact creatures are technically allowed, but consider that the flavor of a colored artifact might not be the best for the plane of Ravnica... and the main challenge also requires the card to be set on Ravnica.
Please, no DFCs or Kamigawa-style flip cards (the real "flip cards"). There are none in GRN and your card is supposed to come from GRN. As for split cards, you couldn't use them anyway as they can't be creatures, and the main challenge explicitly asks for a creature.
Here and in the list I used CARDNAME as a replacement, but you shouldn’t use it or ~ in your submission. You should write out the card’s full name in its place. Expect point deductions in Quality otherwise.
As in the previous round, the choice of the guild will influence future rounds.
Subchallenge 1
The card’s mana cost must contain exactly two colors. The only colored mana symbols in the card’s mana cost can be two-colored hybrid symbols of the colors corresponding to the trigger you used. Generic mana is allowed. “Two-brid” mana (technically colorless hybrid, example (2/W)) is not allowed. Colorless mana (C) is not allowed. Phyrexian mana is also obviously not allowed.
Examples of mana costs that pass this subchallenge: (R/W), 1(R/W), X(R/W), (R/W)(R/W), 3(R/W)(R/W)(R/W).
Examples of mana costs that do NOT pass this subchallenge: RW, RW(R/W), C(R/W), (2/R)(2/W), , (R/W)G.
This subchallenge only cares about the card’s mana cost. Any mana symbols of any kind can be included in the card’s rules text.
Subchallenge 2
Neither regular rare nor mythic rare are allowed.
If you have any additional question about any of the challenges, feel free to ask in the discussion thread.
(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.
DEADLINES
Design deadline: Friday, November 16th 23:59 EST
Judging deadline: Monday, November 19th 23:59 EST
JUDGES
bravelion83
Antiantiserum
Superbajt
PLAYERS
Only the players in the following list can submit a card. Each player can choose between the guilds in the white cells. The deleted guilds (black cells) are those each player has already designed a card for in previous rounds.
Flatline - can design for Dimir, Selesnya, Izzet, Golgari
Freyleyes - can design for Dimir, Selesnya, Izzet, Golgari
Hemlock - can design for Dimir, Izzet, Golgari, Boros
netn10 - can design for Dimir, Selesnya, Izzet, Golgari
RaikouRider - can design for Dimir, Izzet, Golgari, Boros
Raptorchan - can design for Selesnya, Izzet, Golgari, Boros
rkohn1357 - can design for Dimir, Selesnya, Golgari, Boros
soramaro - can design for Dimir, Izzet, Golgari, Boros
StonerOfKruphix - can design for Dimir, Selesnya, Izzet, Boros
Subject16 - can design for Dimir, Izzet, Golgari, Boros
Ulka - can design for Dimir, Selesnya, Golgari, Boros
void_nothing - can design for Dimir, Izzet, Golgari, Boros
A helpful tip for those formatting their cards (I wrote it quite some time ago but it's still totally valid):
BRACKETS
Judge: Antiantiserum
Flatline
Freyleyes
RaikouRider
Subject16
Judge: bravelion83
Hemlock
Raptorchan
soramaro
void_nothing
Judge: Superbajt (many thanks to them for catching a wording mistake I originally made in the challenge)
netn10
rkohn1357
StonerOfKruphix
Ulka
Top 2 from each bracket advance.
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 — Human Wizard (U)
Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, target creature you control gets +1/+1 until end of turn.
Not all Izzet mages work in a lab.
2/2
Creature - Troll (Common)
When Gravetiller dies, put the top four cards of your library into your graveyard, then return another creature or land card from your graveyard to your hand.
When a troll dies, other trolls visit its den to pay their respects. And also to scavenge any nice looking junk they might have picked up.
2/4
Creature - Vampire {U}
Flying
Whenever Mist Lurker deals combat damage to a player, that player puts the top X cards from their library into their graveyard, where X is the the number of times you surveilled this turn.
"What is worst? Knowing you have been wronged, or being wronged and not knowing it?"
—Lazav
1/2
Creature - Human Soldier (U)
Whenever Legion Preceptor attacks, you may have another target attacking creature's power become equal to Legion Preceptor's power until end of turn.
In the Boros Legion, there is no such thing as passing the graduation exam on your own.
4/2
Creature - Zombie (U)
When Infested Tunneler dies, you may pay X(B/G). If you do, put the top X cards of your library into your graveyard, then create a 1/1 black and green Insect creature token for each creature card put into your graveyard this way.
4/2
Creature - Human Soldier (UC)
Whenever Fearless Firstblade attacks, if defending player has more cards in hand than you, it gets +1/+0 and gains double strike until end of turn.
---
"The world is filled with whispers and lies. But I know my cause. They won't lead me astray."
2/2
Selesnya Inspire-Singer 2
Creature - Centaur Druid (Uncommon)
Whenever another creature enters the battlefield under your control, untap all creatures you control.
"We share no blood, yet we are one, ready to aid each other in times of need."
2/4
Creature - Elemental (u)
When Writhing Mound dies, you may put another target creature card in a graveyard on top of its owner's library.
"Proper burial" is merely a formality in some parts of Ravnica.
3/2
Creature - Centaur Druid {U}
Whenever another creatures enters the battlefield under your control, if you control 3 or more creatures gain 3 life.
3/3
Creature - Weird {U}
Flying
: Steam Enigma gets +0/+1 until end of turn.
Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, you may switch Steam Enigma's power and toughness until end of turn.
"Turning not just the lab, but the whole Fifth Precinct into a sauna? I'd call that a smashing success!"
--Lizzie, vent engineer
1/1
Emille, Seven-Sting Dancer Shalin Nariya
Creature - Cyclops Soldier (U)
Whenever Wojek Assailant attacks, it deals damage equal to the number of attacking creatures you control to up to one target tapped creature.
(R/W)(R/W)(R/W): Tap target creature. Wojek Assailant gets +2/+0 until end of turn. Activate this ability only any time you could cast a sorcery.
"Subtle detective work is for some 'jeks. Roughing up suspects and full-scale hideout demolition is for others." - Libuse, Boros sergeant
2/5
I̟̥͍̠ͅn̩͉̣͍̬͚ͅ ̬̬͖t̯̹̞̺͖͓̯̤h̘͍̬e͙̯͈̖̼̮ ̭̬f̺̲̲̪i͙͉̟̩̰r̪̝͚͈̝̥͍̝̲s̼̻͇̘̳͔ͅt̲̺̳̗̜̪̙ ̳̺̥̻͚̗ͅm̜̜̟̰͈͓͎͇o̝̖̮̝͇m̯̻̞̼̫̗͓̤e̩̯̬̮̩n͎̱̪̲̹͖t͇̖s̰̮ͅ,̤̲͙̻̭̻̯̹̰ ̖t̫̙̺̯͖͚̯ͅh͙̯̦̳̗̰̟e͖̪͉̼̯ ̪͕g̞̣͔a̗̦t̬̬͓͙̫̖̭̻e̩̻̯ ̜̖̦̖̤̭͙̬t̞̹̥̪͎͉ͅo͕͚͍͇̲͇͓̺ ̭̬͙͈̣̻t͈͍͙͓̫̖͙̩h̪̬̖̙e̗͈ ̗̬̟̞̺̤͉̯ͅa̦̯͚̙̜̮f͉͙̲̣̞̼t̪̤̞̣͚e̲͉̳̥r͇̪̙͚͓l̥̞̞͎̹̯̹ͅi͓̬f̮̥̬̞͈ͅe͎ ̟̩̤̳̠̯̩̯o̮̘̲p̟͚̣̞͉͓e͍̩̣n͔̼͕͚̜e̬̱d̼̘͎̖̹͍̮̠,͖̺̭̱̮ ̣̲͖̬̪̭̥a̪͚n̟̲̝̤̤̞̗d̘̱̗͇̮͕̳͕͔ ͖̞͉͎t̹̙͎h̰̱͉̗e̪̞̱̝̹̩ͅ ̠̱̩̭̦p̯̙e͓o̳͚̰̯̺̱̰͔̘p̬͎̱̣̼̩͇l̗̟̖͚̠e̱͉͔̱̦̬̟̙ ̖͚̪͔̼̦w̺̖̤̱e͖̗̻̦͓̖̘̜r̭̥e͔̹̫̱͕̦̰͕ ̗͔̠p̠̗͍͍̱̳̠r̰͔͎̰o͉̥͓̰͚̥s̟͚̹̱͔̣t͉̙̳̖͖̪̮r̥̘̥͙̹a͉̟̫̟̳̠̟̭t͈̜̰͈͎e̞̣̭̲̬ ͚̗̯̟͙i͍͖̰̘̦͖͉ṇ̮̻̯̦̲̩͍ ̦̮͚̫̤t͉͖̫͕ͅͅh͙̮̻̘̣̮̼e͕̺ ͙l͕̠͎̰̥i̲͓͉̲g̫̳̟͈͇̖h̠̦̖t͓̯͎̗ ̳̪̘̟̙̩̦o̫̲f̙͔̰̙̠ ̹̪̗͇̯t͖̼̼͉͖̬h̹͇̩e͚̖̺̤͉̹͕̪ ͚͓̭̝̺G͎̗̯̩o̫̯̮̟̮̳̘d̜̲͙̠-̩̳̯̲̗̜P̹̘̥͉̝h͍͈̗̖̝ͅa͍̗̮̼̗r̜̖͇̙̺a̭̺͔̞̳͈o̪̣͓̯̬͙̯̰̗h̖̦͈̥̯͔.͇̣̙̝
BRACKETS
Judge: Antiantiserum
Flatline
Freyleyes
RaikouRider
Subject16
Judge: bravelion83
Hemlock
Raptorchan
soramaro
void_nothing
Judge: Superbajt (many thanks to them for catching a wording mistake I originally made in the challenge)
netn10
rkohn1357
StonerOfKruphix
Ulka
Top 2 from each bracket advance.
Judgments complete, not final until deadline.
Creature - Elemental (u)
When Writhing Mound dies, you may put another target creature card in a graveyard on top of its owner's library.
"Proper burial" is merely a formality in some parts of Ravnica.
3/2
Design
(3/3) Appeal - Timmy likes to get back his dead creatures. Johnny can also do some tricks with this, probably not as much as he could if the card went back to his hand, but he should be able to come up with something. Spike likes this effect, both for recycling his dead creature and because she can hit her opponents with this. Putting a useless creature from her opponent's graveyard and letting them draw that for the turn instead of a potentially more relevant card is definitely something she can be interested in.
(3/3) Elegance - No problems here.
Development
(2.5/3) Viability - Hybrid cards have to make sense as both monocolors. I think this mostly does. It's close enough to returning the creature to your hand as an effect, and that would make perfect sense in monoblack as a Gravedigger effect and in monogreen as a Regrowth effect. Being able to use the ability on your opponent as well feels more black than green though. I don't really see monogreen messing with the top card of its opponent's library, while I can easily see monoblack doing that. I think uncommon is exactly the right rarity for this card.
(2.5/3) Balance - I feel like tha mana cost is fair for this card. I would definitely play this in limited, but probably not in constructed. No problems in casual or multiplayer.
Creativity
(1.5/3) Uniqueness - This card is reminiscent of many other existing ones, yet I haven't been able to find this exact wording on any existing card. EDIT: Found one, Golgari Thug. It only hits you and it's not optional, so the Mound is still different enough, but it feels very close.
(3/3) Flavor - Name, flavor text and card concept are all good. No problems here.
Polish
(2.5/3) Quality - It should be "from a graveyard", not "in a graveyard" (see Noxious Revival and Golgari Thug for example, -0.5).
(2/2) Main Challenge - Good.
(2/2) Subchallenges - Both met.
Total: 22/25
Creature - Human Soldier (U)
Whenever Legion Preceptor attacks, you may have another target attacking creature's power become equal to Legion Preceptor's power until end of turn.
In the Boros Legion, there is no such thing as passing the graduation exam on your own.
4/2
Design
(2.5/3) Appeal - Timmy likes potentially making his creatures bigger as they attack. Hit a little token with this effect and it suddenly becomes an additional relevant threat for the turn. That's something Spike is also interested in, even if she doesn't like the 2 toughness for four mana. I don't see much for Johnny, but maybe he could come up with something.
(2.5/3) Elegance - The wording is a little bad to read, but that's a necessary evil (see Quality).
Development
(3/3) Viability - Hybrid cards have to make sense as both monocolors. This ability is new so it doesn't have an established place in the color pie. I can definitely see it in Boros. Rarity feels right to me.
(2.5/3) Balance - I agree that this should not cost too few mana, but four mana looks enough to me. This probably plays better than it reads, like most mentor creatures in GRN. I'd play this in limited, but it doesn't feel like enough for competitive constructed to me. I wouldn't be surprised to see it make a splash in Standard though, even if the 2 toughness does hurt a bit there. I see no problems in casual or multiplayer.
Creativity
(3/3) Uniqueness - This ability is definitely new. I don't remember any existing card doing that and I also haven't been able to find anything similar on Gatherer. Very good. You've probably noticed how hard it is to get full points in Uniqueness from me, so more congratulations for that.
(3/3) Flavor - Name, flavor text and card concept are all good. No problems here. I particularly like how well the "can't pass the exam alone" flavor text blends with the mechanical need of another attacking creature to get the bonus. This creature is useless by itself both in flavor and mechanics. That's a sign of a very good flavor concept of the card as a whole.
Polish
(3/3) Quality - I don't like how convoluted the wording has to be to make the ability optional and I wasn't able to find any precedent, but I see no realistic alternative if you want to keep the ability optional.
(2/2) Main Challenge - Good.
(2/2) Subchallenges - Both met.
Total: 23.5/25
Creature - Human Soldier (UC)
Whenever Fearless Firstblade attacks, if defending player has more cards in hand than you, it gets +1/+0 and gains double strike until end of turn.
---
"The world is filled with whispers and lies. But I know my cause. They won't lead me astray."
2/2
Design
(2.5/3) Appeal - A potential 3/2 with double strike for two mana is definitely something both Timmy and Spike can appreciate. Johnny might come up with something like making his opponent draw cards using this as a reward, but I don't see him getting overly excited for that.
(3/3) Elegance - No problems here.
Development
(2.5/3) Viability - Hybrid cards have to make sense as both monocolors, but in this case I feel like the guild identity is more important. Boros is an aggressive guild, so it tends to play its cards quicker than most other guilds, and so the intervening if check makes perfect sense in Boros. Rarity is acceptable even if this looks like a strong uncommon to me, borderline rare if you consider it can be a 3/2 douuble strike relatively easily for just two mana.
(3/3) Balance - I think this is playable in both limited and constructed. I can easily see this in Standard, in a Boros aggro deck or a white weenie deck. This card looks very strong, but I don't think it's broken. I still think the mana cost might be increased to three mana if it were to be printed for real. No problems in casual or multiplayer. In multiplayer, the fact fact that this only checks the number of cards in hand against only the player that's being attacked by it is actually quite interesting. If some opponents have more cards than you and some have less, you can just attack one of the former and you get the bonus.
Creativity
(2/3) Uniqueness - This ability is very reminiscent of the "cards in hand" mechanic from Kamigawa block and some cards in Fifth Dawn. I still haven't been able to find that check being performed as an attack trigger and only on one specific opponent rather than any opponent (relevant in multiplayer).
(2/3) Flavor - The name and flavor text are both good in a vacuum. I don't see much connection between the flavor text and the mechanics though. That flavor text could probably just go on any Boros soldier.
Polish
(2.5/3) Quality - There is a reason I and most hosts these days always include my own recommendation post from long ago in the OP, the one about following the template from the forum rules. I understand why you did that (to make the text card resemble more a real card), but the MCC is a very formal contest, so I have to deduct points for the bar and the bold P/T. As they are just two very minor details, let's just say a -0.5 covers them both and call it done.
(2/2) Main Challenge - Good.
(2/2) Subchallenges - Both met.
Total: 21.5/25
Creature - Cyclops Soldier (U)
Whenever Wojek Assailant attacks, it deals damage equal to the number of attacking creatures you control to up to one target tapped creature.
(R/W)(R/W)(R/W): Tap target creature. Wojek Assailant gets +2/+0 until end of turn. Activate this ability only any time you could cast a sorcery.
"Subtle detective work is for some 'jeks. Roughing up suspects and full-scale hideout demolition is for others." - Libuse, Boros sergeant
2/5
Design
(2.5/3) Appeal - Timmy likes how this card can affect the board. It looks open-ended enough for Johnny to work with. Spike likes removal but the 2 power for five mana reads really bad to her, even if the card is probably fine, just like Aurelia.
(2/3) Elegance - The text is quite long (nine lines in MSE), but still very easy to understand. Most of this card's complexity is hidden away under the way the abilities interact with each other. This is a good example of lenticular design. The "up to one" wording looks really bad, but it's unfortunately necessary. It's either that or "you may have CARDNAME deal damage...", and neither looks particularly good to see.
Development
(2/3) Viability - Hybrid cards have to make sense as both monocolors. The triggered ability might do, but the activated ability is definitely gold and not hybrid. It's literally made up by a white piece and a red piece put together, it's not an overlap between the two colors. Red doesn't tap creatures. White can boost power, but it usually does so while boosting toughness as well (yes, I know Fortify exist and I played it a lot in Time Spiral, but I feel like it's a bend for monowhite). I am convinced that the activated ability would need to cost 1RW instead of triple hybrid mana, and the challenge would have allowed it by the way. As for rarity, this looks quite strong as an uncommon to me, I can see it either as a powerful uncommon or as a rare.
(2.5/3) Balance - This looks playable in limited to me and I can also see this getting some play in constructed. Five toughness and built-in removal is very nice for Standard, but five mana might be a bit much. No problems in casual or multiplayer.
Creativity
(1/3) Uniqueness - This exact combination of abilities might have never been done before, but all single components definitely have.
(3/3) Flavor - Name, flavor text and card concept are all good. No problems here.
Polish
(2.5/3) Quality - In the flavor text, the attribution should be in its own line (-0.5).
(2/2) Main Challenge - Good.
(2/2) Subchallenges - Both met.
Total: 19.5/25
Raptorchan: 23.5
Hemlock: 22
soramaro: 21.5
void_nothing: 19.5
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 — Human Wizard (U)
Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, target creature you control gets +1/+1 until end of turn.
Not all Izzet mages work in a lab.
2/2
Design .:.
(2/3) Appeal: A nice toy for Jxnny and a good limited card for Spike.
(3/3) Elegance: The card is easy to understand and makes sense.
Development .:.
(2,5/3) Viability: Hybrid cards like these could be cast for either of their colors. That means that by design they should have an effect either color could have alone. Maximize Altitude shows us that blue is allowed to pump creatures a little, as a one time (technically two times, but one time per cast) effect. Usually you don't see this. Still I find the ability to repeatable pump a creature a little weird for blue. Red mostly upps the powert but has a fair share of p/t enhancing spells nontheless. Uncommon is fine.
(3/3) Balance: This is a powerful limited uncommon. Adding a little buff to each instant and sorcery should add up quick and also makes combat for the opponent tricky to deal with. The card does a good job at enabling a strategy that's based on creatures and instants and sorceries.
Creativity .:.
(2,5/3) Uniqueness: While pumping creatures is nothing new, there are only two cards with the line that comes after the trigger. Might appear weird as it looks like such a basic effect. But probably also too weak on its own to be used a lot.
(3/3) Flavor: The flavor text already hints at this card's flavor bend a little. I think it's fine.
Polish .:.
(3/3) Quality: No flaws detected!
(2/2) Main Challenge: Main challenge satisfied!
(2/2) Subchallenges: Both subchallenges satisfied!
Total: 23/25
Creature - Vampire {U}
Flying
Whenever Mist Lurker deals combat damage to a player, that player puts the top X cards from their library into their graveyard, where X is the the number of times you surveilled this turn.
"What is worst? Knowing you have been wronged, or being wronged and not knowing it?"
—Lazav
1/2
Design .:.
(1/3) Appeal: This card is not very good in limited and needs a strong commitment to surveil to shine in constructed. Seems like a task for Jxnny.
(3/3) Elegance: The card is easy to understand and makes sense.
Development .:.
(3/3) Viability: This is a fine dimir uncommon.
(3/3) Balance: There are several playable surveil cards and a bunch of mill cards in standard right now. Could maybe make the mill deck more viable.
Creativity .:.
(2,5/3) Uniqueness: We have seen mill cards in all varieties but not in combination with surveil.
(3/3) Flavor: That's some dimir flavor here.
Polish .:.
(3/3) Quality: No flaws detected!
(2/2) Main Challenge: Main challenge satisfied!
(2/2) Subchallenges: Both subchallenges satisfied!
Total: 22,5/25
Creature - Weird {U}
Flying
: Steam Enigma gets +0/+1 until end of turn.
Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, you may switch Steam Enigma's power and toughness until end of turn.
"Turning not just the lab, but the whole Fifth Precinct into a sauna? I'd call that a smashing success!"
--Lizzie, vent engineer
1/1
Design .:.
(1/3) Appeal: This is a good limited card, nice for Spike.
(3/3) Elegance: The card is easy to understand and makes sense.
Development .:.
(2/3) Viability: The ability to pump its own toughness is strongly associated with white. There are only a few cards that don't have a W somewhere with this kind of ability and all of them are old and/or green. While this can act as a power pumping ability I'd consider this a break.
(3/3) Balance: The card is certainly powerful in limited and probably standard. Compared to Wee Dragonauts this card shines in a situations where you're low on cards and waiting for a good top deck. With this, any 1-mana instant or sorcery becomes a good late game top deck. It also blocks well, of course.
Creativity .:.
(2,5/3) Uniqueness: Thoughness boost in ur is very unusual. P/t switching effects we have a few already.
(3/3) Flavor: This is the kind of silly izzet flavor I like so much.
Polish .:.
(3/3) Quality: No flaws detected!
(2/2) Main Challenge: Main challenge satisfied!
(2/2) Subchallenges: Both subchallenges satisfied!
Total: 21,5/25
Creature - Troll (Common)
When Gravetiller dies, put the top four cards of your library into your graveyard, then return another creature or land card from your graveyard to your hand.
When a troll dies, other trolls visit its den to pay their respects. And also to scavenge any nice looking junk they might have picked up.
2/4
Design .:.
(2/3) Appeal: This is a good limited card, nice for Spike. Filling the graveyard also always nice for Jxnny.
(3/3) Elegance: The card is easy to understand and makes sense.
Development .:.
(3/3) Viability: This is a fine golgari card.
(2,5/3) Balance: It enables graveyard strategies and also virtually draws you a card. On top of that it's a reasonable attacker and blocker. Maybe a bit much for a common.
Creativity .:.
(1/3) Uniqueness: There have been plenty of gravedigger-esque and self mill cards now. This is Grapple with the Past on a stick.
(3/3) Flavor: The flavor text tells you about the doings of the troll while also explaining a little what the card does, quite nice.
Polish .:.
(3/3) Quality: No flaws detected!
(2/2) Main Challenge: Main challenge satisfied!
(2/2) Subchallenges: Both subchallenges satisfied!
Total: 21,5/25
Freyleyes 22,5
RaikouRider 21,5
Subject16 21,5
Creature — Human Soldier (U)
Whenever Boros Wartrumpeter attacks, target creature you control gains first strike until end of turn.
Boros musical instruments are enchanted with spells that rally the troops and discourage the enemies at the same time.
3/1
Design -
(1.5/3) Appeal: Only Spike uses this card and is happy about it.
(2/3) Elegance: The target not being an attacking creature is vexing. Flavor text says about discouraging enemies, but abilities do not.
Development -
(2.5/3) Viability: This card is a little too easy to cast to be a 3/1 for 2 with upside, especially as RR. Lightning Mare is the only example of such card, and it was created to hose a color and in much slower format. This card is not flashy enough to be rare, so no qualms here, however...
(2/3) Balance: This card would be too good in Guilds. Buffing a mentor or even mentee will break any defender, and Boros is good enough already. It could be interesting in Standard, though. Of course, this card doesn't even think about older formats.
Creativity -
(2.5/3) Uniqueness: No card with this text, but it's not groundbreaking, granting first strike on attack already exists.
(2.5/3) Flavor: If I am to judge, and I am, "wartrumpeter" seems forced to me. And again, no debuffs in spite of flavor text.
Polish -
(3/3) Quality: OK
(2/2) Main Challenge: OK
(2/2) Subchallenges: OK
Total: 20/25
Creature - Zombie (U)
When Infested Tunneler dies, you may pay X(B/G). If you do, put the top X cards of your library into your graveyard, then create a 1/1 black and green Insect creature token for each creature card put into your graveyard this way.
4/2
Design -
(3/3) Appeal: Timmy likes creating many creatures, Johnny likes self-milling, Spike likes both in this format.
(2.5/3) Elegance: The card makes a lot of sense but paying x+1 to mill x and get y creatures is not perfect.
Development -
(2.5/3) Viability: Potentially massive token generation is a bend both for black and for uncommon, and I don't feel it is a necessary bend for this set.
(3/3) Balance: Looks like balanced, fun card.
Creativity -
(3/3) Uniqueness: Quite unique, interesting card.
(3/3) Flavor: This card oozes with flavor, except not with flavor, but with insects, and not oozes, but explodes into. One thing, I feel that it could be Something Zombie, so the parasite flavor is even more powerful, but it is still more than correct.
Polish -
(3/3) Quality: The most similar card to this is Oona, Queen of the Fae, and it has somewhat different wording. I would remove a point for it, but there are some cards that have similar wording to this (Assemble the Legion), so I think it's possible it would be templated this way. Otherwise no problems.
(2/2) Main Challenge: OK
(2/2) Subchallenges: OK
Total: 24/25
Selesnya Inspire-Singer 2
Creature - Centaur Druid (Uncommon)
Whenever another creature enters the battlefield under your control, untap all creatures you control.
"We share no blood, yet we are one, ready to aid each other in times of need."
2/4
Design -
(2/3) Appeal: Timmy and Spike use it sporadically, Johnny adds it to his Naya Splinter Twin deck.
(3/3) Elegance: I really like how subtle is the reference to convoke.
Development -
(3/3) Viability: No color pie or rarity issues.
(3/3) Balance: As I said before, this card comboes with Splinter Twin or Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker. It's not a good card for such decks, though, so I seriously doubt it could cause any problems in older formats. In Guilds, it could go nuts with convoke, but if it has to be cast with 4 real mana, I don't think that would be too good either.
Creativity -
(2.5/3) Uniqueness: Intruder Alarm on the stick. Good use of it, though.
(2.5/3) Flavor: Very generic Selesnya flavor.
Polish -
(2.5/3) Quality: Is sharing blood an idiom? I'm not a native speaker, but I made some research and couldn't find any proof for this. If it is, please have this half a point back, as otherwise no problems.
(2/2) Main Challenge: OK
(2/2) Subchallenges: OK
Total: 22.5/25
Creature - Centaur Druid {U}
Whenever another creatures enters the battlefield under your control, if you control 3 or more creatures gain 3 life.
3/3
Design -
(1.5/3) Appeal: Noone is neither offended nor happy about this card. Timmy may be happy that he will gain 15 life, but Spike knows that he will not.
(2.5/3) Elegance: This trigger is quite complicated. Having multiple creatures enter the battlefield at the same time or killing a creature with ability on the stack have not obvious at the first glance results.
Development -
(3/3) Viability: Neither colorpieness nor rarity is wrong.
(2/3) Balance: Jump from 1 life on Soul Attendant to 3 is too big. This card would make any race unwinnable in a very short time, and resolving Izoni, Thousand-Eyed (why not playing them in the same deck, your card is a hybrid!) would be just game.
Creativity -
(2/3) Uniqueness: Three Soul Attendants stapled together.
(2/3) Flavor: This card lacks in Vorthos department and really could use a flavor text. It doesn't break the flavor in any way, though.
Polish -
(2/3) Quality: "if you control 3 or more creatures, you gain 3 life."
(2/2) Main Challenge: OK
(2/2) Subchallenges: OK
Total: 20/25
StonerOfKruphix - 20/25
rkohn1357 - 24/25
netn10 - 22.5/25
Ulka 20/25