I really like Rabid Snowman, he creates a good, funny, concept but with solid, rather than silly mechanics, I'm surprised you didn't go with Snow mana rather than blue mana for the 'refreeze' ability, I could easily see a snow theme in a Christmas set.
Goblin Carolers forces that it be the center of attention, it's a cheap, decent sized card that darts all over the place and hold no allegiance. If you have the lung capacity this card is great for you, but as it stands, there are enough things you need to verbally address (especially in un-world) that I think this card would be un-fun and probably just find it's home somewhere in the center. An ability that allowed it to be stolen on an opponent's prerogative provided you weren't singing would have probably played out better.
Presents! Santa's Helper is really cute, and I hope indicative of a present subtheme. My only real problem with this card is one that already shows up on holiday cards, if this set were to be drafted you would almost 100% need sleeves, but I'm not going to hold that against you.
Gift Giver's seems pretty fun, I would have preferred a more inspired name, and the 4 ability should probably switched for something more relevant as most of the time it comes down on your turn.
Nutcrusher is a cute top down design, I'm curious about your choice in names, is seems like it is wide open for a joke, but just falls flat, even simply 'Nutcracker" would have been more evocative. My only mechanical problem here is the lack of definition of naughty, it very well could just be playful speech, but it could also be a genuine game term designated by the set.
Coldbringer Yeti made me laugh, good work. the card has enough room the overly complex specifications of cube size in the reminder text might have also be amusing. Both of the flavor texts are spot on, but I think the 2nd would be the one o actually see print. I hope you don't mind me putting a bowl between the cube and my card.
3. Ninja Caterpie
2. aftermarketradio
1. Jimmy Groove
The Krampus4WB
Legendary Creature - Demon (M)
Intimidate
Whenever a creature deals damage to you, put a naughty counter on it. 2WB: Exile target creature with a naughty counter on it until The Krampus leaves the battlefield. "Be nice this season, unless you wish to find out what the inside of my basket looks like..."
7/6
Make it a 6/6 And I'd totally be on board. As it, seems pushed compared to halo hunter.
The Grinch2UB
Legendary Creature - Horror (R) T: Gain control of target snow permanent. “Pop guns! And bicycles! Roller skates! Drums!
Checkerboards! Tricycles! Popcorn! And plums!
And he stuffed them in bags. Then the Grinch, very nimbly,
Stuffed all the bags, one by one, up the chimbley!” -Dr. Seuss
3/3
Great reference. Simple, elegent card. I didn;t realize toys were snow permanents though. Flavor misstep for me. Very powerful in a snow environment. Too much so. Add a cost to that ability.
White Elephant3WW
Legendary Snow Creature - Elephant
Trample.
At the beginning of each player's upkeep, that player exiles the top card of his or her library face down.
Whenever a player would draw a card, they may instead exile the top card of his or her library face down. If they do, they may look at any cards exiled face down in this way and cast a spell exiled in this way as though it was in their hand.
4/4
"Oh. Wow. You shouldn't have."
Eh. I missing the reference. It's a good card, but misses out on the un without the flavor for me. Perhaps my fault more than yours. Also, rarity.
Missile Toad
Creature - Frog (U)
As long as Missile Toad is on the ceiling it is unblockable.
Whenever a player plays a creature without kissing it, Missile Toad deals 3 damage to that player.
“Them’s the Rules”
3/2
Funny play on words. The hijinks of trying to keep on the ceiling, while funny, seem impractical. In fact, likely to get someone hurt, sadly. Neat idea in general though besides that one practical factor.
...silver border??? Does that mean we can use weird un mechanics or what?
Sounds fun.
Rabid Snowman2GG
Creature - Elemental (R)
Trample
Whenever a player casts an instant or sorcery spell, put a -1/-1 counter on Rabid Snowman. U, T: Remove a -1/-1 counter from Rabid Snowman.
5/5
I get that the snowman is melting. I like using blue mana to rebuild it. I'm confused why you decided to sculpt this as a green card or why instants and sorceries are what melt it.
Goblin Carolers2R
Creature - Goblin Singer (R)
Haste
Whenever you are not singing a Christmas carol, untap Goblin Carolers and target opponent gains control of it. "Songs of the... Wuzzename, um, yeah.. waitamintue, something.. is here... em, merry merry merry Christmas?"
5/5
This seems exactly what I would expect from a Xmas unglued set.
Santa's HelperG
Creature - Elf Artificer (C) T: Give target opponent a present. (Presents are face down exiled cards. They may be opened, or turned face up, by their recipient upon receipt or as a sorcery. While open, non-land cards may be cast by the recipient using mana as though it was any color. Lands are worthless, like socks. Nobody wants socks.)
Whenever a present from you is opened, you gain four life. One bone mended for every box opened.
1/1
I like the idea a lot, but the execution is in such a way that every part of the card, including the main source of humor, in in the reminder text. It's more of a templating issue than a design issue, but it does mean I glossed over half the fun when reading the card the first time. I think you want all the action in the rules text, and have "nobody wants socks" as the reminder text. Also, very close to Collector Protector.
I think this round will be very hard to design for and even more to critique. I was thinking to pass this month, when suddenly an idea hit me, and you know what? I'm not afraid of hard challenges after all!
Gift Givers1RR
Creature — Goblin (R)
When Gift Givers enters the battlefield, target opponent rolls a six-sided die, then...
1 — He or she puts a red 1/1 Goblin creature token onto the battlefield.
2 — Up to two creatures of his or her choice can’t block until your next turn.
3 — Gift Givers deals 3 damage to another creature of his or her choice.
4 — A creature of his or her choice gets +4/+0 until end of turn.
5 — Each player may discard his or her hand, then each player who did draws five cards.
6 — Gift Givers deals 6 damage to each other creature and each player. “We’ve got a whole bag full of gifts! You can have one! Just put your hand in and pick one!”
4/4
Considering the existence of Goblin Tutor and Strategy, Schmategy I fell like this joke has been done bigger and better. I like the concept of the goblins giving "gifts" but I think you could have made it even wackyer and maybe add more bad effects to really drive this card home.
Coldbringer Yeti2UU
Snow Creature - Yeti (U)
When Coldbrnger Yeti enters the battlefield, you may tap target creature and put an ice cube on it. That creature remains tapped as long as the ice cube hasn't melted. "This will go great in my cube deck!" or "Have an ice day!"
3/3
I'm a bit upset that the effect will physically damage the targeted card. Tearing up your own Chaos Confetti is one thing, but damaging someone else card will probably ruin a friendship. Even with sleeves there's a good chance for water damage from having an ice cube melt on the table. Neat idea though.
Nutcrusher2
Artifact Creature - Soldier (U) T, sacrifice a naughty permanent: You gain 3 life. "Remember to be good, because they'll crush any nuts that end up on the naughty list."
1/3
Simple in it's execution, but delivers very well on what the challenge is about, and I eel that it can be right at home in a Christmas-theme Un-set. Good Job!.
Gumdrop Commando1R
Creature - Cookie Warrior
Haste
Whenever Gumdrop Commando attacks you may race your opponent. If you win the race Gumdrop Commando cannot be blocked this turn. "Run, run as fast as you can..."
3/1
This looks like a lot of fun to play with. However, if you're going to make me sweat and run, I'd like it to do more than just hit for 3. The card need to be bigger. Good grasp of Un-design, though, it's my favorite of the bunch.
What's at the core of christmas? The children! A cycle of cards ending in kid perhaps?
Foodie Kid2B
Creature - Human Child (U)
Players may only use edibles for counters. (This affects counters already in use.) T: Eat a counter from target permanent or player. Surprisingly, the poison counters tasted like chicken.
2/3
Flavorwise, this feels a bit too close to Fat Ass. Both are exploring the connection of playing magic and eating. However, the flavor text is hilarious, and the effect can be fun, and that wins me over. It's not too Christmasy, though.
1. NVRBLND - because having Magic players run in order to win is the funniest thing since having Magic players strip their jeans in order to win. 2. Ingulit - Because that card could be printed tomorrow, an isn't that what's the spirit of CCL is all about? 3. doomfish - That flavour text cracked me up. The only card to really make me laugh out loud.
Love the concept and execution. Great card!
A few nitpicks: the name is way too specific, not very green - should be blue instead, 5 mana is a bit much - 4 would have done the trick.
By definion a silver bordered card is supposed to do something that can't be currently done in black border.
Your card would be perfectly fine in black border.
A very funny idea nonetheless, but an actual name would have been nice. Toy Factory? What about a flavortext for such a flavorful card?
Wasted potential.
Just give it defender, even if doesn't read as cool.
A really cute card. Love the execution. Are the needles dealing 1 damage?
As a creature I think of this as alive. Eww.
A bit on the complicated side with this 'All the Trimmings' reference.
Nice idea with the eating it bit by bit.
So I bring a nerf gun and just won the game? Uhm, not so well thought through.
Tehee. Cool card. Let's hope people don't confuse which card belonged where after the game.
1. drewdagreek
2. Moss_Elemental
3. Egak
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Multiple instances of lifelink on the same creature are redundant.
Multiple instances of lifelink on the same creature are redundant.
Multiple instances of lifelink on the same creature are redundant.
—Eli Shiffrin, Rules Manager, on a design stacking lifelink instances
Nutcrusher2
Artifact Creature - Soldier (U) T, sacrifice a naughty permanent: You gain 3 life. "Remember to be good, because they'll crush any nuts that end up on the naughty list."
1/3
Flavor is fine for an un-set, but not as hilarious to me as some other submissions this round. I can get behind the fact that this has no race, but just a class. In un-sets very few things, if any, are off limits. The only real major point against this design is that after reading it, it left me with a question: what are naughty permanents? I feel like some reminder text is needed here, or else you have another Steamflogger Boss, that is a card with meaningless rules text.
Coldbringer Yeti2UU
Snow Creature - Yeti (U)
When Coldbrnger Yeti enters the battlefield, you may tap target creature and put an ice cube on it. That creature remains tapped as long as the ice cube hasn't melted. "This will go great in my cube deck!" or "Have an ice day!"
3/3
Bonus points for the flavor text: it actually made me laugh! That's what un-cards are supposed to do. The mechanics also are in "an ice" place, as they are something that reads like an actual Magic card but with a touch that makes no sense in black border. It's wacky but in a good way, not in the way that makes you go "Oh my, what were they thinking?". Very good work. Just a typo: an "i" is missing in "Coldbrnger".
Gumdrop Commando1R
Creature - Cookie Warrior
Haste
Whenever Gumdrop Commando attacks you may race your opponent. If you win the race Gumdrop Commando cannot be blocked this turn. "Run, run as fast as you can..."
3/1
I appreciate the idea, it's quite good and original. I only wonder how can we race if we are playing in the classical kitchen table with little room available, but I guess a casual group of friends would find a way using their imagination. Outside of logistics, I see no problem with this, and it's actually quite flavorful. It didn't make me laugh as other entries this round, but it's fine anyway. Minor typos: two commas are missing (one after "attacks" and one after "win the race"), and "cannot" would be in its contracted form "can't" as it is in every Magic card.
Foodie Kid2B
Creature - Human Child (U)
Players may only use edibles for counters. (This affects counters already in use.) T: Eat a counter from target permanent or player. Surprisingly, the poison counters tasted like chicken.
2/3
Nice touch in using a creature type that doesn't exist in black border (Child). I would have liked it to be "Teenage" very much, for the ongoing thing about having "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" in un-world. It would actually have felt right on this card, it feels like a missed chance. Talking about mechanics, they fall in the same nice spot as aftermarketradio's card: they read "Magic" enough, but have that little touch of wacky added that doesn't feel too much. This flavor text is another one that made me laugh. Good work.
Naughty/Nice Accountant3GW
Creature - Elf Advisor (R)
As Naughty/Nice Accountant enters the battefield, make a list of five cards. Check it twice. Mark each card on the list as 'naughty' or 'nice'.
'Naughty' spells cost 2 more to cast.
'Nice' spells cost 2 less to cast. Apparently, forgetting "Adminstrative Assistant's Day" is a surefire ticket to the naughty list.
[Art: A naughty list with Santa's name angrily scrawled in]
2/2
I think you could have found a better name, as Naughty//Nice already exists as one of the holiday cards. Mechanically, this card feels like something that could be done in black border, just not with this exact wording, of course. But there is nothing in this card that can't be done in black border at all. Also, if we assume the color pie works also in un-world, which I think it should, this should be monowhite. I don't see the green in it. Flavor is fine but not as hilarious as other entries this round.
T, Tap X Elf creatures you control: Put an artifact card with converted mana cost X or less from your hand onto the battlefield.
This is a black bordered card. The only thing making it an un-card is maybe the flavor, but I can easily see that in black border too: let's just imagine that some elves on, say, Lorwyn have a book where they note the spells most useful to them. Regardless of border, this is a good card: clean, elegant and strong. I actually like this quite a lot as a card, it's just that I could see it in any regular expansion set in a world where there are elves.
Top 3
first place: aftermarketradio
second place: doomfish
third place: SelesnyaNewLife
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.)
Asrama:
Haha, funny, but it seems super annoying because it means you have to be continuously singing. Maybe just once an upkeep, or as a requirement to attack?
Jimmy Groove:
That is seriously long reminder text - and it doesn't even explain where presents come from. Do you exile them from your hand, the battlefield, your library? I guess the gist of the ability is easily understood, but it seems unnecessarily complex. For an un-set you might as well just say 'put a nonland card into their hand'. 10 points for the phrase "give X a present"
bravelion:
Gawww this card is long. It's pretty funny though, the sheer ridiculous range of the abilities seems like it'd tell fun stories all the time.
Ingulit:
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Funny card, but if you're going to make up a new mechanic, it'd be nice if you gave a little bit of context.
aftermarketradio:
I fear for the cards, but at the same time, this card is so genius. It's simple, clever and reeks of Un without being extremely bad for play (you can just put like a spare sleeve on top of the card you're ice cubing or something to really protect it). I like it.
NVRBLND:
This seems like so much effort... Who sets the race details like length? Is it a consenus type deal? Does it really have to be every combat? This does look like it could encourage interesting metagames about racing. Do you try and wear out your opponent so they can't block when they most need it? Interseting.
Top 3:
1. aftermarketradio
2. Jimmy Groove
3. Ingulit
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
If you're having creature problems I feel bad for you son
You got 99 attackers but I'm blocking with 1.
The Winner is Judge | 7
This Winner is Also Judge | 6
Club Flamingo | Lots
NVRBLND:
For being a Cookie Warrior, Gumdrop Commando seems like sort of a crumby name. But the idea certainly isn't half-baked. I love this incarnation of the Gingerbread Man, and it creates a fun mini-game that captures (finally) the essence of the source material. Might be a bit overpowered if you find yourself running well in Magic.
doomfish:
I think doing a cycle is a great idea; it's right in the wheelhouse of so many Un-cards. This also expands on the Human Child creature type, which is also distinctly silver-bordered. Black has a history of removing counters, and you do so in an incr-edible way. You weren't kidding around with this design, I think it's got some real bite to it.
drewdagreek:
I love the idea of checking the list twice. There's something inherently funny about an elf with OCD. There's something inherently funny about an elf with OCD. The abilities are great, but the name is a bit listless. But, you take the good and the bad with this card, and in the end, you've really accounted for everything. You even included an art description that ties everything together in a tidy bow.
SelesnyaNewLife:
As elfish as this sounds, I wish this were a real card during Onslaught block for my tribal deck. Aside from the punny name, there's isn't much about this book that reads silver-bordered or Christmas. The ability is nice, and it hints at the idea of elves making toys, but a little more flavor would have gone a long way. I'd like to see the unabridged version.
Moss Elemental:
Now this is a giving tree! Renaming auras and counters and such to "decorations," isn't branching out too much with creativity, but it still gets to the root of the challenge. I can see this tree pining to enter combat since it's going to have a lot of decorations on it, but maybe it's too lazy since its always on pot. It still has quite a presents on the battlefield.
JudaaMarr:
I don't know how rare this should be. Probably uncommon, so you don't get salmonella poisoning. The big butt proves that this turkey ain't no chicken, but he's still an odd duck since he can't enter combat. I think it's neat how the red mana cooks its goose, and provides giblet gravy for all!
I don't really like the name of this but the abilities are pretty funny. Compared to Vampire Hexmage it might be a little strong but its an Un-Set so that isn't a big deal. The idea of eating counters to power down your opponent's planeswalkers is quite entertaining.
Love this, its flavorful and power but has a very un-feel. As a mana ramp and tax effect it is very good but its expensive so its ok. The flavor is spot on.
This card is ok but not very exciting. I get what you were going with for flavor but it doesn't come through very strong. The ability is ok and would be fun to tinker with but doesn't overcome the "mehness" of the overall card.
I like the idea here but the execution didn't quite match up. I think giving it defender would be fine but that isn't the main issue. The decorations are a great idea and perfectly flavorful but I think it should have a potentially Un-fitting way to get them on the tree, rather than relying on other cards.
I'm looking at this as a two card submission, unfortunately neither one stood out that much. The idea is good and unique, but the effect and flavor are both pretty weak and I think both cards would be forgotten fairly quickly. The Turkey is basically a 7 mana gain life spell that helps your opponent equally. It is much stronger with its mate but it still helps your opponent just as much and is extremely inefficient. The flavor is ok but doesn't really get your attention so its shortcomings stick out.
An un-ified SFM, this card would lead to some pretty hilarious situations. Its probably very broken as you could just start chucking dart after dart as soon as it comes down and end the game then but it would be a fun enough scene to watch that it is worth it.
White Elephant3WW
Legendary Snow Creature - Elephant
Trample.
At the beginning of each player's upkeep, that player exiles the top card of his or her library face down.
Whenever a player would draw a card, they may instead exile the top card of his or her library face down. If they do, they may look at any cards exiled face down in this way and cast a spell exiled in this way as though it was in their hand.
4/4
"Oh. Wow. You shouldn't have."
The timing of this effect is quite weird, and I feel like the effect doesn't quite align with the "white elephant" flavor. Also, this effect is red or blue, not white. I would also have liked an effect that's impossible in black border. (This is a comment I have for several players this round, actually.)
Team of Reindeer3WG
Creature - Beast (R)
Flying
When ~ enters the battlefield, you may search you library for a card named Team of Reindeer, reveal it, and put it into your hand. Then shuffle your library.
A deck can have up to 8 cards named Team of Reindeer. The elves sent them the singnal. Soon, there would be enough to deliver a worlds worth of gifts.
4/3
I think you can do better than a Squadron Hawk/Relentless Rats mashup in silver border. The card seems fine as a card, but I think we should aspire to more fourth-wall-breaking shenanigans in un-worlds.
Missile Toad
Creature - Frog (U)
As long as Missile Toad is on the ceiling it is unblockable.
Whenever a player plays a creature without kissing it, Missile Toad deals 3 damage to that player.
“Them’s the Rules”
3/2
Points for the pun. Should be worded "it can't be blocked." I enjoy the un-set elements in this design a lot. I really think
it should make players kiss players instead of kissing cards, though. So unsanitary.
The Grinch2UB
Legendary Creature - Horror (R) T: Gain control of target snow permanent. “Pop guns! And bicycles! Roller skates! Drums!
Checkerboards! Tricycles! Popcorn! And plums!
And he stuffed them in bags. Then the Grinch, very nimbly,
Stuffed all the bags, one by one, up the chimbley!” -Dr. Seuss
3/3
I mean this works but it's not very un-, now is it? I'd like to see an effect you just can't do in black border. Also the ability to steal lands is a bit concerning.
Secret Santa1U
Creature - Avatar (U)
Secret Santa can’t be blocked.
Whenever Secret Santa deals combat damage, each player draws a card from a random player’s library. (Each player determines which library they draw from separately.)
1/1
This is undercosted maybe, but I love it. I think you could argue that rando draw is red in a way that drawing cards from your own library isn't, which would be satisfying aesthetically. Santas really should be in a red frame if possible.
The Krampus4WB
Legendary Creature - Demon (M)
Intimidate
Whenever a creature deals damage to you, put a naughty counter on it. 2WB: Exile target creature with a naughty counter on it until The Krampus leaves the battlefield. "Be nice this season, unless you wish to find out what the inside of my basket looks like..."
7/6
I'm so glad that someone used a naughty/nice mechanic, not least because that was an idea I tried and rejected for my own submission. This too is a little black-bordery for my taste, and I wonder if the Krampus really gives bad children back? I kinda thought he ate them.
bravelion - Gift Givers: Very texty, to the point that it would probably require the art to be squeezed down in order to fit it all in. With all that text devoted to an ability, it is a shame to see it trigger just once.
Ingulit - Nutcrusher: Making cards like this where you toss in a new game mechanic word is hard, because how you judge the card depends on how you understand how that mechanical word word work and play out. There's nothing to go by here.
aftermarketradio - Coldbringer Yeti: Un-sets have used non-standard objects before, but ice cubes are a tough one to play with, because a lot of places where you would play Magic won't have them. And it is a joke set, but playability still has to be taken into consideration. That said, the flavor text is solidly amusing.
NVRBLND - Gumdrop Commando: Well, that's one way to get Magic players off their rears and exercising. That said, that's a lot of races. Maybe a single race when it enters the battlefield to either make it unblockable or not would have worked out better there. You are talking about a lot of potential geek-sweat.
doomfish - Foodie Kid: "Edibles" is a wide enough description that you could play fairly easily, and it's ability fits black's color pie. This could be a very reasonable and pleasant addition to a fun Un-set Limited environment.
drewdagreek - Making a list is pretty exhausting, so doing it only once and on a rare card seems right. The colors seem pretty right (white for taxing, green for accel). And the flavor is amusing and totally appropriate.
Ninja Caterpie: Rabid Snowman - Not silver bordered. Otherwise nice.
herbert west: White Elephant - Not silver bordered. I don't get the flavor.
IcariiFA: Team of Reindeer - Not silver bordered. The precedent for this kind of ability is to allow one search of the library to find all three (or seven in this case) other copies.
Cardz5000: Missle Toad - Love the name.
Koopa: The Grinch - Not silver bordered. Love the flavor.
GG Crono: The Krampus - Not silver bordered. Otherwise the best card this round.
A creature not being inherently antithetical to normal play doesn't necessarily make it non-silver-bordered.
A quote by MaRo:
"If it would be a silver-bordered card, it won’t see print in black border.
The only example of silver to black border is where the game shifts over time where something that once wasn’t allowed is."
A card that could be printed in black border isn't a silver border card by definition. Note how all cards you mentioned are from the old un-set.
This should have been said in the opening post, it's only natural that not everyone reads blogatog all the time.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Multiple instances of lifelink on the same creature are redundant.
Multiple instances of lifelink on the same creature are redundant.
Multiple instances of lifelink on the same creature are redundant.
—Eli Shiffrin, Rules Manager, on a design stacking lifelink instances
For my part, I think silly and challenging, outside-the-game effects are what make silver border special. You certainly can make cards that are only creatively silly (although I don't think all your examples are examples of silly names attached to sensible mechanics), but it's not as much in the spirit of the challenge as something that can't be done in black border at all.
It's not a detriment to the designs, but it certainly is a detriment to meeting the challenge in the fullest way.
2. aftermarketradio
1. Jimmy Groove
Great reference. Simple, elegent card. I didn;t realize toys were snow permanents though. Flavor misstep for me. Very powerful in a snow environment. Too much so. Add a cost to that ability.
Eh. I missing the reference. It's a good card, but misses out on the un without the flavor for me. Perhaps my fault more than yours. Also, rarity.
Funny play on words. The hijinks of trying to keep on the ceiling, while funny, seem impractical. In fact, likely to get someone hurt, sadly. Neat idea in general though besides that one practical factor.
I get that the snowman is melting. I like using blue mana to rebuild it. I'm confused why you decided to sculpt this as a green card or why instants and sorceries are what melt it.
This seems exactly what I would expect from a Xmas unglued set.
1st - Asrama
2nd - GG Crono
3rd - Cardz5000
Koopa: Not bad. Seems suitably Grinchy to me.
Herbert West: Hah, now that's rather clever. Well done.
Cardz5000: I always appreciate a good pun.
Ninja Caterpie: Now those are two words I never expected to read together. I like it.
Asrama: Teehee. Seems like something that Wizards would actually do. Nice.
Jimmy Groove: Great card, and possibly the greatest reminder text I have ever read. Bravo.
1. Jimmy Groove
2. Herbert West
3. Ninja Caterpie
Top 3
2. IcariiFA
3. willows
This is not final until after the deadline.
I like the idea a lot, but the execution is in such a way that every part of the card, including the main source of humor, in in the reminder text. It's more of a templating issue than a design issue, but it does mean I glossed over half the fun when reading the card the first time. I think you want all the action in the rules text, and have "nobody wants socks" as the reminder text. Also, very close to Collector Protector.
Considering the existence of Goblin Tutor and Strategy, Schmategy I fell like this joke has been done bigger and better. I like the concept of the goblins giving "gifts" but I think you could have made it even wackyer and maybe add more bad effects to really drive this card home.
I'm a bit upset that the effect will physically damage the targeted card. Tearing up your own Chaos Confetti is one thing, but damaging someone else card will probably ruin a friendship. Even with sleeves there's a good chance for water damage from having an ice cube melt on the table. Neat idea though.
Simple in it's execution, but delivers very well on what the challenge is about, and I eel that it can be right at home in a Christmas-theme Un-set. Good Job!.
This looks like a lot of fun to play with. However, if you're going to make me sweat and run, I'd like it to do more than just hit for 3. The card need to be bigger. Good grasp of Un-design, though, it's my favorite of the bunch.
Flavorwise, this feels a bit too close to Fat Ass. Both are exploring the connection of playing magic and eating. However, the flavor text is hilarious, and the effect can be fun, and that wins me over. It's not too Christmasy, though.
1. NVRBLND - because having Magic players run in order to win is the funniest thing since having Magic players strip their jeans in order to win.
2. Ingulit - Because that card could be printed tomorrow, an isn't that what's the spirit of CCL is all about?
3. doomfish - That flavour text cracked me up. The only card to really make me laugh out loud.
Host, December 2015: A Winter Wonderland? - R1|R2|R3|Top 8|Semifinals|Finals|Poll
Host, CCL April 2014: A Game of Fate - Signup|R1|R2|R3|Top 8|Semifinal|Finals|Poll
Host, CCL December 2012: Spy Games - Signup|R1|R2|R3|Top 8|Semifinals|Finals|Poll
Host, CCL November 2010: The Perfect Crime - Signup|R1|R2|R3|Top 8|Semifinals|Finals|Poll
Host, CCL August 2009: A Commander's Journey: Signups|R1|R2|R3|Top 8|Semifinals|Finals|Poll
I've got tons of art from the web. Want art for a render? PM me! Want to create your own collection? Start here!
A few nitpicks: the name is way too specific, not very green - should be blue instead, 5 mana is a bit much - 4 would have done the trick.
Your card would be perfectly fine in black border.
A very funny idea nonetheless, but an actual name would have been nice. Toy Factory? What about a flavortext for such a flavorful card?
Wasted potential.
A really cute card. Love the execution. Are the needles dealing 1 damage?
A bit on the complicated side with this 'All the Trimmings' reference.
Nice idea with the eating it bit by bit.
1. drewdagreek
2. Moss_Elemental
3. Egak
Multiple instances of lifelink on the same creature are redundant.
Multiple instances of lifelink on the same creature are redundant.
—Eli Shiffrin, Rules Manager, on a design stacking lifelink instances
One thing's for sure: this time I'm not going to critique all entries, it already feels difficult enough to me to critique 6 un-cards.
Ingulit
Flavor is fine for an un-set, but not as hilarious to me as some other submissions this round. I can get behind the fact that this has no race, but just a class. In un-sets very few things, if any, are off limits. The only real major point against this design is that after reading it, it left me with a question: what are naughty permanents? I feel like some reminder text is needed here, or else you have another Steamflogger Boss, that is a card with meaningless rules text.
Bonus points for the flavor text: it actually made me laugh! That's what un-cards are supposed to do. The mechanics also are in "an ice" place, as they are something that reads like an actual Magic card but with a touch that makes no sense in black border. It's wacky but in a good way, not in the way that makes you go "Oh my, what were they thinking?". Very good work. Just a typo: an "i" is missing in "Coldbrnger".
I appreciate the idea, it's quite good and original. I only wonder how can we race if we are playing in the classical kitchen table with little room available, but I guess a casual group of friends would find a way using their imagination. Outside of logistics, I see no problem with this, and it's actually quite flavorful. It didn't make me laugh as other entries this round, but it's fine anyway. Minor typos: two commas are missing (one after "attacks" and one after "win the race"), and "cannot" would be in its contracted form "can't" as it is in every Magic card.
Nice touch in using a creature type that doesn't exist in black border (Child). I would have liked it to be "Teenage" very much, for the ongoing thing about having "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" in un-world. It would actually have felt right on this card, it feels like a missed chance. Talking about mechanics, they fall in the same nice spot as aftermarketradio's card: they read "Magic" enough, but have that little touch of wacky added that doesn't feel too much. This flavor text is another one that made me laugh. Good work.
I think you could have found a better name, as Naughty//Nice already exists as one of the holiday cards. Mechanically, this card feels like something that could be done in black border, just not with this exact wording, of course. But there is nothing in this card that can't be done in black border at all. Also, if we assume the color pie works also in un-world, which I think it should, this should be monowhite. I don't see the green in it. Flavor is fine but not as hilarious as other entries this round.
This is a black bordered card. The only thing making it an un-card is maybe the flavor, but I can easily see that in black border too: let's just imagine that some elves on, say, Lorwyn have a book where they note the spells most useful to them. Regardless of border, this is a good card: clean, elegant and strong. I actually like this quite a lot as a card, it's just that I could see it in any regular expansion set in a world where there are elves.
Top 3
first place: aftermarketradio
second place: doomfish
third place: SelesnyaNewLife
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.)
Haha, funny, but it seems super annoying because it means you have to be continuously singing. Maybe just once an upkeep, or as a requirement to attack?
Jimmy Groove:
That is seriously long reminder text - and it doesn't even explain where presents come from. Do you exile them from your hand, the battlefield, your library? I guess the gist of the ability is easily understood, but it seems unnecessarily complex. For an un-set you might as well just say 'put a nonland card into their hand'. 10 points for the phrase "give X a present"
bravelion:
Gawww this card is long. It's pretty funny though, the sheer ridiculous range of the abilities seems like it'd tell fun stories all the time.
Ingulit:
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Funny card, but if you're going to make up a new mechanic, it'd be nice if you gave a little bit of context.
aftermarketradio:
I fear for the cards, but at the same time, this card is so genius. It's simple, clever and reeks of Un without being extremely bad for play (you can just put like a spare sleeve on top of the card you're ice cubing or something to really protect it). I like it.
NVRBLND:
This seems like so much effort... Who sets the race details like length? Is it a consenus type deal? Does it really have to be every combat? This does look like it could encourage interesting metagames about racing. Do you try and wear out your opponent so they can't block when they most need it? Interseting.
Top 3:
1. aftermarketradio
2. Jimmy Groove
3. Ingulit
You got 99 attackers but I'm blocking with 1.
The Winner is Judge | 7
This Winner is Also Judge | 6
Club Flamingo | Lots
For being a Cookie Warrior, Gumdrop Commando seems like sort of a crumby name. But the idea certainly isn't half-baked. I love this incarnation of the Gingerbread Man, and it creates a fun mini-game that captures (finally) the essence of the source material. Might be a bit overpowered if you find yourself running well in Magic.
doomfish:
I think doing a cycle is a great idea; it's right in the wheelhouse of so many Un-cards. This also expands on the Human Child creature type, which is also distinctly silver-bordered. Black has a history of removing counters, and you do so in an incr-edible way. You weren't kidding around with this design, I think it's got some real bite to it.
drewdagreek:
I love the idea of checking the list twice. There's something inherently funny about an elf with OCD. There's something inherently funny about an elf with OCD. The abilities are great, but the name is a bit listless. But, you take the good and the bad with this card, and in the end, you've really accounted for everything. You even included an art description that ties everything together in a tidy bow.
SelesnyaNewLife:
As elfish as this sounds, I wish this were a real card during Onslaught block for my tribal deck. Aside from the punny name, there's isn't much about this book that reads silver-bordered or Christmas. The ability is nice, and it hints at the idea of elves making toys, but a little more flavor would have gone a long way. I'd like to see the unabridged version.
Moss Elemental:
Now this is a giving tree! Renaming auras and counters and such to "decorations," isn't branching out too much with creativity, but it still gets to the root of the challenge. I can see this tree pining to enter combat since it's going to have a lot of decorations on it, but maybe it's too lazy since its always on pot. It still has quite a presents on the battlefield.
JudaaMarr:
I don't know how rare this should be. Probably uncommon, so you don't get salmonella poisoning. The big butt proves that this turkey ain't no chicken, but he's still an odd duck since he can't enter combat. I think it's neat how the red mana cooks its goose, and provides giblet gravy for all!
1. doomfish
2. drewdagreek
3. NVRBLND
Memento Mori, if the nineth lion ate the sun.
Top 3:
1) Jimmy Grove
2) Cardz5000
3) Asrama
BGStandard Green AggroGB
UWRGModern Saheeli CobraGRWU
UBRGLegacy StormGRBU
Wizards Certified Rules Advisor
1. drewdageek
2. doomfish
3. willows
Signature by DarkNightCavalier at Heroes of the Plane Studios
The timing of this effect is quite weird, and I feel like the effect doesn't quite align with the "white elephant" flavor. Also, this effect is red or blue, not white. I would also have liked an effect that's impossible in black border. (This is a comment I have for several players this round, actually.)
I think you can do better than a Squadron Hawk/Relentless Rats mashup in silver border. The card seems fine as a card, but I think we should aspire to more fourth-wall-breaking shenanigans in un-worlds.
Points for the pun. Should be worded "it can't be blocked." I enjoy the un-set elements in this design a lot. I really think
it should make players kiss players instead of kissing cards, though. So unsanitary.
I mean this works but it's not very un-, now is it? I'd like to see an effect you just can't do in black border. Also the ability to steal lands is a bit concerning.
This is undercosted maybe, but I love it. I think you could argue that rando draw is red in a way that drawing cards from your own library isn't, which would be satisfying aesthetically. Santas really should be in a red frame if possible.
I'm so glad that someone used a naughty/nice mechanic, not least because that was an idea I tried and rejected for my own submission. This too is a little black-bordery for my taste, and I wonder if the Krampus really gives bad children back? I kinda thought he ate them.
2. Cardz5000
3. GG Crono
Ingulit - Nutcrusher: Making cards like this where you toss in a new game mechanic word is hard, because how you judge the card depends on how you understand how that mechanical word word work and play out. There's nothing to go by here.
aftermarketradio - Coldbringer Yeti: Un-sets have used non-standard objects before, but ice cubes are a tough one to play with, because a lot of places where you would play Magic won't have them. And it is a joke set, but playability still has to be taken into consideration. That said, the flavor text is solidly amusing.
NVRBLND - Gumdrop Commando: Well, that's one way to get Magic players off their rears and exercising. That said, that's a lot of races. Maybe a single race when it enters the battlefield to either make it unblockable or not would have worked out better there. You are talking about a lot of potential geek-sweat.
doomfish - Foodie Kid: "Edibles" is a wide enough description that you could play fairly easily, and it's ability fits black's color pie. This could be a very reasonable and pleasant addition to a fun Un-set Limited environment.
drewdagreek - Making a list is pretty exhausting, so doing it only once and on a rare card seems right. The colors seem pretty right (white for taxing, green for accel). And the flavor is amusing and totally appropriate.
Top 3:
1. Doomfish
2. drewdagreek
3. NVRBLND
herbert west: White Elephant - Not silver bordered. I don't get the flavor.
IcariiFA: Team of Reindeer - Not silver bordered. The precedent for this kind of ability is to allow one search of the library to find all three (or seven in this case) other copies.
Cardz5000: Missle Toad - Love the name.
Koopa: The Grinch - Not silver bordered. Love the flavor.
GG Crono: The Krampus - Not silver bordered. Otherwise the best card this round.
2.) GG Crono
1.) Cardz5000
A quote by MaRo:
"If it would be a silver-bordered card, it won’t see print in black border.
The only example of silver to black border is where the game shifts over time where something that once wasn’t allowed is."
A card that could be printed in black border isn't a silver border card by definition. Note how all cards you mentioned are from the old un-set.
This should have been said in the opening post, it's only natural that not everyone reads blogatog all the time.
Multiple instances of lifelink on the same creature are redundant.
Multiple instances of lifelink on the same creature are redundant.
—Eli Shiffrin, Rules Manager, on a design stacking lifelink instances
It's not a detriment to the designs, but it certainly is a detriment to meeting the challenge in the fullest way.