Consider the following version of Brotherhood Mindflayer:
Brotherhood Mindflayer1B
Creature - Rat Wizard (C)
Brainwash (Whenever this deals damage to a creature without a -1/-1 counter, the first point of damage is dealt in the form of a -1/-1 counter.)
When Brotherhood Mindflayer dies, each opponent that controls a creature with a -1/-1 counter on it discards a card at random.
"Your thoughts are impure!"
1/2
Pros: Hugely reduces parasitism, reduces tracking, allows -1/-1 counters in other forms, reduces stress of adjacent sets, allows flavorful designs of pre-brainwashed cards similar to Bloodied Ghost
Cons: Tiny reduction in flavor (which we mentioned we didn't grok anyway.), Flavor across sets becomes more blurry similar to persist's -1/-1 counters meaning something different than infects.
Adjust the flavor as needed
Brotherhood Drone1W
Creature - Human Drone (C)
Brotherhood Drone enters the battlefield with a -1/-1 counter on it. When you suppress all will and desire, what's left is the perfect tool of the Brotherhood.
3/3
Nullifier of Impulse2U
Creature - Human Wizard (C)
Brainwash (Whenever this deals damage to a creature without a -1/-1 counter, the first point of damage is dealt in the form of a -1/-1 counter.) Rebels caught by the Brotherhood are not killed, instead they are returned to society bereft of all thoughts of resistance.
1/4
Brotherhood Interrogation1B
Sorcery (C)
Put a -1/-1 counter on target creature you don't control, its controller reveals his or her hand. You choose a noncreature, nonland card from it. That player discards that card. A captured rebel doesn't crack, instead their devotion to their cause is twisted to a devotion to serve.
Drone Taskmaster3B
Creature - Rat Cleric (U)
Brainwash (Whenever this deals damage to a creature without a -1/-1 counter, the first point of damage is dealt in the form of a -1/-1 counter.)
Whenever a creature with a -1/-1 counter you don't control attacks or blocks, put a -1/-1 counter on it. "Those who actively resist enslavement only compound their fate."
3/2
Anything I miss? I mean reminder cards isn't exactly an elegant solution especially when the payoff is so small.
I will note that it is also my opinion that Brainwash may not be the best name for the mechanic (any version of it.) Some alternate suggestions include: Willbreak, Cripple, Impair, Enfeeble, Repress, Subdue, etc...
I may be overrating this but, another thing we lose if don't use the "creature becomes brainwashed" effect is the ability to design cards that care only about brainwashed creatures, as well as cards that care about -1/-1 counters or just counters in general. Cards that only care about brainwash could potentially be stronger without affecting other formats. Also, we are not limiting ourselves to only using -1/-1 counters to mark brainwash. There are other effects that put -1/-1 counters on creatures without brainwashing them. In the limited testing of the set I have done so far, this hasn't caused any confusion at all because of the brainwash tokens. I understand the reminder token may not be the most elegant thing in the world, but neither is using a die to represent a 2/2 Wolf token, which is something that happens all the time. As far as renaming brainwash, I really wouldn't want to do that. I like the flavor very much. Of course there are 4 other people that have invested their time into this set, so I'm curious to hear what others think. If the team wants to change things, I'm no Father Dahl.
BTW, I really like Brotherhood Interrogation. I'm wondering if we could still fit that in somewhere in the commons. The flavor text is great.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
(22 Total) - October 2014; December 2014; January 2015; April 2015; June 2015; August 2015; September 2015; November 2015; December 2015(T); January 2016; March 2016(T); April 2016; June 2016; October 2016; December 2016(T); February 2017; April 2017; December 2017; November 2018(T); January 2019; April 2019; June 2019
(8 Total) - May 2015; May 2016; June 2016; August 2016; October 2016; December 2016; October 2017; May 2019
(7 Total) - September 2015; October 2015; January 2016; March 2016; April 2016; July 2016(T); March 2019(T)
I may be overrating this but, another thing we lose if don't use the "creature becomes brainwashed" effect is the ability to design cards that care only about brainwashed creatures, as well as cards that care about -1/-1 counters or just counters in general. Cards that only care about brainwash could potentially be stronger without affecting other formats.
Why do you wan't it to only care about brainwashed creatures?
-1/-1 counters are already a really minor aspect of MtG. Do you think the ability to remove potential interaction (making the mechanic more parasitic, and remember -1/-1 counters are already pretty rare.) is really worth the ability to push the power level a tiny bit more?
The other potential issue is that you may want to give a creature -1/-1 counter without the flavor of Brainwashing it. But doesn't that just decrease the flavor or Brainwash? Isn't it better to make all -1/-1 counters a form of Brainwashing or Suppression in the set to create a more cohesive vorthos understanding of what the mechanics mean? My Brotherhood Drone and Brotherhood Interrogation cards show how this could be done.
BTW, I really like Brotherhood Interrogation. I'm wondering if we could still fit that in somewhere in the commons. The flavor text is great.
Glad you like it, your set has a lot of potential flavor, its just about making the best mechanics that fit that flavor.
I may be overrating this but, another thing we lose if don't use the "creature becomes brainwashed" effect is the ability to design cards that care only about brainwashed creatures, as well as cards that care about -1/-1 counters or just counters in general. Cards that only care about brainwash could potentially be stronger without affecting other formats.
Why do you wan't it to only care about brainwashed creatures?
-1/-1 counters are already a really minor aspect of MtG. Do you think the ability to remove potential interaction (making the mechanic more parasitic, and remember -1/-1 counters are already pretty rare.) is really worth the ability to push the power level a tiny bit more?
You're correct, I am overrating this.
The other potential issue is that you may want to give a creature -1/-1 counter without the flavor of Brainwashing it. But doesn't that just decrease the flavor or Brainwash? Isn't it better to make all -1/-1 counters a form of Brainwashing or Suppression in the set to create a more cohesive vorthos understanding of what the mechanics mean? My Brotherhood Drone and Brotherhood Interrogation cards show how this could be done.
There are ways to put a -1/-1 counter on a creature without brainwashing it that still make perfect sense from a flavor standpoint. This design from bravelion is a perfect example....
Feigner of Obedience
Creature - Human Rebel (U)
Feigner of Obedience enters the battlefield with a -1/-1 counter on it.
, : Move a counter from target creature onto a second target creature. "The Brotherhood caught me and tried to brainwash me. I let them believe they succeeded."
2/2
Again, I'm not going to claim that I know I'm right here, but I still like brainwash enough to let play-testing decide if it really needs to change so drastically. Like most people, I loved renown, and I feel like you're saying that type of effect could never be something you trigger on a creature an opponent controls, which seems short sighted to me. I totally understand your concerns about brainwash as it is, and have had the same concerns myself, if play-testing shows these concerns are too much to overcome, we will have to rethink the mechanic. To be honest though, I think I'd rather scrap it entirely than change it to the version you've suggested above, which just seems like a weak wither to me. Most of our other mechanics are pretty straight forward (except maybe Implants), so I'd like to have at least one new mechanic that is new and interesting.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
(22 Total) - October 2014; December 2014; January 2015; April 2015; June 2015; August 2015; September 2015; November 2015; December 2015(T); January 2016; March 2016(T); April 2016; June 2016; October 2016; December 2016(T); February 2017; April 2017; December 2017; November 2018(T); January 2019; April 2019; June 2019
(8 Total) - May 2015; May 2016; June 2016; August 2016; October 2016; December 2016; October 2017; May 2019
(7 Total) - September 2015; October 2015; January 2016; March 2016; April 2016; July 2016(T); March 2019(T)
Alternate wording to avoid confusion with Takeno, Samurai General, suggested by ancestral on the IRC
Brainwash (Whenever this deals damage to a creature without a -1/-1 counter, 1 of that damage is dealt in the form of a -1/-1 counter.)
Of course there are 4 other people that have invested their time into this set, so I'm curious to hear what others think. If the team wants to change things, I'm no Father Dahl.
I for one do not want to change anything for now, at least until we playtest more than just one of us a couple times. Also, I am firmly against changing the name of the mechanic, it just makes too much sense in our world/story/flavor though I understand that external people that aren't as invested in those aspects as we are may see it differently. I pretty much agree with anything Flatline said, except maybe for the fact that the exact wording of the mechanic could be refined, but not now. Playtest will tell if we need to do that. Playtest will tell us everything actually, and I almost feel like we're actually discussing about nothing without playtest. It's also written in Doombringer's own signature (and it's perfectly true): "Go and PLAYTEST your designs, you will learn more in a single playtest than a dozen discussions." Here's the point: we haven't done that single playtest yet! When we do, we will learn what can stay and what has to change and how it needs to change, but until then it's just a theoretical discussion that I don't know how much sense it makes honestly. Anyway, I repeat from the episode thread, listening to the podcast has made me realize like never before the difference between taking a card in a vacuum vs its own environment, and I am thankful for that and the critique (which I was expecting to be even harsher actually). We will certainly keep all that has been said in mind after our first full round of playtest, which again we still have to do.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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.)
We do have Kunfar sparkmage, but do we want another pinger to enable embolden? Do we want Freeflame Arsonist to also hitplayers? Is Mindray Mage anough?
We also have Griffenback Archer, although that's in white, so it would require a splash for the R/G archetype. I kinda like that the pinging is different, and escalates up the cycle. Although I think Fuselighter might be a bit strong. I could be wrong though.
I added some of the rares from my rare card dump to the spreadsheet. I only added the ones I really liked that lion also liked, or at least didn't object to. I also added a couple that aren't from that list.
Edit: BTW, I'm very happy to hear that bravelion supports my thoughts on brainwash.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
(22 Total) - October 2014; December 2014; January 2015; April 2015; June 2015; August 2015; September 2015; November 2015; December 2015(T); January 2016; March 2016(T); April 2016; June 2016; October 2016; December 2016(T); February 2017; April 2017; December 2017; November 2018(T); January 2019; April 2019; June 2019
(8 Total) - May 2015; May 2016; June 2016; August 2016; October 2016; December 2016; October 2017; May 2019
(7 Total) - September 2015; October 2015; January 2016; March 2016; April 2016; July 2016(T); March 2019(T)
Edit: BTW, I'm very happy to hear that bravelion supports my thoughts on brainwash.
I mostly do, though I do still have one doubt about the creature with brainwash having practically 1 more power than it looks like at first. For us it's no problem, but is it for less experienced players? It may very well be, in which case a wording like those Doombringer suggested would be best. What I say is for now let's keep everything as is, when we have more playtest we can reevaluate that. I can also see cards like the Mindflayer caring about "creatures with -1/-1 counters" rather than "brainwashed creatures", it would indeed be more backwards compatible but less flavorful, and anyway I think the "underlays" help with that, but again I haven't done any playtest yet so I'm not sure. On the rest I essentially agree.
EDIT: Today is the first time my card for the DCC has been inspired by Ormos, in particular by our need for cards forcing attacks:
Merfolk Provoker3UU
Creature — Merfolk Wizard (R)
When Merfolk Provoker enters the battlefield or at the beginning of your upkeep, put a 2/2 Merfolk Soldier token onto the battlefield. T: Target creature attacks you this turn if able. “Now we are enough and ready for combat!”
2/2
The flavor text is generic and I'd like that to change, but I'm going to add this to the spreadsheet anyway.
MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016 DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for: "Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index.Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
I'm really sorry for being inactive on the forums but I've been really busy with real life. I am following however the spreadsheet and trying to stay up-to-date.
Today a new idea of a card arose to me, and I was thinking it might be able to replace the white enchantment I was proposing for mythic rare. You guys decide if you like the design. I am definitely excited about it, even if from a design perspective only!
Prismatic Armor1W
Enchantment - Aura (MR)
Enchant permanent
When Prismatic Armor enters the battlefield or at the beginning of each upkeep, choose a color. Enchanted permanent gains protection from the chosen color until the beginning of the next upkeep. This effect doesn't remove Prismatic Armor.
It is basically a cheaper, yet weaker version of Spectra Ward. It plays with protection and it allows the player to rotate between the colors during each turn, which adds the needed complexity for a mythic rare. The downside? Of course there is a "window of opportunity" for the opponent to respond to the change of color with an instant - but I guess that's part of balancing the card.
The card is inspired by Diablo 3's Convention of the Elements unique affix (in case there are Diablo 3 players around here).
As a sidenote, I am okay with the way the uncommons are now.
Although I like this card, I also like the Archon aura. I think the Archon aura fits the block better though. Also, with Wizards' new restrictions on protection, I'm not sure the new card could be printed.
Edit: BTW, I'm very happy to hear that bravelion supports my thoughts on brainwash.
I mostly do, though I do still have one doubt about the creature with brainwash having practically 1 more power than it looks like at first. For us it's no problem, but is it for less experienced players? It may very well be, in which case a wording like those Doombringer suggested would be best. What I say is for now let's keep everything as is, when we have more playtest we can reevaluate that. I can also see cards like the Mindflayer caring about "creatures with -1/-1 counters" rather than "brainwashed creatures", it would indeed be more backwards compatible but less flavorful, and anyway I think the "underlays" help with that, but again I haven't done any playtest yet so I'm not sure. On the rest I essentially agree.
EDIT: Today is the first time my card for the DCC has been inspired by Ormos, in particular by our need for cards forcing attacks:
Merfolk Provoker3UU
Creature — Merfolk Wizard (R)
When Merfolk Provoker enters the battlefield or at the beginning of your upkeep, put a 2/2 Merfolk Soldier token onto the battlefield. T: Target creature attacks you this turn if able. “Now we are enough and ready for combat!”
2/2
The flavor text is generic and I'd like that to change, but I'm going to add this to the spreadsheet anyway.
Although I agree that putting a -1/-1 counter on a creature as a replacement instead of how we have it might turn out to be the way to go, I definitely wouldn't want to eliminate all cards that care about brainwashed creatures and replace them with cards that care about -1/-1 counters. If we apply this logic to renown, Consul's Lieutenant would read like this....
Consul's Lieutenant
Creature - Human Soldier
First strike
Renown 1 (When this creature deals combat damage to a player, if doesn't have a +1/+1 counter on it, put a +1/+1 counter on it.)
Whenever Consul's Lieutenant attacks, if it has a +1/+1 counter on it, other attacking creatures you control get +1/+1 until end of turn.
2/1
Why have a creature become renowned if the ability could just read like this? I know this changes renown a bit, but I think it changes it less than what Doombringer is suggesting for brainwash. I also know this comparison isn't exactly apples to apples, but it certainly isn't apples to oranges either. It's more like Granny Smiths to Honeycrisps. The only change I would like to make to Brotherhood Mindflayer prior to testing is to make it a 1/1 instead of a 1/2. Again, I don't think the card is that much better than Black Cat. In certain scenarios, it's actually worse.
I'm not sure I get the flavor behind Merfolk Provoker. Why does it put out tokens? Also, I definitely wouldn't want the FT of any Brotherhood cards to reference battle in any way. There is no true all out battle going on in this set, right? Brotherhood cards really shouldn't start referencing battle or blatant physical aggression until the second set.
Edit: BTW, I'm not positive having the -1/-1 counters be put on as a replacement effect would even be that much easier for new players to understand. I find that replacement effects are some of the most difficult things for new people to grasp. Even people in the CCC forums here mess up replacement effects more than almost any other effect (that includes me).
Edit2: I know wither isn't a "true" replacement effect, but it basically acts like one since the damage that is usually marked on a creature is replaced by -1/-1 counters.
Also, as a further comparison to renown, doesn't Wizards have the same problem with blocks around Origins as we have with Ormos? There are ways in standard to put a +1/+1 counter on a renown creature that isn't yet renowned. I know brainwash has the added baggage of being -1/-1 counters, but I reject Wizards restriction on mixing +1/+1 counters and -1/-1 counters. I wouldn't want them to be mixed in limited, but I wouldn't apply this restriction to standard if I ran Wizards. I would just be careful to not have anything in rotation that is broken as a result of the mix.
(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)
I'm not sure I get the flavor behind Merfolk Provoker. Why does it put out tokens?
So that you have something to block the creature you're forcing to attack. A purely mechanical reason, no flavor involved.
Also, I definitely wouldn't want the FT of any Brotherhood cards to reference battle in any way...
Neither do I, I just wanted to come up with one for the DCC, well aware that we'd have to change it here. In fact, I'm asking for suggestions for FT in the sheet if you notice.
As for the rest, I reiterate my will to playtest anything as is before making any change.
Another thing: because of real life things (namely: I've found a temporary job for a month), I might be a bit less active on the forum starting tomorrow. I'll still be there, don't worry.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016 DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for: "Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index.Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
I might be able to playtest at saturday. I have shown my friends some of the cards (the rare dual lands, the ministers and some uncommons) and got very positive feedback, especially about brainwash.
Did you ever get a chance to do this? If so, how did it go?
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
(22 Total) - October 2014; December 2014; January 2015; April 2015; June 2015; August 2015; September 2015; November 2015; December 2015(T); January 2016; March 2016(T); April 2016; June 2016; October 2016; December 2016(T); February 2017; April 2017; December 2017; November 2018(T); January 2019; April 2019; June 2019
(8 Total) - May 2015; May 2016; June 2016; August 2016; October 2016; December 2016; October 2017; May 2019
(7 Total) - September 2015; October 2015; January 2016; March 2016; April 2016; July 2016(T); March 2019(T)
Sadly, I didn't get to playtest. Looks like the action slows down again.
I haven't gotten a chance to playtest lately either. At this point, I would like to fill in the rest of the set, then print it out and draft it with some friends. As far as the action slowing down, I'm here. I still check the spreadsheet and thread everyday, adding cards and commenting on other's cards in the spreadsheet where applicable. I've been holding back so that our set isn't dominated by Flatline designs. I could finish off the rest of the set by next week, but I think it would turn out better if others were actively involved, so I have refrained from doing so as much as I can.
Edit: BTW, when I say "finish the set" I just mean the pre-tested first draft of the set. I'm sure we'll need to make some adjustments after playtest.
(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)
Is anybody out there? I am disappointed that we seem to have lost all momentum for our block. One way or another, I intend to have the entire set printed and ready to draft by the end of November, otherwise I am going to start to lose my own personal momentum for the set. I hope that others are on board for this goal.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
(22 Total) - October 2014; December 2014; January 2015; April 2015; June 2015; August 2015; September 2015; November 2015; December 2015(T); January 2016; March 2016(T); April 2016; June 2016; October 2016; December 2016(T); February 2017; April 2017; December 2017; November 2018(T); January 2019; April 2019; June 2019
(8 Total) - May 2015; May 2016; June 2016; August 2016; October 2016; December 2016; October 2017; May 2019
(7 Total) - September 2015; October 2015; January 2016; March 2016; April 2016; July 2016(T); March 2019(T)
You know what my "problem" is these days... for three more weeks I will have to give precedence to my job. Others are probably just waiting for us, as they were in the beginning. I'll see if I have the time to design some rares here and there.
EDIT: I left comments and designed some new rares in the sheet. Only seven rares are missing now, of which only one creature in black. I'd like to start building some decks to playtest myself, but it will be hard to do that soon. My job is taking the best part of my working days (and in fact I'm doing this on a Sunday), but I'm still here, don't worry!
MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016 DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for: "Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index.Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
I'm wondering if Tilwin's original idea for his rare lands is indeed the better way to go. I haven't done a lot of play-testing but, during the small amount I did do, I found that the drawback for these didn't usually affect much. More often than not, these were just strictly better than a basic land. For reference, here's where they are now....
Radiant Thicket
Land (R)
: Add to your mana pool.
: Add or to your mana pool. Activate this ability only during your turn.
and here's what I'm suggesting they should be....
Radiant Thicket
Land (R)
: Add to your mana pool.
: Add or to your mana pool. Activate this ability only any time you could cast a sorcery.
Again, this thought stems from very limited play-testing, but I think we should change it.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
(22 Total) - October 2014; December 2014; January 2015; April 2015; June 2015; August 2015; September 2015; November 2015; December 2015(T); January 2016; March 2016(T); April 2016; June 2016; October 2016; December 2016(T); February 2017; April 2017; December 2017; November 2018(T); January 2019; April 2019; June 2019
(8 Total) - May 2015; May 2016; June 2016; August 2016; October 2016; December 2016; October 2017; May 2019
(7 Total) - September 2015; October 2015; January 2016; March 2016; April 2016; July 2016(T); March 2019(T)
Be aware that sets are long term projects with ebbs and flows. I personally haven't worked on Dreamscape for about 2 weeks due to all my playtesters having exams but that hardly means the set is dead.
I like the sorcery speed dual land though I'd also experiment with versions without the colorless line.
Be aware that sets are long term projects with ebbs and flows. I personally haven't worked on Dreamscape for about 2 weeks due to all my playtesters having exams but that hardly means the set is dead.
I understand this, and don't mean to sound impatient, it's just that we are very close to having all our slots filled for a first draft for play-testing, and we've been ebbing for a while now. I would prefer if we could get the last 15 or so cards made, then ebb while I play-test what we have. Of course RL comes first, and we could pause for a bit if others want to, but nobody on the team has communicated to me that they would like to do that.
I like the sorcery speed dual land though I'd also experiment with versions without the colorless line.
That is actually what Tilwin originally designed before lion and I talked him out of it. I'm starting to think that maybe we shouldn't have talked him out of it.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
(22 Total) - October 2014; December 2014; January 2015; April 2015; June 2015; August 2015; September 2015; November 2015; December 2015(T); January 2016; March 2016(T); April 2016; June 2016; October 2016; December 2016(T); February 2017; April 2017; December 2017; November 2018(T); January 2019; April 2019; June 2019
(8 Total) - May 2015; May 2016; June 2016; August 2016; October 2016; December 2016; October 2017; May 2019
(7 Total) - September 2015; October 2015; January 2016; March 2016; April 2016; July 2016(T); March 2019(T)
I do not want to pause. I just need to slow down for a while (16 more days until the end of my job for now), but not stop at all.
I understand the issue Flatline raised about the lands, and maybe his proposed solution is indeed the best way to go. I think the lands being able to be used for colorless mana at any time is necessary, otherwise they are useless unless during your main phase, and producing colorless mana the majority of the time is already a drawback. Of course this talk is just theoretical, if playtest says it's better to drop the "T: Add 1" ability that takes precedence.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016 DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for: "Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index.Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
I have eight more days of work, so I'll still be less active for that amount of time. Anyway, now I have about an hour free so I'll take a look at the sheet and leave comments there right now.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016 DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for: "Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index.Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
I made some comments in the rare spreadsheet. Even though I haven't posted in the thread lately, I still check the spreadsheet everyday and comment where applicable.
I got in a little more playtesting of those decks I made. I'll post the decks and the results later today. I promise.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
(22 Total) - October 2014; December 2014; January 2015; April 2015; June 2015; August 2015; September 2015; November 2015; December 2015(T); January 2016; March 2016(T); April 2016; June 2016; October 2016; December 2016(T); February 2017; April 2017; December 2017; November 2018(T); January 2019; April 2019; June 2019
(8 Total) - May 2015; May 2016; June 2016; August 2016; October 2016; December 2016; October 2017; May 2019
(7 Total) - September 2015; October 2015; January 2016; March 2016; April 2016; July 2016(T); March 2019(T)
(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)
As promised, here's the decklists of the two decks I've been testing (finally). They are meant to be Intro-type decks, so they aren't supposed to be super-powerful, and there's a lot of one-offs. Also, I didn't mix and match factions between the decks, each deck contains only cards flavored for its faction. Here they are....
Creatures:
1x Venakian Beastcaller (The version in the deck is a 3/4 Hexproof for 6. I need to change it to the current version.)
2x Kunfar Sparkmage
2x Ainok Dissident
2x Saddled Beast
2x Wilderness Channeler (This is the old embolden cost version.)
1x Furious Pack
1x Impatient Dissenter
1x Leonin Rioter
1x Chained Baloth
2x Empowered Defector
1x Rebel Chip Sniffer
1x Alleyway Medic
1x Trained Jackal
1x Kunfar Instigator
1x Tenacious Mongrel
1x Elvish Recruiter
1x Venak Berserker
1x Contraband Smuggler
2x Venakian Memorialist
Non-creature:
2x Molotov Cocktail
1x Hit the Stone
2x Break the Bonds (The geen common fight version)
1x Resonating Anger
1x Exploring Belkin
2x Wild Rebellion
2x Makeshift Shiv
1x Jereven's Charm
1x Inquisitive Recall
1x Peacekeeper's Strike
1x Holding cell
1x Shock Manacles
1x Mass Roundup
1x Information Chip
2x Dispelling Sermon
1x Reform
1x Inaction Injunction
1x Re-Education Retreat
1x Pervasive Chip
1x Bartall's Charm (This is the old version, before the counterspell was added.)
1x Tangle of Bureaucracy
Lands:
2x Lustrous Shore
11x Island
12x Plains
Thoughts...
-The Rebel deck is currently up 5 games to 3.
-The Rebels can sometimes deal a lot of damage rather quickly. My friend had two games the other night in which he dealt me 10 or more damage in 1 turn with some combination of Wild Rebellion (which is super-strong) and Molotov Cocktail.
-The same friend insists that Kunfar Instigator is too good, but I'm not so sure. If anything, I think Venakina Beastcaller could be bumped up more, but the version we are playing with has hexproof instead of the current version, so I'd like to try the new version first (I have a few cards that need updating in the decks).
-Jereven's Charm seems somewhat underwhelming.
-It may be that too many of the Rebel cards are pushed, but I'm not willing to say for sure after so little playtesting.
-Reform and Peacekeeper's Strike continue to seems a bit redundant to me, but I suppose that's ok.
-Brainwash hasn't played a major factor in many of the games, but the Brotherhood deck only has a minor focus on it. I'm thinking about making an all in U/B brainwash deck next.
-I continue to think the sorcery lands might need to be reverted back to Tilwin's original design, but I want to keep testing them as is for now.
-All in all, the decks both play rather well. The Rebel deck is actually quite strong, but the Brotherhood deck could probably use a little tuning. I think this is more an indication of the deck build than anything else though.
(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)
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Brotherhood Mindflayer 1B
Creature - Rat Wizard (C)
Brainwash (Whenever this deals damage to a creature without a -1/-1 counter, the first point of damage is dealt in the form of a -1/-1 counter.)
When Brotherhood Mindflayer dies, each opponent that controls a creature with a -1/-1 counter on it discards a card at random.
"Your thoughts are impure!"
1/2
Pros: Hugely reduces parasitism, reduces tracking, allows -1/-1 counters in other forms, reduces stress of adjacent sets, allows flavorful designs of pre-brainwashed cards similar to Bloodied Ghost
Cons: Tiny reduction in flavor (which we mentioned we didn't grok anyway.), Flavor across sets becomes more blurry similar to persist's -1/-1 counters meaning something different than infects.
Adjust the flavor as needed
Brotherhood Drone 1W
Creature - Human Drone (C)
Brotherhood Drone enters the battlefield with a -1/-1 counter on it.
When you suppress all will and desire, what's left is the perfect tool of the Brotherhood.
3/3
Nullifier of Impulse 2U
Creature - Human Wizard (C)
Brainwash (Whenever this deals damage to a creature without a -1/-1 counter, the first point of damage is dealt in the form of a -1/-1 counter.)
Rebels caught by the Brotherhood are not killed, instead they are returned to society bereft of all thoughts of resistance.
1/4
Brotherhood Interrogation 1B
Sorcery (C)
Put a -1/-1 counter on target creature you don't control, its controller reveals his or her hand. You choose a noncreature, nonland card from it. That player discards that card.
A captured rebel doesn't crack, instead their devotion to their cause is twisted to a devotion to serve.
Drone Taskmaster 3B
Creature - Rat Cleric (U)
Brainwash (Whenever this deals damage to a creature without a -1/-1 counter, the first point of damage is dealt in the form of a -1/-1 counter.)
Whenever a creature with a -1/-1 counter you don't control attacks or blocks, put a -1/-1 counter on it.
"Those who actively resist enslavement only compound their fate."
3/2
Anything I miss? I mean reminder cards isn't exactly an elegant solution especially when the payoff is so small.
I will note that it is also my opinion that Brainwash may not be the best name for the mechanic (any version of it.) Some alternate suggestions include: Willbreak, Cripple, Impair, Enfeeble, Repress, Subdue, etc...
Are you designing commons? Check out my primer on NWO.
Interested in making a custom set? Check out my Set skeleton and archetype primer.
I also write articles about getting started with custom card creation.
Go and PLAYTEST your designs, you will learn more in a single playtests than a dozen discussions.
My custom sets:
Dreamscape
Coins of Mercalis [COMPLETE]
Exodus of Zendikar - ON HOLD
BTW, I really like Brotherhood Interrogation. I'm wondering if we could still fit that in somewhere in the commons. The flavor text is great.
Why do you wan't it to only care about brainwashed creatures?
-1/-1 counters are already a really minor aspect of MtG. Do you think the ability to remove potential interaction (making the mechanic more parasitic, and remember -1/-1 counters are already pretty rare.) is really worth the ability to push the power level a tiny bit more?
The other potential issue is that you may want to give a creature -1/-1 counter without the flavor of Brainwashing it. But doesn't that just decrease the flavor or Brainwash? Isn't it better to make all -1/-1 counters a form of Brainwashing or Suppression in the set to create a more cohesive vorthos understanding of what the mechanics mean? My Brotherhood Drone and Brotherhood Interrogation cards show how this could be done.
Glad you like it, your set has a lot of potential flavor, its just about making the best mechanics that fit that flavor.
Are you designing commons? Check out my primer on NWO.
Interested in making a custom set? Check out my Set skeleton and archetype primer.
I also write articles about getting started with custom card creation.
Go and PLAYTEST your designs, you will learn more in a single playtests than a dozen discussions.
My custom sets:
Dreamscape
Coins of Mercalis [COMPLETE]
Exodus of Zendikar - ON HOLD
You're correct, I am overrating this.
There are ways to put a -1/-1 counter on a creature without brainwashing it that still make perfect sense from a flavor standpoint. This design from bravelion is a perfect example....
Creature - Human Rebel (U)
Feigner of Obedience enters the battlefield with a -1/-1 counter on it.
, : Move a counter from target creature onto a second target creature.
"The Brotherhood caught me and tried to brainwash me. I let them believe they succeeded."
2/2
Again, I'm not going to claim that I know I'm right here, but I still like brainwash enough to let play-testing decide if it really needs to change so drastically. Like most people, I loved renown, and I feel like you're saying that type of effect could never be something you trigger on a creature an opponent controls, which seems short sighted to me. I totally understand your concerns about brainwash as it is, and have had the same concerns myself, if play-testing shows these concerns are too much to overcome, we will have to rethink the mechanic. To be honest though, I think I'd rather scrap it entirely than change it to the version you've suggested above, which just seems like a weak wither to me. Most of our other mechanics are pretty straight forward (except maybe Implants), so I'd like to have at least one new mechanic that is new and interesting.
Brainwash (Whenever this deals damage to a creature without a -1/-1 counter, 1 of that damage is dealt in the form of a -1/-1 counter.)
Are you designing commons? Check out my primer on NWO.
Interested in making a custom set? Check out my Set skeleton and archetype primer.
I also write articles about getting started with custom card creation.
Go and PLAYTEST your designs, you will learn more in a single playtests than a dozen discussions.
My custom sets:
Dreamscape
Coins of Mercalis [COMPLETE]
Exodus of Zendikar - ON HOLD
I for one do not want to change anything for now, at least until we playtest more than just one of us a couple times. Also, I am firmly against changing the name of the mechanic, it just makes too much sense in our world/story/flavor though I understand that external people that aren't as invested in those aspects as we are may see it differently. I pretty much agree with anything Flatline said, except maybe for the fact that the exact wording of the mechanic could be refined, but not now. Playtest will tell if we need to do that. Playtest will tell us everything actually, and I almost feel like we're actually discussing about nothing without playtest. It's also written in Doombringer's own signature (and it's perfectly true): "Go and PLAYTEST your designs, you will learn more in a single playtest than a dozen discussions." Here's the point: we haven't done that single playtest yet! When we do, we will learn what can stay and what has to change and how it needs to change, but until then it's just a theoretical discussion that I don't know how much sense it makes honestly. Anyway, I repeat from the episode thread, listening to the podcast has made me realize like never before the difference between taking a card in a vacuum vs its own environment, and I am thankful for that and the critique (which I was expecting to be even harsher actually). We will certainly keep all that has been said in mind after our first full round of playtest, which again we still have to do.
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.)
We also have Griffenback Archer, although that's in white, so it would require a splash for the R/G archetype. I kinda like that the pinging is different, and escalates up the cycle. Although I think Fuselighter might be a bit strong. I could be wrong though.
I added some of the rares from my rare card dump to the spreadsheet. I only added the ones I really liked that lion also liked, or at least didn't object to. I also added a couple that aren't from that list.
Edit: BTW, I'm very happy to hear that bravelion supports my thoughts on brainwash.
I mostly do, though I do still have one doubt about the creature with brainwash having practically 1 more power than it looks like at first. For us it's no problem, but is it for less experienced players? It may very well be, in which case a wording like those Doombringer suggested would be best. What I say is for now let's keep everything as is, when we have more playtest we can reevaluate that. I can also see cards like the Mindflayer caring about "creatures with -1/-1 counters" rather than "brainwashed creatures", it would indeed be more backwards compatible but less flavorful, and anyway I think the "underlays" help with that, but again I haven't done any playtest yet so I'm not sure. On the rest I essentially agree.
EDIT: Today is the first time my card for the DCC has been inspired by Ormos, in particular by our need for cards forcing attacks:
The flavor text is generic and I'd like that to change, but I'm going to add this to the spreadsheet anyway.
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.)
Although I like this card, I also like the Archon aura. I think the Archon aura fits the block better though. Also, with Wizards' new restrictions on protection, I'm not sure the new card could be printed.
Although I agree that putting a -1/-1 counter on a creature as a replacement instead of how we have it might turn out to be the way to go, I definitely wouldn't want to eliminate all cards that care about brainwashed creatures and replace them with cards that care about -1/-1 counters. If we apply this logic to renown, Consul's Lieutenant would read like this....
Consul's Lieutenant
Creature - Human Soldier
First strike
Renown 1 (When this creature deals combat damage to a player, if doesn't have a +1/+1 counter on it, put a +1/+1 counter on it.)
Whenever Consul's Lieutenant attacks, if it has a +1/+1 counter on it, other attacking creatures you control get +1/+1 until end of turn.
2/1
Why have a creature become renowned if the ability could just read like this? I know this changes renown a bit, but I think it changes it less than what Doombringer is suggesting for brainwash. I also know this comparison isn't exactly apples to apples, but it certainly isn't apples to oranges either. It's more like Granny Smiths to Honeycrisps. The only change I would like to make to Brotherhood Mindflayer prior to testing is to make it a 1/1 instead of a 1/2. Again, I don't think the card is that much better than Black Cat. In certain scenarios, it's actually worse.
I'm not sure I get the flavor behind Merfolk Provoker. Why does it put out tokens? Also, I definitely wouldn't want the FT of any Brotherhood cards to reference battle in any way. There is no true all out battle going on in this set, right? Brotherhood cards really shouldn't start referencing battle or blatant physical aggression until the second set.
Edit: BTW, I'm not positive having the -1/-1 counters be put on as a replacement effect would even be that much easier for new players to understand. I find that replacement effects are some of the most difficult things for new people to grasp. Even people in the CCC forums here mess up replacement effects more than almost any other effect (that includes me).
Edit2: I know wither isn't a "true" replacement effect, but it basically acts like one since the damage that is usually marked on a creature is replaced by -1/-1 counters.
Also, as a further comparison to renown, doesn't Wizards have the same problem with blocks around Origins as we have with Ormos? There are ways in standard to put a +1/+1 counter on a renown creature that isn't yet renowned. I know brainwash has the added baggage of being -1/-1 counters, but I reject Wizards restriction on mixing +1/+1 counters and -1/-1 counters. I wouldn't want them to be mixed in limited, but I wouldn't apply this restriction to standard if I ran Wizards. I would just be careful to not have anything in rotation that is broken as a result of the mix.
So that you have something to block the creature you're forcing to attack. A purely mechanical reason, no flavor involved.
Neither do I, I just wanted to come up with one for the DCC, well aware that we'd have to change it here. In fact, I'm asking for suggestions for FT in the sheet if you notice.
As for the rest, I reiterate my will to playtest anything as is before making any change.
Another thing: because of real life things (namely: I've found a temporary job for a month), I might be a bit less active on the forum starting tomorrow. I'll still be there, don't worry.
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.)
Did you ever get a chance to do this? If so, how did it go?
I haven't gotten a chance to playtest lately either. At this point, I would like to fill in the rest of the set, then print it out and draft it with some friends. As far as the action slowing down, I'm here. I still check the spreadsheet and thread everyday, adding cards and commenting on other's cards in the spreadsheet where applicable. I've been holding back so that our set isn't dominated by Flatline designs. I could finish off the rest of the set by next week, but I think it would turn out better if others were actively involved, so I have refrained from doing so as much as I can.
Edit: BTW, when I say "finish the set" I just mean the pre-tested first draft of the set. I'm sure we'll need to make some adjustments after playtest.
Edit2: I changed Brotherhood Mindflayer to 1/1.
EDIT: I left comments and designed some new rares in the sheet. Only seven rares are missing now, of which only one creature in black. I'd like to start building some decks to playtest myself, but it will be hard to do that soon. My job is taking the best part of my working days (and in fact I'm doing this on a Sunday), but I'm still here, don't worry!
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.)
Land (R)
: Add to your mana pool.
: Add or to your mana pool. Activate this ability only during your turn.
and here's what I'm suggesting they should be....
Land (R)
: Add to your mana pool.
: Add or to your mana pool. Activate this ability only any time you could cast a sorcery.
Again, this thought stems from very limited play-testing, but I think we should change it.
I like the sorcery speed dual land though I'd also experiment with versions without the colorless line.
Are you designing commons? Check out my primer on NWO.
Interested in making a custom set? Check out my Set skeleton and archetype primer.
I also write articles about getting started with custom card creation.
Go and PLAYTEST your designs, you will learn more in a single playtests than a dozen discussions.
My custom sets:
Dreamscape
Coins of Mercalis [COMPLETE]
Exodus of Zendikar - ON HOLD
I understand this, and don't mean to sound impatient, it's just that we are very close to having all our slots filled for a first draft for play-testing, and we've been ebbing for a while now. I would prefer if we could get the last 15 or so cards made, then ebb while I play-test what we have. Of course RL comes first, and we could pause for a bit if others want to, but nobody on the team has communicated to me that they would like to do that.
That is actually what Tilwin originally designed before lion and I talked him out of it. I'm starting to think that maybe we shouldn't have talked him out of it.
I understand the issue Flatline raised about the lands, and maybe his proposed solution is indeed the best way to go. I think the lands being able to be used for colorless mana at any time is necessary, otherwise they are useless unless during your main phase, and producing colorless mana the majority of the time is already a drawback. Of course this talk is just theoretical, if playtest says it's better to drop the "T: Add 1" ability that takes precedence.
MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here)
CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016
DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for:
"Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index. Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
I've added some rares in the last couple days. I would love to hear your comments!
MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here)
CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016
DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for:
"Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index. Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
I got in a little more playtesting of those decks I made. I'll post the decks and the results later today. I promise.
http://www.mtgsalvation.com/forums/creativity/custom-card-creation/custom-set-creation-and/622473-orm-brotherhood-of-ormos
1x Venakian Beastcaller (The version in the deck is a 3/4 Hexproof for 6. I need to change it to the current version.)
2x Kunfar Sparkmage
2x Ainok Dissident
2x Saddled Beast
2x Wilderness Channeler (This is the old embolden cost version.)
1x Furious Pack
1x Impatient Dissenter
1x Leonin Rioter
1x Chained Baloth
2x Empowered Defector
1x Rebel Chip Sniffer
1x Alleyway Medic
1x Trained Jackal
1x Kunfar Instigator
1x Tenacious Mongrel
1x Elvish Recruiter
1x Venak Berserker
1x Contraband Smuggler
2x Venakian Memorialist
Non-creature:
2x Molotov Cocktail
1x Hit the Stone
2x Break the Bonds (The geen common fight version)
1x Resonating Anger
1x Exploring Belkin
2x Wild Rebellion
2x Makeshift Shiv
Lands:
2x Deserted Realm
10x Mountain
12x Forest
1x Fanatical Follower
2x Skysoar Nephyte
2x Unencumbered Inquisitor
2x Orithian Drone-Rider
1x Twisted Philoshopher
1x Checkpoint Guard
1x Father's Chaplain
1x Siltshore Inspector
1x Ministry Processor
1x Mollification Mage
2x Dahl's Elite
1x Plated Loader
1x Aven Informant
1x Dahl's Advisor
1x Suveillance Sweeper
1x Elite Peacekeeper
Noncreatures:
1x Jereven's Charm
1x Inquisitive Recall
1x Peacekeeper's Strike
1x Holding cell
1x Shock Manacles
1x Mass Roundup
1x Information Chip
2x Dispelling Sermon
1x Reform
1x Inaction Injunction
1x Re-Education Retreat
1x Pervasive Chip
1x Bartall's Charm (This is the old version, before the counterspell was added.)
1x Tangle of Bureaucracy
Lands:
2x Lustrous Shore
11x Island
12x Plains
Thoughts...
-The Rebel deck is currently up 5 games to 3.
-The Rebels can sometimes deal a lot of damage rather quickly. My friend had two games the other night in which he dealt me 10 or more damage in 1 turn with some combination of Wild Rebellion (which is super-strong) and Molotov Cocktail.
-The same friend insists that Kunfar Instigator is too good, but I'm not so sure. If anything, I think Venakina Beastcaller could be bumped up more, but the version we are playing with has hexproof instead of the current version, so I'd like to try the new version first (I have a few cards that need updating in the decks).
-Jereven's Charm seems somewhat underwhelming.
-It may be that too many of the Rebel cards are pushed, but I'm not willing to say for sure after so little playtesting.
-Reform and Peacekeeper's Strike continue to seems a bit redundant to me, but I suppose that's ok.
-Brainwash hasn't played a major factor in many of the games, but the Brotherhood deck only has a minor focus on it. I'm thinking about making an all in U/B brainwash deck next.
-I continue to think the sorcery lands might need to be reverted back to Tilwin's original design, but I want to keep testing them as is for now.
-All in all, the decks both play rather well. The Rebel deck is actually quite strong, but the Brotherhood deck could probably use a little tuning. I think this is more an indication of the deck build than anything else though.
I'll try to add some more thoughts on this later.