Well, I'm out for this month. Forgot about color identity, given how tricky a new morph effect is to concept in four days. Garruk was all about flavor (canonically, he's 8 feet, 2 inches tall). The minus ability was meant to illustrate him lending the strength he gained from his menagerie. Mental Tremor was meant to be a riff on Words of Wisdom. Everyone draws, opponents loot. It was off color, and I forgot to go back and change it.
What you did was insulting and just provided more affirmation of my preexisting feelings towards this competition.
Well then, you can take over for void_nothing when they leave for MTG Nexus and run the CCC&G here yourself. Then you can happily preside over all the submissions missing crucial text to make their cards function that shouldn't be DQ'd and instead get a participation trophy.
"I PM'd both Algernone25 and IcariiFA after their initial submissions because their cards would have caused them to be DQ'd."
Thanks for extending that same courtesy equally--I'd hate to think player favoritism existed in this competition.
I didn't read the cards in Round 1 prior to judging. I saw everyone submitted a split card with Fuse and moved on. The cards met the challenge. I didn't have the time then to proofread everyone's submission. That's supposed to be done by the players before the deadline.
In Round 2, I saw two different entries that had a mechanic that didn't meet the main challenge and informed the designers to the deadline. I don't do favoritism. Members of this community I've known get treated exactly the same way as everyone else in the CCC&G. I should have just followed Moss's example and stated no discussion on judgments.
Seems slow and clunky, however with some interesting ETB effects it could be busted. Anything that pings for 2+ damage upon entry this could get nuts. Now only if we had Nekrataal...
'buster
You mean the much less restricted Nekrataal that was printed in Rivals of Ixlan? Yes, it lacks first strike, but same casting cost and it can kill Black and/or Artifact creatures.
Hemlock did not design a new mechanic for an alternate casting cost. Classic cards such as Force of Will and Fireblast have alternate casting costs which have never been defined by a specific mechanic. As such, I would also not DQ Hemlock. The only condition was to not use Flashback or Suspend.
I PM'd both Algernone25 and IcariiFA after their initial submissions because their cards would have caused them to be DQ'd. One or both utilized Unearth, which is not an alternate casting cost. If I thought a submission should have been DQ'd, they wouldn't have made it into a judgment bracket.
Intermission Eventide Sojourner(U/R)G(W/B)
Legendary Creature- Avatar
Protection from monocolored
You may spend mana as though it were of any type. T: Put a land card from your hand onto the battlefield.
3/3
Sorry to disappoint, but WotC already printed my card many moons ago. I still don't know how RKF got my high school yearbook picture.
Teyo's Defiance2WW
Instant (R)
Choose two. You may choose the same mode more than once.
Exile target creature.
Counter target spell that targets you or a permanent you control.
Target permanent gains indestructible until end of turn.
Design (1/3) Appeal: Clones tend to have appeal across the board, though with the extra legwork needed, it's a little less useful to Timmy. Also, since it does nothing unless morphed, it also loses a great deal of appeal. (2.5/3) Elegance: The wording needs some improvement, but the concept comes across without much deciphering needed.
Development (1/3) Viability: So, what happens if this is cast via a cascade trigger or some other method? Nothing. It is a 0/0 creature with no abilities. If you happen to get it onto the field face down, and have the 1URG open to flip it... If the first ability was "When ~ ETBs or is turned face up," it would be more playable. As is, it's much more fragile. This also does not need to be Mythic; Rare would be fine. (2/3) Balance: In Limited, this is a struggle, due to the three color activation cost. In Constructed, it's fragile due to needing to protect a 2/2 until you have the mana to morph it.
Creativity (2.5/3) Uniqueness: I enjoyed the prior version, which reminded of an Evil Twin variant. It would have been very representative of doppelganger mythology. Other than the aforementioned card, the combination of cloning and fighting has not been used. (2/3) Flavor: Had you stuck with the prior version, the name would have been more fitting. With the changes, less so. If I wasn't aware of the earlier variant, I would be confused by the name.
Polish (2/3) Quality: "When Apex Impostor is turned face up, you may have it become a copy of any other creature on the battlefield. If you do, you may have Apex Impostor fight target creature you don't control." Lines up with Clone effects, since you aren't targeting for the copy. Cleaner wording. (2/2) *Main Challenge: Alternate casting cost present? Yes. (1/2) Subchallenges: Different/additional effect with alternate casting cost? No. Putting the card face down as a megamorph for 3 is the alternate cost, not turning the card face up. No mana cost? Yes.
Total: 16/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
Design (2/3) Appeal: Self Madness enabler and hand destroyer for opponents? Timmy thinks you're mean. (3/3) Elegance: Nothing to misunderstand here, provided you see the potential.
Development (3/3) Viability: Specter in Black, with a splash of Red? Works for me. Being able to possibly chain Madness cards, including additional copies of this, via the cast or damage triggers? Love it. Hardest part will be getting the first one on the board, but you likely have this in a deck designed to make that happen. Rare is just the right fit. (2.5/3) Balance: A 2/3 flyer for CD isn't outside the realm of possibility, but, given the restriction of finding a way to pitch it first balances the effective cost. Can be powerful in Limited, especially if built around, though only being a 2/3 would restrict it slightly in Constructed.
Creativity (2.5/3) Uniqueness: Making all players discard on damage is new for a Specter. Being a Madness enabler? That's a new approach to a classic creature type. (3/3) Flavor: As a psychotic specter, I want to name him "Saren" (there's a reference more than a decade old). The name fits since he makes everyone discard and helps you with your madness.
Polish (2.5/3) Quality: "When you cast this spell, if its madness cost was paid, you may..." Based on Brain Gorgers errata update. "Whenever Psychotic Specter deals..." Check any Specter. (2/2) *Main Challenge: Alternate casting cost present? Yes. (2/2) Subchallenges: Different/additional effect with alternate casting cost? Yes. No mana cost? Yes.
Total: 22.5/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
Design (1/3) Appeal: Johnny and Spike would love this card at first glance. Then they would read it again and realize what it actually said. Timmy has a headache. (2.5/3) Elegance: I understand what the card was trying to do. It just can't get there on its own.
Development (1/3) Viability: Dash away all, but the second ability does not work. Each time that 'Tezil' changes zones from your hand to the battlefield and back again, it is a new object. The dash cost can never be paid twice because it is seen as a new object each time. You would need another card in a visible zone that was tracking the names of spells you cast (ala Pyromancer Ascension) in a single turn to register multiple castings. The hand is not a visible zone. (2/3) Balance: Solid in Limited, but not a bomb. Takes work in Constructed, but can be a good utility. Being able to reliably pay URG for a pair of 1/1s with haste each turn is decent, without being excessive. Having 4 power across two creatures for that cost is also reasonable. If the second ability worked, it would be very strong for six mana, but not broken, as it would only double tokens. It could be knocked down to Rare.
Creativity (2/3) Uniqueness: It reminded me of Stormfront Riders at first, but, well, Red, and with less of a drawback. (2/3) Flavor: I really hate that WotC didn't have Viashino on Tarkir. That would have made so much more sense with Dash. He's rather beefy for a Shaman. I don't see the need for this to be Legendary.
Polish (2/3) Quality: No templating errors in the first section. As noted before, the card can't track how many times it has been cast in a single turn, especially when it moves back to the hand. (2/2) *Main Challenge: Alternate casting cost present? Yes. (1/2) Subchallenges: Different/additional effect with alternate casting cost? No, as mentioned above (can't track second dash cost being paid). No mana cost? Yes.
Total: 14.5/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
Second Group
Design (3/3) Appeal: Timmy loves Elves. Johnny and Spike love potentially free spells. (2.5/3) Elegance: It's a little wordy (well, a lot, actually - MSE has ten small font lines, including the reminder text), but the what and how questions are answered clearly.
Development (2.5/3) Viability: It's Green, well inside the rules, and Mythic. I'd bring it down to Rare, as it doesn't have the 'grandeur' that one would expect for that rarity, nor the power level. (2.5/3) Balance: With the wording chosen, you need at least three creatures on the board before you can cast this (no cheating with Civic Wayfinder). Now, once you can cast one, you could unload your hand in the off chance you have a grip sitting there. This can potentially clear the road for free, but the Prowl is a better payoff as the damage is one-sided in that instance.
Creativity (2.5/3) Uniqueness: ETB fight triggers exist. The only other creature with a Prowl trigger was Earwig Squad, and I still have promo copies I couldn't pay people to take off my hands. This is better. (2.5/3) Flavor: Lorwyn Elves hunting people. Ah, memories. The inclusion of the prowl mechanic not only ties back to Lorwyn block, but it works with the card name and effect as well. My question is what makes this a Druid, as there's no mana production or land interaction.
Polish (2.25/3) Quality: There is a comma missing from the reminder text after 'Druid'. "When Elvish Predation Pack enters the battlefield, it fights up to one target creature you don’t control." There needs to be a 'may' or 'up to one' clause in case there are no legal targets when it enters (like Kraul Harpooner. Cards where these phrases aren't present have other options (like Ayula, Queen Among Bears). (2/2) *Main Challenge: Alternate casting cost present? Yes. Twice. You don't get bonus points. (2/2) Subchallenges: Different/additional effect with alternate casting cost? Yes. No mana cost? Yes.
Total: 21.75/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
Design (1/3) Appeal: Um... I don't know who wants this. (1/3) Elegance: I had to reread this a handful of times to figure out it doesn't do anything on its own. And the two disparate effects should be on different lines.
Development (1/3) Viability: What does this do if it isn't cast via Miracle or Madness? Nothing. This feels more like it was meant to be designed as a Split card with Fuse or a card with Entwine. Power level wise, this would need to be Mythic. (1/3) Balance: When looking at the Madness effect compared to Avacyn's Judgment, this is horrifically undercosted. Compared to other 3 damage sweepers, this is too inexpensive. Looking at the Miracle effect, one White mana does so much work. Being able to enable either side would, outside of Turn 2, be somewhat broken.
Creativity (2/3) Uniqueness: A card with Avacyn in the name that deals damage on a Madness trigger. We've seen it. Putting counters on creatures and then adding another evergreen keyword? Seen that too. Two completely different effects depending on how it was cast? That may be new. (1/3) Flavor: Sky Ride of Avacyn... and nothing gains flying? It deals damage, or buffs and grants double strike? Wha? Since when does Avacyn have any association with double strike?
Polish (1.5/3) Quality: "If Sky Ride of Avacyn's madness cost was paid, it deals 3 damage to each non-Human, non-Angel creature." See Avacyn's Judgment and Victim of Night. New line. "If Sky Ride of Avacyn's mircale cost was paid, put a +1/+1 counter on each creature you control. Those Human and Angel creatures you control gain double strike until end of turn." See the -1 for Ajani Goldman or the -8 for Domri, City Smasher. (2/2) *Main Challenge: Alternate casting cost present? Yes. Twice. You don't get bonus points. (1/2) Subchallenges: Different/additional effect with alternate casting cost? No. The card has no effect when cast, unlike the example shown for the subchallenge. No mana cost? Yes.
Total: 11.5/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
Design (2/3) Appeal: Timmy is a little gunshy here, but Johnny and Spike know what time it is. (2.5/3) Elegance: Lots of words on the card. I understand how they all work together, but it took more than one read through.
Development (3/3) Viability: All in the wheelhouse for Black. Works at Rare without pushing into Mythic territory. (2.5/3) Balance: I would probably tweak the Dash cost to 1BB for balance. This would work well in Dredge builds without warping them too much (well, before Hogaak, anyway). As there is no evasion built in, the 4/4 is strong without being oppressive.
Creativity (2/3) Uniqueness: Enabling Dash from the graveyard, especially with the restriction, is creative. Adding the enabler to pitch into the yard works well. It's very close to the original Haakon, though. (3/3) Flavor: The 'Haakon' vibe is strong with this card. The 2 life payment as part of the cycling is also a solid tie in to the original card.
Polish (2.5/3) Quality: "You may cast Haakon's Vanguard from your graveyard, but not from anywhere else." You missed a word when you copied the restriction from Haakon. The Dash cost should be above the ETB trigger, akin to Earwig Squad. (2/2) *Main Challenge: Alternate casting cost present? Yes. (2/2) Subchallenges: Different/additional effect with alternate casting cost? Yes. No mana cost? Yes.
Total: /25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
Only place this might find a home in Modern are Breach decks. Maybe Griselbrand will be getting the Banhammer, and this is meant to be a 'fair' replacement instead?
I'd sooner run Flashfreeze for Modern in the board, since the owner gets to choose where to put it. And the general variety of decks in Modern preclude running color hate cards that waste sideboard options.
These aren't "hate" cards in M20 so much as "dislike" cards. Celestial Purge isn't as limited Devout Decree, and it's an Instant vs Sorcery.
The Round is now officially closed. The matchups will be triple versus, and each Judge will have six cards to review (yay). Top combined score for each group will advance to the third and final Round.
Judge Assignnments Eventide Sojourner
Artorias vs IcariiFA vs StonerOfKruphix
bravelion83 vs kwanyeegor vs Subject 16
The Hittite
bravelion83 vs kwanyeegor vs Subject 16
Algernone25 vs Hemlock vs Mr. Rithaniel
void_nothing
Algernone25 vs Hemlock vs Mr. Rithaniel
Artorias vs IcariiFA vs StonerOfKruphix
Garruk, Scion of Raklan3GG
Legendary Creature - Human (M)
Trample, indestructible
Whenever another creature enters the battlefield under your control, if you control six or more green creatures, exile Garruk, Scion of Raklan, then return him to the battlefield transformed under his owner’s control.
8/2
/////
Garruk, Wealdwalker
{Green} Legendary Planeswalker - Garruk (M)
+2: Reveal cards from the top of your library until you reveal a creature card. Put that card into your hand, then shuffle the rest into your library.
-1: Target creature gets +6/+0 and gains trample and indestructible until end of turn.
-9: You get an emblem with “Whenever a creature enters the battlefield under your control, untap all lands you control.”
<4>
Mental Tremor
Instant (U)
Each player draws a card, then each opponent discards a card.
Sublimate (You may cast this card face down as a 2/2 creature for . Turn it face up and cast it for its sublimate cost at any time.)
For Round 3 of the June CCL, can you elaborate a bit more on the Morph variant? Are we talking like Megamorph, where it still starts out as a face down 2/2 for , making it indistinguishable from a regular Morph card? Or more like Manifest, where the result is the same (face down card is a 2/2 colorless creature), but how you get there is different?
Farmstead
Land (R)
Tap to add 1 colorless mana to your mana pool.
Tap to shuffle a creature from your graveyard into your library. This action can be played as an interrupt.
Top 3
3. Algernone25
2. IcariiFA
1. Subject16
Well then, you can take over for void_nothing when they leave for MTG Nexus and run the CCC&G here yourself. Then you can happily preside over all the submissions missing crucial text to make their cards function that shouldn't be DQ'd and instead get a participation trophy.
I didn't read the cards in Round 1 prior to judging. I saw everyone submitted a split card with Fuse and moved on. The cards met the challenge. I didn't have the time then to proofread everyone's submission. That's supposed to be done by the players before the deadline.
In Round 2, I saw two different entries that had a mechanic that didn't meet the main challenge and informed the designers to the deadline. I don't do favoritism. Members of this community I've known get treated exactly the same way as everyone else in the CCC&G. I should have just followed Moss's example and stated no discussion on judgments.
You mean the much less restricted Nekrataal that was printed in Rivals of Ixlan? Yes, it lacks first strike, but same casting cost and it can kill Black and/or Artifact creatures.
I PM'd both Algernone25 and IcariiFA after their initial submissions because their cards would have caused them to be DQ'd. One or both utilized Unearth, which is not an alternate casting cost. If I thought a submission should have been DQ'd, they wouldn't have made it into a judgment bracket.
Sorry to disappoint, but WotC already printed my card many moons ago. I still don't know how RKF got my high school yearbook picture.
Teyo's Defiance 2WW
Instant (R)
Choose two. You may choose the same mode more than once.
IIW: Nonwhite Knights.
First Group
Design
(1/3) Appeal: Clones tend to have appeal across the board, though with the extra legwork needed, it's a little less useful to Timmy. Also, since it does nothing unless morphed, it also loses a great deal of appeal.
(2.5/3) Elegance: The wording needs some improvement, but the concept comes across without much deciphering needed.
Development
(1/3) Viability: So, what happens if this is cast via a cascade trigger or some other method? Nothing. It is a 0/0 creature with no abilities. If you happen to get it onto the field face down, and have the 1URG open to flip it... If the first ability was "When ~ ETBs or is turned face up," it would be more playable. As is, it's much more fragile. This also does not need to be Mythic; Rare would be fine.
(2/3) Balance: In Limited, this is a struggle, due to the three color activation cost. In Constructed, it's fragile due to needing to protect a 2/2 until you have the mana to morph it.
Creativity
(2.5/3) Uniqueness: I enjoyed the prior version, which reminded of an Evil Twin variant. It would have been very representative of doppelganger mythology. Other than the aforementioned card, the combination of cloning and fighting has not been used.
(2/3) Flavor: Had you stuck with the prior version, the name would have been more fitting. With the changes, less so. If I wasn't aware of the earlier variant, I would be confused by the name.
Polish
(2/3) Quality: "When Apex Impostor is turned face up, you may have it become a copy of any other creature on the battlefield. If you do, you may have Apex Impostor fight target creature you don't control." Lines up with Clone effects, since you aren't targeting for the copy. Cleaner wording.
(2/2) *Main Challenge: Alternate casting cost present? Yes.
(1/2) Subchallenges: Different/additional effect with alternate casting cost? No. Putting the card face down as a megamorph for 3 is the alternate cost, not turning the card face up. No mana cost? Yes.
Total: 16/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
Design
(2/3) Appeal: Self Madness enabler and hand destroyer for opponents? Timmy thinks you're mean.
(3/3) Elegance: Nothing to misunderstand here, provided you see the potential.
Development
(3/3) Viability: Specter in Black, with a splash of Red? Works for me. Being able to possibly chain Madness cards, including additional copies of this, via the cast or damage triggers? Love it. Hardest part will be getting the first one on the board, but you likely have this in a deck designed to make that happen. Rare is just the right fit.
(2.5/3) Balance: A 2/3 flyer for CD isn't outside the realm of possibility, but, given the restriction of finding a way to pitch it first balances the effective cost. Can be powerful in Limited, especially if built around, though only being a 2/3 would restrict it slightly in Constructed.
Creativity
(2.5/3) Uniqueness: Making all players discard on damage is new for a Specter. Being a Madness enabler? That's a new approach to a classic creature type.
(3/3) Flavor: As a psychotic specter, I want to name him "Saren" (there's a reference more than a decade old). The name fits since he makes everyone discard and helps you with your madness.
Polish
(2.5/3) Quality: "When you cast this spell, if its madness cost was paid, you may..." Based on Brain Gorgers errata update. "Whenever Psychotic Specter deals..." Check any Specter.
(2/2) *Main Challenge: Alternate casting cost present? Yes.
(2/2) Subchallenges: Different/additional effect with alternate casting cost? Yes. No mana cost? Yes.
Total: 22.5/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
Design
(1/3) Appeal: Johnny and Spike would love this card at first glance. Then they would read it again and realize what it actually said. Timmy has a headache.
(2.5/3) Elegance: I understand what the card was trying to do. It just can't get there on its own.
Development
(1/3) Viability: Dash away all, but the second ability does not work. Each time that 'Tezil' changes zones from your hand to the battlefield and back again, it is a new object. The dash cost can never be paid twice because it is seen as a new object each time. You would need another card in a visible zone that was tracking the names of spells you cast (ala Pyromancer Ascension) in a single turn to register multiple castings. The hand is not a visible zone.
(2/3) Balance: Solid in Limited, but not a bomb. Takes work in Constructed, but can be a good utility. Being able to reliably pay URG for a pair of 1/1s with haste each turn is decent, without being excessive. Having 4 power across two creatures for that cost is also reasonable. If the second ability worked, it would be very strong for six mana, but not broken, as it would only double tokens. It could be knocked down to Rare.
Creativity
(2/3) Uniqueness: It reminded me of Stormfront Riders at first, but, well, Red, and with less of a drawback.
(2/3) Flavor: I really hate that WotC didn't have Viashino on Tarkir. That would have made so much more sense with Dash. He's rather beefy for a Shaman. I don't see the need for this to be Legendary.
Polish
(2/3) Quality: No templating errors in the first section. As noted before, the card can't track how many times it has been cast in a single turn, especially when it moves back to the hand.
(2/2) *Main Challenge: Alternate casting cost present? Yes.
(1/2) Subchallenges: Different/additional effect with alternate casting cost? No, as mentioned above (can't track second dash cost being paid). No mana cost? Yes.
Total: 14.5/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
Design
(3/3) Appeal: Timmy loves Elves. Johnny and Spike love potentially free spells.
(2.5/3) Elegance: It's a little wordy (well, a lot, actually - MSE has ten small font lines, including the reminder text), but the what and how questions are answered clearly.
Development
(2.5/3) Viability: It's Green, well inside the rules, and Mythic. I'd bring it down to Rare, as it doesn't have the 'grandeur' that one would expect for that rarity, nor the power level.
(2.5/3) Balance: With the wording chosen, you need at least three creatures on the board before you can cast this (no cheating with Civic Wayfinder). Now, once you can cast one, you could unload your hand in the off chance you have a grip sitting there. This can potentially clear the road for free, but the Prowl is a better payoff as the damage is one-sided in that instance.
Creativity
(2.5/3) Uniqueness: ETB fight triggers exist. The only other creature with a Prowl trigger was Earwig Squad, and I still have promo copies I couldn't pay people to take off my hands. This is better.
(2.5/3) Flavor: Lorwyn Elves hunting people. Ah, memories. The inclusion of the prowl mechanic not only ties back to Lorwyn block, but it works with the card name and effect as well. My question is what makes this a Druid, as there's no mana production or land interaction.
Polish
(2.25/3) Quality: There is a comma missing from the reminder text after 'Druid'. "When Elvish Predation Pack enters the battlefield, it fights up to one target creature you don’t control." There needs to be a 'may' or 'up to one' clause in case there are no legal targets when it enters (like Kraul Harpooner. Cards where these phrases aren't present have other options (like Ayula, Queen Among Bears).
(2/2) *Main Challenge: Alternate casting cost present? Yes. Twice. You don't get bonus points.
(2/2) Subchallenges: Different/additional effect with alternate casting cost? Yes. No mana cost? Yes.
Total: 21.75/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
Design
(1/3) Appeal: Um... I don't know who wants this.
(1/3) Elegance: I had to reread this a handful of times to figure out it doesn't do anything on its own. And the two disparate effects should be on different lines.
Development
(1/3) Viability: What does this do if it isn't cast via Miracle or Madness? Nothing. This feels more like it was meant to be designed as a Split card with Fuse or a card with Entwine. Power level wise, this would need to be Mythic.
(1/3) Balance: When looking at the Madness effect compared to Avacyn's Judgment, this is horrifically undercosted. Compared to other 3 damage sweepers, this is too inexpensive. Looking at the Miracle effect, one White mana does so much work. Being able to enable either side would, outside of Turn 2, be somewhat broken.
Creativity
(2/3) Uniqueness: A card with Avacyn in the name that deals damage on a Madness trigger. We've seen it. Putting counters on creatures and then adding another evergreen keyword? Seen that too. Two completely different effects depending on how it was cast? That may be new.
(1/3) Flavor: Sky Ride of Avacyn... and nothing gains flying? It deals damage, or buffs and grants double strike? Wha? Since when does Avacyn have any association with double strike?
Polish
(1.5/3) Quality: "If Sky Ride of Avacyn's madness cost was paid, it deals 3 damage to each non-Human, non-Angel creature." See Avacyn's Judgment and Victim of Night. New line. "If Sky Ride of Avacyn's mircale cost was paid, put a +1/+1 counter on each creature you control. Those Human and Angel creatures you control gain double strike until end of turn." See the -1 for Ajani Goldman or the -8 for Domri, City Smasher.
(2/2) *Main Challenge: Alternate casting cost present? Yes. Twice. You don't get bonus points.
(1/2) Subchallenges: Different/additional effect with alternate casting cost? No. The card has no effect when cast, unlike the example shown for the subchallenge. No mana cost? Yes.
Total: 11.5/25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
Design
(2/3) Appeal: Timmy is a little gunshy here, but Johnny and Spike know what time it is.
(2.5/3) Elegance: Lots of words on the card. I understand how they all work together, but it took more than one read through.
Development
(3/3) Viability: All in the wheelhouse for Black. Works at Rare without pushing into Mythic territory.
(2.5/3) Balance: I would probably tweak the Dash cost to 1BB for balance. This would work well in Dredge builds without warping them too much (well, before Hogaak, anyway). As there is no evasion built in, the 4/4 is strong without being oppressive.
Creativity
(2/3) Uniqueness: Enabling Dash from the graveyard, especially with the restriction, is creative. Adding the enabler to pitch into the yard works well. It's very close to the original Haakon, though.
(3/3) Flavor: The 'Haakon' vibe is strong with this card. The 2 life payment as part of the cycling is also a solid tie in to the original card.
Polish
(2.5/3) Quality: "You may cast Haakon's Vanguard from your graveyard, but not from anywhere else." You missed a word when you copied the restriction from Haakon. The Dash cost should be above the ETB trigger, akin to Earwig Squad.
(2/2) *Main Challenge: Alternate casting cost present? Yes.
(2/2) Subchallenges: Different/additional effect with alternate casting cost? Yes. No mana cost? Yes.
Total: /25
*An entry with 0 points here is subject to disqualification.
Artorias: 16/25
IcariiFA: 22.5/25
StonerOfKruphix: 14.5/25
bravelion83: 21.75/25
kwanyeegor: 11.5/25
Subject16: 21.5/25
Triple Unsummon at Sorcery speed and double the cost? I wouldn't even play this in Limited.
These aren't "hate" cards in M20 so much as "dislike" cards. Celestial Purge isn't as limited Devout Decree, and it's an Instant vs Sorcery.
And then you have another six cards to evaluate for the Round 2 June MCC.
Judge Assignnments
Eventide Sojourner
Artorias vs IcariiFA vs StonerOfKruphix
bravelion83 vs kwanyeegor vs Subject 16
The Hittite
bravelion83 vs kwanyeegor vs Subject 16
Algernone25 vs Hemlock vs Mr. Rithaniel
void_nothing
Algernone25 vs Hemlock vs Mr. Rithaniel
Artorias vs IcariiFA vs StonerOfKruphix
Garruk, Scion of Raklan 3GG
Legendary Creature - Human (M)
Trample, indestructible
Whenever another creature enters the battlefield under your control, if you control six or more green creatures, exile Garruk, Scion of Raklan, then return him to the battlefield transformed under his owner’s control.
8/2
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Garruk, Wealdwalker
{Green} Legendary Planeswalker - Garruk (M)
+2: Reveal cards from the top of your library until you reveal a creature card. Put that card into your hand, then shuffle the rest into your library.
-1: Target creature gets +6/+0 and gains trample and indestructible until end of turn.
-9: You get an emblem with “Whenever a creature enters the battlefield under your control, untap all lands you control.”
<4>
Mental Tremor
Instant (U)
Each player draws a card, then each opponent discards a card.
Sublimate
Or is either method acceptable?
Land (R)
Tap to add 1 colorless mana to your mana pool.
Tap to shuffle a creature from your graveyard into your library. This action can be played as an interrupt.
(Yes, it's even formatted like a Beta card.)
IIW: Bolas Triumphant (post-War Ravnica).