MTG Cardsmith Community Forums
Tournament of Champions 7 - The Age After the Dying Stars (Open)
Welcome to Tournament of Champions 7!
- (Due to popular demand, and at the behest of our host @Jonteman93)
After the glorious victory of the heroes of the previous dawn, a time of peace was heralded upon the lands. The prince, long buried in selfless sacrifice alongside the abyssal sword, had staved off the forces of the abyss for a time and a period. But now without the previous champions to stave off the darkness, and with the light of the stones of heaven (the stars) dimmed, the night threatens to engulf the lands once more. So, Champion - Will you rise for the fight? to defend a foreign land you have never known? To defend your home? To claim glory? or perhaps to attempt to seize the unseizable?
You have been invited to participate in a tournament, a tournament like this was once held deep in the history of Avelaide's past for ancient stones. While the hosts of this tournament promise a harmless tournament of glory, honor, and fortune. It seems more has been going on in the background. But as far as you are concerned Champion - whether to prove might, earn coin, earn glory, or simply test yourself; one thing is for sure, you are here and you are here to win.
Earlier tournaments:
https://forums.mtgcardsmith.com/discussion/3287/tournament-of-champions-the-game-has-begun/p1
https://forums.mtgcardsmith.com/discussion/3556/tournament-of-champions-2-the-game-has-begun/p1
https://forums.mtgcardsmith.com/discussion/4185/tournament-of-champions-2-rematch-the-game-has-begun/p1
https://forums.mtgcardsmith.com/discussion/3556/tournament-of-champions-2-the-game-has-begun/p1
https://forums.mtgcardsmith.com/discussion/4185/tournament-of-champions-2-rematch-the-game-has-begun/p1
https://forums.mtgcardsmith.com/discussion/5903/tournament-of-champions-5-the-game-has-begun/p1
https://forums.mtgcardsmith.com/discussion/6053/tournament-of-champions-6-the-stones-of-heaven/p1
https://forums.mtgcardsmith.com/discussion/6053/tournament-of-champions-6-the-stones-of-heaven/p1
This is a contest of card creation, story telling and roleplay. You will both make cards and write/play the role of the characters you make.
Comments
- Each cardsmith writes a short story to give their hero character, personality and background or purpose.
- Cards must at best ability be made balanced and reasonable. This is also true for the story of the characters.
- Cards can be changed or replaced before the deadline of the active stage.
- Like in the previous tournament, you can create multiple legendary creatures that will fight for you as heroes if one of them is assigned as companion.
- You can also bring multiple heroes within the same card. This will allow you to bring even more than two heroes. The limit of this is one of logic, so you can't bring an entire army just because it fits on a card. (It's a character contest after all.)
Here's an example of what you can use this for:
At the start you can create a two-character fighter card plus a mentor or servant as a companion card.
Then if you win the first stage you make a new fighter card with only one of the characters while you change the companion card to become the other character.
So to enter the contest you should post the following:
Hero card + companion or signature card + story describing or presenting your hero + What stone(s) you want to pursue.
Procedure
Draft period:Character value is all about the character: Background, actions, motivations, personality, reactions to events and so on. (This will be generally more important the longer the contest goes on.)
Post-draft stage:
The winners will be given a minimum of one week to upgrade their hero and/or make or change their signature/companion cards. Extra time may be given if the need is justified. This will continue in a similar pattern until the last two heroes remain. Some special rules will occur then but more about that then.
Maximum mana value at each stage:
1st stage: 3
2nd stage: 5
3rd stage: 7 (An additional signature/companion card will be allowed.)
The mana limits are both for the heroes and the companion/signature cards, so signature cards and companion cards can be of higher mana cost than the hero card as the game goes on.
Example hero and signature cards (made by @shadow123)
Last Champion by your host (@Tonysparks)
To explain it simply: The winners will be determined by the one that have received the most points.
You get points from both the card values and the character values as well as eventual modification points.
The character value is based on the character and the stories related to that character as a whole while the card value is the average of each card. (Where the heroes have twice the impact of the value, they counts as two averages.)
The modification points is not related to the card or the character but you, the cardsmith. (So be nice!)
- Firstly the obvious. Don't break the rules of the forum.
- Don't spam messages.
* The individual story is the characters' background, ambitions and character. (That does not affect anyone else's character from the established story)
I might sometimes write your characters into my own story-chapters as they are good catalysts and mediums for the grand stories.
* The grand story is the world and national and international politics and events which will affect the tournament. This will be controlled by me and happens outside of the tournament. However pieces of events and things in the grand story will be brought into the small story and thus you may affect them.
- By joining this tournament, you agree to let me take control over your characters and do with them as I see fitting to their character and the story. I will also control how the fights are played and how larger parts of the story take part. So it is important that you give me instruction about your hero's character, Personality, motivations, abilities and such. This makes it easier for me to keep your characters true to their intended image.
- Don't be afraid to make mistakes. We are here to have fun after all.
Avelaide is a world with dragons, beasts, kingdoms, knights, wizards and godlike guides (caretakers), but there is also abyssal monsters and a godlike destroyer covered in mystery - Septhis.
The abyss is a realm of the endless depth, locked away behind a gate to the afterlife and guarded by a godlike caretaker of death. But there are supposedly other entrances into the endless darkness of the abyss.
Welcome to Asol(lun)amun!
“So, you would like to hear a story? Well then come sit next to this fire so we may speak. This is a story about dragons and knights, kings and queens, automatons and monks, magic and technology, feuds and alliances, and a brave prince who made a selfless sacrifice. And as for happily ever afters……well lets just say they are often short lived, sometimes shorter than the lives of those who fought for it. In order to understand the history of today, we must first look to the past. Long ago…” The Northern Continent of Dormania lived in a time of great peace, alliances thrived, the trades and the arts like grape-fruits on healthy vines. Until the kingdoms of the continent of Asolamun (Alunamon informally at the present) due to festering disputes with the kingdoms and nations of Dormania committed a great transgression against them. Behind the curtains tensions brewed. Through decades the economy in Asolamun had dwindled because of over-trade with Dormania which caused the Shambakin to issue tariffs onto the Dormanian goods while preserving the trade with Lisakdonia-Vasenia. In turn, Dormania began blocking certain routes for the Asolamani. And as nations rose and to dust they returned the two sides continued to strain the tension further and further, until one day when it snapped.
A prince within Asolamun wanting trophies where none were to be found felled a dragon during a time where great dwindling was found among them. “Not just any dragon, mind you a black dragon…now where was I?” With the killing of this Dormanian Royal black dragon rife and rage festered among the people of Dormania, and with the demands of their people not met, the kingdoms of Dormania (the Northern Neighbor) declared war - and like an ocean torrent within less than a week, the Dormanians entered Alsomamun and took the northern great city of Stellastir, and with it the stone of the stars. The news was met with fury from both the Shambakin and the people of both Asolamani and the Hellenic groups and soon the greatest war in the history of Avelaide began.
This conflict would span into multiple conflicts (TO1 after TO3, then TO7, and I don’t know where the others fall canonically) that still fragment and sometimes unite the respective continents now dragged into this century’s feud. One thing however has remained constant through this - “A threat that lurks in the dark, an enemy just not far seen. And now it has come back to haunt us. *cough* *cough*...ehm! excuse me, go grab me some water please then we may continue… *drinks the water* Ahh, Long long ago, within this time of conflicts - during a night as calmer than the sleep of the dead. Legends say that” a bright light appeared from the sky illuminating the desert sands for miles and miles away. “One of the gods of Avelaide, it seems, had cast his rod too far and knocked a star from the heavens.” As it fell it left a trail of blue fire behind its cyan tail and blue body.
As it entered the atmosphere, purple azure flames burst out from newly formed cracks in its core. Then moments later it exploded in a violent storm that ripped the clouds among the heavens like a curtain. Behind was an image of a newly bloomed flower of white and purple flame that died with the same ferocity from which it was raised. From this would come the stones of heaven - and from this, a conflict that would span nations, birth legends, which lead a great battle that culminated in loss and a brave sacrifice from a prince “to stave off forces beyond this realm that not even I as an old-man understand. Yet now…” With the battle between Bahamun and the prince - with the aid of a monk, an automaton, a knight, two dragons, and an angel long ended with the sun-stone destroyed and without it the other stones dimming in power. Peace followed for a period and a time with the aid of the now deceased Champion, and for 275 years “peace followed…until 100 years ago when a sudden blight began spreading from the desert. Well that is enough for now, an old man needs his sleep. Come back tomorrow and I shall tell you more.”
but that is not why you are here (or so you are told)
(Expect the tournament to start at around the 22nd of November to the 26th but give me grace if it takes longer - afterall I am a grown man with obligatiosn)
@LHunter
@Jonteman93 (If you are still interested, I know you often observe and never take part)
@kaoz42
@Mellow_MC
@AddGG
@AxNoodle
@feralitator
@DrakeGladis
@TenebrisNemo
@Aggroman15
@CassZero
@theirintheattic
@FireOfGolden
@cadstar369
@balloonnation
@CrimsonFox
@Robo_Kitty
@Yururu
@jpastor
(anyone else who wants to join)
Kraig, the Sudden Storm
https://mtgcardsmith.com/view/kraig-the-sudden-storm?list=user
Companion card (Minor Stone of Heaven, @Tonysparks if this makes any difference to the "dimming of the light of the Stones of Heaven." Also if you could tell me how many years have passed since ToC6, that would be supremely helpful.):
https://mtgcardsmith.com/view/the-gemstone-of-illusions?list=user
Kraig's Statistics:
Race/Species: Lightning Dragon.
Age: 665 (Adult dragon).
Gender: Male.
Height: 25' 8".
Weight: 2550 lbs.
Alignment: Neutral.
Personality: Intelligent, quick, and calm.
Occupation: None, recently monk, formerly bounty hunter.
Plane of Origin: Eldraine, (Has been to Avelaide before and Kamigawa.)
Abilities: Breathe lightning, very fast and agile, can absorb spells cast by enemies, obviously immune to lightning, can concentrate very hard, bend storms to his will, cast storm spells, more intelligent than humans (because dragons are smarter than humans.), illusions, illusory copies, invisibility, and displacement from the Gemstone of Illusions, maybe more abilities not listed.
For original backstory:
https://forums.mtgcardsmith.com/discussion/comment/228383/#Comment_228383
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After being bested by the monk Godara in the events of ToC6, Kraig returned home to Eldraine, fortified his lair and hoard, acquired some more treasure, then set off to Kamigawa, found a temple, and trained as a monk in human form: a hooded figure with no visible features for the time until now, where he was able to find out about another Tournament of Champions and traveled to Avelaide oncemore to join the Tournament of Champions, for the purpose of gaining power.
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The Present:
Suddenly, during a sunny day in a town in Kralaar, thunderclouds moved in. The sky darkened as lightning flashed and thunder rumbled. A large shadow could be perceived moving in and out of view at the center of the storm. Then the shadow descended toward the town, finally coming into view: A large black dragon. The local militia rushed to confront the threat as townspeople fled the bazaar. Arrows were redirected by the winds toward the ground, and the few that escaped the winds bounced harmlessly off the dragon's scales. The dragon landed as guardsmen rushed to meet it with swords and spears, all which were cast aside by the dragon's enormous claws. Then the dragon spoke: "I mean you no harm, I just wish to enter your town for my own reasons. I shall not cause harm unless necessary. Since I am so large and terrifying, I shall change to my humanoid shape so as to avoid inconveniencing the townsfolk." Then the dragon began to glow blue, and a moment later, changed to a tall figure in a hooded cloak completely obscuring its features. The terrified guardsmen backed away then retreated to their normal business.
Kraig walked through the town as townspeople parted before him, leaving him quite some space. He surveyed the buildings until he came upon a tall building with a dome: The town's library. He entered and the librarian backed away from him as he began searching through the library for any books on magic or the acquisition of power. He rifled through several books on history and military strategy, then placed them back on the shelf, unsatisfied. He checked the rest of the bookshelves on the first floor to no avail, then began to ascend the stairs to the next level of the library, only to stop abruptly as a tall, yet shorter than his humanoid form man in a turban and holding a staff stood in his way and spoke "You do not deceive me, dragon. I see you for what you are. Even though I did not learn of your loud arrival until later, I can still tell that you are a monster. I shall defend my townspeople who have only let you pass due to their fear at your ability." Then the man lunged at Kraig with his staff, which had turned into a black cobra. The snake bit into an illusion, dissolving it, as six more illusory copies of Kraig attacked it from all sides, the real one biting it into two. But the man chanted a few words, and the staff reassembled. Then he waved it in an intricate gesture, and glowing runes appeared above the copies, raining fire on all the Kraigs and dissolving into the stairs harmlessly. Kraig howled in pain as the fire seared into his flesh. The spell should not have worked on me, and I am so fast, even if it did, I should have been able to get out of its way. The man spoke again "I see you are adept at hunting spellcasters. But you see, the fire did not come from me. No, it came from the sun itself." Kraig attempted to change into dragon form, but the man muttered a few more words and phantom chains wrapped themselves around him, restraining his growth. Desperately, he called upon the storm, and a bolt of lightning struck through the library roof and hit the man. The man clutched at his smoldering robes, then extinguished them with another incantation. The cobra then lunged toward Kraig, venom dripping from its fangs. Before it could strike, Kraig willed the Gemstone of Illusions to create three copies of him, complete with the phantom chains. The cobra dissolved all three of the copies, then Kraig willed the storm to strike it with lightning. A lightning bolt arced down toward the cobra, destroying it in response. The man, catching his breath, lost hold on the phantom chains binding Kraig. Kraig immediately grew to full size and flew through the roof, tearing it. Then he unleashed a concentrated bolt of lightning at the man from his jaws, which struck him, and reduced his body to a pile of smoldering ashes. At the last moment, Kraig dove down and retrieved the man's pouch. He examined its contents while in the clouds: a small wooden wand, a piece of yellow crystal, and a book, its cover faded with age. The book described many spells and ways of calling on the sun's power, including the spells the man had used on Kraig, as well as the man's personal notes. But a single line caught Kraig's eye: Those who are achieved enough in magic may be considered minor deities. Kraig exulted as he flew with the storm to his next destination. He had a new goal: To achieve godhood.
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@Mellow_MC
Rayla is too OP; even mythic rarity cannot justify it. Destroying a nonland permanent and gaining an additional advantage instead of a drawback is incredibly powerful. You should definitely hike up the rarity and severely weaken that choice of the ability. As for Rayla's cleansing flame, that is just waaaayyyy too OP. It's like an eight mana mythic, as usually you get to destroy one permanent for 3 mana. Don't even get me started on the other abilities; You should completely remake the card from the start. It may help to check existing cards on scryfall.
General note for everyone - make sure your cards are resonable and balanced to maximize your chances of getting in the tournament during the choosing of the 16 champions.
I am generally trying to be respectful of times and settings given to me by @Jonteman93's content while building from refrence of TO6.
Stats:
Age: 732 years
Gender: female
Species: A rare subtype if sunbirds called divine sunbirds
Height: 12’ 3”
Wingspan: 30’ 8”
Length: 16’ 6”
Weight: 1200 lbs
Backstory:
Divine sunbirds are renowned, since their feathers can grant good-or bad- luck. Although not gods, By simply placing one in your rafters, or burying on in your fields, your crops will sprout in winter, and your fireplace will never go out. But inevitably, human greed ruined the simple peace the sunbirds had with civilization.
300 years ago, humans began to hunt down divine sunbirds, seeking their feathers for their own. But their greed turned to horror when they realized the feathers did nothing when the sunbird was dead. But by the time they realized this, it was too late.
Divine Sunbirds and been all but wiped out, only 5 other specimens existing in the world of Avelaide. But unlike her fellow sunbirds, Rayla realized that they didn’t have to cower in fear. So she fought back, and made it clear that the sunbirds were far from dead, by completely destroying a city near the east.
Rayla wasn’t with her family when the slaughter began, but her parents and her smaller siblings were all butchered for no apparent reason. So she swore vengeance.
At any cost.
Also try to edit comment entries as a pose to reposting multiple times.
https://forums.mtgcardsmith.com/discussion/6168/tournament-of-champions-7-the-age-after-the-dying-stars-discusion-chat#latest
@Mellow_MC I will not give advice on card making as to not give unfair advantages during the recruitment and combat grading process but I would advise you to go check scryfall to get an idea of how cost, cmc (converted mana cost), (power and toughness), (mechanics and keywords), and color/color-pie combinations interact with each other. I appreciate the enthusiasm!