*raises hand* There's a few things I'd appreciate clarification on:
The rubric currently sums to 45, not 50. Is there a typo somewhere, or is the maximum score not possible for this round?
Is the story section rated in any way?
Given "Overall Power" as a category, is there any reason to not make a rare that's as strong as one can get away with? (To put it another way, why bother making an (un)common for this entry when it appears that doing so would both throw away potential points in "Overall Power" and leave the player more likely to lose points in "Balance"?)
@Kaoz42 Found art, but I got confused with rules. What do you mean by this
"The card must not have an enemy color to your color identity..."
Meanwhile...
Realized that wolves relies on following the scent rather than sight, she first turned quickly to another way to get out of wolves' sight temporary, she'd have herself hand cut to cause it bleed. She'd bump a few people on the way, saying "Sorry, excuse me. Making the way." The victims were unawared that there is a little trace of her blood on them. Then she'd hopped into the alley then wallhops upon the ceiling to stay still and remain silence. In hope to have wolves split up. She can pick one by one, if they won't give up looking for her.
@FireOfGolden colors are considered enemies in Magic if they’re opposite each other in the color pie. In your case, Blue is enemies with Red and Green, and Black is enemies with Green and White, so your entry presumably can’t be Red, Green or White. (It gets a little funky in your case though, since one could also make the argument that since Blue is allied with White and Black is allied with Red then the only enemy to your character’s color identity is green.) Similarly, Red is enemies with White and Blue, so I can’t use those colors in my entry, etc.
Z-675 pushed K-234 behind them, and rushed towards the nearest Werewolf. Z models were originally built for combat, and even though Z-675 had been mostly repurposed to melt down scrap and scavenge, their fists were made like pressurized pistons- able to smash bones in seconds. Placing their fists against the nearest Werewolf's head, and released the punch, while K-234 ran towards the nearest alleyway and hid behind a corner. After sending the Werewolf into a catatonic state, Z-675 ran.
I didn't even consider that. Let's just say max score isn't possible this round.
The story section is not rated, but is required.
Yeah, that's pretty confusing. I think I made a mistake. I'll have to fix it in the future. For now, I think it's too late to edit the challenge post. For clarification, balance is balance compared to effect, so you would not lose points in balance if you made a 4 mana rare if it was still balanced.
@FireOfGolden@Mellow_MC white often gets to deal direct damage, but the vast majority of the time it's restricted to only targeting attacking/blocking/tapped creatures. (Examples)
@kaoz42 your third bullet doesn't answer my third question; allow me to try and rephrase my concerns again: Making a common/uncommon is likely equivalent to throwing away points in "Overall Power" since one could have made a more powerful uncommon/rare. Additionally, by making a common/uncommon, it's easier to lose points in "Balance" by virtue of the card's rarity. Given these two points, why wouldn't one make a rare when failing to do so only worsens one's chances at succeeding?
Though the creatures looked monstrous and unfriendly, the ancient sentinel still felt sorry for them. They were young and unexperienced while he had been dead for longer than maybe this whole town had existed. What right did he have to fight back in a serious way?
So he decided to spare their lifes. He relaxed and let go of his shape until there was no hard spiritbody substance left and only clouds of translucent spirit matter remained.
Then he rushed towards the attackers, right through the Orc, who seemed to be their leader, using his spirit energy to send chilling waves down the spine of the orc and leaving a bit of ectoplasma on him. Then he "grabbed" a kobold but so that his ghostly arm was buried half into the goblins chest and with his most grizzly and terrifying voice, only barely able to not chuckle, then shoutet "I will rip out all your hearts and then eat your souls!" Next he made a flying spiral like move where he could touch or fly through most of the creatures, trying to chill and scare them as much as possible.
Instant Target permanent you control gains hexproof until end of turn. You may scry 2. “The mind is not so easily pierced when guarded by the veil of dreams.”
Story Section
Kailan's essence trembled as she witnessed the family of elves, oblivious to the danger, prepare to retire for the night. Through their dreams, she manifested as a soft glow, whispering warnings of the sleepwalking guards whose steps echoed with malice.
But then, like a shattering mirror, the dream fractured. A dark presence surged into her vision, tendrils of necrotic energy probing and piercing. This was no ordinary mind—this was a being of immense undead power.
Kailan reeled, her essence fraying as the creature pressed its assault, attempting to sever her connection to the elves and banish her from the mortal realm. Her mind raced as she pulled her fragmented focus inward, creating a radiant barrier within her consciousness.
“Not so easily,” she murmured, invoking the protective veil of dreams. A shimmering shield of light wrapped around her spirit, deflecting the undead's malevolence and shrouding the elves from further harm.
With a final burst of will, Kailan pushed back, scattering the dark tendrils long enough to retreat and regroup. The family awoke with a start, sensing the danger but safe for now. The threat still loomed, but Kailan had bought them precious time.
This submission reflects Kailan's abilities as a spirit focused on protection and guidance. The card mirrors her connection to dreams and her capacity to shield others, both from physical and metaphysical harm.
@cadstar369 It's really just a system design flaw on my part. I'll be working to fix the problem if I issue another challenge. In the meantime, the only point is for style/flavor (this campaign is not really competitive heavy as of this challenge.)
Enbu was a little worried about the raging downpour, some of the braziers onstage sizzling and flickering, but he'd performed in worse conditions before. It seemed dubious whether the stage cover would hold up if the weather grew any more inclement, but he banished any such thoughts as he took center stage. For the next few hours, his world would consist only of himself, his tales, and the audience he he spun them to with his heart and soul.
Enbu laughed as he saw the group begin their aggressive approach. "It looks like we have some especially passionate guests today!" He spun gracefully through and around their spells, weaving one of his own as he glided into their midst. It was far from the first time things got rowdy during a show, and he was used to turning the chaos into an even greater spectacle. "Much as I appreciate the attention, surely your fellows are more deserving of it."
Enbu paused, tricking them into striking each other (with a little magical encouragement) before whirling away from the ensuing assault to improvise the next chapter of his tale. It was perhaps unfortunate that any guests particularly susceptible to mental interference would also be affected by his spell, but Enbu cared not. Surely that could only make things more exciting as the crowd spiraled into chaos. By the time the guards came to detain any troublemakers, Enbu would have long vanished into the crowd, just another flower in the storm.
@Mellow_MC You have scored 33, Z-675 driving the werewolves back with their powerful punch. What adventure would you like to take on now? (Meaning what you would like to do. Remember to include a story section representing your actions.) Perhaps this unwelcome encounter has made adventure more feasible. Feel free to ask about world lore if necessary to what you would like to do.
@cadstar369 You have scored 32, your spell causing a chaotic riot. What adventure would you like to take on now? (Meaning what you would like to do. Remember to include a story section representing your actions.) Perhaps this unwelcome encounter has made adventure more feasible. Feel free to ask about world lore if necessary to what you would like to do.
@LvB You have scored 32, your ethereal crusade of terror leaving the orcs and kobolds dumbfounded and distressed. What adventure would you like to take on now? (Meaning what you would like to do. Remember to include a story section representing your actions.) Perhaps this unwelcome encounter has made adventure more feasible. Feel free to ask about world lore if necessary to what you would like to do.
@FireOfGolden Wow, I believe you have scored a whopping 38. Your ruse works perfectly, the unfortunate folk smeared with your blood getting assaulted by the wolf-folk. What adventure would you like to take on now? (Meaning what you would like to do. Remember to include a story section representing your actions.) Perhaps this unwelcome encounter has made adventure more feasible. Feel free to ask about world lore if necessary to what you would like to do.
@jpastor Since you failed to include mana cost or rarity, your balance score has defaulted to 5. You have scored 30, your shield causing the undead to recoil from your mind, and in its haste, retreat from the minds of the sleepwalking guards, which it was apparently controlling. What adventure would you like to take on now? (Meaning what you would like to do. Remember to include a story section representing your actions.) Perhaps this unwelcome encounter has made adventure more feasible. Feel free to ask about world lore if necessary to what you would like to do.
Selene is more likely to find a way to get rich in millions if possible. Hence, she will simply travel through the city, looking for lootable, listening for something that's very valuable. From there, she may visit the inn, in another country if needed.
Once she gets rich, she will find a peace life away from the world, so she don't have to worry about being hunted. That's her goal.
In answer to your question, @Kaoz42, Selene will visit the local inn to see any rich people being there or any rumors about very valuable item hidden.
@kaoz42 Kailan, shaken but undeterred by her encounter with the powerful undead presence, resolves to investigate the source of the strange occurrences that plague Arastra. Her instincts as a guardian and guide compel her to delve deeper into this disturbance.
Next Steps
Kailan decides to journey to Thvenarud, the kingdom dedicated to the divine and cosmic forces. If any place holds knowledge of what might be causing these magical upheavals, it would be the grand temples and celestial observatories of Thvenarud. Kailan hopes to consult the Oracles of Sun and Moon, who are known for their insights into metaphysical phenomena.
Before setting off, Kailan will first travel to a nearby settlement in Nidaska to gather supplies and potentially find allies who share her desire to confront the growing darkness. Her ethereal form allows her to move swiftly through the fog that blankets the land, but she must tread carefully; the fog has emboldened strange creatures, and danger lurks at every turn.
Story Section
The fog lay thick over Nidaska, muffling all sound save for the occasional distant howl. Kailan floated along a forest path, her luminescent form faintly illuminating the trees. Despite her incorporeal nature, the chill of the night seeped into her essence. Something unnatural lingered here.
Ahead, the dim glow of lanterns pierced the mist—a small village, huddled together in the face of the storm's terror. Kailan hesitated. The people here would be frightened and wary of anything that did not walk on mortal legs.
Steeling herself, she entered the village square, her voice a soft, echoing chime. "Do not fear. I come in peace, seeking refuge and aid."
The villagers emerged cautiously, their faces pale but determined. Kailan explained her vision and the need to uncover the truth of this chaos. As she spoke, a young woman stepped forward, clutching an amulet marked with the sigil of Thvenarud's Moon Temple.
"I... I know the way to the temple," the woman said. "But it's dangerous. I'll guide you—if you'll protect us from whatever's out there."
Kailan nodded solemnly. "You have my word. Together, we will push through the darkness."
With her guide and a growing sense of purpose, Kailan prepared to leave for Thvenarud, her thoughts fixed on the looming silhouette hidden in the clouds and the powerful forces stirring beneath Arastra's surface.
The Ancient Sentinel watched in amusement as the Orc and the Kobolds fled in terror, and once home, they would sureley tell stories about the "ghost" they had encountered today.
The Ancient Sentinel grabbed his Phylacterium, on which he had attached a chain now, so it looked more or less like a lantern, and then he wandered off into a random direction to go and create some more new memories for himself and meet strange new creatures.
In Aeyinas, what level of magic and magic items is deemed common/normal or sees daily use by many on average?
What is transportation like in Aeyinas and its neighbors?
Not sensing anything uniquely concerning about tonight's events, Enbu returns to the small inn residence he favored whenever he happened to be in town.
He didn't need to leave. This sort of thing happened around him enough that most knew it wasn't exactly his fault; the guards certainly weren't likely to bother him over it. It was more convenient for the bureaucrats though, and it gave him an excuse for a change of scenery.
Double-checking to make sure all his things were in their proper place, few as they were, Enbu departed to catch a ride north to another city. He doubted many would be eager to travel in this weather, giving him plenty of peace along the way to consider new stories or more interesting retellings.
What adventure would you like to take on now? (Meaning what you would like to do. Remember to include a story section representing your actions.) Perhaps this unwelcome encounter has made adventure more feasible. Feel free to ask about world lore if necessary to what you would like to do.
Most denizens of Aeyinas can create a minor illusion, summon a small fireball, douse a torch or brazier with magic, or use other magic of similar power. More powerful magic can be used by individuals particularly dedicated to the pursuit of magical power. As for magic items, the average normal power level is about equivalent to a sword that augments swordplay skill that is already present and well-developed, or a wand rigged to cast a spell slightly more powerful than the average citizen could manage a limited amount of times without straining the caster.
Aeyinas mostly uses horse carriages, horseback rides, foot, and the occasional griffin, construct, or wyvern transport. Thvenarud uses mostly the same, minus the magical mounts. Bjensida does as well, minus the magical mounts, and perhaps the occasional stag rider. Qamon uses slightly more mules and donkeys than Thvenarud, Aeyinas, and Bjensida, and sometime uses draft oxen.
Announcement
I will be taking a hiatus, but this does not mean the campaign has ended. Just a pause, and those who have not responded yet (@Mellow_MC) get more time to respond.
After realizing the danger that was just put in front of them, Z-675 and K-234 decide to travel off in a random direction, heading east into Yagrieh, where they find a small outcropping to recharge in.
These 2 will now once again head into the old lifestyle they had- constantly on the move, never staying in one place for fear of being hurt or discovered again.
MTG Cardsmith Community Forums
Comments
I know right?
Found art, but I got confused with rules. What do you mean by this
Meanwhile...
Realized that wolves relies on following the scent rather than sight, she first turned quickly to another way to get out of wolves' sight temporary, she'd have herself hand cut to cause it bleed. She'd bump a few people on the way, saying "Sorry, excuse me. Making the way." The victims were unawared that there is a little trace of her blood on them. Then she'd hopped into the alley then wallhops upon the ceiling to stay still and remain silence.
In hope to have wolves split up. She can pick one by one, if they won't give up looking for her.
Z-675 pushed K-234 behind them, and rushed towards the nearest Werewolf. Z models were originally built for combat, and even though Z-675 had been mostly repurposed to melt down scrap and scavenge, their fists were made like pressurized pistons- able to smash bones in seconds. Placing their fists against the nearest Werewolf's head, and released the punch, while K-234 ran towards the nearest alleyway and hid behind a corner. After sending the Werewolf into a catatonic state, Z-675 ran.
Yeah I know but I just wanted to do something in my characters color, and also wanted to do something related to my companion.
@kaoz42 your third bullet doesn't answer my third question; allow me to try and rephrase my concerns again: Making a common/uncommon is likely equivalent to throwing away points in "Overall Power" since one could have made a more powerful uncommon/rare. Additionally, by making a common/uncommon, it's easier to lose points in "Balance" by virtue of the card's rarity. Given these two points, why wouldn't one make a rare when failing to do so only worsens one's chances at succeeding?
Card Submission
Dreamveil Shield (W)
Instant
Target permanent you control gains hexproof until end of turn. You may scry 2.
“The mind is not so easily pierced when guarded by the veil of dreams.”
Story Section
Kailan's essence trembled as she witnessed the family of elves, oblivious to the danger, prepare to retire for the night. Through their dreams, she manifested as a soft glow, whispering warnings of the sleepwalking guards whose steps echoed with malice.
But then, like a shattering mirror, the dream fractured. A dark presence surged into her vision, tendrils of necrotic energy probing and piercing. This was no ordinary mind—this was a being of immense undead power.
Kailan reeled, her essence fraying as the creature pressed its assault, attempting to sever her connection to the elves and banish her from the mortal realm. Her mind raced as she pulled her fragmented focus inward, creating a radiant barrier within her consciousness.
“Not so easily,” she murmured, invoking the protective veil of dreams. A shimmering shield of light wrapped around her spirit, deflecting the undead's malevolence and shrouding the elves from further harm.
With a final burst of will, Kailan pushed back, scattering the dark tendrils long enough to retreat and regroup. The family awoke with a start, sensing the danger but safe for now. The threat still loomed, but Kailan had bought them precious time.
This submission reflects Kailan's abilities as a spirit focused on protection and guidance. The card mirrors her connection to dreams and her capacity to shield others, both from physical and metaphysical harm.
It's really just a system design flaw on my part. I'll be working to fix the problem if I issue another challenge. In the meantime, the only point is for style/flavor (this campaign is not really competitive heavy as of this challenge.)
Enbu laughed as he saw the group begin their aggressive approach. "It looks like we have some especially passionate guests today!" He spun gracefully through and around their spells, weaving one of his own as he glided into their midst. It was far from the first time things got rowdy during a show, and he was used to turning the chaos into an even greater spectacle. "Much as I appreciate the attention, surely your fellows are more deserving of it."
Enbu paused, tricking them into striking each other (with a little magical encouragement) before whirling away from the ensuing assault to improvise the next chapter of his tale. It was perhaps unfortunate that any guests particularly susceptible to mental interference would also be affected by his spell, but Enbu cared not. Surely that could only make things more exciting as the crowd spiraled into chaos. By the time the guards came to detain any troublemakers, Enbu would have long vanished into the crowd, just another flower in the storm.
You have scored 33, Z-675 driving the werewolves back with their powerful punch. What adventure would you like to take on now? (Meaning what you would like to do. Remember to include a story section representing your actions.) Perhaps this unwelcome encounter has made adventure more feasible. Feel free to ask about world lore if necessary to what you would like to do.
@cadstar369
You have scored 32, your spell causing a chaotic riot. What adventure would you like to take on now? (Meaning what you would like to do. Remember to include a story section representing your actions.) Perhaps this unwelcome encounter has made adventure more feasible. Feel free to ask about world lore if necessary to what you would like to do.
@LvB
You have scored 32, your ethereal crusade of terror leaving the orcs and kobolds dumbfounded and distressed. What adventure would you like to take on now? (Meaning what you would like to do. Remember to include a story section representing your actions.) Perhaps this unwelcome encounter has made adventure more feasible. Feel free to ask about world lore if necessary to what you would like to do.
@FireOfGolden
Wow, I believe you have scored a whopping 38. Your ruse works perfectly, the unfortunate folk smeared with your blood getting assaulted by the wolf-folk. What adventure would you like to take on now? (Meaning what you would like to do. Remember to include a story section representing your actions.) Perhaps this unwelcome encounter has made adventure more feasible. Feel free to ask about world lore if necessary to what you would like to do.
@jpastor
Since you failed to include mana cost or rarity, your balance score has defaulted to 5. You have scored 30, your shield causing the undead to recoil from your mind, and in its haste, retreat from the minds of the sleepwalking guards, which it was apparently controlling. What adventure would you like to take on now? (Meaning what you would like to do. Remember to include a story section representing your actions.) Perhaps this unwelcome encounter has made adventure more feasible. Feel free to ask about world lore if necessary to what you would like to do.
Once she gets rich, she will find a peace life away from the world, so she don't have to worry about being hunted. That's her goal.
In answer to your question, @Kaoz42, Selene will visit the local inn to see any rich people being there or any rumors about very valuable item hidden.
@kaoz42
Kailan, shaken but undeterred by her encounter with the powerful undead presence, resolves to investigate the source of the strange occurrences that plague Arastra. Her instincts as a guardian and guide compel her to delve deeper into this disturbance.
Next Steps
Kailan decides to journey to Thvenarud, the kingdom dedicated to the divine and cosmic forces. If any place holds knowledge of what might be causing these magical upheavals, it would be the grand temples and celestial observatories of Thvenarud. Kailan hopes to consult the Oracles of Sun and Moon, who are known for their insights into metaphysical phenomena.
Before setting off, Kailan will first travel to a nearby settlement in Nidaska to gather supplies and potentially find allies who share her desire to confront the growing darkness. Her ethereal form allows her to move swiftly through the fog that blankets the land, but she must tread carefully; the fog has emboldened strange creatures, and danger lurks at every turn.
Story Section
The fog lay thick over Nidaska, muffling all sound save for the occasional distant howl. Kailan floated along a forest path, her luminescent form faintly illuminating the trees. Despite her incorporeal nature, the chill of the night seeped into her essence. Something unnatural lingered here.
Ahead, the dim glow of lanterns pierced the mist—a small village, huddled together in the face of the storm's terror. Kailan hesitated. The people here would be frightened and wary of anything that did not walk on mortal legs.
Steeling herself, she entered the village square, her voice a soft, echoing chime. "Do not fear. I come in peace, seeking refuge and aid."
The villagers emerged cautiously, their faces pale but determined. Kailan explained her vision and the need to uncover the truth of this chaos. As she spoke, a young woman stepped forward, clutching an amulet marked with the sigil of Thvenarud's Moon Temple.
"I... I know the way to the temple," the woman said. "But it's dangerous. I'll guide you—if you'll protect us from whatever's out there."
Kailan nodded solemnly. "You have my word. Together, we will push through the darkness."
With her guide and a growing sense of purpose, Kailan prepared to leave for Thvenarud, her thoughts fixed on the looming silhouette hidden in the clouds and the powerful forces stirring beneath Arastra's surface.
Not sensing anything uniquely concerning about tonight's events, Enbu returns to the small inn residence he favored whenever he happened to be in town.
He didn't need to leave. This sort of thing happened around him enough that most knew it wasn't exactly his fault; the guards certainly weren't likely to bother him over it. It was more convenient for the bureaucrats though, and it gave him an excuse for a change of scenery.
Double-checking to make sure all his things were in their proper place, few as they were, Enbu departed to catch a ride north to another city. He doubted many would be eager to travel in this weather, giving him plenty of peace along the way to consider new stories or more interesting retellings.
What adventure would you like to take on now? (Meaning what you would like to do. Remember to include a story section representing your actions.) Perhaps this unwelcome encounter has made adventure more feasible. Feel free to ask about world lore if necessary to what you would like to do.
Announcement
I will be taking a hiatus, but this does not mean the campaign has ended. Just a pause, and those who have not responded yet (@Mellow_MC) get more time to respond.These 2 will now once again head into the old lifestyle they had- constantly on the move, never staying in one place for fear of being hurt or discovered again.