Custom Ravnica: Which Mechanics to Use?

greatwyrm
0/0 Germ

Posts: 19

Custom Ravnica: Which Mechanics to Use? May 2, 2021 13:57:58 GMT

Quote

Post by greatwyrm on May 2, 2021 13:57:58 GMT

Hi y'all, first post here!

I've only gotten into magic again over the past couple of years and I'm new to set design. I'm not looking to be all original and genius yet, so I decided to tackle a custom Ravnica set due to being a fan favorite and having a preexisting suite of ten color-factions. Unfortunately I wasn't around for any of the Ravnica blocks as they happened, so when I realized that every guild has three separate mechanics, I was left scratching my head.

My gut is telling me to use the most recent mechanics from Guilds/Allegiance, under the assumption that these have the most dev wisdom supporting them. But maybe there are three sets of mechanics just because the WotC dev team went "Whelp, new Ravnica block, time for new mechanics!" Maybe the new mechanics are the most problematic, or maybe the good and the bad are scattered around the three Rav blocks. What say you?

And thanks!

ZephyrPhantom
Global Moderator

vlr tlriakq rkabopqxka

Posts: 1,833
Favorite Card: 2 of Hearts
Favorite Set: Return to Ravnica
Color Alignment: Colorless

Custom Ravnica: Which Mechanics to Use? May 3, 2021 9:24:48 GMT

Quote

Post by ZephyrPhantom on May 3, 2021 9:24:48 GMT

My gut is telling me to use the most recent mechanics from Guilds/Allegiance, under the assumption that these have the most dev wisdom supporting them. But maybe there are three sets of mechanics just because the WotC dev team went "Whelp, new Ravnica block, time for new mechanics!" Maybe the new mechanics are the most problematic, or maybe the good and the bad are scattered around the three Rav blocks. What say you?

I'd say your general assumption is correct as the more recent Ravnica sets tend to feature keyword mechanics that are more viable in a Standard environment without leading to overly weird or impractical designs. If you just wanted to reuse the mechanics from Ravnica Allegiance and onwards to have an engaging Block Constructed/Limited format, nothing wrong with that.

That said the guilds aren't particularly beholden to any specific mechanic so long as it reflects the general strategies they encourage (e.g. Simic always has something to do with +1/+1 counters) so there's nothing wrong with mixing and matching mechanics to create the environment you like, or even taking mechanics from other sets.

The Neo Dynasty begins! Check out Battle Boards Version 1.2!

Check out Deckbuilder's Challenge!

greatwyrm
0/0 Germ

Posts: 19

Custom Ravnica: Which Mechanics to Use? May 4, 2021 18:15:56 GMT

Quote

Post by greatwyrm on May 4, 2021 18:15:56 GMT

May 3, 2021 9:24:48 GMT ZephyrPhantom said:

My gut is telling me to use the most recent mechanics from Guilds/Allegiance, under the assumption that these have the most dev wisdom supporting them. But maybe there are three sets of mechanics just because the WotC dev team went "Whelp, new Ravnica block, time for new mechanics!" Maybe the new mechanics are the most problematic, or maybe the good and the bad are scattered around the three Rav blocks. What say you?

I'd say your general assumption is correct as the more recent Ravnica sets tend to feature keyword mechanics that are more viable in a Standard environment without leading to overly weird or impractical designs. If you just wanted to reuse the mechanics from Ravnica Allegiance and onwards to have an engaging Block Constructed/Limited format, nothing wrong with that.

That said the guilds aren't particularly beholden to any specific mechanic so long as it reflects the general strategies they encourage (e.g. Simic always has something to do with +1/+1 counters) so there's nothing wrong with mixing and matching mechanics to create the environment you like, or even taking mechanics from other sets.

Thanks, this makes me feel better!

Last Edit: May 4, 2021 18:17:45 GMT by greatwyrm