Booster Pack Game

thanks for the win, and welcome to Ephemire.

(agathexu)

once, Ephemire was a quiet, subdued plane, very much by intent: the serenities of its meadows and cities were enforced by the Ancestors, seemingly all-powerful giant gods whose sole interest seemed to be to maintain a respectful, peaceful status quo. whether that status quo was equally respectful or peaceful for everyone was a matter of some debate, of course -- or would have been, had debate really been allowed by the Archons, their "elected" puppet government, or their assassins behind the scenes. as it was, though, Ephemire's citizenry learned to develop a stiff upper lip and carry on as best they could...

...until one day, a youth named Remy unearthed an ancient artifact and, as a result of a careless wish, eradicated the Ancestors -- and, in the process, changed Ephemire itself forever. people, objects, and even places are now turning into intangible phantoms that flicker between existence and nonexistence, and the condition is spreading. now, will Ephemire continue to carry on in complacency, or is this the beginning of a new order?

themes to get started with:

- Enchantments and enchantment creatures all across the board

- low-fantasy

- 1900's Europe aesthetics

Common 1:

Inconstant Constable

Enchantment Creature - Human Soldier

Evanescent (You may cast this spell for . If you do, it's not a creature. Pay at any time to have it become a creature.)

When CARDNAME enters the battlefield, exile target creature an opponent controls until CARDNAME leaves the battlefield.

2/3

Common #7

Uncommon #3

I'll be honest, judging phasing is going to be pretty rough, since the only creatures with the mechanic are from practically eons of power creep ago. so that part will partially be based on those and partially on general case-by-case vibes about the mechanic and card. also, looks like Evanescent wasn't a very popular mechanic to work with; I was using that as a test run for a possible set mechanic, so it's good to know I should probs replace that, thanks for the data. I think the issue was that it has to exist at common, and static enchantments don't really get to do a lot of things at common

pernicious

- Sudden Displacement: costing looks fine given Run Aground, adding shuffle is a bit too spicy for common, though, since the last time wizards did "target thing gets shuffled" at common was Deglamer all the way back in Lorwyn. imo shuffling is already annoying, adding more of it at common rarity should be reconsidered. it's not a major issue, though, so this is ultimately still 3/5

- Intruder from Beyond: being both a flash blocker and a rescue makes it a pretty efficient and versatile common. no canon precedents, but I don't think this is too pushed. 3/5

- Blink Gate: not sure how relevant "hexproof as long as it's attacking" is practically but it's still a cool thing to slap onto an Aura like this at common. 3/5

- Camera Obscura: pretty sure you rules-wise can't choose phased-out permanents "as though they existed", because they don't exist in the first place, and frankly, I'm not a huge fan of this kind of "I know this specific idea I had doesn't work within the rules, so I'll bend rules around it to make it work" design in the first place. mostly because of the non-functionality, 1/5

Fermat

- Phasing Pistol: yeah, honestly, making this a free Bonesplitter seems like a decent call since you'll only have access to it half the time. 3/5

- Avery Moors, Usurper: considering phasing's janky balance implications, I'd say this looks balanced for something you only get every other turn. being able to cast it as a Chupacabra is fine, and while getting a 2B kill every other turn is oppressive, the turn limitation gives your opponents at least some leeway to play around it and attack you with the creatures they play, so it's not completely unmanageable. but even with that said, the ability's a bit too overtuned, given it can also destroy walkers and has a limited window of opportunity to remove the source of. I rate things out of 5 so I don't _have_ to do half-measures, so I will give this a very cautious and low 3/5 because I do like the concept

melono

- Assassin from the Archons: bit jank to have this care about Archons when the lore blurb said they were eradicated, but maybe I was a bit too unclear about that? as a card, though, this seems well-balanced, given Jarl of the Forsaken, so that makes it a 3/5 despite the minor flavour jank

- Fragile Frightener: I think the issue with phasing is that, inherently, it introduces a lot of complexity at common, so common designs should have less going on to maintain a smooth common-level complexity. I think this has just enough moving parts to skate past that limit for me, so I can't give it more than 2/5. cool card. not common.

- 2.5/5

vizionarius

- Phaseshifter's Tuning: this would be fine at common complexity-wise if not for the core "enters phased out" bit, which, while cool and rife with potential, does make the design a bit too involved at common for my tastes. can't help but dock a point for that, so 2/5

- Oxen Paradox: the base effect of the enchantment is a bit pushed for common but acceptably so in my opinin, and the overall design is interesting and effective in a way that elevates it above just a 3/5. 4/5

- Misplaced Peasant: so if I'm reading this right, you only ever get to have one Peasant at a time, and you don't even get to attack with the one you create if you cast this at instant speed before your turn. Raise the Alarm got a somewhat recent Jumpstart reprint, so I'm fairly comfortable using that as a yardstick here. this one's neat in concept but unignorably weak in execution. can't go higher than 1/5 on this, chief

- Phased/Evanescent reminder: I do legitimately appreciate the extra touch you put into my prompt (seriously, I'm touched), but I also can't give any extra points for it. 5/5, but it phased out

- 2.333333.../5

lordpat

- Flickering Spark: fairly weak on its base cast, but the rebound makes the overall advantage not negligible. I think it could be a bit more pushed, but as is, 3/5 is appropriate

Idea

- Vanishing Procession: definitely a rare in terms of moving parts, game impact, and the way it messes with the core mechanics of phasing. I also don't think this really works, either, since phased-out things are treated as though they don't exist and the delayed trigger wants to refer _to_ phased-out things? not entirely sure, but until I find out that's not the point, the fact this doesn't function sadly nets it a 1/5

two players tied, so I rolled a winner at random. congrats, Fermat

Ilharem is a beatiful, perfect world. It is dominated by five empires of unique greatness, every single one of them being better than the rest. I will provide a short summary of each empire as well as a fun fact about them, but be careful not to indulge too much in escapism! These are not real places!

---

Ustendal, The Humble Blade.

Ustendal is, clearly and without a shadow of a doubt, better than the rest. To those unfortunate enough to not be born in Ustendal, they don't have to worry, as The Orders of Shilka seek to conquer other nations so that they can serve their empire. Freedom, housing, food, culture, these are all little cost for joining the great empire of Ustendal. And they will definetly serve some useful specific role assigned to them once they do.

Whenever a captain conquers a region, they are awarded the honor to write the name in the Grand Scroll. In fact, conquering land is handsomely rewarded, provided they pledge absolute allegiance to the Emperor Frako. Naturally, this means that military training is greatly encouraged in Ustendal.

Sadly, not everyone is smart, competent and honorable. Some believe that Ustendal is not better than the rest. Fortunately, with enough military preasures, everyone seems to end up agreeing towards becoming their colony. Hurray!

Fun fact: Any time they take over another land, they sign a "Feather of Hope" agreement to make it all official. As part of the agreement, the leader of the conquered must say "Thank you for conquering me" to make it clear that they have now understood that Ustendal is indeed better than the rest.

---

Rumok, Pefection Incarnate.

"At the heart of Rumok are three things: efficiency, efficiency and efficiency". - Senate leader Rumoni

Indeed, with their marvelous technology and machines they are able to do amazing things. Rumok's society is fundamentally about perfection, everything and everyone is like a cog. The small cogs, the conquered as well as the poor workers of Rumok, are easily replacable but still a part of the grand design. The big cogs, the grand scientists, philosophers, artists, they are much more important, so society is built to accomodate their needs. Regardless, feeling like a cog is trully one of the most wonderful of human experiences.

If you are a megagenuis or your father is a member of the Mylax Council (which are about the same thing), you'll be offered positions to fullfill your maximum potential. Otherwise, well, you'll need to fit your role well. Otherwise, you might be discarded.

While power, machines, progress, technology are fundamental, it's all for the sake of the Grand Clock. Indeed, the Grand Clock is a super computer (or well, it's mostly a clock) that outputs a single number every day. The objective? To make that number as high as possible, obviously. Maybe it requires following rules such as "paint every other house in a block magenta" or "feed the fish to cyan turtles", but the greatest intelectuals are constantly trying to figure out how to solve this great problem to someday take Ilhem to the next stage of the grand design.

Fun fact: Smaller nations are great subjects for experimenting what things make the Grand Clock tick. Some creative ideas include: causing disease, starvation, killing monarchs and council members, testing strange magic on a population. These might sound cruel, but they are absolutely necessary for progress' sake. Sometimes Rumok is kind enough that when they are done experimenting, they conquer these smaller nations which tend to be in need of order and resources.

---

Oras, The Supreme.

You probably read the description of the previous two empires and though "how quaint". No, if you want something in life, then earn it.

There are plenty of schools for assassins, thieves, necromancers, warriors, provided you can pay. Don't like who's in charge? No worries, organize a revolution, overthrow the leader and then become the tyrant yourself. Smaller nations (and even other empires) can be useful assets in your quest for greatness. Pillage them, conquer them with demons and dragons, make them sign dark contracts so that they serve you. Sometimes you might need to collaborate with other warlords, to use "forbidden" magic, but in Oras, everyone is used to doing what is necessary to achieve their goals. Maybe things are dark, gloomy, riddled with disease and polution, but in Oras, you can be that dark, gritty assassin you always wanted to be.

As for leaders, structure and everything else? No need to go in much detail. Things are built from money and labour. Leaders come and go by the minute, there is a Hall of Supreness for whoever is in charge, though the title of that person also comes and goes by the minute. Want leaders? Structure? Everything else? Earn. It.

Fun fact: No. In Oras, everything is serious, brute and dark. There is no fun.

---

Ashkala, Riders of North.

Ashkala is all about the great pleasures of life. Watching a beautiful sunset, drinking some wine, burning a small village to the ground. Overseen by a great warrior King, Ashkala is a place of both opulence and battle.

Battle is almost a cathartic experience in Ashkala. The rich tend to be behind the ranks, planning, doing shamanism, enjoying the mentioned sunset and wine. The poor tend to be in the front, always willing to take their life to their very end to achieve victory, usually though their mix of control over the natural elements and good old fashioned stabbing. While definetly warmongering, they are also The Living Market, as they are always trading, getting resources such as spices, food, beasts, percious minerals. And to those they refuse? Well, those insolents can have a fun time burning. You'll find the following village you trade with will be a lot more... considerate towards your offers. Ashkala are also great explorers, amazing sailors and scouts, always looking for a new land to commerce with.

Have you dreamt of being a pirate? Explore anciet ruins? Break everything in your way? In Ashkala, everything is about having fun. Violent rituals, monstrous hunts, wonderful seights, destruction of property, vandalism, throwing your annoying neighbour off a cliff. You can finally do the things you always wanted to do!

Fun fact: Those that resist the reign of Ashkala are put in Arenas to have brutal fights to the death. A trully amazing sight to behold, and there is nothing that can go wrong when you put powerful warriors that all despise you in the same place in front of civilians.

---

Lumona, The Grand Cult.

Lumona is a place where you can be one with nature. See, everyone has their place. Some are powerful rulers, druids, warriors; and clearly, some people where born for it. Every other empire and smaller nation is sadly misunderstood, they believe that they are in charge of their own destiny. But Lumona is obviously the truthful ruler of the world and they will work dilligently so that everyone finds their place in it.

People in Lumona have a healthy devotion to the Greater Beasts of Lumon. They provide them the unique ability to master the wild arts and tame all sorts of beasts, and in return, they only ask for food. Sometimes this is as easy as having entire populations' harvest go to them. Sometimes they are more picky, but forunately weather they are the weak, the traitors, the enemy, there are always people whose rightful place is some beast's stomach.

But it doesn't stop there, of course, the Feast of Lumon is a grand party that is held twice or so every year. There people play games, spare fun battles, bond with beasts, and the Elvan Masters then choose the most dignified among the young participants to be the meal of none other than Lumon itself! As you can imagine, being such a large honor, people are willing to do anything to get the attentions of the Elvan Masters.

Fun fact: Lumona has no specific ruler, the Elvan Masters are a group of elite druids of multiple different cities, which tend to focus on a specific type of fauna. For example, on Riverpeak, they adore birds, rocs and all sorts of flying beasts.

---

Mechanics/General Description

OK, OK, WE GOT IT. Ilharem stinks. It is a "grimdark" take on magic (like warhammer) but with a more traditional fantasy aesthetic. I want to see each color at its worst, obnoxious, pompus, arrogant, violent, petty, etc.Seeing how the conquering part is important, I'd still advice going for exploration/renassaince art but that is up to you.

The set should feel like you are gaining resources, creating armies, usually in less than ethical ways. It should also feel combat oriented, but watch out about hyper aggresion: it should be combat oriented but not fast.

Aside from the 3 color factions, hybrid mana is a mechanical theme, usually to reflect smaller nations, backstabing/etc and to show how willing and desperate people are for allies, but not as to push a monocolor theme, so use frequently but probably cards should have a single hybrid mana symbol. Each faction has a unique mechanic, which I will leave up to you with the sole exception of:
- Renowned
- TBD
- TBD
- TBD
- TBD

I also introduce a brand new mechanic, campaigns which should hopefully encourage combat whilst also giving small value over time to avoid it becoming hyper aggresive:





And that is it! Here is the first common as it's usual:

Common #1

Novice of the Order
Creature - Human Soldier
Renowned 1.  (Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, if it isn't renowned, put a +1/+1 counter on it and it becomes renowned.)
It is an honor to serve. It's a bigger honor to be served.
2/1

Finally some suggestions:
1-feel free to add some humor to the cards. Contrast and irony are good ways to flavor grimdark imo.
2-commons should be playable, avoid narrow edgecards unless there is a very good reason for them.
3-keep complexity in check, specially again on commons.

Good luck peeps and sorry for the long read!

Continuing with defining the factions' mechanics, I think Lumona needs a strategy somewhere between Naya stompy and Cabaretti go-wide:

The littler creatures pledge themselves to the beasts, who go on the offensive. It's a little more of a bend in red than in green and white, but I think it's fine in small numbers, like connive in white.