RyanNerdyGamer
0/0 Germ
Currently working on [project://PANLACTA]
Posts: 44
Formerly Known As: GeekyGamerZack; OrionJZed
Favorite Set: Ravnica: City of Guilds (first set that really wowed me)
Color Alignment: White, Blue, Black, Red, Green, Colorless
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Post by RyanNerdyGamer on Oct 22, 2018 11:40:18 GMT
My pet project in MSE for some time now is called Empires of Novalan, a faction-based block with a tribal focus. I've already fine-tuned the lore and flavour of the world of Novalan and its five continents, and now I'd like to bring it to life as a fully-fleshed-out trio of Magic sets, possibly even as a community project. If I do decide to go ahead and seek collaboration with other members (or if anyone is interested in starting a collab after seeing this post), then I'll open a thread in the Community Projects board so the sets can start to be planned. I don't want to reveal too many details, as I'd like the finished block to be a surprise for those who don't work on it, but I will outline the key details here: Block name: Empires of NovalanSet size(s): Large-Large-TBD Themes: Tribal factions, multicolour, gradual identity shift Set 1-specific theme: Ally pair factions Set 2-specific themes: Enemy pair factions, ally-colour vs. enemy-colour Set 3-specific themes: Single-colour "invader" factions, monocolour vs. multicolour If anyone is interested in this project, then be sure to leave a comment below. Thanks for checking out my idea, and please have an awesome day! --Zack--
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RyanNerdyGamer
0/0 Germ
Currently working on [project://PANLACTA]
Posts: 44
Formerly Known As: GeekyGamerZack; OrionJZed
Favorite Set: Ravnica: City of Guilds (first set that really wowed me)
Color Alignment: White, Blue, Black, Red, Green, Colorless
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Post by RyanNerdyGamer on Oct 23, 2018 7:03:41 GMT
The main thing that stuck in my mind when brainstorming my own Magic block was that it should cover my favourite themes: multicolour and factions. Since then, my concept and vision have become more clearly defined, and I've settled on a block identity with which I'm happy. Novalan is a vast world whose surface is covered by five continents separated by a vast ocean. Each landmass is large enough to be a self-contained plane in its own right, with visiting Planeswalkers seeing it as something akin to a "biome of the eternities", as each continent is vastly different - and isolated - from the others. The progenitor dragons Pasnoir, Nulviridis, Gunghorm, Akanashi and Llaigwyn were said to be the basis for the worlds' ecosystems and cultures, with each of the five continents named after the dragon who called it home. Today, those lands are home to the progenitors' descendants, and each continent is home to two factions who are at constant odds with one another; Pasnoir, for example, is the battleground of the kingdom of Vertblanc and the realm of Bleurouge, who represent swords vs. sorcery. More info to come. Stay tuned!
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Post by fluffydeathbringer on Oct 23, 2018 14:20:27 GMT
in what way do lazynameGWfaction and lazynameURfaction represent sword and sorcery respectively
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RyanNerdyGamer
0/0 Germ
Currently working on [project://PANLACTA]
Posts: 44
Formerly Known As: GeekyGamerZack; OrionJZed
Favorite Set: Ravnica: City of Guilds (first set that really wowed me)
Color Alignment: White, Blue, Black, Red, Green, Colorless
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Post by RyanNerdyGamer on Oct 24, 2018 22:06:38 GMT
fluffydeathbringer Here's the tl;dr: Vertblanc (the GW faction) is Knight tribal, whereas Bleurouge (the UR faction) is Wizard tribal. I've given a different theme to each continent, with each faction on said continent representing one side of a certain pairing: PasnoirTheme: Medieval European-inspired swords vs. sorcery Factions: Vertblanc (GW Knight tribal), Bleurouge (UR Wizard tribal), ?? NulviridisTheme: Futuristic Roman-style artifice vs. art of battle Factions: Caerula (UB Artificer tribal), Luxrubrum (RW Warrior tribal), ?? GunghormTheme: Primitive-themed barbarism vs. spiritualism Factions: Dearguaine (RG Barbarian tribal), Gealdubh (WB Cleric tribal), ?? AkanashiTheme: Contemporary Tokusatsu-influenced superheroes vs. insectoids Factions: Aohikari (WU Monk tribal), Midoriyami (BG Insect tribal), ?? LlaigwynTheme: Abstract Norse-stereotyped Vikings vs. Celts Factions: Marwn (BR Orc tribal), Glasgwyrrd (GU Druid tribal), ?? The way the main factions of each set work is ally pairs as the focus in set 1, enemy pairs in set 2 and the "??" factions in set 3. Also, exactly one faction in each of the first two sets is based on a "racial" creature type, while the other four are class-based factions. The five factions in the third set are based on racial creature types, with the first two sets planting the seeds of their full-scale appearance.
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RyanNerdyGamer
0/0 Germ
Currently working on [project://PANLACTA]
Posts: 44
Formerly Known As: GeekyGamerZack; OrionJZed
Favorite Set: Ravnica: City of Guilds (first set that really wowed me)
Color Alignment: White, Blue, Black, Red, Green, Colorless
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Post by RyanNerdyGamer on Feb 8, 2024 6:39:29 GMT
I've resumed work on this project, and have focused on honing and refining the worldbuilding and lore, as well as the interactions between - and motivations of - each of its native factions. As a quick refresher, the three sets of the Novalan "block" take place on a massive plane whose five continents are large enough to be entire self-contained, moderately-sized worlds in their own right. The key focus is the duality between each landmass' two native factions, whose ideals and ways of living contrast each other to the point of conflict; this is represented in their colour combinations, with one side being ally-paired, and the other the enemy pairing on the opposite end of the colour pie; for example, the factions on the continent of Valérise are GW-aligned Altarn and UR-aligned Aradea. Much like the original Ixalan block, the empires of Novalan are defined by creature type, with each faction having a unique typal focus; using Valérise as an example, Altarn is a Knight typal faction, while Aradea is a Wizard typal faction, with these creature types unique to those two nations. Each of the first two sets showcases one side of each continent's conflict, with Empires of Novalan including the ally-paired factions, and Conflicts of Novalan focusing on their enemy-paired counterparts. The third set, Invaders of Novalan, sees a shake-up as a third major player on each landmass reveals itself, forcing both sides to settle their differences, find common ground, and work together to stop their mutual adversary before it's too late; as such, I'd like to include tools for Two-Headed Giant play in the set, as well as some form of 2HG precon "product" for those interested in the format. As a fan of Mark Rosewater's Making Magic articles, I intend to use some of the set design tips and advice presented in them (there's one series in particular that shows the step-by-step process), though given my expertise is more in the creative side of the game - I'm kinda the other side of the Izzet coin compared with Maro - I'd like to collaborate with others who are better equipped with the mechanical side. In a sense, it's very much in-line with the dualistic themes present in the setting itself, and it'd be a perfect opportunity to build and practice my teamwork skills. In any case, I look forward to working on my debut full-sized set project, and hope you'll join me on this creative journey. Stay illustrious, my friends! ~ ζ ε δ ~
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RyanNerdyGamer
0/0 Germ
Currently working on [project://PANLACTA]
Posts: 44
Formerly Known As: GeekyGamerZack; OrionJZed
Favorite Set: Ravnica: City of Guilds (first set that really wowed me)
Color Alignment: White, Blue, Black, Red, Green, Colorless
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Post by RyanNerdyGamer on Feb 9, 2024 3:00:06 GMT
And now for a brief overview of each set's quintet of factions:
*** Empires of Novalan (EON)
Raurgen: A volcanic region where terrain is prone to sudden and violent shifts outside of three designated “safe zones,” each home to a unique tribe of orc: the Voult, who worship the mountain and embody pleasure; the Midak, who venerate the swamps and embody ideals; and the Corda, who revere the thunder and embody freedom. -Colours: 💀🔥 -Continent: Naturvan -Themes: Orcs; Lands; Quick-burst effects -Rival: Zodomia
Geoda: A jungle region of steamy hot springs and primordial rainforest. “Society” isn’t a word many would associate with its native Geodite population, who have followed a strict pattern of survival that has barely changed in millennia, despite the apparent ingenuity of its otherwise sapient peoples. -Colours: 🔥🌳 -Continent: Bytholyn -Themes: Barbarians; Creatures; Battlefield -Rival: Ætheria
Altarn: A tranquil region of lush woodland and rolling meadows. Altarn is home to the Order of Silversteel, a collective of noble knights and squires; though every citizen holds the knightly level of “errant,” only the “steeled” count as Silversteel squires, and the “silvered” as full knights. To be chosen for steeling is the highest of honours. -Colours: 🌳☀️ -Continent: Valérise -Themes: Knights; Auras; Counters -Rival: Aradea
Sentaris: A temperate region of vast prairies and abundant wetlands. Sentaris is a society on the verge of dynamic breakthroughs in mana-based technology, with its citadels forming teams of “Neo-Warriors” trained to defend an unsuspecting populace from potential threats to their utopian society, like the ever-covetous Council of Wrak. -Colours: ☀️💧 -Continent: Hiroyori -Themes: Monks; Vehicles; TDFCs -Rival: Wrak-Krem
Caerubis: A structured region whose terrain is neatly compartmentalised in its city-state walls. Caerubis has one objective: To understand everything, to adapt where possible, and to dismantle and reconfigure if necessary. There is a saying among the neighbouring Conturites: “When in Caerubis, consider yourself not a citizen, but a specimen.” -Colours: 💧💀 -Continent: Formavis -Themes: Artificers; Tokens; Artifacts -Rival: Conturon
*** Conflicts of Novalan (CON)
Zodomia: A lush region of steamy mangroves and vast wetlands, where its three shamanic clades coexist in an almost paradoxical balance: the Glenwyrd, a race of elves whose semi-aquatic lifestyle would baffle many a visiting Planeswalker; the Repetta, a species of serpentine folk who make the canopies their home; and the Simiat, a hyper-intelligent apefolk in harmony with both scientific and spiritual ideologies. -Colours: 🌳💧 -Continent: Naturvan -Themes: Mystics; Lands; Ongoing effects -Rival: Raurgen
Ætheria: A chilling region of rugged plateaus and bone-littered heath. Significantly more organised than the barbarism of Geoda, the Ætherians follow a spiritual path borne of ancient customs and traditions, one in which dualities such as life and death are deemed irrational, with even long-dead ancestors as persistent as the still-living. -Colours: ☀️💀 -Continent: Bytholyn -Themes: Clerics; Creatures; Graveyard -Rival: Geoda
Aradea: A mountainous region of powerful rivers and stone-hewn crags. Aradea has two arcane centres: the Turquoise Citadel, a society of wizards and lorekeepers who prefer defensive magic and counterspells; and the Armada, an order of battlemages who train in buffs and elemental craft. -Colours: 💧🔥 -Continent: Valérise -Themes: Wizards; Auras; Non-permanents -Rival: Altarn
Wrak-Krem: A bleak region covered in sticky bogs and densely-tangled forests. The Council of Wrak is its gross ruling body, leaving most to eke out a meagre living as scavengers and oddjobbers; this has led to rumours of “rogue” freedom fighters who follow the example of Sentaris’ Neo-Warriors, and who call themselves “the Krem Rebellion” -Colours: 💀🌳 -Continent: Hiroyori -Themes: Insects; Vehicles; MDFCs -Rival: Sentaris
Conturon: An arid region of fossilised sand dunes and expansive salt flats. Conturon is harsh and unforgiving to those unprepared, yet its inhabitants thrive in ways they dare not reveal to those they consider worthless; many a Caerubian has been left to wander the scorching terrain alone after “making an offer no ‘sane’ being would reject.” -Colours: 🔥☀️ -Continent: Formavis -Themes: Warriors; Tokens; Equipment -Rival: Caerubis
*** Invaders of Novalan (ION)
Alvabrae: An alpine region of Naturvan legend said to be the home of the dwarf clans, who make their living in the highlands and vast caverns of its tallest peaks. It is said that, in the time of great upheaval, a shining figure from beyond the skies hid Alvabrae from the chaos engulfing the land, ne’er to return until the enchanter is no more. With the sudden appearance of a stark white mountain range, it appears Alvabrae’s saviour has fallen, and Raurgennan and Zodomian alike have designs on its riches. So say the clans, “Nae blummin’ likely!” -Colour: ☀️ -Continent: Naturvan -Themes: Dwarves; Lands; Modular effects -Neighbours: Raurgen; Zodomia
Gremata: A mysterious region comprised of shining megastructures hidden from plain sight in the skies and seas of Bytholyn. Gremata is a highly sophisticated web of outposts, its inhabitants a race of vedalken who long ago unlocked interplanar travel, inspiring Geodite cave paintings and becoming the indirect source of Ætherian religion. But what will happen when the native peoples discover the truth of their figures of myth, turning against them out of paranoia? -Colour: 💧 -Continent: Bytholyn -Themes: Vedalken; Creatures; Library -Neighbours: Geoda; Ætheria
Ymbrisk: A shrouded region of defectors from both Altarn and Aradea. Ymbrisk appears as if from nowhere, rolling in from the void as a dense fogbank so as to remain elusive, never quite here nor there. It heralded its coming long before its first “looming” in the form of whispers of limitless power to the lost; as such, they now master the warlock arts, and seek to reclaim their fair share from the lands who let them down. -Colour: 💀 -Continent: Valérise -Themes: Warlocks; Auras; Weakening -Neighbours: Altarn; Aradea
Teraneuma: A subterranean region in which the race of viashino called the Teraneuma retreated and sealed off long ago, during a mighty uprising of the enslaved species who built and maintained their glorious empire; now, while their descendants are distracted in a bitter enmity with each other, the current ruler of the Teraneuma has begun to take over key locations in both Sentaris and Wrak-Krem, driving out the inhabitants and issuing a warning-slash-challenge to all Neo-Warriors and each Krem Rebel: “Hiroyori is Ours! Teraneuma Rises Again!” -Colour: 🔥 -Continent: Hiroyori -Themes: Viashino; Vehicles; Meld DFCs -Neighbours: Sentaris; Wrak-Krem
Laurana: A flourishing region mentioned in ancient folklore and mythology across Formavis. It is said that when civilisation first rose, the march of militance and drive of design had withered the ideals of wonder and whimsy; when the last child to sing gave in to form and function, that last song became a seed, waiting to sprout anew should it be sung again. Now, the melody is unburied, and the realm of Laurana is ready to sow its seed throughout the land once more. -Colour: 🌳 -Continent: Formavis -Themes: Faeries; Tokens; Enchantments -Neighbours: Caerubis; Conturon
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RyanNerdyGamer
0/0 Germ
Currently working on [project://PANLACTA]
Posts: 44
Formerly Known As: GeekyGamerZack; OrionJZed
Favorite Set: Ravnica: City of Guilds (first set that really wowed me)
Color Alignment: White, Blue, Black, Red, Green, Colorless
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Post by RyanNerdyGamer on Feb 11, 2024 3:21:54 GMT
Each of the three sets is planned as its own self-contained, standalone experience, with all three sharing themes that allow for a variety of cross-set synergy and interaction. In terms of constructed play, this means EON and CON are designed to be perfectly opposed and balanced, with a clear rivalry and distinction between both sides of each landmass’ conflict, which is most apparent in EON’s focus on ally pairs, and CON’s on enemy pairs.
ION is a soft mechanical reboot of that formula, with a core focus on its five monocoloured factions, and the contrasting dichotomy between themselves and their multicoloured neighbours; this is true in the “mono vs. multi” style, with each colour-paired faction able to hold their own individually, while gaining access to new tools that allow for “augmented quadcolour” gameplay styles, such as Two-Headed Giant.
I’ve decided that ION will have a subset of “preconstructed” products, with a Two-Headed Giant deck set for each “endemic” faction, and a semi-autopiloted challenge deck for each monocoloured “invader” faction in a similar style to the ones from the Theros Hero’s Path, which can be tackled solo but best optimised as a co-op experience; imagine the fun of a three-player “Raid the Alvabrae Mine” game, with two players commanding a team-up of the orcs of Raugrin and the mystics of Zodomia, and the third sending waves of Alvabronians to defend their treasure vaults from brigands “by the Light an’ Might o’ th’ Hames.”
*** Speaking of the continents, each is named for one of Novalan’s five elder dragons, all of whom are four-colour legendary permanents usable as Commanders; I’ve already begun ideas for how to implement them in a way that makes them work within the constraints of four-colour cards (much of ION’s quadcolour support is via the ally/enemy rivals working together; very few cards with a defined four-colour identity are intended, and those that do are at higher rarities with a fairly low as-fan).
The Novalan Elder Dragons are (in inverted-WUBRG order):
- Naturvan, the Entropic (UBRG) - Bytholyn, the Ornery (BRGW) - Valérise, the Undaunting (RGWU) - Hiroyori, the Aligned (GWUB) - Formavis, the Impliable (WUBR)
In-lore, the dragons haven’t been seen in millennia, and some cultures believe them to be little more than figures of myth or ordinary folk whose legends became overly embellished through the eons.
One fact remains true across all the worlds’ cultures legends, folktales, and religions, even with the untraversably vast spans of ocean between continents: each of the namesakes had apparently been broken into three pieces, causing the lands they birthed to sunder along similar lines; from each, two were hidden at opposite sides of their homelands, while the third was “cast into the void,” preventing their return forevermore…
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