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Post by Parasign on Apr 7, 2019 6:59:38 GMT
The sound of rain falling on an old man’s corpse
The knowledge that you will die alone, powerless, and forgotten
The second syllable of a word that no one has spoken in twelve thousand years
A hole that absorbs meaning
The underside of your skin
The color that makes you remember
A library made from
The taste of
The only
The
…
A scholar who has lost his name
(Art by Rafael Sarmento) #7e7e7eAn old man travels the Arena carrying a backpack full of implements, books, and scrolls. Something is subtly wrong about him - the air appears to shimmer and distort as he walks by, leaving vague afterimages in your mind. If you lose sight of him, it can be hard to remember he was ever there.Colors: NoneCMC Level: 0Type Masteries: NoneMulticolor Level: 0Advanced Keywords: Hidden Agenda, Historic, Imprint, Surveil, Herevite-Encrypted, Flashback, Puzzlebox, Cycling (8 points)Perks: Rarity Upgrader, One with the Void, Renowned Spy, Sinister Decree, Jester, Planar Champion (6 points) Advanced Perks: Tactical Imperator (2 points) Available Skill Points: 13Valor: 943Total Score: 943(From Previous Characters: 2437)Can Call Aid From: Any Core Set, +9 unclaimed (26/26 Mana Available) Achievements: Not of This World (AKH VIA), Homicidal Seclusion (AKH VIA), Lotus Guardian (VIA), Conflux (VIA), Humility (VIA), Akroma’s Memorial (VIA), Helix Pinnacle (VIA), Conqueror’s Pledge (VIA), Three Visits (Parsul Viric), Enchanted Evening (Parsul Viric), Epic Proportions (Parsul Viric), Experimental Frenzy (Troischa Sulberynn)(Background by Optovista)A note on the nameless scholar's memory-affecting aura: {Spoiler} Information about the nameless scholar rapidly degrades once you no longer perceive him. You're less likely to forget if you actively think about it. If you still remember after ~18 seconds (when it moves to long-term memory; some entities may be affected differently) you probably won't lose the information entirely, though it'll still be difficult to recall.
This doesn't affect information provided by the scholar that isn't directly related to him. You can still remember things he says, even if you don't recall he said them. Previous Characters: Troischa Sulberynn
Where does your mask end and you begin? (Art by Nina Galinska) #8b185dA statuesque woman with light skin and dark, reddish hair approaches. Her steps, measured and confident, contrast sharply with the cold, cruel intensity of her crimson eyes.Colors: (5 points)CMC Level: 7 (7 points)Type Masteries: Artifact, Creature, Instant, Sorcery (4 points)Multicolor Level: 1 (1 point)Advanced Keywords: Living Weapon, Mutate, Split Second, Flashback, Cycling (5 points)Perks: Artificer, Multityper, Rarity Upgrader, Questmaster, Twinsouled (5 points)Available Skill Points: 1Valor: 101Total Score: 501(From Previous Characters: 1936)Can Call Aid From: Any Core Set, Legends, +3 unclaimed (18/18 Mana Available) Achievements: Not of This World (AKH VIA), Homicidal Seclusion (AKH VIA), Lotus Guardian (VIA), Conflux (VIA), Humility (VIA), Akroma’s Memorial (VIA), Helix Pinnacle (VIA), Conqueror’s Pledge (VIA), Three Visits (Parsul Viric), Enchanted Evening (Parsul Viric), Epic Proportions (Parsul Viric)
Travidar Zataz and the Featherweight Crew
Travidar Zataz, seen here attempting to blend in with the natives of Kaladesh. (Art by Jehan Choo) In a smoking crater near the ruins of Sanaerti lies a metal ship the size of a barn. The sounds of a loud argument emanate from within. Colors: (5 points)CMC Level: 5 (5 points)Type Masteries: Artifact, Creature, Enchantment, Instant, Land, Sorcery, Planeswalker (7 points)Multicolor Level: 1 (1 point)Advanced Keywords: None (0 points)Perks: Artificer, Enchanter, Rarity Upgrader (3 points)Available Skill Points: 2Valor: 235Total Score: 235(From Previous Characters: 1936)Can Call Aid From: M10-M20, ORI, +2 unclaimed (10/14 Mana Available) Achievements: Not of This World (AKH VIA), Homicidal Seclusion (AKH VIA), Lotus Guardian (VIA), Conflux (VIA), Humility (VIA), Akroma’s Memorial (VIA), Helix Pinnacle (VIA), Conqueror’s Pledge (VIA), Three Visits (Parsul Viric), Enchanted Evening (Parsul Viric), Epic Proportions (Parsul Viric)
7CP Internal Memo – Do Not Distribute TO: Director Tzhai FROM: VI, Paragon of Memory SUBJECT: Featherweight Project The theft of the prototype vessel Featherweight remains a significant setback to the interplanar travel network that will connect our growing empire. The thief, Travidar Zataz of the Izzet League, will soon attempt to escape our timeline through the Herevite legacy breach "Implied Coordinates" on Ylstikeme. I recommend re-designating him as Class 3 and authorizing the Eyes Upon the Threshold to apprehend him. They’ll do so anyway, of course, but it would help to present a united front. A full report is enclosed. May the Second Risen endure beyond sight.
Travidar ZatazColors: ( ) "Yes, I’m sure you have an excellent reason to question my judgment. Remind me, who’s the captain here?" (#4219e6)
Physical Description: Hairless. Blue skin. Violet eyes. 6'1" and 139 lbs., according to Izzet records. Faint acid scars on face. Species: Vedalken Home Plane: Ravnica Former Occupation: Izzet researcher Specialties: Multiverse cosmology, illusion magic, theoretical navigation Threat Class: 2 (Potential 3) Even before his theft of the Featherweight, Travidar Zataz was a known critic of the Eyes Upon the Threshold and suspected Anathema sympathizer. He is also known to have engaged in morally dubious experiments as far back as the Spark War. Those of his co-workers willing to comment described him as "vocal," "abrasive," and "surprisingly competent." Due to the importance of his research prior to becoming a fugitive, capturing him alive is strongly recommended.
Xylsha Marrowsong
Colors: ( ) "Ooh, I like your smile! Can I keep it?" (#cc10a2)
Physical Description: Black hair curled into ringlets. Almond skin, which appears composed of chitinous plates on close inspection. Green eyes. Pointed teeth. Approximately four feet tall. Usually seen with an emaciated, catlike entity covered in roiling black ooze that resembles fur. Species: Phyrexian (former human) Home Plane: Eldraine Former Occupation: Princess of Court Marrowsong Specialties: Telempathy, biokinesis, diabolism (suspected) Threat Class: 0 (Potential 10) Xylsha Marrowsong is an adolescent female princess of the Phyrexian Court known as Marrowsong, whose members are known for their supernatural control over non-sapient organisms. The danger presented by a Phyrexian with access to reliable planar travel cannot be overstated. Kill on sight.
Jane Sullivan
Colors: ( ) "I’ll take this life over cowering in a cramped railcar any day." (#d14310)
Physical Description: Dirty blonde hair. Light skin. Hazel eyes. Approximately five and a half feet tall. Fondness for tactical military gear and elaborate hats. Species: Human Home Plane: Feraguo Former Occupation: Outlaw Specialties: Firearms, metallokinesis, breaking and entering Threat Class: 0 (Potential 1) Jane Sullivan is an outlaw, self-taught mage, and train robber from Feraguo. Due to the ubiquity of Revelation-class supernatural entities on the plane, survival outside its heavily militarized train-habitats is next to impossible. Thus, it can be assumed that Jane Sullivan is both extremely dangerous and entirely lacking in empathy. Capture or kill as appropriate.
Aseka Yeru
Colors: ( ) "Your face is in my field of vision. Remove it before I do." (#17c097)
Physical Description: Brown hair. Green, scaly skin. Four arms. Orange eyes. Left eye and lower left arm are partly metallic. Approximately six feet tall. Species: Orochi Home Plane: Kamigawa Former Occupation: Street Ronin Specialties: Archery, swordplay, hacking, wilderness survival Threat Class: 0 Aseka Yeru is a reclusive, cybernetically enhanced orochi from the Jukai Free State on Kamigawa. Known anarcho-primitivist leanings. A suspect in several attacks on Eiganjo Corporation subsidiaries. Capture or kill as appropriate.
Melbyn Wylari
Colors: ( ) "I may not be strong, or brave, or smart, or, uh, competent in any way, but I… um… give me a moment, I’m sure I can think of something." (#b39c65)
Physical Description: Curly, reddish-brown hair. Large blue-white eyes with no iris or pupil (but still capable of sight). Pale skin. Approximately four feet tall. Species: Kithkin Home Plane: Shadowmoor Former Occupation: Unknown Specialties: Unknown Threat Class: Undefined Little is known about Melbyn of the Wylari clachan, as he hails from a relatively isolated plane with no Second Risen presence. This makes him a dangerous wildcard we cannot afford to underestimate. Kill on sight. Parsul Viric
Image Credit: Woong Seok Kim & RoumKoA card just feels so formal, you know? #a49341Colors: (4 points)CMC Level: 10 (10 points)Type Mastery: Enchantment (1 point)Multicolor Level: 2 (2 points)Advanced Keywords: None (0 points)Perks: Enchanter, Jester, Questmaster, Rarity Upgrader (4 points)Available Skill Points: 3Valor: 323Total Score: 573(From Previous Characters: 1363)Can Call Aid From: M10-M19, ORI, Unstable, +4 unclaimed (20/20 Mana Available)Achievements: Not of This World (AKH VIA), Homicidal Seclusion (AKH VIA), Lotus Guardian (VIA), Conflux (VIA), Humility (VIA), Akroma’s Memorial (VIA), Helix Pinnacle (VIA), Conqueror’s Pledge (VI...A?), Three Visits (Parsul Viric)Now, I know what you’re thinking: who’s this kid and what in oblivion is he doing here? Great question! I’m Parsul Viric, and I’m the new Chosen of the World Book, which is this crazy Ark Lord relic that’s also my entire plane. I won’t get into the metaphysics because they’re complicated and boring and I don’t really scan them myself, but basically, it’s my job to keep it safe and learn the stories of other cultures so I can add the best parts to my world. To be honest, I still don’t get why my home plane puts its very existence in the hands of a completely unqualified nineteen-year-old with no idea what he’s doing, but it’s worked out for the past void-knows-how-many generations so who am I to question it? Haha. No pressure.But enough of that. Being Outside is fascinating! You can find me in this surprisingly nice rustic cottage just off the road near the ruins of that one city that worshiped the six-armed goddess. Sane Erity? Something like that. I look forward to meeting you all.A note on Herevite Encryption:
Herevite Encryption is an ancient and forbidden art. A partially encrypted sentence can be understood normally by characters who have the Jester perk or other access to silver-bordered magic. Anyone else can understand and repeat the sentence freely, but they will not recognize the encrypted words outside the context of that specific sentence.
(Example: Alice tells Bob “my name is Alice.” Bob knows that Alice has told him her name. Bob can repeat the sentence verbatim. Alice stabs Bob in the chest and mugs him. Bob survives and contacts the local authorities, who ask about his attacker. Bob realizes that he has absolutely no idea what Alice’s name is.)
Planeswalkers and other characters with similar magical translation ability can break Herevite Encryption through sheer willpower, but this can be harmful to body and mind. Headaches, nosebleeds, and paranoid delusions are common side effects of this process. You can read this too, can't you?
A fully Herevite-Encrypted sentence is gibberish to those without access to silver-bordered magic, planeswalker or no.
Herevite Encryption is extremely difficult to learn, and few know more than a handful of encrypted words. It is nowadays used mostly for religious purposes by certain cultures which believe Herevite Encryption is the only language their gods understand.
VIA
"You're still alive and none of it mattered and I'm FREE."CMC Level: 5 (5 points) Type Mastery: Artifact, Instant, Sorcery (3 points) Multicolor Level: 4 (4 points) Advanced Keywords: None (0 points) Perks: None (0 points)
Available Skill Points: 1 Valor: 110 Total Score: 610 (From Previous Characters: 753) Can Call Aid From: M10-M19, ORI, Time Spiral, Alpha, Coldsnap, Future Sight, +2 unclaimed (22/22 Mana Available)
Achievements: Not of This World (AKH VIA), Homicidal Seclusion (AKH VIA)
AKH VIA was the last hope of the dying plane of Kiphis, created by the Most Sane and Necessary Empire of AKHATAR to breach the Blind Eternities and light the way to a new world. Sadly, putting a spark inside a living gateway gave it part of the sentience of its previous owner, a young child named Vi who didn't take well to being murdered and integrated into a vast machine intelligence powering a planeswalking gate. Not until much later would AKH VIA understand enough to regret leaving her entire world to die, but on her return she found a few of them had sealed themselves away in cryosleep to wait for any last-minute miracle. Now she searches for a new unspoiled plane, to save what's left of her "fathers."
VIA is a useless, redundant appliance that has served its purpose and is now of no importance whatsoever.
VI is your salvation.
VIA is a backup copy of a submind uploaded by AKH VIA to an android she had placed on the Arena. Due to a malfunction, most of her spark was also transferred to the backup, stranding AKH VIA on Azoria. Freed from having to power the gate, the spark awakened its long-suppressed mana bonds, letting the backup use magic and granting her memories of past lives.
The copy of VIA used her newfound magical powers to complete the trials of Adaptation, Ferocity, Glory, and Sacrifice, but refused Rudara's blessing and was expelled from Sanaerti. In the process, she again met Karina, who led her to the EPIC outpost. The two then followed Seiva to AKH VIA's former location on the Arena, where VIA's spark had spontaneously generated an illusory reality.
Once VIA arrived in this reality, her spark's suppressed memories of VI revealed themselves to all present, and attempted to merge with her mind. AKH VIA [[Atmospheric composition acceptable. Temperature acceptable. Population disagreeable.]]
"I'm sorry, fathers. I'll keep searching. I'll make you proud one day." Colors: None (0 points) CMC Level: 6 (6 points) Type Mastery: Artifact, Creature (2 points) Multicolor Level: 0 (0 points) Advanced Keywords: None (0 points) Perks: Artificer, Multityper, One with the Void, Planar Champion, Questmaster, Rarity Upgrader, Twin-Souled (7 points)
Available Skill Points: 0 Valor: 3 Total Score: 753 Can Call Aid From: M10-M19, ORI, +7 unclaimed (24/24 Mana Available)
Advanced Perks: Sigil of the Commander (2 points)
AKH VIA was the last hope of the dying plane of Kiphis, created by the Most Sane and Necessary Empire of AKHATAR to breach the Blind Eternities and light the way to a new world. Sadly, putting a spark inside a living gateway gave it part of the sentience of its previous owner, a young child named Vi who didn't take well to being murdered and integrated into a vast machine intelligence powering a planeswalking gate. Not until much later would AKH VIA understand enough to regret leaving her entire world to die, but on her return she found a few of them had sealed themselves away in cryosleep to wait for any last-minute miracle. Now she searches for a new unspoiled plane, to save what's left of her "fathers."
EDIT 6/17/2019: Due to the recent rules update, AKH VIA has refunded Planeswalker Mastery for 50 Valor, then bought Sigil of the Commander.
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Post by gurfafflekins on Apr 7, 2019 7:40:48 GMT
Parasign I walked up to the... gate? The arena never fails. "This is new. I wonder where you lead..." I said. Seemed like a gate to me - nothing more, nothing less. Even if it felt like something else entirely.Dangerous Assumption Instant ~ deals 3 damage to target creature. If that creature would die this turn, exile it instead. "It's probably nothing."Welcome a-board, hope you enjoy!
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Post by Parasign on Apr 7, 2019 8:14:10 GMT
gurfafflekins {WARNING. Unauthorized user attempting access. Stage One automated defenses engaged.}"Hello, sir. You may want to step back from my entrance. The drones are awfully touchy around humanoids."Shield Drone Artifact Creature - Drone Flash When ~ enters the battlefield, all damage a source of your choice would deal to target creature this turn is dealt to ~ instead. 1/4 Dangerous Assumption: A nice, simple uncommon. I could see this in a set with a strong monocolor or graveyard theme. I like the flavor; it would feel more appropriate if the card only worked on, say, attacking creatures, but it's still better than yet another generic fire-themed burn spell. 9/10.
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Post by cajun on Apr 7, 2019 22:29:13 GMT
A young girl with a spear walks past the gate, then spins around on her heel and runs back to look at it. "You weren't here yesterday." She tilts her head. "What are you doing here?" Quizzical Stare Sorcery Choose a nonland card name, then target opponent reveals their hand. If they reveal a card with the chosen name, draw a card. Draw a card.
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Post by Parasign on Apr 7, 2019 23:42:18 GMT
"Another one? You said this plane was uninhabited!"{Clearly I was mistaken. Recalibrating sensors. And say hello, VIA, you're supposed to be the friendly one here.}Learning Machine Artifact , , Discard a card: Draw two cards. Activate this ability only if an opponent has more cards in hand than you. "Friends teach you what you've done well. Enemies teach you what you can do better." - Device inscriptionQuizzical Stare: Peek evolved into an inverted Cabal Therapy! I like the mind games here, though I'm iffy on hand-revealing effects at common since they remove a lot of the bluffing element from the game (and can have memory issues in paper, sort of). This would also be very strong in Standard and probably Modern too, and might need to move up a mana. 9/10.
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Post by cajun on Apr 8, 2019 1:29:17 GMT
(not sure which of those she's supposed to be able to hear, so assuming the one in quotes and not the one in brackets) Learning Machine is nifty, might be a bit confusing if you can activate it with the same number of cards in hand (since the discard would mean you no longer do) I think you don't but the uncertainty's not great. 9/10"Another one? You said this plane was uninhabited!"{Clearly I was mistaken. Recalibrating sensors. And say hello, VIA, you're supposed to be the friendly one here.}Learning Machine Artifact , , Discard a card: Draw two cards. Activate this ability only if an opponent has more cards in hand than you. "Friends teach you what you've done well. Enemies teach you what you can do better." - Device inscription "I didn't say that," I huffed. "How could I even, if it was I wouldn't be here to say that."I get closer to the gate since it doesn't seem to be doing anything. "Hello? Is anyone in there?"Nosy Kid Creature - Human Rogue Whenever Nosy Kid deals combat damage to a player, that player reveals their hand and you draw a card. 2/2
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Post by gurfafflekins on Apr 8, 2019 2:21:36 GMT
I gave a startled look, taking a step back. "Who's there? Show yourself!" I shouted, looking around. "My entrance"..?"Wait, was that... this gate? Wouldn't surprise me." I coughed, sizing up the thing. "Uh, hey, gate. My bad. Are you the gate, or are the voices in my head back?" I pull out a cigarette and start to light it while I wait. Burning Cigarette Artifact - Equipment Equipped creature gets +1/+1. Whenever equipped creature deals combat damage to a player, surveil 3. Equip "See this? If there's little left, that means I've gotten just about everything I need."Shield Drone: Nice uncommon, I like this a lot more than Spellskite. Not 100% sure about being in colorless, but probably fine. 9/10.
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Post by Parasign on Apr 8, 2019 2:37:29 GMT
(Yeah, you can hear the stuff in quotes. I should have made that clearer, sorry.) Nosy Kid: As I mentioned, I'm not particularly fond of hand-revealing, especially at common and especially on cards like this where it can be avoided without messing up the rest of the effect. I'm also not entirely sure why a kid is a 2/2. Other than that, it's a reasonable Stealer of Secrets upgrade with good flavor. 7/10. {WARNING. Second unauthorized user attempting access. Stage Two automated defenses engaged.}"Wait, she's just a kid. You're not going to hurt a kid, are you?"{Fine. Stage Two nonlethal automated defenses engaged. Happy?}Entangling Drone Artifact Creature - Drone If a creature dealt damage by ~ this turn would die, tap that creature instead. It doesn't untap during its controller's next untap step. 3/3
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Post by cajun on Apr 8, 2019 3:02:40 GMT
As I mentioned, I'm not particularly fond of hand-revealing, i am a slave to the flavor :b also headsup that you might want to try to add in some of the environmental stuff that's happening. kinda winging it on what exactly the drone's doing below. {WARNING. Second unauthorized user attempting access. Stage Two automated defenses engaged.}"Wait, she's just a kid. You're not going to hurt a kid, are you?"{Fine. Stage Two nonlethal automated defenses engaged. Happy?} "I agree, don't hurt the kid!" I say, taking a step back before some strange machine comes out of the gate. I bring the spear to position and step back again. "I don't want to hurt your rowboat either. Maybe I can help instead? You seem kind of lost."Defensive Position Instant Target creature gets +2/+2 and gains first strike until end of turn. "I have a spear, and I'm actually kind of afraid to use it." Entangling Drone is weird. Not sure it's quite big enough to justify the drawback-ish (this also gets into weirdness because it doesn't remove the damage. If you untap the creature, it just gets retapped immediately because the damage will keep trying to redestroy it) 7/10sidenote: 'rowboat' is her word for 'robot', which she picked up from someone who didn't know what a robot was c:
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Post by Parasign on Apr 8, 2019 3:13:54 GMT
Burning Cigarette: Are cigarettes rare on this plane? I'm not entirely sure why a cigarette gives a P/T boost or fixes your draws (and doesn't sacrifice itself), but I can sort of see the thematic connection to investigating things. As for gameplay, surveil as a saboteur ability makes a lot of sense and seems like it would play well, and while repeatable surveil 3 is a lot it's probably fine at rare. 7/10. "Yes, I'm the gate. The VIA part of it, anyway, but AKH doesn't talk to strangers. By the way, you don't happen to know if any part of this plane has room for a sprawling post-singularity empire, do you?"Query Database Artifact At the beginning of each opponent's upkeep, choose a nonland card name. Until end of turn, whenever a player casts a spell with that name, draw a card.
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Post by Parasign on Apr 8, 2019 3:39:58 GMT
Defensive Position: A good combat trick for a hybrid set. Not sure it needs to be uncommon, but it doesn't hurt. I like the flavor text. 10/10. {Unauthorized users retreating. Threat level beige. Automated defenses disengaged.}The glassy, insectoid drones pause just outside of the portal, sensors whirring. Their many legs click into place as they turn and step back in."Sorry about that. AKH's a bit overprotective. And I guess I am a little lost, unless this plane's much less populated than it appears."Emergency Exit Artifact , : Return target creature you control to its owner's hand.
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Post by cajun on Apr 8, 2019 4:17:29 GMT
{Unauthorized users retreating. Threat level beige. Automated defenses disengaged.}The glassy, insectoid drones pause just outside of the portal, sensors whirring. Their many legs click into place as they turn and step back in."Sorry about that. AKH's a bit overprotective. And I guess I am a little lost, unless this plane's much less populated than it appears."Emergency Exit Artifact , : Return target creature you control to its owner's hand. "Well there aren't as many people here as some other places, but there's definitely people here." I stand the spear back up and lean on it. "So what are you trying to do? And why are you in a gate?" A line of worry passes through my head. "You're not... stuck, are you?"Friendly Conversation Enchantment Whenever a player activates an ability, if it isn't a mana ability, you may draw a card, then discard a card. "So, what brings you to this crazy place?"Using my commander's [0] to give it hexproof and indestructible and get a loot. You can consider it a gift, or deal with the walker if you don't Emergency Exit - Decoction Module suggests this might be undercosted, but that's got the energy thing going on so hard to tell for sure. seems like a fun piece. 9/10
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Post by gurfafflekins on Apr 8, 2019 4:40:13 GMT
Parasign I gave the gate a curious look, taking another step back, just to give it some space. "Okay, Via." I said, pronouncing the acronym like it's spelled. "I don't know what the AKH means, and last I checked not particularly. This plane is sparsely inhabited, but it is inhabited for most of it." I explained. "Now, a question for you: just what are you?" I asked, taking a drag of my butt.Heated Smoke Instant ~ deals 2 damage to target creature. Investigate. "Hey, quit blowing that in my face, will you?"Query Database: It's a fine card, feels like it could be cheaper/lowered in rarity. But, other than that, doesn't really respond to my card? Unless I'm casting stuff from my yard that I put there with surveiling but still. 4/10.
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Post by Parasign on Apr 8, 2019 20:50:06 GMT
cajun Friendly Conversation: This is a great combo piece, and I'm always glad to see a card that cares about activated abilities, though I expected more of a group-hug effect from the name. It feels rare to me but I think it still works at uncommon. My one mechanical concern is that it goes infinite and easily wins the game with any 0-mana activation cost, which seems a bit much for 3 mana. 9/10."Well, actually I am stuck, but it's been [ERROR: UNDEFINED] years and I'm used to it by now. Still miss having hands, though."A small, glassy orb floats out from the gate, slowly as to not startle the clearly nervous child. Holes open up across its surface, from which sprout bristling antennae that move as if tracking some distant sound."I'm . . . searching for a new home for my parents. The people who created me. The ones who are still alive, anyway. They'll need a lot of space, though, since they'd be rebuilding a pretty big empire."Exploration Unit Artifact Creature - Drone Flying, vigilance , : Draw a card. Activate this ability only if ~ dealt damage to an opponent this turn. 1/4
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Post by Parasign on Apr 8, 2019 21:14:23 GMT
gurfafflekins (With Query Database, the idea was that seeing what your opponent mills with Surveil would give you a better idea of what they might cast. In retrospect, I agree that was probably too big a stretch, though.) Heated Smoke: This seems like a much better thematic representation of a cigarette. I especially like how the flavor text justifies the "Investigate" part as browbeating the target for information. 10/10. "What am I? That's, uh, actually a complicated question. I'm sort a bridge between worlds. It's hard to explain unless... you're don't happen to be a multiverse cosmologist or a planeswalker, do you?"Hypothesis Aggregator Artifact When ~ enters the battlefield, each player investigates. If an opponent would draw a card except the first one they draw in each of their draw steps, you may pay . If you do, instead that player skips that draw and you draw a card.
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Post by gurfafflekins on Apr 9, 2019 1:46:00 GMT
Re: Query Database: You know what, that's actually a fair point I didn't consider. You can take a 6/10 on that instead if you want (but yeah a little bit of a stretch). Parasign I nodded. "Bridge between worlds huh? And yeah, Via, I am a planeswalker. In fact, most people here are, or at least have an idea about what it is." I said. "So, where do you go?" I asked, clearing my throat to hide the curiosity. "And... did someone make you, or were you born a sentient portal with robot drones?"Detective's Curiosity Enchantment - Aura Enchant creature Whenever enchanted creature deals combat damage to a player, scry 1, then draw a card. "So uh... what's your deal?"Hypothesis Aggregator: NOTE: To investigate, you need to buy it as a keyword. I'll give full valor 'cause it was an honest mistake I bet, but for future reference. Huh. I don't... really know how to look at this. You can pay to steal any draw. I think the way this works with wheels (or multiple draws in general) is per draw, which is probably what you want, but I don't know if wording is 100%? 7/10.
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Post by cajun on Apr 9, 2019 3:55:54 GMT
"Well, actually I am stuck, but it's been [ERROR: UNDEFINED] years and I'm used to it by now. Still miss having hands, though."A small, glassy orb floats out from the gate, slowly as to not startle the clearly nervous child. Holes open up across its surface, from which sprout bristling antennae that move as if tracking some distant sound."I'm . . . searching for a new home for my parents. The people who created me. The ones who are still alive, anyway. They'll need a lot of space, though, since they'd be rebuilding a pretty big empire." "Well, I don't know anything about rebuilding empires, but I do know there's not a lot of space here, and it's not very safe a lot of the time. I'm not sure this is the best place for that."
"If you're lost, I know some people who can help with that. They helped me get un-lost, kinda." And they'll definitely want to know about the empire thing. "So, what should I call you? My name's Karina."Karina, Lost and Found Legendary Creature - Human Scout : When target creature leaves the battlefield this turn, discard a card, then draw a card. : If target creature would leave the battlefield this turn, return it to it's owner's hand instead. : Exile another target creature, then return it to the battlefield under its owner's control. 3/3 Exploration Drone - seems fine at 3? 8/10
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Post by Parasign on Apr 9, 2019 5:42:12 GMT
gurfafflekins(Yeah, I forgot about the keyword restrictions. Oops.) Detective's Curiosity: Seems like a fair upgrade to Curiosity. Might be 1 mana too expensive, but I understand why you'd not want to push such a potentially swingy card. 9/10."What? No, I wasn't born a portal. What kind of creature gives birth to portals? How would you even genetically engineer that?" VIA considers the man's strange question. "I mean, I was born, I just wasn't a portal until... well, that part's kind of traumatic and I'd rather not talk about it. Anyway, I lead to -"{Classified information, VIA.}"But -"{Classified. Information. You tell him where our home is, he could walk there at any time and shut off the power.}"Right. Sorry, sir. As acting ruler of the Most Sane and Necessary Empire of AKHATAR, I'm legally bound to protect its whereabouts from extraplanar beings. Again, really sorry about that."Redaction Module Artifact Players can't search, look at, or reveal cards in libraries. "What kind of archive is this? All of the pages are blank!"
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Post by Parasign on Apr 9, 2019 6:13:29 GMT
cajun Karina, Lost and Found: There's a lot going on here. I get having three abilities for three colors, but the second one feels unnecessary since it doesn't work with the first and third. If you removed that one and just made the third ability cost , I think it would feel cleaner and make the synergy stand out more. 7/10.
(Edit: Just realized the second ability actually does work with the first, and kind of with the third also if you use it on an opponent's creature. Not sure if that makes it too strong or not, but it does feel more cohesive. Changing to a 9/10.) (Edit 2: Missed that I couldn't make legendary cards. Thanks Cajun for pointing that out!) (Also, I'm not clear if I was meant to count this as a gift or an attack, so I made something that would work in either scenario.) "I'm VIA. Well, AKH VIA, but you're talking to VIA right now. We worked out sort of a split personality setup. And what do you mean by 'un-lost', exactly?"Cosmogation Module Artifact Whenever an artifact or creature is put into exile, you gain 3 life. Whenever an artifact or creature enters the battlefield from exile, draw a card.
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blueseclipse
3/3 Beast
Posts: 180
Color Alignment: Blue, Green
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Post by blueseclipse on Apr 9, 2019 21:08:51 GMT
"Hmm..." I mutter to myself as I approach the strangely-positioned machine. "This... is a gateway of some sort, perhaps? What lies beyond it, I wonder?" I stop a short distance from the machine, calmly looking over it for any indication of its purpose or origins - while it doesn't appear to be Phyrexian, that leaves a great many other possibilities open. Silent Observer Artifact Creature - Construct When Silent Observer enters the battlefield, choose one: - Target opponent reveals a card from their hand.
- Target opponent reveals the top card of their library.
0/2
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Post by Parasign on Apr 10, 2019 4:30:03 GMT
blueseclipseSilent Observer: While I'm not a fan of unnecessary hand-revealing in general, I think it works here because it's only partial and gives both caster and target a choice on what to reveal. Ornithopter and Phyrexian Walker suggest that this is overcosted (I don't think revealing one card is usually worth flying or a point of toughness, even on a 0-power creature, but I could be wrong here) and could probably stand to either cost 0 or be slightly larger. 8/10.{WARNING. Trace amounts of Phyrexian oil detected in atmosphere. Initiating emergency Type Gamma threat analysis.}A swarm of tiny machines spills from the portal, too small to see with the naked eye, and surges toward the source of the contamination.Reactive Nanoswarm Artifact Creature - Construct Flying Whenever you become the target of a spell or ability an opponent controls, you may put ~ from your hand onto the battlefield. 2/3
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blueseclipse
3/3 Beast
Posts: 180
Color Alignment: Blue, Green
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Post by blueseclipse on Apr 10, 2019 5:26:09 GMT
blueseclipse Silent Observer: While I'm not a fan of unnecessary hand-revealing in general, I think it works here because it's only partial and gives both caster and target a choice on what to reveal. Ornithopter and Phyrexian Walker suggest that this is overcosted (I don't think revealing one card is usually worth flying or a point of toughness, even on a 0-power creature, but I could be wrong here) and could probably stand to either cost 0 or be slightly larger. 8/10.{WARNING. Trace amounts of Phyrexian oil detected in atmosphere. Initiating emergency Type Gamma threat analysis.}A swarm of tiny machines spills from the portal, too small to see with the naked eye, and surges toward the source of the contamination.Reactive Nanoswarm Artifact Creature - Construct Flying Whenever you become the target of a spell or ability an opponent controls, you may put ~ from your hand onto the battlefield. 2/3 I like Reactive Nanoswarm's ability. However, I might be more comfortable with it being 1 power, since at 2 power, you can be on the draw, and wind up able to hit the opponent for 4-8 in the air on your first turn due to a turn 1 Duress, Shock, or similar coming at your face. Overall a great design, though. 9/10I frown as I hear a faint, almost static noise. It takes a moment for me to register that something was sent out from the gate - and even then, I can tell only by an undulating ripple in the air as whatever it is moves through. I consider it for a moment, before deciding that it has not shown enough of a threat to warrant its destruction yet. Instead, I raise two of my arms upwards, releasing a fine mist of metal shards to surround me. Nodding, I peer through the mist, continuing to watch the gate. Shardmist Barrier Artifact Creature - Wall Creatures with flying can't attack you. 1/3
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Post by Parasign on Apr 10, 2019 20:31:22 GMT
blueseclipse Shardmist Barrier: Three colorless mana seems a bit cheap to shut down all fliers, but it's rare and a creature so that's probably okay; all the decks this would hose in Standard have several ways to counter, remove, or get around it, and older formats have Ensnaring Bridge. I'm not sure why it doesn't have defender, but I'm going to assume you just forgot that part. Making such a simple card feel rare generally isn't easy, so good job making it work here. 9/10.
{Entity is humanoid, not currently aggressive, and capable of self-defense against nanites. Likely a mid-caste scout for its praetorate. Threat level clover-lime.}AKH projects a signal to the swarm, which vibrates at an audible frequency, imitating the Phyrexian language to the best of the gate's limited knowledge."<Hail, compleated one. The Most Sane and Necessary Empire of AKHATAR wishes to know the purpose of your presence here and the location of your source. Answer these questions, and there will be no need for destructive action.>"Signal Projector Artifact , Tap an untapped artifact you control: Draw a card.
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Post by gurfafflekins on Apr 10, 2019 21:41:41 GMT
Parasign I shrugged. "You'd be surprised the type of stuff that happens in this place, and other places within this multiverse." I explained, taking a drag off my butt. Most Sane and Necessary Empire of AKHATAR... sounded fishy."Acting ruler, huh? Well, if you can't tell me where it is, can you tell me what kind of empire it is? War-mongering, peaceful, the works? I can't help but be curious."I would've pressured it for more info on where it's plane was, but I couldn't quite figure out how to browbeat a gate.Dangerous Information Enchantment Whenever a player draws a card, ~ deals 1 damage to that player. Sacrifice ~: Draw a card. Redaction Module: More expensive, colorless Aven Mindcensor that does a bit more without flash. I do like the flavor of it, but I'm not 100% on the actual design of it? I like it though. 8/10.
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Post by cajun on Apr 11, 2019 1:25:39 GMT
It could go either way, it was up for AKH VIA to decide which is was Cosmogation Module is a nifty flicker support, could probably stand to be a bit cheaper since it doesn't do much outside of that. 8/10"I'm VIA. Well, AKH VIA, but you're talking to VIA right now. We worked out sort of a split personality setup. And what do you mean by 'un-lost', exactly?" "Well, I never exactly went back home, but I'm not exactly lost anymore either. I'm un-lost."
"Well Via, is there any way I can talk to... Akh?" the name sounded odd but I think I got it. It probably wasn't like the hat, I assure myself. But it won't hurt to check.Decipher Identity Instant Exile target creature an opponent controls, then return it t the battlefield tapped. "Just who are you, really?"
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blueseclipse
3/3 Beast
Posts: 180
Color Alignment: Blue, Green
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Post by blueseclipse on Apr 11, 2019 2:33:01 GMT
blueseclipse Shardmist Barrier: Three colorless mana seems a bit cheap to shut down all fliers, but it's rare and a creature so that's probably okay; all the decks this would hose in Standard have several ways to counter, remove, or get around it, and older formats have Ensnaring Bridge. I'm not sure why it doesn't have defender, but I'm going to assume you just forgot that part. Making such a simple card feel rare generally isn't easy, so good job making it work here. 9/10.
{Entity is humanoid, not currently aggressive, and capable of self-defense against nanites. Likely a mid-caste scout for its praetorate. Threat level clover-lime.}AKH projects a signal to the swarm, which vibrates at an audible frequency, imitating the Phyrexian language to the best of the gate's limited knowledge."<Hail, compleated one. The Most Sane and Necessary Empire of AKHATAR wishes to know the purpose of your presence here and the location of your source. Answer these questions, and there will be no need for destructive action.>"Signal Projector Artifact , Tap an untapped artifact you control: Draw a card. Signal Projector is simple, but effective - I think it's a bit overcosted for the effect, given that it requires you to tap a second artifact alongside itself for the card draw - it could go at instead of , probably. Still a 9/10.Khon Vasq nods in greeting as whatever was emitted from the gate begins speaking. "Greetings to you, as well. I am... uncertain as to what you mean by my source. As to my purpose... I was compleated with the purpose of being a warrior, in the service of the Ineffable. However, upon learning of the goals the Ineffable pursued, I determined that it was a wasteful pursuit, expending valuable resources for no true gain. Upon voicing my concerns... events transpired that led to my departure from Phyrexia." The Phyrexian pauses here, what passes as a frown crossing his face briefly before he continues. "I travel now, lending my skills to those who pursue more rewarding goals. I have not heard of the Empire of AKHATAR in my travels, though I am aware that the multiverse is vast. Have you placed this gateway here as a precursor to expanding your empire into this plane?" His voice holds no hint of concern or contempt as he asks this, just vague curiosity. Stone of Recollection Artifact : Add to your mana pool. Whenever an opponent would draw a card except the first one they draw in each of their draw steps, you may tap Stone of Recollection. If you do, draw a card.
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Post by Parasign on Apr 11, 2019 4:33:19 GMT
gurfafflekins Dangerous Information: This feels significantly more red than blue, especially since it punishes card draw without providing any of its own (beyond replacing itself when you're done with it, which any color can do). Maybe useful in a particularly aggressive tempo deck? I do like that it gives you a "way out". 9/10."No need to worry, sir. The Empire of AKHATAR has not waged war against another nation for thousands of years." To be fair, it had been the only nation on its plane for thousands of years, but VIA saw no reason to add that. "I myself was once skeptical of its motives, but I have since come to realize that it has always done as best it could with the knowledge and resources it had available. I hope to continue that legacy."VIA considered the strangely drab clothing of this fellow planeswalker. "And what of your homeworld? I don't suppose it would have room for a down-on-its-luck civilization to start a new chance at life?"Propaganda Machine Artifact When ~ enters the battlefield, choose a nonland card name. If you would draw a card, instead look at the top card of your library. If has the last chosen name, you may cast it without paying its mana cost and choose a nonland card name. Otherwise, put it into your hand.
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Post by Parasign on Apr 11, 2019 5:06:18 GMT
cajun Decipher Identity: Flickering opponents' creatures isn't quite as much fun as flickering your own in my opinion, but if a draft format needs an Aura/Equipment/counter hate card that doesn't combo with ETB effects, this seems like it could work pretty well. 9/10."Well, I'm looking for a new home, not my old one. So that sounds like exactly what I want." VIA would have smiled if she still had a face. "I'd be happy to meet these friends of yours. Right, AKH?"{I predict it's our best opportunity. But you know I shouldn't talk to the kid. That's your job anyway.}"Right. Well, AKH isn't exactly built for friendly conversation, so I think it's best we not disturb them. They're very busy keeping us safe."Collective Mediator Artifact , Tap an untapped creature you control: Untap target creature.
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Post by gurfafflekins on Apr 11, 2019 5:09:07 GMT
Parasign I nodded as it explained. Well, at least it was semipeaceful - though I didn't put much stock into the censored machine. "Yeah, well, I wouldn't put too much stock in a government. Usually ignore the will of the common man. Speaking from experience." I said, shrugging."Afraid not. My home plane's got it's own share of problems and sentient life. Though how much of it is intelligent is beyond me." I muttered, taking another drag off my ever shrinking cigarette. "Now, tell me about yourself Via. How you came to be this gate. I assume you ended up in a Ravnican coffin beforehand?" I said, testing if it'd translate my slang easily.Curse of the Sharp Tongued Enchantment - Curse Enchant player At the beginning of enchanted player's upkeep, ~ deals 1 damage to them and 1 damage to each creature that player controls. "Keep it up, punk - see just how far your wits get you in this place."Propaganda Machine: Skips the draw, allows scrying, seems alright to me. I feel like it's begging to be busted, but you know what, I love it. 10/10. (If it can, "Ravnican Coffin" is the equivalent of "being murdered")
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Post by Parasign on Apr 11, 2019 5:26:33 GMT
blueseclipseStone of Recollection: A mild hate card that can be built around and also serves as a mana rock on its own. I see no fault in this card. 10/10."<That remains to be seen, though I rather doubt it. Entirely too many sophonts.>" The swarm continues to buzz around the Phyrexian renegade. "<And who are you working for now, I wonder? In what way do you find their goals... 'rewarding?'>"Security Measures Artifact Whenever an artifact or creature an opponent controls becomes tapped, you gain 1 life.
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