Designer's Workshop 3

Card Design

squire1

31 March 2013

5862 views

By now we have all heard that the new block for next year is Theros. Which if we had to guess by the name, font, and art spoiled it is an ancient Greek/Roman mashup block (the name suggests stronger Greek). Anyway...the challenge this week was going to be about contraptions. Instead we will mark this monumental announcement with a different type of task.

Magic has in the past delved into realms linked to true mythology. Arabian nights was based on the world of djinns and nomads and lightly flavored in Islamic mythos/religion. Kamigawa certainly went into the concept of various Asian cultures and mythologies, primarily Japanese. Mirage touch the sub-Sahara African cultures. Ice Age was clearly about Siberia...okay maybe not. The point is this is not unprecedented and WOTC has done some great design with this (also some bad, see Shahrazad or One with Nothing).

This week we are going to try to do the same. We are going to try to design for the block that we think we are going to have. Here are the rules:

  1. Design a card of any type for a Greek and Roman influence block.
  2. Do not make a card of a Greek or Roman character. This is not a make a Herakles contest, okay. Mythological staples are fine (i.e., minotaurs, fauns, harpies, gorgons, etc.). Just not specific characters. BTW Pegasus is a character. It is one of Zeus's flying horses. Also no mythological equipment for the same reasons.
  3. You may submit one design only. I know you all have tons of ideas, but they take a long time to read and I do want to give feedback.
  4. Please provide a small (if it is longer than a paragraph you did it wrong) explanation of what inspired your card. Yes short is important. If it is too long then people have trouble following and remembering it. Think about this during naming too. Remember the name of that one card in Kamigawa? No. No one does. You know why? It's too long!
  5. Have fun!
  6. Be creative. Do not give me a spartan phalanx card because you want the flavor text to be "This is THEROS!". K? Try to think of actual cards that would be good of any rarity.

Alright, that is all. Look forward to your designs.

This article is a follow-up to Designer's Workshop 2 Followup

KrazyCaley says... #1

Athena's Aviary

Land

Athena's Aviary comes into play tapped.

T: Add U to your mana pool.

1U, T: Put an 0/1 Owl token into play with flying and "When this enters the battlefield, scry 1."


I like Athena. I like owls. I like library manipulation. I like a land that scores points in all of these categories.

March 31, 2013 9:35 p.m.

squire1 says... #2

How does the lawyer miss rule 2? :P

March 31, 2013 9:41 p.m.

WalzY says... #3

Is this purely for fun, or are these going to be submitted to WOTC? I'm a little confused!

March 31, 2013 9:52 p.m.

squire1 says... #4

Fun. If WOTC want to be smart and snap ne of us up. All the better.

March 31, 2013 9:54 p.m.

Paladin852 says... #5

I could see this block having some kind of indestructible theme. Therefore:

Titan Slayer
2R
Creature

1R, tap, sacrifice: Choose target indestructible creature. That creature's controller sacrifices it.

2/2


The effect is more black, but the flavor felt red to me.

March 31, 2013 9:55 p.m.

Mordru says... #6

Thread of Fate 1UBInstant

Destroy target creature with power 4 or less

Fate (Look at the top card of your library, if its a creature reveal it and put it into your hand)

Draw a card.

March 31, 2013 9:59 p.m.

http404error says... #7

Blessing of the Gods W
Instant (C)
Target creature you control gets +1/+1 and gains protection from the color of your choice until end of turn.

March 31, 2013 10:11 p.m.

IronHead says... #8

Mythology is characterized by larger than life figures both good and bad. A mythology oriented set will likely feature numerous legends as it should. I also feel like this would be the perfect time to bring back the granduer mechanic.


Queen Syrixa 3BU

Legendary Creature - Gorgon

Whenever Queen Syrixa attacks or blocks put a petrifaction counter on target creature.

Creatures with petrifaction counters on them can't attack block or use activated abilities. If a creature with a petrifaction counter is targeted by a spell or ability destroy it.

Grandeur - Discard another card named Queen Syrixa: Put a petrifaction counter on each other creature.

3/6

March 31, 2013 10:16 p.m.

mtg_deckmaster says... #9

Sentinel Hellhound 3BBR

Creature - Hound Spirit

First strike, defender

BR: Sentinel Hellhound loses defender until end of turn. Activate this ability only if you control a Demon.

It guards the gates relentlessly, resting only when its hellish master approaches.

6/3


Basically, it's the Hades gateguard Cerberus. Each head is supposed to be a 2/1 all on one big blocker body.

March 31, 2013 10:18 p.m.

Oops, mine is kind of a character, but it could be one of many possible hellhounds in Hades.

March 31, 2013 10:20 p.m.

I feel like a big piece of myth (Greek/Roman) is the Pantheon of Gods. This really makes me think WOTC will incorporate them as legendary creatures. If so then these "Gods" and the current Guild leaders/champion cycles would make use of this land, as well as EDH. City of Brass and Untaidake, the Cloud Keeper lent some inspiration.

 photo PalaceontheMount_zps5a66a000.jpg

March 31, 2013 10:51 p.m.

DePeluche says... #12

Titan's Rage - WUBRG

Sorcery

Exile all creatures and planeswalkers

March 31, 2013 11:12 p.m.

DePeluche says... #13

The All-Mighty Titans that were released by Hades, finally made their task

Exterminate all and everything

March 31, 2013 11:17 p.m.

Pathos, Warrior of Aethos

2rw

Legendary Creature - Demigod Warrior

Double Strike

Chosen ( As long as ~ is on the battlefield, creatures that share a subtype with it gain Hexproof)

When ~ enters the battlefield, Creatures you control with power 3 or less gain Strike until end of turn. When ~ dies, it deals damage, equal to the damage dealt to players this turn to each creature.

3/1

March 31, 2013 11:41 p.m.

erabel says... #15

Steelmane Lion - 3W

Creature - Cat

Protection from Artifacts, Intimidate

Entire armies go towards it, swords raised. Few are fortunate enough to return, their blades twisted beyond recognition.

4/4

I wanted to do something a bit more obscure, myth-wise. I was inspired by the Nemean lion (slaying it was one of Hercules' labors); it was said that no blade could pierce its skin. Cats are also kinda fun. I'm worried about casting cost; finding a good balance for that is kinda hard for me.

March 31, 2013 11:53 p.m.

Kasar says... #16

Goblin Philosopher - 1R

Summon Goblin

At the beginning of each end step, you must exchange this creature for another creature an opponent controls. This creature's controller gains 1 life at the beginning of their upkeep.

0/1

Sophomoric doesn't even begin to describe it.

April 1, 2013 12:47 a.m.

Lionheart says... #17

Denial of Birth - 2BB

Enchantment

Flash

Counter target creature spell. If that spell is countered this way, exile it instead of putting it into its owner's graveyard.

When Denial of Birth leaves the battlefield the opponent may cast the exiled creature spell without paying its mana cost.


Came up with this quickly, so it is weird and the wording is probably not right; however, as someone who studies Classical literature I wanted to try my hand at this. I based Denial of Birth on Ouranos forcing Gaia's children to return to her womb and their eventual release due to Ouranos's "mishap".

April 1, 2013 12:48 a.m.

Lionheart says... #18

Sorry, 2UU for Denial of Birth

April 1, 2013 12:50 a.m.

Kasar says... #19

Goblin Phalanx - 1RR

Summon Goblin

Tunnel Vision (When this creature declares an attack, your opponent does not assign blockers normally. This card is blocked only by other creatures directly in front of it [including your own]. If this creature assigns damage to an opponent when they control a creature, destroy this creature.)

THIS. IS. SUICIDE.

April 1, 2013 12:59 a.m.

anewsome says... #20

I'm drawing inspiration from Plato's Republic and his ideal of the Philosopher King, and from Aristotle's writing on Ethics.


Nicomachaeus Philosopher King - 3WWB

Legendary Creature - Human King

Hexproof, Lifelink

Whenever an opponent draws a card for the first time this turn, you may pay 2 life; if you do, target opponent must reveal that card. You may put the card on the bottom of it's controller's library; if you do, it's controller draws a card.

If the City is to be Just, I must know what is in it. Nicomachaeus, Philosopher King

3/3

April 1, 2013 1 a.m.

Blood of the Centaur- 2BG

Enchantment-Aura

Enchant creature

Shroud, indestructible

At the beginning of the enchanted creature's controller's upkeep, that player loses 2 life and a -1/-1 counter is placed on enchanted creature.

A drop of this and he will be madly in love with you...

April 1, 2013 1:28 a.m.

anewsome says... #22

PenitentKnight do you mean the enchantment itself has Shroud and Indestructible, or that the creature get's those abilities?

April 1, 2013 1:36 a.m.

Klangas1234 says... #23

God's Hammer ~ 3

Artifact~Equipment

equipped creature gain +2+1 and haste, and has 'detach God's hammer from this creature: this creature deals 3 damage to target creature or player.'

equip~2

April 1, 2013 1:41 a.m.

GureiSeion says... #24

Reduce to Myth BB
Sorcery (Uncommon)
Destroy target creature with power 3 or greater. It can't be regenerated.

While not content with the art I could find, the card is inspired by a theory of ancient people creating myths out of exposed bones and fossils they had found (like Cyclops from elephant skulls). Flavor had the biggest impact on the numerical value, but I imagine it should balance out in a block likely filled with soldiers and countrymen.

April 1, 2013 1:54 a.m.

Mpz5 says... #25

 photo NymphoftheSecludedGlen.jpg


Nymph of the Secluded Glen - 1(U/G)(U/G)

Creature - Nymph

Hexproof, Islandwalk, Forestwalk

You have Hexproof

Whenever you do not control an island or a forest , sacrifice Nymph of the Secluded Glen.

2/2


I have always liked Nymphs in mythology, They feel like they would have hexproof, forestwalk, and islandwalk to me. Giving its controller hexproof as well seems like a cool, and useful ability.

April 1, 2013 2:08 a.m.

GureiSeion says... #26

@Lionheart - Love Denial of Birth's flavor!
And yeah, the wording on the last bit looks rather hard, particularly without a similar effect (that I'm aware of) to go off of. Best I can come up with is, "When Denial of Birth leaves the battlefield, the exiled card's owner may cast that card without paying its mana cost."

April 1, 2013 2:43 a.m.

DocRemedy says... #27

I am unsure if we can make a specific character not already existing in the mythos. I noticed a running theme in the characters to have a weakness, an achilles heel if you will, and it inspired the below card. I may still be in a keyword mindset.

Seretimous 2WWW

Legendary Creature: Human Archer

Vigilance

W, Tap: Deal 2 damage to each attacking creature.

2/4

Snakebane (Any amount of damage from a Snake is enough to destroy it. Can be targeted by Snake spells and abilities as if it didn't have hexproof.)

April 1, 2013 3:15 a.m.

Phalynxx says... #28

Cerberus 2RR
Legendary Creature: Hound
Firebreathing
Cerberus can't be blocked unless by three or more creatures.
Cerberus can block up to two additional creatures.
3/3

April 1, 2013 3:46 a.m.

KrazyCaley says... #29

@squire1 - A lawyer sees rule 2 and thinks "Do not make a CHARACTER. A land with a character's name in it is therefore permitted by implicit exception." Change the name to Owlery of the Gods if you like, or whatever. :P

April 1, 2013 6:49 a.m.

I know this is in violation with the 2nd rule, but I suck at coming up with names. and I thought the card could be cool.

Charon, the ferryman 2BU

Legendary Creature: Spirit

when Charon, the ferryman enters the battlefield each opponent sacrifices a creature

B, tap : exile a creature card from target opponents graveyard Charon the ferryman deals damage equal to that creatures power to its owner. 1/3

April 1, 2013 8:24 a.m.

capriom85 says... #31

Servant of Pan 1GG

Creature - Satyr R

ForestwalkYoumay choose not to untap Servant of Pan during your untap phase.T: You control target land as long as Servant of Pan is tapped.

1/3


Inspiration for this comes from the legends of satyrs being one with nature and able to manipulate the wild.

April 1, 2013 10:57 a.m.

@anewsome I meant enchantment has shroud and indestructible

April 1, 2013 12:13 p.m.

MinscAndBoo says... #33

April 1, 2013 12:36 p.m.

Goody says... #34

If mythology is what the next block will be about, then WOTC created Miracle one block too early.

April 1, 2013 1:17 p.m.

anewsome says... #35

@PenitentKnight nice, so you either have to kill you own creature or wait for the enchantment to do it.

April 1, 2013 1:25 p.m.

capriom85 says... #36

@ Goody: They can always use Miracle again. I think it would fit really well in with a block created around the greek/roman myths. Maybe they will bring it back.

April 1, 2013 1:26 p.m.

ifired says... #37

My idea for two planeswalkers

http://i.imgur.com/GDEVOto.jpg?1

I know I don't follow rule 2

April 1, 2013 2:17 p.m.

anutz404 says... #38

Deific Sustenance 2RRW

Enchantment

Your attacking Human Soldiers gain +2/+2 until end of turn for each Deity you control.XXWW: X target Human Soldiers you control gain hexproof until end of turn.XXRR: X target Human Soldiers you control gain double strike until end of turn.

The gods saw fit to bestow upon them that which could make them heroes.

I wanted to touch on the common theme of the gods choosing a person to become a hero. I suppose that's mostly Greek epics, but that's what I'm familiar with.

The posted text here is more up-to-date than the image.

April 1, 2013 2:39 p.m.

@anewsome Yeah I have the feeling with demigods that there will be large indestructible creatures, so I figured the Nessus/Heracles situation would be a nice card

April 1, 2013 3:58 p.m.

Strands of Fate 2G

Enchantment - Aura Common

Flash

When enchanted creature becomes the target of a spell or ability, you may flip a coin. If you win, the enchanted creature gains hexproof until end of turn.

When Strands of Fate goes to the graveyard from the battlefield, draw a card.

The currency of divinity is life. Fail to meet its demands and fate will find another.

This card is inspired by the various themes of fate in Greek lit-rit-chure. Fickle, unrelenting, and never fully understood: divine intervention might save your bacon, or damn you for eternity. Obviously, this is tied to The Fates, aka the Moirai. The name is a direct reference to those three characters.

Card could be blue or green. I went with green, because blue is likely to have better draw options and green likes to protect its creatures.

April 1, 2013 4:06 p.m.

I was so pissed when they announced Theros. Me and my friend were designing a block that started greek, the second was Greek vs. Roman, and the third was Romans. Yeah, That stopped real fast.


Hera's Acolyte 1W

Creature - Human Priest

Shrine 1 (Whenever a deity enters the battlefield, If it shares a color with this card, you may put a +1/+1 counter on it.)

1/1

April 1, 2013 4:44 p.m.

Forgot the explanation my bad.

Greek and Romans were huge on their worship of the Gods, so i thought a mechanic that focused around them worshiping them would be great.

You didnt say anything about coming up with mechanics, so, here it is.

April 1, 2013 4:46 p.m.

mask of the gorgon mana cost: 4equipmentall creatures dealt damage by equipped creature gets a silence countercreatures with silence counters are tappedwhen equipped creature is destroyed remove all silence counters from all creaturesequip cost: 3

i believe that this card would work in this set as it is flavourful relating to how gorgons turn people into stony with out pushing this card too much. it would be a good card that could easily win games. hopefully it appeals to other magic players

April 1, 2013 4:48 p.m.

Rewdog says... #44

Overlord of Peace-6WW

Creature-Avatar

Defender, shroud

Overlord of Peace is indestructible as long as it is untapped

Creatures gain +0/+2 so long as Overlord of Peace is untapped

As long as Overlord of Peace is on the battlefield and untapped, if a source would deal damage, that source deals half the damage rounded down.

Overlord of Peace doesn't untap during it's controller's untap step.

(6): Tap Overlord of Peace, Any player may activate this ability

(6): Untap Overlord of Peace, Any player may activate this ability


In Greek Mythology, Gods were powerful beings that often meddled in the affairs of mortals; or at least they did when they were paying attention to those events. Overlord of Peace is supposed to represent one of these Gods who when untapped and vigilant is extremely active in mortal affairs,but is vulnerable when distracted. This card would be one of 5 cards in an Overlord Cycle.

April 1, 2013 6:06 p.m.

YouGotFranked says... #45

Halls of All-Fathers

Legendary Land

Add 1 colorless mana to your mana pool. If mana produced by Halls of All-Fathers is spent to cast a legendary creature, that creature get Vigilance, Haste, Trample, Hexproof, Deathtouch and is Indestructible until the end of turn.


Hard to explain the inspiration behind this card in a short paragraph, but the flavor is, since the gods descend to the mortal world from their divine pantheon, they are still empowered by the power of their "world". The Halls itself is a place where the gods from all 5 colors meet, hence why the creature comes with a keyword associated to each colors.

April 1, 2013 6:57 p.m.

YouGotFranked says... #46

Just a precision about the abilities. All 6 abilities last until the end of turn, not just indestructible.

April 1, 2013 6:59 p.m.

NickyTwoShoes says... #47

First Legion 1WW

Creature - Human Soldier

Every time First Legion attacks or blocks at the same time another First Legion is attacking or blocking, First Legion gets +2 / +3 until the end of turn

1/2

April 1, 2013 8:01 p.m.

Chubbub says... #48

Elven Fletcher - 3G

Creature-Elf Archer

Elven Fletcher enters the battlefield with 5 Arrow Counters on it.T, Remove 1 Arrow Counter: Elven Archer deals 1 damage to target creature. If that creature has flying, Elven Fletcher deals twice that damage instead.Creatures you control have reach.

1/2

April 1, 2013 8:39 p.m.

MindAblaze says... #49

Will of the Fates 2U

Instant - U

Kicker - 2B

All creatures get -5/-0 until end of turn. If ~ was kicked all creatures get -5/-5 instead.

I've always found the fates to be a neat concept, and the Sen Triplets were a nice homage. My card is a basic blue combat trick ala Lethargy Trap with a spattering of, "Go Away." also, Will of the fates is a fun oxymoron

April 1, 2013 10:28 p.m.

10vernothin says... #50

A bit of commentary of cards so far:

Nymph of the Secluded Glen- so basically, save a wrath spell, you can't ever get rid of it?

Brotherhood is kinda confusing. I didn't get it after reading the remind text twice =d

Halls of the All-Father would be crazy! But it still can be countered so fair enough

Shrine is pretty similar to evolve =3

Anyways:

Apotheosis 3WW

Enchantment (M)

As Apotheosis enter the battlefield, put a faith counter on each other non-land permanent you control. When you control no permanents with a faith counter on it, sacrifice Apotheosis.

Apotheosis is indestructible.

You cannot lose the game.

"To attain immortality is one thing, but to attain Godhood you must do more; you must transcend your sense of self and become one with all those who believe in you." -Kolos, God-king of Arkon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I think the theme is this is pretty summed up. You're an all-powerful god (or a planeswalker) and because of that, people (in this case, non-permanents) believe in you, and as long as people believe in you, you're an all-powerful god. Circular logic works because circular logic works.

When everyone that believes you dies, you cease to be a god. Simple dimple. Somehow I feel that this almost democratic feel to godhood fits Greece. (Also Neil Gaiman I credit you for this)

Mechanically this works like Phylactery Lich . But you know, more powerful, costs more, and stuff.

April 1, 2013 10:34 p.m.

@10vernothin 0_0 Apotheosis looks like it should at least cost WWWWW or perhaps more. I mean slam this on the board full of the more than likely indestructible things and...

April 1, 2013 11:04 p.m.

Spker says... #52

Desolation Swine - Planeswalker Desolation Swine 2RRB

+1: destroy target permanent

-2: All creatures you control have Fear

-8: Each opponent sacrifices all permanents, except for one.

Comes into play with 5 loyalty counters

The Great Boar laid waste upon the land. Eyes that flickered with darkness. His breath so hot that it caused flesh to melt. And his bellows struck all with fear and dread. - Unknown Scribe

Bacon was my main influence, also in Greek mythology there are many instances where mythical/magical boars would destroy whole cities, farmlands, or just terrorize a country side. I'd like to affectionately call him the Baconator, but I'm sure that name's taken.

April 1, 2013 11:24 p.m.

Mpz5 says... #53

10vernothin, Wrath, something like pyroclasm, a sac effect, changing opponents lands to non-forest/non-islands, Something with hexproof is not exactly rare or broken. Just can't target her, and while she is out, you also can't be targeted yourself.

April 1, 2013 11:37 p.m.

10vernothin says... #54

@penitentknight yeah, it is pretty powerful and it basically hoses aggro, but then so does Blind Obedience . Plus, remember that if you're playing control, you won't really have many non-land permanents out. Plus, nothing that a Planar Cleansing , Angelic Edict or Banishing Stroke can't do, right? Maybe 5WW? We don't want it to be unplayable, right?

April 1, 2013 11:39 p.m.

10vernothin says... #55

@mpz5 but that means "target player sacrifices a creature" won't work =( that's by far the best way to kill geist (other than Evil Twin )

April 1, 2013 11:42 p.m.

Mpz5 says... #56

Barter in blood would still work. Guess we could make her legendary as well, that way clone effects would kill her as well. Or make her cost another mana.

April 1, 2013 11:51 p.m.

Pokeq says... #57

Unicorn Chariot (3)

Artifact Equipment

Equipped creature get +0/+1, haste and hexproof

Whenever equipped creature deals combat damage to an opponent, you gain life equal the toughness of equipped creature.

Equip (2)


I think the equipment about chariot is might be fun and ability that look like lifelink but use toughness insted

April 1, 2013 11:54 p.m.

Timekeeper says... #58

Alright, mine features a mechanic that was inspired by the old Greek heroes and the Roman emperors. Basically, after proving themselves worthy (in this case, in combat) they transcend their mortal forms and become... not necessarily gods, but a force of nature in their own right. The card I chose to showcase this transcends its mortal form to become a powerful demon of Tartarus. While I envision this mechanic being able to do a wide variety of things (most more interesting than just giving you a token), I wanted to use this example to show that it would not be limited to just traditionally heroic colors.

I the Mechanic reads thusly: "Ascension: Sacrifice ~. Gain Some Effect. Activate this ability only when you could cast a sorcery and only if a creature dealt damage by ~ died this turn."

I was torn between Ascension and Apotheosis for the names, but I like 10vernothin's version of the latter, so I'll stick with the former.


Tartaran Adept (2BB) [3/2][Human Wizard]

Ascension: Sacrifice Tartaran Adept. Put a 5/5 Demon token with flying onto the battlefield. Activate this ability only when you could cast a sorcery and only if a creature dealt damage by Tartaran Adept died this turn.


This would of course require a lot of development to balance but I really like the idea.

April 2, 2013 1:43 a.m.

Ascension-3UW

Enchantment-Aura

Enchant Demigod Creature

Enchanted creature gains shroud, indestructible, and "When this creature leaves the battlefield, put a copy of enchanted creature onto the battlefield."

A single drop of divine blood can reach the heavens


Inspired by the many stories of the partially divine becoming actual gods. Wracked my brain for something that mimicked the immortality of gods without being super overpowered. Also assumed that Demigods would be creature type and that they would be legends.

April 2, 2013 1:52 a.m.

@ Timekeeper woah didnt mean to rip you off, I spent a good 10 minutes trying to think of another design before I posted XD what are the odds?

April 2, 2013 1:54 a.m.

Manashard Dragon- 3RR

Creature- Avatar Dragon

Flying

Whenever a player taps a land for mana, Manashard Dragon deals 1 damage to that player

3/3


I love Manabarbs and dragons existed in roman mythos. I figured an Avatar dragon would be fitting for the setting, plus I'm begging for more combo fodder in my manabarbs decks.

April 2, 2013 2:07 a.m.

10vernothin says... #62

=D glad you guys like my idea of mortals levitating to godhood

April 2, 2013 2:07 a.m.

DukeNicky says... #63

Delphi's Blessing

Sorcery 2U

Scry 3 Then Draw 2

The Eyes of Truth from the Temple of Delphi allow Kratos to see through Fury magic. As well as all Oracles could "see" future events. Besides I loved the Scry Mechanic

April 2, 2013 8:54 a.m.

VNilla says... #64

Whispering Shadow (1GU)

Creature - Spirit

Shroud, defender

Tap: Copy target instant or sorcery spell you don't control with one or more targets. (You may not choose new targets for the copy.)

0/1


Based on the legend of Echo and Narcissus.

April 2, 2013 10:10 a.m.

VNilla says... #65

BTW, keywords-wise I'm expecting Theros Block to reprint either Fateseal or Champion. (Spin Into Myth would make for a very flavorful reprint.)

April 2, 2013 10:11 a.m.

pookypuppy6 says... #66

Myrrha's Plea

Enchantment, G

Target creature becomes a 0/4 green Plant creature token until end of turn. It's controller puts a 1/1 white Human creature token into play.

"Her marrow pith, her blood sap, her womb coffined in wood. And yet, she weeps."


Ever read Tales From Ovid? The tale of Myrrha is one I recently performed along with others, and this one could make an interesting premise for a Magic card. At the end Myrrha pleas for neither life nor death and turns into a tree, giving birth to the baby Adonis.

April 2, 2013 10:14 a.m.

nightscape says... #67

 photo FerrymansToll_zpsaf4c635c.jpg

April 2, 2013 10:19 a.m.

pookypuppy6 says... #68

Oooh wait a sec, cocked that up.

Myrrha's Plea was meant to be typed as an "Enchantment-Aura" with "Enchant creature" and "Enchanted creature is a 0/4 green Plant creature with no abilities. Its controller puts a 1/1 white Human creature token into play"

April 2, 2013 10:24 a.m.

Timekeeper says... #69

@PenitentKnight

Don't worry about it. The idea of Ascension is a really big thing in Greek and Roman mythology, so it makes sense that it shows up in a lot of our designs.

April 2, 2013 10:29 a.m.

@squire1 I think we should compile these and either try to make each one a balanced and playable card or vote on our favorites XD just because I like this so much

April 2, 2013 4:24 p.m.

daveandkenz says... #71

Viseaux, God of the Underworld- 1WBBB

Legendary Creature- God

Hexproof, Deathtouch, Flying

Treachery (Whenever this creature attacks, target opponent sacrifices a creature. If a creature is put into the graveyard this way, put a 1/1 white spirit token with flying onto the battlefield under your control.)

If a creature card returns to an opponents hand or battlefield from their own graveyard, Viseaux, God of the Underworld deals one damage to its owner and gets -1/-1 until the end of the turn.



I just wanted to make a god card and black and white are my favorite magic colors. I, at first, thought that he should be all black, but then I figured that the white would show that he controls the spirits of the underworld. He has deathtouch because he is pretty much the god of death, he has hexproof because gods just shouldn't be that easy to kill, and flying because I see no reason for him not to. o.O I added Treachery because it seems like the dark is always trying to turn the good side bad, so it felt like it was a neat idea, and I didn't want to overpower it by actually stealing one of their creatures because weaker cards couldn't use the ability. And, lastly, I put the ability about the opponents creatures leaving the graveyard because it seems like, as the god of the underworld, losing dead creatures would weaken him. It seems legit to me. xD

April 2, 2013 6:59 p.m.

daveandkenz says... #72

Oh! I forgot the power and toughness! xD they're 5/5 I guess? I can't decide what seems reasonable. :s

April 2, 2013 7:10 p.m.

pookypuppy6 says... #73

I'm doing another one and you will like it.

Grip of Salmacis

Enchantment- Aura (1U/G)

Enchant creature

Enchanted creature can't attack or block and doesn't untap during its controller's untap step.


Another Tales From Ovid favourite.

April 2, 2013 7:10 p.m.

Chubbub says... #74

I am changing my card's name & creature type to "Apollo's Fletcher" and "Creature- Aven Artificer."

April 2, 2013 7:41 p.m.

sheamagic says... #75

Wanted to make an aura-

1UW Zeus's Favor

Uncommon, Enchantment-Aura

Enchanted Creature has Flying and Shroud, and gains the ability "tap: Enchanted Creature deals 1 damage to target creature or player"

I'm not sure if the pinging really fits in with the color pie, but Zeus seems more W/U, not really red, and you know, lightning bolts. I really hope they reprint Lightning Bolt .

April 2, 2013 8:57 p.m.

smash10101 says... #76

Alter of Agon

2RG

Legendary Enchantment - Shrine

At the beginning of your upkeep choose a target creature you control. That creature fights another target creature. Repeat this for each shrine you control.

I really liked the shrines form Kamigawa, and I think this is the perfect set to bring them back. May be a bit OP, but if they run out of creatures you start fighting your own stuff, so it's a risky play

April 2, 2013 9:45 p.m.

smash10101 says... #77

(Agon is the Greek god personifying contest)

April 2, 2013 9:46 p.m.

killroy726 says... #78

Well Here I am again lets see if this post goes better than the last ones ive made. The altar I have created has been influenced by my love of greek/roman mythology and that to not offer something to the gods is to go against the gods.

Alt text

as a side note I know my spelling is off and artwork credit goes to: ~Nele-Diel of deviantArt

April 2, 2013 10:44 p.m.

10vernothin says... #79

"Treachery (Whenever this creature attacks, target opponent sacrifices a creature, then put a 1/1 black and white spirit token with flying onto the battlefield under your control.)"

Whenever a creature card leaves from an opponent's graveyard, Viseaux, God of the Underworld deals one damage to its owner.

If the creature card is then put into play under an opponent's control, that creature gets an additional -1/-1 until the end of the turn.

Cleaned it up for you.

Honestly, the God of the Underworld should be U/B or R/B, depends on if you're going for Asphodel or Tartarus. I mean the most defining feature of the underworld is that there is no light and no vegetation. If worst comes to worst, you can always put red and black harpy tokens or horror tokens.

April 2, 2013 10:52 p.m.

10vernothin says... #80

oops, take out the "from" from "leaves from an opponent's graveyard"

April 2, 2013 10:53 p.m.

pookypuppy6 says... #81

Oooh crap, didn't see the "submit the one card only" clause, I should read better. :$

April 2, 2013 11:19 p.m.

Lightehammer says... #82

http://magic.falseblue.com/output/01/012e8cddc062e2bd420badac1fd71840.png

Basically, this is a testament to the truly AWESOME power that was the Gods. Either you could worship them, and reap the rewards, or oppose them, and be erased from history.
It is notable to mention though, that those chosen by the Gods, a step below Demigods, were still not as reputable as the Gods. That is why the second ability does not create a 9/9, Deathtouch, Annihilator 4.

Pantheon, Temple of the GodsLegendary Land - Great Hall

Hexproof, Indestructible, Crucible (If a spell or ability would cause this to be discarded from your hand, instead that spell or ability targets it's controller.)

B2T: Put an Awe counter on target creature. That creature is now a 1/1 creature with no additional abilities.

W2T: Put a Chosen counter on target creature. That creature is now a 5/5 creature with Hexproof, Indestructible, Double-Strike and Lifelink.

April 3, 2013 12:23 a.m.

10vernothin says... #83

lol this would force EVERYONE to get 4 of those lands just to abuse the only removal one can do in this case: Legendary Rule.

April 3, 2013 12:31 a.m.

So...much...powercreep... and we're the one's suggesting it...

April 3, 2013 12:31 a.m.

anewsome says... #85

absolutely insane amounts of power in that land...

April 3, 2013 12:33 a.m.

Waaaay too OP for my tastes...

April 3, 2013 12:40 a.m.

Blakkhand says... #87

Corrupted Knowledge

BU

Sorcery

Target player reveals his or her hand. You choose a nonland card from it. That player puts that card on top of its owner's library, then fateseal 3. (To fateseal 3, look at the top three cards of an opponent's library, then put any number of them on the bottom of that player's library and the rest on top in any order.)

April 3, 2013 1:02 a.m.

Blakkhand says... #88

Sorry, forgot explanation. It is intended to be a sort of Distress without being practically unusable in most formats. Since fateseal would be a logical keyword to have in theros, I incorporated it to hopefully bring the power level to somewhat competitive levels without being completely broken. Also, I think that the card fills an essential place in any given standard meta, and in a flavorful way.

April 3, 2013 1:11 a.m.

Thebigshaggy says... #89

http://magic.falseblue.com/output/26/269d46f65f5e6c99cf09fbc78044f589.png

The Bed of Actaeon

Legendary Land - Forest Island Swamp

As The Bed of Actaeon enters the battlefield, you may pay 2 life. If you don't, The Bed of Actaeon enters the battlefield tapped.

1UUGGBB, T: Sacrifice The Bed of Actaeon, exile target creature you don't control, its controller gets a 1/1 deer token. Then put three 2/2 Blue, Green, and Black Wolf tokens with haste onto the battlefield under your control.

And so the hunter becomes the hunted.


Inspiration being the story of Actaeon, a hunter whom Artemis caught watching her bathe. She cursed him to turn into a stag if he spoke. Spoke he did, and his own hunting dogs tore him to shreds.

April 3, 2013 1:21 a.m.

isEpicwin says... #90

Deep-mountain forge 2R

enchantment

1R: choose target artifact in a graveyard and another artifact controlled by the same player. if both targets are legal when this ability resolves,the owner of the artifact sacrifices it, and then returns the other artifact from his or hers graveyard to the battlefield.


so its basically a goblin welder in a enchantment form. it wont break formats, but it would allow some interesting strategies in standard and modern. i, at least, would love see this card printed.

April 3, 2013 7 a.m.

Phalynxx says... #91

Zeus' Fury
RR
Instant
Zeus' Fury deals 3 damage to target creature. If a creature dealt damage this way dies, Zeus' Fury deals 3 damage to that creature's controller.

April 3, 2013 11:48 a.m.

hawgdriver says... #92

Didn't see anyone hit on the five rivers of Hades: Lethe (forgetfulness), Styx (hate), Akheron (sorrow), Kokytos (lamentation), and Phlegethon (fire).

I don't know if they would be better as lands, enchantments, or creatures (dwellers).

2W River of Oblivion (i.e. Lethe) (enchantment):

(1): Exile target creature card that was placed in your graveyard this turn and put a 0/1 soul token of the same name with an oblivion counter on it onto the battlefield. That token has reincarnation.

(Reincarnation - If this creature attacks, blocks, or becomes the target of any spells or abilities, sacrifice it. If this creature has no oblivion counters on it, return exiled card of the same name to the battlefield tapped.)

If battlefield is OP, then library would work.

April 3, 2013 1:43 p.m.

I know I already submitted one, but this came to me last night, and I like it more. Hubris is a common theme in Greek lit. I thought it would be appropriate for a bunch of planeswalkers romping around the multiverse. Pride cometh before the fall and all that.

Hubris - BG

Sorcery

Target creature you control gets +4/+4 and gains trample until end of turn.

Each opponent chooses a creature he or she controls. Each creature chosen this way gains deathtouch until end of turn.

April 4, 2013 7:25 a.m.

KBash says... #94

Chorus - W

Creature

Chorus gets +1/+1 for each creature you control with converted mana cost 3 or less.

Inspiration comes from the Chorus in ancient Greek plays. Pretty sure it shows up in most, if not all plays of the time. Represents an idealized audience. I represented it as a mob that gets stronger with more, you know, chorus mates.

April 4, 2013 10:44 p.m.

Apoptosis says... #95

I love Greek and Roman military history. Generally speaking the phalanxes of classical Greece reined supreme until the Macedonians perfected a phalanx with longer reach, less armor, which in turn was destroyed by the Roman legions. The Classical Greek forces (with the exception of the Spartans) were citizen soldiers that were quickly mustered and served short periods of service. Usually these forces were rather simple heavy infantry (i.e. heavy armor and uniform in makeup), with the use of light skirmishers and limited calvary support. The Macedonian Phalanx required much more training and was an integrated part of much more complex combined arms. Roman Legions also benefited from this, but required less training then the Macedonian Phalanx. Roman Legions were much more fluid then the phalanx and used pila projectiles to disrupt the tight phalaynx prior to closing with the enemy. One common strategy of the Roman Legions was a pincer type attack where two groups converged on a defender. Casualty ratios were astronomically lop-sided when different groups clashed (e.g. 20:1, where Classical Phalanx < Macedonian Phalanx < Roman Legion)... With all of that in mind, here it goes my attempt to recapture these elements:


Armored Phalanx WW

Creature - Human Phalanx

Banding with other Phalanxs

2/2 can't decide whether this should be 1/3 or 2/2


Macedonian Pikemen 3W

Creature - Human Phalanx

First Strike

Banding

4/1


Roman Legion 2W

Creature - Human soldier

Roman Legion enters the battlefield with 2 pilum counters.

Remove a pilum counter: target creature or player takes 1 damage.

If two or more Roman Legion's attack, both have flanking (Whenever a creature without flanking blocks this creature, the blocking creature gets -1/-1 until end of turn.)

3/3


And for those who like a little more flair to your cards. Let's explore what severely hurt the Athenians early on in the Peloponnesian war against the Spartan League: the plague. This war lasted ~43 years and early on the Athenians decided it would be stupid to face the Spartans on the field, so they built the Long Walls to protect Athens and their port. The Spartan army couldn't do much against them and the Athenians had access to food, etc. through their port. But the crowded conditions led to an outbreak of the plague that killed a large percentage of the population (1/3 if I remember correctly, including Pericles (to me the Athenian equivalent of Winston Churchill)).


Plague 2BB

Enchantment

B: Put a -1/-1 plague counter on each untapped creature, each player loses 1 life, and each planeswalker loses 1 loyalty counter.

At the end of turn, if there are no untapped creatures on the battlefield, sacrifice Plague.

If Plague is not on the battlefield, each creature removes one plague counter during their controller's upkeep.


a modern version of Pestilence . Here untapped creatures represent those within the confines of a city wall and tapped creatures represent those in the field.

Ok, that's all I got. Hope people enjoy!

-Apop.

P.S. Sometimes I don't believe in following the rules.

April 5, 2013 1:07 p.m.

Apoptosis says... #96

Change Roman Legion to:

Roman Legion 2W

Creature - Human Legion

Roman Legion enters the battlefield with 2 pilum counters.

Remove a pilum counter: target creature or player takes 1 damage.

If two or more Legion's attack, both have flanking (Whenever a creature without flanking blocks this creature, the blocking creature gets -1/-1 until end of turn.)

3/3

April 5, 2013 1:10 p.m.

XistxBiohazrd says... #97

Weeping Gorgon 2BBWW

Deathtouch

2B, T: Put a petrification counter on target creature. It gains defendet and becomes a colorless artifact in addition to its other types. Its activated abilities can't be activated.

2W, T: Gain control of target creature with a petrification counter on it. Put a +1/+1 counter on Weeping Gorgon

2/4

Similar to Xathrid Gorgon but the mana cost difference and lower stats should make up for its second activated ability.

April 5, 2013 1:50 p.m.

Zarum says... #98

Vial of Ambroisa 4

Artifact

WW, T: prevent all damage target creature would deal this turn.

UU, T: look at the top 2 cards of your library. Put one in your hand and the onther on the botton of your library.

RR, T: Gain control of target creature until end of turn. That creature gets -2/-0 until end of turn.

BB, T: Destroy target creature. its controller gains life equal to that creature's toughness.

GG, T: Target creature gets +2/+2 and trample till end of turn.

This vial is sacred. Do not let it fall into the wrong hands.

April 5, 2013 11:07 p.m.

Zarum says... #99

As the food and drink of the gods, i feel this can make a mortal do many different things =)

April 5, 2013 11:09 p.m.

megawurmple says... #100

Can someone please tell me how to make a card and post it on here, like nightscape has done? Is there a website where you can design the cards or something? And how do you out the image in a comment?

April 6, 2013 7:04 p.m.

shoopmywhoop says... #101

Road to OlympusLandT: Add 1 to you mana pool.1T, Pay 2 life: Take an extra turn after this one. Activate this ability only if you cast four or more spells this turn.

I thought this up when I was scouring my limited knowledge of Greek Mythology. I remembered how no man could get up Mount Olympus and the difficult road to Olympus. You have to "risk you life" and "pay your dues" if you want to get the extra turn.

April 6, 2013 9:44 p.m.

nightscape says... #102

TitansFTW google the program "MTGSE," a program that lets you create cards for MTG as well as other CCGs. Create the card in MTGSE, then export the card as an image. Upload that image to a photo hosting website such as Photobucket. Finally, link use HTML to link to the image. Photobucket gives you the HTML to do this when you click on "share to other services." All you need to do is paste the link here.

April 7, 2013 1:08 p.m.

megawurmple says... #103

Aha, thank you very much. Ok, with that sorted, here is my card:

 photo SunChariotofHelios_zpsc323f001.jpg">

My inspiration was, obviously, Helios' chariot. Flavour-wise, it is like your turn is day (and so the chariot rises and grants bonuses to your stuff), but when your turn ends, the sun sets (and so the chariot disappears and grants no bonuses to your stuff). It's powerful, but only works half of the time in a normal game, so it's pretty balanced. It's R/W because those are the colours of the sun.

April 7, 2013 3:56 p.m.

Arrzarr says... #104

Legionnaire, WW, (Uncommon)

You may run any number of cards named Legionnaire.

Legionnaire gets +1/+1 for each card you control called legionnaire.

0/1

April 7, 2013 4:45 p.m.

Arrzarr says... #105

Legionnaire WW

Creature - Human Soldier (Uncommon)

You may run any number of cards named Legionnaire.

Legionnaire gets +1/+1 for each card you control called legionnaire.

0/1

sorry for the double post, corgot to mention the creature type, not sure if the mana cost should be W or WW

April 7, 2013 4:49 p.m.

GureiSeion says... #106

@Arrzarr - I'd keep it at WW. Something about having three out on turn 2 and attacking for at least nine on turn 3...

April 7, 2013 4:53 p.m.

Arrzarr says... #107

@GureiSeion - I agree, the power level of these cards is really finnicky, the card is busted at W but fairly weak at WW, also maybe make it each other card or start it at -1/1

April 7, 2013 5:09 p.m.

Look at Relentless Rats for a comparison. I think WW is fair. If you want to make it W, add in a clause like "Legionnaire can't attack unless there are at least 2 other card named Legionnaire on the battlefield"

that way, you can build up blockers and hit hard, but it keeps tempo rather well so it's not broken. Your first one can swing on turn two, then the other 2 on turn 3

April 7, 2013 7:08 p.m.

Arrzarr says... #109

Legionnaire W

Creature - Human Soldier (Uncommon)

You may run any number of cards called Legionnaire.

When Legionnaire attacks, it gets +1/+1 for each other card you control called Legionnaire.

Whenever you cast a card called Legionnaire, you may untap Legionnaire. If two other cards called Legionnaire were untapped this way, you may not untap Legionnaire.

Legionnaire enters the battlefield tapped and doesn't untap during your untap phase.

0/1

the tapping clause is to attempt to make the card more balanced and not the terrifying monster it was. Possibly too complex for an uncommon.

April 8, 2013 1:45 p.m.

megawurmple says... #110

I kind of understand the concept of Legionnaire (I think it's that one man is useless on his own, but an army is strong) but the last update is both complicated and overpowered (I think- I can't really decipher what the card does). At W, you can have three 2/3 creatures by turn 2. By turn 3, you have six 5/6 creatures. And that's with a really simple hand (first 9 cards, you get 6 Legionnaire and 3 Plains).

I smell a whiff of broken.

April 8, 2013 2:07 p.m.

Arrzarr says... #111

That's what I was saying about how it's really finnicky, the design of a card like this would require a particularly elegant solution to making it "not broken".

Note how it only gains the +1/+1 while attacking and for the rest of the turn making the army pyroclasmable and you only untap two each time a new one enters, limiting the times you can attack with a huge army. It also can't untap itself. But the main problem I see is that it is such a mess of clauses that it's too hard to work out.

April 8, 2013 6:08 p.m.

megawurmple says... #112

You had to clarify what the card did for me as I got lost in a mess of text. That normally means that a card is too complicated. For example, the card using your exact text looks like this:

 photo LegionnaireSoldierDude_zps645c2897.jpg">

I'm not sure about you, but I think that's a bit too wordy.

April 9, 2013 12:32 p.m.

GureiSeion says... #113

If I were to cost it at W, here's what my simplistic take would probably look like.

Legionnaire W
Creature - Human Soldier (Uncommon)
Legionnaire gets +1/+1 for each other attacking or blocking creature named Legionnaire.
A deck can have any number of cards named Legionnaire.
1/1

Not too far from the Relentless tree, I like the "all in" combat requirement it has to make in order to risk being breaky. Still unsure if I'd want it a 0/1, though.

April 9, 2013 12:58 p.m.

megawurmple says... #114

You could change that to:

Legionnaire W

Creature - Human Soldier (Uncommon)

Whenever Legionnaire attacks or blocks, it gets +1/+1 for each other attacking or blocking creature named Legionnaire.

A deck can have any number of cards named Legionnaire.

1/1

That way, not all of them get the boosts, only the ones you risk killing. This is also a bit more flavourful as if all the other Legionnaires are off waging war and you're just sitting there on your own, you don't get the benefit of strength in numbers.

April 9, 2013 2:31 p.m.

Arrzarr says... #115

Thanks for your input and I agree with your modifications.

My (our?) submission is the card in the previous post.

April 9, 2013 5:48 p.m.

Sveniac says... #116

Labyrinth of Taurus 4

Legendary Artifact

At the beginning of each upkeep, choose target creature you own and target player chooses a creature he owns. Flip a coin. If you win, your creature deals damage equal to its power to target player's creature. Otherwise, each of those creatures deals damage equal to its power to the other creature.

The labyrinth offers many things. Salvation is not one of them.


This card is based on the obvious Myth of the Cretan Labyrinth. The chosen creatures are the beast and champion who ventures inside. The coin flipping represents the challenge of crossing a labyrinth. The upside represents the fact that the beast already knows the labyrinth and the element of surprise that a maze can hold. The downside represents the fight between the beast and the champion. Do note that it is an obligatory ability, since you cannot escape the maze.

April 10, 2013 1:48 a.m.

Dallie says... #117

So much power... I complained about Thrag, but that guy is balanced compared to many of these cards :O

April 15, 2013 9:10 a.m.

KingSorin says... #118

Hmm... my one is Intervention of the gods WUBRG Instant
Split Second: End the Turn
(Maybe also a flashback of 5WUBRG)

June 17, 2013 6:57 a.m.

-Bean- says... #119

I know it's way too late, but I want to post my ideas anyway because it seems wasteful not to.

My first idea applies to instants and sorceries:

Backlash (When this spell resolves, exile it. At the beginning of the next end step, cast it without paying its mana cost targeting yourself or a permanent you control.)

Or, depending on how well that works, Backlash (When this spell resolves, exile it. At the beginning of the next end step, cast it without paying its mana cost targeting yourself or a permanent you control chosen at random.)

Example:

Wrath of the Blind RWBInstant RDestroy target permanent. It can't be regenerated.Backlash

I love chaos play and I think that Backlash could add to that. I also like the idea of an angry god randomly taking his anger out on everything around him.

July 8, 2013 10:04 p.m.

-Bean- says... #120

Sorry, my formatting was wonky on that last one. My other idea for a keyword mechanic is pretty well-suited to the Greco-Roman idea: Hubris. It would look something like this:

Hubris (Whenever another creature dealt damage by this creature dies, if its converted mana cost is greater than that of this creature, sacrifice this creature.)

A few examples:


Sureblade Confessor 1B

Creature - Human Cleric U

Deathtouch, First Strike

Hubris

                                1/2

Solemn Warden 1WW

Creature - Human Cleric C

Defender

Hubris

                                2/5

And my favorite (just for the name)


Wrath of the Gods 2WW

Sorcery R

All creatures gain Hubris until end of turn. Draw a card.


July 8, 2013 10:39 p.m.

KingSorin says... #121

Firstly, Wrath of God is already a card, so wrath of the gods, is a bit... :( ) It should also be an instant, so you can do it in opponent's combat step.

July 9, 2013 3:29 a.m.

Bloodthirsty says... #122

Nakerk, the Mathematician 6UUU

Legendary Creature: Human Advisor M

Flash

1U, tap: Prevent the next damage of target source that would be dealt to your opponent. Divide that players life total by the number of damage prevented this way instead, round it up.

July 25, 2013 2:59 p.m.

Bloodthirsty says... #123

Oh, I forgot to add some fancy text to my idea!

Magic is just complicated math.

- Nakerk, the Mathematician

July 25, 2013 3:05 p.m.

DJSeras says... #124

@ TheSeventhNinja

You didn't state where the counter would be placed

September 5, 2013 5:15 p.m.

Apoptosis says... #125

Behold, I am the thread necromancer...

http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/MTG-ThreadNecromancer_3198.jpg

;-)

September 5, 2013 5:18 p.m.

@ Apoptosis that made coming back here worth it. lol

September 5, 2013 5:41 p.m.

Apoptosis says... #127

ChiefWannaHacka happy to be of service.

September 5, 2013 6:21 p.m.

GureiSeion says... #128

That said, I miss this series.

September 5, 2013 6:27 p.m.

Dallie says... #129

Lol'd at that pic Apoptosis.

September 6, 2013 2:20 a.m.

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