* Overview
* Schedule
* Challenge Rounds
* Critique Rounds
* Valid Entry Constitution
* Scoring
* Penalties
* Resources
* Credits
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Overview
The CCL is among the more fun games on the MtGSalvation forums due to its inherent aspect of interactivity among the Leaguers (that’s you). We actively critique each other’s card designs at the end of each round, putting a more personal interest into our cards and generally making us all better designers. Typically, we build worlds more complete than many games, as each round builds on the designs and ideas of previous rounds in the month. The CCL allows for Leaguers to plumb the depths of creativity, as the point schedule aspect allows for three full rounds without fear of elimination.
* Schedule
o The CCL will run six rounds, each lasting five days.
+ Rounds 1, 2 & 3 will be free-for-alls with each leaguer fighting for the most points during critiques. At the beginning of each of these rounds. The host will divide the league members evenly into two teams and each team will be assigned their design challenge. At the challenge deadline, the round will elapse into the critique section (see Critiques below). Once the critique section ends, the host will tally points and post the next round. Team rosters are likely to change between rounds; the new rosters will be included in the initial posting for the next round.
o Each round will last five days: 3.5 to finalize designs, 1.5 for critiques.
o The schedule will usually operate according to US Easter time zone (GMT -5) We will stick to this schedule as closely as possible, adjusting as necessary.
* Challenge Rounds
o At the start of each round, the host will post the challenge for the round. This may be, at the host’s discretion, a single challenge for all leaguers, a list for each leaguer to choose from, challenges assigned to each leaguer, or other challenge variation.
o Each Leaguer will post his/her entry by the deadline, 3.5 days after the round is posted.
* Critique Rounds
o At the end of each challenge round, the host, or an individual the host designates, will officially close the round and open the forum for critiques. After this point, modifying the post containing your entry for the round will incur penalties (see Penalties section).
o Each Leaguer will thoroughly critique at least 50% of the entries given by the leaguers on the other team.
o In addition to the critiques, each Leaguer generates his/her list of the Top 3 entries for the round. The Top 3 listings are the chief source of points within the CCL and are therefore required to complete. Even if critiques are not completed, Top 3’s must be listed to avoid penalties (see Penalties for penalty schedule). Regardless of the cards actually critiqued by a given Leaguer, Top 3’s can be drawn from any valid entry of the round. Submitting Top 3’s grants one point.
o A valid critique does not need to be lengthy. A few constructive sentences will do as long as they are meaningful. Neither “Hated it,” “Too expensive,” nor “Bahhrokken!!!” are valid critiques.
Example:
The following card is submitted by Fitzgerald:
A few decent critics:
from Tiberius: Templating issue with “nonpermanent card,” it's confusing and should just read “instant or sorcery card.” And the cost seems steep: I’m giving up a mana, a card, and immediate access to the card I looked for. Creative, but not bad.
from Wilhelmina: I hate the name. Also the shuffle part should be right after removing the tutored card instead of on a separate line. Seems powerful as an instant, play it on the opponents turn and you get basically a free draw, but you get to pick it.
from Beauregard: A bit complicated for uncommon. It doesn’t go to microtext on a render (sans flavor text) but it still isn’t all that intuitive.
* Valid Entry Constitution
o A valid entry in a given round cleanly delivers all required components of the challenge. The CCL is based around card design, so each challenge will direct Leaguers to design one or more cards, but other components may be given according to the judge’s discretion. Historically, these non-card components have included such things as keyword mechanic designs, story pieces, and various ideas for the judge to incorporate into later rounds. Include only what is described by the challenge requirements, as superfluous items may sway judgings unfairly and will incur penalties.
o It is customary to include card renders in entries. This is not required. Some Leaguers may not have access to render design software and therefore will not be penalized for posting an entry without a render. However, it must be understood that a proper render is easier to judge/critique as it is more pleasing to the eye, more memorable and allows for Leaguers to judge the card by its wordiness, a very important aspect of a card’s design. Common rendering software used include Magic Set Editor (free program, the standard that most amateur designers use), PhotoShop (not free), and GIMP (free PhotoShop knockoff).
* Scoring
o The bulk of available points will be derived from Top 3 listings, as is League custom. Within each Top 3 listing, the choice for 1st place will be awarded 3 points, the choice for 2nd place will receive 2 points, and the choice for 3rd place will receive 1 point. It is common for Leaguers to post an Honorable Mention or two along with their T3 listings. Honorable Mentions are not awarded points. Posting T3s is required and awards one point for completion of the requirements. There are penalties for failure to post T3s (see Penalties section).
o Critiques are an optional aspect of the CCL, therefore no penalties are given for failure to complete critiques. Any Leaguer completing critiques for at least 50% of the other team's entries will receive 1 bonus point. An additional point will be awarded if a Leaguer critiques all valid entries in the round.
o As noted in the section on Valid Entry Constitution, entries are encouraged to contain proper card renders. Some Leaguers may not have access to render design software and will not be penalized for posting an entry without a render.
* Penalties
o Failure to post Top 3s as required during the Critique section of any round will put a Leaguer on probation. While on probation, failure to post an Top 3 in any later round will disqualify that Leaguer for the remainder of the month.
o Once a Round elapses into its critique section, any Leaguer modifying their entry after any leaguer has posted a critique, will be disqualified for the round.
o Failure to post an entry within the Challenge round will put a Leaguer on probation. While on probation, failure to post an entry in any later round will disqualify that Leaguer for the remainder of the month.
* Resources
o This is a templating guideline compiled by Kraj. It is quite concise and very useful.
o Making Magic by Mark Rosewater, current head of Magic Design at Wizards of the Coast. Making Magic is a weekly article detailing the trials, tribulations and achievements of Magic R&D in riveting prose.
o Magiccards.info is the database mtgsalvation draws upon when you use the [card] tag. The advanced search functionality is useful for searching all cards officially printed by WotC.
o Gatherer is the database maintained officially by WotC. It has slightly different functionality than magiccards.info, but the differences are too numerable to list here. (Someone should write an article about that)
o Your other Leaguers are fantastic resources. We, more than the players of other games on this forum, are a community, as can be seen by the dialogue of any CCL thread.
+ Question, consult with, challenge and encourage each other at every opportunity.
o Credits
Each round, the players have a chance of getting a total of 100 points toward their score. Each score is determined by the following equation:
The grading of 3 points for first place, 2 points for second and 1 for third still stands. This is also the case for up to 2 points for crits and Top3.
Total points of player A in round N = 100 * X/Y
Where:
X = Total number of points given by judges + Bonus points for critiques/Top3
Y = Total number of points possible (3*Number of judges + Bonus Points)
This way the grading is more streamlined in the fact that all rounds up to going to top 8 are graded equally, and there is no handicap for any team that has fewer judges.
Each player starts the next round with the score that he previously had, and another possible 100 points is given to him at the end of that round. Therefore, there is a possible 300 points before the CCL goes to top 8.
(I am using Excel to calculate points. If you think my math is wrong (which it may be), please message me and I'll have a look.) Team Spades: xX-TacOcat-Xx - 42 ImpulsiveKnowledge - 82
MonkeyPlayingMTG - 150 shadowfenix - 0
Solesticio - 203 Ryder052 - 145 Team Hearts:
Gerrard’s Mom - 205
Twilight Kiwi - 162 Shadowrulz - 0 Cosmo Chou - 149 KingOldBoy - 79 PsiJet - 104 Team Clubs:
Jimmy Groove - 173 CXA26483 - 31 Doom Lich - 34 Darkfire_Games - 74
Rocket_Powered_Turbo_Slug - 172 Cryptic Hero - 104 Team Diamonds: Asrama - 111 Kev the Walker Rauthiss - 13
Krey - 219
Drewdagreek - 218 Zsehaelax DeusofCalamity - 172
Despite your best attempts, you were unable to keep your partner from touching the exhibit. And just like in most museums, it didn't turn out well for him. You, however, pressed on.
After wandering through the Ringleader's collection for a while, you come upon a large door. Not sure what to expect, you muster up your remaining mana and walk in. There, in the center of the room, stands a a man with pumpkin for a head, sitting atop an impossible tall chair.
"Welcome, welcome!" he says.
You demand to know who he is.
"Why, I am the Ringleader." he replies, while caressing a small globe.
At last, your enemy stands before you. And luckily enough, you're all fired up, while he isn't. Consequently, you quickly fire an incredibly powerful spell at him, and it strikes dead center.
As the smoke clears, you can see the remainders of his carcass, but to your horror, the rest of his body re-materializes, as if nothing had happened.
"Is it wish to strike me down? Because I turned your world upside down? Look at this globe in my hand. It is what remains of your once beloved land."
You attempt to fire another spell at him, only to be met with the same result.
"Can you not see that from fighting you should abstain? The circus needs a ringleader, so I'll remain." he states, still caressing the globe.
You then begin to wonder, just how on earth you'll get rid of him and restore your world.
And then it dawns on you, what if the circus had another ringleader? What if you were the ringleader? Could you best him at that? (Cheesy, but hey, it's Halloween themed.) Challenge 5:
I hope are prepared for what I consider to be the single hardest challenge this cycle: Work with restrictions when creating your next card.
Using your submissions (excluding the sign-up round), create a new card according to the rules of the 4-Card Merger Game. Like the game rules state, the first card (Round 1) determines color, The second (Round 2) determines CMC and colored mana, and so on. You are free to use any card you made in a given round for that round's restriction.
Deadline: There are no deadlines. The round closes once all submissions are in. Just be timely about it.
The pairings are as follows:
Gerrard's Mom x Jimmy Groove
Krey x Monkey_Playing_MTG
(Shift creatures can be played on either side.)
Signup: Arosh, Blade of Dauth2BB
Legendary Creature - Dauthi Warrior (R) 1B, Sacrifice a creature: Target creature gets -0/-X, where X is the sacrificed creature's toughness.
Shift BB (BB: Flip this creature. Shift only as a sorcery.)
2/2
// Arosh, Shadowborn2BB
Legendary Creature - Dauthi Warrior (R)
Shadow (This creature can block or be blocked by only creatures with shadow.) 1B, Sacrifice a creature: Target creature gets +X/+0, where X is the sacrificed creature's power.
Shift BB (BB: Flip this creature. Shift only as a sorcery.)
2/2
Round 1: Dauthi Scalper1B
Creature - Dauthi Warrior (C)
Shift 1B (1B: Flip this creature. Shift only as a sorcery.)
2/1
// Flesh Eater3B
Creature - Dauthi Warrior (C)
Shadow
Whenever Flesh Eater deals combat damage to a player, flip it.
4/2
Round 2: Dauthi Soulwisps B
Instant (U)
Put three 0/1 black Soulstuff creature tokens with shadow into play. Sacrifice them at the beginning of the end of turn step. When a Dauthi dies in its shadow form, it leaves countless shreds of animate but nearly intangible soulstuff, which accumulate among the nooks and crannies of the shadow realm.
Light of Despair4WB
Sorcery (R)
Return to the battlefield under your control all creature cards in graveyards that were put there from the battlefield this turn. Day turned to night, and the Soltari survivors watched with horror as all of the dead on both sides rose from where they had fallen, now united in purpose.
Round 3: Umbral CreeperB
Creature - Dauthi Shade (R)
Level up B (1/1)
[4+] Shift BB (2/2)
// Soulsucker
Creature - Dauthi Shade
Shadow
Soulsucker gets +1/+1 for each level counter on it.
Whenever Soulsucker deals damage, remove that many level counters from it and flip it.
1/1
Backstabber2B
Creature - Dauthi Assassin (U)
Shift 1B (1B: Flip this creature. Shift only as a sorcery.)
Whenever Backstabber attacks and isn't blocked, you may have it deal damage equal to its power to target creature with shadow. If you do, flip it. (This removes it from combat.)
3/1
// Shadowmeld Assassin 3B
Creature - Dauthi Assassin
Shadow
Shift 1B (1B: Flip this creature. Shift only as a sorcery.)
Whenever Shadowmeld Assassin attacks and isn't blocked, you may have it deal damage equal to its power to target creature without shadow. If you do, flip it. (This removes it from combat.)
3/1
Shroomid Slave3G
Creature - Fungus Minion (U)
At the beginning of your upkeep, if there is not a +1/+1 counter on Shroomid Slave, put a +1/+1 counter on it.
Remove a +1/+1 counter from Shroomid Slave: Regenerate another target creature you control. Dauthi overseers control many Shroomid caves. The captive race is carefully cultivated for its healing properties.
2/3
Round 4: Roots of FamineB
Enchantment (R)
The first two mana a player adds to his or her mana pool on his or her turn can't be spent. Like the Dauthi, the circus must drift eternally, twisting and destroying all in its wake.
(Eladamri's Vineyard)
Funeral Clock4
Artifact (R)
At the beginning of your upkeep, put a time counter on Funeral Clock.
All creatures get -1/-1 for each time counter on Funeral Clock.
: Remove a time counter from Funeral Clock. Any player may activate this ability but only during any upkeep step.
(Infinite Hourglass)
So either B or 4BB, and has to be a creature, either Dauthi Shade, Dauthi Shadow, or Fungus Minion. Then I can use either the progressive -1/-1 counters or unspendable mana. I see the makings of a Shade of some kind?
Blighted Shade4BB
Creature - Dauthi Shade (M)
Pay 2 life: Regenerate Blighted Shade. B: Blighted Shade gets +1/+1 until end of turn. All other creatures get -1/-1 until end of turn. No longer able to shift between the two worlds, it sucks the life from them both.
2/2
Sangret Kel, Bloodlord :1mana::symb::symb: {R}
Creatrue - Human Wizard
Creatures you control get +2/+2 for each -1/-1 counter on them.
:xmana::xmana:: Put X -1/-1 counters on target creature.
3/2 "Blood is just a weapon hidden within the opponent's body..." - Sangret Kel
Acolyte of Sangret :1mana::symb: {U}
Creature - Minion
:symtap:: Put a -1/-1 counter on target creature.
0/2
Bloodbane Plague :xmana::symb::symb: {R}
Instant
Put X -1/-1 counters on each creature. "Where others find only misery, woe and weakness, from there shall our power come." - The Book of House Sangret, page 12
Purification Of the Soul :2mana::symw::symw: {R}
Sorcery
Exile each creature with a counter on it. Return those creatures to the battlefield tapped under their owner's control at the beginning of their owner's end step. "We shall seek out those who are impure and offer them sanctuary within our faith." - Pledge of the Sisters of Lithera
Disciple of Plague {R}
Creature - Minion Wizard
Whenever a player sacrifices a creature, you may put a level counter on Disciple of Plague. (0/1)
[1-4]:symtap:: Put a -1/-1 counter on target creature. (0/2)
[5+]:symtap:: Put a -1/-1 counter on up to X target creatures, where X is the number of level counters on Disciple of Plague. (1/3) "One death is but the humble beginning of a plague... and fields of bodies are its glorious end." - Tavesh, servant of House Sangret
Bloodboil Infecter :1mana::symb::symb: {R}
Creature - Minion
Whenever a creature with a -1/-1 counter is put into a graveyard from the battlefield, you may put a -1/-1 counter on target creature.
:symtap:, Sacrifice a creature: Put a -1/-1 counter on target creature.
2/2 "He is merely the apex of suffering... I'm sure there is room for improovement." - Sangret Kel, Bloodlord
Sangret Slavemaster :1mana::symb::symb: {R}
Creature - Minion Lord
Other minions you control get +1/+1
Whenever a creature an opponent controls is put into the graveyard from the battlefield, you may pay :1mana::symb:. If you do, put a 1/1 black minion token onto the battlefield under your control.
2/2 "Each victim of House Sangret is another slave to enhance its glory." - Kizil, Sangret Slavemaster
Ashborn Deathlands {R}
Land
:symtap:: Add to your mana pool.
:symtap:, Sacrifice a creature: Add to yourmana pool for each counter on the sacrificed creature. "Here a proud city once stood. Now it is a wasteland for the ashes of the dead, at the whims of House Sangret." - Gathet, Traveler
Scar Transplanter {U}
Artifact
:symtap:, Remove a counter from a target creature you control: Zput a -1/-1 counter on target creature. "It matters not who bears the pain, only that sufficient pain is born." - Sangret Kel, Bloodlord
1. Acolyte of Sangret - Black
2. Purification of the Soul - Cost :2mana::symb::symb:
3. Disciple of Plague - "Creature - Minion Wizard" "1/3"
4. Ashborn Deathlands - Mechanic
Housebound Necromancer :2mana::symb::symb: {R}
Creature - Minion Wizard
Whenever a player sacrifices a creature, add to your mana pool.
Sacrifice a creature: Regenerate Housebound Necromancer.
1/3 "Though I may die a thousand deaths, my masters shall profit from each one."
My deepest apologies for the delay, we entered our production week and our performance weekend last week and my life became rather hectic. That isn't much of an excuse, its just the reason that I was unable to post here.
I opened one last year, got two crap worldwake packs and 8x scathe zombies, which I promptly hid around my sister's apartment for her roommates to find. But, yeah, it was a piece of crap.
You, sir, have just won the internet. Congratulations.
Crusher of Bones :symb::symb::symb:
Creature - Nightmare
Flying
Crusher of Bones's power and toughness is equal to the number of creature cards in all opponents graveyards.
Exile target creature card in your graveyard: Regenerate Crusher of Bones. "How could we defeat something made out of fear and darkness?" - Kazz, Expedition leader, last words
Vampiric Might :symb::symb::symb:
Instant (R)
As an additional cost to cast Vampiric Might, pay X life.
Target creature gets +X/+X until end of turn, where X is the number of counters on that creature. "Only those of power deserve more power" - Zang, Endless Hunger
Drain Strength :2mana::symb::symb:
Sorcery (U)
Remove all counters from target creature. For each +1/+1 counter removed this way, that creature's controller gains two life. For each -1/-1 counter removed this way, that creature's controller loses two life. "Victory is worth any cost, be it in gold or in blood." - Zang, Endless Hunger
Gluttonous Vampire :symb::symb:
Creature - Vampire (U)
Level up :symb::symb:: (:symb::symb:: Put a level counter on this. Level up only as a sorcery.)
2/2
[Level 1-3]
3/3
Gluttonous Vampire gains flying and ":symb::symb:: Put a -1/-1 counter on target creature."
[Level 4+]
4/4
Gluttonous Vampire gains flying and "At the beginning of your upkeep put a -1/-1 counter on target creature and a +1/+1 counter on Gluttonous Vampire.
Diabolic Tormentor :symb::symb::symb:
Creature - Nightmare (R)
Haste
At the beginning of the end step, sacrifice Diabolic Tormentor.
Whenever a creature is put into an opponent's graveyard from the battlefield, return Diabolic Tormentor from you graveyard to the battlefield.
3/1 Death is, to some, a transitional condition.
Prophet of Pain :2mana::symb::symb:
Creature - Cleric Assassin (U)
Deathtouch
When Prophet of Pain enters the battlefield, target creature gains deathtouch until end of turn. When a creature dealt damage by a creature you control is put into a graveyard this turn, put a +1/+1 counter on target creature you control.
1/1 His knowledge of the healing arts allows him to become a better assassin.
Library of Darkness
Land (R)
: Add to your mana pool.
: Target player discards a card. Activate this ability only if you have exactly seven cards in hand. Some libraries bring enlightment, other take it away from you.
Soul Diamond
If Soul Diamond would enter the battlefield, you may pay 5 life instead. If you do, put Soul Diamond onto the battlefield. If you don't, put it into its owner's graveyard.
: Add one mana of any color to your mana pool. For the power it gives, It will cost a piece of your soul.
1. Crusher of Bones - Color: Black 2. Vampiric Might - CMC: BBB 3. Gluttonous Vampire - Type: Creature - Vampire
4. Library of Darkness - Effect
Black-Moon ExecutionerBBB
Creature - Vampire
Flying
:symtap:: Destroy target creature. Use this ability only if you have exactly seven cards in hand.
3/3 Under the black moon he stalks you, with his dark knowledge he awaits for you, and with his dark fangs he will take the life from you.
@ Brasil Dude 101 - Fixed! Thanks Brasil Dude!
@ Monkey - Good luck.
If the first card is colorless, and the second one has colored mana in its casting cost, then how should I do that?
I suppose you can Ghostfire it? Or make it Suspend for colored mana?
When I planned ahead, I wasn't quite expecting this...
I suppose that if you absolutely cannot make it work, I will allow a small deviation in that your second card will determine the color and amount of colored mana, while the first will determine CMC.
Overcharged Juggernaut4
Artifact Creature - Juggernaut (U)
Overcharged Juggernaut attacks each turn if able. Manaweave - Whenever the fifth mana is added to your mana pool for the first time in a turn, Overcharged Juggernaut gets +2/+2 until end of turn. If that mana includes every color, it gets +4/+4 until end of turn instead.
3/3
Card 2 - Casting Cost
Rewards of Prowess1W
Instant (U)
Until end of turn, target creature you control get +1/+1 for each keyword ability it has.
Draw a card. The burly ogre laughed at the fast little faerie. It never got to do anything else.
Card 3 - Typeline
Joyous Celebrant1W
Creature - Human Wizard (R) Manaweave - Whenever the second white mana is added to your mana pool for the first time in a turn, gain 2 life. Manaweave - Whenever the sixth white mana is added to your mana pool for the first time in a turn, sacrifice Joyous Celebrant. If you do, put an white Avatar creature token onto the battlefield that has "This creature's power and toughness are equal to your life total."
2/2
Card 4 - Text
Talent ScoutingG
Enchantment (R)
At the beginning of your upkeep, you may look at the top card of your library. If it's a legendary card, you may reveal it and put a quest counter on Talent Scouting.
At the beginning of each end step, if there are three or more quest counters on Talent Scouting, you may put a legendary permanent card from your hand onto the battlefield. Unique acts are recruited vigorously, often by force.
Wardweaver1W
Creature - Human Wizard (R)
Wardweaver is colorless.
At the beginning of your upkeep, you may reveal the top card of your library. Wardweaver gains the color(s) of the revealed card until end of turn. W: Target creature you control gains protection from each of Wardweaver's colors. Given the right raw materials, she can craft runes that turn even dragons and demons aside.
2/2
@ Brasil Dude 101 - Just to be sure, I chose four cards from the ones I made and put them in any order and from those I made the card. Is that ok?
I'm afraid it's not. The challenge is set up so that the card you made in Round 1 is the one you use for the first restriction (CMC), while the card from Round 2 is used for the second restriction (Color/Colored Mana), and so on. Reorganizing the cards into whatever order can make things significantly easier, which is why it's the way it is (see Jimmy's case, for example).
I'm afraid it's not. The challenge is set up so that the card you made in Round 1 is the one you use for the first restriction (CMC), while the card from Round 2 is used for the second restriction (Color/Colored Mana), and so on. Reorganizing the cards into whatever order can make things significantly easier, which is why it's the way it is (see Jimmy's case, for example).
Ok...my bad. I tought it was too easy that way. I'll Fix it.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Those who endure in the face of suffering, those whose faith shines long in evil days, they shall see salvation." -Song of All, canto 904
Had to make a last minute edit, didn't see that I was supposed to use the p/t of the creature as well. Mine had several choices, so I used the biggest one.
I do like Krey's ability, although I have to assume it's rare. Interesting limitation, you could have played into the needing knowledge part a bit more with the flavor. 3/3 flyer for 3 seems too good, but I guess it compares reasonably with Vampire Nighthawk; losing lifelink and deathtouch for a point of power and a sometimes usable ability.
Monkey's guy opens up a lot of Johnny potential, in that we have cards that sac creatures for mana but adding this as a rider is pretty new and could help a lot of things. The regenerate clause is pretty clever here in keeping your combo piece alive and creating an outlet in a pinch. I kind of wish it was limited to your creatures, but I guess black can do a lot to force sacrifice.
While I like Krey's card, I will have to give this one to Monkey for the potential of his card.
Gerrard's Mom - Even at mythic this card seems powerful. At 6 mana to cast you may use it next turn to give all creatures -6/-6, and in the same ability make it 8/8. Flavor text is nice.
Jimmy Groove - Even with the colorless restriction it came out good. Very nice way to turn the mechanic of Talent Scouting into this ability and making it good. If anything the p/t of 2/2 seems a bit high for just 1W, but since it is white, i'll let it slip.
Jimmy Groove
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Those who endure in the face of suffering, those whose faith shines long in evil days, they shall see salvation." -Song of All, canto 904
Had to make a last minute edit, didn't see that I was supposed to use the p/t of the creature as well. Mine had several choices, so I used the biggest one.
I do like Krey's ability, although I have to assume it's rare. Interesting limitation, you could have played into the needing knowledge part a bit more with the flavor. 3/3 flyer for 3 seems too good, but I guess it compares reasonably with Vampire Nighthawk; losing lifelink and deathtouch for a point of power and a sometimes usable ability.
Monkey's guy opens up a lot of Johnny potential, in that we have cards that sac creatures for mana but adding this as a rider is pretty new and could help a lot of things. The regenerate clause is pretty clever here in keeping your combo piece alive and creating an outlet in a pinch. I kind of wish it was limited to your creatures, but I guess black can do a lot to force sacrifice.
While I like Krey's card, I will have to give this one to Monkey for the potential of his card.
The biggest reason that it isn't limited to your creatures is that it triggers of creatures your opponents sacrifice due to -1/-1 counters, keeping with my theme.
Also, judgeholder.
I would have preferred you to list the cards you specifically chose, but I can piece it together. My guess is: Dauthi Scalper, Light of Despair, Umbral Creeper, Funeral Clock.
All in all, I like it, but it feels too overcosted, and a bit too much like a Timmy/Limited Bomb kind of card. I really like the ability, but it feels too weak on that body for that cost. Granted, it is essentially a mutilate every turn, and that's good, but I don't like that it fails the terminate test. It's balanced, but I would have liked it better if it had been a 3/3.
I really like this card, and you got around the color restrictions well. I love the concept behind the card, and it feels very original. It has a power level appropriate to its cost, and I just like its design in general. I'm not sure it relates to Talent Scouting enough for the contest, but I think that since you used half the idea behind it it's fine in this case.
My vote goes towards Jimmy Groove because, while both designers completed the challenge well, and made balanced cards, I felt that Jimmy Groove's card was more original and conceptually interesting.
I opened one last year, got two crap worldwake packs and 8x scathe zombies, which I promptly hid around my sister's apartment for her roommates to find. But, yeah, it was a piece of crap.
You, sir, have just won the internet. Congratulations.
Krey's card is very straightforward, and a bit over the normal curve (but like Gerrard said, not totally unprintable). Monkey's got a very basic combo engine card, but added in an ability to preserve the engine card and fire off the engine. While those do make the card better, they cheapen the appeal of an engine card, which is about finding out how to use it.
Congrats Jimmy I think the colorless part is a little extraneous and it doesn't have much to do with your last card, but the protection sharing is a cool idea.
brasil_dude will have to break the Krey/Monkey tie and set up the finals.
Congrats Jimmy I think the colorless part is a little extraneous and it doesn't have much to do with your last card, but the protection sharing is a cool idea.
brasil_dude will have to break the Krey/Monkey tie and set up the finals.
Thanks. And yeah, the colorlessness was definitely more forced than I like, which is why I tried to tie it in mechanically with the colors-matter ability. If it was actually being printed, it would hardly break it to not have the colorlessness part.
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Clown Art by 0PurePoison0 on DeviantArt
* Overview
* Schedule
* Challenge Rounds
* Critique Rounds
* Valid Entry Constitution
* Scoring
* Penalties
* Resources
* Credits
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Overview
The CCL is among the more fun games on the MtGSalvation forums due to its inherent aspect of interactivity among the Leaguers (that’s you). We actively critique each other’s card designs at the end of each round, putting a more personal interest into our cards and generally making us all better designers. Typically, we build worlds more complete than many games, as each round builds on the designs and ideas of previous rounds in the month. The CCL allows for Leaguers to plumb the depths of creativity, as the point schedule aspect allows for three full rounds without fear of elimination.
* Schedule
o The CCL will run six rounds, each lasting five days.
+ Rounds 1, 2 & 3 will be free-for-alls with each leaguer fighting for the most points during critiques. At the beginning of each of these rounds. The host will divide the league members evenly into two teams and each team will be assigned their design challenge. At the challenge deadline, the round will elapse into the critique section (see Critiques below). Once the critique section ends, the host will tally points and post the next round. Team rosters are likely to change between rounds; the new rosters will be included in the initial posting for the next round.
o Each round will last five days: 3.5 to finalize designs, 1.5 for critiques.
o The schedule will usually operate according to US Easter time zone (GMT -5) We will stick to this schedule as closely as possible, adjusting as necessary.
* Challenge Rounds
o At the start of each round, the host will post the challenge for the round. This may be, at the host’s discretion, a single challenge for all leaguers, a list for each leaguer to choose from, challenges assigned to each leaguer, or other challenge variation.
o Each Leaguer will post his/her entry by the deadline, 3.5 days after the round is posted.
* Critique Rounds
o At the end of each challenge round, the host, or an individual the host designates, will officially close the round and open the forum for critiques. After this point, modifying the post containing your entry for the round will incur penalties (see Penalties section).
o Each Leaguer will thoroughly critique at least 50% of the entries given by the leaguers on the other team.
o In addition to the critiques, each Leaguer generates his/her list of the Top 3 entries for the round. The Top 3 listings are the chief source of points within the CCL and are therefore required to complete. Even if critiques are not completed, Top 3’s must be listed to avoid penalties (see Penalties for penalty schedule). Regardless of the cards actually critiqued by a given Leaguer, Top 3’s can be drawn from any valid entry of the round. Submitting Top 3’s grants one point.
o A valid critique does not need to be lengthy. A few constructive sentences will do as long as they are meaningful. Neither “Hated it,” “Too expensive,” nor “Bahhrokken!!!” are valid critiques.
Example:
The following card is submitted by Fitzgerald:
A few decent critics:
from Tiberius: Templating issue with “nonpermanent card,” it's confusing and should just read “instant or sorcery card.” And the cost seems steep: I’m giving up a mana, a card, and immediate access to the card I looked for. Creative, but not bad.
from Wilhelmina: I hate the name. Also the shuffle part should be right after removing the tutored card instead of on a separate line. Seems powerful as an instant, play it on the opponents turn and you get basically a free draw, but you get to pick it.
from Beauregard: A bit complicated for uncommon. It doesn’t go to microtext on a render (sans flavor text) but it still isn’t all that intuitive.
* Valid Entry Constitution
o A valid entry in a given round cleanly delivers all required components of the challenge. The CCL is based around card design, so each challenge will direct Leaguers to design one or more cards, but other components may be given according to the judge’s discretion. Historically, these non-card components have included such things as keyword mechanic designs, story pieces, and various ideas for the judge to incorporate into later rounds. Include only what is described by the challenge requirements, as superfluous items may sway judgings unfairly and will incur penalties.
o It is customary to include card renders in entries. This is not required. Some Leaguers may not have access to render design software and therefore will not be penalized for posting an entry without a render. However, it must be understood that a proper render is easier to judge/critique as it is more pleasing to the eye, more memorable and allows for Leaguers to judge the card by its wordiness, a very important aspect of a card’s design. Common rendering software used include Magic Set Editor (free program, the standard that most amateur designers use), PhotoShop (not free), and GIMP (free PhotoShop knockoff).
* Scoring
o The bulk of available points will be derived from Top 3 listings, as is League custom. Within each Top 3 listing, the choice for 1st place will be awarded 3 points, the choice for 2nd place will receive 2 points, and the choice for 3rd place will receive 1 point. It is common for Leaguers to post an Honorable Mention or two along with their T3 listings. Honorable Mentions are not awarded points. Posting T3s is required and awards one point for completion of the requirements. There are penalties for failure to post T3s (see Penalties section).
o Critiques are an optional aspect of the CCL, therefore no penalties are given for failure to complete critiques. Any Leaguer completing critiques for at least 50% of the other team's entries will receive 1 bonus point. An additional point will be awarded if a Leaguer critiques all valid entries in the round.
o As noted in the section on Valid Entry Constitution, entries are encouraged to contain proper card renders. Some Leaguers may not have access to render design software and will not be penalized for posting an entry without a render.
* Penalties
o Failure to post Top 3s as required during the Critique section of any round will put a Leaguer on probation. While on probation, failure to post an Top 3 in any later round will disqualify that Leaguer for the remainder of the month.
o Once a Round elapses into its critique section, any Leaguer modifying their entry after any leaguer has posted a critique, will be disqualified for the round.
o Failure to post an entry within the Challenge round will put a Leaguer on probation. While on probation, failure to post an entry in any later round will disqualify that Leaguer for the remainder of the month.
* Resources
o This is a templating guideline compiled by Kraj. It is quite concise and very useful.
o Making Magic by Mark Rosewater, current head of Magic Design at Wizards of the Coast. Making Magic is a weekly article detailing the trials, tribulations and achievements of Magic R&D in riveting prose.
o Magiccards.info is the database mtgsalvation draws upon when you use the [card] tag. The advanced search functionality is useful for searching all cards officially printed by WotC.
o Gatherer is the database maintained officially by WotC. It has slightly different functionality than magiccards.info, but the differences are too numerable to list here. (Someone should write an article about that)
o Your other Leaguers are fantastic resources. We, more than the players of other games on this forum, are a community, as can be seen by the dialogue of any CCL thread.
+ Question, consult with, challenge and encourage each other at every opportunity.
o Credits
The grading of 3 points for first place, 2 points for second and 1 for third still stands. This is also the case for up to 2 points for crits and Top3.
Total points of player A in round N = 100 * X/Y
Where:
X = Total number of points given by judges + Bonus points for critiques/Top3
Y = Total number of points possible (3*Number of judges + Bonus Points)
This way the grading is more streamlined in the fact that all rounds up to going to top 8 are graded equally, and there is no handicap for any team that has fewer judges.
Each player starts the next round with the score that he previously had, and another possible 100 points is given to him at the end of that round. Therefore, there is a possible 300 points before the CCL goes to top 8.
Team Spades:
xX-TacOcat-Xx - 42ImpulsiveKnowledge - 82MonkeyPlayingMTG - 150
shadowfenix - 0Solesticio - 203
Ryder052 - 145Team Hearts:
Gerrard’s Mom - 205
Twilight Kiwi - 162
Shadowrulz - 0Cosmo Chou - 149KingOldBoy - 79PsiJet - 104Team Clubs:
Jimmy Groove - 173
CXA26483 - 31Doom Lich - 34Darkfire_Games - 74Rocket_Powered_Turbo_Slug - 172
Cryptic Hero - 104Team Diamonds:
Asrama - 111Kev the WalkerRauthiss - 13Krey - 219
Drewdagreek - 218
ZsehaelaxDeusofCalamity - 172Round 1
Round 2Round 3
Round 4
After wandering through the Ringleader's collection for a while, you come upon a large door. Not sure what to expect, you muster up your remaining mana and walk in. There, in the center of the room, stands a a man with pumpkin for a head, sitting atop an impossible tall chair.
"Welcome, welcome!" he says.
You demand to know who he is.
"Why, I am the Ringleader." he replies, while caressing a small globe.
At last, your enemy stands before you. And luckily enough, you're all fired up, while he isn't. Consequently, you quickly fire an incredibly powerful spell at him, and it strikes dead center.
As the smoke clears, you can see the remainders of his carcass, but to your horror, the rest of his body re-materializes, as if nothing had happened.
"Is it wish to strike me down? Because I turned your world upside down? Look at this globe in my hand. It is what remains of your once beloved land."
You attempt to fire another spell at him, only to be met with the same result.
"Can you not see that from fighting you should abstain? The circus needs a ringleader, so I'll remain." he states, still caressing the globe.
You then begin to wonder, just how on earth you'll get rid of him and restore your world.
And then it dawns on you, what if the circus had another ringleader? What if you were the ringleader? Could you best him at that? (Cheesy, but hey, it's Halloween themed.)
Challenge 5:
I hope are prepared for what I consider to be the single hardest challenge this cycle:
Work with restrictions when creating your next card.
There are no deadlines. The round closes once all submissions are in. Just be timely about it.
The pairings are as follows:
Gerrard's Mom x Jimmy Groove
Krey x Monkey_Playing_MTG
Signup:
Arosh, Blade of Dauth 2BB
Legendary Creature - Dauthi Warrior (R)
1B, Sacrifice a creature: Target creature gets -0/-X, where X is the sacrificed creature's toughness.
Shift BB (BB: Flip this creature. Shift only as a sorcery.)
2/2
//
Arosh, Shadowborn 2BB
Legendary Creature - Dauthi Warrior (R)
Shadow (This creature can block or be blocked by only creatures with shadow.)
1B, Sacrifice a creature: Target creature gets +X/+0, where X is the sacrificed creature's power.
Shift BB (BB: Flip this creature. Shift only as a sorcery.)
2/2
Round 1:
Dauthi Scalper 1B
Creature - Dauthi Warrior (C)
Shift 1B (1B: Flip this creature. Shift only as a sorcery.)
2/1
//
Flesh Eater 3B
Creature - Dauthi Warrior (C)
Shadow
Whenever Flesh Eater deals combat damage to a player, flip it.
4/2
Round 2:
Dauthi Soulwisps B
Instant (U)
Put three 0/1 black Soulstuff creature tokens with shadow into play. Sacrifice them at the beginning of the end of turn step.
When a Dauthi dies in its shadow form, it leaves countless shreds of animate but nearly intangible soulstuff, which accumulate among the nooks and crannies of the shadow realm.
Light of Despair 4WB
Sorcery (R)
Return to the battlefield under your control all creature cards in graveyards that were put there from the battlefield this turn.
Day turned to night, and the Soltari survivors watched with horror as all of the dead on both sides rose from where they had fallen, now united in purpose.
Round 3:
Umbral Creeper B
Creature - Dauthi Shade (R)
Level up B (1/1)
[4+] Shift BB (2/2)
//
Soulsucker
Creature - Dauthi Shade
Shadow
Soulsucker gets +1/+1 for each level counter on it.
Whenever Soulsucker deals damage, remove that many level counters from it and flip it.
1/1
Backstabber 2B
Creature - Dauthi Assassin (U)
Shift 1B (1B: Flip this creature. Shift only as a sorcery.)
Whenever Backstabber attacks and isn't blocked, you may have it deal damage equal to its power to target creature with shadow. If you do, flip it. (This removes it from combat.)
3/1
//
Shadowmeld Assassin 3B
Creature - Dauthi Assassin
Shadow
Shift 1B (1B: Flip this creature. Shift only as a sorcery.)
Whenever Shadowmeld Assassin attacks and isn't blocked, you may have it deal damage equal to its power to target creature without shadow. If you do, flip it. (This removes it from combat.)
3/1
Shroomid Slave 3G
Creature - Fungus Minion (U)
At the beginning of your upkeep, if there is not a +1/+1 counter on Shroomid Slave, put a +1/+1 counter on it.
Remove a +1/+1 counter from Shroomid Slave: Regenerate another target creature you control.
Dauthi overseers control many Shroomid caves. The captive race is carefully cultivated for its healing properties.
2/3
Round 4:
Roots of Famine B
Enchantment (R)
The first two mana a player adds to his or her mana pool on his or her turn can't be spent.
Like the Dauthi, the circus must drift eternally, twisting and destroying all in its wake.
(Eladamri's Vineyard)
Funeral Clock 4
Artifact (R)
At the beginning of your upkeep, put a time counter on Funeral Clock.
All creatures get -1/-1 for each time counter on Funeral Clock.
: Remove a time counter from Funeral Clock. Any player may activate this ability but only during any upkeep step.
(Infinite Hourglass)
Blighted Shade 4BB
Creature - Dauthi Shade (M)
Pay 2 life: Regenerate Blighted Shade.
B: Blighted Shade gets +1/+1 until end of turn. All other creatures get -1/-1 until end of turn.
No longer able to shift between the two worlds, it sucks the life from them both.
2/2
Sangret Kel, Bloodlord :1mana::symb::symb: {R}
Creatrue - Human Wizard
Creatures you control get +2/+2 for each -1/-1 counter on them.
:xmana::xmana:: Put X -1/-1 counters on target creature.
3/2
"Blood is just a weapon hidden within the opponent's body..." - Sangret Kel
Acolyte of Sangret :1mana::symb: {U}
Creature - Minion
:symtap:: Put a -1/-1 counter on target creature.
0/2
Bloodbane Plague :xmana::symb::symb: {R}
Instant
Put X -1/-1 counters on each creature.
"Where others find only misery, woe and weakness, from there shall our power come." - The Book of House Sangret, page 12
Purification Of the Soul :2mana::symw::symw: {R}
Sorcery
Exile each creature with a counter on it. Return those creatures to the battlefield tapped under their owner's control at the beginning of their owner's end step.
"We shall seek out those who are impure and offer them sanctuary within our faith." - Pledge of the Sisters of Lithera
Disciple of Plague {R}
Creature - Minion Wizard
Whenever a player sacrifices a creature, you may put a level counter on Disciple of Plague. (0/1)
[1-4]:symtap:: Put a -1/-1 counter on target creature. (0/2)
[5+]:symtap:: Put a -1/-1 counter on up to X target creatures, where X is the number of level counters on Disciple of Plague. (1/3)
"One death is but the humble beginning of a plague... and fields of bodies are its glorious end." - Tavesh, servant of House Sangret
Bloodboil Infecter :1mana::symb::symb: {R}
Creature - Minion
Whenever a creature with a -1/-1 counter is put into a graveyard from the battlefield, you may put a -1/-1 counter on target creature.
:symtap:, Sacrifice a creature: Put a -1/-1 counter on target creature.
2/2
"He is merely the apex of suffering... I'm sure there is room for improovement." - Sangret Kel, Bloodlord
Sangret Slavemaster :1mana::symb::symb: {R}
Creature - Minion Lord
Other minions you control get +1/+1
Whenever a creature an opponent controls is put into the graveyard from the battlefield, you may pay :1mana::symb:. If you do, put a 1/1 black minion token onto the battlefield under your control.
2/2
"Each victim of House Sangret is another slave to enhance its glory." - Kizil, Sangret Slavemaster
Land
:symtap:: Add to your mana pool.
:symtap:, Sacrifice a creature: Add to yourmana pool for each counter on the sacrificed creature.
"Here a proud city once stood. Now it is a wasteland for the ashes of the dead, at the whims of House Sangret." - Gathet, Traveler
Artifact
:symtap:, Remove a counter from a target creature you control: Zput a -1/-1 counter on target creature.
"It matters not who bears the pain, only that sufficient pain is born." - Sangret Kel, Bloodlord
1. Acolyte of Sangret - Black
2. Purification of the Soul - Cost :2mana::symb::symb:
3. Disciple of Plague - "Creature - Minion Wizard" "1/3"
4. Ashborn Deathlands - Mechanic
Housebound Necromancer :2mana::symb::symb: {R}
Creature - Minion Wizard
Whenever a player sacrifices a creature, add to your mana pool.
Sacrifice a creature: Regenerate Housebound Necromancer.
1/3
"Though I may die a thousand deaths, my masters shall profit from each one."
My deepest apologies for the delay, we entered our production week and our performance weekend last week and my life became rather hectic. That isn't much of an excuse, its just the reason that I was unable to post here.
Good Luck Krey!
Host of the July CCL '10, Host of the March CCL '11
Crusher of Bones :symb::symb::symb:
Creature - Nightmare
Flying
Crusher of Bones's power and toughness is equal to the number of creature cards in all opponents graveyards.
Exile target creature card in your graveyard: Regenerate Crusher of Bones.
"How could we defeat something made out of fear and darkness?" - Kazz, Expedition leader, last words
Vampiric Might :symb::symb::symb:
Instant (R)
As an additional cost to cast Vampiric Might, pay X life.
Target creature gets +X/+X until end of turn, where X is the number of counters on that creature.
"Only those of power deserve more power" - Zang, Endless Hunger
Drain Strength :2mana::symb::symb:
Sorcery (U)
Remove all counters from target creature. For each +1/+1 counter removed this way, that creature's controller gains two life. For each -1/-1 counter removed this way, that creature's controller loses two life.
"Victory is worth any cost, be it in gold or in blood." - Zang, Endless Hunger
Gluttonous Vampire :symb::symb:
Creature - Vampire (U)
Level up :symb::symb:: (:symb::symb:: Put a level counter on this. Level up only as a sorcery.)
2/2
[Level 1-3]
3/3
Gluttonous Vampire gains flying and ":symb::symb:: Put a -1/-1 counter on target creature."
[Level 4+]
4/4
Gluttonous Vampire gains flying and "At the beginning of your upkeep put a -1/-1 counter on target creature and a +1/+1 counter on Gluttonous Vampire.
Diabolic Tormentor :symb::symb::symb:
Creature - Nightmare (R)
Haste
At the beginning of the end step, sacrifice Diabolic Tormentor.
Whenever a creature is put into an opponent's graveyard from the battlefield, return Diabolic Tormentor from you graveyard to the battlefield.
3/1
Death is, to some, a transitional condition.
Prophet of Pain :2mana::symb::symb:
Creature - Cleric Assassin (U)
Deathtouch
When Prophet of Pain enters the battlefield, target creature gains deathtouch until end of turn. When a creature dealt damage by a creature you control is put into a graveyard this turn, put a +1/+1 counter on target creature you control.
1/1
His knowledge of the healing arts allows him to become a better assassin.
Library of Darkness
Land (R)
: Add to your mana pool.
: Target player discards a card. Activate this ability only if you have exactly seven cards in hand.
Some libraries bring enlightment, other take it away from you.
Soul Diamond
If Soul Diamond would enter the battlefield, you may pay 5 life instead. If you do, put Soul Diamond onto the battlefield. If you don't, put it into its owner's graveyard.
: Add one mana of any color to your mana pool.
For the power it gives, It will cost a piece of your soul.
1. Crusher of Bones - Color: Black
2. Vampiric Might - CMC: BBB
3. Gluttonous Vampire - Type: Creature - Vampire
4. Library of Darkness - Effect
Black-Moon Executioner BBB
Creature - Vampire
Flying
:symtap:: Destroy target creature. Use this ability only if you have exactly seven cards in hand.
3/3
Under the black moon he stalks you, with his dark knowledge he awaits for you, and with his dark fangs he will take the life from you.
@ Brasil Dude 101 - Fixed! Thanks Brasil Dude!
@ Monkey - Good luck.
I suppose you can Ghostfire it? Or make it Suspend for colored mana?
When I planned ahead, I wasn't quite expecting this...
I suppose that if you absolutely cannot make it work, I will allow a small deviation in that your second card will determine the color and amount of colored mana, while the first will determine CMC.
Artifact Creature - Juggernaut (U)
Overcharged Juggernaut attacks each turn if able.
Manaweave - Whenever the fifth mana is added to your mana pool for the first time in a turn, Overcharged Juggernaut gets +2/+2 until end of turn. If that mana includes every color, it gets +4/+4 until end of turn instead.
3/3
Card 2 - Casting Cost
Instant (U)
Until end of turn, target creature you control get +1/+1 for each keyword ability it has.
Draw a card.
The burly ogre laughed at the fast little faerie. It never got to do anything else.
Card 3 - Typeline
Creature - Human Wizard (R)
Manaweave - Whenever the second white mana is added to your mana pool for the first time in a turn, gain 2 life.
Manaweave - Whenever the sixth white mana is added to your mana pool for the first time in a turn, sacrifice Joyous Celebrant. If you do, put an white Avatar creature token onto the battlefield that has "This creature's power and toughness are equal to your life total."
2/2
Card 4 - Text
Enchantment (R)
At the beginning of your upkeep, you may look at the top card of your library. If it's a legendary card, you may reveal it and put a quest counter on Talent Scouting.
At the beginning of each end step, if there are three or more quest counters on Talent Scouting, you may put a legendary permanent card from your hand onto the battlefield.
Unique acts are recruited vigorously, often by force.
Wardweaver 1W
Creature - Human Wizard (R)
Wardweaver is colorless.
At the beginning of your upkeep, you may reveal the top card of your library. Wardweaver gains the color(s) of the revealed card until end of turn.
W: Target creature you control gains protection from each of Wardweaver's colors.
Given the right raw materials, she can craft runes that turn even dragons and demons aside.
2/2
I'm afraid it's not. The challenge is set up so that the card you made in Round 1 is the one you use for the first restriction (CMC), while the card from Round 2 is used for the second restriction (Color/Colored Mana), and so on. Reorganizing the cards into whatever order can make things significantly easier, which is why it's the way it is (see Jimmy's case, for example).
Ok...my bad. I tought it was too easy that way. I'll Fix it.
I do like Krey's ability, although I have to assume it's rare. Interesting limitation, you could have played into the needing knowledge part a bit more with the flavor. 3/3 flyer for 3 seems too good, but I guess it compares reasonably with Vampire Nighthawk; losing lifelink and deathtouch for a point of power and a sometimes usable ability.
Monkey's guy opens up a lot of Johnny potential, in that we have cards that sac creatures for mana but adding this as a rider is pretty new and could help a lot of things. The regenerate clause is pretty clever here in keeping your combo piece alive and creating an outlet in a pinch. I kind of wish it was limited to your creatures, but I guess black can do a lot to force sacrifice.
While I like Krey's card, I will have to give this one to Monkey for the potential of his card.
Gerrard's Mom - Even at mythic this card seems powerful. At 6 mana to cast you may use it next turn to give all creatures -6/-6, and in the same ability make it 8/8. Flavor text is nice.
Jimmy Groove - Even with the colorless restriction it came out good. Very nice way to turn the mechanic of Talent Scouting into this ability and making it good. If anything the p/t of 2/2 seems a bit high for just 1W, but since it is white, i'll let it slip.
Jimmy Groove
The biggest reason that it isn't limited to your creatures is that it triggers of creatures your opponents sacrifice due to -1/-1 counters, keeping with my theme.
Also, judgeholder.
I would have preferred you to list the cards you specifically chose, but I can piece it together. My guess is: Dauthi Scalper, Light of Despair, Umbral Creeper, Funeral Clock.
All in all, I like it, but it feels too overcosted, and a bit too much like a Timmy/Limited Bomb kind of card. I really like the ability, but it feels too weak on that body for that cost. Granted, it is essentially a mutilate every turn, and that's good, but I don't like that it fails the terminate test. It's balanced, but I would have liked it better if it had been a 3/3.
Overcharged Juggernaut - Rewards of Prowess - Joyous Celebrant - Talent Scouting
I really like this card, and you got around the color restrictions well. I love the concept behind the card, and it feels very original. It has a power level appropriate to its cost, and I just like its design in general. I'm not sure it relates to Talent Scouting enough for the contest, but I think that since you used half the idea behind it it's fine in this case.
My vote goes towards Jimmy Groove because, while both designers completed the challenge well, and made balanced cards, I felt that Jimmy Groove's card was more original and conceptually interesting.
Host of the July CCL '10, Host of the March CCL '11
Winner: Krey
brasil_dude will have to break the Krey/Monkey tie and set up the finals.
Thanks. And yeah, the colorlessness was definitely more forced than I like, which is why I tried to tie it in mechanically with the colors-matter ability. If it was actually being printed, it would hardly break it to not have the colorlessness part.