We could use some new pillars...

[jmizzle7]

As a former Magic: the Gathering player, I have always been fascinated by the concepts of the fundamentals of the game, namely the cards that enable all other cards to be played. In MtG, these were called lands. In Elements, these are called pillars.

I believe that one of the strengths of Elements is in the diversity offered through the 12 different elements and combinations thereof. While I admit the variety of viable deck types and builds available is quite healthy, I feel there is a gap between mono/duo decks and rainbow decks that should, at the very least, be probed for possibilities. The missing deck type, in my opinion, is the tri-element deck.

Right now, there are two types of pillars available to us players. Simple pillars are mainly used in single-element and dual-element decks, while Quantum Pillars are used for rainbow decks. In dual-element decks, the most effective strategy is usually to use simple pillars as your main color while using your mark as the splash color. In order to play with three elements, however, we have to play with two kinds of simple pillars, with our mark as the third. This can provide some serious deck-building problems, as bad draws will be more frequent and will discourage these kinds of decks. With that, I propose the addition of new, dual-element pillars that could balance this problem and open the door to many more diverse deck types.

I got the idea from the many dual-lands that MtG has produced over the years. These permanents probably would probably have to be rare. Below is an example of one such permanent.



What do you think?

[Evil Hamster]

Should generate one of each, not one or the other.

[Uncle Jellyfish]

Should generate one of each, not one or the other.

I think that if it generated one of each, then there should be a limit of six per deck. If it generates a random one of two, then there shouldn't be a limit to the number per deck. Either way, I love this idea (and I've pushed for it in many of the "Quantum Pillars/Rainbow Decks are over powered" threads.

[jmizzle7]

Somebody also mentioned to me somewhere along the line of having something like a splash pillar, where it acts as a normal pillar would, but adds one quantum of a specific different element when it comes into play. Like an Obsidian Pillar that added an Earth quantum when it comes into play.

[Uncle Jellyfish]

That is also a very good idea. I hope Zanz checks these. >.<"

[Essence]

Somebody also mentioned to me somewhere along the line of having something like a splash pillar

I'll take credit for that.  It'd make for an entirely different and viable deckbuilding strategy, allowing you to use the splashness for early-game or rare cards, your mark for powering abilities, and the main pillar color for your main stuff.  Imagine an Entropy pillar that splashed Fire, with a Life mark: instant Mutation deck with Explosions and Fire Storms on the side for control.  Awesome!


Essence

[jmizzle7]

I think this artwork could be decent for these card types...

http://elementstheforum.smfforfree3.com/index.php/topic,790.0.html

[vice123]

Let's keep this thread uped 

[thearchduke]

What about making it an active skill, like you have to click on it to generate the quantas that you want?  And maybe if you don't use it, the quantums stack for use later?

[Uncle Jellyfish]

What about making it an active skill, like you have to click on it to generate the quantas that you want?  And maybe if you don't use it, the quantums stack for use later?

Seems rather pointless to stack them unless their are Devourers or a Discord. Having it happen at the end of turn, just like a normal pillar, would probably be a better option.

I think that if they produce one or the other randomly, like Jmizzle suggested, then they shouldn't require a cost, but if they produce both, they should have some sort of penalty. Perhaps put them in a stasis bubble the turn they come into play, so they don't produce anything the first turn (upgraded would come into play without the bubble), or give them a cost to play (upgraded would have reduced or removed cost).

[jmizzle7]

What about making it an active skill, like you have to click on it to generate the quantas that you want?  And maybe if you don't use it, the quantums stack for use later?

Seems rather pointless to stack them unless their are Devourers or a Discord. Having it happen at the end of turn, just like a normal pillar, would probably be a better option.

I think that if they produce one or the other randomly, like Jmizzle suggested, then they shouldn't require a cost, but if they produce both, they should have some sort of penalty. Perhaps put them in a stasis bubble the turn they come into play, so they don't produce anything the first turn (upgraded would come into play without the bubble), or give them a cost to play (upgraded would have reduced or removed cost).

Or... if they produced both, they could be considered non-pillar permanents and be limited to six in the deck. Just another option.

[Uncle Jellyfish]

What about making it an active skill, like you have to click on it to generate the quantas that you want?  And maybe if you don't use it, the quantums stack for use later?

Seems rather pointless to stack them unless their are Devourers or a Discord. Having it happen at the end of turn, just like a normal pillar, would probably be a better option.

I think that if they produce one or the other randomly, like Jmizzle suggested, then they shouldn't require a cost, but if they produce both, they should have some sort of penalty. Perhaps put them in a stasis bubble the turn they come into play, so they don't produce anything the first turn (upgraded would come into play without the bubble), or give them a cost to play (upgraded would have reduced or removed cost).

Or... if they produced both, they could be considered non-pillar permanents and be limited to six in the deck. Just another option.

Yes, that's another option, lol. I could imagine a Tri-Element deck running six of each of three different dual-towers. o-o Neat idea, actually...lol. Dark/Fire/Death would actually be good. o-o