Elements the Game Forum - Free Online Fantasy Card Game

Elements the Game => Trials => Events and Competitions => Trial of Aether => Topic started by: xdude on January 22, 2011, 02:45:52 pm

Title: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: xdude on January 22, 2011, 02:45:52 pm
Phase 3 - Community Vote
Phase 3 has ended

It's time to vote for your favorite Master candidate.

Every community member has one vote. You can change your vote at any time as long as there is still time on the clock.

Vote based on who you think would make the best Master of that element. Do not vote based on who is the best player or who you know personally. Try to pick someone who you think would help the community the most.

Feel free to ask the candidates difficult questions to help you make your decision.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Higurashi on January 22, 2011, 03:01:41 pm
Yeeesh, bring the questions on. I think I'll make a little speech here later, just to tell you a bit of my visions.

First of all I'd like to say any of the challengers would make fine masters, in my opinion. What Aether needs is a new icon; a face that's active within the community, and I think we'd all supply that. The reason I want the responsibility is because I fight for my vision.


:aetherbig

"Aether is the domain of the immobile things; it is where the stars reside and the media where all the energy waves move. Aether elementals excel in manipulating the dimensions and the electricity; most of the creatures they generate are immaterial." - Elements the Game Aether Description

The divine element. Ancient Greeks believed Aether was a primordial God; a fundamental part of the construction of the universe. Aether was what the Olympic Gods lived and breathed, just like mortals breathed air. From the Aether came the Gods, and from the Gods came the universe. It is the basic construction of the universe as bricks are the foundation of a house.

So how do Aether elementals work? Do they all strive for godhood, or do they simply wish to attain true immortality?

To me, being part of an element that embodies the divine is to be part of a great goal. It is not a claim of godhood or superiority in any way, but rather a pursuit of the highest possible potential we all possess. I'm not really a positivist, but I can't deny that we all have the same enormous potential to achieve great things in this world. It is a humble and simple goal: to be all that you can be.

Aether stands for Aspiration. We can always, always, always improve.


My vision with this community is to bring to light all that potential. We're doing a great job of it so far, and I want to keep lifting up many of the newer members who have joined and are a great asset to the community. Having old idols like jmizzle7 is good for community identity, but when I see how newer users are dismissed because they could supposedly never reach the greatness of some vets, I am disheartened.

We cannot let idolism blind us to the awesomeness of the present. That would stagnate development. Instead, let us praise each other for our accomplishments and always look to pursue our full potential. Together, we are an unstoppable force. Thank you.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: pikachufan2164 on January 22, 2011, 03:33:17 pm
The path of Trials has been fun -- yes, even the night that I frustratingly spent trying to test decks for Phase 1 -- and I'm glad to have partaken in it. Having the opportunity to battle three truly tough opponents was definitely different from anything that I've experienced in my time here in the forums.

Without further ado, here's a wall of words from me. :)


Why Aether?

The element of Aether has always intrigued me since I started playing the game. I looked at powerful cards like Twin Universe, and saw that the only acceptable in-element target was the Phase Spider. Same goes for Quintessence and Fractal. Why were all these game-breaking cards in an element which doesn't really have any suitable targets for them?

Simply put, Aether is an element of support. Sure, there's always good old standard mono-Aether, but it's so very one-dimensional and predictable. Aether is an immensely helpful partner element to any of the other 11 -- it always has something to complement their strategies, be it with the well-known Fractal (i.e. Fractix, Pestal, Rol/Hope), Twin Universe (i.e. DragonPowa, Shakar's Revenge), or cards as outlandish as Mindgate (when comboed with deck-controlling cards like Eternity).

With so many different uses for each individual card, Aether is much more flexible than one thinks.


Why me?

Much like the element of Aether itself, I like to help others out. I can often be found in Chat in guiding novices through the path to FG-fighting, and I lurk around Deck Help to do QI analyses and help quanta-balance decks.

While I'm not even close to being the best at PvP out of the four of us, I can still hold my own in duels, as both the General and Lieutenant of Aether can attest to.

Also, who wouldn't want to vote for the friendly and Pikachu-obsessed Poké Geek? ;)


My Aether Collection (on Majofa's request)

(http://imageplay.net/img/m7Gbd126985/Elements_Aether_Cards.png)
Regardless of whoever wins, the Elements community will have found a worthy new Master of Aether.

Please do ask us questions -- I'm sure the four of us would love to bombard you with walls of text :3

Questions I've addressed....
First, I'll tell you what I'm looking for in a candidate.  In a word, I'm looking for maturity.  Not age, necessarily, but a sense of responsibility to the community.  This can obviously manifest itself in many ways, but some that come to mind are leading your element in War (why you would be good at it, not giving away your plan of attack), spreading the gospel of your element (think xdude's signature of "Dare you to think Light sucks?  Challenge me.  NOW!", or even simply helping people with deck building/development.

I do wish you all the very best of luck and I look forward to getting to know each of you better via this process.
I do hope this is sufficient -- I'll be adding my answers to questions asked in the thread to my campaign post.
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,20041.msg271524#msg271524

What does the Element Aether symbolize? (Be precise, concise and complete)
What types of cards does Aether need in game to finish covering the Element Aether?
I see Aether as a representation of duality; an element that is capable of attacking and defending -- at the same time. Aether has so many different utility cards in its possession. Mindgate can be used to take advantage of a deck that's manipulated with Eternity, or used to prevent decking out by grabbing an opposing Malignant Cell (as used in the strategy of zse's Lone Stalker deck). Quintessence is normally used to create a nigh-invulnerable creature, but I'm sure that the community knows of its hidden use as a soft Fractal counter, as demonstrated by Dogg in his infamous match against jmdt in War 2.

There's never any way to "complete" Aether, but I would like to see a small attacker with a nifty effect that doesn't die like an unbuffed Spark (Dimensional Striker (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,18641.0.html) fills in the void, as well as introducing an interesting mechanic). Aether is capable of fitting in a wide variety of weird and wonderful effects, so there's a lot of opportunity for the element to expand.

Many people see aether for only Fractal and Dim Shield. How would you prove to them that Aether is better than they think?
I would first point them to TU, the third part of the Etherial Big Three. It works especially well if there are mutants and/or buffed creatures on the field, since mutants will always get better base stats when twinned, and you get those scary Deja TU rush decks that launch four big and buff Deja Vus (Twinned once, and then split) by turn 3-4.

Lightning is one of the most cost-efficient pieces of direct creature control out there. It's the perfect counter to unprotected Chargers, Crimson/Ruby Dragons; and anything that's immensely powerful, but has 5 or fewer HP. It's an absolute bargain at 2|1 :aether.

Aether makes for an amazing support element, with cards like Twin Universe, Quintessence, Fractal, and Mindgate. All it really needs to do is borrow another element's creature base, as its own creatures are one of Aether's few weaknesses.

If someone tells you aether sucks because it cant rush, what is your answer?
Why hello there, Fractix! :))

In all seriousness, Aether doesn't need to rush -- it already has the means of slowing the game down to its own pace with powerful tempo-changing cards like Phase Shield and Silence, which allow an Aether-based deck to stall for long enough to execute its main strategy. There is a reason why the Mono-Aether AI3 is a pain in the butt for standard AI3 rush decks to deal with.

Q: If there was one Aether-like power/creature/object you could have in real life (based on an Aether card obviously), what would it be and why? (i.e. – If I had several Precognition vials, I could probably see into the future, etc.)
I would love to control the power of Lightning.

Just imagine it: I can command my Pikachu plushie to use Thunderbolt, and a bolt of lightning will actually be released (from me, but it wouldn't be too difficult to make it look as if the plushie was using the attack) >:D

It is one thing to know thyself.  It is another to know thy enemy.
What is Time?
Time is a flowing river. Bound by the laws of the universe, it can only go in one direction -- two if it's being controlled by a skilled Time Elemental. Its constant ebb and flow contrasts the stability of Aether.

Aether Elementals manipulate space, such that it is able to move laterally (i.e. phasing in and out between dimensions) instead.

I'm going to take this in a bit different direction than most and ask you a little about deckbuilding.

What (war legal) decks would you build to defeat these two decks?

The decks should be all unupped and preferably not involve and nymphs as you don't know who will have to face down the decks.

Also, though the decks should be targeted counters, they shouldn't fall apart against other decks.

Code: [Select]
4vj 4vj 4vp 4vp 4vp 4vp 4vp 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 52o 52o 52o 52o 52o 52q 52q 52r 52r 52r 52r 52r 542 542
Code: [Select]
4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vl 4vl 4vl 4vl 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 590 590 590 590 590 590 593 593 593 593 5f6 5og 5oi 5oi 61qI'm not looking for some completely tested deck that totally owns them, more a deck that should in theory work as an expression of deck building creativity.

EDIT: Slight change on the wording to clarify.
Code: [Select]
5f6 5f6 5f6 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61q 61q 61q 61t 61t 61t 61t 61u 61v 61v 61v 61vImmortal creatures are nicely immune to Pandemonium's effects, and Dim Shields and Deflags will negate the Arsenics. The only real concern here is not being able to draw damage sources quickly enough to break through the Bone Walls. Against other decks, Dim Shields are there to help stall, Lightnings and Lobos to remove annoying creatures (Momentum, abilities, etc.), and Deflags to get rid of shields and threatening weapons.
Code: [Select]
4vj 4vj 5rg 5rj 5rk 5rk 5rk 5rk 5rq 5rq 5rq 5rq 5rq 5rq 5t2 61o 61o 61o 61u 622 622 622 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63aFlying Discords and Graboids are inherently weak to Reverse Times. Nova helps soften the blow from Discord (though they might help you by generating some extra :gravity from the scrambling). Scarabs' strength in numbers makes Fog Shield a null factor, and swarm reduces the effectiveness of the opposition's CC. Lobo and Procrastination are there to help cancel scrambles and block damage. Against other decks, Scarabs devour everything in its path, and the only real weakness is against regular damage reduction shields.
Hello!. I got a couple of questions for u guys.

1. Which of these qualities should a Master have and why?(Pls choose one from the list.)
   
    Honesty,Compassion,Passion, Diligence,Integrity,Patience,Respectful,Attitude or Others.(if any)

2. Which of these qualities should a Master NOT have and why?(Pls choose one from the list.)

   Boastfulness,Proud,Laziness,Disrespectful towards others,Dishonesty,Ill-Tempered, or Others.(if any)
The single most important quality for a Master is passion. He or she has to love their element in order to be able to show its true power to the community. Demonstrating that one is a proud supporter and skilled user of an element is important in loyal and dedicated followers for events like War.

A Master should never be disrespectful towards others -- they are the representative of their element and should treat others with dignity and respect. In large scale PvP events, good sportsmanship is a must, and nobody needs more Internet drama in their life.

Hey guys!. I got a deckbuliding question for u guys too.(Have Fun!)

What kind of deck(s) would You use to counter the decks below.

The decks should be all unupped and preferably having no nymphs as you wont know who would have to face the decks.

You would have to use your own element and another element to make the deck. Try and make a deck which ppl would understand how to use it easily.

Code: [Select]
4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vg 4vg 4vg 4vg 4vg 4vg 4vi 4vi 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vk 4vk 4vl 4vl 4vn 4vn 4vp 4vp 55v 55v 55v 55v 55v 55v
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55q 55q 55q 55q 55q 55q 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rj 5rk 5rk 5rk 5ro 5rp 5rp 5rp 5rp 5rp 5rt 5rt 5rt 5rt 5rt 5rt
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5uk 5um 5um 5um 5um 5um 5uo 5up 5up 5uq 5uq 5ur 5ut 5uv 606 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61q 61q 622 622 622 63a 63a 63a 63a 63aLarge decks and the reliance on mark splashing gives Fractaling a whole bunch of Devours a decisive advantage in both match-ups. An early Devourer has a good chance of slowing down the opposition's development (since it costs 4 and 2 :gravity to use Black Hole and Momentum, respectively).

It's also 50% Aether too :D
Here's my big question:

What came first the chicken or the egg

No seriously, of any card currently in the crucible (from Aether of course) which do you want put into the game quickest and why?

Also (if you can) build a theoretical deck around that card and provide a brief description of your thinking behind it.
Definitely Dimensional Striker (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,18641.0.html).

It has the potential to be a quick source of damage that compliments standard Mono-Aether decks while also slipping under Gravity Shield.

Code: [Select]
61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61t 61t 61t 61t 61u 61u 61v 61v 61v 61v ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63aBlank cards are Dimensional Strikers
Deckbuilding challenge:
Design an  :aether / :darkness/ :earth trio deck that could beat what you consider to be the most annoying mono deck from each element.

EDIT: And say what the annoying decks that you are beating are
Code: [Select]
77j 77j 77j 7t4 7t4 7t4 7t6 7t6 7t6 7t6 7t8 7t9 7t9 7ta 7ta 7tb 7tf 7tf 7um 7um 808 808 808 808 808 80i 80i 80i 81q 81qQuanta denial, quanta denial, and more quanta denial. Early Fractals of Pests should be enough to delay the opposition, while Stone Form Gargoyles can handle pretty much all damage-based CC.
Question: What's your favorite Greek god?
I prefer Apollo, the Greek God of the sun. He's also associated with music, poetry, and the arts -- without them, the world would definitely not be as cultured as it is today.

(Trick answer: Aether, the Greek God of the upper air ;) )

I'm not big on forum participation yet, but I've already heard the opinion a significant part of new card ideas find it hard to move forward towards implementation because fractal makes them OP. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion, and if you agree, how would you change fractal? Feel free to suggest any sort of change, including complete removal, but if it's not too much trouble please add also suggested changes to Decay and Eternal Phoenix's decks to keep them competitive in the FG world.. :)
Yes, Fractal is a very powerful card, and it does need a minor nerf. However, changing the mechanics of the card is something that Zanz won't do. I would probably impose a maximum to the number of copies spawned per Fractal -- maybe 4 copies, while making the cost 8|7 :aether.

Eternal Phoenix doesn't need any changes -- it's powerful and fast enough as is, and it really doesn't care if Fractal's cost is 7, 8, or 9, since its triple mark lets one be played on turn 4.

Decay is balanced as is.

He lives in a house, in a very big house in the country.

Where is aether is the house? And why Dim Shield and Fractal are considered so strong?
The house is in another dimension.

Dim Shield is strong because it guarantees 3 turns of invulnerability when there's no permanent control and/or Momentumed creatures to ruin the fun. It pretty much stops cold any rush decks that either don't have a way to deal with it, or can't draw their counters in time.

Fractal is strong because of the way it completely circumvents the 6 copy limit rule. When you've got a strong and relatively inexpensive creature (Giant Frog, Minor Phoenix, Elite Charger, Abyss Crawler, Flesh Recluse, Ray of Light, etc.), why have just one of it? The surprise rush of damage in one turn is enough to catch opponents off guard so that they can't take appropriate defensive measures in time.

Question 1: It is no secret that you are a fan of pokemon, your avatar and chat speeches helps push that idea.

Take the idea of Pokemon Stadium 2, (for the N64 console), a section of the game deals with the "elite 4". Look at the current(and previous masters) in the game of elements give me a ranking of who would be like the "elite 4" and ignore "champion Lance" focus on the 4 elite members below Lance.
"We Psychics don't give up even when we're down to the last Pokémon. That's what makes us so formidable! Until we reach zero, our power is limitless. I'm not giving up yet!" -- Will

Will is all about never giving up, even when the odds are not in one's favour. Thus, I believe that Essence embodies that quality the best -- he's been in several tough situations before (Trials 2 and both War 1 and War 2), and he's continued to fight to the best of his ability every time.

"I live in shadows -- a ninja! My intricate style will confound and destroy you! Confusion, sleep, poison.... Prepare to be the victim of my sinister techniques! Fwahahahaha! Pokémon are not merely about brute force -- you shall see soon enough!" -- Koga

Zeru is undoubtedly the Koga of the Elements community. Entropy's variety of status effects (Chaos Seed, Pandemonium, Antimatter, Butterfly Effect, etc.) combined with his renowned ability to "divide by Zeru" makes him a truly formidable Master.

"I always train to the extreme because I believe in our potential. That is how we became strong. Can you withstand our power? Hm? I see no fear in you. You look determined. Perfect for battle! You will bow down to our overwhelming power!" -- Bruno

Earth has always been a representation of pure power, and Terroking fits this trope to a T (see what I did there? ;)). Having a fearsome Earth Elemental as an avatar and being undefeated (so far) in Trials also helps.

"I'm known for my overpowering tactics. Think you can take them? Just try to entertain me. Let's go. Strong Pokémon. Weak Pokémon. That is only the selfish perception of people. Truly skilled Trainers should try to win with the Pokémon they love best." -- Karen

This is what GirlsGeneration stands for when she battles. Gravity is an element that pierces through its opponent's defences to win. Also, Gravity is regarded as one of the weakest elements in unupped play, and Girls has been doing her best to prove people wrong in her time as Master.

Question 2: I want you to consider this scenario: Pretend all current masters have been replaced with trial combatants (or filled in with a position in :air) and you have become the master of :aether.

It's the final battle in the next war, who do you see yourself battle against? Who among the trial combatants(from other teams) do you see is "a major threat"? State why.
Definitely QuantumT, Amilir, willing3, jmdt, and Napalm Grenade. All five of them are brilliant deckbuilders and strategists, and are fearsome duellists as well.

Question 3: Consider this scenario: Again you are the master for :aether in the next war.

Your team fought well, everyone has played their roles. However, they do horribly in battle and your entire team is eliminated early on.

Demoralized, your team members are calling for you for morale support.

What do you say to them? What would you tell them?
I would tell the members of Team Aether that we did the best we could do, and that we can be proud to make it this far in the War.

PvP events in Elements, much like competitive Pokémon battling, are all about prediction. Sometimes we get it right; sometimes, we don't. If both players played the best that they could, then it really only comes down to the deck composition and the RNG. It's going to be difficult to defeat a hard counter your deck, regardless of one's PvP abilities.

We can always go over what we can do to make our next War attempt better, but for now, we know that we've done the best that we could, and that's all that matters.

Winning isn't everything -- forget about the destination of victory and enjoy the journey of battle.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: xdude on January 22, 2011, 03:37:33 pm
I will not vote yet, but: ICB is permabanned from chat. Keep that in mind.

Also, I kind of want Pikachu in the finals, he might be the fresh blood Aether needs.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Mithcairion on January 22, 2011, 03:53:21 pm
Ok, so I'm gonna be asking this of everyone in some way, shape, or form, so I'm gonna apologize right now if you've seen this from me already.

For what it's worth, I take my vote very seriously (probably too seriously, considering this is an free online game, but I digress), and as such would like to ask you a question/would like you to state your case for why I should vote for you.  If you're planning on making a "speech", please feel free to just reply with a link to it.

First, I'll tell you what I'm looking for in a candidate.  In a word, I'm looking for maturity.  Not age, necessarily, but a sense of responsibility to the community.  This can obviously manifest itself in many ways, but some that come to mind are leading your element in War (why you would be good at it, not giving away your plan of attack), spreading the gospel of your element (think xdude's signature of "Dare you to think Light sucks?  Challenge me.  NOW!", or even simply helping people with deck building/development.

I do wish you all the very best of luck and I look forward to getting to know each of you better via this process.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: The_Mormegil on January 22, 2011, 04:35:15 pm
The reason I want the responsibility is because I fight for my vision.
I didn't waste my vote, then, but I kind of knew that already. Great speech.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Higurashi on January 22, 2011, 04:44:19 pm
The reason I want the responsibility is because I fight for my vision.
I didn't waste my vote, then, but I kind of knew that already. Great speech.
Thanks. ^_^ *bows, gets off the ethereal soapbox*
I may ramble a bit, but I have a strong passion for this element as it means much to me, personally. If you want to know more about why, I can disclose some things of it.

@Mith: Aye, I may have partially answered this question with my speech, but I shall develop further on some points.

I fully agree that maturity is an important factor. As is humbleness, but not without pride. To propagate your Element is to show pride and a strong belief in its strength, but to be an icon is more than that. A good icon is helpful, humble and forceful when needed. They must also be active to become a part of the community as a symbol for their element. This identity can take a bit of time to forge, but it's undeniable that some masters truly personify their elements.

In War, I would lead Aether proudly, and I would encourage my team to show sportsmanship at every possibility. It's a huge event, so bitterness at any instance tends to tag along for the whole ride. That's why positivity is very important; it's a game after all. Aether has been proven to be strong by icb already, but I would relish the opportunity to show you what I can do with it as well.

I have to admit I love bluffing, but I have a very easy time with keeping tight lips as well. I have always loved leading people; the only way to achieve people's full potential is to work as a group with a common goal, and I have a very easy time with persuading my teammates of a course of action. Just ask my old army buddies, heh..

Aether has been shown to be one of the most popular elements in some polls (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,6472.0.html), especially by newer players. Some call the element as a mono one-dimensional, where it's really the most adaptable of them all.
Were I to become the elected Lady Aether, I would unite all fans of the element under one banner. I would radiate the pride of my element as I always have, and by becoming the official icon, I would spread the appreciation for it endlessly. We will make it shine.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: PlayerOa on January 22, 2011, 05:12:25 pm
After a lot of thought, I voted for Dragoon1140.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: OldTrees on January 22, 2011, 05:17:42 pm
What does the Element Aether symbolize? (Be precise, concise and complete)
What types of cards does Aether need in game to finish covering the Element Aether?
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Dragoon1140 on January 22, 2011, 05:45:29 pm
Hello everybody!  If one doesn't know who I am or what I've done, I am one of four Competition Organizers and a second-term Council (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,12735.0.html) Member (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,18002.0.html) of the forums.  I initially gained popularity among the community by posting various Elements videos on my Youtube channel, including a newb-friendly series in the Tutorial Section (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,12750.0.html), only one of just thirteen tutorials posted there.  An important fact about me though:  I'm not huge on lore.  While a nice debate is good to have every now and then, I'm not keen on debating whether or not Aether is a true counter of Time or if Darkness is really the absence of Light.

Now, unlike some others across the forum, I just cannot read a massive "wall of text" that some people post.  I understand the purpose of them, and I also understand that a few love them, but I don't have the necessary attention span to read them all of the way through, especially if different fonts and elemental signs are used.  Thus, I'm going to make more use of hyperlinks; linking to various things I've done around the forum.

First of all, some people have questioned my PvP skills, especially after my poor showing in Phase 2.  However, everybody should look beyond just Phase 2 of the Trials.  One of my most proud accomplishments was supporting Aether so well in the War by attaining a 6-1 record:

Round 1 (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,14641.0.html)
Round 2 (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,15109.0.html)
Round 3 (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,15494.0.html)
Round 4 (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,15933.0.html)
Round 5 (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,16349.0.html)
Round 6 (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,16994.0.html)
Round 7 (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,17527.0.html)

One may also be curious about my tournament record.  I've only won one tournament, as my award record shows, but I've placed second (or first) in the following tournaments.  Which, in my mind, is just as much of an accomplishment as placing first:

First Place Win (Menagerie) (http://imgur.com/7esvS.png)
Creatures Only (Upgraded) (http://imageplay.net/img/m7Gbd72178/elementstournament.png)
Mono Same Mark (Unupgraded) (http://imageplay.net/img/m7Gbd80083/EasternTournament_14August2010.png)
Three's a Crowd (Unupgraded) (http://i.imgur.com/xBJ5N.png)

I've also been a fan of PvP events.  Whilst not winning any, I have placed in, or near, the finals of the TPvP Events, which I am a major fan of:

Team PvP #1 (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,9335.0.html)
Team PvP #2 (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,11994.0.html)

I believe this the end of my lists, but I am still more than happy to answer any questions that may be asked, regardless of how personal they may or may not be.  Remember though, and this is my most important quality:  I'm nice!  I love helping out the lonely newbie in chat, and speaking with whomever calls my name.

Good luck to everybody else in their Trial efforts, and I hope everybody just has fun with this whole thing.  :)
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Dragoon1140 on January 22, 2011, 05:58:14 pm
Excuse the double post, but I couldn't stand answering questions in the same post as my speech.

What does the Element Aether symbolize? (Be precise, concise and complete)
What types of cards does Aether need in game to finish covering the Element Aether?
1.  In my mind, Aether symbolizes the empty space between the dimensions.  Sort of filling in the weakness that other elements lack, so to speak.  Of course, I've read little, scientifically, on what exactly Aether is, but that is how I interpret it.

2.  Honestly, I would love to see a non-immaterial, mid-range vanilla creature for Aether.  Phase Spider exists, of course, but something with a few more HP while sacrificing some attack would be nice.  My favorite Aether card is Twin Universe, and sometimes I want to TU something in Aether that isn't a Chaos Power'd Ball Lightning or a Momentum'd Phase Spider.

First, I'll tell you what I'm looking for in a candidate.  In a word, I'm looking for maturity.  Not age, necessarily, but a sense of responsibility to the community.  This can obviously manifest itself in many ways, but some that come to mind are leading your element in War (why you would be good at it, not giving away your plan of attack), spreading the gospel of your element (think xdude's signature of "Dare you to think Light sucks?  Challenge me.  NOW!", or even simply helping people with deck building/development.
As I've said in my speech, which is actually posted right below your question, I make newb-friendly videos and help newbies to the game in chat all of the time. 

As for the War effort, I have something no other Aether contender has:  War experience.  I know what it feels like to build, and attempt to sustain, a vault.  I know what it is like to duel once a week using the precise deck, with the added pressure from your team to win.  I have experienced this all before, and I believe that I can harness that experience in the next War.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Higurashi on January 22, 2011, 06:05:41 pm
Let's see, cards.. I personally feel there is no limit to the amount of cards Aether could gain and still be relevant. It's the cornerstone of so much of the universe and of so many themes. Nonetheless, right now it's missing something more forceful to represent the enormous power of the stars. I personally loved Rift Aeon (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,6435) for this reason.

Furthermore, who knows what exists in all these dimensions that Aether holds control over? Dimensional Gate (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,6305.0.html) has long been a favourite of mine as it capitalises on that unknown, almost terrifying feeling it can invoke.

Seeing as Aether also embodies Aspiration to me, I've considered posting a card named as such. It was a spell that would grow the creature by +1/+1 every turn. Sort of a buff for monoaether Phase Recluse, and subsequently Turquoise Nymph.

Another card I've always liked due to how it would balance the element is Dimensional Striker (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,18641.0.html). It combines good balance with the theme of foreign troops from another dimension coming to aid the elemental.

All of these are themes I think fits the element and would improve the game. There are many more, and really, the possibilities with this element are endless. What can't you do with electricity, for instance?
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: 918273645 on January 22, 2011, 06:13:33 pm
Many people see aether for only Fractal and Dim Shield. How would youi prove to them that Aether is better than they think?
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Dragoon1140 on January 22, 2011, 06:29:55 pm
Many people see aether for only Fractal and Dim Shield. How would youi prove to them that Aether is better than they think?
As I've said before, Twin Universe is my favorite card in the game.  Thus, I would be more than happy to duel them using a TU deck of some sort, most likely TU + Charger.  As for Fractal, I just can't get into it.  I prefer the rush-factor that TU offers, since Fractal should never be used purely for speed.  Dimensional Shield, on the other hand, is a nice surprise occasionally, but it should not be used in a predictable manner.

Anyway, yes, I would use an Aether deck that lacks Fractal and Dimensional Shield against the people that think it cannot be done, which is preposterous.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Higurashi on January 22, 2011, 07:45:02 pm
Many people see aether for only Fractal and Dim Shield. How would youi prove to them that Aether is better than they think?
Oh, so many options. All elements shine when combined with other ones. I could do Twin Titans, Deja Vu buff deck with PU, Lightning+PU, Chaos Power+Ball Lightning, or just a classic Immortal+Lightning deck. Not to mention Mindgate decks are always hilarious, and Adrenarecluses too. Basically though, Aether has key cards that can be used by many elements. I could show them how Aether is a key element in so many decks.

In the end, people think mainly of Fractal because it's indeed the most overpowered card in the game, and one of the most used. They think of Dim Shield because it's the most powerful tool of Monoaether. Of this there is no doubt, but it can still kick ass without it. Take away a key card from any element and it's worse off. There's no real reason to go mono if you can improve by mixing though, and that's something all elements do.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: MyNameIsJoey on January 22, 2011, 07:56:52 pm
If someone tells you aether sucks because it cant rush, what is your answer?
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Higurashi on January 22, 2011, 08:05:37 pm
If someone tells you aether sucks because it cant rush, what is your answer?
I'll Fractal Ball Lightnings, TU Recluses and Thunderbolt his ass. :D
Nah, but seriously, Aether is the worst at rushing as a mono, yes. Does it need to rush? No. Rushing isn't necessary to be a good element. The funny thing about Aether is that it can turn your rush against you completely with TU+Lightning. It can also rush quite well when you mix in other elements, such as Adrenaline for Recluses or Chaos Power for Ball Lightnings. This is also how most elements rush the best.

In the end though, I would rather try to show them how rushing the best is not the most important thing in this game. I would sooner open their eyes to the possibilities in the cards and the massive card advantage Aether offers.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: pikachufan2164 on January 22, 2011, 08:53:15 pm
First, I'll tell you what I'm looking for in a candidate.  In a word, I'm looking for maturity.  Not age, necessarily, but a sense of responsibility to the community.  This can obviously manifest itself in many ways, but some that come to mind are leading your element in War (why you would be good at it, not giving away your plan of attack), spreading the gospel of your element (think xdude's signature of "Dare you to think Light sucks?  Challenge me.  NOW!", or even simply helping people with deck building/development.

I do wish you all the very best of luck and I look forward to getting to know each of you better via this process.
I do hope this is sufficient -- I'll be adding my answers to questions asked in the thread to my campaign post.
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,20041.msg271524#msg271524

What does the Element Aether symbolize? (Be precise, concise and complete)
What types of cards does Aether need in game to finish covering the Element Aether?
I see Aether as a representation of duality; an element that is capable of attacking and defending -- at the same time. Aether has so many different utility cards in its possession. Mindgate can be used to take advantage of a deck that's manipulated with Eternity, or used to prevent decking out by grabbing an opposing Malignant Cell (as used in the strategy of zse's Lone Stalker deck). Quintessence is normally used to create a nigh-invulnerable creature, but I'm sure that the community knows of its hidden use as a soft Fractal counter, as demonstrated by Dogg in his infamous match against jmdt in War 2.

There's never any way to "complete" Aether, but I would like to see a small attacker with a nifty effect that doesn't die like an unbuffed Spark (Dimensional Striker (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,18641.0.html) fills in the void, as well as introducing an interesting mechanic). Aether is capable of fitting in a wide variety of weird and wonderful effects, so there's a lot of opportunity for the element to expand.

Many people see aether for only Fractal and Dim Shield. How would you prove to them that Aether is better than they think?
I would first point them to TU, the third part of the Etherial Big Three. It works especially well if there are mutants and/or buffed creatures on the field, since mutants will always get better base stats when twinned, and you get those scary Deja TU rush decks that launch four big and buff Deja Vus (Twinned once, and then split) by turn 3-4.

Lightning is one of the most cost-efficient pieces of direct creature control out there. It's the perfect counter to unprotected Chargers, Crimson/Ruby Dragons; and anything that's immensely powerful, but has 5 or fewer HP. It's an absolute bargain at 2|1 :aether.

Aether makes for an amazing support element, with cards like Twin Universe, Quintessence, Fractal, and Mindgate. All it really needs to do is borrow another element's creature base, as its own creatures are one of Aether's few weaknesses.

If someone tells you aether sucks because it cant rush, what is your answer?
Why hello there, Fractix! :))

In all seriousness, Aether doesn't need to rush -- it already has the means of slowing the game down to its own pace with powerful tempo-changing cards like Phase Shield and Silence, which allow an Aether-based deck to stall for long enough to execute its main strategy. There is a reason why the Mono-Aether AI3 is a pain in the butt for standard AI3 rush decks to deal with.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Kuroaitou on January 22, 2011, 10:49:54 pm
Disclaimer: Not answering this question will probably result in me not giving a vote to you, regardless of your standing.

(Nonetheless, you're all really good candidates, so this will be tough. >_< I decided to do a more personality-based question to see how I would like best as an Aether master (still remembering Icybraker's massive ego as his notable trait ;) ))

Q: If there was one Aether-like power/creature/object you could have in real life (based on an Aether card obviously), what would it be and why? (i.e. – If I had several Precognition vials, I could probably see into the future, etc.)

Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Higurashi on January 22, 2011, 10:55:37 pm
Hah, that's easy. I'd like a Turquoise Nymph as friend. Who the hell wouldn't?

All the other cards are super-neat (except perhaps Ball Lightning... that'd just wreck your house), but they're also too powerful for this world. Making a perfect copy of something is so abusable, and Mindgate... yeah, the temptation of power is too great. Phase Shield on the other hand could be cool in case I need to escape death, but it'd probably make me too reckless in the end.

Having an Immortal to talk to would be infinitely cool too, but he/she would outlive me, and that sucks for both of us. Same goes for a pet Dragon. Lightning or Quint... don't even get me started on Fractal. Hm, maybe I could use it for artistic purposes. Go to a valley or something and Fractal flowers all over the place..

But nah, I don't want no godlike powers. No, I'd like a Turquoise Nymph. She could grant both of us immortality if she felt like it, but I just know she'd be awesome to spend time with. I mean... they practically gather around me anyway (I have 3).

Silence would just be mean, but Electrocutor would be a totally sweet weapon to add to my collection. But nothing would beat having my very own Nymph.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: pikachufan2164 on January 22, 2011, 11:15:54 pm
Q: If there was one Aether-like power/creature/object you could have in real life (based on an Aether card obviously), what would it be and why? (i.e. – If I had several Precognition vials, I could probably see into the future, etc.)
I would love to control the power of Lightning.

Just imagine it: I can command my Pikachu plushie to use Thunderbolt, and a bolt of lightning will actually be released (from me, but it wouldn't be too difficult to make it look as if the plushie was using the attack) >:D
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: icecoldbro on January 23, 2011, 01:26:28 am
Quote
Q: If there was one Aether-like power/creature/object you could have in real life (based on an Aether card obviously), what would it be and why? (i.e. – If I had several Precognition vials, I could probably see into the future, etc.)
What would i pick?
As the guy with the choice i pick fractal, why i can multiply the person i love, i can increase the good people in this world i can continue living, thru the memories i will leave.
Immortality is not my thing i don't want to live forever, i don't want to live for even a substantial time, i want to live thru what Im supposed to live thru, and then die in hands of whoever cares enough to stand by me.
I want to make a difference, i want to make a change, no matter how small, how insignificant.

Quote
If someone tells you aether sucks because it cant rush, what is your answer?
My answer is it can not only rush but it has balance as it can stall
Rushing is in my eyes, un-calculated, simple and too head forward.
Stalling is an art that needs mastering, when, how, for how long, why, and then calculating odds on that deciding is the main factor.
Rushing can be obtained with fractal, can be controlled by parallel universe, but it can be utterly destroyed, unless you know the art of balance.
That's why i say Aether can not only stall, but it can rush if used by the right person, who has the right amount of experience.


Quote
Many people see aether for only Fractal and Dim Shield. How would you prove to them that Aether is better than they think?
I would prove it thru my favorite way, a duel, i do not need such cards take me on with whatever deck u wish i will show you why a true Ethereal doesn't need the liking's of such.
If Your perspective is too small to understand that, i have no need to talk to anyone who doesn't.

Quote
What does the Element Aether symbolize? (Be precise, concise and complete)
What types of cards does Aether need in game to finish covering the Element Aether?
Aether simbolizes at least to me The power and respect earned from breaking thru boundaries, using the impossibly higher amount of skill needed to play it, against the opponent, to play mind games on the opponent, TO CRUSH WHOEVER STANDS BEFORE IT TO THE GROUND, AS THEY WATCH POWERLESS HOW I OVER RUN THEM, TO SHOW HOW AND WHY I WILL NOT TOLERATE ANY INSULT TO THIS ELEMENT.
Aether needs nothing to finish covering itself, it is almost perfect in every way for those who know how to use it, any addition would just be to increase its power above any imaginable rating.



Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Dragoon1140 on January 23, 2011, 01:33:50 am
Q: If there was one Aether-like power/creature/object you could have in real life (based on an Aether card obviously), what would it be and why? (i.e. – If I had several Precognition vials, I could probably see into the future, etc.)
Of all of the Aether cards, I would be positively delighted to call my home an Aether Tower.  Who doesn't want to live in another dimension?  I can see the grand parties now:  jumping from various pockets in time to attain the best-ly aged grape juice.  Besides that, it's a huge tower!  It's like living among kings.  :)
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: OldTrees on January 23, 2011, 01:45:07 am
It is one thing to know thyself.  It is another to know thy enemy.
What is Time?
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: icecoldbro on January 23, 2011, 01:48:32 am
It is one thing to know thyself.  It is another to know thy enemy.
What is Time?
It is what we always have and will question, ourselves what creates paranoia what makes us be happy it is our biggest worry and also our biggest ally
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: pikachufan2164 on January 23, 2011, 01:57:37 am
It is one thing to know thyself.  It is another to know thy enemy.
What is Time?
Time is a flowing river. Bound by the laws of the universe, it can only go in one direction -- two if it's being controlled by a skilled Time Elemental. Its constant ebb and flow contrasts the stability of Aether.

Aether Elementals manipulate space, such that it is able to move laterally (i.e. phasing in and out between dimensions) instead.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Higurashi on January 23, 2011, 02:10:45 am
Time is inevitability, and a way to measure and plan for our own existence. In knowing this is how long you will live, you can set up appropriate goals. It is an attempt at control of the mortal life, and a resourcefulness of what we have been given. It is not an undying aspiration to something greater than what we have ever been. It is fatalistic, deterministic and a bit frightening. It's not likely I will ever acknowledge the hold it has on mortal life to the same degree that most of modern society does.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: icecoldbro on January 23, 2011, 03:37:27 am
My speech sort of: ill answer anything else here, or just make another vid:

&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

oh also a SS of my aether set, had to buy a couple pillars but these banned have been helpful for farming
Another one with bazaar for u guys to stop annoying me

(http://imageplay.net/m7Gbd127108/My_Aether_Set_thumb.jpg) (http://imageplay.net/es/view/m7Gbd127108/My_Aether_Set)

(http://imageplay.net/m7Gbd127118/My_Aether_Set_including_Bazaar_thumb.jpg) (http://imageplay.net/es/view/m7Gbd127118/My_Aether_Set_including_Bazaar)
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Ryan666 on January 23, 2011, 04:09:54 am
My speech sort of: ill answer anything else here, or just make another vid:

&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

oh also a SS of my aether set, had to buy a couple pillars but these banned have been helpful for farming

(http://imageplay.net/m7Gbd127108/My_Aether_Set_thumb.jpg) (http://imageplay.net/es/view/m7Gbd127108/My_Aether_Set)
That picture couldv'e been taken in trainer.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: icecoldbro on January 23, 2011, 04:14:25 am
My speech sort of: ill answer anything else here, or just make another vid:

&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

oh also a SS of my aether set, had to buy a couple pillars but these banned have been helpful for farming

(http://imageplay.net/m7Gbd127108/My_Aether_Set_thumb.jpg) (http://imageplay.net/es/view/m7Gbd127108/My_Aether_Set)
That picture couldv'e been taken in trainer.
its not from trainer, for a variety of reasons, one i have 8262 coins? why would i have that in trainer, second i have 1 Aether nymph unuped, only 1725 cards (plus 30 card deck) which isnt even close to trainer, which is like 3k or so cards
If u dont want to believe its real thats your problem but dont post it here as some people might be influenced by you
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Ryan666 on January 23, 2011, 04:16:43 am
My speech sort of: ill answer anything else here, or just make another vid:

&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

oh also a SS of my aether set, had to buy a couple pillars but these banned have been helpful for farming

(http://imageplay.net/m7Gbd127108/My_Aether_Set_thumb.jpg) (http://imageplay.net/es/view/m7Gbd127108/My_Aether_Set)
That picture couldv'e been taken in trainer.
its not from trainer, for a variety of reasons, one i have 8262 coins? why would i have that in trainer, second i have 1 Aether nymph unuped, only 1725 cards (plus 30 card deck) which isnt even close to trainer, which is like 3k or so cards
If u dont want to believe its real thats your problem but dont post it here as some people might be influenced by you
No when you take a pic of your cards, you're supposed to take a picture of the bazaar also...
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: icecoldbro on January 23, 2011, 04:18:38 am
My speech sort of: ill answer anything else here, or just make another vid:

&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

oh also a SS of my aether set, had to buy a couple pillars but these banned have been helpful for farming

(http://imageplay.net/m7Gbd127108/My_Aether_Set_thumb.jpg) (http://imageplay.net/es/view/m7Gbd127108/My_Aether_Set)
That picture couldv'e been taken in trainer.
its not from trainer, for a variety of reasons, one i have 8262 coins? why would i have that in trainer, second i have 1 Aether nymph unuped, only 1725 cards (plus 30 card deck) which isnt even close to trainer, which is like 3k or so cards
If u dont want to believe its real thats your problem but dont post it here as some people might be influenced by you
No when you take a pic of your cards, you're supposed to take a picture of the bazaar also...
ok? what does baazar have to do with my cards?
i guess ill just post another once my Fg grinding is over
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Ryan666 on January 23, 2011, 04:19:31 am
My speech sort of: ill answer anything else here, or just make another vid:

&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

oh also a SS of my aether set, had to buy a couple pillars but these banned have been helpful for farming

(http://imageplay.net/m7Gbd127108/My_Aether_Set_thumb.jpg) (http://imageplay.net/es/view/m7Gbd127108/My_Aether_Set)
That picture couldv'e been taken in trainer.
its not from trainer, for a variety of reasons, one i have 8262 coins? why would i have that in trainer, second i have 1 Aether nymph unuped, only 1725 cards (plus 30 card deck) which isnt even close to trainer, which is like 3k or so cards
If u dont want to believe its real thats your problem but dont post it here as some people might be influenced by you
No when you take a pic of your cards, you're supposed to take a picture of the bazaar also...
ok? what does baazar have to do with my cards?
The bazaar will have nymphs for sale, if not, it's real.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Dragoon1140 on January 23, 2011, 04:19:54 am
Regardless of some rule changes that have occurred, we still use an honor system here.  If we cannot trust each other, I can almost promise everyone that we won't have fun with each other.

I trust that icecoldbro is telling the truth, and that he truly does have that many upgraded cards.  Sure, he has 24 upgraded Pendulums and the Bazaar isn't showing, but I will still not ask a question relating to the honesty of his picture.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: TheCrazyMango on January 23, 2011, 04:23:33 am
Ryan, i would call icbs pic real. The trainer gives you like 3000 cards if you click all cards, and giving you around 8K electrum would take alot of buying and selling cards and its too much work for what its worth.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: QuantumT on January 23, 2011, 11:02:38 am
I'm going to take this in a bit different direction than most and ask you a little about deckbuilding.

What (war legal) decks would you build to defeat these two decks?

The decks should be all unupped and preferably not involve and nymphs as you don't know who will have to face down the decks.

Also, though the decks should be targeted counters, they shouldn't fall apart against other decks.

Code: [Select]
4vj 4vj 4vp 4vp 4vp 4vp 4vp 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 52o 52o 52o 52o 52o 52q 52q 52r 52r 52r 52r 52r 542 542
Code: [Select]
4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vl 4vl 4vl 4vl 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 590 590 590 590 590 590 593 593 593 593 5f6 5og 5oi 5oi 61qI'm not looking for some completely tested deck that totally owns them, more a deck that should in theory work as an expression of deck building creativity.

EDIT: Slight change on the wording to clarify.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Higurashi on January 23, 2011, 12:33:37 pm
Let's see.. first one is too easy for Aether. I could pack just Immortals and Phase Dragons, but.. let's see what would be a problem if I did. Pure rushes, so we'll need some CC/defense. Fire stall and any other stall, so let's throw in some EQ's. That helps against rushes with pillars as well. Focus on Immortals since Gravity Shield would kick our ass if we used Phase Dragons.

Code: [Select]
593 593 593 593 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61q 61q 61q 61s 61s 61s 61s 61s 61s 61t 61t 61u 63a 63a 63aNext one is harder.. I'll do some testing.

Alright, this deck kicks ass. It might not be very innovative, but it'll beat a ton of rushes and can outrush stalls, and it has slaughtered Graboid/Discord 10 times out of 10 in my testing. Thank goddess for Spark. <3

Code: [Select]
5f6 5f6 5f9 5f9 5f9 5f9 5f9 5f9 5fc 5fc 5fc 5fc 5fc 5fc 61o 61o 61o 61o 61p 61p 61p 61p 61p 61p 61q 61q 61q 61q 61q 61q
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: einherjar145 on January 23, 2011, 12:49:05 pm
Hello!. I got a couple of questions for u guys.

1. Which of these qualities should a Master have and why?(Pls choose one from the list.)
   
    Honesty,Compassion,Passion, Diligence,Integrity,Patience,Respectful,Attitude or Others.(if any)

2. Which of these qualities should a Master NOT have and why?(Pls choose one from the list.)

   Boastfulness,Proud,Laziness,Disrespectful towards others,Dishonesty,Ill-Tempered, or Others.(if any)


Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Higurashi on January 23, 2011, 01:34:25 pm
Hey ein! Nice to see you here. :>

1. Hm.. only one, you say? This is tricky.. all of them are important. What I value most in a Master as a leader is undoubtedly a positive attitude, though. This quality brings out the best from the rest of the team, so any shortcomings can be compensated for. Yes, I'd rather have an incompetent, happy leader, because it improves the total effort of the team, and that has a larger effect than any individual competence the leader can posses. That is leadership: to bring out the best in your team.

That's only considering the War though. A Master is, more importantly, an icon for their element. The general quality I value the most in a Master is humility. It does them and their entire element credit. I'm just not capable of respecting someone arrogant, no matter how good or intelligent they are. And honestly, what good is that if you can't help others?

2. Consequently, the worst quality a Master could have is arrogance and self-centeredness. There's no point in being a Master if you can't use your skills to aid the community, and an icon should be humble and inviting. That doesn't mean they cannot reinforce their charisma by being forceful, but it's a fine line. A Master should possess enough wisdom to see that line.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: einherjar145 on January 23, 2011, 02:35:34 pm
Hey guys!. I got a deckbuliding question for u guys too.(Have Fun!)

What kind of deck(s) would You use to counter the decks below.

The decks should be all unupped and preferably having no nymphs as you wont know who would have to face the decks.

You would have to use your own element and another element to make the deck. Try and make a deck which ppl would understand how to use it easily.

Code: [Select]
4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vg 4vg 4vg 4vg 4vg 4vg 4vi 4vi 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vk 4vk 4vl 4vl 4vn 4vn 4vp 4vp 55v 55v 55v 55v 55v 55v
Code: [Select]
55q 55q 55q 55q 55q 55q 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rj 5rk 5rk 5rk 5ro 5rp 5rp 5rp 5rp 5rp 5rt 5rt 5rt 5rt 5rt 5rt
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: icecoldbro on January 23, 2011, 05:04:12 pm
What (war legal) decks would you build to defeat these two decks?

The decks should be all unupped and preferably not involve and nymphs as you don't know who will have to face down the decks.

Also, though the decks should be targeted counters, they shouldn't fall apart against other decks.

Code: [Select]
4vj 4vj 4vp 4vp 4vp 4vp 4vp 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 52o 52o 52o 52o 52o 52q 52q 52r 52r 52r 52r 52r 542 542
Code: [Select]
4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vl 4vl 4vl 4vl 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 590 590 590 590 590 590 593 593 593 593 5f6 5og 5oi 5oi 61qI'm not looking for some completely tested deck that totally owns them, more a deck that should in theory work as an expression of deck building creativity.

Code: [Select]
61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61q 61q 61q 61q 61q 61s 61s 61s 61s 61s 61t 61t 61t 61t 61t 624 624 624 624 624 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a
Code: [Select]
592 592 592 592 592 592 595 595 595 595 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61q 61q 61q 61s 61s 61s 61t 61t 61t 61t 61t 61t 61v 61v 61v
Hello!. I got a couple of questions for u guys.

1. Which of these qualities should a Master have and why?(Pls choose one from the list.)
   
    Honesty,Compassion,Passion, Diligence,Integrity,Patience,Respectful,Attitude or Others.(if any)

2. Which of these qualities should a Master NOT have and why?(Pls choose one from the list.)

   Boastfulness,Proud,Laziness,Disrespectful towards others,Dishonesty,Ill-Tempered, or Others.(if any)
1. Id say a master needs pretty much all of them, or the highest amount possible of them, i couldnt narrow it down to 1, so i had to pick 2, one main and one very important secondary one.

Honesty
 to me is the most important thing in the world, as if u arent honest no trust can be built and without trust, a team will fall apart and their must be an equal division of trust among the team for a person must trust any other one fully and changeably
Passion
with it everything will become easier to do, less pushed, therefore creating a better finished project in whatever you do, no matter if its deck building, giving out ideas, helping others, or just being a nice person overall.

2.
 Dishonesty
I cannot stand in any way, For a master to be dishonest to anyone, u better say what u mean or u will never ever create a working team in war, be helpful, etc.
Disnhonesty and the problems that come with it cannot be tolerated in any way, no matter how insignificant the lie is.

Hey guys!. I got a deckbuliding question for u guys too.(Have Fun!)

What kind of deck(s) would You use to counter the decks below.

The decks should be all unupped and preferably having no nymphs as you wont know who would have to face the decks.

You would have to use your own element and another element to make the deck. Try and make a deck which ppl would understand how to use it easily.

Code: [Select]
4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vg 4vg 4vg 4vg 4vg 4vg 4vi 4vi 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vk 4vk 4vl 4vl 4vn 4vn 4vp 4vp 55v 55v 55v 55v 55v 55v
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55q 55q 55q 55q 55q 55q 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rj 5rk 5rk 5rk 5ro 5rp 5rp 5rp 5rp 5rp 5rt 5rt 5rt 5rt 5rt 5rt
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5f3 5f3 5f3 5f3 5f3 5f6 5f6 5f6 5f6 5f6 5f6 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61t 61t 61t 61t 61t 621 621 621 621 621 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a
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5f2 5f2 5f2 5f2 5f6 5f6 5f6 5f8 5f8 5f8 5f9 5f9 5f9 5f9 5f9 61p 61p 61p 61p 61p 61r 61r 61r 61r 61r 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Dragoon1140 on January 23, 2011, 06:17:42 pm
I can only be online for a short while, so I'll answer the deck-building questions when I have more time to dedicate to the task.

Hello!. I got a couple of questions for u guys.

1. Which of these qualities should a Master have and why?(Pls choose one from the list.)
   
    Honesty,Compassion,Passion, Diligence,Integrity,Patience,Respectful,Attitude or Others.(if any)

2. Which of these qualities should a Master NOT have and why?(Pls choose one from the list.)

   Boastfulness,Proud,Laziness,Disrespectful towards others,Dishonesty,Ill-Tempered, or Others.(if any)
1. Actually, I made a thread about this (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,16007.0) a few months ago.  Of that list, my favorite is magnanimity.  For those who don't know what it means:

"Magnanimity means giving credit where it is due. A magnanimous leader ensures that credit for successes is spread as widely as possible throughout the company. Conversely, a good leader takes personal responsibility for failures. This sort of reverse magnanimity helps other people feel good about themselves and draws the team closer together. To spread the fame and take the blame is a hallmark of effective leadership."

2. I'm not keen on focusing on negativity, but, of that list you provided, I'll choose ill-tempered.  Everybody becomes angry occasionally, and that is understandable, but if they respond by negatively bashing others, then they deserve punishment.  There is no reason to be angry at anybody on the forum for a mistake they've made or otherwise.  It's another chance to learn, in my mind.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Dragoon1140 on January 23, 2011, 06:48:24 pm
Also, though the decks should be targeted counters, they shouldn't fall apart against other decks.

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4vj 4vj 4vp 4vp 4vp 4vp 4vp 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 52o 52o 52o 52o 52o 52q 52q 52r 52r 52r 52r 52r 542 542
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4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vl 4vl 4vl 4vl 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 590 590 590 590 590 590 593 593 593 593 5f6 5og 5oi 5oi 61qI'm not looking for some completely tested deck that totally owns them, more a deck that should in theory work as an expression of deck building creativity.
This is where War experience is starting show among the Aether Trial members.
To make the most important point, Sparks will not be packed.  If you add Sparks to your vault, you're wasting a card space that should be filled with a more valuable card.  Also, when I made these, I kept in mind other decks Entropy could use against Aether, because Dissipation Field is nasty if one goes pure mono.

Against Pandebonium:
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52o 52o 52o 52o 52o 52o 52q 52q 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61q 61q 61q 61q 61q 61q 61v 61v 61v 61v 61v 63a 63a 63a 63a
It's going to be a Poison race.  You have the advantage, though, since you have 6 Lightnings to use.  If you don't face a Pandebonium, not all is lost though, since this deck is so simple yet so effective.  It counters a lot of cc-based decks, along with ridding of nasty Maxwell Demons that may appear.

Against Discord Graboid:
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4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 590 590 590 590 590 590 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61r 61r 61r 61r 61r 61r 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a
Why fix what isn't broken?  Discord has very little effect because of the Nova's, and you have enough Pillars and Pendulums to pull of a few TU's before EQ starts taking its toll.  This is also an amazingly fast deck in general, so you're going to be punching some faces in regardless.  The major risk is them going Dissipation Shield, but that depends on the point in War.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Higurashi on January 23, 2011, 06:58:37 pm
You would have to use your own element and another element to make the deck. Try and make a deck which ppl would understand how to use it easily.

Code: [Select]
4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vg 4vg 4vg 4vg 4vg 4vg 4vi 4vi 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vk 4vk 4vl 4vl 4vn 4vn 4vp 4vp 55v 55v 55v 55v 55v 55v
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55l 55l 55l 55l 55l 55l 55s 55s 61t 61t 621 621 621 622 622 622 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63aVery easy to use. Quint a couple Chargers if you wish, and Fractal for the kill. Dim Shields gives it time to stall vs. faster decks if needed.

Code: [Select]
55q 55q 55q 55q 55q 55q 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rj 5rk 5rk 5rk 5ro 5rp 5rp 5rp 5rp 5rp 5rt 5rt 5rt 5rt 5rt 5rt
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5f0 5f0 5f0 5f0 5f0 5f0 5f0 5f4 5f4 5f4 5f4 5f4 5f4 5f7 5f7 61q 61q 61q 61q 61t 61t 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a50% Aether, capable of pwning rushes as well.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: pikachufan2164 on January 24, 2011, 01:53:54 am
I'm going to take this in a bit different direction than most and ask you a little about deckbuilding.

What (war legal) decks would you build to defeat these two decks?

The decks should be all unupped and preferably not involve and nymphs as you don't know who will have to face down the decks.

Also, though the decks should be targeted counters, they shouldn't fall apart against other decks.

Code: [Select]
4vj 4vj 4vp 4vp 4vp 4vp 4vp 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 52o 52o 52o 52o 52o 52q 52q 52r 52r 52r 52r 52r 542 542
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4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vl 4vl 4vl 4vl 50u 50u 50u 50u 50u 590 590 590 590 590 590 593 593 593 593 5f6 5og 5oi 5oi 61qI'm not looking for some completely tested deck that totally owns them, more a deck that should in theory work as an expression of deck building creativity.

EDIT: Slight change on the wording to clarify.
Code: [Select]
5f6 5f6 5f6 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61q 61q 61q 61t 61t 61t 61t 61u 61v 61v 61v 61vImmortal creatures are nicely immune to Pandemonium's effects, and Dim Shields and Deflags will negate the Arsenics. The only real concern here is not being able to draw damage sources quickly enough to break through the Bone Walls. Against other decks, Dim Shields are there to help stall, Lightnings and Lobos to remove annoying creatures (Momentum, abilities, etc.), and Deflags to get rid of shields and threatening weapons.
Code: [Select]
4vj 4vj 5rg 5rj 5rk 5rk 5rk 5rk 5rq 5rq 5rq 5rq 5rq 5rq 5t2 61o 61o 61o 61u 622 622 622 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63aFlying Discords and Graboids are inherently weak to Reverse Times. Nova helps soften the blow from Discord (though they might help you by generating some extra :gravity from the scrambling). Scarabs' strength in numbers makes Fog Shield a null factor, and swarm reduces the effectiveness of the opposition's CC. Lobo and Procrastination are there to help cancel scrambles and block damage. Against other decks, Scarabs devour everything in its path, and the only real weakness is against regular damage reduction shields.
Hello!. I got a couple of questions for u guys.

1. Which of these qualities should a Master have and why?(Pls choose one from the list.)
   
    Honesty,Compassion,Passion, Diligence,Integrity,Patience,Respectful,Attitude or Others.(if any)

2. Which of these qualities should a Master NOT have and why?(Pls choose one from the list.)

   Boastfulness,Proud,Laziness,Disrespectful towards others,Dishonesty,Ill-Tempered, or Others.(if any)
The single most important quality for a Master is passion. He or she has to love their element in order to be able to show its true power to the community. Demonstrating that one is a proud supporter and skilled user of an element is important in loyal and dedicated followers for events like War.

A Master should never be disrespectful towards others -- they are the representative of their element and should treat others with dignity and respect. In large scale PvP events, good sportsmanship is a must, and nobody needs more Internet drama in their life.

Hey guys!. I got a deckbuliding question for u guys too.(Have Fun!)

What kind of deck(s) would You use to counter the decks below.

The decks should be all unupped and preferably having no nymphs as you wont know who would have to face the decks.

You would have to use your own element and another element to make the deck. Try and make a deck which ppl would understand how to use it easily.

Code: [Select]
4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vc 4vg 4vg 4vg 4vg 4vg 4vg 4vi 4vi 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vk 4vk 4vl 4vl 4vn 4vn 4vp 4vp 55v 55v 55v 55v 55v 55v
Code: [Select]
55q 55q 55q 55q 55q 55q 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rg 5rj 5rk 5rk 5rk 5ro 5rp 5rp 5rp 5rp 5rp 5rt 5rt 5rt 5rt 5rt 5rt
Code: [Select]
5uk 5um 5um 5um 5um 5um 5uo 5up 5up 5uq 5uq 5ur 5ut 5uv 606 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61q 61q 622 622 622 63a 63a 63a 63a 63aLarge decks and the reliance on mark splashing gives Fractaling a whole bunch of Devours a decisive advantage in both match-ups. An early Devourer has a good chance of slowing down the opposition's development (since it costs 4 and 2 :gravity to use Black Hole and Momentum, respectively).

It's also 50% Aether too :D
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: gavsword on January 24, 2011, 03:03:58 am
Here's my big question:

What came first the chicken or the egg

No seriously, of any card currently in the crucible (from Aether of course) which do you want put into the game quickest and why?

Also (if you can) build a theoretical deck around that card and provide a brief description of your thinking behind it.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: doublecross on January 24, 2011, 03:09:08 am
Deckbuilding challenge:
Design an  :aether / :darkness/ :earth trio deck that could beat what you consider to be the most annoying mono deck from each element.

EDIT: And say what the annoying decks that you are beating are
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Dragoon1140 on January 24, 2011, 03:33:34 am
Here's my big question:
...of any card currently in the crucible (from Aether of course) which do you want put into the game quickest and why?
This card:
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,16064.0.html

Energy Surge would be so much fun to play with, especially in a War format.  It isn't broken by any means, and it provides a nice, new branch of decks to be made:  Decks with as few types of permanents and spells as possible to avoid the instant damage.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: icecoldbro on January 24, 2011, 03:59:45 am
Here's my big question:

What came first the chicken or the egg

No seriously, of any card currently in the crucible (from Aether of course) which do you want put into the game quickest and why?

Also (if you can) build a theoretical deck around that card and provide a brief description of your thinking behind it.
The card i pick is Onryo (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,15215.0.html), Why? the answer is simple really, it is an addition that Aether could definitely use, it is not only possibly a big attacker, or a sturdy creature, its very flexible ability can make it perfect for any situation
Theoretical deck:
6x TU, Combination of using on powerful but fragile Onryo version, or On the sturdier version in case the opponent is a heavy CC elemental
5x Onryo, Main damage of deck
3x Silence, To Stop Speed-bow's, Fire stall's, Other Mono Aether's, Fractal decks, useful in any occasion.
3x Phase Shield, Stops Rushes cold, helps to stop Burst decks also.
7x Aether tower, You need quanta don't you?
8x Aether pendulum, You need quanta don't you?
3x Phase Recluse, Very good for TU target, additional damage.

Deckbuilding challenge:
Design an  :aether / :darkness/ :earth trio deck that could beat what you consider to be the most annoying mono deck from each element.

EDIT: And say what the annoying decks that you are beating are
Code: [Select]
77a 77a 77a 7t6 7t6 7t6 7t6 7t6 7tf 7tf 7tf 7tf 7tf 7um 7um 7um 7um 7um 7um 808 808 808 808 808 808 808 80i 80i 80i 80iwith a good draw it can easily beat any mono deck.

For mono :aether it just drains its quanta to death, for it too not be able to play phases, while gargoyle take it down,
For mono :darkness, it slows it down with pests, till it can use fractal and end game with steel's or fractal Gargoyle
For mono :time, no competition, as it has no creature control other than reverse time which is pathetic vs fractal decks
For mono :air, time the fractals on burrowed pests (burrow them as soon as possible then unbury one for fractal, then repeat), lock opponent down and fractal Steel's if u cant lock him entirely or gargoyle if he's quanta drained
For mono :light, lock down as soon as possible as its main priority, fractal gargoyle for kill
For Mono :water, careful with inundation, keep about 4 pests out, fractal steel's or gargoyle if u can quanta reduce him enough
For Mono :fire, Heavy CC, and cremations make this one a definite pain, time fractals, well, steels will be life saver's here
For Mono :life, Easy as long as you can set up early control of board, one of reasons i didn't want to use Eclipse in deck is the carapace shield in this element, healing shouldn't be much problem vs it
For Mono :earth, best attackers are either high cost or duo element (killed by rules), therefore if u can fractal a gargoyle early enough you should win
For Mono :gravity, a pain having to deal with Trebuchet, but still early fractal on Pest should win it for you, prevent using stone form ability on gargoyle as you may be stopped cold by gravity shield
For Mono :death ,tricky, one thanks to its huge amount of mass CC and its ability to use it to its advantage, try and burrow pests, and stone form fractal gargoyle to take down his potentially dreadful bone wall's
For Mono :entropy, I would recommend using the tight budget of quanta wisely, fractaling pests first no matter what, and finishing off with steel's
Hope you enjoy my guide, Cheers for questions like this one which actually make me think profoundly, and help hone my typing skills.
 
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: vrt on January 24, 2011, 04:00:01 am
Question: What's your favorite Greek god?
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Dragoon1140 on January 24, 2011, 04:03:21 am
Question: What's your favorite Greek god?
Of all of the gods, I prefer Hephaestus.  He is the blacksmith god, one that is so ugly among everybody else, yet also the kindest.  After being so kind throughout his life, he was later awarded with Aphrodite, the most beautiful goddess, to be his wife.

I believe in Karma in my regular life, so this supports my need to be kind to others.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: icecoldbro on January 24, 2011, 04:04:34 am
Question: What's your favorite Greek god?
If i remember correctly i would say Zeus, All powerful, Immortal, controller of the heavens, and all things beyond, controller of  lightning pretty much a no brainer, i would also like to be Neptune, as controller of water doesn't sound too shabby to me, and he was just and truthful (if i remember correctly)
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: pikachufan2164 on January 24, 2011, 06:15:02 am
Here's my big question:

What came first the chicken or the egg

No seriously, of any card currently in the crucible (from Aether of course) which do you want put into the game quickest and why?

Also (if you can) build a theoretical deck around that card and provide a brief description of your thinking behind it.
Definitely Dimensional Striker (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,18641.0.html).

It has the potential to be a quick source of damage that compliments standard Mono-Aether decks while also slipping under Gravity Shield.

Code: [Select]
61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61t 61t 61t 61t 61u 61u 61v 61v 61v 61v ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63aBlank cards are Dimensional Strikers
Deckbuilding challenge:
Design an  :aether / :darkness/ :earth trio deck that could beat what you consider to be the most annoying mono deck from each element.

EDIT: And say what the annoying decks that you are beating are
Code: [Select]
77j 77j 77j 7t4 7t4 7t4 7t6 7t6 7t6 7t6 7t8 7t9 7t9 7ta 7ta 7tb 7tf 7tf 7um 7um 808 808 808 808 808 80i 80i 80i 81q 81qQuanta denial, quanta denial, and more quanta denial. Early Fractals of Pests should be enough to delay the opposition, while Stone Form Gargoyles can handle pretty much all damage-based CC.
Question: What's your favorite Greek god?
I prefer Apollo, the Greek God of the sun. He's also associated with music, poetry, and the arts -- without them, the world would definitely not be as cultured as it is today.

(Trick answer: Aether, the Greek God of the upper air ;) )
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: volkers on January 24, 2011, 12:08:10 pm
I'm not big on forum participation yet, but I've already heard the opinion a significant part of new card ideas find it hard to move forward towards implementation because fractal makes them OP. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion, and if you agree, how would you change fractal? Feel free to suggest any sort of change, including complete removal, but if it's not too much trouble please add also suggested changes to Decay and Eternal Phoenix's decks to keep them competitive in the FG world.. :)
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Higurashi on January 24, 2011, 01:34:10 pm
What came first the chicken or the egg
The chicken omelet
No seriously, of any card currently in the crucible (from Aether of course) which do you want put into the game quickest and why?

Also (if you can) build a theoretical deck around that card and provide a brief description of your thinking behind it.
Rift Aeon (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,6435.0.html) is the coolest Aether card in a long time. It really shows off the immense power Aether possesses. I'd make a Fractal Ball Lightning+Bone Wall+Condor deck with it, no doubt. Those decks are hilarious.

Code: [Select]
714 714 714 714 71b 71b 71b 71b 72i 72i 72i 72i 72i 72i 72i 72i 72i 72i 72i 72i 72i 809 809 809 80i 80i 80i 80i ??? ??? ???
Deckbuilding challenge:
Design an  :aether / :darkness/ :earth trio deck that could beat what you consider to be the most annoying mono deck from each element.

EDIT: And say what the annoying decks that you are beating are
Pestal certainly beats most monos the best. Firestall may be a slight problem with Firestorm in mind. Therefore, we make sure all our creatures can avoid it.
Code: [Select]
779 779 779 78q 78q 78q 78q 78q 78q 7t6 7t6 7t6 7t6 7t6 7t6 7t9 7tb 7tc 7um 7um 7um 7um 7um 7um 7um 80i 80i 80i 80i 80iThis deck is surprisingly fun. Early offense in the form of Antlions makes it less susceptible to being outdamaged. Steal for annoying weapons, Dagger for some life gain, and Siphon to make use of all that end-game :darkness. I usually pack 5 Fractals in all my Fractal decks, because I tend to not draw one when I need it when I only have 4. Also, this needs 2 Fractals for denial and damage.

:entropy Most annoying deck here is a Discord+Antimatter+Dragon deck. Discord is a big problem, so it'll be down to the draw here. Pestal has higher damage potential with the denial in mind and should edge out a win often.
:death There's no universally most annoying deck here, but let's imagine it packs Plagues, Bone Walls (the most annoying Death card), Flesh Recluses, Arsenic and Deadly Poisons for rushing. Yeah, it gets quanta-denied, and eventual Plagues can be avoided by burrowing. Constant Poison damage is icky, but should win most matchups.
:gravity I imagine something with Otys, Chargers and Gravity Shield here. Gets straight-up denied.
:earth Shrieker rush with Earthquakes and Basilisk Blood is really annoying, but will get righteously butt-kicked by this. No :time for Graboids, so EQ's remain the main problem. They don't hurt Pestal much though, since a lot of the quanta comes from Pests.
:life Life rush with Heals is really annoying to rushes, and has a good chance against Pestal due to cheap cards. Nonetheless, the combined denial and relatively fast damage should do it in.
:fire Firestall.. the most annoying mono of all time. But Pestal is a good, versatile counter, and will win most of the time.
:water Squid lock and Toadfishes. Quanta-heavy, so no problem for Pestal.
:light Archangels with Miracles. Very hard to beat down for a lot of decks. But Light is also quanta-heavy, which will be its downfall here.
:air Octane Jr. Dangerous, but a bit too quanta-heavy and dependent on :fire. Won't stand a chance.
:time Not much Monotime can do except try to rush with Dragons and Rewind stuff. No chance.
:darkness Monodarkness stands a decent chance with its Pests and Vampiric Damage. Steals can pose a problem for the quanta-production of Pestal as well, but really, the denial should win out most of the time.
:aether Easily quanta-denied and will do about as much damage in case Monoaether gets a Phase Dragon out before the lock. From there, Dagger and Siphon will keep you alive if needed. Most of the time, it won't be.

Pretty fun challenge. I've always liked Antlions and their ability to burrow along with Pests.

Question: What's your favorite Greek god?
Aether, right? ;)
Discounting the Protogenoi, I'll have to say Artemis. The goddess of the hunt, girls and later the Moon along with Selene kicks some serious ass. She has integrity, grace, she's dangerous as heck and doesn't take crap from anyone.

I'm not big on forum participation yet, but I've already heard the opinion a significant part of new card ideas find it hard to move forward towards implementation because fractal makes them OP. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion, and if you agree, how would you change fractal? Feel free to suggest any sort of change, including complete removal, but if it's not too much trouble please add also suggested changes to Decay and Eternal Phoenix's decks to keep them competitive in the FG world.. :)
Mm.. I've always disliked how Fractal ruins creature card design, and I've frankly wanted it removed for that reason. However, a middle path of, say, limiting the copies gained to 4 at a time would also be fine. Cost would have to go down, Decay and EP won't really have to be changed with that, since they both get their denial/offense out early anyway, but it would certainly make card design easier and nerf some Fractal decks that really did need a nerf.
I've personally wanted to give EP Aether Towers/Pendulums instead of powering Fractal off mark, but with a reduced Fractal cost, he might even be better.

When it comes to balance, Fractal is one of the big three unbalanced cards to me, the other two being Nova/Supernova and Immolation/Cremation. These three form the base of the RPS state that Elements is in. They enable such decks that you can enter a matchup and positively -know- you're going to lose, either before it's started, or 1-3 turns in. I wouldn't cry if these three cards went *poof*, but I'll live with the unbalanced state it's in. It's still fun, if a bit one-dimensional.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: RavingRabbid on January 24, 2011, 04:12:27 pm
He lives in a house, in a very big house in the country.

Where is aether is the house? And why Dim Shield and Fractal are considered so strong?
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: doublecross on January 24, 2011, 05:44:16 pm
As master of Aether, you would help your fellow aether players out, especially if they are designing an aether card.

Could somebody assist me with the formatting of this page?
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,20178.msg273750#msg273750
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Higurashi on January 24, 2011, 05:50:05 pm
Hehe. Nik has posted what I was going to.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: doublecross on January 24, 2011, 05:55:38 pm
Well, it is still kinda off, and I think I followed instructions.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: icecoldbro on January 24, 2011, 10:41:27 pm
I'm not big on forum participation yet, but I've already heard the opinion a significant part of new card ideas find it hard to move forward towards implementation because fractal makes them OP. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion, and if you agree, how would you change fractal? Feel free to suggest any sort of change, including complete removal, but if it's not too much trouble please add also suggested changes to Decay and Eternal Phoenix's decks to keep them competitive in the FG world.. :)
I wouldn't agree, as if a card by itself is balanced enough, fractal shouldn't affect it moving up the ranks, if changing the whole game mechanic's to implement one card is necessary i don't think any card no matter how good is good enough to make that whole part of Aether to dissapear and all the combo's that exist with it.
Fractal is powerful in lots of way's but it balances out with its high cost, and its total aether drainage, makes it very balanced.




As master of Aether, you would help your fellow aether players out, especially if they are designing an aether card.

Could somebody assist me with the formatting of this page?
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,20178.msg273750#msg273750
Umm i don't really see any problem anymore, sorry to disappoint.



He lives in a house, in a very big house in the country.

Where is aether is the house? And why Dim Shield and Fractal are considered so strong?
In peanut butter jelly land?

They are considered strong as most people do not see, all the weaknesses that they have,
 Dimensional: Almost all elements have PC, or in soemway can damage thru it, :air : UG, and :gravity all momentum.
 Fractal: Mass CC, which is very common, slits usefulness of this card, quanta denial also, Shields, also cut usefulness, what makes this card supposedly OP, as most people dont take their time or brians to use stall's they just like to rush like crazy, making them vulnerable to fractal decks.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Dragoon1140 on January 24, 2011, 11:16:35 pm
And why Dim Shield and Fractal are considered so strong?
Dimensional Shield is understandably strong because it is the counter to any rush deck that doesn't carry permanent control, at least when paired with a Lobo.

Fractal, on the contrary, is not as strong as people label it.  One is paying at least 10 :aether for a card that creates, at most, 7 copies of another.  At first this seems so strong, yet, due to the cost, it cannot be used purely for rushing, thus some sort of stalling method is required.  While the increase in cost makes little to no difference in almost all Fractal-based decks, it was still an unnecessary nerf.

I'm not big on forum participation yet, but I've already heard the opinion a significant part of new card ideas find it hard to move forward towards implementation because fractal makes them OP. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion, and if you agree, how would you change fractal? Feel free to suggest any sort of change, including complete removal, but if it's not too much trouble please add also suggested changes to Decay and Eternal Phoenix's decks to keep them competitive in the FG world.. :)
As I've said above, I don't believe Fractal needs a nerf.  What's strange to me, though, is when somebody says Fractal interferes with a card idea, since TU already duplicated creatures, including Flying Weapons, anyway.  I can see a problem when creatures benefit the only when played directly from the hand, but that is rare enough to hardly make a major difference.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: pikachufan2164 on January 25, 2011, 12:31:34 am
I'm not big on forum participation yet, but I've already heard the opinion a significant part of new card ideas find it hard to move forward towards implementation because fractal makes them OP. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion, and if you agree, how would you change fractal? Feel free to suggest any sort of change, including complete removal, but if it's not too much trouble please add also suggested changes to Decay and Eternal Phoenix's decks to keep them competitive in the FG world.. :)
Yes, Fractal is a very powerful card, and it does need a minor nerf. However, changing the mechanics of the card is something that Zanz won't do. I would probably impose a maximum to the number of copies spawned per Fractal -- maybe 4 copies, while making the cost 8|7 :aether.

Eternal Phoenix doesn't need any changes -- it's powerful and fast enough as is, and it really doesn't care if Fractal's cost is 7, 8, or 9, since its triple mark lets one be played on turn 4.

Decay is balanced as is.

He lives in a house, in a very big house in the country.

Where is aether is the house? And why Dim Shield and Fractal are considered so strong?
The house is in another dimension.

Dim Shield is strong because it guarantees 3 turns of invulnerability when there's no permanent control and/or Momentumed creatures to ruin the fun. It pretty much stops cold any rush decks that either don't have a way to deal with it, or can't draw their counters in time.

Fractal is strong because of the way it completely circumvents the 6 copy limit rule. When you've got a strong and relatively inexpensive creature (Giant Frog, Minor Phoenix, Elite Charger, Abyss Crawler, Flesh Recluse, Ray of Light, etc.), why have just one of it? The surprise rush of damage in one turn is enough to catch opponents off guard so that they can't take appropriate defensive measures in time.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Higurashi on January 25, 2011, 01:54:57 am
He lives in a house, in a very big house in the country.

Where is aether is the house? And why Dim Shield and Fractal are considered so strong?
Everywhere.

Dim Shield is considered strong, and rightly so, because if there is no PC available, 3 turns of invulnerability is a lot. Once most players become more experienced, they realise it's not that powerful as they may have thought at first, but it will always remain a powerful card for the metagame due to 3 turns being a lot of time to do serious damage. Luckily, it's expensive and it's easy to do alternate damage, so it's rather balanced.

Fractal on the other hand is a much more complex point. I have never seen a card that grants this much card advantage in any card game. Card advantage is the principle of simply having access to more cards in a card game, and it's generally accepted as the most important factor for winning a game. Potentially giving 8 cards for 1 madness, no matter the quanta cost. Now, realising card advantage is not the reason most consider it so strong. No, the reason for that is pure power. Fractal decks being an archetype of their own says a lot of the power of the card, and how it strongly affects the metagame. No matter how you look at it, it's the most unconditionally powerful card in the game.

What's strange to me, though, is when somebody says Fractal interferes with a card idea, since TU already duplicated creatures, including Flying Weapons, anyway.  I can see a problem when creatures benefit the only when played directly from the hand, but that is rare enough to hardly make a major difference.
Allow me an attempt at making it unstrange. The copying is not a problem, nor is where the creature is played from. The problem is very simple: quantity. There have been hundreds of creature card ideas that have been shot down due to the fact that this creature, in large quantities, would kick far too much ass. This is usually due to their abilities.

To Higurashi:

Question 1: Please tell me a story of a time in chat/forums/during the game that gave you the most joy and pleasure.(does not have to relate to :aether)
Becoming a Tournament Organizer was definitely a very rewarding experience. I quickly became one of the team, and it brought me closer to this forum, community, and its admin. I remember how Rasta used to watch over me during the first couple tournaments, just to see if I did things right and/or needed assistance. It was pretty cute.

Becoming part of the second council has had the same effect. I was very happy to get those votes of confidence from people of the community, and I now have a very good grasp of what's going on in the community and forums. It really makes you part of the community, which in turns makes you want to care for it. I've gone from helping individual beginners in Kong/Elements chat and Deck Help/CIA boards to working on projects that affect the entire community, and it's a great feeling to be part of it all.

It's all thanks to you guys.

Question 2: The previous position of aether master was held by icybraker. If you took the rank of master aether, you would be the first woman to take the role. Do you find any significance in that fact? Or does it matter at all to you?
Not especially. I've never attributed any intrinsic values to gender or sex. What may affect me in general is the fact that I find a large lack of prominent, strong women with integrity in the world. That inspires me to be strong, prominent and to always retain my integrity, especially when I'm put in positions like this: where I become an icon. At the same time, I cannot discard my own humbleness and helpfulness. We must always remain true to ourselves.

Question 3: Consider this scenario:  You are the master for :aether in the next war, it is time to bid and call forth your team.

The situation is set up that you have a "all or none" option here: You can either choose "veterans/pros who are of yours friends"but they will cost a detrimental amount to your vault (completely hindering your chances), OR you can choose "beginners/newcommers/but still friends of yours" but with little compromise to your vault.

In this scenario, please choose between the veterans or beginners; you may not combine or mix from either side. This is an "all or none" situation.

Pick, and explain your choice. If you have a different strategy that can fulfill the scenario above please state so
Looking back at past Wars, I'm inclined to go for the beginner choice; costly auctions have shown to be quite detrimental. What it comes down to for me is the individual motivation of the players. They have to love my divine element, and they have to love War. Whether they're vets or beginners won't matter if I know them.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: icecoldbro on January 25, 2011, 02:26:50 am
To icecoldbro:
Question 1: You were one of the exceptional generals in the war as an :aether general. Give me an event, that "changed your life" or "changed your perspective", something that happened during the last war while you were general that really gave "meaning" to you.(it can be anything)
The event that changed the whole war for me was the leaving of Toimu, it put me into perspective to know how it feels to lose someone who is just a true friend, left me wanting to do even better just to make him feel proud if he ever comes back, another time that, really hit me was when i lost to KDZ (subing for Daxx) which left me depressed it was my time to win it was time to do something good for my team and sadly i felt like i just fell thru, i actually cried when that happened, then went i felt the blow of aether lying on my own shoulders, i felt entirely destroyed when i failed i didn't eat for days and i was perpetually moved to do better next war if i was general, and if not at least to make sure Aether had someone very good leading the next team.




Quote
Question 2: Think about this: it is an "underwritten rule" that war is considered our "highest/prestigious" tournament (next to master's war/trials). Consider all other tournaments, which do you think comes close in strategy, meta game, and "feel" to war.

In other words, name a tournament/event you know of, or played in, that you find was challenging. State why.
Well im not sure if league's are allowed but i would say CL is pretty intense not only are some of the best player's in it, but your play style has to change every other duel if you want to do well as player's not onyl learn how you play they also learn your deck choice's your mental capacities, take into account your state of mind, to me it is one of the biggest challlenges in the game to fight along side such great opponent's.


Quote
Question 3: Consider this scenario:You are the master for :aether in the next war.

I want you to think of a player who you complete trust, and want in the war. do not write/type there name here, just think of that person. They would be a valuable member.

This player tells you they would be happy to join your team. But they say they cannot play for more than 1/4 of the time. They know they will have work/school and other "life" issues that WILL conflict against playing normally. For clarity, I'll give an example. Out of all the battles they "should" be doing during war, they can only do 1/4 of them.  or they can only be available during 1/4 of the day.

Do you still accept them into your team? If you do, tell me how you would put them in (or if this would change at all). If you don't, either way explain why.

I don't think i would try and get them on the team, for me a very valuable team member is one who sticks through the whole thing thick or thin, no matter how little time he has, if he could stay more i don't might have to go last round, last 2 rounds i can understand as WAR is more than just time consuming it is also hard on the brain (at least from my point of view).
It all depends also on how much time is 1/4 of the day for them as if they can not only get what they should be able to do during that time, and help others out with what they do, i wouldn't have any problem with adding them to roster, in fact id do it gladly.

P.S would have loved a question instead of moving factors in my experience during war i would have prefered a question on my relationship with icybraker, and my perspective which has matured, not only from the point of view that i used to actually worship him, to now just holding him in high regard, and how i feel about my fellow challenger's (don't worry guys, actually i couldn't be more proud to fight you guys for what will clearly decide a very motivated and great master of Aether no matter what happens).
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Dragoon1140 on January 25, 2011, 02:30:02 am
To Dragoon1140:
Question 1: Consider that you are the master of :aether; Explain briefly how your videos on youtube can help aid your team in the war. Or will you not use this medium at all during war time?   
Question 2: If we look back at the previous war, :aether had no master. Express your views on the idea of "if you were master of that team" during the war. How would you lead your team to victory?
Question 3: Consider this scenario:  You are the master for :aether in the next war.

I want you to first imagine a player who you find is exceptional, highly desirable for your team in war. (do not type their name here) just imagine it, keep it in mind.

In this scenario, that player is not at all convinced to join you in war. That player is 50-50 in joining you.

Please give a speech, create a dialogue/or chat that would take place between you two to convince them to join your team
1.  There is an option on Youtube to host "private videos," or videos that can only be accessed via a specific link.  If I wished, I could use this as a medium to distribute information among the team.  However, there is a low chance of that happening, since Google Docs and regular threads on the forum will allow one to sift through information faster and more reliably.  Also, yes, I'm going to be making more than one propaganda video.

2.  When working on the Aether War team, I worked closely with icecoldbro, since he chose me, among everybody else on the forum, to be his lieutenant.  I did get a feel of how to command a team by being a second-in-command, and I've also gained the War experience that two of the four Aether Trial'ees do not have.  If I was to lead the team in War #2, I would have packed Mindgates and more TU's, along with more Dimensional Shields if there was room.  I don't think I would have changed much else.

3.  If we stay with the current system as War #2, I cannot cling on to one player, else other Masters bid up the player far too much.  I will judge my team based on activity and how much they want to have fun.  (If they have had PvP problems in the past, whether it be complaining that they shouldn't have lost or that they accused somebody of desynchs without proof, I will not even consider bidding on them.)  Overall, no, I won't want any single player so much that I would have to persuade them in chat to become a part of my team.  After all, who doesn't want players that love a single element so much?

Overall, I really likes these questions.  Thank you Sir Kong.  :)
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: pikachufan2164 on January 25, 2011, 10:15:07 am
Question 1: It is no secret that you are a fan of pokemon, your avatar and chat speeches helps push that idea.

Take the idea of Pokemon Stadium 2, (for the N64 console), a section of the game deals with the "elite 4". Look at the current(and previous masters) in the game of elements give me a ranking of who would be like the "elite 4" and ignore "champion Lance" focus on the 4 elite members below Lance.
"We Psychics don't give up even when we're down to the last Pokémon. That's what makes us so formidable! Until we reach zero, our power is limitless. I'm not giving up yet!" -- Will

Will is all about never giving up, even when the odds are not in one's favour. Thus, I believe that Essence embodies that quality the best -- he's been in several tough situations before (Trials 2 and both War 1 and War 2), and he's continued to fight to the best of his ability every time.

"I live in shadows -- a ninja! My intricate style will confound and destroy you! Confusion, sleep, poison.... Prepare to be the victim of my sinister techniques! Fwahahahaha! Pokémon are not merely about brute force -- you shall see soon enough!" -- Koga

Zeru is undoubtedly the Koga of the Elements community. Entropy's variety of status effects (Chaos Seed, Pandemonium, Antimatter, Butterfly Effect, etc.) combined with his renowned ability to "divide by Zeru" makes him a truly formidable Master.

"I always train to the extreme because I believe in our potential. That is how we became strong. Can you withstand our power? Hm? I see no fear in you. You look determined. Perfect for battle! You will bow down to our overwhelming power!" -- Bruno

Earth has always been a representation of pure power, and Terroking fits this trope to a T (see what I did there? ;)). Having a fearsome Earth Elemental as an avatar and being undefeated (so far) in Trials also helps.

"I'm known for my overpowering tactics. Think you can take them? Just try to entertain me. Let's go. Strong Pokémon. Weak Pokémon. That is only the selfish perception of people. Truly skilled Trainers should try to win with the Pokémon they love best." -- Karen

This is what GirlsGeneration stands for when she battles. Gravity is an element that pierces through its opponent's defences to win. Also, Gravity is regarded as one of the weakest elements in unupped play, and Girls has been doing her best to prove people wrong in her time as Master.

Question 2: I want you to consider this scenario: Pretend all current masters have been replaced with trial combatants (or filled in with a position in :air) and you have become the master of :aether.

It's the final battle in the next war, who do you see yourself battle against? Who among the trial combatants(from other teams) do you see is "a major threat"? State why.
Definitely QuantumT, Amilir, willing3, jmdt, and Napalm Grenade. All five of them are brilliant deckbuilders and strategists, and are fearsome duellists as well.

Question 3: Consider this scenario: Again you are the master for :aether in the next war.

Your team fought well, everyone has played their roles. However, they do horribly in battle and your entire team is eliminated early on.

Demoralized, your team members are calling for you for morale support.

What do you say to them? What would you tell them?
I would tell the members of Team Aether that we did the best we could do, and that we can be proud to make it this far in the War.

PvP events in Elements, much like competitive Pokémon battling, are all about prediction. Sometimes we get it right; sometimes, we don't. If both players played the best that they could, then it really only comes down to the deck composition and the RNG. It's going to be difficult to defeat a hard counter your deck, regardless of one's PvP abilities.

We can always go over what we can do to make our next War attempt better, but for now, we know that we've done the best that we could, and that's all that matters.

Winning isn't everything -- forget about the destination of victory and enjoy the journey of battle.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Boingo on January 28, 2011, 07:24:06 am
For all candidates: 
1.  Display an efficient use for Discord in a 30 card deck.  May use any mark.  Must observe the rule of 50% or more must be aether cards.

2.  Devise a 30-card aether deck to counter a deck with Discords. May use any mark.  Must observe the rule of 50% or more must be aether cards.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: GG on January 28, 2011, 11:43:43 pm
Icybraker, the only member who has served as Master of Aether, has returned. What's your opinions on that?
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Dragoon1140 on January 29, 2011, 12:11:04 am
Icybraker, the only member who has served as Master of Aether, has returned. What's your opinions on that?
I think it is fantastic that past member has returned, it's always great to increase the amount of awesome people our community boasts.  However, I don't see the relation between the past and now.  Unless I'm mistaken, it's been about six months since Icybraker left.  While he is a hilarious guy, we shouldn't always be living in the past.  Our community has some great new members in it, and they deserve a chance at Master titles as anybody in the past does.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Higurashi on January 29, 2011, 12:22:46 am
S'pretty cool. Been chatting idly with him today, and he seems even nicer than when he left. Yep yep.

Using Discord:
Code: [Select]
4vc 4vc 4vc 4vd 4vd 4ve 4ve 4ve 4ve 4ve 4ve 4vl 4vl 4vl 4vn 61q 61q 61q 61q 61q 61t 61t 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63aLightning+Maxwell's for very powerful CC, and an Antimatter in case something goes through or you just want some healing. Aboms for decent speed, Dim Shields in case things don't go as planned.
Against Discord, well.. my previous deck Thunderbirds would really be optimal. But if you want another one, here goes something weirder:
Code: [Select]
4vh 4vh 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 52q 52q 55u 590 5c1 5lf 5og 61o 61o 61o 61o 61q 61q 61q 61q 61q 61q 61r 61r 63a 63a 63aA Discord against this might actually help it. The QI for the Aether cards is rather low to allow some usage, and ensure late-game guaranteed usage (PU's). Yes, Lightning is very useful in making these strange decks. x) I had fun with it, though! :>
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: icecoldbro on January 29, 2011, 12:39:45 am
For all candidates: 
1.  Display an efficient use for Discord in a 30 card deck.  May use any mark.  Must observe the rule of 50% or more must be aether cards.

2.  Devise a 30-card aether deck to counter a deck with Discords. May use any mark.  Must observe the rule of 50% or more must be aether cards.
Code: [Select]
6u4 6u4 6u4 6u4 6u4 6u4 6u5 6u5 6u5 6u5 6u5 7n2 7n2 7n2 7n2 809 809 809 809 809 809 80b 80b 80b 81q 81q 81q 81q 81q 81q
Code: [Select]
6u3 6u3 6u4 6u4 6u4 6u4 6u4 6u5 6u5 6u5 6u5 6u5 7n2 7n2 7n2 7n2 809 809 809 809 809 80b 80b 80b 80b 80b 81q 81q 81q 81q 81q 81qAn Old deck from War II, that i designed to fight Xkelevra, sadly it left us badly in other areas if we wanted to use it, so we kinda had to pull plug on it
Code: [Select]
6u1 6u1 6u1 6u1 6u1 6u3 6u3 6u3 6u3 7t6 7t6 7t6 7t6 7t6 808 808 808 80d 80d 80i 80i 80i 80i 81q 81q 81q 81q 81q 81q 81q
Icybraker, the only member who has served as Master of Aether, has returned. What's your opinions on that?
I dont know, he seems different, not the guy i knew back in the day, I still will be waiting, maybe its cause ive matured, maybe its because I have grown stronger, but now I do not feel him on a pedestal beyong reach, I fell him closer like a paternal figure, He will always be my teacher, but im not sure if the student is now finally gonna stand along side the teacher.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Dragoon1140 on January 29, 2011, 02:43:44 am
Just for my War buddy.  :)

For all candidates: 
1.  Display an efficient use for Discord in a 30 card deck.  May use any mark.  Must observe the rule of 50% or more must be aether cards.

2.  Devise a 30-card aether deck to counter a deck with Discords. May use any mark.  Must observe the rule of 50% or more must be aether cards.
With Discord:
Code: [Select]
4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vk 4vk 4vk 4vk 4vk 4vl 4vl 4vl 5l9 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61p 61p 61p 61p 61p 61t 61t 61t 61t
I said before I wouldn't ever, ever pack Sparks in the vault, so I'm assuming team Aether just beat Fire's Lava Golem rush.  Anyway, this is just a simple Mutation deck, which I love, and it uses Discord.  It's great against elements that aren't bringing creature control, and it is just a good deck to play with.
On another note, some of the other Aether contestants seem to forget about how hard it is to make a perfect deck like what they're suggesting.  As I'm sure you know as a War deck builder, Boingo, Rainbow decks are incredibly hard to pull off in War.

Against Discord:
Code: [Select]
4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 590 590 590 590 590 590 5f6 5f6 5f6 61r 61r 61r 61r 61r 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a
Now this is a deck I positively love.  It's simple, doesn't pussy-foot around, and team Aether is more than likely to have all of the necessary cards, since Graboid/Nova is, probably, going to be very popular in War III.  If I feel like my opponent is going more for a cc-build, Quints + Momentum could be packed instead of PU's + Deflags.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Higurashi on January 29, 2011, 03:15:01 am
I said before I wouldn't ever, ever pack Sparks in the vault, so I'm assuming team Aether just beat Fire's Lava Golem rush.
Incidentally, neither did I specify anything regarding this, yet you said experience shows? Very strange and irrelevant quip. Assuming too much?

On another note, some of the other Aether contestants seem to forget about how hard it is to make a perfect deck like what they're suggesting.  As I'm sure you know as a War deck builder, Boingo, Rainbow decks are incredibly hard to pull off in War.
Even more passive aggressiveness? Firstly, Boingo never said it was for War. Secondly, you have no rational reason to assume anyone would forget about that. Thirdly, I could use the same obscure argument you just did: we just salvaged them randomly. I'm not sure where you're going with these remarks, but it simply looks like you're trying to have jabs at other candidates. What is it you usually say... "don't hate, appreciate"?
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: icecoldbro on January 29, 2011, 03:23:27 am
Drag im the most experienced challenger, not only in War but also in previous trials, if something seems unlikely, that means nothing, who knows with someone new or maybe me in front of next war team how do you know someone will decide to not pack some of these cards?
War is ever changing and so is life if you cant curve with it, then i dont know *some speech phrase or soemthing*
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Dragoon1140 on January 29, 2011, 03:26:38 am
Incidentally, neither did I specify anything regarding this, yet you said experience shows? Very strange and irrelevant quip. Assuming too much?  Even more passive aggressiveness? Firstly, Boingo never said it was for War. Secondly, you have no rational reason to assume anyone would forget about that. Thirdly, I could use the same obscure argument you just did: we just salvaged them randomly. I'm not sure where you're going with these remarks, but it simply looks like you're trying to have jabs at other candidates. What is you usually say... "don't hate, appreciate"?
Here is my comment to this:  I am not going to be involved with drama.

I understand you have a nag for debating, but I'm not going to turn these whole Aether Trials into an unnecessary debate about misconceptions made over what I've posted.  There is very, very little point to such a thing, and, like every single other time it happens in other Trials, everybody just becomes tired of the drama.

Say what you will, but I will not be a part of it.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: pikachufan2164 on January 29, 2011, 01:45:09 pm
For all candidates: 
1.  Display an efficient use for Discord in a 30 card deck.  May use any mark.  Must observe the rule of 50% or more must be aether cards.

2.  Devise a 30-card aether deck to counter a deck with Discords. May use any mark.  Must observe the rule of 50% or more must be aether cards.
Code: [Select]
4vl 4vl 4vl 4vn 4vp 4vp 4vp 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61q 61q 61s 61s 61s 61s 61s 61t 61t 61t 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a
Code: [Select]
4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 52p 52p 52q 52q 52r 52r 52r 5f6 5i5 5rk 61q 61q 61r 61r 624 624 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a
Icybraker, the only member who has served as Master of Aether, has returned. What's your opinions on that?
It's nice to see some old faces come back to the community :)
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Higurashi on January 29, 2011, 01:47:45 pm
Here is my comment to this:  I am not going to be involved with drama.

I understand you have a nag for debating, but I'm not going to turn these whole Aether Trials into an unnecessary debate about misconceptions made over what I've posted.  There is very, very little point to such a thing, and, like every single other time it happens in other Trials, everybody just becomes tired of the drama.

Say what you will, but I will not be a part of it.
You already are, especially by making comments on my habits. If you don't want drama, don't try the things I've just exposed, mm?

There are no misconceptions whatsoever, and thus no need for drama, but I figured you would try to avoid a proper discussion since you have no way out of this at all. You've contradicted yourself while trying to trash-talk others, and now you want out. Very sad. I've lost a lot of respect for you.

Just don't think you can get away with stuff like this and resume your general façade to the rest. Someone will always call you out. Don't get me wrong though, I don't really care as long as I can defend myself from these attempts.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: icecoldbro on January 29, 2011, 05:06:34 pm
Interesting how little votes i got, well i guess that's it for my trial experience, now to try and get myself into a war team, preferably, aether, fire, life, or something else
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Dragoon1140 on January 29, 2011, 06:08:53 pm
Well ignoring that little event...

Yes, these were the results I expected for the most part.  Best of luck to pikachufan and Marisa in the finals, and I hope both of you enjoy your potential spot as Aether Master.  I wasn't expecting to win, but thanks to the 18 people that decided to vote for me.  I know most of you who had already told me, so I'll be sure to thank you when the time comes.

However, there is one particular member that deserves my thanks right now.  He decided to interview me in chat one day and, while this is probably not his intention, it was particularly touching for me.  He has given me permission to post this (albeit edited at one point).
[03:38:35 AM] Gl1tch [»] Dragoon1140: I'm debating about voting for you...

[03:38:42 AM] Dragoon1140 [»] Gl1tch: Oh?

[03:39:00 AM] Gl1tch [»] Dragoon1140: I've already spoken my concerns to Higs, and she answered.
[03:39:09 AM] Gl1tch [»] Dragoon1140: So I shall allow rebuttal, and repeat my question to you.
[03:39:18 AM] Gl1tch [»] Dragoon1140: 1) What is it you bring to master of aether that she does not?
[03:39:35 AM] Gl1tch [»] Dragoon1140: 2) How would you counter those who would say you just like aether, it's not your favorite element. That you are unloyal.

[03:40:27 AM] Dragoon1140 [»] Gl1tch: 1) Well I've experienced War and assisted my team in taking 5th place, which I'm proud of. I also have the ego to call myself
[03:40:38 AM] Dragoon1140 [»] Gl1tch: a Master, while also being nice enough to pull it off. :)
[03:41:33 AM] Dragoon1140 [»] Gl1tch: 2) Opinions change. The only time I said Aether wasn't my favorite element was about five months ago in a video. After going
[03:41:51 AM] Dragoon1140 [»] Gl1tch: through War, I've found I really like to use and play with Aether decks.
[03:42:30 AM] Dragoon1140 [»] Gl1tch: Basically, I can run my War team better and Aether is, indeed, my favorite element. Anybody who says otherwise hasn't talked
[03:42:36 AM] Dragoon1140 [»] Gl1tch: to me about it in a decent while.

[03:42:55 AM] Gl1tch [»] Dragoon1140: Hrm.... interesting...

[03:43:46 AM] Dragoon1140 [»] Gl1tch: So, did I rebuttle properly? :)

[03:43:56 AM] Gl1tch [»] Dragoon1140: Was higs on team Aether in the war?

[03:44:34 AM] Dragoon1140 [»] Gl1tch: Only Icecoldbro and myself was on the War team. As far as I know, Marisa has no War experience.

[03:45:22 AM] Gl1tch [»] Dragoon1140: Interesting...
[03:45:26 AM] Gl1tch [»] Dragoon1140: You, sire, just earned a vote.

[03:45:50 AM] Dragoon1140 [»] Gl1tch: I'm glad I could help. :)

[03:46:26 AM] Gl1tch [»] Dragoon1140: Just an FYI: you earned it because of 3 things.
[03:46:37 AM] Gl1tch [»] Dragoon1140: 1) You countered the argument that you aren't loyal. Loylaty is a biggy for me.
[03:46:57 AM] Gl1tch [»] Dragoon1140: 2) ---Hidden by request---
[03:47:06 AM] Gl1tch [»] Dragoon1140: 3) You picked monoaether in the duels.
[03:47:12 AM] Gl1tch [»] Dragoon1140: Good luck! =)

[03:47:58 AM] Dragoon1140 [»] Gl1tch: Thank you kind sir!
[03:48:56 AM] Dragoon1140 [»] Gl1tch: ...you're still going to call me a pedo, aren't you?

[03:50:04 AM] Gl1tch [»] Dragoon1140: <3

Regardless, I am disappointed Phase 3 ended the way it did in this topic, all of us are above that.

Good luck.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: pikachufan2164 on January 29, 2011, 06:17:13 pm
Thank you for voting for me, all 13 of you -- I won't let you down! :)

ICB, I'm sure that the Generals will want to bid on you. You're a great duellist; remember that.

Dragoon, it's OK. Sometimes, words don't travel over the Internet well.

Higs, I look forward to the final battle; maybe I'll actually win a few rounds this time :))
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: icecoldbro on January 29, 2011, 06:33:03 pm
And I thank those 11 people that voted for me id like to say (yes I didnt vote for me), have fun: hugs and pikachu.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Boingo on January 29, 2011, 09:19:55 pm
Thank you all candidates for answering my (admittedly late) question.  It was not just a test of deckbuilding skills, but something I hope Team Aether keeps in mind for the next War.  Discord will be there--be ready for it.
Title: Re: Phase 3 - Community Vote
Post by: Higurashi on January 30, 2011, 02:33:03 am
... O_O
So many votes... I'm moved. It takes a lot to do that. I won't let a single one of you down, that I swear.

I expect a good fight, pika! No matter who wins, Aether gets a new Master and icon, and that's a victory for everyone.

Team Aether will be ready for Discord and all other denial, as it's a type of strategy you have to expect and plan for even more in a setting like War. I aim to be in that team no matter what happens.

Forge ahead!
blarg: