Round 6: Unwinnable Staring Contest | Unwinnable Staring Contest

[Aves]

With 0 cost for the ability, effigy is superior to squid in nearly every case. One squid can control 3 (or 4) seperate creatures at the cost of 2 a turn. If we add more squids, this is multiplied by the number of squids.

On the other hand, one effigy can control three creatures at the cost of 0 a turn. If we add more effigies, we exponentially increase the power, as two effigies can control 6 separate creatures in a single turn, and that lasts for 2 turns-- meaning 12 creatures controlled by 2 effigies. With three effigies, it's 3 creatures for 3 turns, so 27 creatures-- that's locking down the entire board with 3 effigies. The higher base cost doesn't compensate enough for the increase in utility.

[CleanOnion]

Not quite - Effigies, no matter how many you have, can only delay/freeze 3 creatures between them. More Effigies only increases the length of the delay/freeze.

[Aves]

Ah, my bad. Should've read the notes more thoroughly! That's a more reasonable approach than what was getting from the card text alone. I still think the 0-cost ability might be a bit much-- that's a lot of quantum saved the longer we extend the game.

[CleanOnion]

That feels like a good balance adjustment. I've added a cost of 1 to the ability, although keep in mind that you only need to use the ability once even if you have 6 Effigies.

It's been pointed out to me that the card text implies that each Effigy can delay/freeze 3 separate creatures, so I've shuffled the words around to be a bit less ambiguous. More feedback please!

[Silver Emerald]

I know that the amount of space on a card for text has the potential to be one of the worst restrictions around, but it would be greatly appreciated if it were mentioned on the card itself that the ability can only be activated by one Ancient/Glacial Effigy per turn.

Unfortunately, beyond potentially tacking on "(shared ability)" after the ability name, I'm currently at a loss for how to briefly state that on the card.

[CleanOnion]

I know that the amount of space on a card for text has the potential to be one of the worst restrictions around, but it would be greatly appreciated if it were mentioned on the card itself that the ability can only be activated by one Ancient/Glacial Effigy per turn.

Unfortunately, beyond potentially tacking on "(shared ability)" after the ability name, I'm currently at a loss for how to briefly state that on the card.

Excellent idea! I've appended "Shared: " to each of the abilities.

[JonathanCrazyJ]

So, if you have 6 effigies in play, you use one of their abilities and freeze/delay 3 enemies for 6 turns each.
Are the effigies unable to use their ability for the next 6 turns?

[CleanOnion]

So, if you have 6 effigies in play, you use one of their abilities and freeze/delay 3 enemies for 6 turns each.
Are the effigies unable to use their ability for the next 6 turns?

That is correct.

No, you can use them again next turn. That might seem OP, but consider being able to freeze 6 enemies for 4 turns each using 6 Arctic Octopi.

[Espithel]

(R5)
Multiple-targeting is impossible, in case you care about realism.
Assuming you don't, the unupped reads a lot more like an earth card.
This is also redundant in comparison to arctic squid. Do we need both?

[CleanOnion]

(R5)
Multiple-targeting is impossible, in case you care about realism.
Assuming you don't, the unupped reads a lot more like an earth card.
This is also redundant in comparison to arctic squid. Do we need both?

1) It sure is, but this is Card Design War, not Realistic Game Implementation War
2) Snazztastic. Try sprinkling some dirt on your screen to achieve the desired effect
3) I've already compared both - the Effigy can freeze more creatures simultaneously (assuming you have less than 3 Squids), which boosts its effectiveness with d2d's Clockwork. It's also cheaper in terms of ability cost and more accessible (it would be able to be bought from the bazaar)

[Espithel]

3) I've already compared both - the Effigy can freeze more creatures simultaneously (assuming you have less than 3 Squids), which boosts its effectiveness with d2d's Clockwork. It's also cheaper in terms of ability cost and more accessible (it would be able to be bought from the bazaar)

You've compared them. I'm asking if the game should have both in at the same time.

[CleanOnion]

3) I've already compared both - the Effigy can freeze more creatures simultaneously (assuming you have less than 3 Squids), which boosts its effectiveness with d2d's Clockwork. It's also cheaper in terms of ability cost and more accessible (it would be able to be bought from the bazaar)

You've compared them. I'm asking if the game should have both in at the same time.

Perhaps they would each find their own uses, perhaps it's excessive. If you think the latter, you should consider voting for Aves