Ask the Idea Guru

[OldTrees]

Can I get your thoughts on the revised Energy Wyrm?

What changed?
It is still a 10|1 for 4 that would be have a single copy added to every Aether deck. (No deck would use a 2nd copy for long)
It is still impossible to have 2 on the field at once.
It can still deal 20 spell damage to the opponent for the cost of 1 + 1 card + (8 + 2 cards) [PS more expensive than UG]

[Drake_XIV]

But I was also considering the drawbacks when accounting for CC.

And yes, it isn't as cheap as UG, but the idea was it would be slightly more flexible.

[OldTrees]

But I was also considering the drawbacks when accounting for CC.
This was inevitable. I had assumed it in the previous evaluation because I knew you would fix it.

And yes, it isn't as cheap as UG, but the idea was it would be slightly more flexible.

The major problem of the card is the imbalance and restrictions you created when combining high attack and unstable. To fix the card you need to make the first copy balanced (rather than OP) and then make the 6th copy still useful and balanced (rather than UP).

[ZephyrPhantom]

What do feel is the biggest difference between weapons/shields and other types of cards (such as 'heroes') that attempt to limit the number of potentially viable copies in a deck?

[OldTrees]

What do feel is the biggest difference between weapons/shields and other types of cards (such as 'heroes') that attempt to limit the number of potentially viable copies in a deck?

Weapons and Shields are based on expected limitations resulting from the presumption of a humanoid body. Most other limits are less expected. (What do you mean I can't have a right hand man and a left hand man?)

The other big difference is Zanz already used the addition of Weapon and Shield slots to add primary defense and secure offense. The others have not been added. (And most don't have a purpose beyond wanting a 3rd slot.)

[furballdn]

Has the idea of a creature reducing damage done to the creatures around them been done before? If not, how should it be balanced?

[OldTrees]

Has the idea of a creature reducing damage done to the creatures around them been done before? If not, how should it be balanced?

Yes, though around was defined as the whole field.
Creature Forge: Gravitation Behemoth http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,36486.0.html
Balanced via serial playtesting and cost adjustment.

[memimemi]

Just had an idea:

Chaotic Nexus
  Permanent

Unupped: all randomized effects have their effects strengthened
Upped: all randomized positive effects are strengthened for you; all negative effects are strengthened for opponent.  All negative random effects are weakened against you; all positive random effects are weakened for your opponent.

Has this idea been tossed around already?  Is there any glaring fault that pops out immediately?

By "strengthened," I mean that all damage done by Chaos Seed/Pandemonium has a random (1-3) boost; Pandemonium is less likely to be a dud against any given creature; Mutation/Fallen Elf are more likely to create mutants instead of Abominations; Improved Mutation/Fallen Druid's creatures gain an extra Chaos Power's boost on creation; etc.

I'm keen to hear your input.  I'd like to see more mono- builds, using all the awesome randomized goodies that are availible.

[OldTrees]

Just had an idea:

Chaotic Nexus
  Permanent

Unupped: all randomized effects have their effects strengthened
Upped: all randomized positive effects are strengthened for you; all negative effects are strengthened for opponent.  All negative random effects are weakened against you; all positive random effects are weakened for your opponent.

Has this idea been tossed around already?  Is there any glaring fault that pops out immediately?

By "strengthened," I mean that all damage done by Chaos Seed/Pandemonium has a random (1-3) boost; Pandemonium is less likely to be a dud against any given creature; Mutation/Fallen Elf are more likely to create mutants instead of Abominations; Improved Mutation/Fallen Druid's creatures gain an extra Chaos Power's boost on creation; etc.

I'm keen to hear your input.  I'd like to see more mono- builds, using all the awesome randomized goodies that are availible.

It has been tossed around at the theme level (aka people will recognize it as obviously Entropy) but it has never been made into a card.

Cards that require support (the random effect in this case) should have a variety of different supports that the player can choose from.

It is unlikely that your opponent will use any random cards. Do not assume they will but also make it remain balanced even if they do.

Make the card effect as clear as possible from reading the card text.

Read up on the random effects. (Pandamonium effects every creature. No duds. What you perceive as duds are multiple instances of Gravity Pull defaulting to the last Gravity Pulled creature.)

[memimemi]

Cards that require support (the random effect in this case) should have a variety of different supports that the player can choose from.

It is unlikely that your opponent will use any random cards. Do not assume they will but also make it remain balanced even if they do.

Read up on the random effects. (Pandamonium effects every creature. No duds. What you perceive as duds are multiple instances of Gravity Pull defaulting to the last Gravity Pulled creature.)

I don't quite understand the first point.  Wouldn't most of  's arsenal count as a variety of different supports from which to choose?

The second point makes sense.  Maybe if it just boosted your own effects, and had nothing to do with the opponent?  Do you think that would make for easier balancing?

Point three: the moar you know.  I was totally unaware of that.

[OldTrees]

Cards that require support (the random effect in this case) should have a variety of different supports that the player can choose from.

It is unlikely that your opponent will use any random cards. Do not assume they will but also make it remain balanced even if they do.

Read up on the random effects. (Pandamonium effects every creature. No duds. What you perceive as duds are multiple instances of Gravity Pull defaulting to the last Gravity Pulled creature.)

I don't quite understand the first point.  Wouldn't most of  's arsenal count as a variety of different supports from which to choose?

The second point makes sense.  Maybe if it just boosted your own effects, and had nothing to do with the opponent?  Do you think that would make for easier balancing?

Point three: the moar you know.  I was totally unaware of that.

I do not think you need to change the card design. I was merely reminding you to make it useful with each of the random effects (Mutation, Chaos Seed, Discord, Quantum Pillars, Hatch) so that it does not become dependent on a single one. You can have it effect the opponent's effects. Just don't underestimate or overestimate their frequency.

Here is another one you should know (although you will be researching these effects on the wiki):
Discord drains up to 10 quanta and then generates up to 10 

[furballdn]

Wise old trees! If I provide a few ideas can you tell me which has potential?

A 3|2 card that stops target player from drawing for one turn
An card that grants +2atk and airborne status
A creature called flying fish that is airborne, and has X% of getting critical hits and dodging as long as it is airborne