PROJECT Gaian vs Cthonic : The Elemental Factions [Archive]

[ZephyrPhantom]

I'll post my view of the 'faction conflict' later, but :

Why would Gaian use metal or stone when they could use wood instead?


a gaian would use metal to conduct electricity. they would use stone for making jewelry, sharpening knives (made of metal) and other likely uses.

I believe usage of electricity is much more Cthonic than Gaian. Wood does not conduct electricity, and most of the natural world would favor something along the 'natural' lines of Animate Weapon to give their constructs 'souls' as opposed to the 'hollow' machines of the Cthonic.

Why would Cthonic use anything other than metal/stone?

they would use cloth and leather for clothing, they would use wood to make torches, they would use plants for food as desired, medicine for one

IMHO, that's a relatively minor point that does not define the faction, because I assume both factions have their versions of 'normal' items such as clothing, armor, medicine, etc... but we are focusing on their styles of combat rather than their everyday life. In the end, Cthonic uses more robotic-type machines while Gaian tries to attune their creations to nature more, which means they would favor metal and wood respectively. (Stone IMHO is in between the two.)

While there are exceptions to the sentiment of these questions, their nature does show an imbalanced focus.

maybe. can I hear a few other people on this specific issue? just for peace of mind.

Gaian favors Natural Earth/Compost.
Cthonic favors Mineral Earth/Metals.

Since this is a design skeleton that can have additional cards added to it later I would leave element placement as is due to greater potential interaction between / machinery. (I would still like to see an Cthonic card for this set, namely a 'Battery' or 'Capacitor' of sorts.)

[MaTianLong]

I'm very curious about this new " concept " however I'm still not sure at what type of feedback you need for this stage, and I don't have really understood the making of a new elements or cards... if someone can resolve those doubts I'll give my ideas...

[OldTrees]

I'm very curious about this new " concept " however I'm still not sure at what type of feedback you need for this stage, and I don't have really understood the making of a new elements or cards... if someone can resolve those doubts I'll give my ideas...

I would read these 2 threads:
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,5039.0.html
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,25096.0.html

The current topic is more abstract than I have a guide to link to. However the project is going from abstract to concrete so stick around.


@storyteller
Was Zblader's opinion enough or should we wait a bit longer?

[MaTianLong]

I'm very curious about this new " concept " however I'm still not sure at what type of feedback you need for this stage, and I don't have really understood the making of a new elements or cards... if someone can resolve those doubts I'll give my ideas...

The current topic is more abstract than I have a guide to link to. However the project is going from abstract to concrete so stick around.


@storyteller
Was Zblader's opinion enough or should we wait a bit longer?

I will stick around.. this is promising

[storyteller]

I'm very curious about this new " concept " however I'm still not sure at what type of feedback you need for this stage, and I don't have really understood the making of a new elements or cards... if someone can resolve those doubts I'll give my ideas...

I would read these 2 threads:
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,5039.0.html
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,25096.0.html

The current topic is more abstract than I have a guide to link to. However the project is going from abstract to concrete so stick around.


@storyteller
Was Zblader's opinion enough or should we wait a bit longer?

cha.... party on wayne.

[OldTrees]

Ok. The next step is starting to design cards.

Most cards should have their faction's signature ability to some degree. Each card should contribute to the faction's completeness. Each card should be usable by itself.

For this step just post card ideas in this thread in an abbreviated form.

Gaian: Genesis counters (accumulate over time)
Cthonic: Reinforce (parts are salvaged when destroyed)

Gaian
Creatures:
 
Permanents:
 
Spells
 

Cthonic
Creatures:
 
Permanents:
 
Spells
 

@MaTianLong
Completeness in this sense means the card set has responses to attacks and defenses of its opponent. (Mono fire and Mono Darkness are good examples)

@stroyteller
If you would summarize the theme of each faction for MaTainLong that would be appreciated.

[ZephyrPhantom]

Updated OP with new set structure.
I'll start with these slots:

Slot :  Cthonic
Shadow Skimmer
5 | 4
Creature
5 | 1
Enters play Cloaked. (This is permanent unless it is removed.
When Shadow Skimmer is destroyed, generate an Evasion Ward.

Evasion Ward:
All creatures are Cloaked for 1 turn. (Card self-destructs after turn ends, like Sundial.)
: Alpha Strike : All cloaked creatures gain Momentum for 1 turn and lose Cloak. (Allows the card to have a more offensive functionality. This effect doesn't have to be included if people feel it's too much for the card.)

Slot: Gaian
Gene Splicer
3  | 2 
Creature
2 | 1
If Gene Splicer would be destroyed, remove a Genesis counter from it instead.
: Place a Genesis Counter on target card. It cannot be destroyed this turn.
^Overall, a protective card that can allow it's other counter-generating allies to grow while protecting itself.

Slot: Gaian
Chaotic Mutation
7 | 5
Spell
All creatures get +2 | +2 until the end of your turn. All your creatures with Genesis Counters get a random positive status effect. (Wisdom, Momentum, Adrenaline, Quintessence, Purify, etc...)
Place a Genesis Counter on each creature you control.
^Could also be  a +1 | +1 for 5 | 3.

[MaTianLong]

I've came up with this ability, I think it's very " Chtonian "

Upgrade: 1 x ( x is quanta ) the creature gains +1|+1 , after you use this ability it will change to 2x ( x is quanta ) the creature gains +2|+2, after you use it the ability will encrease as in cost and benefits:

1x--> +1|+1

2x--> +2|+2

4x--> +3|+3

and so on...


An idea..

Slot Chtonic
Salvaging Station
6
Permanent
As long as Salvaging Station is in play whenever a creature that you controll dies you will recieve back half of its quantum cost.

[OldTrees]

@MaTianLong
The ability cost could probably increase at the same rate as the bonus. However we should playtest both prices later.

Having the Chtonic Other card be a mass salvage card is a good idea. It allows non rainbow Chtonic decks to feel more Chtonic.


@Zblader
Alphastrike is very powerful. Probably too powerful.

[MaTianLong]

I was thinking about the quantum production mechanics, I think Gaians should have quantum sources based on the n° of creatures/permanents in game, while Chtonians should produce more quantum sacrificing or at the cost to see them die/destroy creatures or permanents...

for this:

Slot Chtonic
Exploitation
6
Spell
your pillars/pendulums will produce again quanta (like turn ends), however there's a % that some of your pillars/pendulums will be destroyed

( the % is higher if you have many pillars/pendulums )

[ZephyrPhantom]

@Zblader
Alphastrike is very powerful. Probably too powerful.

Agreed. Its a bit surprising how much decks can rely on shields. Evasion ward now only provide a cloak effect.

@MaTianLong I like the simplicity and usefulness of Salvage Station. I am not as sure if it is as necessary to give Gaian and Cthonic individual quantum generators, but the concept and proposed card seem worth looking into.

Thoughts on Gene Splicer and Chaotic Mutation?

[storyteller]

Cthonic
Darkway Skulkling
5 
Creature (Cthonic)
3|5
Gains +2|+1 each turn it is Cloaked,
loses -2|-1 each turn it is not Cloaked

upped
Gains +3|+2 each turn it is Cloaked
loses -2|-1 each turn it is not Cloaked

Gaian
SkyShroud Walker
4 
Creature (Gaian)
5|3
if SkyShroud Walker has a Genisis Counter, it is airborne
  Dive (only if airborne)
gain a Genesis Counter whenever you generate an Air Quanta (per stack, or per creature, but not for each quanta)
lose a Genesis Counter each turn.
upped
  Dive
(Cthonic)
Cthonic GroundShaker
6
Permanent (Cthonic)
 
Tremors: destroy a pillar or pendulum, all non-airborne creatures take 1 damage
upped
  Tremors

(Cthonic)
Magma Chamber
4 
Permanent (Cthonic)
Churn:  Generate a Random Quanta, can be used multiple times per turn
upped
3

(Gaian)
Ent Walker | Ent Lord
4
Creature (Gaian)
3|9
  : RootFoot: become and Silent Guardian
upped
5
4|12

Silent Guardian
4 
Permanent (Gaian)
Peaceful Vigil : all creatures with a Genesis Counter heal 1 HP each turn
  : WalkingFoot: Become Ent Walker
upped
  : WalkingFoot: Become Ent Lord