yes its cost = 1... but it picks a random to begin with.. so it will pick 1 of 12 elements.. whichever it picks is its true cost in my opinion.. so if i get the cost back it SHOULD be the same element used to pay for it..
i understand you, its about how you define "cost". imho cost of the card is indicated in the upper right corner of each card. that means long sword's cost is 1 random quantum.
But that doesn't seem to correlate with the card's original intent. Its intentions are for you to get back what you paid, not just receive a random benefit for having a creature get nailed. In this case, if the Long Sword cost 1 quantum, then you should receive the back as compensation.
thank you for trying to decide what is my ideas's original intent, you dont have to do so. i know what is my card about:
if your card's cost is 3 random quanta then you get back 3 back random quanta, right?
anyway, its not a big deal, there are no "other" creatures except flying 'other' weapons, which is very uncommon.