4th Trials - Phase 1 - Proving of Worthiness

[kev]

Phase 1 - Proving of Worthiness
Phase 1 has ended

See the tasks here (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,29093.0.html).

Post your screenshots, links, shard commentaries, etc here.

Please use "modify" on your first post here rather than adding new posts as you progress through the tasks.  This will help avoid clutter.  Thanks.

[pikachufan2164]

Task I: Battle Prowess - The Arena COMPLETE

Deck: Chaos Kaleidoscope (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,29184.0.html)

by pikachufan2164

Hover over cards for details, click for permalink

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6u2 6u2 6u2 6u2 6u2 6u2 808 808 808 808 808 808 808 808 808 808 808 80b 80b 80b 80b 80b 80e 80e 80g 80g 80g 80g 80g 80g 8pj

Task II: Card Design - Shards COMPLETE

Submission: Shard of Insight (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg397389#msg397389)

Critiques:

Shard of Foresight (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg395120#msg395120) by dracomageat

Although it has interesting synergy when combined with Mindgate, this card seems to have to be more of a shard than an shard. Why? Revealing the opponent's hand for the turn is part of Precognition's ability. Being able to "mill" (discard cards from the top of the deck) is an ability that is unofficially attributed to , even though Zanz has yet to officially explore the concept (see Hieroglyph | Eye of Ra (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,18678.0.html) for a community-created way of implementing the idea) -- possibly because it has the same ramifications as hand discard: denying the player from being ever able to play the cards that were discarded.

Even with only the ability to see the top card of the opponent's deck, the casting cost can probably be bumped up to 1 or 2 random quanta, as it's quite a big strategic advantage (predicting whether you'll be able to survive the next turn or not, chaining cards like Dim Shields, Wings, Sundials, replacing Bone Walls, and the like) -- even though it seems to be a niche ability at first. When the Precog ability is added to the card, then its cost should be somewhere around the 3 to 4 random quanta range.Shard of Nonviolence (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg397747#msg397747) by UTAlan

Although an interesting concept, there are still a few pieces of rules baggage that need to be cleared up before it makes its way to the voting stage.

The use of the term "dematerializes" is rather vague, and if possible, should be explained using existing game mechanics. Do the weapons actually get removed from play while the shard is in play and return with the same stats and conditions as before when the shard leaves play? This may be a bit difficult for Zanz to implement coding-wise, as I'm not sure if it's possible for the coding to 'remember' what the weapons were like before they got removed from play (for things like flown weapon stats and status, freeze/delay counters on both flown and slot weapons). If the weapons return as its base version in the appropriate slot, it would be easier to implement. A third option is to just mass-delay all affected weapons while the shard is in play, and remove the delay when the shard leaves play. This would undoubtedly be the simplest and most elegant way of implementing the mechanic, though it doesn't fit quite as well thematically with the idea of disarmament.

Sample rules text: "As long as Shard of Nonviolence is in play, delay all weapons in a weapon slot."Shard of Sympathy (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg394222#msg394222) by Saynt

This shard is ridiculously powerful, even with just a single copy in play. If the effect is stackable, then I daresay that it reaches the dubious distinction of being broken.

Symmetrical effects often feel "balanced" because they effect both players, but in reality, they are usually much more advantageous to the owner of the card. Why? The answer is simple: timing. The player can just simply cast the spell at a time that maximizes benefit while minimizing risk, or just get around the downsides of the card. A classic Elements-related example of a symmetrical effect is unupped Pandemonium -- one can take advantage of its field-clearing abilities even further and minimize the downsides of it hitting one's own creatures by using creatures with high HP, immaterial or burrowing creatures, having no creatures in play at all, or using Voodoo Dolls.

There are also some ambiguities with the current wording -- who gets to choose the cards destroyed or stolen in response? Since the game will not allow a player to make decisions outside of their own turn, it has to either have the RNG randomly determining which cards are destroyed, or the opponent must choose which cards they're sacrificing.Shard of Passion (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg398548#msg398548) by ~Napalm

Side note: Napalm has changed the card text since I wrote my critique. The version I reviewed had the card text of:
Shard of Passion (6) Permanent : "Consume all but quanta. When a creature is played, two are played for twice the cost."
Shard of Passion (6) Permanent : "Consume all but quanta. When a creature is played, two are played for twice the cost. Fire creatures gain +0/+1."

I couldn't resist commenting on this one :>

At first glance, this looks like a card that should be an Aether shard instead, as it is the element that specializes in creating extra copies of creatures (Life, Air, and Time also have this ability with Mitosis, Firefly Queen, and Pharaoh, but none of the three elements are as efficient as Aether in what it does). Why would this be flavourful as a Fire shard? That +0|+1 bonus is barely worth playing, as Fire creatures are supposed to be fragile anyway. The most problematic part of the card is the creature doubling part -- this is not an interesting 'new toy' for Fire to play with, but a monster of a combo enabler for an element that is already off the charts in the amount of power it possesses (just look at the sheer number of Firestalls, Immorushes, and decks splashing Fire in the Arena).

The doubling ability also raises some questions as to what it does with costless creatures (like Photons, Gemfinders, Damselflies and Ball Lightnings). Is a second copy played for free? If so, then this raises an interesting combo with the Fractal + Sky Blitz + Ball Lightning deck. By essentially quadrupling the damage done, it's possible for one use of that combo to take down a 200 HP opponent without a shield. It's kind of frightening how much combo potential this card has, actually.

Shard of Equality (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg398004#msg398004) by majofa

This one's quite interesting and has that nifty pseudoquanta feel to it. It does combo with Mindgate fairly well (this seems to be a trend lately with all of the Aether shard submissions, isn't it? ), but the upped version does raise concerns about its power level when used in a rainbow deck that can put all that bonus quanta to good use. This is especially true when it's used against another rainbow deck -- gaining a Nova every time your opponent uses a Nova or Supernova and also when their Quantum Pillars generate quanta each turn is scarily powerful. The unupped version is nicely balanced as-is, I believe.

The wording could use a tiny bit of streamlining for more clarity, but that's fairly minor. Here's how I would attempt to fix it: "Each turn, gain 1 quanta of your opponent's mark. When your opponent gains quanta, gain 1 quanta of that element." This just barely manages to fit in the card creator text box too x)Shard of Sharing (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg398023#msg398023) by MildlyFrightenedBoy

Although interesting, this shard doesn't quite seem to be thematically in line with Aether's abilities and philosophy -- when an Aether elemental wants to take control of something, they create copies of it for themselves (see Parallel Universe, Fractal, and Mindgate) instead of snatching it away from their target. Draining quanta is a Darkness concept (as seen with Devourer). An alternative effect that's more in line with Aether would be to add quanta to your quanta pools based on the opponent's non-empty quanta pools.

As for the specifics of the card mechanic, there's still some ambiguities. Which quanta pools have a chance to be selected when the quanta draining effect is activated? Is it chosen randomly from all 12 quanta pools and giving a chance of misfire if it hits an empty pool? Or does it only choose from non-zero quanta pools? The former selection method is more balanced than the latter for obvious reasons. However, even the former could be abused in a deck with Discords, Supernovas, and upped Shards of Sharing. The sheer amount of denial is enough to create an early lock and maintain that lock for the entire game (scrambling decreases in effectiveness when there are larger amounts of total quanta, but the draining constantly removes excess quanta for better scrambles).
Task III: Deckbuilding COMPLETE

Quinted Blue Nymphs (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28511.msg397437#msg397437)
Mono-Aether (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,26926.msg397462#msg397462)
Spiderwings (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,26926.msg397462#msg397462)
Thunderwolf (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,26658.msg397600#msg397600)
Reflecting Pool (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,29123.msg397650#msg397650)
RoL/Hope (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,26005.msg397670#msg397670)

Finally done

[UTAlan]

Task #1
COMPLETED

Deck: Twins Over Titans (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,29214.0.html)




Task #2
COMPLETED

Shard of Nonviolence (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg397747#msg397747)

Shard of Patience (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg394132#msg394132)

This is a good concept for a shard, but it does seem a little underpowered to me. Given that a game does not typically go much further than 25 rounds, the most damage caused by the card will barely exceed that of Unstable Gas, which only has to be in play for one round to cause 20 damage. You mentioned the possibility of the shards stacking for extra damage (2N, 3N, etc). This could provide the balance needed for this card and give incentive for playing many of these in a deck.

As it is, this shard would be a good addition to a stall deck. It could possibly give the last little bit of damage needed to finish off an opponent, or it would force the opponent to choose between destroying a shield, healing, or this shard. This would make it a good addition to Aether, combining well with Dim Shields and/or Lightning.

Shard of Knowledge (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg394171#msg394171)

I wasn't sure about the name of your shard at first, but taken from the perspective of the creature gaining the knowledge needed to cast their attack as a spell...I like the name.

The status effect gained is great. Just like momentum, it will go through most shields, but just like a spell, some shields (Jade, Reflective, etc) will block the attacks.

I am unsure about the bonus to attack and hp when made immaterial, though. It seems like an unnecessary addition to try to give it a closer tie to Aether. Having said that, this does give it great synergy with the element, notably with Quintessence.

I can see this shard working well in growth decks, getting around pesky shields and giving a bonus when made immaterial.

What happens when a creature under these effects is anti-mattered? I would say that it should treat it as though the opponent cast a spell on the player. This would result in a direct hit, unless a spell-resistant shield is in play, in which case it still hits the opponent.

Shard of Focus (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg394614#msg394614)

This is a great card when unupped. First off, it gives incentive to use with an Aether deck (or mark, at least) to grant the ability to draw a card when this is played. Second, most Aether decks run on the expensive side and are compensated for. This results in extra Aether quanta, which can be used efficiently with the unupped version of this card.

I would change the wording/mechanics to only apply to spells cast "this turn." This would make it easier to design (as Zanz wouldn't have to keep track of whether one was played previously) and keep you from playing it just to clear up your hand without any penalty.

I don't like the upped version quite as much, as I can't envision a scenario which would call for using it. It is rarely ever worth sacrificing HP to be able to cast a spell, unless you are just a few quanta away from finishing off your opponent. I just don't see why I would pack an upped version of this shard in my deck beforehand.

Shard of Foresight (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg395120#msg395120)

This seems a little bit overpowered as it is. I like that the card is destroyed upon activation of the ability, but being able to see your opponents hand for the entire game (if they lack PC) would be too much. I would suggest slightly modifying it to have it destroy itself at the end of your turn whether you activate the ability or not. This would allow you to see their hand and the top card of their deck, with the option to destroy the card for two Aether quanta. If you choose to not destroy it, you lose the shard and continue play.

This could work really well with any deck relying on Dim Shield chaining, giving you insight into whether you can afford to skip a turn between shields or should play it immediately. Also, works GREAT with Mindgate, letting you see what the next card is, optionally take it, then optionally destroy it.

Since you didn't post an Upped version, I would suggest making the ability only cost one Aether quanta for that version.

Shard of Ingenuity (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg395320#msg395320)

I love it! The name is fitting, as though you are using ingenuity to figure out how to make use of discarded quanta.

There is obviously great synergy with Mindgate. Currently, making use of an opponents cards granted via Mindgate requires packing some Quantum Towers for the non-Aether quanta.

It would also be countered by Sanctuary, giving options to fight its ability without direct PC. I imagine it would be countered if either player has a Sanctuary in play, as your opponent would either not be able to give their quanta to you, or you would not be able to receive it.

This is also a nice, relatively cheap quanta source that can be packed into a deck with quanta generation problems (especially one needing Aether quanta).

I'm not sure how those proportions you mentioned would work out, but once a good balance is achieved, I could see this shard working out really well in the game.

Shard of Justice (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg396072#msg396072)

This shard has a good name for its ability, though equality or fairness might have worked better.

The Upped version is definitely overpowered. I would modify it such that it is no longer untargetable, but has the same card cost and a cheaper ability cost (two Aether quanta instead of three).

Your text is unclear as to how the balance of Attack and HP is achieved. I imagine it takes the average of the two values and rounds it either up or down - either of which would probably be fine.

The biggest problem I see with this card is that it doesn't have much synergy with the rest of the Aether cards, nor does it really fit the theme. Obviously it would work well in any deck to increase your creatures' Attack or HP, but this seems like it would be more appropriate as Gravity or Light, something more focused on Order.

Task #3
COMPLETED

Aether/Dark advice for new player (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28635.msg397790#msg397790)
Fractal Devourer (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28639.msg397797#msg397797)
my death/aether stall poison deck (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,25829.msg398603#msg398603)
Ai3 Rush/EM Decks (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28996.msg398636#msg398636)
[Deck Series] Crying Elements (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,27402.msg398650#msg398650)
Help with my decks pls? (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,25455.msg398667#msg398667)

[scauduro221095]

Reserved.

 

1st Challenge
 Completed
Deck:
Mindless Stall (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,29280.new.html#new)

by scauduro221095

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592 5rp 5rp 5rp 5rp 5rp 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 623 6qq 6qq 6qq 6qq 6qq 6qq 6qq 6rn 6rn 6rn 6rn 6rn 6rn 6u3 6u3 6u3 6u3 6u3 6u3 7jp 7q5 7q5 7q5 7q8 80b 80b 80b 80b 80b 80d 80d 80d 80d 80d 80d 80e 80e 80j 80j 80j 80j 80j 8pu

(http://www.freeimagehosting.net/cc01b)
(http://www.freeimagehosting.net/26e23)(http://www.freeimagehosting.net/6309c)I am happy to say that this challenge is completed It was really difficult and i lost a lot of electrum and score in the process but i came through. Idea for this deck came from "Anti-Platinum deck" which used mind gates. But in saying that i am almost 100% sure that this is my own deck. (I really hope it is). Another small note, i cant use imageplay at all on my current computer as it keeps saying it gets rerouted to many times. So for the image to be displayed you may have to right click on it and go open in a new tab. Sorry, if it stills doesnt work let me know and ill just attach it straight onto my post


2nd Challenge
Shard of Spirituality (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg399272#msg399272)
Shard Of Foresight (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg395120#msg395120)
This card would work well in mindgate decks as if you do not like the first card that comes up you can get rid of it and then hopefully get a useful next one. In saying that i think it is OP in the way that it can see the opponents hand (and im guessing here, if it is actually for the turn it comes into play you need to clarify that as there is room for mistakes in the way people understand it) for as long as it is in play, I believe you should restrict it to the turn it is played like (like precognition) for unupped and then for the upped version have it 2 turns.  Also having it cost nothing is also OP, so maybe you should bring it up to the shard cost in Elements so that people couldnt just spam them without any quanta loss. In saying that it is a good card that i can see being used by a lot of aether decks.
Shard of Ingeunity (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg395320#msg395320)
First off i would like to say brilliant idea, this card helps aether in so many ways and not only aether but rainbow decks that require aether (have mindgates) and also it could work as a quanta lock making it work well with a pestal deck. A problem with this deck is it is to like cremation and nova except that is more powerful because it takes quanta from the other player as well.  This card would be used in every mindgate deck if it is put into the game simply because it is so like the quantam pillar except it gives aether the necessary extra quanta some times needed. In saying that it could probably stay the same as a sanctuary could counter it, thus making the shard useless. You need to be clear whether this card actually takes quanta from your opponent or just uses their quanta without altering their quanta banks. Because if they dont actually take quanta this may allow the card to bypass sanctuary making this card extremely OP.

Shard of Knowledge (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg394171#msg394171)
At first i had trouble understanding what you mean when you said "The target creature's attacks act as spells", so i would recommend you making it clearer, by saying that it bypasses shields (except reflecting ones im guessing as they reflect spells). I like that you are making it work better with aether but i think by making that effect work with quint it is making the creature op, as they bypass most shields, get increased damage and are also immortal. You should probably make it work with parallel universe as even though you are more than doubling the damage they are still targetable. This would work great in any deck that uses parallel universe e.g. a mindgate deck which also uses parallel universe or even a basic aether deck that you start with. Going back to an earlier point you need to make clear whether the creatures attack's will be blocked by jade shield and mirror shield. Other wise people will be able to abuse this card, as both those shields block out spells and reflect them back onto you.

Shard of Focus (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg394614#msg394614)
You need to be much more clear when you say "pay target spell in your hand matching your marks quanta" as at first i didnt understand what you meant but i had to look to your notes to see what you meant. I would state it more like this "For target spell, instead of using the quanta of the spells element use quanta from your mark to pay for the card". I really like this card and i could see it working well in aether decks that need to use deflag or other useful spells. in the same way it could work well for decks from other elements. i also like the idea of drawing a card if your elements is aether as it makes it that much more useful to aether rather than some other mark. This card should cost more than 0 quanta as this is making it to easy to play a spell that isnt of your original element.

Shard of  (http://)
 (http://)
3rd Challenge
Completed
Random Duality (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28122.msg398136#msg398136)
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,25455.msg398814#msg398814
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28996.msg400262#msg400262
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,29123.msg400272#msg400272
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,15771.msg400287#msg400287
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28877.msg400295#msg400295

[mrpaper]

1st Challenge   FINISHED!
deck:  http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,29281.0.html (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,29281.0.html) The Unbreakable!
This idea came to me when I saw I could hardly outrush a good deck with 3 marks and that doubles draws.  The idea to this deck is to play the phase shields as soon as you saw a creature and replace it every 3 turns (use sundials when out of shields or early if you wanna draw with em), that should protect you for quite a while.  Then, when you got a purple nymph you can put on play quinted, do so and start doing antimattter as much as you can, in a few turns shields are suddenly useless, you will in fact don't wanna play em since you heal more then you get hurt.  When you got a chance, put out the dragon and let him do the big chunck of damage slowly but surely.  The enchant/protect artifact can be used for anything, but I suggest that the most important is the lobotomizer since htere is only 1 in the deck and he is often quite useful.  I also put an unstoppable to put on a nymph in case of burning shield or thorn carapace.  The explosion is also mainly for those walls.  I put 2 entropy towers and 1 pillar, because 3 towers make this deck too much weak against earthquacke.  You can also use it to deckout most 35 card decks depending how the deck comes out.
If you got questions on this deck, feel free to pm me, and of course, feel free to use it, it can work pretty well if use smartly even if it is pretty slow.

by mrpaper

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4vc 500 500 592 5rp 5rp 5rp 6qq 6qq 6qq 6ts 6ts 74a 77i 7dm 7q9 808 808 808 808 808 808 808 80a 80a 80a 80d 80d 80d 80d 80d 80d 80e 80f 80h 80h 8pu

bronze:
silver:
platinum:

2nd Challenge   FINISHED!
Shard of Endurance
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg397707#msg397707 (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg397707#msg397707)
#1 Shard of Nonviolence
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.72.html (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.72.html)
First of all, I think one thing would need to be clearer, if that stays in play does it mean every weapon will get also immediatly destroyed in future turns? 

Secondly, I think that adding 3 to the cost is a quite a bit only to prevent the flying weapon possibility

I would also wonder what happens in case a cloak is in play?  And does it affect weapons instantly like lightning or it will come in effect the next turn like the potential to lobotomize with the lobotomizer?



Other then that, I think the card has some potential, it seems fun to use, I wouldn't find it overpowered but I am sure some decks could find a great use to it.

It would lower the value a bit of deflags and to me it is a great thing because deflag has become a must in so many decks and one single card shouldn't be.  You're shard could be a great answer to this.
#2 Shard of Serendipity
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.60.html (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.60.html)
 I will start by saying, something minor... it's not a big deal but showing the upped card first is confusing, so you should reverse how you present em.

As for the cards themselves, I love the concept of playing with a deck.  It is something very similar as to what I used to experience in Magic The Gathering and it allowed me to get an evil grind on my face, while my opponent was always frustrated getting all the bad cards in his deck.  So you could give him all pillars or no pillars at all for instance.
 
I did hear before that the hand and deck we're sacred area in Elements, but then again we have nightmare now, so why not that shard!

It might be a bit overpowered though especially if played early, imagine a poison deck that would almost never draw it's poison, so maybe a cost of seven unnupgraded and six upgraded would work better.
#3 Shard of Insight
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.60.html (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.60.html)
 This card is very similar to the shard of serendipity I just criticize, so most of what was said above also apply here.

It is not overpowered though because yes it allows you to prevent the opponent to draw a specific good card that would hurt you so much, but it doesn't turn a deck into 15 good cards at the bottom and 15 bad cards on top. 

It is also good to have a second chance to draw that lightning or phase shield to save you're life!  It might mean for example I could put four of five lightnings in a deck where I usually use six because I know I should draw a couple anyway.

Pika said it would mesh well with mindgate to use yje upgrade part and I agree, but even without mindgate, I'd rather the upped version to allow me to know a litlle of my opponent deck and preventing that very card he is running after!
#4 Shard of Ingeunity
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.36.html (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.36.html)
This card looks great in theory, but I think the quanta conversion you present would make this really overpowered.
 Aether is the slowest element and needs tons of quanta to get going on (watch it when it does start though!)
This would become like having 3-4 more pillars early in the game.  To counter this, there needs to be two things, one the cost to bput the card in play needs to be higher, and two it needs to gives less quanta and especially les aether quanta.  Imagine with this if on turn four you're opponent can now cast a phase dragon almost every turn because of it.  It would be fun to use but way too deadly.
 I would suppose sanctuary would prevent that effect even if it's not stated.  I'm not so sure about that either, sanctuary are already in too many decks in my opinion it would make em even more present during matches which is not necesserly something we wish for (go diversity!)#5 Shard of Justice
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.60.html (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.60.html)
As you said yourself in you'e text, this shard is defently overpowered, escpecially the upped version.  A card that gets it's own protect artifact while being already great, that's pushing it a bit too far  in my opinion.  Maybe you could say that it cannot be stolen but could still be deflagged?  No cards do that for now, but why couldn't we do that!  Or you could say that stealing it makes it crumble so it has the  same effect as deflag.
It seems unclear to me how this card works, If there is a ten/six creature, does using the effect make it a six/six, a ten/ten, or an eigh/ eight ( the middle of six and ten).  If you go with the option of using the middle, you will also need to explain if you go round up or round down with a ten/seven creature for example.  I am also wondering if the owner of the car could choose if he wants to give a boost or lower the defense-offense of the creature he target?
#6 Shard of Individualism
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.48.html (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.48.html)
  Once again, I feel this card is overpowered.  Of course having you're opponent cloaks his cards will help him, but since you know this will happen, all you have to do is don't put creature control cards in you're deck which you're opponent won't do.  Imagine the laughing you would get if you're opponent plays a stall.  he has no creatures to cover while you are protected for all the game.  Some would say that the end of stalls would be a good thiing, but I like to think that it's nice to choose to either rush or stall.

What I would suggest to make it fair would be that the clock gets a higher cost every turn after threee turns, if one of the players refuse to pay it, it disappear.  Another possibility would be that since you play it, only yuou pays for it, but the cost increases by 1 every turn.

Also, there is no unnupped version of you're card, would you want it to just have a higher casting cost? It could also have a maximum lifetime of say anything between three to eight turns.3rd Challenge  FINISHED!
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28511.new.html#new (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28511.new.html#new)
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28877.0.html (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28877.0.html)
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28542.msg397487#msg397487 (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28542.msg397487#msg397487)
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28280.msg398093#msg398093 (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28280.msg398093#msg398093)
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28122.new.html#new (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28122.new.html#new)
http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,15771.new.html#new (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,15771.new.html#new)

[Higurashi]

TASK I
Battle Prowess - The Arena   ~DONE!
Turquoise Thunder (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,29157)

by Higurashi

Hover over cards for details, click for permalink

Deck import code : [Select]

4su 62c 62c 62c 62c 808 808 808 808 808 808 80a 80a 80a 80a 80a 80a 80e 80g 80g 80g 80g 80g 80g 81q 81q 81q 81q 81q 81q 8pu

(http://imageplay.net/view/m7Gbd215441/plat_done) (http://imageplay.net/view/m7Gbd215440/plat_score) (http://imageplay.net/view/m7Gbd215439/silver_done) (http://imageplay.net/view/m7Gbd215438/silver_score) (http://imageplay.net/view/m7Gbd215443/bronze_done) (http://imageplay.net/view/m7Gbd215442/bronze_score)
Comments:
As I got lucky and finished Platinum fast, I started trying to beat Gold. After a while, I realised we needed a screenshot after we had finished each league. Hence the score difference between my two Platinum screenshots.
My original idea was to finish Platinum, Gold and Silver, but Gold proved impossible. The most I got was 2 in a row, but the current environment just wasn't good for a CC rush. Trying to beat Gold for hours was extremely frustrating, so I feel for everyone else who have trouble finishing this task. Nonetheless, while this task has problems, it was challenging. That's the most important thing for me.
As a plus, I can say with 100% certainty that I am the only non-hacker in the entire world who can build this deck.
TASK II
Card Design - Shards   ~DONE!
Entry: Shard of Wisdom (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg400499#msg400499)
Feedback:
Shard of Intuition (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg400357#msg400357)
I would add "when this is in play." after "Any invisible cards are revealed to you", if there's room. This is a neat card, and very fun. I'm not entirely sure how useful it would be, however. You pay 2 to use Mindgate, so would you pay 2 to play this shard and 1 to use it? That cost might seem insignificant, but it will add up like crazy, especially since you will want to gate most cards anyway. It might be worth it quanta-wise in a longer game, but it's not worth the card space. The ability could be free, as far as I'm concerned.

You make a good point with Precognition, however, and especially with Golden Nymph this opens up a new aspect of EtG. With a broader card base in the future, gathering information on your opponent's deck might become more important, and a strategy worth investing in. I can also imagine a scenario where Zanz has allowed for us to develop player-specific in-game abilities, in which case this could be one of those. In other words, you would either start with this in play, or you would have a click-able inherent ability that would help Mindgate decks a lot. Lord knows I'd like for them to be more viable.
Shard of Patience (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg394132#msg394132)
Hm.. so patience allows for the Aether elemental to strike with more force after biding their time? It's a bit far-fetched, but let's roll with it. At first I thought it worked on creatures, but I am relieved to notice it doesn't. We already have Lightning for that, which is the best creature control spell in the game right now, in my opinion. Much of the reason for that is that it can be used as a direct damage spell too.

So this reminds me a lot of the shard Zanz mentioned Aether might get: Lightning on a stick that can only hit the player. In other words, like a momentum creature with 5 attack that has to be destroyed with permanent control (Deflag, Steal, etc.). This is quite a lot weaker, however. Its saving grace is the low cost, but even in a rainbow deck that stalls like heck, even six of these won't be doing much damage compared to the effort it takes to stall.

I'm willing to go out on a limb and say it can do Nx2 damage for that high upkeep cost of 2 . I'm not sure if it would be useful that way, but I do know I would try it out in Mindgate and Monoaether decks, and I would try it out a lot. While it conflicts a bit with Aether's invulnerable creatures in the sense that they too embody damage that's hard to stop, it offers an alternative way to do damage, and that's invaluable in a card game. Just look at Fire; never has problems with doing damage.
Shard of Knowledge (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg394171#msg394171)
Wow! This is powerful and useful in several ways. The fact that it bestows an active ability and thus removes the current one limits its power/versatility, and that's probably a good thing considering creatures like Lava Destroyer. Nonetheless, this gives you a very good reason to Quint a creature. I can see myself using this on Phase Recluses in my Turquoise Nymph deck alright, and maybe throw in some Twin Universe action too.

The cost balances it fairly well; 4|3 is nothing to scoff at for a buff. It seems balanced in effect since it's like a weaker Momentum (plus a weaker Blessing if you Quint), but the total effect of this and Quint together has synergy and can make up for lost card advantage. The effect does, however, clash a bit with the application of Aether's invulnerable creatures as well. When you play a creature like Phase Dragon, you know your damage isn't going away easily. Still, this Shard is at least different in application and would find itself used on a lot of vanilla creatures in the game.
Shard of Sympathy (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg394222#msg394222)
Very interesting and destructive. So much that I find the choice of the word "Sympathy" to clash with the effect. The thematic idea isn't lost on me, but what does it do, exactly? If your Mindgate is Deflagged, does this shard force your opponent to feel the same way you did? I'm not sure how Sympathy would cause destruction to backfire in any other way.

Anywho, with its high cost and incredible effect, this is a bit harder to balance than more subtle permanents. The unupped shard absorbs 7 non-aether quanta per turn, which is a -lot-. The idea, I presume, is to have several Quantum Pillars out. This idea makes a rainbow close at hand, and the high cost of the card pretty much forces you to take this route. When I think about me using this in a deck, I love the idea because it's capable of incredible card advantage. It would be extremely exploitable against the AI, but a human player would simply play more carefully. I don't mind either effect.

This would truly be a shard to fear, but I wouldn't call it overpowered. I'd have to see it in action, which would incidentally also be really cool. I think we need more large-scale cards like these to increase the levels of in-game epicness. :>Shard of Remembrance (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg394485#msg394485)
Oh god, that's so annoying. Imagine getting a creature producer and repeatable creature control out, like a Firefly Queen and Elite Oty. The prospect isn't really overpowered, just very annoying. Once you get set up, you could basically chain Silence forever. That means if you have the upper hand at that point, the game is won. Considering how difficult it would be to get there though, the threat is mostly just hanging there like the Sword of Damocles.

Its high cost makes it mostly practical to use in a rainbow deck, however, which paves the way for aforementioned setup. In Monoaether, you wouldn't find many uses for this since you only have Lightning to kill your opponent's creatures, meaning you're not in control of how often you get to utilise it. It's also not very useful since Monoaether usually wants to keep its defences, such as Dim Shield, up. On the other hand it would make for an interesting game to time those kills right.

In a duo or trio though, you can borrow more permanent protection, such as Antimatter or Permafrost Shield, and more creature control as well. I'm looking at you, Owl's Eye. In closing, this is a flexible card alright, and we'd find many fun uses with it.Shard of Focus (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28846.msg394614#msg394614)
Ah, this adds a lot more significance to choosing your mark in a duo/trio, and even a rainbow. I like the extra drawing function, and the fact that the shard is limited to spells. The latter might not be necessary since it's a one-time use, but caution doesn't hurt when creating new concepts like these. I can see the upped shard being used in both a rainbow and Monoaether with SoG's for healing and all that jazz, since you can pay for something like Antimatter/Quint/Twin Universe and just heal back.

In a way, this makes me think about cantrips in MtG. If we get cards that benefit from other cards being played the same turn, this could become a lot more powerful. Until then, this could probably function as a permanent with some tweaking. The thing I like the most about it right now though is that you could completely catch your opponent off guard. He thinks he's playing Monoaether with no creature control and just Dim Shields for defence? Suddenly, Pandemonium! Or, even worse, Antimatter. More strategic options like that are always cool. :>
TASK III
Deckbuilding   ~DONE!
Mish-mash MA (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,29095.msg400431#msg400431)
Fractal Spiders/Sparktal (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,29309.msg400433#msg400433)
Water/Aether stall (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,29123.msg400447#msg400447)
MA with Steals (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,28635.msg400461#msg400461)
Fractal Recluses (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,27968.msg400474#msg400474)
Aether/Water NT deck (http://elementscommunity.org/forum/index.php/topic,27402.msg400483#msg400483)

[kev]

2nd Challenge   FINISHED!

Would you please do me a favor and provide links to the shards.  It wasn't in the rules before; I just added it.  I'd rather eat cat poo with knitting needles than manually find 360 shards in a shardstack. Much appreciated, paper.

3rd Challenge  FINISHED!

I see 3/6 complete.  Looks like a good start, though.

[kev]

1st Challenge
Completed

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