Phase 3 - Community Vote

[Dragoon1140]

And why Dim Shield and Fractal are considered so strong?

Dimensional Shield is understandably strong because it is the counter to any rush deck that doesn't carry permanent control, at least when paired with a Lobo.

Fractal, on the contrary, is not as strong as people label it.  One is paying at least 10 for a card that creates, at most, 7 copies of another.  At first this seems so strong, yet, due to the cost, it cannot be used purely for rushing, thus some sort of stalling method is required.  While the increase in cost makes little to no difference in almost all Fractal-based decks, it was still an unnecessary nerf.

I'm not big on forum participation yet, but I've already heard the opinion a significant part of new card ideas find it hard to move forward towards implementation because fractal makes them OP. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion, and if you agree, how would you change fractal? Feel free to suggest any sort of change, including complete removal, but if it's not too much trouble please add also suggested changes to Decay and Eternal Phoenix's decks to keep them competitive in the FG world..

As I've said above, I don't believe Fractal needs a nerf.  What's strange to me, though, is when somebody says Fractal interferes with a card idea, since TU already duplicated creatures, including Flying Weapons, anyway.  I can see a problem when creatures benefit the only when played directly from the hand, but that is rare enough to hardly make a major difference.

[pikachufan2164]

I'm not big on forum participation yet, but I've already heard the opinion a significant part of new card ideas find it hard to move forward towards implementation because fractal makes them OP. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion, and if you agree, how would you change fractal? Feel free to suggest any sort of change, including complete removal, but if it's not too much trouble please add also suggested changes to Decay and Eternal Phoenix's decks to keep them competitive in the FG world..

Yes, Fractal is a very powerful card, and it does need a minor nerf. However, changing the mechanics of the card is something that Zanz won't do. I would probably impose a maximum to the number of copies spawned per Fractal -- maybe 4 copies, while making the cost 8|7 .

Eternal Phoenix doesn't need any changes -- it's powerful and fast enough as is, and it really doesn't care if Fractal's cost is 7, 8, or 9, since its triple mark lets one be played on turn 4.

Decay is balanced as is.

He lives in a house, in a very big house in the country.

Where is aether is the house? And why Dim Shield and Fractal are considered so strong?

The house is in another dimension.

Dim Shield is strong because it guarantees 3 turns of invulnerability when there's no permanent control and/or Momentumed creatures to ruin the fun. It pretty much stops cold any rush decks that either don't have a way to deal with it, or can't draw their counters in time.

Fractal is strong because of the way it completely circumvents the 6 copy limit rule. When you've got a strong and relatively inexpensive creature (Giant Frog, Minor Phoenix, Elite Charger, Abyss Crawler, Flesh Recluse, Ray of Light, etc.), why have just one of it? The surprise rush of damage in one turn is enough to catch opponents off guard so that they can't take appropriate defensive measures in time.

[Higurashi]

He lives in a house, in a very big house in the country.

Where is aether is the house? And why Dim Shield and Fractal are considered so strong?

Everywhere.

Dim Shield is considered strong, and rightly so, because if there is no PC available, 3 turns of invulnerability is a lot. Once most players become more experienced, they realise it's not that powerful as they may have thought at first, but it will always remain a powerful card for the metagame due to 3 turns being a lot of time to do serious damage. Luckily, it's expensive and it's easy to do alternate damage, so it's rather balanced.

Fractal on the other hand is a much more complex point. I have never seen a card that grants this much card advantage in any card game. Card advantage is the principle of simply having access to more cards in a card game, and it's generally accepted as the most important factor for winning a game. Potentially giving 8 cards for 1 madness, no matter the quanta cost. Now, realising card advantage is not the reason most consider it so strong. No, the reason for that is pure power. Fractal decks being an archetype of their own says a lot of the power of the card, and how it strongly affects the metagame. No matter how you look at it, it's the most unconditionally powerful card in the game.

What's strange to me, though, is when somebody says Fractal interferes with a card idea, since TU already duplicated creatures, including Flying Weapons, anyway.  I can see a problem when creatures benefit the only when played directly from the hand, but that is rare enough to hardly make a major difference.

Allow me an attempt at making it unstrange. The copying is not a problem, nor is where the creature is played from. The problem is very simple: quantity. There have been hundreds of creature card ideas that have been shot down due to the fact that this creature, in large quantities, would kick far too much ass. This is usually due to their abilities.

To Higurashi:

Question 1: Please tell me a story of a time in chat/forums/during the game that gave you the most joy and pleasure.(does not have to relate to )

Becoming a Tournament Organizer was definitely a very rewarding experience. I quickly became one of the team, and it brought me closer to this forum, community, and its admin. I remember how Rasta used to watch over me during the first couple tournaments, just to see if I did things right and/or needed assistance. It was pretty cute.

Becoming part of the second council has had the same effect. I was very happy to get those votes of confidence from people of the community, and I now have a very good grasp of what's going on in the community and forums. It really makes you part of the community, which in turns makes you want to care for it. I've gone from helping individual beginners in Kong/Elements chat and Deck Help/CIA boards to working on projects that affect the entire community, and it's a great feeling to be part of it all.

It's all thanks to you guys.

Question 2: The previous position of aether master was held by icybraker. If you took the rank of master aether, you would be the first woman to take the role. Do you find any significance in that fact? Or does it matter at all to you?

Not especially. I've never attributed any intrinsic values to gender or sex. What may affect me in general is the fact that I find a large lack of prominent, strong women with integrity in the world. That inspires me to be strong, prominent and to always retain my integrity, especially when I'm put in positions like this: where I become an icon. At the same time, I cannot discard my own humbleness and helpfulness. We must always remain true to ourselves.

Question 3: Consider this scenario:  You are the master for in the next war, it is time to bid and call forth your team.

The situation is set up that you have a "all or none" option here: You can either choose "veterans/pros who are of yours friends"but they will cost a detrimental amount to your vault (completely hindering your chances), OR you can choose "beginners/newcommers/but still friends of yours" but with little compromise to your vault.

In this scenario, please choose between the veterans or beginners; you may not combine or mix from either side. This is an "all or none" situation.

Pick, and explain your choice. If you have a different strategy that can fulfill the scenario above please state so

Looking back at past Wars, I'm inclined to go for the beginner choice; costly auctions have shown to be quite detrimental. What it comes down to for me is the individual motivation of the players. They have to love my divine element, and they have to love War. Whether they're vets or beginners won't matter if I know them.

[icecoldbro]

To icecoldbro:

Question 1: You were one of the exceptional generals in the war as an general. Give me an event, that "changed your life" or "changed your perspective", something that happened during the last war while you were general that really gave "meaning" to you.(it can be anything)

The event that changed the whole war for me was the leaving of Toimu, it put me into perspective to know how it feels to lose someone who is just a true friend, left me wanting to do even better just to make him feel proud if he ever comes back, another time that, really hit me was when i lost to KDZ (subing for Daxx) which left me depressed it was my time to win it was time to do something good for my team and sadly i felt like i just fell thru, i actually cried when that happened, then went i felt the blow of aether lying on my own shoulders, i felt entirely destroyed when i failed i didn't eat for days and i was perpetually moved to do better next war if i was general, and if not at least to make sure Aether had someone very good leading the next team.

Question 2: Think about this: it is an "underwritten rule" that war is considered our "highest/prestigious" tournament (next to master's war/trials). Consider all other tournaments, which do you think comes close in strategy, meta game, and "feel" to war. In other words, name a tournament/event you know of, or played in, that you find was challenging. State why.

Well im not sure if league's are allowed but i would say CL is pretty intense not only are some of the best player's in it, but your play style has to change every other duel if you want to do well as player's not onyl learn how you play they also learn your deck choice's your mental capacities, take into account your state of mind, to me it is one of the biggest challlenges in the game to fight along side such great opponent's.

Question 3: Consider this scenario:You are the master for in the next war. I want you to think of a player who you complete trust, and want in the war. do not write/type there name here, just think of that person. They would be a valuable member. This player tells you they would be happy to join your team. But they say they cannot play for more than 1/4 of the time. They know they will have work/school and other "life" issues that WILL conflict against playing normally. For clarity, I'll give an example. Out of all the battles they "should" be doing during war, they can only do 1/4 of them.  or they can only be available during 1/4 of the day. Do you still accept them into your team? If you do, tell me how you would put them in (or if this would change at all). If you don't, either way explain why.

I don't think i would try and get them on the team, for me a very valuable team member is one who sticks through the whole thing thick or thin, no matter how little time he has, if he could stay more i don't might have to go last round, last 2 rounds i can understand as WAR is more than just time consuming it is also hard on the brain (at least from my point of view).
It all depends also on how much time is 1/4 of the day for them as if they can not only get what they should be able to do during that time, and help others out with what they do, i wouldn't have any problem with adding them to roster, in fact id do it gladly.

P.S would have loved a question instead of moving factors in my experience during war i would have prefered a question on my relationship with icybraker, and my perspective which has matured, not only from the point of view that i used to actually worship him, to now just holding him in high regard, and how i feel about my fellow challenger's (don't worry guys, actually i couldn't be more proud to fight you guys for what will clearly decide a very motivated and great master of Aether no matter what happens).

[Dragoon1140]

To Dragoon1140:

Question 1: Consider that you are the master of ; Explain briefly how your videos on youtube can help aid your team in the war. Or will you not use this medium at all during war time?

Question 2: If we look back at the previous war, had no master. Express your views on the idea of "if you were master of that team" during the war. How would you lead your team to victory?

Question 3: Consider this scenario:  You are the master for in the next war. I want you to first imagine a player who you find is exceptional, highly desirable for your team in war. (do not type their name here) just imagine it, keep it in mind. In this scenario, that player is not at all convinced to join you in war. That player is 50-50 in joining you. Please give a speech, create a dialogue/or chat that would take place between you two to convince them to join your team

1.  There is an option on Youtube to host "private videos," or videos that can only be accessed via a specific link.  If I wished, I could use this as a medium to distribute information among the team.  However, there is a low chance of that happening, since Google Docs and regular threads on the forum will allow one to sift through information faster and more reliably.  Also, yes, I'm going to be making more than one propaganda video.

2.  When working on the Aether War team, I worked closely with icecoldbro, since he chose me, among everybody else on the forum, to be his lieutenant.  I did get a feel of how to command a team by being a second-in-command, and I've also gained the War experience that two of the four Aether Trial'ees do not have.  If I was to lead the team in War #2, I would have packed Mindgates and more TU's, along with more Dimensional Shields if there was room.  I don't think I would have changed much else.

3.  If we stay with the current system as War #2, I cannot cling on to one player, else other Masters bid up the player far too much.  I will judge my team based on activity and how much they want to have fun.  (If they have had PvP problems in the past, whether it be complaining that they shouldn't have lost or that they accused somebody of desynchs without proof, I will not even consider bidding on them.)  Overall, no, I won't want any single player so much that I would have to persuade them in chat to become a part of my team.  After all, who doesn't want players that love a single element so much?

Overall, I really likes these questions.  Thank you Sir Kong. 

[pikachufan2164]

Question 1: It is no secret that you are a fan of pokemon, your avatar and chat speeches helps push that idea.

Take the idea of Pokemon Stadium 2, (for the N64 console), a section of the game deals with the "elite 4". Look at the current(and previous masters) in the game of elements give me a ranking of who would be like the "elite 4" and ignore "champion Lance" focus on the 4 elite members below Lance.

"We Psychics don't give up even when we're down to the last Pokémon. That's what makes us so formidable! Until we reach zero, our power is limitless. I'm not giving up yet!" -- Will

Will is all about never giving up, even when the odds are not in one's favour. Thus, I believe that Essence embodies that quality the best -- he's been in several tough situations before (Trials 2 and both War 1 and War 2), and he's continued to fight to the best of his ability every time.

"I live in shadows -- a ninja! My intricate style will confound and destroy you! Confusion, sleep, poison.... Prepare to be the victim of my sinister techniques! Fwahahahaha! Pokémon are not merely about brute force -- you shall see soon enough!" -- Koga

Zeru is undoubtedly the Koga of the Elements community. Entropy's variety of status effects (Chaos Seed, Pandemonium, Antimatter, Butterfly Effect, etc.) combined with his renowned ability to "divide by Zeru" makes him a truly formidable Master.

"I always train to the extreme because I believe in our potential. That is how we became strong. Can you withstand our power? Hm? I see no fear in you. You look determined. Perfect for battle! You will bow down to our overwhelming power!" -- Bruno

Earth has always been a representation of pure power, and Terroking fits this trope to a T (see what I did there? ). Having a fearsome Earth Elemental as an avatar and being undefeated (so far) in Trials also helps.

"I'm known for my overpowering tactics. Think you can take them? Just try to entertain me. Let's go. Strong Pokémon. Weak Pokémon. That is only the selfish perception of people. Truly skilled Trainers should try to win with the Pokémon they love best." -- Karen

This is what GirlsGeneration stands for when she battles. Gravity is an element that pierces through its opponent's defences to win. Also, Gravity is regarded as one of the weakest elements in unupped play, and Girls has been doing her best to prove people wrong in her time as Master.

Question 2: I want you to consider this scenario: Pretend all current masters have been replaced with trial combatants (or filled in with a position in ) and you have become the master of .

It's the final battle in the next war, who do you see yourself battle against? Who among the trial combatants(from other teams) do you see is "a major threat"? State why.

Definitely QuantumT, Amilir, willing3, jmdt, and Napalm Grenade. All five of them are brilliant deckbuilders and strategists, and are fearsome duellists as well.

Question 3: Consider this scenario: Again you are the master for in the next war.

Your team fought well, everyone has played their roles. However, they do horribly in battle and your entire team is eliminated early on.

Demoralized, your team members are calling for you for morale support.

What do you say to them? What would you tell them?

I would tell the members of Team Aether that we did the best we could do, and that we can be proud to make it this far in the War.

PvP events in Elements, much like competitive Pokémon battling, are all about prediction. Sometimes we get it right; sometimes, we don't. If both players played the best that they could, then it really only comes down to the deck composition and the RNG. It's going to be difficult to defeat a hard counter your deck, regardless of one's PvP abilities.

We can always go over what we can do to make our next War attempt better, but for now, we know that we've done the best that we could, and that's all that matters.

Winning isn't everything -- forget about the destination of victory and enjoy the journey of battle.

[Boingo]

For all candidates: 
1.  Display an efficient use for Discord in a 30 card deck.  May use any mark.  Must observe the rule of 50% or more must be aether cards.

2.  Devise a 30-card aether deck to counter a deck with Discords. May use any mark.  Must observe the rule of 50% or more must be aether cards.

[GG]

Icybraker, the only member who has served as Master of Aether, has returned. What's your opinions on that?

[Dragoon1140]

Icybraker, the only member who has served as Master of Aether, has returned. What's your opinions on that?

I think it is fantastic that past member has returned, it's always great to increase the amount of awesome people our community boasts.  However, I don't see the relation between the past and now.  Unless I'm mistaken, it's been about six months since Icybraker left.  While he is a hilarious guy, we shouldn't always be living in the past.  Our community has some great new members in it, and they deserve a chance at Master titles as anybody in the past does.

[Higurashi]

S'pretty cool. Been chatting idly with him today, and he seems even nicer than when he left. Yep yep.

Using Discord:

Code: [Select]

4vc 4vc 4vc 4vd 4vd 4ve 4ve 4ve 4ve 4ve 4ve 4vl 4vl 4vl 4vn 61q 61q 61q 61q 61q 61t 61t 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63aLightning+Maxwell's for very powerful CC, and an Antimatter in case something goes through or you just want some healing. Aboms for decent speed, Dim Shields in case things don't go as planned.
Against Discord, well.. my previous deck Thunderbirds would really be optimal. But if you want another one, here goes something weirder:

Code: [Select]

4vh 4vh 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 52q 52q 55u 590 5c1 5lf 5og 61o 61o 61o 61o 61q 61q 61q 61q 61q 61q 61r 61r 63a 63a 63aA Discord against this might actually help it. The QI for the Aether cards is rather low to allow some usage, and ensure late-game guaranteed usage (PU's). Yes, Lightning is very useful in making these strange decks. x) I had fun with it, though! :>

[icecoldbro]

For all candidates: 
1.  Display an efficient use for Discord in a 30 card deck.  May use any mark.  Must observe the rule of 50% or more must be aether cards.

2.  Devise a 30-card aether deck to counter a deck with Discords. May use any mark.  Must observe the rule of 50% or more must be aether cards.

Code: [Select]

6u4 6u4 6u4 6u4 6u4 6u4 6u5 6u5 6u5 6u5 6u5 7n2 7n2 7n2 7n2 809 809 809 809 809 809 80b 80b 80b 81q 81q 81q 81q 81q 81q

Code: [Select]

6u3 6u3 6u4 6u4 6u4 6u4 6u4 6u5 6u5 6u5 6u5 6u5 7n2 7n2 7n2 7n2 809 809 809 809 809 80b 80b 80b 80b 80b 81q 81q 81q 81q 81q 81qAn Old deck from War II, that i designed to fight Xkelevra, sadly it left us badly in other areas if we wanted to use it, so we kinda had to pull plug on it

Code: [Select]

6u1 6u1 6u1 6u1 6u1 6u3 6u3 6u3 6u3 7t6 7t6 7t6 7t6 7t6 808 808 808 80d 80d 80i 80i 80i 80i 81q 81q 81q 81q 81q 81q 81q

Icybraker, the only member who has served as Master of Aether, has returned. What's your opinions on that?

I dont know, he seems different, not the guy i knew back in the day, I still will be waiting, maybe its cause ive matured, maybe its because I have grown stronger, but now I do not feel him on a pedestal beyong reach, I fell him closer like a paternal figure, He will always be my teacher, but im not sure if the student is now finally gonna stand along side the teacher.

[Dragoon1140]

Just for my War buddy. 

For all candidates: 
1.  Display an efficient use for Discord in a 30 card deck.  May use any mark.  Must observe the rule of 50% or more must be aether cards.

2.  Devise a 30-card aether deck to counter a deck with Discords. May use any mark.  Must observe the rule of 50% or more must be aether cards.

With Discord:

Code: [Select]

4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vk 4vk 4vk 4vk 4vk 4vl 4vl 4vl 5l9 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61o 61p 61p 61p 61p 61p 61t 61t 61t 61t
I said before I wouldn't ever, ever pack Sparks in the vault, so I'm assuming team Aether just beat Fire's Lava Golem rush.  Anyway, this is just a simple Mutation deck, which I love, and it uses Discord.  It's great against elements that aren't bringing creature control, and it is just a good deck to play with.
On another note, some of the other Aether contestants seem to forget about how hard it is to make a perfect deck like what they're suggesting.  As I'm sure you know as a War deck builder, Boingo, Rainbow decks are incredibly hard to pull off in War.

Against Discord:

Code: [Select]

4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 4vj 590 590 590 590 590 590 5f6 5f6 5f6 61r 61r 61r 61r 61r 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a 63a
Now this is a deck I positively love.  It's simple, doesn't pussy-foot around, and team Aether is more than likely to have all of the necessary cards, since Graboid/Nova is, probably, going to be very popular in War III.  If I feel like my opponent is going more for a cc-build, Quints + Momentum could be packed instead of PU's + Deflags.