Custom Set - Uzuthan: Mutations abound!

Custom Cards forum

Posted on March 3, 2017, 9:11 a.m. by Kralug

Greetings, fellow card creators!

Wolfie here, bringing you my newest passtime, custom sets! I have always had a bright spark for creating my own versions of my favorite games, and recently got my hands into custom MTG cards/sets, and was instantly hooked. As thus, i'd like to introduce you all to my creation, Uzuthan!

Below i'm going to link you to the set, in full, over on Multiverse. Here you can see the cards i design, the backround of the set ( Aka Story/Skeleton, etc ) aswell as the draft archetypes i intend to have. You can also leave comments here on TappedOut, comments on the set or individualcards over on the Multiverse, or just browse through them! I won't judge!

Link to Uzuthan: Show

http://www.planesculptors.net/set/uzuthan

The set is currently in it's early design stage, with commons being worked on as we speak.

I'm open to any help, ideas, or generall chatting about Uzuthan. I'm not a master at this by any means, but i do it cause it's enjoyable. I wish to create sets that are playable, meaning time well spent between friends and strangers.

(Edit: I have now finished a basic storyline, and since i know some would rather not spend the time to read the wall of text, i will put it in a spoiler below.)

Storyline Show

For all readers, i have included a simple map to help explain where the story takes place, and what area is covered by it's respective explination. Feel free to have it as you read this intro to Uzuthan. Link to Map

Short Introduction

Another day dawns in the plane of Uzuthan. Whether you wake up as a Hunter, seeking glory and fortune beyond your wildest dreams by slaying mythical beasts, spend your days in the study trying to unravel the mysteries behind the Aetherstones, or simply seeking revenge on those who cast you out into the wilderness, the sun rises all the same.

The Aetherstones are mysterious artifacts, left on this plane many eons ago. Although the source of these stones are vastly unknown, their imminent power cannot be denied. About the size of a human head, the stones are made from solid aether. Their energy is used to fuel entire cities, powering barricades, shields, even special weapons. Their power is far beyond that which any human can muster, and as such are placed within especially enchanted altars that can harness their powers. Any living being trying to do as such seem to simply vanish into thin air, never to be seen again. The runes of old state that three stones exist within Uzuthan, although only two has ever been found. One resides within Whitgarde, powering up the cities defenses and fueling the Hunter's Guild, whilst the second resides within Krinal, Powering the Astral Bridge from one continent to another, aswell as holding the doors of the ancient vault shut.

The Hunter's Guild, located in Whitgarde has since long been the forefront of the entire realm. Hunters ready to pick up their swords and hunt some of the fiercest monsters the world has to offer seek their way here to enlist themselfes, form parties, and set out on new adventure. The quests are given out in ranks, ensuring that no beginners are sent against a mythical dragon. The Hunter's Guild prides itself on it's service, providing hunters with some of the best smiths, enchanters, and means of travel that any man could wish for. As many would assume, the higher your rank in the hunters guild, the more fame your name carries with you. Therefore, many have set out wishing for glory, only to meet their untimely demise. Featured upon entry to the giant building is a wall of fame, barring some of the most amazing hunters that had ever lived.

Uzuthan is not without it's lawbreakers, and while the traditional prison does not exist here, the punishment is far worse. Any lawbreaker found within the realm is forever banished to the boundry of Baromoor, a desolate wasteland where nothing will grow. To those who now reside here, most wish for nothing but venegance against those who placed them here. Whilst Baromoor is not a place anyone would want to visit, this is the one place in Uzuthan where necromancy is practised. The exiles who are sent here quickly realized that their venegance could not come from them alone, as they would simply be outnumbered, and they would have to turn to a more... dead alternative. Searching the abadoned buildings and caverns revealed many studies of those before them, of how to summon demons and the undead back from their timely demise to fight once more. The Necromancers soon created a name for themselfes by harassing local townsfolk, plundering trade routes between cities, and causing chaos with the townsfolk. Since their creation, The Necromancers have become a growing menace, and has forced Whitgarde to place border patrols along the edges of Baromoor. However, this quickly backfired as the guards were soon fighting against them, turned into the vile creations they sought to fight against. Soon enough, an Urgent Quest was administred by the head of the Hunters Guild, aiming towards the Necromancer's destruction.

The vault of Xirian, a massive stone structure placed within Krinal, has since long been the artifact of the city. No-one knows how it was constructed, and there is no record in history as to why it exists. The vault door is as big as a castle wall, and behind it lays nothing but stone. Many attempts have been made to open the vault, but whenever the door is approached, a bright shine of light shines from the nearby Aetherstone, and a force pushes those who stand close. What mysteries could the vault hold?

The Astral Bridge is what connects the two continents of Uzuthan together. How it functions is wildly unknown, however it seems directly engages to the Aetherstone altar. Passing along the bridge is harmless, however anything that is unliving seem to fall straight through the shining light that creates the bridge. This means that moving objects, spoils of war, or anything other than living beings over the bridge is impossible, and has lead to Krinal being a major port city.Locations

Whitgarde, The city of Hope:

Whitgarde is marked WHITE on the map

Built on trust, the city of Whitgarde has since long been home of the Hunter's Guild, a place of gathering for those who seek fortune and glory by hunting the biggest beasts the plane has to offer. King Gavrul rules from within Whitgarde Castle, leading the city away from destruction from the forces that are lurking in the shadows. With the Hunter's Guild's presence, the markets are always sprawling with exotic goods, meaning there are plenty of gold in the cofferts for the king and his men. Although the king is widely considered to be a belevolent ruler, he has some secrets of his own. With the money from taxes piling up in his cofferts, what is a man to do when imminate death is approaching from Baromoor?

The port town of Krinal:

Krinal is marked BLUE on the map

Krinal is filled to the brim with scholars and mages, looking to discover the ancient past of Uzuthan. With the cities tight connection to the other continent, many of the braver people take to the glowing road to do excevations, finding ancient artifacts that once belonged to the former rulers of Uzuthan. Even in the town itself, there is plenty of mysteries to solve. Due to this, the largest library of all is placed within Krinal, built arount the Vault of Xirian and host to the Mage's Academy, where apprintice mages and scholars may attend to delve deeper within their elemental arts.

Baromoor:

Baromoor is marked as a region on the map

Baromoor has since long been a land without living. The fields here died many eons ago, and the soil simply will not grow again. Due to this, the land is mostly a desolated forest, filled with dead trees, wilting flowers, and dying grass. Lawbreakers from both Whitgarde and Krinal are sent here, banished to live a life on nothing but death. Due to this, the realm is now filled with Thieves, wishing to take all that they can to survive. There is no cities or villages, the living spaces of the exiles are simply placed wherever there is room, and wherever they cannot be disturbed while performing their dark arts. The Necromancers, a recent upcoming in Uzuthan is a newly formed group of exiled mages, raising the dead to create the army they need to take revenge upon those who exiled them.

Thoze Landing

Thoze Landing is marked YELLOW within the Thoze region

Whenever you take a boat from Krinal, you will arrive at Thoze landing. This is simply a gathering spot for anyone who wishes to set foot into the treacherous land that awaits them. The landing is full of merchants, wishing to sell their goods at higher prices to travelling adventurers, in hopes of making a quick buck. It's also home to mercenaries, warriors for hire that work outside the Hunter's Guild, saying they make more gold selling themselfes to hunting parties rather than paying the fee to create or join one the traditional way.

Razorspine Isle, and Razorspine Tower

Razorspine Tower is marked GREY on the map

Razorspine isle has since long been lost to a deep layer of poisionous fog. Any traveler unfortuenate enough to have sailed in the direction of the island is never seen again. There are alot of folktales and rumours about the island, saying that it once belonged to Ob Nixillis himself, or that an evil necromancer has locked himself within the tower to avoid the shame of being exiled. Whatever the cause is, the island remains shrouded in mystery.Creature Races

Humans:

Your everyday humans return! Being located nearly everywhere within Uzuthan, humans are the biggest race in the plane.

Elves:

The elves of Uzuthan has since ancient times been spread around the woods of Uzuthan, but as of the opening of the Hunter's Guild they have sought themselfes to the bigger cities, seeking glory for their race by enlisting as Hunters. Now, most the elves live within Whitgarde or Krinal, but some are still out there within the woods.

Dwarfes:

The dwarfes of Kel-Dorom were force to abandon their mountain homes the day the dragons awoke withi Crishi many eons ago, making them flee towards the mainland. They now reside within Krinal, however most have taken up arms against the dragons, Signing themselfes up for the Hunter's Guild in an attemp to take back their home from the overgrown lizards.

Zombies and Undead:

Baromoor is filled to the brim with the undead. The Necromancers created these wretched creatures to guard their land, feasting upon anyone unfortunate enough to encounter one. Most of these undead require a soul to reside within their created bodies to function, and the Necromancers saw no better way to aquire them than using the dead hunters spread across the realm. The living's power in life, leaves a stronger soul in death. Meaning that an undead infused with the soul of a legendary hunter, could create a nearly unkillable menace...

Demons:

To those who feel the undead is not enough, trained necromancers may also create pacts with demons, summoning them from the Nether. Although most do not have the power required to summon anything other than a lesser demon, experienced necromancers may create pacts with some of the most feared demons, such as Garthaax, Eater of Souls.

Dragons:

Although rare, Uzuthan is no stranger to the mythical Dragon. Mostly native to Crishi, these beasts were awakened long ago when dwarven king Draktho unlocked the seal of an ancient tomb, releasing an everglowing fire within Kel-Darom Mountain. The flame was strong enough to awaken the beasts from deep within the earth, and they have since been causing a menace in the dwarven homeland.

Beasts and other Creatures:

The whole reason the Hunter's Guild is successful is due to the abundance of mystical creatures found on Uzuthan. Everything from beetles to rhinos, raptors and lions can be found here, and they all fetch a high price.

Boza says... #2

I am seeing a total of 5 cards on that link:

Purity of the lost - should be uncommon at least, it seems entirely too difficult to with for a common. Good job though on that.

Field study - strictly better Divination is not a good idea. Instead, you may make it work somehow with the set. Bump it up a mana at least. 3U, Scry 1 and draw two cards. You may remove a mutation counter from a permanent you control.

Stonescale Wyvern/Dragon - quite complex for a common. This is an uncommon at least. The feast mechanic is a bit too lackluster (based on these 5 cards) and mutation is thematic and nice.

Searing Spear - sure, baseline good card.

Goblin Cutthroat - 1 turn soulbound is not a good idea, at least on this card. 3 mana 1/2 in red is entirely unimpressive. 3 mana activated ability that gives only first strike is way too overcosted. Overall, start over on this one.

Overall, 3 mechanics in one color that are so starkly different are too much. Additionally, rules text can use some proper templating and clearing up.

Whenever you create new cards, hit me up and I can help.

March 3, 2017 10:22 a.m.

Kralug says... #3

@Boza

Thanks for the input! Before i go any further i should mention that there are more cards currently in the set, just press the "Skeleton" menu option to see them all, and where my general design ideas are! There are also menu options for the story, draft archetypes, mechanics, and more. I put it in the main post aswell, for clarity.

If you had a suggestion for the set's "+1/+1 counter mechanic", what could it be? I had a rather hard time thinking of somthing to thematicly fit the set, and with the mutating horrors abound and necromancers on the verge of taking over the realm, Feast seemed like a good fit.

I'm quite a fan of the Mutate mechanic i made! It seems to make sense for the set, gives every creature a different way to mutate that fits it, and works thematicly as a mechanic. I'm glad you like it too.

I'm liking the idea of changing Field Study, but if it did as you suggested, would it still be working at Common?

The Unity mechanic is still in progress, and the idea behind it is in the Mechanics section of the Multiverse page. The original mechanic was an ability word that buffed other creatures with Unity, but ended up being too advanced and complicated to pull off, both in ruling and practise.

March 3, 2017 10:45 a.m.

Boza says... #4

To be honest, reading up on the story behind the set is a bit much and I will stick to commenting on the cards and how they work and not go far beyond that.

I'll think of some +1/+1 counter mechanic. How about "Preparation - Whenever you cast a non-creature spell, put a +1/+1 counter on ~. At the beginning of your upkeep, remove a +1/+1 counter from ~"?

Yes, Field study will work - e.g. Tezzeret's Gambit.

Unity still needs a lot of work to become something good - based on that card. I have no ideas presently for that.

March 3, 2017 11:09 a.m.

MagicalHacker says... #5

A couple of simple questions:

• Is the set based on the flavor of the world, a similarity that ties in all the mechanics, or something else?

• What makes this plane different from all other planes?

• Who are at least initially the good guys and who are the bad guys?

• What is new both flavor-wise and mechanically about the set?

• What is returning in flavor and mechanics?

• Lastly, why did you build this set instead of a different set? What draws you to these designs?

March 3, 2017 11:23 a.m.

Kralug says... #6

MagicalHacker

I'll try to answer as best i can.

The set is based on the flavor of the world, and the events that tresspass it. The world itself is based loosely on the "Monster Hunter" series of games, with a hunting guild in the capital city, sending hunters and adventure parties to another island, hunting monsters and wildlife for fortune and glory. The city draws heroes from all over it's continent, and all colors except for black and somewhat blue are involved in this. Blue is too busy studying the ancient past, spending their time in libraries and on the same island as the hunters, although they spend their time excevating and doing field research. Black is basically exiles for crimes they have commited, be it magical or physical, and hang out in a village far away from the remainder of society. They spend their time being assholes to everyone pretty much, for whatever reason they have. This is loosely what im basing it upon.

The difference in this plane is two thing, generally. In all of magic, the Aether is referenced as a source of power. The realm has three ancient artifacts named "Aetherstone", which are basically stones loaded with a magical shitton of Aether. the cities use this to power up their shields, run their towns, and much more. two of the stones are taken by major cities ( One being the main one, the other belonging to the "Blue" city, the scribes and whatnot ) and the third one is unknown up until this set. A guy finds this stone, and it guides him towards an ancient tower, hidden by thick fog since eons ago. He basically goes in, finds an Altar ( Which are being used in the other cities to draw power from the Aetherstones ), place his found stone inside, and releases the "Maisma" (For lack of a better word). This stuff spreads rapildy across Uzuthan, causing vile mutations in basically everything it touches. The once rather peaceful Uzuthan is now ravaged by mutations, Blah blah blah take the story from there. That's the general setup.

TL;DR: The Hunter's Guild, Aetherstones, Mutating gas (Aka Maisma)

The bad guy is quite clear, it's the now corrupted (Insert name here) that stole the third Aetherstone, and set out the gas upon Uzuthan. Basiclly he becomes corrupted by the power, and is now trying to take over the land and kill everyone or some shit (Insert following plotline here). The "Black" crew, (Aka the exiled/Necromancers) are quite a fan of this gas, as it for once makes their creations stronger, and turns themselfes into vile creations. So technically they count towards the bad guys, too. The good guys on the other hand, are basically everyone else, with a few exceptions. The main city's king ( Gavrul, as of right now ) is gathering warriors and mages from all throughout the realm, aiming to attack the tower where (insert name here) resides, taking him down in an attempt to end the Maisma from spreading further.

TL;DR: Bad: The guy who set off the maisma, The "Black" crew, and the now mutated creatures.Good: King Gavrul, and his band of merry men.

Flavor wise and mechanically, is Mutations! A new variant on the DFC (Double-Faced cards) Basically they have their own subtype ( Just like Legendary ) indicating that they are mutated. All creatures with Mutate enter the battlefield with an amount of Mutation counter, and when they fufill somthing (Dealing damage, taking damage, you name it) one is removed. Once they are all gone, the Maisma takes hold, and causes a transformation. Basically this means that creatures with Mutate do somthing to lower their defenses, both physical and mental, until the Maisma takes hold. Other then that, the keywords are in works.

Returning are Zombies! They play a large role on the black side of things, and due to the Necromancers, they generally are here to stay. Other then that, the common Evergreen keywords make a return. I also wwant the feel of the Gatewatch to return, but not in planeswalker form. I love the whole "Let's group together and stop a common enemy" scenario, so Allies are a thing im following, without actually using Allies.

What draws me to this design is mostly this crazy mind of mine. I love seeing my ideas come to fruition, and i usually just let them fizzle inside my brain without ever letting them become somthing. Now im taking the bull by it's horns and sitting down to make somthing out of it. The reason i don't go for another design is simply since i like the fantasy setting. Exploring the world, fighting huge creatures then eating a feast of glory as you go over your spoils. That's my kind of world.

I hope this answered most of your questions, even if it turned out a bit long. I can ramble on for hours, but i'll try not to :)

March 3, 2017 12:15 p.m.

zephramtripp says... #7

Do you want Maisma or Miasma? Because every time I see it Maisma, it really hurts me on the inside.

March 3, 2017 12:36 p.m.

Kralug says... #8

@zephramtripp

Miasma... Typing for a long time makes my head explode. I don't even know myself when i fuck that up.

March 3, 2017 12:52 p.m.

MagicalHacker says... #9

Ah I gotcha. This is a nice world that you got, and I think you have a lot of good designs so far. My only follow up question: what colors would you say that each city and main character is?

March 3, 2017 1:08 p.m.

Kralug says... #10

@MagicalHacker

I'm currently building the map as we speak, but the general idea is as follows:

Whitgarde, The Capital of (Insert name of larger island here): White (all), Red (Humans, Pets of humans) and Green (Elves, Pets of elves.)

Baromoor, an entire province: Black (All) and Blue (Exiles from blue city/province, mostly thieves and rouges.)

(Name of blue city and/or province): Blue (All), White ( Hunters from Whitgarde, soldiers wishing to study.) and black (Rouges and assasins sent from Baromoor.)

The second continent is both Red and Green, being filled with mostly creatures and "Humanoids", like orcs and goblins who don't really have civilization in mind, but still exist.

---

Main character wise:

Gavrul, Ruler of Whitgarde: White, no doubt.(Name of who finds the aetherstone): Starts off as blue, turns into Blue/Black.Wolfzie: This is me! Huzzah! Also i'm Green/Red.

This list is unfinished, but will fill out as i finish the story.

March 3, 2017 1:50 p.m.

Kralug says... #11

@MagicalHacker

I have now included the somewhat finished storyline in my orginial post. look at the bottom spoiler if you are interested! It's quite a wall of text though.

March 3, 2017 3:36 p.m.

MagicalHacker says... #12

The storyline seems really great so far, and I'm looking forward to seeing the map of the plane. (It does make me think though... Why have we never gotten maps from WotC before? They seem like they would be very helpful in making the world seem real and memorable and rich in flavor...)

March 4, 2017 9:04 a.m.

Kralug says... #13

@MagicalHacker

The map of the plane is already here! It's very basic, but it atleast helps to put it into perspective of what is where. There is a section of the text that reads "Link to map", just click that and there you go!

March 4, 2017 11:26 a.m.

Boza says... #14

I will look at all cards available in light of these new story revelations and give some more reviews to cards i have not already mentioned.

I cannot see any of the cards besides the Demon Planeswalker

March 6, 2017 4:19 a.m. Edited.

Kralug says... #15

Skeleton is now finished, and the card slots are being filled in! Check out the link to see the creations!

March 8, 2017 6:51 p.m.

Boza says... #16

Ok, so looking over the cards now, I see 3 mechanics: Energy, rally and ritual (each creature you sac while casting this pays for 2 generic or any color in the casting cost).

I feel like the rally (1 card I see so far) and energy (90% of the cards so far) feel a bit flat (I know they are commons).

Cardwell lookout - fine if unexciting. I very low-tier drafting chaff that requires at least 2 other allies. This needs to be a 2/1 at least.

Aberrant duelist - while it has to be worse than Scrapper Champion, 5 mana 3/3s are barely passable at best, even with that ability attached. Add another point in stats somewhere.

Generic 3 mana 2/3 - servicable as usual.

Regulate - needs flavor text badly, though this is something I wish Wizards has printed, so I am liking it a lot.

Frozen solid - a solid reprint (hehe).

Corpsemonger - I would say it has a powerful ability for a common (a couple of NWO red flags), but should be safe at 5 mana.

Favor of the dead - a bit too weak. You really need to sac a creature to make this worth casting, but then you are paying 4 mana to get 2 2/2s, while getting rid of one of your previous dudes, for a net gain 1 2/2. Not really worth it, especially since I do not see any cheap token generation a la servos.

Pyre devil - 4 mana 2/2 that pings at ETB? No creature is worth sacrificing for this. It really needs a boost in something.

Ifrit strike - standard combat trick, but really, Dragonforce flavor text?

Take aim - another G staple reprint.

Etherlize - bog standard and I do not really see any artifact or enchantments really to assess its power level.

Sigil cycle - the blue and black ones are miles ahead of the rest, making them much worse in comparison.

Overall, these cards seem a bit lackluster. I would suggest something, but the mechanics changed around since my last post, so I do not if what I say will be relevant.

March 9, 2017 2:56 a.m.

Kralug says... #17

Boza

Thanks for the input!

Whatever ideas you have currently will remain relevant, as im sticking to the design ideas that i have shown currently. The story is set and all that, so i'm sticking to it. I'll be making adjustments from time to time to cards as i get to it, so i'm glad you got some ideas on how to adjust the cards.

Also, the flavor text regarding dragonforce is currently placeholder... But come on. How could you resist?!

March 9, 2017 1:47 p.m.

Boza says... #18

Whenever you accumulate a larger batch of cards/mechanics for review, do tell me.

March 22, 2017 6:53 a.m.