Elspeth, Returned (Planeswalker)
Custom Cards forum
Posted on April 21, 2015, 9:19 p.m. by Popalofiti
CMC - (3)WB, Loyalty counters - 3
+1 - Gain life equal to the amount of creatures target opponent controls. Otherwise deal that much damage to a creature to target creature target opponent controls
-2 - Destroy target nonenchantment permanent
-5 - Choose one ; Destroy all nonenchantment permanents besides Planeswalkers you control ; or choose any amount of enchantments in all graveyards and put them onto the battlefield under your control
accelerando11 says... #3
Did you mean to include nonland for the ultimate? Because as it is, that seems a little too powerful. She only needs to stick for two turns before you can more or less win, providing that you're playing enchantments/enchantment creatures that can let you win.
April 21, 2015 9:32 p.m.
Is the +1 a choice? I think it would be clearer if it said "Choose an opponent. Gain X life or deal X damage to target creature that opponent controls, where X is the number of creatures that opponent controls."
April 21, 2015 9:37 p.m.
Popalofiti says... #5
I got to thinking, and if Elspeth were to be revived, it would probably have to be done by the Gods on Theros, meaning she would (more than likely) part enchantment. She would be indebted to the Gods, and wouldn't hurt an enchantment (something like that) and thus the Second ability explained. Final ability is game ending, but speaking that she costs 5 and only has TWO loyalty counters, I hope that would balance it out.
April 21, 2015 9:37 p.m.
Popalofiti says... #6
To accelerando11 : Yes, I always forget little things like that. Wish I could go back to change it...
To Egann : That would be better, thanks! And yes, it is a choice.
April 21, 2015 9:41 p.m.
I really like the flavor of this card. Elspeth coming back as a Nyxborn? Planeswalker is really neat.
I have two issues with this card though, and to be fair the are minor and probably more of personal preference than anything else.
First, I feel like the first ability doesn't match up with the rest of the flavor as well as it could. What if the creature you target is an enchantment creature? Would that not go against her new belief/restriction? I feel that a nice W/B feel would be:
"Choose one -
You gain 1 life for each creature you control
Target opponent loses life for each creature he or she controls"
This is admittedly a very different approach than what you were going for, but I feel like it fits the colors nicely while not going against the rest of the theme. Plus it kind of calls back to Elspeth Tirel's +2 although with a new black twist.
My other issue with this card is that it has two choice modes. I feel like I am seeing this more and more in people's custom planeswalkers. 3-4 abilities are often enough, why do we need each one to be a modal ability too? Again, I realize that this is purely personal opinion and in no way is representative of everyone else's outlook.
I'd like to again state that this seems like an awesome card with a ton of flavor built into it. With the cleanup of words recommended by others, I would be excited to see it as printed in a future booster pack.
FAMOUSWATERMELON says... #2
First ability is weirdly worded and totally underwhelming if you're against control.
Second ability is pretty sweet, not sure why it's nonenchantment, but it works.
Third ability is... well... really powerful and pretty much game-ending. In three turns...
April 21, 2015 9:26 p.m.