MArcomage

Fithz wrote:
Also we can use a different word for "summun", like "evoke"

I was thinking the same, that using a different term for "summon" would help to set it apart, but I can't think of a better term for it. Hearthstone uses "discover" for this kind of mechanic, where you get to select what is to follow, but I don't think that works here.

I figure, let "summon" refer to a specific, chosen card coming next. Replace uses of the term where a random effect occurs with a more benign term such as "draw."

I agree that Paper golem seems weak for a Rare, especially given that there are times it will have no effect. But then, in an Unliving deck, triggering the keyword with a 0-cost Rare can mean tons of free bricks without disrupting the cycle. I wouldn't add it to my deck, but I can see myself being happy to summon, oops I mean, draw it via keyword. I can't comment on synergy in an Aria deck. Actually, I see the accidental trigger of the Aria effect as being potentially hazardous to Unliving play.

For Stein Gate, maybe it could stay as it is but additionally replace a common card in opponent's hand with a non-common from their deck. Though in this case the card text will be out of bounds I think :)

For a new word maybe "Search for" could be used. This is a terminology used in MtG, I think, for targeted draws.

I like the "Evoke" idea. I have been testing many versions of the Stein's gate including one that would actually remove the card from your deck after Evoking it. Unfortunately all versions were wither too powerful or too restrictive. Currently, I think the best approach would be to evoke an uncommon card to preserve the main card idea. Additionally, I have added bricks production x2 to Paper golem.

Here are updated versions of new cards.

Testing the Stein's gate have made me realize interesting new mechanics that we could support:

- having more than 8 card modes, potentially extending this to a list of values which gives us an option to give cards variables that are operated via mode

- deck changes during gameplay, there could be cards that replace cards in your deck, this can even override card rarity restrictions

- forbidden cards (this mechanic was proposed earlier) - having cards that can be summoned only by card effect, this is also related to the deck changes during gameplay feature (adding forbidden cards to your deck, Stein's gate card could be changed to do that later)

- Renewal keyword (non token keyword) - card that has this keyword will be returned to it's former place after being discarded, this gives plenty of design space since the effect can be actually both positive and negative, this mechanic was in some form present in the original Arcomage

- Frost keyword (non token keyword) - the rough idea is that the keyword effect will add "Crystal prison" forbidden card to opponent's hand. This card has renewal and slightly negative card effect

I will be exploring these options and some may be added for the Christmas update.