Withering Specter

[Ocifer]

Ok, the name could use some serious work, but the basic flavor is disernable from the placeholder. Also, needs a revision to the creature type, but I'm not sure what to use- should be the same a hyppie.

Withering Specter
1BB
Creature --
5/2
Fading X
As ~this~ comes into play choose X.
When ~this~ comes into play lose 2 life for each fade counter on ~this~.

The flavor goes all the way back to "original" magic when you summoned creatures. When you summon this big stomper, he requires blood to gain temporary life. Perfect fit in a suicide deck, though not really well placed in the current T2 or limited due to the high direct damage ratio, at best a sideboard card in the environment. Well placed in T1, though still a liability against Sligh.

I think it should have trample or fear or something, it still feels weak. Even though it probably isn't. I wanna keep it a 3 drop; I wanna keep at least 5 power, maybe even more; I wanna keep the ability intact. Everything else is up for debate, including the toughness and any extra abilities.

Current Wording:
Malevolent Spirit
1BB
Creature -- Nightmare
5/2
Fading X, fear
As ~this~ comes into play choose X.
When ~this~ comes into play lose 2 life for each fade counter on ~this~.

[Matt]

I don't know if "specter" is the right creature type for this. This feels more like an elemental. Blood Elemental would be perfect for this, but we already used it. You could talk to Gerrymander and see if he'd consent to finding a new name for his card.

[Ocifer]

I don't think I'll steal the elemental's name for this one, but a new name for the card is in order.

It has fading, perhaps a more nightmarish flavor is in order. A dream creature that rips from your nightmares, taking part of your soul in the process, and then terrorizes at your command for the breif period of life you've provided it.
-this would lean me toward a nightmare creature type or a ghost/specter

Perhaps go with the simple vampiric flavor, a young creature you have spawned to feed on your foes, but needs your blood to gain enough power to fight.
-this would lean me toward a vampire or demon creature type

Of course the original flavor is an option.
-this leans me toward a wraith, lich or even a zombie

Also, is 5/2 big enough? I think a 5/3 or even a 6/2 could be feasible. Tacking on trample or fear, ala Negator, may also be reasonable.

[GerryMander]

frickin' Soul Elemental would be sweet for this, but if you don't want an Elemental (mah favorite creature type):

-Cursed Soul
-Kerixus
-Malevolent Spirit
-Shadowstalker
-Dark Abomination
-etc

[Jacob Orlove]

Flying would be too strong, I think, since that's a ridiculously quick clock. That rules out Vampire, since all but one vampire has had flying.

Trample would be fine, though, since it'll die in combat if they have blockers anyway.

[Ocifer]

Changes made: What do you think now?

[Bram]

Rather strong.

You only need to attack with this for 4 turns to kill an opponent. That means: 4 fading counters (3 if you can give it haste). That's only 8 (or 6) life.

But then again, it can be killed rather easily, and 8 life is a pretty hefty price. I dont think I have any problems with this (but I'll look again tomorrow since I'm drunk now).,

[Ocifer]

In practice, I don't like how easily this thing dies. The cost of this creature is quite heavy, and it's dying to the stupidest little blockers.
I was going to propose lowering the cost by 1, but I think this is a better solution.
Card editted, 48 hour clock.

[Matt]

Does the timing on Fading and "As this comes into play" work like you want it to? By which I mean: are you sure you're able to choose X before the fading number gets locked in?

[Ocifer]

I beleive we had a similar discussion about a similar card at an earlier time, and arrived at the wording proposed above.
Basically, since you are the controlling player, you stack the abilities in the order of your choosing. Go all the way back to my very first Fading thread (if you have it archived) for the appropriate rules discussions.

[Matt]

Closed and added.[/color]