Trumpeter Swan

[Ephraim]

Trumpeter Swan
{W}{W}
Creature -- Bird
1/2
Flying
: Untap target creature.  That creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.  Play this ability only once each turn.

***

This card was designed to fit the name.  Don't get me wrong, I like the slew of fantastical creatures that Magic harbours, but sometimes, I like to see a mundane creature too.  The abilities followed rather closely from the name and from there, it was obvious that this had to be a white creature.

I am not entirely certain how I want to cost this.  I don't think I want it to cost just three mana, because then it begins to horn in on other cards that I like (Ghost Warden and Angelic Page.)  I have created several cards recently that cost 3C, so I don't know if I want this to go there either.  2CC may be a little costly for this effect, but I am also wary of making the creature bigger because it doesn't seem sensible that a swan should be as formidable as a griffin.  Any advice in this matter would be appreciated.

The restriction on the ability that allows it to be played only once each turn is to keep this creature from untapping itself infinitely, giving itself +1/+1 each time.

***

Current Wording:

Trumpeter Swan
{W}{W}
Creature -- Bird
1/3
Flying
: Untap target creature.  That creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.  Play this ability only once each turn.

[Machinus]

I recommend a cost decrease to 1WW.

For referense, see Mistral Charger and Kabuto Moth.

[dandan]

Trumpeter Swan
{W}{2}
Creature -- Bird
1/2
Flying
: Untap target creature.  That creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn. Play this ability only once each turn.

This is rather weak. You could add a little power by giving it First Strike (trust me Swans hit you before you get close!) or give the pumped creature First strike (Swan warns creature and therefore gives it the chance to hit first)

[Matt]

I think it doesn't need more abilities. Make it 1/3.

[GerryMander]

I think that making it a 2/1 would be reasonable.  I mean, Snapping Drake is a 3/2 for , and it isn't anything special.

Also, fix the current wording.

[LordHomerCat]

Snapping drake also is a common without a limited-dominating style ability.  Remember that Kabuto Moth was the best White common (and like second best overall) in Champions.  Depending on rarity, this guy would be really strong in limited, and does not seem like he needs any extra push to me.

[Anusien]

Why did you remove the "play this ability only once per turn"?  With this, you can make an infy/infy attacker out of a Twiddle, and he blocks for infinite automatically.  Plus, auto infinite life with Worthy Cause/Diamond Valley.

[zeus-online]

I dont know if any of you guys draft, but Kabuto moth was really, really good in limited...this would be even better! But i think its do-able at 2WW.

This version may be a tad more interesting though:
Trumpeter swan - 3WW
Creature - Bird
Flying, vigilance
Tap: Untap target creature.  That creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn. Play this ability only once each turn.
2/3

Should be Rare, or it would ruin limited.

/Zeus

ps. i know this version is alot better...but its mostly a "limited" card, so changing its rarity is a better way to fix the card.

[Ephraim]

I appreciate the suggestions, but they tend to push this card in a direction that I don't want it to go.  I don't want this creature to be too beefy on its own.  Zeus, the card you proposed could take down an elephant and survive.  I'm already wary that this card is stronger than the average griffin (on defense.)  I think that Matt's suggestion of making it a 1/3 to compensate for the high mana cost is the best.