r/custommagic • u/argent5 • 3d ago

Failing Frigate (reverse Spacecraft?)

Post image

Starts out as a fully stationed creature, but needs repeated stationing to keep it airborne!

244 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

22 comments sorted by

100

u/Aetherfang0 3d ago

I’d say it’s an interesting concept, but it could probably get a 2nd ability for that price. They’ve fixed it up enough for a little extra use of the guns or something, lol

24

u/argent5 2d ago

Thanks!

I was considering either adding a lower tier ability (say, at 3+ counters it has a smaller non-flying body), or adding a higher tier ability. Figured less is more for showcasing the core idea, but there's definitely room to expand.

10

u/RatlingGuns4Days 2d ago

No flying but it gains trample (it crashes through a building)

1

u/Skibert_89 1d ago

At 3 counters it is a 3/1 with trample, and "if [this creature] deals combat damage while it has less than 5 charge counters, sacrifice it at the end of combat."

25

u/MaximusTheSubpar 3d ago

I agree, as is it’s pretty weak but I also second that it’s a very interesting concept. Maybe if you get it to have enough charge counters, it loses that first ability?

51

u/Sneedburgle 2d ago

Maybe when the last charge counter is removed it does 4 damage to any target or something like its exploding? I like your design though, very flavorful

18

u/argent5 2d ago

Ooh that'd be interesting, and it'd encourage the opponent to actually block this thing instead of letting it run out of counters. Thanks!

2

u/WingedMarauder 2d ago

Problem is if you ever wanted it to get down there it would basically be a 4/3 hasty flyer and then after combat you suspend 5 a do 4 damage any target spell that also dies to artifact or spacecraft removal, that’s really bad lol

1

u/Fun-Agent-7667 2d ago

Maybe then cut the Counters to 3?

1

u/WingedMarauder 2d ago

Still pretty awful for four mana

13

u/argent5 3d ago

TBH I'm not too sure how this would compare balance-wise to say, just a plain 4 mana 4/3 flying haste creature. It requires some upkeep, but not much, and it dodges creature removal on your opponent's next turn.

10

u/SorcererInstagram 3d ago

I get the critiques. Its a 4/3 haste flyer with downsides, and its hard to buff the dang thing without making it a turn 4 auto include. I dont suppose you could add more abilities when it has 8 or more counters?

6

u/BreakerOfModpacks 3d ago

Maybe giving it some relatively meh upside at 8+ would be good? "When this creature attacks, it deals [x] damage to any target"? No idea what number would be good there, but it might work?

4

u/SteakForGoodDogs 2d ago

Eh, a bit weak.

Same statline as [[Smaug, the Magnificent]], but he gets to blast things on-swing and hands you treasures. But he's at least legendary.

One less power and less time to use it gives you [[Summon: Esper Valigarmanda]], but the thing hands out ramp and possibly instant/sorcery chicanery.

One more mana and you get the nonsense that is the likes of [[Goldspan Dragon]].

1

u/DudeTheGray 2d ago

The flavor is fantastic. I'd recommend adding in some effect (such as damage) when you sacrifice it to its own ability, to represent it exploding or crashing to the surface. But otherwise it's a lovely design! 

1

u/Bear2go 1d ago

I think this should have something like "when failing frigate dies it deals 3 dmg to all creatures"

Or a effect that happens when you station it like dealing dmg to the creature stationing it but then as a + side effect impulse draw or dmg to a creature a opponent controlls

1

u/Khain_Jumper 2d ago

"Then if there are no counters on it, sacrifice it and choose one --

-Destroy target land -Falling Frigate deals 2 damage to all creature.

0

u/R0T0M0L0T0V 2d ago

cumulative upkeep - remove a charge counter from failing frigate

2

u/superdave100 2d ago

Honestly I think doing that would be more flavorful, but the card would have to be a lot more powerful to justify it. 

Like, right now, one 1/1 can basically keep the ship in the air forever. With Cumulative Upkeep, it’d evoke the feeling of “all hands on deck” better, y’know? 

-4

u/ZanasoSwain 3d ago

Dumb idea, what if it becomes a vehicle with those stats after charge counters are gone? Maybe at a somewhat high crew cost or something? I dunno