January 1, 2017 October 3, 2018
W101 Spell Ideas:
Ice- Archetype [Card Freeze]
In 120 levels of Wizard 101 we have seen all kinds of effects: buffs and debuffs, heals and attacks-all of which contribute to the game we know and love. One of the few concepts that wizard 101 has yet to explore in depth is direct card manipulation. This is likely due to the fact that unlike other ccg games Wizard 101 has unlimited card draw mechanics. Wizards completely fill up their hand on the next round while also having access to a sideboard that is a 1 for 1 trade. As a result, reshuffle is the only direct card manipulation spell we have, something I hope this post will change.
In order to bring some new mechanics to the table I have invented a few spell archetypes for each school. Each of these Archetypes will augment a particular aspect of the school. I invented a school limited 4 pip attack, a school limited 6 pip attack and a pure manipulation spell that can be trained by other schools (given for free to that school and trainable by the other schools for one training point). Since direct card effects are not often felt immediately these cards will be at or slightly above dpp and/or leverage powerful effects for their cost.
A seven part series with a single school focus for each article. This article will focus on the Ice School and it’s Archetype [Card Freeze].
Cards made with Legends of the Spiral’s Card Creator! Check it out here!
You could also check out Eric’s other Archetype ideas here!
Archetype [Card Freeze]
This archetype focuses on slowing down the tempo of the match while slowly building power over time. The archetype slows down matches by limiting the opponent’s cycling options as well as encouraging the user to keep cards in hand so they can receive a buff. This fits well with Ice’s theme of slow but steady wins the race, rewarding persistence and a slower tempo match.
Name: Glacial Drift
Type: Attack/Manipulation
Accuracy: 80%
Cost: 4 pips
Description: 375 Ice Damage to one target and +50 base ice damage to one attack card of your choice in hand
Explanation: A powerful attack that buffs up a spell the more you keep it in hand. Note that this is a direct buff to base damage meaning the card can still be enchanted and it works on enchanted cards. When you select your opponent this card also lets you choose a card in your hand to enhance with it’s effect.
Name: Brain Freeze
Type: Attack/Manipulation
Accuracy: 80%
Cost: 6 pips
Description: 465 Ice damage to all opponents-place 3 Token shields in opponent’s hand(replaces cards in your opponent’s hand if it is full, replacement means the cards replaced are returned to the deck not discarded). Maximum of 5 tokens can be in opponent’s hand at any given time.
Explanation: A powerful card that slows down the tempo immediately. Token shields are 1 pip 20% tower shields that cannot be discarded. This slows the tempo by limiting your opponent’s draw options and costing a pip to cast the token.
Name: Convection
Type: Manipulation
Accuracy: 100%
Cost: 2 pips
Description: Place 2 token shields in opponent’s hand and 1 in your hand. Max of 5 token shields can be in either player’s hand at any given time. Replaces cards if hand full. This spell while powerful is balanced by slowing down the caster’s tempo as well.
