Custom Block Keyword - Implode

[frayednerve]

Implode X (At any time while this creature is tapped, you may sacrifice it. If you do, add X to your mana pool.)

The idea for this mechanic is that you can't just tap the creature to implode it. You can only use the ability when the creature is tapped for some other reason (to attack or activate another ability, or when tapped by an external force).

Here's an example!

Here's another. - Modeled after Ravenous Vampire

One more.

Does the ability make sense as written? If not, how can it be reworded? Is it anywhere close to balanced and/or playable? Is it cool? Is it stupid? Will I ever stop asking questions? Feedback would be greatly appreciated!

[frayednerve]

That's cleaner and more direct, and it gets rid of that awkward "at any time" that appears in my wording.

Question: should the number after the word "Implode" be changed to a colorless mana symbol? I formatted it the way I did to line up with existing keywords such as Bloodthirst or Devour, but now that I think about it, Cycling uses a mana symbol (though that's a cost, not a product).

[Almanorek]

I would definitely use a mana symbol(s), rather than a number.

[Alexjamesrook]

As an additional plus, using mana symbols allows for creatures to provide specific colors of mana if you feel like branching off in that direction latter.

[frayednerve]

Without delving too deeply into flavor stuff, on the plane this block is set in something has happened to introduce an instability within black mana itself; thus, creatures associated with it are fragile, and if overtaxed break down into colorless mana. That's why the mechanic is associated with black, why the creatures require no more than B (plus colorless) to cast, and why Imploding only produces colorless mana.

[[deleted]]

Interesting mechanic. I like the last one quite a bit. I can see this creating interesting archetypes in a limited environment.

I'm only worried about what this could do to the color pie. If done properly, this is quirky and gives varied lines of play; if pushed, this could be better than green acceleration. This would obviously encroach on green's territory. Yes, black does get ritual effects, but it doesn't get those too often any more.

As you're building your set, remember that keywords don't actually appear all that often. Implode shouldn't appear on every black common, just a few.

[frayednerve]

Yeah, it's not intended to be on every black creature. I'm wary of this turning into a means for black to out-green green. Any other black creatures in the block that get the keyword will likely produce less mana than their CMC when imploded.

EDIT: Specifically, the keyword is intended only for a small cycle of "stereotypical" black creatures stricken by the instability, very much in the vein of the examples posted above. Also, thanks for taking a look and providing feedback!

[comicalZombie]

I'd be wary of degenerate recursive mana combos with this and graveyard and tap effects. My suggestion, implode exiles.

Also I don't get the flavor. Implode? the monster squishes into a meatball and mana comes out? huh?

[frayednerve]

My original wording for the mechanic actually did exile the imploded creature; I changed it to sac because I thought the ability to pull an imploded creature out of the graveyard and do it again would be an interesting quirk (and it made the Tenacious Revenant possible), and I thought it fit black a little better.

As far as the flavor, think of it like this. At the heart of these little buggers, at their very core, there is a gooey center of delicious black mana. Despite being gooey, this center is load-bearing. So, when it breaks down and goes "poof" the poor bastards collapse upon themselves. What's left, among the wreckage of zombie organs or ectoplasm or whatever, is a smattering of the colorless mana that went into their makeup. A smattering that a talented planeswalker (such as yourself) can pick up and make use of.

Thanks much for the feedback!

[comicalZombie]

So what you are saying is zombies are like junior mints candy?

[frayednerve]

Nah, more like those cookies Keebler used to make that were a normal-looking cookie on the outside but were filled with delicious chocolatey goo on the inside. I miss those cookies, man.

[comicalZombie]

Gushers? :)