WDC #116: Make me *less* special
With each new release of a Dominion expansion come new mechanics. And often, the weekly design contests reflect that: "Create a card that gives Villagers"; "Create a new Way."
But there are some mechanics that have gotten less fanfare, in fact there is only 1 official card (or card shaped thing) that uses it:
Examples, though in no way comprehensive (also, please let me know if I'm mistaken and missing some other card that uses the same mechanic)
Masquerade - only official card to involve passing
Werewolf - only official Action-Night card
Prince - only official Action card that costs $8 (not including Peddler that is $8*)
Grand Market - only official card that restricts buying it based on cards in play
Mountain Pass - only official card that involves bidding
This weeks contest is to "de-uniquefy" a unique Dominion mechanics. Please mention the particular mechanic and the official card that uses it in your post.
A couple of notes:
I had originally come up with this idea before Menagerie came out and there were even more options (e.g. Peddler was the only card that changed cost), but I hope that there are still many good options out there
taken to an extreme any official card can be seen as a unique combination of mechanics, so it may be difficult to disqualify any entry. However, the spirit if the contest is to try and pick as general a mechanic (or combo) as possible, and entries will be judged accordingly. e.g. if your entry is "+1 Action. Now at the start of your next turn, +$2", because Merchant Ship is the only card that provides $2 this turn and next, thus will not get a high grade.
similarly, posting an entry that shares a non supply card (e.g. a card that can gain you a Mercenary) likely won't come off as an especially unique mechanic (even though, in the example, Urchin is the only official card that can do that)
given how the idea of how unique a mechanic is can be subjective, if you're unsure, feel free to ask, and I will opine before contest end on the uniqueness of your chosen mechanic
Judgement:
In addition to the aforementioned, my general criteria continues to be: Is this a card I wish I had designed? So I will look towards it being interesting and fun, foremost, and at least somewhat thematic. While balance is also important, if it's a card that has some imbalance but potential to be fixed, it won't lose many points. I also do tend to lean towards "simpler is better", knowing that it is sometimes in conflict with "interesting and fun".
Submission Deadline:
Entries and revisions must be submitted by 12:01 Forum Time (16:01 UTC) on Tuesday, June 1st. Some time around then, I'll make the outline post showing all the latest versions of the entries I've seen, so you can confirm I haven't missed any.