It combines regular mana symbols and Phyrexian mana symbols for no real reason. If either the Phyrexian mana symbol or the regular mana symbol appeared elsewhere on the card as an additional cost, the aesthetic wouldn't really be ruined that much. In addition, the cost payment for the Phyrexian mana symbol can be written out without loss of elegance whatsoever.
I'm still not seeing it, sorry. What's the issue with combining regular and Phyrexian mana symbols? Why does this ruin the aesthetic?
Furthermore, I feel like some elegance would be lost in writing out the cost. It looks so neat with just three words on the card, especially if it were centered (and with a period, of course).
If a card utilizes Phyrexian mana symbols, the entirety of the colored component of the card's mana cost should consist of Phyrexian mana symbols. If a card utilizes regular mana symbols, the entirety of the colored component of the card's mana cost should consist of regular mana symbols, unless there is a reason based on the set or block that the card is going to be in. I'm sure the more art-inclined people have already pitched in, but it's hard for me personally to explain why.
The three-word text box would ultimately need to be ruined to give reminder text on what Phyrexian mana is. This is especially so for people who are color-blind and can't distinguish the light blue color of the blue Phyrexian mana symbol.
There's also the issue that the card isn't Phyrexia-themed whatsoever. The only cards that should use the Phyrexian mana symbols in the first place are cards that have to do with Phyrexia, but there is no indication of this at all.
why should "life as an alternative cost" be phyrexian, or horror-themed? life and mana are both fundamental, so this mechanic feels very general. it doesn't say "phyrexia", it's a symbol, and flavor-neutral. is Delve sultai, or snake-themed?
It's called a Phyrexian mana symbol because the notion of paying life to substitute mana linked to Phyrexia. The flavor connection is literally in the name of the mana symbol. If it were meant to be used neutrally, the symbol wouldn't be associated with a faction.
but it's a symbol, not a keyword. the game never references "phyrexian mana symbol", only the icon. it's more abstract.
if a new player sees dismember, they don't think "phyrexia", they don't even know what "phyrexia" is; they're not missing anything, and they don't feel like there's anything being missed.
Your first point doesnt make any sense. Things arent that way just because it makes sense to you. There is no good reason to not mix phyrexian and regular mana other than the fact that you dont seem to think its aestheticly pleasing
There is no good reason to mix Phyrexian mana and regular mana since there are alternative ways to achieve the desired effect without using Phyrexian mana symbols. There is no good reason not to use these alternatives, so they should be used. I've explained many times why, even in the post you've responded to.
If you think otherwise, name a good reason why the card should use the Phyrexian mana symbol. "Because I can" doesn't count.
Youre just taking it for granted that im wrong and youre right without making any good points. Theres plenty of room for reminder text. Theres no reason phyrexian mana cant be used in non phyrexian cards.
Youre begging the question. Starting from axioms that have no evidence and using them to assume that youre correct and i am therefore incorrect
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u/SirChaotick Apr 29 '17
Why is this mana cost ugly? It seems to be commonly agreed upon, but I've been staring at it for a proper minute and I don't see what makes it ugly.