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JOIN MSEM2

Playing MSEM2

Getting Set Up on Cockatrice

For easiest updates, you'll want a separate version of Cockatrice for MSEM. This can be done by downloading a portable version of Cockatrice from here: https://cockatrice.github.io/

  1. Open Cockatrice and run Oracle.

  2. For the file sources, paste http://mse-modern.com/msem2/notlackey/AllSets.json in the first window, then http://mse-modern.com/msem2/notlackey/tokens.xml after that has downloaded.

  3. On the top menu, navigate to Cockatrice -> Settings -> Card Sources.

  4. Add the two links from Image download paths below. Ensure they are in the same order, and that "Download images on the fly" is checked. http://mse-modern.com/msem2/images/!setcode!/!set:num!!set:rarity!.jpg and http://mse-modern.com/msem2/images/!setcode!/!set:num!.jpg

  5. After patches, click the "Delete all downloaded images" button here to allow cards to update.

Becoming a Part of the Community

 

So why should you give MSEM2  a look? We know it can be daunting to jump into a format this large but that's why we're here. We're an active and growing community first and foremost. We're open and friendly and we love Magic or we wouldn't be here after all. We love playing and making custom cards and we want to give the chance for MSE members to submit and hopefully get a chance to play with cards that they've made.

For some, the idea of an entire format of new cards to be cracked and dissected is enough to get them intrigued. For others, the idea of getting others to play with cards they've created is tempting. For some, it's being part of a community that entices them. For the competitive players out there, being able to rack up Prix Points and earning bragging rights is what gets them going. Regardless of why you're here, we want you to know that we're glad to have you.

At the bottom of every page and duplicated here you'll find the link to our Discord. We'd love to have you.

New Player Resources

We highly recommend you check out previous Grand Prix decklists (accessed through the Articles  tab) and the MSEM Compendium.

For even more info, jump right into the Discord. We're always there to help playtest and build.

Submitting Sets to MSEM2

Players wishing to submit sets in the future should take note of the following:

 

Creating Your Set

Show your set to others before you submit it to MSEM. Get feedback, playtest, review and revise. The MSEM Council will no longer be writing comprehensive lists of problems with submitted sets before voting, so you would do well to have your set as complete as possible.

Submitting Your Set

Designers can submit a set for MSEM review following these restrictions:

  • They did not have a set accepted into the format in the previous release.

  • They only submit one set each release.

  • They have played in an MSEM event (Grand Prix or five League Matches) in the past six months.

  • The set does not have two strikes from previous submission attempts.

Sets should be submitted as an MSE file to a member of the MSEM Council (the ModSquad members of the Discord).

MSEM Set Submission Dates

Schedule Update
Starting in 2023, we are removing one of the three regular release seasons. The new release schedule is as follows:

  • Spring Set Deadline: March 31st

  • Spring Set Voting: April 1st - 15th

  • Spring Set Release: May 1st

  • Fall Set Deadline: July 31st

  • Fall Set Voting: August 1st - 15th

  • Fall Set Release: September 1st 

  • Wildcard Deadline: October 31st

  • Wildcard Voting: November 1st - 30th

  • Wildcard Release: January 1st

Set files should be sent in before 11:59PM EST on the night of the deadline. 

Review and Acceptance

Every four months the MSEM Council will review and vote on the submitted sets. Those sets will be ranked according to their average votes (from 0-4). The two highest ranked sets will begin the process of being added to the format. Any sets that receive a 0 from half or more of the council will be given a strike, a warning that your set is below MSEM quality standards. Sets that have gotten two strikes will no longer be considered. The remaining sets are free to be resubmitted later on, and will have another chance of getting in with the Community Wildcard.

 

The top two sets will be chosen based on quality, mechanics and whether or not it breaks the format. Sets with many mistakes simply won’t make the cut. Those sets will be given the more comprehensive evaluation and proofreading before entering the format.

 

Sets being submitted will not automatically be notified of major issues before time to vote, though you may ask council embers to review the set if they are available. Be aware that once submissions close there won't be a feedback/fix unless your set is one of the two accepted sets.

 

Community Wildcard

Every winter, the top sets from the previous year that meet our submission requirements will be put to a community vote. The following month, the top rated set will be reviewed and will be added to the format in a solo release.

 

Any community member who has played in an MSEM competitive event or finished five League matches in the last six months is eligible to vote, as well as any Council members who happen to have a set in the running. The current set files will be posted and voting will open. Ballots are similar to Council votes, where each voter will give the sets a score 0-3, and the set with the best average will move on. For wildcard votes, include some amount of reasoning for each of the sets: Whether that's cards you're excited to see, cards you're worried about, whatever. It doesn't need to be a lot (but can be if you want to.) We use this to ensure everyone is reading the set files and giving each their fair shake, and use your feedback during the balancing period. These ballots should be sent to LackeyBot with the "$vote" command, which will anonymize your vote but still allow you to edit or receive notices if there is a problem with your ballot.

Conclusion

In short, there will be a set submission and entry period every four months and we aim to select the two best sets each time, as well as a community voted wildcard set every winter. This will both increase the quality of MSEM2 and reduce issues of format bloat, and gives the meta more time to form.

 

Any and all questions can be sent to any member of the MSEM2 Council. You can easily find us on the MSEM2 Discord.

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