Proposal: The Dynamic Asset Evolution (DAE) System
Submitted by: Joe blast
Subject: Introducing "Ascension Skins" & "Artisan Frames"
Status: Blog Proposal for Splinterlands
1. Executive Summary
This proposal introduces two symbiotic cosmetic systems—Ascension Skins and Artisan Frames—that fundamentally change how players value card ownership and gameplay history in Splinterlands.
By leveraging the new Cinder burn mechanic, we create a sustainable economic loop where assets are forged through destruction (burning old cards) and perfected through battle (playing the game). This shifts the cosmetic paradigm from "Pay-to-Win" to "Play-to-Flex."
2. The Economic Engine: The Cinder Forge
“From the ashes of the old, the new shall rise.”
I propose utilizing Cinder (obtained by burning existing card supply) as the exclusive currency for acquiring base-level cosmetics. This turns the "card glut" problem into a "cosmetic opportunity."
- The Burn: Players burn Common, Rare, and Soulbound cards to accumulate Cinder.
- The Forge: Players spend Cinder to mint Tier I (Dormant) Skins or Mint Condition Frames.
- The "Molten" Jackpot: Every forge attempt has a small (1-2%) chance to create a "Molten" Variant—a skin that comes with a permanent XP booster and a unique "smoldering coal" visual effect that persists through all future evolutions.
3. The Ascension Skin System (Active Evolution)
“The card doesn’t make the hero; the battle does.”
Skins are no longer static assets; they are living projects. A player acquires the base model, but must prove their skill to unlock its true form.
The Mechanics
- Trigger: Skins earn Skin XP (SXP) only when equipped on a unit that WINS a Ranked Battle.
- The Logic: Evolution represents mastery. You only evolve if you are winning.
The Evolution Tiers
| Tier | Name | Requirement | Visual Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Dormant | Forge (Lvl 0) | Standard base model. Worn leather, dull metals. |
| II | Awakened | 1,000 SXP | Polished textures. Gemstones appear and glow faintly. |
| III | Gilded | 5,000 SXP | Material transmutation. Iron/Steel turns to Gold or Platinum. |
| IV | Ethereal | 15,000 SXP | Foil Transformation. Skin gains animated Black/Gold Foil textures and particle effects. |
| V | Ascended | 50,000 SXP | The Divergence. The skin undergoes procedural mutation, generating unique 1-of-1 traits (wings, horns, halos). |
4. The Artisan Frame System (Passive Aging)
This is a "Bolt-On" cosmetic attachment (starting with Copper) that fits over the card border. Unlike skins, frames do not "level up"—they age.
The Mechanics
- Trigger: The frame accumulates "Battle XP" every time it enters a battle and WINS.
- The Logic: Aging represents endurance by victory.
The Patina Cycle (Copper Variant)
- Mint Condition (0 Battles): Bright, reflective orange-gold copper. Looks factory-new.
- Weathered (100+ Battles): Luster fades to matte brown. Scratches appear.
- Oxidized (500+ Battles): Teal/Green streaks appear in the crevices.
- Grand Verdigris (2,000+ Battles): The Status Symbol. The frame is encrusted in a heavy, textured green patina.
Preservation & Maintenance
- Waxing Kits: A consumable item (DEC sink) that "cleans" a frame, reverting it from Verdigris back to Mint Condition.
- Market Dynamic: Because cleaning is easy but aging takes time, "Verdigris" frames will likely trade at a higher premium than "Mint" frames.
5. Visual Concepts & Experience
The Collection View
Players will see a clear progression bar for their Skins and a "Battle Count" tracker for their Frames.
The Acquisition Experience
When a player successfully forges a new Frame or Skin using Cinder, they are presented with a confirmation screen accompanied by the following flavor text:
"Fresh from the anvil. It shines with the naive glow of the unblooded. Keep it polished if you wish to look wealthy... or carry it into the trenches, let the elements take hold, and show the world you are dangerous."
6. Strategic Value
This system creates a deep visual language for the opponent:
- The "Pay-to-Win" Look: A player has a Tier 1 (Dormant) Skin and a Mint Frame. They likely just bought the assets.
- The "Grinder" Look: A player has a Tier 4 (Ethereal) Skin inside a Grand Verdigris Frame.
- Meaning: This player has burned cards to support the economy, and has piloted this specific unit to victory in thousands of battles. Fear this player.
let me know what you think of this idea!
ok well back to work... 2026 is NOT going to built its self...
One day these wings will fly.... BLAST