Altered TCG Builder

Altered TCG Builder is a multi-field tool that captures card design inputs and outputs a structured card data object. It enforces a universal card schema and validates relationships between fields such as cost, power, and effects. Audience includes game designers, publishers, hobbyists creating homebrew sets, and educators prototyping classroom card activities. It focuses on altered TCG formats with flexible cost systems and rule variations. Core capabilities include field-level validation, optional flavor text and set-specific rules, and an export pathway for JSON and printable card data. The tool distinguishes required fields (name, mana_cost, type, rarity, and effects) from optional attributes (flavor_text, illustrator, set, foil). Advanced features support batch validation, set-level constraints, and JSON exports ready for downstream workflows. Algorithmic balance checks estimate cost-to-power ratios and flag imbalances, while type- and rarity-specific constraints guard against invalid card definitions. If set data is unavailable, defaults apply and warnings are issued upon export. The tool remains domain-focused, avoiding UI logic and presentation concerns, and is designed to integrate with deck simulators and printing pipelines. Assumptions are that designers provide coherent effect text and balanced values; the system does not adjudicate playtest legality, nor does it generate visual art or layout. Exclusions include UI rendering, image generation beyond data export, and live game state management.