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Palom & Porom, The Twin Mages

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Dauntless twins. Prodigious mages in the making.

Twin mages with vast magic potential, Palom and Porom trained daily to perfect their skills under the guidance of the Elder. The disobedient Palom often skipped out on his training, which frequently led his more diligent sister Porom to berate him. After Cecil arrives in Mysidia, the twins join the Dark Knight’s part to secretly monitor him. Once they realize Cecil’s trustworthiness, they join him in his fight.

You never know what you’re going to get with these two. One minute they’re spies, the next they’re trying to save you.

 -Taken from the Ultimania

2-015H – Palom

I’m looking at this card and I’m wondering why isn’t anyone using this?

Palom comes in for 3CP with 6000 power. Now, if he comes into the field through the Break Zone, or through Search and Play, Palom deals a Forward 7000 damage.

Up to here, this isn’t a great card.

But, let’s take a look at Comet.

Deal your opponent 1 point of damage.

Comet. That is one hell of an S ability, and the cost isn’t much either. 1 Palom card, dull an active Porom and dull Palom. No extra CP or anything else.

This card is worth a shot, especially if you’re playing with the Twin Mages.

“Blizzard! And that, my friends is how it’s done!”

2-016R – Palom

Here we are.

The perfect card for the previous Palom.

For 1CP you get a Forward that will attack and deal 2000 damage to a Forward.

So far so good.

Now, if Palom damages your opponent, or that Forward that was damaged is put in the break Zone, you can put Palom into the Break Zone, search for another Palom and play it onto the field.

And, there are plenty of Paloms to choose from that have decent Enter the Field abilities. Most just deal damage to one of your opponent’s Forwards. If you play Palom 5-018L you’ll also draw a card.

Give it a shot.

2-135H – Porom

Just like Palom 2-015H, you would like to play Porom off of a Search and Play or from the Break Zone. When she comes in you will return a Forward to it’s owner’s hand. This could be one of your cards as well as it doesn’t specifically say your opponent’s Forwards.

And, the S ability, is meh. You’ll much rather play Palom’s Comet, but if you want to use Pyroblast, you’ll deal a Forward 8000 damage.

That’s about it.

“You would expect him to try a little harder to fool us, wouldn’t you?”

2-136R – Porom

I like this one better than the previous Porom as it gives some sort of protection to the Twin Mages.

Whenever they are targeted by your opponent’s Summons or abilities, you can return them to your hand, instead of breaking them.

You can also just send Porom into the Break Zone, and search for another Porom and play it onto the field. I would probably pick Porom 3-140R, as it activates all of your Forwards.

“It was almost like we’d gained an older brother.”

3-016H – Palom

I can see why this one isn’t being used as much.

Whenever a Forward is dealt damage, that damage increases by 1000. Yes, there are ways to offset this, by playing Maria (1-083H) who gives all of your Forwards +1000 power, but you can also just use a different Palom and keep that +1000 power.
But, we’re not talking about Maria.

Palom does have a decent S ability, that deals damage to 3 of your opponent’s Forwards. 1st one gets 6000 damage, 2nd gets 4000 damage and the third one gets 2000 damage. Add in the damage increase of 1000, and that gives you 7K, 5K and 3K.

You might be able to take out a few Forwards with this ability.

It’s worth a shot.

3-140R – Porom

This card is still playable.

For 4CP you can Activate all of your Forwards. It would be a good idea to keep Porom on hand, and when you think you can win the game, you can go all out with your Forwards. If you don’t manage to win it, then just play Porom and activate all of your Forward in Main Phase 2.

That way, at least you’ll have some blockers on the field.

This alone makes Porom worth playing. Plus you get a Meat Shield after it too.

Curaga, will protect one of your Forwards from damage dealt to it this turn.

“That repulsive brat is my twin brother, Palom.”

5-018L – Palom

This is a great card to play off of Palom 2-016R, and only if Porom is already on the field.

If not, I would suggest to play a different Palom.

Palom comes in, and deals a Forward 7000 damage. And if Palom is on the field you will also draw a card from your deck.
The ability isn’t that great, just deals 1000 damage to a Forward.

You’d think this card would be a lot better, considering it is a Legend.

“Your goody-two-shoes attitude is gettin’ old.”

5-135L – Porom

Hmm…

Just like Palom, I don’t see much use for this.

Porom comes in, you look at the top 3 cards of your deck, grab one and put the other 2 at the bottom.

Ok, that just makes Porom a 2 cost Forward, with 5000 power.

Only thing that might be worth it is Porom’s ability to cancel an action ability.

It’s like a Mini-Amaterasu. Just different.

“Right!”

8-041H – Palom

Here’s something different. Palom is ready to put a cog in your opponent’s gears. Especially if he comes in during your opponent’s turn as a response to anything that your opponent tries to do. How can you do this? Palom 2-016R. Yes, we’re throwing that card everywhere.

Palom will come in and you can both discard a card, you freeze on of your opponent’s Forwards, or you can dull all of their Backups. And, if you’re playing something along the lines of Turbo Discard, they won’t have any moves this turn.

Fire/Ice? It should work.

“Geez. Why are adults so pigheaded?”

9-115R – Porom

Here we have a miniature White Mage, whose sole purpose is to grab a Summon from your Break Zone.

This will also come off as an EX Burst.

Simple. Effective.

And you’ll have a tiny meat shield on the field ready to be sent to the Break zone at all times.

“Tellah, look after Cecil for us!”

11-121C – Porom

If you need to shuffle some cards in your hand, you should play Porom.

You’ll discard a card, and whether it is a Final Fantasy IV Character or not, will determine how many cards you will draw.

Maybe 1, maybe 2.

If it’s 2 you’ll discard another card from your hand.

It’s the old Switcharoo.

Porom also protects a Forward with her ability, which reduces the damage dealt to it, by 2000.

“Break!”

13-013C – Palom

“Cheap Backup with an enter the field ability. Needs Porom to be any good, but then there are a few other Palom cards I would rather play than this one.”

I don’t know if I was wrong on this card, but years later the Foil version of this card is going for a pretty penny.

And, when I look at it right now, I would say the same thing I said back then.

Go figure.

“Break!”

15-011L – Palom

Now this look interesting. Palom almost looks like George from Peppa Pig. The way he’s holding that Dinosaur, I mean Dragon. But the card looks interesting as well.

George … I mean Palom here, has an ability that gets stronger after a couple of turns. Palom gains 1EXP Counter at the end of each of your turns. With each EXP Counter Palom gains 1K power.

The longer Palom remains on the field the stronger he gets. I would say that this is a great turn 1 card.

And Palom’s ability. For a total cost of 0CP, Palom can deal either 2K damage or 8K damage to one of your opponents Forwards.

Yes, Please. I’ll take 3.

15-119L – Porom

“Porom here, getting an EXP Counter Every turn. And Every turn you can choose 1 Forward of 5CP or less and it loses all abilities. And at 3 EXP Counters it’s power becomes 1000.

After that you just use Palom (15-011L) and finish that Forward off. Just Like that.

It’s called Twincast.”

Basically, what that says.

More EXP, more breaks. Just like the game.

20-017R – Palom

Kind of looks like this card was drawn with MS Paint. And, I don’t mean that in a bad way.

At 2CP, Palom won’t steal the show this set, but it’s still a decent card if you got the Crystals. That’s why we need the Samurai reprint this set.

Palom will come in and deal a Forward 8000 damage, with the help of a Crystal.

I’m figuring Porom will have a similar enter the field ability, after that they can both be sent to the Break Zone to deal a Forward 10,000 damage.

“Be thankful that the Mysidian genius Palom is going to help you!”

20-113R – Porom

Lots of recycling here, Water should be called the Recycling Center today. Cards for cards.

We’ll give you a card and then you’ll give us a card back.

More like a trade center?

Anyway Palom’s twin sister Porom comes in or leaves the field, and you get to draw and discard 1 card.

If you discard a FFIV Character you can also get a Crystal. Two for the price of one.

21-098R – Palom

I’d say this is a pass.

There are far better Paloms out there.

Sure, this one is Lightning and deals 9000 damage to one of your opponent’s Forwards that cost 3 CP or less.

I’d say the only good thing about this card is that the ability can go off from an EX Burst. And, that’s about it.

Leave this one at home, unless your drafting. Then you might want to use it.

23-018R – Palom

Palom, one half of the twin mages.

Palom is a free play, if Porom is already on the field.

If not he’ll only cost 2CP. Palom comes in with 5000 power and allows you to place 2 EXP Counters on a Forward. That Forward will gain +2000 power.

And, if the twins work together, I think Porom will be something like this as well.

“Grown-ups. They like trouble!”

23-110R – Porom

Porom, the other half of the twin mages.

Same thing here, Porom is a free play if you have Palom already on the field.

And, just like Porom she comes in with 5000 power.

When Porom comes in you can place 2 EXP Counters on a Forward, and that Forward gains a shield of sorts. Damage dealt to that Forward will be reduced by 2000.

You’ll be able to splash one or the other of these twins, as there is no cost to pay, if the other is on the field.

Looking for the Twins?

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Retired Blitzball Player

Wakka (1-180R)

3CP/Water
Backup
Blitzballer
Rare

“The Water Forwards you control gain +1000 power.”

I like these cards that buff you elemental Forwards by +1K. 90% of the time, if I’m building a deck, these cards are in there. At least one copy.

But, preferably 3.

Wakka (1-216S)

4CP/Water
Forward
Blitzballer
Starter

“When Wakka attacks, choose 1 Forward you control. Until the end of the turn, it gains +1000 power for each Forward you control.

Status Reels (S)(Wa): Choose 1 Forward. Until the end of the turn, it loses all its abilities and its power becomes 1000.”
Attack and Buff at the same time.

And, this one isn’t just a measly +1000 power, not saying that +1000 isn’t good, it’s +1000 power for each Forward you control. So you can take that Tidus (1-163L) and buff him by as many Forwards times two. And, if you have your back up against the wall, Tidus will do what he’s supposed to with Blitz Ace.

But, wait I thought we were talking about Wakka.

Wakka (7-126C)

2CP/Water
Backup
Guardian
Common

“(D): Choose 1 Category X Forward you control. It gains +1000 power until the end of the turn.”

Compared to the other Wakka’s this one just isn’t cutting it.

I wouldn’t use this one, when you have so many other choices.

Wakka (16-138S)

2CP/Water
Forward
Guardian
Starter

“You can remove 3 Reel Counters from Wakka to use Wakka’s special ability without paying the cost.

When Wakka or a Category X Forward enters your field, place 1 Reel Counter on Wakka.

Aurochs Spirit (S)(Wa): Choose 1 Forward. It loses all abilities until the end of the turn. Break it.”

Let’s see what we wrote when Emissaries of Light came out.

“I don’t know. I still think the Opus I Wakka was the best one. Same can be said about Shantotto.

But, being able to Break a Forward for a couple of Reel counters isn’t too shabby.”

The question is, how many FFX Characters can you get on to the field, and how fast can you get them on the field. Remember each one gives Wakka a Reel Counter, and with 3 of those counters, you can break one of your opponents Forwards.

Bring on the Aurochs!!

Wakka (18-102C)

3CP/Water
Backup
Blitzballer
Common

“EX BURST When Wakka enters the field, reveal the top 3 cards of your deck. Add 1 Water or Category X card among them to your hand and return the other cards to the bottom of your deck in any order.”

Resurgence of Power came out less than a year ago, and this is what we had then …

“A backup to play if you’re playing a FFX themed deck, or mostly Water.

Wakka let’s you reveal the top 3 cards of your deck and hopefully you’ll grab a card. There’s a good chance you will if you’re playing this Wakka.

This ability also comes off an EX Burst so there’s that as well.

But, from the 4 other Wakka’s available, 3 of them are better than this one.

Prove me wrong.”

Well, we can’t say we were wrong. I still stand by that.

But Mono-Water/X with the Dawn of Heroes Yuna, and Emissaries of Light Tidus,it might be worth having this Wakka on board.

Wakka (20-126C)

7CP/Water
Forward
Guardian/Blitzballer
Common

“The cost required to cast Wakka is reduced by 1 for each Backup you control.

When Wakka attacks, you may put 1 Backup you control into the Break Zone. When you do so, choose 1 Forward. Deal it 8000 damage.”

Dawn of Heroes, is more like Dusk of Heroes since Beyond Destiny is right around the corner.

“Well, at least we figured out what to do with all those free Backups that we were getting.

You now have a way to use them as fodder for Wakka when he goes into attack mode.

Every time Wakka attacks, he grabs a Backup and throws it like a Blitzball at one of your opponents Forwards for 8000 damage.

Sure 7CP might be a bit much to play Wakka, but it is reduced by 1 for each Backup that you have on the field.
You should be only paying 2CP to get Wakka on the field. Maybe a little bit more.

“Wakka, wakka, wakka”

We’re just going to keep that like that.

“Wakka, wakka, wakka”

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Busters R’ Us

This could have been a real easy article to write. I could have just said let’s throw Zack into your AVALANCHE deck and call it a day. But, where’s the fun in that?

Although there might be a bunch of cards that are the same, we”re going to try and do this a bit different. A lot different that is.

We’re going to go with 2 different Zacks.

Zack (10-007H), just for the ability to ping damage here and there and at least a couple of time per turn. Pair that with a Summon that Breaks all the Forwards that have damage on them and you got yourself a wipe.

Zack (20-009L) Because it is just a great card, if you’re running anything SOLDIER related. And, we’ll be running at least a couple of Soldiers other than Zack.

We’ll start off with Zack’s mentor Angeal (3-0989R), not only is he a 7K body, but he also searches for Zack when he is sent to the Break Zone. That way you can just keep attacking with Zack and Angeal until they break, just so you can replay them once again.

Next we’ll be handing off the Buster Sword to Cloud (1-187S), and you’ll be saying that there are better Clouds than that, and we’ll say you’re right. But, this is Zack’s deck and Cloud is just helping out. Plus the good Cloud’s are Earth, and we don’t really feel like color fixing.

Time to find Zack’s girlfriend, Aerith (11-139S) this way we’ll be able to grab a couple of FFVII Forwards from the Break Zone.

And as I’m looking for Backups, there aren’t really any, that have anything to do with Zack. So, we’re going to change it. It shall be all Forwards. We might change this again later.

Cue the music.

Bum-Bum Bum-Bum Bum-Bum Bum-Bum

Sephiroth (11-138S), Dulls all the low powered Forwards every time Sephiroth attacks. You have to pay taxes to keep Sephiroth on the field, 3 cards from the Break Zone. You should have these in there, unless you’re opponent finds a way to remove all the cards from your Break Zone.

Roche (14-095H), we’re just grabbing any SOLDIER right now. Roche has always been a great card. You’ll always want to go first with Roche and just play him right away for no CP and swing for a point of damage.

We’re actually going to add a couple of Backups right now.

Class Second Moogle (10-016C) to help us with Ice CP.

Genesis (3-033L), I still love this card, even though I probably haven’t used it in years. Dull and Freeze a Character, and when Genesis deals damage, your opponent discards a card.

Next we’ll add in our generic SOLDIERs. SOLDIER : 3rd Class (10-009C) and SOLDIER : 3rd Class (20-02C). These 2 will search for each other when one enters the field, and when the other exits the field. SOLDIER : 3rd Class (20-032C) also gains a +1K buff for each SOLDIER : 3rd class that you have in the Break Zone.

We’ll add Johnny (20-096C), another Backup to help us grab a Character from the Break Zone, and we can use his ability to grab a FFVII Character from the Break Zone.

Hedgehog Pie (20-019C), just to get all 3 of the Hedgehog Pies out at the same time. After that they are ticking time bombs, that go off when you decide you want them to go off.

Duke Larg (1-057R), Lebreau (1-030R) and Lulu (1-150R). All three for the 1K buff they give to their respective element’s Forwards.

All we need is to throw in some Summons. Knights of the Round isn’t an option, so we’ll just go with Ramuh (15-101R), Shiva (8-032R), Phoenix (3-020H) and Bahamut (16-016C).

That’s pretty much what we have for Zack. Not the greatest.

Forwards

3x – Roche (14-095H)
3x – Angeal (3-098R)
3x – SOLDIER : 3rd Class (10-009C)
3x – Sephiroth (11-138S)
3x – Genesis (3-033L)
3x – Zack (10-007H)
3x – Aerith (11-139S)
3x – SOLDIER : 3rd Class (20-032C)
3x – Zack (20-009L)
3x – Cloud (1-187S)

Backups

3x – Class Second Moogle (10-016C)
3x – Lebreau (1-030R)
2x – Duke Larg (1-057R)
2x – Lulu (1-150R)
3x – Johnny (20-096C)

Summons

1x – Ramuh (15-101R)
1x – Phoenix (3-020H)
1x – Shiva (8-032R)
1x – Bahamut (16-016C)

Monsters

3x – Hedgehog Pie (20-019C)

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SOLDIER 1ST Class

Reporting for Duty.

We got a troop of Zack’s here. So, let’s just start off right at the beginning.

Zack (1-012R)

3CP – Fire
Forward
SOLDIER
Rare

“If you control [Card Name (Aerith)], Zach gains +2000 power.

When Zack enters the field, choose 1 Forward opponent controls. Deal it 2000 damage.”

Not much here. The first Zack might have been good back when Opus I came out, but not anymore.

If Aerith is on the field, Zack will have 8000 Power.

And, when he enters the field you can deal a Forward 2000 damage.

Zack (3-012L)

5CP – Fire
Forward
SOLDIER
Legend

“When Zack enters the field, all the Forwards you control gain +2000 power until the end of the turn.

When Zack is put from the field into the Break Zone, you may search for 1 Card Name Cloud of cost 4 or less, and add it to your hand or play it onto the field dull.”

Zack comes in and gives a 2K buff to all of your Forwards.

Sure, Zack costs 5CP, but when he is put into the Break Zone, you can search for Cloud, that costs up to 4CP, and either add it to your hand, or play it onto the field.

Technically, Zack will cost you nothing, because searching for a card to add to your hand is +2CP and playing that Cloud is another +4CP.

Zack EX (4-013C)

3CP – Fire
Backup
SOLDIER
Common

“EX BURST When Zack enters the field, choose 1 Card Name Cloud or Job SOLDIER in your Break Zone. Add it to your hand.”
Just a simple Backup that allows you to grab a card from the Break Zone. Either Cloud, or a SOLDIER.

Not much else to say, but this ability will also activate with an EX Burst.

Zack (10-007H)

4CP – Fire
Forward
SOLDIER
Hero

“When Zack or a Fire Forward enters your field, choose 1 Forward opponent controls. Deal it 2000 damage.

When Zack or a Category VII Forward enters your field, choose 1 Forward opponent controls. Deal it 2000 damage.”

Welcome to Ping City.

Zack enters the field, and deals 2000 damage x 2 to one of your opponents Forwards.

Combine that with another 2000 damage every time a Fire Forward enters the field, and anther 2000 every time a FFVII Forward enters the field.

And if that Forward that enters the field is a FFVII Fire Forward it’s another 2000 x 2.

Now I’m wondering why this card never made it. It’s actually a really good card.

But, what do I know?

Zack (11-007R)

1CP – Fire
Forward
SOLDIER
Rare

“At the end of each of your turns, choose 1 Forward opponent controls. Discard 1 card from your hand. If you do so, deal it 5000 damage.”

An 8k body for 1CP point? Sign me up.

You can just throw this card into any Fire deck, and you’ll have a great Meat Shield, that won’t break the bank.

And if you have a surplus of cards in your hand, you can just discard one at the end of each of your turns and deal 5000 damage to one of your opponents Forwards.

Yes, Yes!! I’ll take 3.

Zack (16-089H)

5CP – Lightning
Forward
SOLDIER
Hero

“If you control a Category VII Character of an Element other than Lightning, the cost required to cast Zack is reduced by 2.

When Zack is put from the field into the Break Zone, you may play 1 Category VII Character from your hand onto the field. If its cost is 5 or more, Zack deals you 1 point of damage.”

Let’s see what we wrote when Emissaries of Light came out.

“Zack looks like he’s ready to save Cloud once again.

He’ll come in take care of all the enemies and when he is ready to be sent to the Break Zone, Cloud will come in and finish the job.

It would have been nice if it was that easy.

But, still a pretty decent card for a FFVII deck.”

Well, maybe.

I mean Zack will most likely cost you 3CP, and with a 9000 body, you should have a great attacker.

Once Zack is broken or sent to the Break Zone, you can play any FFVII Character onto the field, regardless of cost. Although if the cost is over 5CP, Zack will deal you a point of Damage.

Zack EX (19-122C)

5CP – Fire/Lightning
Forward
SOLDIER
Common

“Warp 2 ― (F)(L)

EX BURST When Zack enters the field, choose 1 Forward. Deal it 7000 damage.

When Zack enters the field due to Warp, until the end of the turn, Zack gains Haste, First Strike, and Brave.”

At From Nightmares’s release we wrote,

“You will not play Zack unless you Warp him in.

First of all, it’s a 3CP difference. Paying 5CP to deal 7000 damage to a Forward is too much. You can do more damage with a well placed Summon.

Now, if you do Warp Zack in, he is worth every Crystal Point you pay. All 2 of them.

First off he will deal 7000 damage to a Forward, and when he enters the field, he has Haste, First Strike and Brave.

So, even if he just comes in and attacks. you will most likely deal your opponent 1 point of Damage. After that just keep Blocking until Zack is broken, just so you can Warp him in again.”

For 2CP this is a decent card. And, we’ll stick with what we said.

Zack (20-009L)

5CP – Fire
Forward
SOLDIER
Legend

“When Zack attacks, choose 1 Forward opponent controls. Deal it 5000 damage for each Job SOLDIER you control.

When Zack leaves the field, you may search for 1 Category VII Forward of cost 4 or less and play it onto the field.

Meteor Shots (S)(F)(D) : Deal 7000 damage to all the Forwards opponent controls.”

Dawn of Heroes just recently came out, so not much has changed since then, and we’ll just keep what we said.

“I remember reading somewhere. “Finally a Zack that can be played.” Or something along those lines. If you’re reading this and you are the one that said that, please let me know, so, I can add your name to the quote.

This one will fit right at home with AVALANCHE. You play Zack for 5CP, and every time he attacks you can deal a Forward 5K damage for each SOLDIER you control. Zack and Cloud, that’s 10k right there, and I’m sure you’ll be able to find a couple of SOLDIERs laying around somewhere.

When Zack leaves the field you can play a FFVII Forward of 4CP or less onto the field. With about 100 or so FFVII Forwards that cost up to 4CP there are plenty to choose from, Opus XIV Cloud, Tifa and Barret. If you’re still running AVALANCHE that’s an easy way to get them on the field.

And, let’s not forget Meteor Shots, where you can deal 7000 damage to all of your opponents Forwards.

Let’s keep an eye on this one.”

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Cor, the Immortal

Cor, the Immortal, or so they call him. We do have two to choose from, so let’s get started.

2CP/Earth
Forward
Captain
Common

“If you control Card Name Regis, Cor gains +2000 power.

When Cor or a Category XV Forward enters your field, until the end of the turn, Cor gains +1000 power and Brave.”
A 2 cost Forward, that can gain power, just by playing cards to the field. FFXV cards that is. And, if Regis is on the field, Cor gains a permanent boost.

With the Noctis deck needing just a few changes Cor is easily playable. And, I believe Cor is already in that Starter Set.

4CP/Lightning
Forward
Captain
Rare

“If you control a Job King, Cor gains +2000 power and “When Cor is put from the field into the Break Zone, you may remove the top 10 cards of your deck from the game. When you do so, play Cor from the Break Zone onto the field dull.”

Let’s see what we wrote a couple months ago.

“Cor was a Captain? How come I don’t remember that?

4 cost Lightning Forward with 8000 power.

Nothing to write home about so far.

But, if a King is on the field, Cor gains +2000 power. making him a 10K body.

When Cor is finally sent to the Break Zone, you can remove the top 10 cards of your deck and play Cor back onto the field dull.

Is it worth it? Probably not. Maybe if Cor was a better card, we’d think about it.”

I’ll stick to that. But, it makes sense calling him Cor, the Immortal as you can just bring Cor back from the Break Zone.

If you ask me the Opus IX Cor is much better, even though it’s just a Common.