In this week’s Aethermon Focus we discuss the Thunder Aethermon Raivalp. 

Overview:

With a combination of (q)uick and (r)eact moves, Raivalp finds victory by hitting first and more frequently than other aethermon – often finishing a battle without taking any damage. This is particularly important to Raivalp as several Thunder abilities receive a bonus at full HP.

Raivalp however does not have access to many hard hitting or (p)ure type moves, leading to a poor match up against opponents with a strong defense value.

Aethermon Ability

“+1/2/3 Df when at full HP”

Raivalp is somewhat light on defensive moves, but the small defensive boost at full HP offsets this in the early game.

Signature Battle Moves “Zap, Shock, Jolt, Bolt”

“(Q)uick, Deal 3/6/9/12 damage”

Acting first is the cornerstone of Raivalp’s battle strategy.

2-Cost “First strike”

“(Q)uick, If at full HP deal 7”

A highly efficient damaging attack, a blank 2-cost attack would deal 6 damage, to deal 7 with the (q)uick modifier is incredibly powerful. However the drawback of only being used at full HP can be severely limiting.

3-cost “Lightning fast”

“Buff: your (q)uick moves deal +2 damage and activate before opponent’s (q)uick moves”

Against most opponents this is only a small damage bonus, generally not worth the turn in combat it cost. However against opponents relying on (q)uick moves, this will often give Raivalp back the turn this moves costs by negating the opponents (q)uick moves – making this a hugely valuable +2 damage per attack for free!

3-cost “Supe Speed”

“Buff: Next turn play 2 additional moves”

Playing

4-Cost “Supe Speed”

“Buff: Next turn play 2 additional moves”

Playing this move costs a turn, but eventually yields 3 – often meaning Raivalp can attack an opponent 3 times while only getting hit once! There is however some negative synergy with this move as it allows opponents a chance to eliminate Raivalp’s full HP bonuses before Raivalp gets to attack.

Friendship Ability “Quick reflexes”

“(Q)uick moves deal +1/2/3 damage when at full HP”

If this bonus is enough to ensure Raivalp’s victory with a single attack, it preserves this bonus for the next combat.

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Only 3 player Aethermon to go.

Bring on the Thunder AetherRen