In the penultimate Aethermon Focus we discuss the Water Aethermon Aquus. 

Overview:

Just as the tides ebb and flow, so does the power of Aquus’ attacks. Each of Aquuses unique abilities affects or is affected by the use of Energy Cards.

As such Aquus can employ extremely effective moves when using a 5 or 6 Energy Card.. but Aquus will not have access to these energy cards again until the 1 and 2 energy cards are played – making for significantly weaker moves.

Using Energy Cards in battle affects the availability of these cards in overworld movement. Players must be careful not to use Energy Cards in battle they may need for movement the next turn… conversely players can use Energy Cards in battle to refresh Aquus’ Energy Cards increasing overall overworld movement. 

Aethermon Ability

“Gain a 6 Energy Card”

An additional energy card not only increases the average effectiveness of Aquus’ moves, but helps in overworld movement.

Signature Battle Moves “Squirt, Water Gun, Water Cannon, Geyser”

“Play 1/2/3/4 Energy Card(s), Deal that value in damage”

6 damage as a starting attack gives Aquus the ability to defeat powerful enemies early. But Aquus will eventually have to play the weaker Energy Cards, slowing the Aethermon’s progress.

2-Cost “Elixir of life”

“Play 2 Energy Cards, restore that much HP”

This move is often used as a powerful heal, but in less threatening battles it is also an effective move option to cycle 2 less valuable Energy Cards.

3-cost “Be like Water”

“React: Play 1 Energy card, increase Defense by its value”

Another defensive move. As a (r)eact, it can be used to cycle an Energy Card without taking a turn!

3-cost “Rising Tide”

“Buff: Your Energy Cards count as 5 value”

This is particularly useful in longer battles or when Aquus is looking at a hand of small value Energy Cards. If boosting the 1,2,3 and 4 energy cards (such as would be used in a single move like Geyser), this buff is worth 10 Energy!

4-Cost “Tidal Strike”

“Discard 1 Energy Card, then Play 2 Energy Cards, Deal their value in damage”

Identical to the 3-cost Water Gun, except this allows the player to discard a low value Energy Card, negating the need to play it before cycling back to the high value cards.

Friendship Ability “Fresh Spring”

“Refresh Energy Cards when visiting a Healing Location”

This ability again circumvents Aquus’ weakness of needing to play low value Energy Cards.

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Next week we look at the last  player Aethermon, the defense orientated Batuursa.

Stay Fresh AetherRen