Difference between revisions of "Mermail"

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{{Infobox archetype
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{{Infobox archseries
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| image   = Abysssquall.png
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| cut_from_names = true
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| caption = "[[Mermail Abysshilde]]", "[[Mermail Abyssgunde]]" and "[[Mermail Abysslinde]]".
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| image         = Abysssquall-MADU-EN-VG-artwork.png
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| ja_name = {{Ruby|水精鱗|マーメイル}}
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| caption       = "[[Mermail Abysshilde]]", "[[Mermail Abyssgunde]]" and "[[Mermail Abysslinde]]" in the artwork of "[[Abyss-squall]]".
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| romaji = Māmeiru
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| ja_name       = {{Ruby|水精鱗|マーメイル}}
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| fr_name = Sirènemure
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| romaji         = Māmeiru
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| de_name = Nixenrüstung
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| zh_name        = 水精鱗
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| it_name = Sirenide
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| zh_pinyin      = Shuǐjīnglín
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| ko_name = 머메일
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| zh_jyutping    = Seoi2 zing1 leon4
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| ko_romanized = Meomeil
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| fr_name       = Sirènemure
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| pt_name = Sirena
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| fr_trans      = Armed Siren
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| es_name = Sirenarmada
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| de_name       = Nixenrüstung
−
|zh_name=水精鱗
+
| it_name       = Sirenide
−
|zh_pinyin=Shuǐjīnglín
+
| ko_name       = 머메일
−
|zh_jyutping=Seoi2 zing1 leon4
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| ko_romanized   = Meomeil
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| sets   =  
+
| pt_name       = Sirena
 +
| pt_trans      = Siren
 +
| es_name        = Sirenarmada
 +
| es_trans      = Armed Siren
 +
| sets           =
 
* [[Abyss Rising]]
 
* [[Abyss Rising]]
 
* [[Cosmo Blazer]]
 
* [[Cosmo Blazer]]
 
* [[Lord of the Tachyon Galaxy]]
 
* [[Lord of the Tachyon Galaxy]]
 +
* [[Circuit Break]]
 +
* [[Dark Neostorm]]
 +
| tcg            =
 +
* [[2014 Mega-Tin Mega Pack]]
 +
* [[Astral Pack Three]]
 +
* [[Astral Pack Five]]
 +
* [[Battle Pack 2: War of the Giants]]
 +
* [[Battles of Legend: Light's Revenge]]
 +
* [[Shadows in Valhalla]]
 +
| ocg            =
 
* [[Extra Pack: Sword of Knights]]
 
* [[Extra Pack: Sword of Knights]]
−
* [[Battle Pack 2: War of the Giants]]
+
* [[LINK VRAINS Pack]]
−
| anime = [[Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL]]
+
| korea          =
−
| manga = [[Yu-Gi-Oh! D Team ZEXAL]]
+
* [[Advanced Event Pack 2013 Vol.1]]
 +
* [[Advanced Event Pack 2013 Vol.2]]
 +
* [[Spring Battle 2013 promotional cards]]
 +
| anime         = [[Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL]]
 +
| manga         = [[Yu-Gi-Oh! D Team ZEXAL]]
 
}}
 
}}
−
 
+
"'''Mermail'''" ({{Ruby|水精鱗|マーメイル}} ''Māmeiru'') is an [[archetype]] of [[WATER]] [[Aqua]], [[Fish]] and [[Sea Serpent]] [[Monster Card|monsters]], used by [[Brooke Walker]] in the past, introduced in the ''[[Abyss Rising]]''. These monsters are based on [[wikipedia:Mermaid|mermaids]] outfitted with armor, hence "mail". They are intimately related to the "[[Abyss-]]" archetype, as they all belong to the archetype. The [[Level]] 3 "Mermail" monsters are all Aqua monsters, Level 4 "Mermail" monsters are all Fish monsters and Level 7 "Mermail" monsters are all Sea Serpent monsters, except for the Aqua "[[Mermail Abyssbalaen]]" and "[[Mermail Abyssteus]]".
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"'''Mermail'''" ({{Ruby|水精鱗|マーメイル}} ''Māmeiru'') is an [[archetype]] of [[WATER]]-[[Attribute]] and [[Aqua]], [[Fish]] and [[Sea Serpent]]-[[Type]] [[Monster Card|monsters]], used by [[Brooke Walker]] in the past, introduced in the ''[[Abyss Rising]]''. They are based on [[wikipedia:Mermaid|mermaids]] outfitted with armor, hence "mail". They are intimately related to the "[[Abyss-]]" archetype, as they all belong to the archetype. Level 3 "Mermail" are all Aqua-Type [[List of female cards|female]] monsters, Level 4 "Mermail" are all Fish-Type male monsters, and Level 7 "Mermail" are all Sea Serpent-Type monsters, except for "[[Mermail Abyssteus]]" and "[[Mermail Abyssbalaen]]", which are Aqua-Type monsters.
+
==Design==
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+
Each "Mermail" monster is based on a real life aquatic animal. The original three Level 3 "Mermail" monsters released in ''Abyss Rising'', "[[Mermail Abysslinde]]", "[[Mermail Abyssgunde]]", and "[[Mermail Abysshilde]]" have names coming from the Rhinemaidens (Woglinde, Wellgunde, Flosshilde) in the German opera ''[[wikipedia:Der Ring des Nibelungen|Der Ring des Nibelungen]] (The Ring of the Nibelung)'' by [[wikipedia:Richard Wagner|Richard Wagner]]. The Level 7 "Mermail" monsters (excluding "[[Mermail Abyssbalaen]])", "[[Mermail Abyssmegalo]]", "[[Mermail Abyssleed]]" and "[[Mermail Abyssteus]]" take inspiration from [[wikipedia:extinct species|extinct aquatic species]]. The Xyz Monsters, "[[Mermail Abyssgaios]]" and "[[Mermail Abysstrite]]" take inspiration from [[wikipedia:Twelve Olympians|Ancient Greek deities]].
−
Each "Mermail" monster is based on a real life aquatic animal. The original three female "Mermail" monsters released in ''Abyss Rising'', "[[Mermail Abysslinde]]", "[[Mermail Abyssgunde]]" and "[[Mermail Abysshilde]]", have names coming from the Rhinemaidens (Woglinde, Wellgunde, Flosshilde) in the German opera ''[[wikipedia:Der Ring des Nibelungen|Der Ring des Nibelungen]] (The Ring of the Nibelung)'' by [[wikipedia:Richard Wagner|Richard Wagner]]. The Level 7 "Mermail" monsters (excluding "[[Mermail Abyssbalaen]])", "[[Mermail Abyssmegalo]]", "[[Mermail Abyssleed]]" and "[[Mermail Abyssteus]]" take inspiration from [[wikipedia:extinct species|extinct aquatic species]]. The Xyz Monsters, "[[Mermail Abyssgaios]]" and "[[Mermail Abysstrite]]" take inspiration from [[wikipedia:Twelve Olympians|Ancient Greek deities]].
+
===[[Main Deck]] members===
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+
{| class="wikitable sortable"
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
! scope="col" | Mermail
−
! Mermail !! Inspiration
+
! scope="col" | [[Level]]
 +
! scope="col" | [[Type]]
 +
! scope="col" | Origin
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Mermail Abyssdine|Abyssdine]] || [[wikipedia:Sea angel|Sea angel]]
+
| [[Mermail Abyssdine|Abyssdine]] || rowspan="6" | [[Level 3 Monster Cards|3]] || rowspan="8" | [[Aqua]] || [[wikipedia:Sea angel|Sea angel]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Mermail Abyssbalaen|Abyssbalaen]] || [[wikipedia:Balaenoptera|Balaenoptera]]
+
| [[Mermail Abyssgunde|Abyssgunde]] || Wellgunde ([[wikipedia:Rhinemaidens|Rhinemaiden]]) / [[wikipedia:Clown fish|Clown fish]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Mermail Abyssgaios|Abyssgaios]] || [[wikipedia:Poseidon|Poseidon]]
+
| [[Mermail Abysshilde|Abysshilde]] || Flosshilde (Rhinemaiden) / [[wikipedia:Eel|Eel]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Mermail Abysslinde|Abysslinde]] || Woglinde (Rhinemaiden) / [[wikipedia:Koi|Koi]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Mermail Abyssgunde|Abyssgunde]] || [[wikipedia:Clown fish|Clown fish]]
+
| [[Mermail Abyssnerei‎|Abyssnerei‎]] || [[wikipedia:Nereid|Nereid]] / [[wikipedia:Coelacanth|Coelacanth]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Mermail Abysshilde|Abysshilde]] || [[wikipedia:Eel|Eel]]
+
| [[Mermail Abyssocea|Abyssocea]] || [[wikipedia:Oceanid|Oceanid]] / [[wikipedia:Flying fish|Flying Fish]]
−
|-
 
−
| [[Mermail Abyssleed|Abyssleed]] || [[wikipedia:Leedsichthys|Leedsichthys]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[Mermail Abysslinde|Abysslinde]] || [[wikipedia:Koi|Koi]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Mermail Abysslung|Abysslung]] || [[wikipedia:Lungfish|Lungfish]]
+
| [[Mermail Abyssbalaen|Abyssbalaen]] || rowspan="4" | [[Level 7 Monster Cards|7]] || [[wikipedia:Balaenoptera|Balaenoptera]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Mermail Abyssmander|Abyssmander]] || [[wikipedia:Salamander|Salamander]]
+
| [[Mermail Abyssteus|Abyssteus]] || [[wikipedia:Dunkleosteus|Dunkleosteus]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Mermail Abyssleed|Abyssleed]] || rowspan="2" | [[Sea Serpent]] || [[wikipedia:Leedsichthys|Leedsichthys]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Mermail Abyssmegalo|Abyssmegalo]] || [[wikipedia:Megalodon|Megalodon]]
 
| [[Mermail Abyssmegalo|Abyssmegalo]] || [[wikipedia:Megalodon|Megalodon]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Mermail Abysslung|Abysslung]] || rowspan="5" | [[Level 4 Monster Cards|4]] || rowspan="5" | [[Fish]] || [[wikipedia:Lungfish|Lungfish]]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Mermail Abyssmander|Abyssmander]] || [[wikipedia:Giant salamander|Giant salamander]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Mermail Abyssnose|Abyssnose]] || [[wikipedia:Peters' elephantnose fish|Elephantnose fish]]
 
| [[Mermail Abyssnose|Abyssnose]] || [[wikipedia:Peters' elephantnose fish|Elephantnose fish]]
Line 55: Line 79:
 
| [[Mermail Abysspike|Abysspike]] || [[wikipedia:Northern pike|Pike]]
 
| [[Mermail Abysspike|Abysspike]] || [[wikipedia:Northern pike|Pike]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Mermail Abyssteus|Abyssteus]] || [[wikipedia:Dunkleosteus|Dunkleosteus]]
+
| [[Mermail Abyssturge|Abyssturge]] || [[wikipedia:Sturgeon|Sturgeon]]
 +
|}
 +
===[[Extra Deck]] members===
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 +
! scope="col" | Mermail
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! scope="col" | [[Rank]]/[[Link Rating|Link]]
 +
! scope="col" | [[Type]]
 +
! scope="col" | Origin
 +
|-
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| [[Mermail Abyssalacia|Abyssalacia]] || [[Link 2 Monster Cards|2]] || rowspan="2" | [[Sea Serpent]] || [[:wikipedia:Salacia (mythology)|Salacia]] / [[wikipedia:Human|Human]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Mermail Abysstrite|Abysstrite]] || [[wikipedia:Amphitrite|Amphitrite]] / [[wikipedia:Dolphin|Dolphin]]
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| [[Mermail Abysstrite|Abysstrite]] || [[Rank 3 Monster Cards|3]] || [[wikipedia:Amphitrite|Amphitrite]] / [[wikipedia:Dolphin|Dolphin]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Mermail Abyssturge|Abyssturge]] || [[wikipedia:Sturgeon|Sturgeon]]
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| [[Mermail Abyssgaios|Abyssgaios]] || [[Rank 7 Monster Cards|7]] || [[Aqua]] || [[wikipedia:Poseidon|Poseidon]] / [[Poseidra, the Atlantean Dragon|Atlantean Dragon]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Mermail Abyssocea|Abyssocea]] || [[wikipedia:Oceanid|Oceanid]] / [[wikipedia:Flying fish|Flying Fish]]
 
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
== Story ==
 +
{{See also|Gagaga Academy Tospedia card storylines#"The Mermails and Atlanteans" Edition|Master Guide 4 card storylines#File No. 01: The Great Battle Raging between Fire and Water in the South Seas|Master Duel card storylines#The Tribe of the Abyssal Waters}}
 +
The "Mermails" used to peacefully live in their underwater city, "[[Lemuria, the Forgotten City|Lemuria]]", and albeit good in the arts of fighting, they would rarely use this ability. However, sudden changes in the earth's crust made "Lemuria" rise above the ocean, leaving the "Mermails" homeless. In that moment, the Emperor of the "[[Atlantean]]" army, "[[Poseidra, the Atlantean Dragon|Poseidra]]", choose to let the "Mermails" live under his protection, but they would have to obey his orders. Using the great treasure of the "Mermails", the [[Abyss-squall|Golden Ring]], to control the weather, "Poseidra" ordered an all-out attack against their archenemies, the "[[Fire King]]s". Unfortunately, “Poseidra’s” body was taken over by [[Mermail Abyssgaios|the king]] residing in the Ring. The king eliminated the “Atlantean” army with ease. It appears that “Abysstrite” sealed the Ring away because the advent of the king required a sacrifice.
  
 
== Playing Style ==
 
== Playing Style ==
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[[Level]] 3 "Mermail" monsters all share a similar [[Card effect|effect]] when they get [[send|sent]] to the [[Graveyard]] - they Special Summon another "Mermail", letting them swarm the field. The Level 4 "Mermail" monsters can activate their effects when they are Normal or Special Summoned by discarding a WATER monster from your Hand, which will trigger the effect of the previous monster's effect, and the Level 4 monsters help to either search the Deck or Graveyard for a Level 3 [[WATER]] monster. The higher-Level "Mermails" can [[Special Summon]] themselves with relative-ease by sending other "Mermails" to the Graveyard, which will also trigger their effects. The "boss" monster of the archetype, "[[Mermail Abyssgaios]]", is a powerful control card, with 2 effects that forces your opponent into a corner, either by preventing their most powerful monsters from attacking and/or by negating their weaker monsters' effects.
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The "Mermail" archetype focuses on discarding or tributing WATER monsters to Special Summon "Mermail" monsters and activate their effects, and triggering additional effects off of these discards or tributes to generate advantage. They secondarily focus on interacting with the "[[Abyss-]]" archetype of Spell/Trap cards to support their strategy.
 +
Most [[Level]] 3 "Mermail" monsters (excluding "[[Mermail Abyssdine|Abyssdine]]" and "[[Mermail Abyssocea|Abyssocea]]") have similar [[Trigger Effect]]s that are triggered when they are [[send|sent]] to the [[Graveyard]], which usually Special Summons another "Mermail".
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible autocollapse"
 +
! colspan = 3 | Level 3 Mermail Summary
 +
|-
 +
! Mermail !! Trigger Conditions (If/When this card is...) !! Triggered Effect
 +
|-
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| [[Mermail Abyssgunde|Abyssgunde]]
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| Discarded to GY
 +
| Special Summon 1 "Mermail" monster from GY, except "Abyssgunde".
 +
|-
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| [[Mermail Abysshilde|Abysshilde]]
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| Sent to GY
 +
| Special Summon 1 "Mermail" monster from hand, except "Abysshilde".
 +
|-
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| [[Mermail Abysslinde|Abysslinde]]
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| Destroyed and sent from field to GY
 +
| Special Summon 1 "Mermail" monster from Deck, except "Abysslinde".
 +
|-
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| [[Mermail Abyssnerei‎|Abyssnerei‎]]
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| Sent from field to GY
 +
| Draw 1 card, then discard 1 card.
 +
|-
 +
|}
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 +
Most Level 4 "Mermail" monsters (excluding "[[Mermail Abysslung|Abysslung]]" and "[[Mermail Abyssmander|Abyssmander]]") have Trigger Effects that can be activated when they are Normal or Special Summoned, and their effects involve discarding a WATER monster, which will trigger the above Level 3 monsters' effects.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible autocollapse"
 +
! colspan = 3 | Level 4 Mermail Summary
 +
|-
 +
! Mermail !! Trigger Conditions (If/When this card [is]...) !! Triggered Effect
 +
|-
 +
| [[Mermail Abyssnose|Abyssnose]]
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| Destroys an opponent's monster by battle and sends it to the GY
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| Discard 1 WATER monster to GY, Special Summon 1 "Mermail" monster from Deck (in Defense).
 +
|-
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| [[Mermail Abysspike|Abysspike]]
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| Normal or Special Summoned
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| Discard 1 WATER monster to GY, add 1 Level 3 WATER monster from Deck to hand.
 +
|-
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| [[Mermail Abyssturge|Abyssturge]]
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| Normal or Special Summoned
 +
| Discard 1 WATER monster to GY, add 1 Level ≤3 WATER monster from GY to hand.
 +
|}
  
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They have a small relation to the "Umi" series since one of their support cards, "[[Abyss-strom]]", uses "Umi" for its effect. This is also evident in the new [[Field Spell]] introduced in their debut set of ''[[Abyss Rising]]'' (which, name wise, partially refers to them as well) whose effect treats it as "Umi." The Field Spell, "[[Lemuria, the Forgotten City]]", helps them Xyz for a higher [[Rank]] [[Xyz Monsters]], and partially supports the Summoning of "Abyssgaios". Combining the original "Umi" cards with these newer cards is not a good option since there are much better options available for this task which outclass the "Umi" cards. The "Umi" cards only have 1 connection in which they function properly, and their effects are generally weaker than those of the "Mermail". Another possibility for a field spell is "[[Clear World]]". It causes the user of a water monster to discard at the end of their phase, facilitating their effects while possibly hindering the other player.
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The Level 7 "Mermail" monsters each share two effects with a common effect pattern.
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{{Quote|
 +
#''"You can discard [Discard Cost] to the GY; Special Summon this card from your hand. When Summoned this way: You can [Effect 1]"''
 +
#''"You can Tribute [Tribute Cost]; [Effect 2]"''
 +
}}
 +
These effects will further trigger the Level 3 "Mermail" monsters' effects, and can also trigger some the ones that only trigger when sent from the field to GY via Tributing.
  
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Swarming and Xyz Summon are thus their main style of play, and with all the recent support for WATER-attribute monsters, can do a decent job of Summoning Xyz Monsters. By utilizing support they can reach from [[Rank 3 Monster Cards|Rank 3]] ("[[Number 17: Leviathan Dragon]]" and "[[Black Ray Lancer]]") to [[Rank 9 Monster Cards|Rank 9]] ("[[Number 9: Dyson Sphere]]"). With 2 "[[Mermail Abyssmegalo]]" and "Lemuria" they can make Rank 9 fairly easily. Rank 4 is accessible with just the Level 4 monsters themselves. Rank 5 is created with "Lemuria" and 2 Level 3 monsters, while 6 is reached with 2 Level 4 monsters and Lemuria. Rank 7 is reached plainly by 2 "Abyssmegalo" without help from "Lemuria". Rank 8 is impossible without 3 Level 5 monsters, 4 Level 4 monsters or 5 Level 3 Monsters, all of which seem like a waste of cards to spend on what's currently available at this Rank.
+
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible autocollapse"
 +
! colspan = 5 | Level 7 Mermail Summary
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan = 2 | Mermail !! colspan = 2 | Effect 1 Details !! colspan = 2 | Effect 2 Details
 +
|-
 +
! Discard Cost !! Effect 1 !! Tribute Cost{{efn|Tributes must be other Attack Position monsters.}} !! Effect 2
 +
|-
 +
| [[Mermail Abyssteus|Abyssteus]]
 +
| 1 WATER
 +
| Add 1 Level ≤4 "Mermail" monster from Deck to hand.
 +
| colspan = 2 | N/A
 +
|-
 +
| [[Mermail Abyssmegalo|Abyssmegalo]]
 +
| 2 WATER
 +
| Add 1 "[[Abyss-]]" Spell/Trap from Deck to hand.
 +
| 1 WATER
 +
| It can make a second attack this turn.
 +
|-
 +
| [[Mermail Abyssleed|Abyssleed]]
 +
| 3 WATER
 +
| Add 1 "Abyss-" Spell/Trap from GY to hand.
 +
| 1 "Mermail"
 +
| Send 1 random card from the opponent's hand to the GY.
 +
|-
 +
| [[Mermail Abyssbalaen|Abyssbalaen]]
 +
| 4 "Mermail"
 +
|
 +
* It gains 500 ATK.
 +
* Target opposing cards, up to the number of "Mermail" monsters in the GY, and destroy them.
 +
| 1 "Mermail"
 +
| It gains: "At the start of the Damage Step, if it battles a Defense Position monster: Destroy that monster."
 +
|}
  
−
Another strategy is to lock the attacks and effects of strong opponent monsters with "Abyssgaios", using his effect to negate the effect of face-up enemy monsters, as his effect can be activated in any player's turn. To Summon him, one can Special Summon "Abyssmegalo's" effect, and then adding "[[Abyss-sphere]]" to your hand, letting you Summon another "Abyssmegalo" in your next turn. This can also be done with "[[Mermail Abysslinde]]'s" effect to Summon "Abyssmegalo" from your Deck. Using the effect of "Lemuria" and the swarming power of "Mermails" can help as well, needing 3 face-up Level 4 "Mermails" or 4 face-up Level 3 "Mermails".
+
The boss monster of the archetype, "[[Mermail Abyssgaios]]", is a Rank 7 Xyz monster that can prevent Level 5 or higher monsters from attacking, and negate the effects of opposing monsters with less ATK than it.
  
−
"Abysslinde" is one of the Deck's most important Summoning cards. It acts as a "[[Mother Grizzly]]" for "Mermails" that also works upon being destroyed by card effects.
+
The "Mermail" archetype supports, and is supported by, the "[[Abyss-]]" archetype of Spell/Traps. The "Abyss-" Traps provide some temporary power boosts or temporary Special Summons of "Mermail" monsters. The "Abyss-" Spells meanwhile are far more interesting: all the "Abyss-" Spells, the "Abyss-scale", are [[Equip Spell]]s that can only be equipped to "Mermail" monsters, and both boost the equipped monster's attack and provide 1 [[Negate|negation]] to an opponent's effect; "[[Abyss-scale of the Kraken|Kraken]]" negates a Monster, "[[Abyss-scale of the Mizuchi|Mizuchi]]" negates a Spell, and "[[Abyss-scale of Cetus|Cetus]]" negates a Trap. These negations are ''mandatorily'' applied to the first applicable effect they face, and they will immediately send themselves to the GY after negating one effect. Despite these drawbacks, the "Abyss-scale" cards are still searchable negates can significantly disrupt the opponent's plays.
 +
The main "Mermail" playstyle thus involves swarming "Mermail" monsters with Special Summoning effects, gaining advantage off of their own discards and tributes, and ultimately either beatdown the opponent by summoning several Level 7 beaters or controlling the field with "Abyssgaios" and the "Abyss-scale" Spells. "[[Mermail Abyssmegalo|Abyssmegalo]]" is thus vitally important for each of the three components of this strategy; it is a Level 7 beatstick that can Special Summon itself, discard other "Mermail" monsters, and search "Abyss-" Spell/Traps.
  
−
"Mermails" also go hand-in-hand with the "[[Atlantean]]" archetype since their effects are activated when sent to the graveyard to activate a WATER monsters effect. By discarding "[[Atlantean Heavy Infantry]]", "[[Atlantean Marksman]]" or "[[Atlantean Dragoons]]", to activate the "Mermails" effects you can destroy a card on the field ("Heavy Infantry" and "Marksman") or search your Deck for any [[Sea Serpent]]-Type monster ("Dragoons"), such as "Abyssmegalo", while also gaining the "Mermail's" effects.
+
The "Abyss-" trap card "[[Abyss-strom]]" connects the archetype to the "[[Umi (series)|Umi]]" series of [[Field Spell]]s, and the archetype does thematically have its own "archetypal Umi" in the form of "[[Lemuria, the Forgotten City]]". Though "Lemuria" is generic and does not specifically support "Mermail", it does support the "Mermail" playstyle of swarming monsters and making Xyz plays, enabling Xyz Monsters of other Ranks to be made.
  
−
== Story ==
+
The "Mermail" archetype synergizes especially well with the "[[Atlantean]]" archetype, since their effects are activated when sent to the graveyard to activate a WATER monsters effect. By discarding "[[Atlantean Heavy Infantry]]", "[[Atlantean Marksman]]" or "[[Atlantean Dragoons]]", to activate the "Mermails" effects you can destroy a card on the field ("Heavy Infantry" and "Marksman") or search your Deck for any [[Sea Serpent]] monster ("Dragoons"), such as "Abyssmegalo", while also gaining the "Mermail" effects.
−
{{See also|[[Gagaga Academy Tospedia card storylines#"The Mermails and Atlanteans" Edition|Gagaga Academy Tospedia card storylines]]}}
 
−
The "Mermails" used to peacefully live in their underwater city, "[[Lemuria, the Forgotten City|Lemuria]]", and albeit good in the arts of fighting, they would rarely use this ability. However, sudden changes in the earth's crust made "Lemuria" rise above the ocean, leaving the "Mermails" homeless. In that moment, the Emperor of the "[[Atlantean]]" army, "[[Poseidra, the Atlantean Dragon|Poseidra]]", choose to let the "Mermails" live under his protection, but they would have to obey his orders. Using the great treasure of the "Mermails", the [[Abyss-squall|Golden Ring]], to control the weather, "Poseidra" ordered an all-out attack against their archenemies, the "[[Fire King]]s". Unfortunately, “Poseidra’s” body was taken over by [[Mermail Abyssgaios|the king]] residing in the Ring. The king eliminated the “Atlantean” army with ease. It appears that “Abysstrite” sealed the Ring away because the advent of the king required a sacrifice.
 
  
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==Recommended cards==
+
===Recommended cards===
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{{Decklist|Deck
+
{{Decklist|Recommended cards
 
|effect monsters =
 
|effect monsters =
 
* [[Mermail Abyssdine]]
 
* [[Mermail Abyssdine]]
 +
* [[Mermail Abyssgunde]]
 +
* [[Mermail Abysshilde]]
 
* [[Mermail Abysslinde]]
 
* [[Mermail Abysslinde]]
 +
* [[Mermail Abyssmegalo]]
 
* [[Mermail Abysspike]]
 
* [[Mermail Abysspike]]
 +
* [[Mermail Abyssteus]]
 
* [[Mermail Abyssturge]]
 
* [[Mermail Abyssturge]]
−
* [[Mermail Abyssgunde]]
 
−
* [[Mermail Abysshilde]]
 
−
* [[Mermail Abyssmegalo]]
 
 
* [[Atlantean Dragoons]]
 
* [[Atlantean Dragoons]]
 +
* [[Atlantean Heavy Infantry]]
 
* [[Atlantean Marksman]]
 
* [[Atlantean Marksman]]
−
* [[Atlantean Heavy Infantry]]
+
* [[Silent Sea Nettle]]
−
* [[Mermail Abyssteus]]
+
* [[Citadel Whale]]
−
* [[Abyss Soldier]]
+
* [[Supreme Sea Mare]]
−
* [[Abyss Warrior]]
+
* [[Aqua Spirit]]
 +
* [[Ice Knight]]
 +
* [[Therion "Reaper" Fum]]
 +
* [[White Stingray]]
 +
* [[Tidal, Dragon Ruler of Waterfalls]]
 +
|tuner monsters =
 +
* [[Deep Sea Diva]]
 +
* [[Fishborg Harpooner]]
 +
* [[Fishborg Launcher]]
 +
* [[Gluttonous Reptolphin Greethys]]
 +
* [[Icejade Ran Aegirine]]
 +
|fusion monsters =
 +
* [[Elemental HERO Aqua Neos]]/[[Neo-Spacian Marine Dolphin]] (as targets for "Instant Contact")
 +
* Targets for "Ready Fusion"
 +
** [[Sea Monster of Theseus]]
 +
** [[Rare Fish]]
 +
** [[Aqua Dragon]]
 +
** [[Man-eating Black Shark]]
 +
|synchro monsters =
 +
* [[Coral Dragon]]
 +
* [[Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier]]
 +
* [[Gungnir, Dragon of the Ice Barrier]]
 +
* [[Adamancipator Risen - Dragite]]
 +
* [[Icejade Gymir Aegirine]]
 +
* [[Swordsoul Supreme Sovereign - Chengying]]
 
|xyz monsters =
 
|xyz monsters =
 +
* [[Mermail Abyssgaios]]
 +
* [[Mermail Abysstrite]]
 
* [[Abyss Dweller]]
 
* [[Abyss Dweller]]
 
* [[Bahamut Shark]]
 
* [[Bahamut Shark]]
−
* [[Mermail Abysstrite]]
+
** [[Toadally Awesome]]
−
* [[Mermail Abyssgaios]]
+
* [[Number 4: Stealth Kragen]]
 +
** [[Stealth Kragen Spawn]]
 
* [[Mecha Phantom Beast Dracossack]]
 
* [[Mecha Phantom Beast Dracossack]]
 
* [[Number 11: Big Eye]]
 
* [[Number 11: Big Eye]]
−
* [[Number 17: Leviathan Dragon]]
+
|link monsters =
−
* [[Number 74: Master of Blades]]
+
* [[Mermail Abyssalacia]]
−
* [[Number 32: Shark Drake]] (use Abyssquall to Special Summon 3 Level 4 Mermails)
+
* [[Mistar Boy]]
−
* [[Number C32: Shark Drake Veiss]]
+
* [[Eria the Water Charmer, Gentle]]
−
* [[Snowdust Giant]]
+
* [[Marincess Coral Anemone]]
−
* [[Number 16: Shock Master]] (use Abyssquall to Special Summon 3 Level 4 Mermails)
+
|normal spells =
−
|spells =
+
* [[Deep Sea Aria]]
−
* [[Lemuria, the Forgotten City]]
 
 
* [[Aqua Jet]]
 
* [[Aqua Jet]]
 
* [[Salvage]]
 
* [[Salvage]]
 +
* [[Surface]]
 +
* [[Terraforming]]
 
* [[Ties of the Brethren]]
 
* [[Ties of the Brethren]]
−
|traps =
+
* [[Foolish Burial]]
−
* [[Bubble Bringer]]
+
* [[Foolish Burial Goods]]
 +
* [[Ready Fusion]]
 +
* [[Moray of Greed]]
 +
* [[Instant Contact]]
 +
|field spells =
 +
* [[Lemuria, the Forgotten City]]
 +
|normal traps =
 
* [[Abyss-squall]]
 
* [[Abyss-squall]]
 +
* [[White Howling]]
 +
* [[Ice Barrier (card)|Ice Barrier]]
 +
|counter traps =
 +
* [[Oh F!sh!]]
 +
|continuous traps =
 
* [[Abyss-sphere]]
 
* [[Abyss-sphere]]
 +
* [[Bubble Bringer]]
 +
* [[Gozen Match]]
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Merlantean===
 
===Merlantean===
 
{{main|Merlantean}}
 
{{main|Merlantean}}
−
<!-- This is not an exact Decklist. Do not add multiples or staples.-->
 
−
{{Decklist|Merlantean
 
−
|effect monsters =
 
−
* [[Atlantean Dragoons]]
 
−
* [[Atlantean Marksman]]
 
−
* [[Atlantean Heavy Infantry]]
 
−
* [[Mermail Abysslinde]]
 
−
* [[Mermail Abysspike]]
 
−
* [[Mermail Abyssmegalo]]
 
−
* [[Mermail Abyssturge]]
 
−
* [[Genex Undine]]
 
−
* [[Genex Controller]]
 
−
* [[Deep Sea Diva]]
 
−
* [[Moulinglace the Elemental Lord]]
 
−
* [[Tragoedia]]
 
−
|synchro monsters =
 
−
* [[Armory Arm]]
 
−
* [[Ally of Justice Catastor]]
 
−
* [[T.G. Hyper Librarian]]
 
−
* [[Dewloren, Tiger King of the Ice Barrier]]
 
−
* [[Gungnir, Dragon of the Ice Barrier]]
 
−
* [[Black Rose Dragon]]
 
−
* [[Stardust Dragon]]
 
−
|xyz monsters =
 
−
* [[Number 17: Leviathan Dragon]]
 
−
* [[Gachi Gachi Gantetsu]]
 
−
* [[Evigishki Merrowgeist]]
 
−
* [[Maestroke the Symphony Djinn]]
 
−
* [[Mecha Phantom Beast Dracossack]]
 
−
* [[Mermail Abysstrite]]
 
−
* [[Mermail Abyssgaios]]
 
−
* [[Number 11: Big Eye]]
 
−
* [[Number 74: Master of Blades]]
 
−
|spells=
 
−
* [[Salvage]]
 
−
* [[Ties of the Brethren]]
 
−
* [[Allure of Darkness]] (If using Genex Controller)
 
−
|traps =
 
−
*[[Abyss-sphere]]
 
−
*[[Abyss-squall]]
 
−
*[[Royal Decree]]
 
−
}}
 
−
 
−
===Mermail Barriers===
 
−
<!-- This is not an exact Decklist. Do not add multiples or staples.-->
 
−
{{Decklist|Mermail Barriers
 
−
|effect monsters =
 
−
* [[Snowman Eater]]
 
−
* [[Debris Dragon]]
 
−
* [[Summoner Monk]]
 
−
* [[Junk Synchron]]
 
−
* [[Mermail Abysspike]]
 
−
* [[Mermail Abyssturge]]
 
−
* [[Prior of the Ice Barrier]]
 
−
* [[Strategist of the Ice Barrier]]
 
−
* [[Defender of the Ice Barrier]]
 
−
* [[General Gantala of the Ice Barrier]]
 
−
* [[General Raiho of the Ice Barrier]]
 
−
|synchro monsters =
 
−
* [[Mist Wurm]]
 
−
* [[Stardust Dragon]]
 
−
* [[Ancient Fairy Dragon]]
 
−
* [[Gungnir, Dragon of the Ice Barrier]]
 
−
* [[Dewloren, Tiger King of the Ice Barrier]]
 
−
* [[Black Rose Dragon]]
 
−
* [[Ally of Justice Catastor]]
 
−
* [[T.G. Hyper Librarian]]
 
−
|xyz monsters =
 
−
* [[Lavalval Chain]]
 
−
* [[Number 39: Utopia]]
 
−
|spells=
 
−
* [[Salvage]]
 
−
* [[Surface]]
 
−
* [[Lemuria, the Forgotten City]]
 
−
* [[Medallion of the Ice Barrier]]
 
−
* [[Terraforming]]
 
−
* [[Monster Reincarnation]]
 
−
|traps =
 
−
* [[Threatening Roar]]
 
−
}}
 
−
 
−
===Tidal Monomermail===
 
−
{{Decklist|Tidal Monomermail
 
−
|effect monsters =
 
−
* [[Mermail Abyssgunde]]
 
−
* [[Mermail Abysslinde]]
 
−
* [[Mermail Abysspike]]
 
−
* [[Mermail Abyssturge]]
 
−
* [[Mermail Abyssteus]]
 
−
* [[Mermail Abyssleed]]
 
−
* [[Mermail Abyssmegalo]]
 
−
* [[Deep Sea Diva]]
 
−
* [[Atlantean Heavy Infantry]]
 
−
* [[Atlantean Dragoons]]
 
−
* [[Atlantean Marksman]]
 
−
* [[Fishborg Archer]]
 
−
* [[Tidal, Dragon Ruler of Waterfalls]]
 
−
|synchro monsters =
 
−
* [[Stardust Dragon]]
 
−
* [[Sea Dragon Lord Gishilnodon]]
 
−
* [[Gungnir, Dragon of the Ice Barrier]]
 
−
* [[Black Rose Dragon]]
 
−
* [[Ally of Justice Catastor]]
 
−
* [[T.G. Hyper Librarian]]
 
−
* [[Armory Arm]]
 
−
|xyz monsters =
 
−
* [[Bahamut Shark]]
 
−
* [[Mecha Phantom Beast Dracossack]]
 
−
* [[Mermail Abyssgaios]]
 
−
* [[Mermail Abysstrite]]
 
−
* [[Number 11: Big Eye]]
 
−
* [[Number 17: Leviathan Dragon]]
 
−
* [[Number 74: Master of Blades]]
 
−
* [[Gachi Gachi Gantetsu]]
 
−
* [[Armored Kappa]]
 
−
* [[Wind-Up Zenmaines]]
 
−
|spells=
 
−
* [[Salvage]]
 
−
* [[Abyss-scale of the Mizuchi]]
 
−
|traps =
 
−
* [[Abyssphere]]
 
−
* [[Abyssquall]]
 
−
}}
 
  
 
===From [http://www.yugioh-card.com/japan/topics/?20121212 "Atlantean" & "Mermail" Deck recipes sample]/[http://www.yugioh-card.com/japan/topics/images/ygdeck1212_2.pdf Deck recipe PDF version (December 2012)]===
 
===From [http://www.yugioh-card.com/japan/topics/?20121212 "Atlantean" & "Mermail" Deck recipes sample]/[http://www.yugioh-card.com/japan/topics/images/ygdeck1212_2.pdf Deck recipe PDF version (December 2012)]===
−
 
 
{{Decklist|Atlantean Mermail Deck (Ver. 1)<br />海皇水精鱗デッキ
 
{{Decklist|Atlantean Mermail Deck (Ver. 1)<br />海皇水精鱗デッキ
 
<!-- This is a Decklist made by Yugioh-card(jp). Do not remove any multiples or staples.-->
 
<!-- This is a Decklist made by Yugioh-card(jp). Do not remove any multiples or staples.-->
Line 333: Line 367:
  
 
===From [http://www.yugioh-card.com/japan/topics/images/ygdeck1302_5.pdf Deck recipe PDF version (February 2013)]===
 
===From [http://www.yugioh-card.com/japan/topics/images/ygdeck1302_5.pdf Deck recipe PDF version (February 2013)]===
−
 
 
{{Decklist|New Atlantean Mermail Deck<br />新・海皇水精鱗デッキ
 
{{Decklist|New Atlantean Mermail Deck<br />新・海皇水精鱗デッキ
 
<!-- This is a Decklist made by Yugioh-card(jp). Do not remove any multiples or staples.-->
 
<!-- This is a Decklist made by Yugioh-card(jp). Do not remove any multiples or staples.-->
Line 378: Line 411:
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Weaknesses==
+
===Weaknesses===
−
"[[Thunder King Rai-Oh]]" and "[[Mistake]]" severely slows down this Deck theme as it halts all of the searching effects of "Mermail" monsters while also being a higher ATK than most of them as well. "[[Deck Lockdown]]" also works and stops Special Summoning from the Main Deck too, but can be more easily countered so it is more useful as an early disruption tactic and for Tribute-themed and/or Synchro/XYZ monster focused Decks that have no need to Special Summon from the Main Deck at all.
+
* Cards that prevent searching or Special Summoning from the Deck, such as "[[Thunder King Rai-Oh]]", "[[Mistake]]", or "[[Deck Lockdown]]", slows down the archetype significantly, as the archetype requires significant searching to make combo plays and maintain their grind game.
 +
* Cards that negate card effect activations in the GY, such as "[[Debunk]]", "[[Silent Graveyard]]", "[[Necrovalley]]", "[[The End of Anubis]]", or "[[Soul Drain]]", halts many of the key GY monster effects the archetype.
 +
* Cards that banish cards sent to the GY, such as "[[Macro Cosmos]]" and "[[Dimensional Fissure]]", also prevents the archetype from activating their GY effects. It can also prevent "[[Moulinglacia the Elemental Lord]]" from being Summoned.
 +
* The archetype's need for discarding- and Tributing-friendly monsters means that it struggles to maintain its grind game if built or played poorly.
  
−
"[[Debunk]]", "[[Forbidden Graveyard]]", "[[Necrovalley]]", "[[The End of Anubis]]" and "[[Soul Drain]]" also halts many of the key monster effects of a "Mermail" Deck as well to slow it down, but it does not affect the [[Xyz Summon]] options available unlike "Thunder King Rai-Oh". "[[Skill Drain]]" also affects the speed of this Deck and can assist in slowing it down too, but without "Debunk" or "Soul Drain" (or other similar Graveyard negation effect cards) their Graveyard activating effects are not affected and can result in its destruction.
+
==Notes==
−
 
+
{{notelist}}
−
[[Banish]] effect cards can cause havoc on "Mermail" and "Mermail"/"Abyss-" Decks because they lose their Graveyard activating effects, so "[[Macro Cosmos]]" and "[[Dimensional Fissure]]" are worth consideration. It also can prevent "[[Moulinglacia the Elemental Lord]]" from being Summoned through a lack of WATER monsters in the Graveyard.
 
−
 
 
−
"[[Bottomless Trap Hole]]" is also a good option for removing dangerous support, such as "Moulinglacia", "[[Mermail Abyssmegalo]]" and "[[Mermail Abysslinde]]". And while "[[King Tiger Wanghu]]" can disrupt a "Mermail" or "Mermail"/"Abyss-" Deck, its continuous destruction effect will trigger their own effects normally, so cautious use is required: "[[Fossil Dyna Pachycephalo]]" the "Vanity's" monsters, "[[Vanity's Emptiness]]" and "[[Jowgen the Spiritualist]]" may be a more effective option in countering "Mermails".
 
−
 
 
−
One major problem a "Mermail" user might face is "over-extending". Because so many "Mermail" effects rely on discarding or being discarded, a Duelist using the archetype might spend all but a couple of cards in their hand on swarming the field with monsters. Despite the many searchers of the archetype, a player might exhaust all of the options they built with a large hand and fall victim to a well-timed "[[Gorz the Emissary of Darkness]]".
 
  
 
{{Archseries navbox}}
 
{{Archseries navbox}}
−
 
+
{{Archseries navbox (anime)}}
 +
{{Archseries navbox (Duel Links)}}
 
[[Category:TCG and OCG archetypes]]
 
[[Category:TCG and OCG archetypes]]

Latest revision as of 02:54, 15 April 2024

Mermail
"Mermail Abysshilde", "Mermail Abyssgunde" and "Mermail Abysslinde" in the artwork of "Abyss-squall".
"Mermail Abysshilde", "Mermail Abyssgunde" and "Mermail Abysslinde" in the artwork of "Abyss-squall".
Japanese
  • 水精鱗（マーメイル）
  • 水精鱗 (base)
  • マーメイル (ruby)
  • Māmeiru (romanized)
French
  • Sirènemure
  • Armed Siren (translated)
German
  • Nixenrüstung
Italian
  • Sirenide
Korean
  • 머메일
  • Meomeil (romanized)
Portuguese
  • Sirena
  • Siren (translated)
Spanish
  • Sirenarmada
  • Armed Siren (translated)
Sets
TCG
OCG
Korean
Anime appearances
Manga appearances
Lists

"Mermail" (水精鱗（マーメイル） Māmeiru) is an archetype of WATER Aqua, Fish and Sea Serpent monsters, used by Brooke Walker in the past, introduced in the Abyss Rising. These monsters are based on mermaids outfitted with armor, hence "mail". They are intimately related to the "Abyss-" archetype, as they all belong to the archetype. The Level 3 "Mermail" monsters are all Aqua monsters, Level 4 "Mermail" monsters are all Fish monsters and Level 7 "Mermail" monsters are all Sea Serpent monsters, except for the Aqua "Mermail Abyssbalaen" and "Mermail Abyssteus".

Design[edit]

Each "Mermail" monster is based on a real life aquatic animal. The original three Level 3 "Mermail" monsters released in Abyss Rising, "Mermail Abysslinde", "Mermail Abyssgunde", and "Mermail Abysshilde" have names coming from the Rhinemaidens (Woglinde, Wellgunde, Flosshilde) in the German opera Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Nibelung) by Richard Wagner. The Level 7 "Mermail" monsters (excluding "Mermail Abyssbalaen)", "Mermail Abyssmegalo", "Mermail Abyssleed" and "Mermail Abyssteus" take inspiration from extinct aquatic species. The Xyz Monsters, "Mermail Abyssgaios" and "Mermail Abysstrite" take inspiration from Ancient Greek deities.

Main Deck members[edit]

Mermail Level Type Origin
Abyssdine 3 Aqua Sea angel
Abyssgunde Wellgunde (Rhinemaiden) / Clown fish
Abysshilde Flosshilde (Rhinemaiden) / Eel
Abysslinde Woglinde (Rhinemaiden) / Koi
Abyssnerei‎ Nereid / Coelacanth
Abyssocea Oceanid / Flying Fish
Abyssbalaen 7 Balaenoptera
Abyssteus Dunkleosteus
Abyssleed Sea Serpent Leedsichthys
Abyssmegalo Megalodon
Abysslung 4 Fish Lungfish
Abyssmander Giant salamander
Abyssnose Elephantnose fish
Abysspike Pike
Abyssturge Sturgeon

Extra Deck members[edit]

Mermail Rank/Link Type Origin
Abyssalacia 2 Sea Serpent Salacia / Human
Abysstrite 3 Amphitrite / Dolphin
Abyssgaios 7 Aqua Poseidon / Atlantean Dragon

Story[edit]

See also: Gagaga Academy Tospedia card storylines § "The Mermails and Atlanteans" Edition, Master Guide 4 card storylines § File No. 01: The Great Battle Raging between Fire and Water in the South Seas, and Master Duel card storylines § The Tribe of the Abyssal Waters

The "Mermails" used to peacefully live in their underwater city, "Lemuria", and albeit good in the arts of fighting, they would rarely use this ability. However, sudden changes in the earth's crust made "Lemuria" rise above the ocean, leaving the "Mermails" homeless. In that moment, the Emperor of the "Atlantean" army, "Poseidra", choose to let the "Mermails" live under his protection, but they would have to obey his orders. Using the great treasure of the "Mermails", the Golden Ring, to control the weather, "Poseidra" ordered an all-out attack against their archenemies, the "Fire Kings". Unfortunately, “Poseidra’s” body was taken over by the king residing in the Ring. The king eliminated the “Atlantean” army with ease. It appears that “Abysstrite” sealed the Ring away because the advent of the king required a sacrifice.

Playing Style[edit]

The "Mermail" archetype focuses on discarding or tributing WATER monsters to Special Summon "Mermail" monsters and activate their effects, and triggering additional effects off of these discards or tributes to generate advantage. They secondarily focus on interacting with the "Abyss-" archetype of Spell/Trap cards to support their strategy. Most Level 3 "Mermail" monsters (excluding "Abyssdine" and "Abyssocea") have similar Trigger Effects that are triggered when they are sent to the Graveyard, which usually Special Summons another "Mermail".

Level 3 Mermail Summary
Mermail Trigger Conditions (If/When this card is...) Triggered Effect
Abyssgunde Discarded to GY Special Summon 1 "Mermail" monster from GY, except "Abyssgunde".
Abysshilde Sent to GY Special Summon 1 "Mermail" monster from hand, except "Abysshilde".
Abysslinde Destroyed and sent from field to GY Special Summon 1 "Mermail" monster from Deck, except "Abysslinde".
Abyssnerei‎ Sent from field to GY Draw 1 card, then discard 1 card.

Most Level 4 "Mermail" monsters (excluding "Abysslung" and "Abyssmander") have Trigger Effects that can be activated when they are Normal or Special Summoned, and their effects involve discarding a WATER monster, which will trigger the above Level 3 monsters' effects.

Level 4 Mermail Summary
Mermail Trigger Conditions (If/When this card [is]...) Triggered Effect
Abyssnose Destroys an opponent's monster by battle and sends it to the GY Discard 1 WATER monster to GY, Special Summon 1 "Mermail" monster from Deck (in Defense).
Abysspike Normal or Special Summoned Discard 1 WATER monster to GY, add 1 Level 3 WATER monster from Deck to hand.
Abyssturge Normal or Special Summoned Discard 1 WATER monster to GY, add 1 Level ≤3 WATER monster from GY to hand.

The Level 7 "Mermail" monsters each share two effects with a common effect pattern.

  1. "You can discard [Discard Cost] to the GY; Special Summon this card from your hand. When Summoned this way: You can [Effect 1]"
  2. "You can Tribute [Tribute Cost]; [Effect 2]"

These effects will further trigger the Level 3 "Mermail" monsters' effects, and can also trigger some the ones that only trigger when sent from the field to GY via Tributing.

Level 7 Mermail Summary
Mermail Effect 1 Details Effect 2 Details
Discard Cost Effect 1 Tribute Cost[a] Effect 2
Abyssteus 1 WATER Add 1 Level ≤4 "Mermail" monster from Deck to hand. N/A
Abyssmegalo 2 WATER Add 1 "Abyss-" Spell/Trap from Deck to hand. 1 WATER It can make a second attack this turn.
Abyssleed 3 WATER Add 1 "Abyss-" Spell/Trap from GY to hand. 1 "Mermail" Send 1 random card from the opponent's hand to the GY.
Abyssbalaen 4 "Mermail"
  • It gains 500 ATK.
  • Target opposing cards, up to the number of "Mermail" monsters in the GY, and destroy them.
 1 "Mermail" It gains: "At the start of the Damage Step, if it battles a Defense Position monster: Destroy that monster."

The boss monster of the archetype, "Mermail Abyssgaios", is a Rank 7 Xyz monster that can prevent Level 5 or higher monsters from attacking, and negate the effects of opposing monsters with less ATK than it.

The "Mermail" archetype supports, and is supported by, the "Abyss-" archetype of Spell/Traps. The "Abyss-" Traps provide some temporary power boosts or temporary Special Summons of "Mermail" monsters. The "Abyss-" Spells meanwhile are far more interesting: all the "Abyss-" Spells, the "Abyss-scale", are Equip Spells that can only be equipped to "Mermail" monsters, and both boost the equipped monster's attack and provide 1 negation to an opponent's effect; "Kraken" negates a Monster, "Mizuchi" negates a Spell, and "Cetus" negates a Trap. These negations are mandatorily applied to the first applicable effect they face, and they will immediately send themselves to the GY after negating one effect. Despite these drawbacks, the "Abyss-scale" cards are still searchable negates can significantly disrupt the opponent's plays. The main "Mermail" playstyle thus involves swarming "Mermail" monsters with Special Summoning effects, gaining advantage off of their own discards and tributes, and ultimately either beatdown the opponent by summoning several Level 7 beaters or controlling the field with "Abyssgaios" and the "Abyss-scale" Spells. "Abyssmegalo" is thus vitally important for each of the three components of this strategy; it is a Level 7 beatstick that can Special Summon itself, discard other "Mermail" monsters, and search "Abyss-" Spell/Traps.

The "Abyss-" trap card "Abyss-strom" connects the archetype to the "Umi" series of Field Spells, and the archetype does thematically have its own "archetypal Umi" in the form of "Lemuria, the Forgotten City". Though "Lemuria" is generic and does not specifically support "Mermail", it does support the "Mermail" playstyle of swarming monsters and making Xyz plays, enabling Xyz Monsters of other Ranks to be made.

The "Mermail" archetype synergizes especially well with the "Atlantean" archetype, since their effects are activated when sent to the graveyard to activate a WATER monsters effect. By discarding "Atlantean Heavy Infantry", "Atlantean Marksman" or "Atlantean Dragoons", to activate the "Mermails" effects you can destroy a card on the field ("Heavy Infantry" and "Marksman") or search your Deck for any Sea Serpent monster ("Dragoons"), such as "Abyssmegalo", while also gaining the "Mermail" effects.

Recommended cards[edit]

Recommended cards

Monster Cards

Effect Monsters

Tuner monsters

Spell Cards

Normal Spells

Field Spells

Trap Cards

Normal Traps

Counter Traps

Continuous Traps

Merlantean[edit]

Main article: Merlantean

From "Atlantean" & "Mermail" Deck recipes sample/Deck recipe PDF version (December 2012)[edit]

From Deck recipe PDF version (February 2013)[edit]

New Atlantean Mermail Deck
新・海皇水精鱗デッキ

Weaknesses[edit]

  • Cards that prevent searching or Special Summoning from the Deck, such as "Thunder King Rai-Oh", "Mistake", or "Deck Lockdown", slows down the archetype significantly, as the archetype requires significant searching to make combo plays and maintain their grind game.
  • Cards that negate card effect activations in the GY, such as "Debunk", "Silent Graveyard", "Necrovalley", "The End of Anubis", or "Soul Drain", halts many of the key GY monster effects the archetype.
  • Cards that banish cards sent to the GY, such as "Macro Cosmos" and "Dimensional Fissure", also prevents the archetype from activating their GY effects. It can also prevent "Moulinglacia the Elemental Lord" from being Summoned.
  • The archetype's need for discarding- and Tributing-friendly monsters means that it struggles to maintain its grind game if built or played poorly.

Notes[edit]

  1. ↑ Tributes must be other Attack Position monsters.
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