Zaziuma

Imaginary Beast is an Archetype consisting of monsters with various types, Attributes and Levels. They focus on forcing monsters to be Special Summoned in Defense Position and Synchro Summoning. Each Main Deck monster has an effect that forces both players to Special Summon monsters from their Extra Deck in Defense Position, except Link Monsters (previously they had no exception, but due to new rules, this was added for balance reasons). The Synchros each have an effect that activates when Synchro Summoned in Defense Position, and can attack while in Defense Position. Newly added is a bonus should they also be linked with a Link Monster.

The name is a portmanteau of image and imaginary, and each monster is an animal and a photographic related term. I enjoyed the creative process of this when I first made them, I wish I had artistic skills so I could draw what these weird animals would look like, but I don't sadly, so I hope you can get all the animals I chose. When it came to what was newly added, I focused on making them work with Link Monsters, while they are anti-Attack Position, I felt that they needed a Link Monster to really work as originally intended, so their speed, searchabilty and ease of play was focused on, keeping the same idea of using the opponent's turn and interrupting their plays in tone still.

Original Version (15/15):

Last cards are up! Also, Isolation is edited to require no cards in your hand for its negation effect.

New Cards:
Wicked Warrior of Summation (Level 7 Effect Monster)
Wicked Warrior of Meditation (LINK-2 Link Monster)
Wicked Warrior of Confrontation (LINK-4 Link Monster)
Wicked Warrior's Salvation (Field Spell)
Wicked Warrior's Resignation (Quick-Play Spell)

4 hours ago, Darj said:

Yeah, the xenophobia is fine. For example, BAs are xenophobic too and and they were top tier in a couple formats, while nowadays they do relatively well. Besides, you can kind of play around it by going into the Link3, as I pointed out, which is lacking the xenophobic restrictions.
I'm more concerned about the negation effect of the Link3, since it feels like a lazy "I will just make it negate anything and call it a day" approach. I would prefer if the negations of the Link3 and Counter Trap were swapped, actually: make the Link3 hold the Warning negation, and the Counter Trap the "negate anything" effect.
A Link4 should be fine, I guess, but I don't think they really need it, unless it's something overpowering like the Astram Link4. You seem to think these guys have a high swarming power, but they actually rely on multiple copies of Revelation to swarm, and having no hand. I would say that's more impractical that it looks on paper, despite the plethora of consistency and set-up effects you gave them. But IDK, this is where practical tests would come in.
I noticed that despite their xenophobia clauses, they still allow Special Summons from hand and GY, and that means they can potentially make use of cards such as Destrudo, Plaguespreader, Jet Synchron, and, more notably, Dangers!, which not only can assist with emptying your hand through their hand effects, also they are DARK for Attribute synergy, and you can play a bit the disruption+beat game with Bigfoot and Thunderbird without relying too much on your Extra Deck that more often than not will be locked.
 

Well, the reason for the negation is that they lack any other form of protection, sure the Counter Trap is handy, but it's a one-time thing, having it on a monster is more consistent too. As for the LINK-4 being useless, well they currently lack a powerhouse, and with little other options, especially since you can't make anything with the monsters other than these two Link Monsters, I want some more options for them in case their Main Deck isn't cutting it.

12 hours ago, Darj said:

Looks decent. I can tell the archetype falls back on Isolation and Manipulation for control, and to a lesser extent on Dedication for board clearing. Their xenophobia and Summon restrictions are annoying but at least you can go for the Link3, which is lacking the restrictions, to enable your plays again, provided you don't have Revelation active, or alternatively have a way to dispose of it in a practical manner (e.g. Dragonic Diagram engine?). Speaking of the Link3, I think it's a bit bland because it's just a straightforward omni-negator that even includes attacks, on top of their Solemn Warning Counter Trap. It would be less blatant if it didn't cover, well, everything, considering it comes with 2 other handy effects.

They are meant to be "xenophobic", since Normal Summoning from the GY can be quite a powerful tool, and they are suppose to be able to play with just spamming monsters rather than going into the Extra Deck. I also plan to have a LINK-4 later on.

Last cards are up!

New Cards:

Rocknoceros Megamonad (Level 6 Synchro Monster)

Rocknoceros Torterror (Level 10 Synchro Monster)

Rocknoceros Sharpening (Continuous Spell)

Rocknoceros Earthquakes (Continuous Trap)

Rocknoceros Mountain (Continuous Trap)

Oh god, I will forever hate the fact that cards may say "or" instead of "and", now I will have to look more carefully, because that makes it a bit better. Still, has to be in the Battle Phase, so can't abuse it that much, but anyway, I suppose it's a decent replacement in my Code Talker Deck, since the original doesn't really do much, and Trackblack could maybe combo nicely with it.

8 hours ago, The Old Charlelot said:

Pretty nice Archetype, though I think that a few of your cards (most notably Rocknoceros Scarpdasher and Rocknoceros Range) feel a bit too generically good (like a better Cyber Dragon and Destiny Draw). Also, I question the phrasing used for the first effect of the major Synchro Monsters. Since it would be impossible to use more than 1 Rocknoceros Peakprimer to Summon those monsters, the way that effect if worded just seems weird to me. All and all, I like it. Just wondering, what was the inspiration behind those monsters and their typing. I'm gessing there could be an interesting story behind that.

Scarpdasher isn't generic though, and Range only works with other Rocknoceros, so unless you're playing this Deck, it isn't that useful to you. Also, it isn't impossible to use multiple Peakprimer, either Link Monsters or getting one back from the GY with Rocknoceros Formation or other means. I also plan on making that more easily available to do in the future. The inspiration is that they're rhinos and made of rock. There isn't much to it other than that.

45 minutes ago, Sleepy said:

During the first explanation of the Extra Link mechanic, they were careful with only bringing up the U shape combos as samples. No upper diagonal existed though so maybe that was why. They gotta try to ease things up little by little. At the start of the game the main samples of U boards involved Firewall, and Link 4s are a lot more expensive to play advantage-wise. Then later on we got Knightmares and could now Extra Link with Link 2 pieces. Then down the road they released the statement that Darj linked to, which does enable the V formation to be a thing.

Eventually they realized they could actually give us diagonal up arrows, but they did so on Link 1 (Sky Strikers) that can't possibly V-Extra Link for lack of a second arrow.
We have the card Flash Charge Dragon. I believe it's "can't Summon to its arrows" effect can be negated but am unsure as I have not found any real rulings of it (but modern day cards usually state those things). There's also a tip in its wikia (I know, not exactly an official source, but still) that you can give it to your opponent's center Main Monster Zone to get into a V Extra Link (granted that you can protect monsters from its trigger effect in the process). It is by no means a super convenient thing which is why it's not really used much, but it exists.

I think it best if you ask around if you have doubts that V Extra Link is a thing, but I'm pretty sure it is.

Well, whatever is the case, it won't be a problem now, since I changed the card. Kind of wanted that Link Arrow combination since I don't think I have used it before, not use if I have used this one, but anywho, check the changes.

58 minutes ago, Sleepy said:

If I get this right, what you are saying is that you think Extra Link can only be U shaped, and from that article, V shaped, and you don't believe cards with just 1 upper diagonal can make Extra Link? Let me inform you that "U board" was a fan-made term, and that any chain of co-Links that range from an Extra Monster Zone to the other will be an Extra Link regardless of symmetry.

Hm, and this is fact? Unlikely that they would have mentioned it since it is not a thing that can happen in the game anyway right now, but seems like the way they wanted it to work was exclusively the U-shape, since that's what Decks are designed to do.

50 minutes ago, Darj said:

I read and re-read it and still can't see what is unclear. What do you even mean with "not this" in that sentence?
For the record, what I wrote in apostrophes is a literal quote from the article.

"think they mean using Up Left and Up Right, not this."

49 minutes ago, Darj said:

Huh, what are you not sure about? The article is about Extra Linking, and in the last paragraph they mention that diagonal co-links can also be used to arrange an Extra Link.

I literally said what I meant in the post. Read it again please.

1 minute ago, Darj said:

 TCG confirmed Extra Links can also be done with diagonals.

" Link Monsters can be co-linked on diagonals, though at the time of this writing there are no Link Monsters whose Link Arrows point diagonally upwards. If at some point such Link Monsters were to exist, they could also be used this way."
Source: https://yugiohblog.konami.com/articles/?p=8355

Well, not sure if this is what they were referring to, think they mean using Up Left and Up Right, not this. Regardless, I didn't design it to support that anyway, so I'll change it around so that isn't going to be an issue.

2 hours ago, Darj said:

Agreed with the above, this card looks like trouble. The material requirements don't get any more generic, and provides 2 Tokens for extra laddering. It even facilitates Extra Links due to the upper left marker. The cheapest U-Link that comes to mind is Linkuriboh-->Phoenix-->this-->Hayate, although other Link2s such as Needlefiber will do, too.

Aren't Extra Links only able to be made if it actually makes a U-shape? Maybe I am misinformed, but I always thought you had to use at least 5 monsters, 2 in the Extra Monster Zones, 3 in the Main Monster Zones.

I hear that people liked Legacy of the Duelist, but I never tried it because it wasn't up to date, but since this one is, I may try it out, and it is on the Switch as well, so that's great.

Oops, new map! Yeah, just right out of nowhere, they have new map for us, and it's Paris! I always wanted to see a map for Widowmaker, while yes we have the Chateau, it isn't a main map, but now we have one! It looks gorgeous, reminds me a bit of Numbani. Can't wait to try it out.

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2+ monsters
While this card is linked to both a Link Monster and non-Link Monster, this card gains 1000 ATK, you take no damage, also your linked monsters cannot be destroyed by battle. You can banish 1 Link Monster and 1 non-Link Monster from your GY; Special Summon 2 "Serenity Tokens" (Fairy/WIND/Level 3/ATK 0/DEF 1500). These Tokens cannot be used as material for a Link Summon. You can only use this effect of "Overseer of Serenity" once per turn.

 

Creepy Crawler is an Archetype of Insect/EARTH Level 4 monsters. They focus on making themselves into Continuous Spells, inspired by Crystal Beast, as well as Xyz Summoning. Their main gimmick is that they can be activated from the hand as Continuous Spells, similar to a Pendulum Monster being activated when put in the Pendulum Zone, so cards like Dark Bribe can be used to negate the activation. They are also placed there when destroyed in the Monster Zone. They are based on various insects, and their names all use alliteration.

Remaking this one felt a bit different than my previous one Retrospecter, because I felt that Retrospecter had something going for them, but were limited because of the new Link Monster era, however these felt outright awful, even when they were first made back 2014. The monsters are weak, and as I wanted to keep them mostly the same, I made a only a few improvements, they barely had any searching options and their boss didn't do enough, so mainly their power comes from their new Spells/Traps, like Bug Burrow and Beginning Bunch, as well as a new Link and Xyz Monster as well.

Original Version (9/9):

Main Deck Monsters:

5 hours ago, Darj said:

Let's see.... you added Level-modulation monsters, Extra Deck monsters, a Prime Monarch-like Trap Monster, and 2 cards that support Field Spell play. Kind of tough to see the full picture without practice but at first glance it looks fine. Seems the archetype tries to do many things and while that can be spicy and all, it also adds consistency risks by relying on combos. Thus, personally I would focus on working with their inherent levels instead of trying to modulate them. Also I'm skeptical on the effectiveness of their Field Spell swap play. If anything I would play Territory to effectively have 2 Fields at once but it can backfire if I don't have a Serpent Normal Summoned without Tributing.

The only card I have a issue with is the Xyz: banishing 2 cards from the hand is a nasty move to do on an opening turn, and with decent dedication that shouldn't be a difficult thing to do so. Pair it with other cards such as Gumblar and PSYFrame Omega and it gets too close to an pseudo-FTK through handkill. At the moment it may be difficult to access because the only Synchro7 Serpent is the one introduced in this archetype, and in turn, it's bound to Sea Serpent materials, but it's still lacking futureproofing because that can change pretty much as soon as koomy introduces a more flexible Synchro7 Serpent.

Yes, people say that often about my archetypes, but I always want to have various options instead of just the one style of play, so having them able to change their Levels like that is helpful, and also to make your previous statement about being able to make Level 6 Synchros possible in Deck. I figured that the new Xyz may be a bit powerful to some people, but keep in mind that they are still mostly Level 5 focused, so you have to jump through hoops to make that happen. I don't think these are something the meta would have to worry about, though they can be powerful in the right situations.

Last cards are up!

New Cards:
Serplight Wetling (Level 3 Effect Monster)

Serplight Spreader (Level 5 Effect Monster)

Serplight Terrortorial (Level 7 Effect Monster)

Serplight Monstrosity (Level 7 Synchro Monster)

Serplight Abomination (Rank 7 Xyz Monster)

Serplight Wetlands (Field Spell)

Serplight Territory (Continuous Spell)

Serplight Toxins (Normal Trap)

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If this card is sent from the field to the GY for the Synchro Summon of a WATER monster: You can target 1 face-up monster your opponent controls; take control of that target. You can only use this effect of "Capture Collector" once per turn.

9 minutes ago, Darj said:

From the name I was expecting an archetype of LIGHT/Reptiles xD
These look well done. Some effects are basic, like the extra Normal Summons, or the discard effects of Diver and Snatcher, but their "when Normal Summoned, gains X effect" effects add a flavorful, archetype-feeling touch.
Seems you want to keep them in check with their "you can only Special Summon Sea Serpents" restrictions, but I wonder if that's too much and if you may loosen it up a bit without breaking anything. IDK really, since they do appear to be decent at swarming, especially with the Level 2 and 3 that can function as an engine of sorts due to their floating effects. For instance, using both for a Synchro or Link Summon nets you 2 searchers, almost like Goukis xD

I appreciate that these are somewhat compatible with Gishilnodon since it's a Level 5 Sea Serpent Synchro. Brionac is an option too, although they can't go for Synchro 6s without techs.
With some Level 7 members, maindeck, Synchro and Xyz monsters, they could do something with Danger! Nessie!. Just a thought.

Pretty sure Boglands needs some text fixes. I would write it like this:

During the turn player's Main Phase, they can Normal Summon 1 Sea Serpent monster in addition to your Normal Summon/Set. (This effect can only be gained once per turn.) [since it applies to both players] Once per turn: The turn player can return 1 Tribute Summoned Sea Serpent monster they control to the hand; that player Special Summons 1 Sea Serpent monster from their Deck. If a "Serplight" monster(s) you control would be destroyed by battle or card effect, you can return this card to your hand instead.

 

By the way, Swampland is a Field Spell. Not sure if that's intended, of it it's meant to be a Continuous Spell, or else it clashes with Boglands.

 

 

I went with a restriction to avoid them going for other stuff than their intended purpose, as I can see their easy Summons to simply become Link Monster machines if I don't stomp that down, and I have more easy Summons on the way, so I want to keep that in check. A Level 7 member is coming indeed, there's a reason they say Level 5 or higher. Swamplands is suppose to be a Field Spell indeed, they are intended to return their Field Spells often for their effects so you can replace them without having to worry about putting them in the GY. There's also another Field Spell coming, thinking of how F.A. kind of does things, so may offer some support that enables them to switch them out perhaps. Yeah, that wording is probably better, will fix that later.