Yu-Gi-Oh PbP: Thelas vs. Blue Ghost

[Blue Ghost]

Blue Ghost enters the arena and greets his opponent with a cordial smile.

Hello, Thelas. I heard you are seeking to know more about the path of good? It is my duty to show the light to all who honestly seek. Duel with me, and perhaps you will find the answers you are looking for. The forces of Good welcome you.

[Blue Ghost]

Luminous Armor.

Blue Ghost's azure robes take on a dazzling radiance as he unfurls his Duel Disk and draws his opening hand.

[roll0]

[roll1]

[roll2]

[Thelas]

Here goes nothing. Mage hand.
Thelas's five cards fly over to the aspiring duelist, and a twenty-sided die is rolled. He then takes out his Duel Disk and prepares to begin the duel.
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

I seek a path. I do not know what it will be... good, evil, law, chaos... but I need to find something more than myself.

[Blue Ghost]

That is a start. So many people drift through life, not considering the spiritual realities behind it. A seeking heart is the right place to begin.

[roll0]

But it is difficult to comprehend spiritual realities from the ground up. Perhaps a different vantage point is required. I activate The Sanctuary in the Sky (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/The_Sanctuary_in_the_Sky)!

The arena fades away. The two duelists are standing in the courtyard of a celestial building that seems immaterial, yet somehow more real than anything on Earth.

[color=blue]One can never be satisfied with the mere physical life, for our souls were crafted for eternity. I have been allowed a glimpse of the eternal realm, and the spiritual battles that are taking place. Behold!

Down below, you can glimpse the sphere of the Material Plane, suspended over a pit of crackling, grasping hellfire.

The forces of good and evil are locked in a struggle for the souls of the world. Currently evil has the upper hand, but it is written that good will win out one day. And the forces of good are still active in the world, though most mortals cannot see them.
I summon Bountiful Artemis (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Bountiful_Artemis)!

A glorious winged being, unlike any material creature, appears in the sanctuary.

I Set a card face-down and end my turn.

Monsters:
Bountiful Artemis (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Bountiful_Artemis) (1600/1700)

Spell/Traps:
Face-down

Field: The Sanctuary in the Sky (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/The_Sanctuary_in_the_Sky)

Life Points: 8000


Hand: 3

Harvest Angel of Wisdom
Harvest Angel of Wisdom
The Agent of Judgment – Saturn

Face Down: Solemn Judgment


Deck:

1. Archlord Kristya
2. Guardian of Order
3. Warrior of Zera
4. Warrior of Zera
5. Warrior of Zera
6. Archlord Zerato
7. Archlord Zerato
8. The Agent of Judgment – Saturn
9. Zeradias, Herald of Heaven
10. Zeradias, Herald of Heaven
11. Bountiful Artemis
12. Honest
13. Honest
14. Honest
15. Gellenduo
16. Gellenduo
17. Meltiel, Sage of the Sky
18. Meltiel, Sage of the Sky
19. Meltiel, Sage of the Sky
20. Harvest Angel of Wisdom
21. The Sanctuary in the Sky
22. The Sanctuary in the Sky
23. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen
24. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen
25. Heavy Storm
26. Swords of Revealing Light
27. Lightning Vortex
28. Card Destruction
29. Negate Attack
30. Negate Attack
31. Magic Drain
32. Magic Drain
33. Magic Drain
34. Mirror Force


Extra Deck:


Graveyard:

Empty


Removed from Play:

Empty

[Thelas]

[roll0]

Thelas, though surprised by the sudden transportation to the new battlefield above, recovered his wits in time to draw his card, Set two cards face down and Set a monster in face-down defense position.

Field: Blue Ghost's The Sanctuary In The Sky (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/The_Sanctuary_in_the_Sky)

Monsters: Face-down monster (???/???), 4 open slots
Spells/traps: Two face-downs, 3 open slots.

We cannot see the forces of good? And why is that? Why would they choose to hide themselves away from us? There are certainly the few adventuring clerics, but there are many more visible worshipers of the dark gods, extracting "tributes" from towns or ruling over them. In any case, your move.

OOC

My apologies that I'm not being very talkative, but a lot of the time, I'm too busy trying to concentrate on rules.


Cards of various locations

Hand (3)
Royal Magical Library x2, Mystical Elf
Deck (34)

Copycat
Copycat
Copycat
Dark Magician Girl
Dark Magician Girl
Dark Magician Girl
Dark Magician
Dark Magician
Dark Magician
Dark Eradicator Warlock
Dark Eradicator Warlock
Dark Eradicator Warlock
Soul Exchange
Torrential Tribute
Trap Hole
Trap Hole
Trap Hole
Royal Magical Library
Skilled Dark Magician
Skilled Dark Magician
Skilled Dark Magician
Magic Citadel of Endymion
Magic Citadel of Endymion
Magic Citadel of Endymion
Endymion, The Master Magician
Endymion, The Master Magician
Endymion, The Master Magician
Magical Exemplar
Magical Exemplar
Magical Exemplar
Premature Burial
Premature Burial
Premature Burial
Mystical Elf


Graveyard (0)


Removed From Play (0)



LP: 8000

[Blue Ghost]

OOC: Don't worry about it. I probably can't keep up with the RP for long either.

While evil derives power from aggression, the power of good stems from hope and faith in the things unseen. Evil promises power, but the rewards of a steadfast hope are far greater. If you would submit to the light as I have, you shall see for yourself what a hope we have.

[roll0]

I Set another face-down monster and another face-down backrow, and switch my angel to Defense Position. Your move.

Monsters:
Bountiful Artemis (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Bountiful_Artemis) (1600/1700)
Face-down

Spell/Traps:
Face-down
Face-down

Field: The Sanctuary in the Sky (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/The_Sanctuary_in_the_Sky)

Life Points: 8000


Hand: 2

Harvest Angel of Wisdom
The Agent of Judgment – Saturn

Face Down: Harvest Angel of Wisdom, Solemn Judgment, Magic Drain


Deck:

1. Archlord Kristya
2. Guardian of Order
3. Warrior of Zera
4. Warrior of Zera
5. Warrior of Zera
6. Archlord Zerato
7. Archlord Zerato
8. The Agent of Judgment – Saturn
9. Zeradias, Herald of Heaven
10. Zeradias, Herald of Heaven
11. Bountiful Artemis
12. Honest
13. Honest
14. Honest
15. Gellenduo
16. Gellenduo
17. Meltiel, Sage of the Sky
18. Meltiel, Sage of the Sky
19. Meltiel, Sage of the Sky
20. Harvest Angel of Wisdom
21. The Sanctuary in the Sky
22. The Sanctuary in the Sky
23. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen
24. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen
25. Heavy Storm
26. Swords of Revealing Light
27. Lightning Vortex
28. Card Destruction
29. Negate Attack
30. Negate Attack
31. Magic Drain
32. Magic Drain
33. Mirror Force


Extra Deck:


Graveyard:

Empty


Removed from Play:

Empty

[Thelas]

[roll0]
How am I to know that you are not trying to trick me, just as others have? How can you show me that what you say is true? I know you are a powerful wizard... this could easily be all the product of one of your illusions.
Set one monster in face-down defense-position.
Your turn.

Monsters
Face-down (???/???), Face-down (???/???), 3 open slots
Spells/traps
2 face-downs, 3 open slots.


Hand (3)

Royal Magical Library x2, Copycat


Deck (33)

Copycat
Copycat
Dark Magician Girl
Dark Magician Girl
Dark Magician Girl
Dark Magician
Dark Magician
Dark Magician
Dark Eradicator Warlock
Dark Eradicator Warlock
Dark Eradicator Warlock
Soul Exchange
Torrential Tribute
Trap Hole
Trap Hole
Trap Hole
Royal Magical Library
Skilled Dark Magician
Skilled Dark Magician
Skilled Dark Magician
Magic Citadel of Endymion
Magic Citadel of Endymion
Magic Citadel of Endymion
Endymion, The Master Magician
Endymion, The Master Magician
Endymion, The Master Magician
Magical Exemplar
Magical Exemplar
Magical Exemplar
Premature Burial
Premature Burial
Premature Burial
Mystical Elf


Graveyard (0)

RFG (0)

Face-downs

Soul Exchange x2, Mystical Elf x2

[Blue Ghost]

Good is truth, by definition. What would truth gain from deception? I cannot show you undeniable proof. But if you cannot trust truth, what can you trust?

[roll0]

But perhaps some action will convince you when words cannot. Let the duel continue.
I switch Bountiful Artemis to Attack Position, and Flip Summon my Harvest Angel of Wisdom.

Another angel appears to stand next to Artemis, carrying a celestial horn.

The fields of the earth are ripe for harvest, but the workers are few. It is at times a lonely task, but rewarding beyond measure. Trust me on this.
Now, Bountiful Artemis, attack the first face-down monster! Harvest Angel, follow up on the second!

Monsters:
Bountiful Artemis (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Bountiful_Artemis) (1600/1700)
Harvest Angel of Wisdom (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Harvest_Angel_of_Wisdom) (1800/1000)

Spell/Traps:
Face-down
Face-down

Field: The Sanctuary in the Sky (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/The_Sanctuary_in_the_Sky)

Life Points: 8000


Hand: 3

Harvest Angel of Wisdom
The Agent of Judgment – Saturn
The Sanctuary in the Sky

Face Down: Solemn Judgment, Magic Drain


Deck:

1. Archlord Kristya
2. Guardian of Order
3. Warrior of Zera
4. Warrior of Zera
5. Warrior of Zera
6. Archlord Zerato
7. Archlord Zerato
8. The Agent of Judgment – Saturn
9. Zeradias, Herald of Heaven
10. Zeradias, Herald of Heaven
11. Bountiful Artemis
12. Honest
13. Honest
14. Honest
15. Gellenduo
16. Gellenduo
17. Meltiel, Sage of the Sky
18. Meltiel, Sage of the Sky
19. Meltiel, Sage of the Sky
20. Harvest Angel of Wisdom
21. The Sanctuary in the Sky
22. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen
23. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen
24. Heavy Storm
25. Swords of Revealing Light
26. Lightning Vortex
27. Card Destruction
28. Negate Attack
29. Negate Attack
30. Magic Drain
31. Magic Drain
32. Mirror Force


Extra Deck:


Graveyard:

Empty


Removed from Play:

Empty

[Thelas]

The face-down monsters are Mystical Elf (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Mystical_Elf)(800/2000), both of them.

What would truth have to gain from deception? Nothing, if what you say is true. Unfortunately, therein lies the problem. It is possible, though I will admit it unlikely, at least in your case, that you or others that call themselves Good are really no better then those all agree are Evil.

[Blue Ghost]

There are evil ones who claim to be good, but their actions show that they do not truly belong to the light. Those who follow good must examine themselves, to be sure that they are truly living up to true good.
I can see that you believe in good and evil. If so, why do you remain neutral? Would it not make more sense to choose what you know is the moral right?
I shall end my turn here.

Monsters:
Bountiful Artemis (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Bountiful_Artemis) (1600/1700)
Harvest Angel of Wisdom (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Harvest_Angel_of_Wisdom) (1800/1000)

Spell/Traps:
Face-down
Face-down

Field: The Sanctuary in the Sky (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/The_Sanctuary_in_the_Sky)

Life Points: 8000


Hand: 3

Harvest Angel of Wisdom
The Agent of Judgment – Saturn
The Sanctuary in the Sky

Face Down: Solemn Judgment, Magic Drain


Deck:

1. Archlord Kristya
2. Guardian of Order
3. Warrior of Zera
4. Warrior of Zera
5. Warrior of Zera
6. Archlord Zerato
7. Archlord Zerato
8. The Agent of Judgment – Saturn
9. Zeradias, Herald of Heaven
10. Zeradias, Herald of Heaven
11. Bountiful Artemis
12. Honest
13. Honest
14. Honest
15. Gellenduo
16. Gellenduo
17. Meltiel, Sage of the Sky
18. Meltiel, Sage of the Sky
19. Meltiel, Sage of the Sky
20. Harvest Angel of Wisdom
21. The Sanctuary in the Sky
22. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen
23. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen
24. Heavy Storm
25. Swords of Revealing Light
26. Lightning Vortex
27. Card Destruction
28. Negate Attack
29. Negate Attack
30. Magic Drain
31. Magic Drain
32. Mirror Force


Extra Deck:


Graveyard:

Empty


Removed from Play:

Empty

[Thelas]

OOC:

Hold up.
Do I completely misunderstand Yugioh rules here?
Here's how I think the battle should have been resolved...
1600/1700 attacks 800/2000; 1600 < 2000, so the attacker is destroyed and you would take 2000 - 1600 = 400 damage, except for your field card.
1800/1000 attacks 800/2000: 1800 < 2000, so the attacker is destroyed and you would take 2000 - 1800 = 200 damage, except for your field card.


Holding my turn until this is resolved.

[Blue Ghost]

The attacker is not destroyed when it unsuccessfully attacks a Defense Position monster. Refer to the rulebook (http://www.yugioh-card.com/uk/rulebook/V7_English_Rlbk_lores.pdf), p. 34.

[Thelas]

OOC

Wow. I guess I knew that when DEF > ATK damage is still dealt to attacker's controller and tried to logically extrapolate...
Note to self: logic != game rules.


Draw: [roll0]



Set a monster card in face-down defense position, end my turn.

Monsters
Mystical Elf (800/2000)
Mystical Elf (800/2000)
Face-down (???/???)
Two open slots
Spells/traps
Face-down
Face-down
Three open slots


Hand (3):

Royal Magical Library x2, Copycat

Deck (32)

Copycat
Copycat
Dark Magician Girl
Dark Magician Girl
Dark Magician Girl
Dark Magician
Dark Magician
Dark Magician
Dark Eradicator Warlock
Dark Eradicator Warlock
Dark Eradicator Warlock
Soul Exchange
Torrential Tribute
Trap Hole
Trap Hole
Trap Hole
Royal Magical Library
Skilled Dark Magician
Skilled Dark Magician
Skilled Dark Magician
Magic Citadel of Endymion
Magic Citadel of Endymion
Endymion, The Master Magician
Endymion, The Master Magician
Endymion, The Master Magician
Magical Exemplar
Magical Exemplar
Magical Exemplar
Premature Burial
Premature Burial
Premature Burial
Mystical Elf

Graveyard: Empty
RFG: Empty

Rules question:

Can spell cards other than Quick-Play or similar be set?

[Blue Ghost]

Spell cards can be Set, but they can only be activated on your turn, the same as if they were in your hand.

[roll0]

My Harvest Angel will attack your new facedown monster. After that, I end my turn.
The battle between good and evil is about to come to a boiling point soon. A number of evil ones intend to use the coming tournament to bring misery and disaster upon the earth. Will you take a stand against the forces of darkness, or will you remain neutral while the earth is ravaged?

Monsters:
Bountiful Artemis (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Bountiful_Artemis) (1600/1700)
Harvest Angel of Wisdom (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Harvest_Angel_of_Wisdom) (1800/1000)

Spell/Traps:
Face-down
Face-down

Field: The Sanctuary in the Sky (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/The_Sanctuary_in_the_Sky)

Life Points: 8000


Hand: 4

Harvest Angel of Wisdom
The Agent of Judgment – Saturn
The Sanctuary in the Sky
Archlord Zerato

Face Down: Solemn Judgment, Magic Drain


Deck:

1. Archlord Kristya
2. Guardian of Order
3. Warrior of Zera
4. Warrior of Zera
5. Warrior of Zera
6. Archlord Zerato
7. The Agent of Judgment – Saturn
8. Zeradias, Herald of Heaven
9. Zeradias, Herald of Heaven
10. Bountiful Artemis
11. Honest
12. Honest
13. Honest
14. Gellenduo
15. Gellenduo
16. Meltiel, Sage of the Sky
17. Meltiel, Sage of the Sky
18. Meltiel, Sage of the Sky
19. Harvest Angel of Wisdom
20. The Sanctuary in the Sky
21. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen
22. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen
23. Heavy Storm
24. Swords of Revealing Light
25. Lightning Vortex
26. Card Destruction
27. Negate Attack
28. Negate Attack
29. Magic Drain
30. Magic Drain
31. Mirror Force


Extra Deck:


Graveyard:

Empty


Removed from Play:

Empty

[Thelas]

Note: I made a mistake in not being capable of reading.
There's no new face-down, but I have one more spell/trap card.

Yes, I'm incapable of telling the difference between a monster and a spell/trap card.
My apologies.

[Blue Ghost]

Very well then. I Tribute my Harvest Angel to summon The Agent of Judgment - Saturn!

A mighty, awe-inspiring being descends into the sanctuary.

Agent Saturn, deal judgment!

The Agent of Judgment gestures, and a Mystical Elf vanishes.

I shall end my turn there.

Monsters:
Bountiful Artemis (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Bountiful_Artemis) (1600/1700)
The Agent of Judgment – Saturn (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/The_Agent_of_Judgment_-_Saturn) (2400/0)


Spell/Traps:
Face-down
Face-down

Field: The Sanctuary in the Sky (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/The_Sanctuary_in_the_Sky)

Life Points: 8000


Hand: 3

Harvest Angel of Wisdom
The Sanctuary in the Sky
Archlord Zerato

Face Down: Solemn Judgment, Magic Drain


Deck:

1. Archlord Kristya
2. Guardian of Order
3. Warrior of Zera
4. Warrior of Zera
5. Warrior of Zera
6. Archlord Zerato
7. The Agent of Judgment – Saturn
8. Zeradias, Herald of Heaven
9. Zeradias, Herald of Heaven
10. Bountiful Artemis
11. Honest
12. Honest
13. Honest
14. Gellenduo
15. Gellenduo
16. Meltiel, Sage of the Sky
17. Meltiel, Sage of the Sky
18. Meltiel, Sage of the Sky
19. Harvest Angel of Wisdom
20. The Sanctuary in the Sky
21. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen
22. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen
23. Heavy Storm
24. Swords of Revealing Light
25. Lightning Vortex
26. Card Destruction
27. Negate Attack
28. Negate Attack
29. Magic Drain
30. Magic Drain
31. Mirror Force


Extra Deck:


Graveyard:

Harvest Angel of Wisdom


Removed from Play:

Empty

[Thelas]

Let us presume, for a moment, that I will join the side of Good, though it may inconvenience me. What good... what Good could I do to help in the tournament? If somehow you were to lose a match against another duelist, it is nearly certain that I would lose the same duel.
Thelas seems to be struggling to pronounce a capital G differently from a lowercase g.
[roll0]
I will play Magical Citadel of Endymion (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Magical_Citadel_of_Endymion), and set a face-down spell/trap card. Then I will summon Copycat (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Copycat), in face-up attack position (0/0)
Thanks to its effect, it will gain the attack and defense of one of your monsters. Copy his Agent of Judgment -- Saturn (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/The_Agent_of_Judgment_-_Saturn)!
The Copycat (2200/0) will then attack your Bountiful Artemis (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Bountiful_Artemis).


Hand (2)
2x Royal Magical Library
Deck (31)
Copycat
Copycat
Dark Magician Girl
Dark Magician Girl
Dark Magician Girl
Dark Magician
Dark Magician
Dark Magician
Dark Eradicator Warlock
Dark Eradicator Warlock
Dark Eradicator Warlock
Soul Exchange
Torrential Tribute
Trap Hole
Trap Hole
Trap Hole
Royal Magical Library
Skilled Dark Magician
Skilled Dark Magician
Skilled Dark Magician
Magic Citadel of Endymion
Magic Citadel of Endymion
Endymion, The Master Magician
Endymion, The Master Magician
Endymion, The Master Magician
Magical Exemplar
Magical Exemplar
Magical Exemplar
Premature Burial
Premature Burial
Mystical Elf

[Blue Ghost]

Upon the activation of Endymion, I activate the Counter Trap, Magic Drain (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Magic_Drain). You must now discard a Spell Card from your hand, or your Citadel is negated, and my Sanctuary stays intact. Either way, the blessing of Bountiful Artemis rewards me with another card.

[roll0]

Have faith in yourself. With each valiant warrior for right and justice, the odds of winning the battle is increased. We may lose some battles, but in the end, we will always have the ultimate victory, because we are on the right side.

[Thelas]

((OOC: Knew I shouldn't have Set all those spell/trap cards...))
I can't discard a spell or trap card, so I suppose that means you'll keep your Sanctuary. But your Bountiful Artemis still dies after that, yes?

And have faith in myself? I prefer to have faith in something I know can win.

[Blue Ghost]

As your move remains unchanged, I activate my other Counter Trap, Solemn Judgment (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Solemn_Judgment), to negate the summoning of your Copycat. The price is heavy, as it often is in the good fight, but it is necessary. And Bountiful Artemis once again rewards me for my efforts.

[roll0]

Yes, I understand your sentiment. As humans, we are weak and unreliable. But my strength does not come from myself, but from a higher power. As long as the power of Good supplies me, I am sure of victory. If you so desire, you can experience the same power for yourself.

[Thelas]

OOC

Can I still Normal Summon or Set something else, or does that count as my summon for the turn? Also, whoa. 4000 life points? That's a lot.


Your power comes from a higher being? And what happens, then, if your access to that power is lost? If you are in a place where the deities have no reach? Or even if your god is somehow... lost?

[Blue Ghost]

While I worship and respect the deities, the power I serve is one higher than them. The power of Good is everywhere in the multiverse, even in the darkest hells.

OOC: I cannot find the ruling, but I am quite sure that a negated Normal Summon still counts as your Normal Summon for the turn, so you can't summon another.

[Thelas]

((OOC: Three cards in my deck, including one currently in play, I have just discovered to be Forbidden... I could swear they were Unlimited when I last checked. Permission to either swap them out or delete all three from my deck, kill the one in play, and draw a new card?))

[Blue Ghost]

OOC: If you think that's necessary, go ahead. I'm fine with you keeping them.

[Thelas]

No, in my opinion it would be too unfair. (I'm not Evil, not cheating over here.)

Three Premature Burials kicked out of deck. Three ???? added in. (This includes one that was in play, and it was replaced with another face-down.)

Your turn.

[Blue Ghost]

Truly, your integrity is remarkable. You are not far from redemption.

[roll0]

[Blue Ghost]

Truly, your integrity is remarkable. You are not far from redemption.

[roll0]

I activate Heavy Storm (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Heavy_Storm)! All Spell and Trap Cards on the field are destroyed. But the heavenly sanctuary is not disturbed, for I activate another copy of my Field Spell from my hand.

A mighty gale tears through the sanctuary, sweeping away Thelas's defenses.

I have told you of the transformative power of Good. But perhaps I should demonstrate what I mean. I summon Warrior of Zera (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Warrior_of_Zera)!

A grimy warrior, dressed in rags, appears in the sanctuary. He seems out-of-place next to the radiant angels.

Warrior of Zera is a mere man like you and me, frail and weak. He has faced many trials and temptations in his lifetime. Yet through his dedication to Good, he has overcome. Now, in the Sanctuary, he shall be granted a power greater than even that of the angels. Rise, Archlord Zerato (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Archlord_Zerato)!

A blinding radiance covers the field. The lowly warrior is transfigured, his body becoming dazzling white, magnificent wings sprouting from his shoulders. When the transformation is complete, he has become a being more awesome than the angels standing beside him.

I activate Archlord Zerato's special ability. When I discard another LIGHT monster from my hand, Archlord Zerato can destroy your remaining monster.

A bolt of divine light falls from the heavens and illuminates Zerato's magnificent sword, then striking Mystical Elf, causing it to vanish.

Now, Archlord Zerato, lead the attack! My three monsters attack directly!

Archlord Zerato and the angels raise their arms and give a mighty shout. A blast of light, pure and fierce, strikes Thelas for 6800 damage.

Now you have seen for yourself the power of Good. I end my turn here; do what you will.

Monsters:
Bountiful Artemis (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Bountiful_Artemis) (1600/1700)
The Agent of Judgment – Saturn (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/The_Agent_of_Judgment_-_Saturn) (2400/0)
Archlord Zerato (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Archlord_Zerato) (2800/2300)

Spell/Traps:

Field: The Sanctuary in the Sky (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/The_Sanctuary_in_the_Sky)

Life Points: 4000


Hand: 1

Harvest Angel of Wisdom


Deck:

1. Archlord Kristya
2. Guardian of Order
3. Warrior of Zera
4. Warrior of Zera
5. The Agent of Judgment – Saturn
6. Zeradias, Herald of Heaven
7. Zeradias, Herald of Heaven
8. Bountiful Artemis
9. Honest
10. Honest
11. Honest
12. Gellenduo
13. Gellenduo
14. Meltiel, Sage of the Sky
15. Meltiel, Sage of the Sky
16. Meltiel, Sage of the Sky
17. Harvest Angel of Wisdom
18. The Sanctuary in the Sky
19. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen
20. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen
21. Swords of Revealing Light
22. Lightning Vortex
23. Card Destruction
24. Negate Attack
25. Negate Attack
26. Magic Drain
27. Magic Drain
28. Mirror Force


Extra Deck:


Graveyard:

Harvest Angel of Wisdom
Magic Drain
Solemn Judgment
Heavy Storm
The Sanctuary in the Sky
Warrior of Zera
Archlord Zerato


Removed from Play:

Empty

[Thelas]

OOC
6800? Sixty-eight hundred? Wow...
[roll0]

And since I didn't topdeck anything, that's game.

I see what you mean by the power of Good.

OOC #2
I don't have time to finish this post now... I'll wrap up the RP tomorrow. Good game.

[Thelas]

OOC

Hi. Remember me? Yeah, took me a while, but I remembered this and had time to actually RP instead of copy-and-paste room descriptions from notes for games I'm DMing, so.

After a long moment of silent reflection, Thelas begins to speak:
What you said... has changed me. I may never be the most honorable warrior, the greatest magician... but next time, I'm on your side. The side of Good.
As Thelas finishes saying this, he flips up cards from his deck, tossing everything from Skilled Dark Magician (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Skilled_Dark_Magician) to Dark Eradicator Warlock (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Dark_Eradicator_Warlock) into his graveyard, before finally placing a Mystical Elf (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Mystical_Elf) in front of him.



-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two days later, Blue Ghost recieves a Sending (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/Sending.htm) from Thelas.
It says:
Thank you for showing me what you did. I would like to ask you if you can tutor me in the arts of the duel.(25)
About 10 minutes later, you receive a second Sending:
Also, if you would allow it, I would like to trade spells, though I am not as powerful as you. (20)

Do you have a reply to either Sending?

[Blue Ghost]

I am not perfect, but I will share the skill I have. I will wait where we first met. Seek others for aid as well.

[Thelas]

About fifteen minutes after your reply is sent, Thelas appears again in the arena... this time with claw marks on him and visibly exhausted.

Ouch... why must Teleport have a failure chance?

In front of Thelas a new mage hand is still holding the deck, but after placing it on a table or somewhere similar the spell removes every single DARK-element card and cards only there because of them from the deck, thus leaving Thelas with a much smaller pile that will need much addition to work.
Deck (22) (feel free to look, since we're not actually dueling yet)
Copycat
Copycat
Copycat
Soul Exchange
Soul Exchange
Soul Exchange
Torrential Tribute
Trap Hole
Trap Hole
Trap Hole
Royal Magical Library
Royal Magical Library
Royal Magical Library
Magical Exemplar
Magical Exemplar
Magical Exemplar
Premature Burial
Premature Burial
Premature Burial
Mystical Elf
Mystical Elf
Mystical Elf


Thelas then pulled out from his pocket extradimensional storage space (what, wizard here...) a large pile of cards.

What should I do? Work on a new deck? Or do you have a better suggestion? Maybe some cards I'm missing that really ought to be there?
OOC

Large pile of cards == where I'm spontaneously getting the cards I need from.

[Blue Ghost]

Blue Ghost smiles and shakes his head.

Now, just because you are now Good does not mean that you cannot use DARK monsters. Dark is not intrinsically evil, remember, and the power of the arcane requires a balance of the light and dark. Redirect your tools to the good cause; do not throw them out. The Dark Magician has always been a mighty force for good, after all. If it is your choice to forgo the temptation of the dark completely, I would recommend that you find a new focus for your Deck.
If, on the other hand, you continue to pursue the path of the wizard, you will need to learn to master the darkness and use it for Good. This is the path that I have chosen. Arcane power has great potential, but it is a path with many branches. You will need to choose which path to take.

The wizard produces a scroll and hands it to Thelas.

This (http://www.pojo.biz/board/showthread.php?t=785458) is a guide to the different paths of arcane magic as pertaining to dueling, which I have found helpful. Look it over, and choose which path you wish to take. Once you have chosen your focus, I can help you refine it.

[Thelas]

After accepting the scroll, Thelas spends a few minutes trying to read it, followed by
Comprehend Languages!

Does this scroll have an antimagic field emanating from it or something? Because I don't speak whatever language this is... Modron translation, please?

What is wrong with me today? I am a wizard, after all... These are cards. And if something happens, I can be strong... But just to be sure. Dominate person
Then in Modron:

Carry out all normal activities as you normally would, but if you would cease to be Good or act in an Evil manner, cease the offending action immediately and act as you normally would. In addition, re-cast this spell with the same target and wording every thirteen days minus six seconds.

OOC

1) In D&D... go check out the Darkness domain, it's on the d20srd. The 7th level spell is [Evil]. Not like that matters, but it's Mandatory Nitpicking Day (TM).
2) Yeah, I don't understand 3/4 of what's being said there. Help?
3) Modron is a language that's pretty much machine code; it's used by the Modrons on Mechanus, and is clearly stated in the rules to be perfectly unambiguous.
4) The dominate person is targetting myself, if it isn't obvious.

[Blue Ghost]

Ah yes, I see that the text is a bit overwhelming. Let me try to explain it in layman's terms.
Basically, there are two dominant Spellcaster deck strategies.
The first involves inflicting heavy damage fueled by Spell Counters. This can take the form of either aggressive swarming and Synchro Summoning using Magical Exemplar, or stalling the opponent while building up Spell Counters, and ending with a blast from Tempest Magician (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Tempest_Magician). My own Spellcaster deck uses the first approach.

The second main Spellcaster strategy utilizes Secret Village of the Spellcasters (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Secret_Village_of_the_Spellcasters) to lock down the opponent's spell power and control the duel. This typically works with Skill Drain (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Skill_Drain) to block the opponent's Monster effects as well, but the document mentions another variant involving pure LIGHT Spellcasters, such as Maha Vailo and Jowgen the Spiritualist. I have not investigated the workings of such a deck, but it may appeal to you.

There are other strategies available as well. A deck centered around Dark Magician can be quite powerful. There are two orders of Spellcasters, the Gravekeepers and the Fortune Ladies, which utilize their own strategies.
Another potent option would be the new Spellcaster of good, Divine Grace - Northwemko (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Divine_Grace_-_Northwemko), a powerful personification of the grace by which we are redeemed. I believe that one of the Playground is already utilizing Northwemko, but she remains an option.

So, consider which direction you wish to go, and we shall work to build your Deck in that direction.

[Thelas]

I suppose I will use the same type of deck as you, then, because whilst the effect of Secret Village Of Spellcasters is powerful... the entire deck being based around one card isn't what I'd like, because most likely I'll never see that card, especially with the speed of my losses. (Of course, I might still use a Secret Village just as a side note.)

Speaking of which, I'm still sort of confused about Synchro monsters.

[Blue Ghost]

If you wish to use a Spell Counter Deck, I must warn you that I see no way of using this Deck without involving a large number of DARK monsters. That said, such a Deck has great potential.
Much of the power of this Deck is derived from its Synchro Monsters. So, you must learn how to Synchro Summon.

Blue Ghost produces three cards with white backgrounds.

These three Synchro Monsters are the backbone of a Spell Counter Deck. The first, Explosive Magician (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Explosive_Magician), has the ability to use spell power to destroy the opponent's defenses.
The next, Tempest Magician (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Tempest_Magician), has even greater potential. She can convert cards to Spell Counters, and then those Spell Counters to raw damage, 500 damage per counter. With enough Spell Counters on the field, she can easily deal enough damage for a finishing blow.
The last, Arcanite Magician (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Arcanite_Magician), is much more difficult to summon than the others, though it is very powerful indeed. He can burn Spell Counters to destroy any of your opponent's cards. With enough spell power, he can easily clear the opponent's entire field.

Now, a Synchro Summon is conducted by combining the energies of a Tuner Monster with other non-Tuner monsters. The level of the monsters combined must equal the level of the Synchro Monster being summoned. For example, a Level 2 Tuner can tune a level 4 non-Tuner for a level 6 Synchro Monster, or it can tune two level 3 non-Tuners for a level 8 Synchro Monster.
Now, most of the monsters in your Deck will be level 4. That means that to Synchro Summon Explosive or Tempest Magician, you will require a Level 2 Tuner. Luckily, there are two Level 2 Spellcaster Tuners for you to choose from: Frequency Magician (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Frequency_Magician) and Night's End Sorcerer (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Night%27s_End_Sorcerer).
Synchro Summoning for Arcanite Magician would be more difficult. You can try tuning one of the two above Tuners with a Level 5 monster such as Magical Marionette (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Magical_Marionette), or you can try using the Level 1 Tuner Sunny Pixie (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Sunny_Pixie), and using the level 6 Synchros as a bridge to summoning Arcanite Magician.
Now, with a Spell Counter Deck, you will need sources of Spell Power. The Magical Citadel of Endymion will be essential for this purpose. Consider other cards that provide or use Spell Counters (http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Spell_Counter), but remember that not all of them will be cohesive to the Deck. Think them through and decide which ones are necessary.
Here is my Spellcaster Deck, which is currently undefeated. You may use it as a starting point.


1. Chaos Sorcerer
2. Chaos Sorcerer
3. Endymion, the Master Magician
4. Ice Queen
5. Dark Red Enchanter
6. Dark Red Enchanter
7. Magical Marionette
8. Crusader of Endymion
9. Crusader of Endymion
10. Defender, the Magical Knight
11. Defender, the Magical Knight
12. Breaker the Magical Warrior
13. Breaker the Magical Warrior
14. Magical Exemplar
15. Magical Exemplar
16. Magical Exemplar
17. Apprentice Magician
18. Apprentice Magician
19. Night’s End Sorcerer
20. Night’s End Sorcerer
21. Night’s End Sorcerer
22. Sunny Pixie
23. Magical Dimension
24. Magical Dimension
25. Heavy Storm
26. Magical Citadel of Endymion
27. Magical Citadel of Endymion
28. Terraforming
29. Spell Power Grasp
30. Spell Power Grasp
31. Spell Power Grasp
32. Allure of Darkness
33. Allure of Darkness
34. Mage Power
35. Solidarity
36. Brain Control
37. Card Destruction
38. Magician’s Circle
39. Royal Decree
40. Royal Decree


Extra Deck:
1x Ally of Justice Catastor
2x Tempest Magician
2x Explosive Magician
1x Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier
1x Goyo Guardian
3x Arcanite Magician
1x Black Rose Dragon
1x Stardust Dragon
1x Red Dragon Archfiend
1x Thought Ruler Archfiend
1x Mist Wurm

[Thelas]

After much teleporting to acquire cards, Thelas informs Blue Ghost that he will take quite a while making this deck.

Quite a while later, he sends Blue Ghost a sending and arrives with a pile of 40 cards.

Deck Attempt 1 (40)

1) Mirror Force
2) Bottomless Trap Hole
3) Bottomless Trap Hole
4) Magical Citadel of Endymion
5) Magical Citadel of Endymion
6) Magical Citadel of Endymion
7) Spell Power Grasp
8) Spell Power Grasp
9) Spell Power Grasp
10) Call of the Haunted
11) Defender, the Magical Knight
12) Crusader of Endymion
13) Crusader of Endymion
14) Crusader of Endymion
15) Magician of Faith
16) Heavy Storm
17) Spellcaster's Circle
18) Dark Red Enchanter
19) Dark Red Enchanter
20) Pitch-Black Power Stone
21) Magic Cylinder
22) Defender, the Magical Knight
23) Defender, the Magical Knight
24) Magical Exemplar
25) Magical Exemplar
26) Magical Exemplar
27) Mega Ton Magical Cannon
28) Mega Ton Magical Cannon
29) Frequency Magician
30) Frequency Magician
31) Night's End Sorcerer
32) Night's End Sorcerer
33) Sunny Pixie
34) Sunny Pixie
35) Threatening Roar
36) Threatening Roar
37) Arcane Barrier
38) Arcane Barrier
39) Royal Decree
40) Royal Decree

Extra Deck (9)

1) Explosive Magician
2) Explosive Magician
3) Explosive Magician
4) Tempest Magician
5) Tempest Magician
6) Tempest Magician
7) Arcanite Magician
8) Arcanite Magician
9) Arcanite Magician


Would you care to inform me what is wrong with this deck before I duel someone and lose repeatedly?

[Blue Ghost]

Blue Ghost rummages through the Deck, examining each card.

Not too bad. I can definitely see quite a few victories in store for you. Here's what I would do.
First, Magician of Faith is currently Forbidden, unfortunately. She must be removed.
Your ratio of Spells to Traps looks quite low. I would recommend removing all the Traps, except the Royal Decrees, and using defensive Spells such as Book of Moon and Swords of Revealing Light instead. This would give you more spell power for the Citadel of Endymion.
Several key cards you're missing: Breaker the Magical Warrior, Magical Dimension, and Apprentice Magician. These are absolutely necessary; add them in.
I see that you are using all the Spellcaster Synchros, but why limit yourself to them? Key Synchro monsters such as Brionac, Goyo Guardian, and Stardust Dragon would improve your versatility greatly.
All in all, your Deck is quite solid. Well done. Now go out and put it to use.