Set the Stage! ~ Pure Performapal Guide and Discussion [Currently Post-BOSH]

[Blake]

 

 

The people's smiles... They fill you with DETERMINATION.

 
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back! The carnival is about to begin! Unlike last time, where each major variant of our Performapal Carnival was at least touched upon, we’re going to focus on a specific example this time, to make the best experience we can!
 
Now, before you ask, our show has a few variants of note:

 

• The Performage and Pals show, where our carnival joins with the Performage Circus to make explosive displays!
• The Magician and Pals show, where our carnival helps to showcase local magicians and illusionists, as well as their pets, in their shows!
• The Odd-Eyes in the Sky show, where a heterochromatic dragon comes down from the sky and helps our events along! Though, he sometimes asks the local magicians to join him in his show with the carnival!
• And last, but certainly not least, is the Pure Performance! This performance stands on its own merits, along with supporting actors who tag along, to showcase the absolute best our carnival has to offer!

The most notable differences between our carnival's last showcase and now is that... Well... Odd-Eyes is his own show, instead of in the main carnival! 908 may introduce 2 "Odd-Eyes" that double as "Performapals", which will give that variant more leverage, but it still has some! Such as consistent and quality access to Nobledragon Magician, which gives access to the powerful Odd-Eyes Meteorburst Dragon! But that, my friends... is a show for another time!
 
For now, we’re going to be covering the “Pure Performance”! Beasts and reptiles, demons and angels, dragons and sorcerers, all on the main stage! Holy dragons and summoners from the stars, cybernetic beings that bear witness to eternity, and divine knights are called to the stage here! Let’s welcome our performers! If you can’t read the card, most of them have a link to their resume!
 

[spoiler=The Performa-Stars]

Here are the carnival's core four! A donkey to ride in on, a star perfomer, a jester/host, and a musician!

 

Performapal Friendonkey

When this card is Normal Summoned: You can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Performapal" monster from your hand or Graveyard.

Friendonkey may not look like a noble steed, so much as an ass, but I assure you, he is! But it's not immediately clear, given he's in a Pendulum archetype. Why would you want to summon them from the field or grave...?
 
You see, the show's headliner is good friends with our good donkey! Friendonkey is a solid enabler for Pendulum Sorcerer, and can fetch him back if (and when) he is used for an Xyz, which enables more value plays.
 

Oh, and it's important to remember that it does not target.

Suffice to say, you want 2-3. You don't always need 3 in a game, but it is a great recovery and setup card, so a third copy is perfectly fine.
 

Performapal Pendulum Sorcerer

Pendulum Effect: If a "Performapal" monster(s) is Pendulum Summoned to your side of the field: All "Performapal" monsters you control gain 1000 ATK until the end of this turn.
Monster Effect: If this card is Special Summoned: You can target up to 2 cards you control; destroy them, and if you do, add "Performapal" monsters with different names from your Deck to your hand, equal to the number of cards destroyed, except "Performapal Pendulum Sorcerer". You can only use this effect of "Performapal Pendulum Sorcerer" once per turn.

 

And this is our star! By giving us the ability to destroy your cards to find more, he gives you the capability to essentially +2, though the true amount is dependent on what you pop and when. Clear scales, non-Pendulum monsters, Level 3s, and more. Then you can even combo with some of the things you destroyed, such as Dracoslayers, Ariadne, or Pendulum Summoning, if he was set off by Donkey.

 

Additionally, since BOSH hit, he has just been more fit for the Pendulum Scale than before, partially due to the fact that the level 5s aren't as strong anymore. +1000 is strong, double it even once and you have an OTK concoction.

 

This is the true core of the deck. However... it is the only card here that is not confirmed for a TCG release by the time BOSH hits. Would it be sensible to have it imported in BOSH? Seeing as Shutendoji, Frightfur Tiger, and Abyss Ragnarok have all been released in the TCG, and Force Strix will almsot surely be in TCG's Wing Raiders, yes. But it's not confirmed.

 

Treat as hopefully TCG, but don't neccesarily bank on it. 

 

Run 3. No ifs, ands, or buts. 

 

Performapal Skullcrobat Joker

Pendulum Effect: You cannot Pendulum Summon monsters, except "Performapal" monsters, "Magician" Pendulum Monsters, and "Odd-Eyes" monsters. This effect cannot be negated.
Monster Effect: When this card is Normal Summoned: You can add 1 "Performapal" monster, 1 "Magician" Pendulum Monster, or 1 "Odd-Eyes" monster from your Deck to your hand, except "Performapal Skullcrobat Joker".

 

And here's our host! This guy is absolutely great as a part of the opening act and consistency booster, but he can be a little deadweight later on, especially now that Odd-Eyes isn't played, leaving his scale to be, well... overkill. Definitely a card you want to see T1, given it's a Level 4 vanilla after its search, and the search puts you ahead.

 

Run 3. You could get away with 2, but I doubt the decrease in cosnsitency is worth it, and yo ucan always use this guy as a straight-up vanilal pendulum for combos.

 

Performapal Monkeyboard

Pendulum Effect: Unless you have a "Performapal" card in your other Pendulum Zone, this card's Pendulum Scale becomes 4. During your Main Phase, if this card was activated this turn: You can add 1 Level 4 or lower "Performapal" monster from your Deck to your hand. You can only use this effect of "Performapal Monkeyboard" once per turn.

Monster Effect: You can discard this card; reveal 1 "Performapal" or "Odd-Eyes" monster in your hand, and reduce the Levels of all monsters in your hand with the revealed monster's name by 1 until the end of this turn (even after they are Summoned/Set).

 

And now the music leader! Monkeyboard offers something akin to Qliphort Scout, in that it's a Pendulum Scale that searches pieces out. However... it's more comparable to Fire Formation - Tenki.

 

It's a searchable spell (rarely will it ever be a monster, and only for 1 specific Fusion, really) that is a Scale 1, to boot. It's fodder for Sorcerer, an easy way to set up High/Low scales, and it searches 50-60% (55% in my current build) of your deck. Just an overall strong card.

 

Mosnter effect only matters in the Odd-Eyes Variant, so...

 

Run 3. It's a searchable Tenki.

[spoiler=The Performa-Supporters]

Now, let's welcome the other employees of the carnival! Give them a round of applause!

 

Performapal Secondonkey

 

Oh look, another noble steed! But instead of riding in on this one, he simply paves the way!

 

If you absolutely must, you can mill a Sorcerer for plays with Friendonkey a turn later. At best, though, it's a +1 fodder that can make your T1s better. While it can't be used for Majester Paladin, which is a pain in the ass, it can be used for King of the Feral Imps, Tellarknight Ptolomaeus, and other generic R4, as well as being a destruction target for Dire Wolf.

 

It's also 2000 under a Sorc scale, which is pretty good for a searcher, and has no hard OPT.

 

Run 2-3. 3 seems like it may be a bit too much, but consistency is helpful, and it is a solid fodder card. 

 

Performapal Lizardraw

 

Next up, we have our resident cosplay charmander!

 

Lizardraw's straightforward, honestly. It's a pendulum scale that pops itself to draw a card, provided there's a Pal in the other scale. 6 is a good scale, and its monster effect isn't the worst ever, as you can bait into it, at times. Nor is 1200, as it can be boosted to 2200 under Sorcerer scale, and sometimes 2500 when... well, you'll see.

 

The only issue I have is that, until we get TPKoBS, its level is a real hamper, and Dinoster Powerful doesn't help a ton outside of T1.

 

Run 2-3. I don't find myself needing it AS much post-BOSH, and that's even before testing the next card. Still, Lizardraw is a very solid card.

 

 

Performapal Guiturtle

 

Luau time?

 

Guiturtle is a card I underestimated. Between Level 1 and the restriction on when you draw, I jsut wasn't convinced. However, testing it... It's actually pretty good. You either open it or get it off of a Sorcerer double search, most of the time, and it just generates value through the game, while digging into your non-Performapal monsters and S/T.

 

It also encourages a slightly different playstyle while it's up. Normally, you'll want to pop your scales with Sorcerer, barring certain monsters, but this encourages you to leave it in place and just pop the low scale, which can really be nice when paired with Lizardraw. I know it doesn't sound much like a shift, but it really is, especially if you're using Sorcerer on Pendulum Summon. Nooot so much with Friendonkey, but hey.

 

Run 1-2. The 1 copy is awesome, and having the second for if you NEED to pop the first and/or it eats removal (which it does attract to it) is fine.

 

Performapal Silver Claw

 

Oh look, it's Yuya's base material! Been used for his second Fusion, his first Xyz, and his first Synchro!

 

Anyways, Silver Claw is a really solid scale in both early and late game. Early, you can search her with Monkeyboard to set as the high scale, then pop her + Monkey for the double search, putting an extra Level 4 in your ED. Later on, the +300 to your pals can be a real help, as that pushes most of them to a higher level.

 

Joker/Claw: 1800 -> 2100

Sorcerer: 1500 -> 1800

Lizardraw: 1200 -> 1500

 

It makes them into relatively good beaters, honestly. Combine it with Sorcerer, and you can get up to +6500 ATK on the board from them. Though, to be fair, a +1300/2600/3900/5200 is still a funk ton in the right situations.

 

 As a monster, she serves a similar purpose, but with the distinction that she's a good generic search. She doesn't need a Normal Summon, she pushes for damage, and she is probably the best Ppal to pair with Luster Pendulum, for sheer fact that Synchroing with her gets you value in the form of a 2100+ Level 4 Pendulum that comes back.

 

Run 1-2-3. I personally feel like 2 is perfect, but depending on other ratios, raise/lower her number as you see fit.

 

Performapal Partnaga

 

Need a hand, partner? We've got plenty!

 

Well... its scale isn't the WORST, but it's not amazing. Its stat boosting effects are both good, but the monster effect also has an attack lock... and it's Level 5, which is weaker without Nobledragon.

 

You can pop it with Sorcerer, but that basically requires having popped this earlier AND having one of your 6 scales. And not wanting to blow up other things, possibly.

 

It has 2 saving graces, though.

1. It's the best low scale after Sorc and Monkey, frsrs. Only other one with a good effect is a Level 2, and it's only good as okay monster removal/making Secondonkey or Monkeyboard big.

2. It's a Reptile. This will come up later.

 

Run, like, 1. Searchability is a big deal.

 

Performapal Helpprincess

 

Seriously folks, she is hell to deal with.

 

I think she is, at least, considerable. There are a fair number of games where you'll open Sorcerer but not Joker, and she allows you to get an additional Level 4 summon early, for setup/CDI. She can also be used on Friendonkey/Joker turns later on to make a quick R4, such as Exciton or Dire Wolf.

 

I don't run her, but she seems like an okay tech, and anyone who does test, please post.

 

Now now, guys, you're taking too long. Let's speed this up!

 

• Elephammer is overkill, and the deck can achieve everything it wants to with better cards.
• Mammosplash could see play in Odd-Eyes Magician variants. That's about it, though. Decent card, overall.
• Kaleidoscorp is a joke. Scale 4, bad scale effect, average monster effect, bad stats.
• Drummerilla is... outdated. It has a worse type and monster effect than Partnaga, though it is marginally better as a scale, and can technically be NSd at times. Big issue being Naga pushes for games/has King Feral. Still could see play in Odd-Eyes, but yeah.
• Springoose only does what the deck does anywas, but in a way that requires running a dead draw with mediocre stats.
• Do not forget Whip Snake. This is a good card as an option, and it will be relevant again, so remember it.
• Salutiger is from an era past. It was good when the deck was beat-em-up, but it evolved and left the tiger.
• Bowhopper looks synergetic, but is honestly just a dead draw and a waste of summon. Needed to add from ED.
• Camelump pairs nicely with Dracoslayers, but he's not as good unless trying to turbo R4. His stats are bad and his effs are meh, though.
• Skeeter Skimmer is a joke.
• Stamp Turtle is cute as funk. It makes Lizardraw and Friendonkey better, if nothing else. Techable in the past, could be now but takes balls.
• Big Bite Turtle isn't bad and has a good type... But she's not great and kinda dead. You can use her, though.
• funk La Panda. Also notable as the only other OCG exclusive one post-BOSH.
• Fire Mufferleo is overkill with a bad level and set of effects. You have better boardclear.
• Hip Hippo is a joke.
• Thunderhino's everything bar effect is bad, and he got Secondonkey too late. Remember it, though. TPKoBS slightly changes this, but eh.
• Spikeagle is a joke.
• Cheer Mole isn't awful, but outdated, though Monkey is a buff. Cute for billy decks.
• Sword Fish is... odd. Very, very odd.
• Trampolynx is a Qli card. Do not be fooled.
• Trump Girl could easily see some play in Odd-Eyes variant. Can be recurred under Monkeyboard, makes Vortex, and is technically generic, so long as she's used. P-Effect could be used, too, considering destruction cards like Sorcerer and beyond.
• Turn Toad is a card you should remember, because it has a slower version of Whip Snake for its scale effect, but doesn't require a summon. Monkey is a buff. It is arguably the fourth best low scale.
• Trump Witch is outclassed by Mammosplash and Trump Girl. Level 1 sucks for her.
• funk Raingoat. Okay, okay, he's not awful, but he's also not what the deck needs or wants... like at all. Main Phase only sucks.

[spoiler=The Supporting Actors]

Now, let's introduce the show's special guests! Come on out, guys!

 

Luster Pendulum, the Dracoslayer

 

Now, let's welcome Luster Pendulum! Though, he'll be right back before he begins...!

 

Lv. 4 Pendulum Tuner. Scale 5. Destroys Pendulum scales (inherently a +1, stronger with other cards). Don't think I need to explain this guy, though I will say that he makes awesome bosses.

 

Run 3.

 

Archfiend Eccentrick

 

And now a... I'm not quite sure WHAT she is, folks. Angel? Fallen angel? Demon? Who knows, I sure don't!

 

Spell Speed 1 MST + Exiled Force, with a great scale. Her level is a little eeeh, but she's normally able to be spit out when needed.

 

Run 2-3. Searchable removal with extra advantages is nice.

 

Nobledragon Magician

 

Even without Odd-Eyes, this card warrants a mention. She makes the Nekroz matchup easier, can make early game consistency plays if you have a low scale Sorcerer, and more. Black Rose Dragon is still a good card, after all.

 

I haven't tested her yet, but that's due to how tight the ED actually is.

 

Though, with Odd-Eyes, she's an insanely good R3 fodder.

 

Run 1, if any.

 

Master Pendulum, the Dracoslayer

 

And Luster returns... though, weren't you more fabulous before?

 

While lackluster next to his original self, this 'upgrade' still has some merits. Namely the fact that it's an extremely easy to sheet out Level 4 with no restrictions, thanks to Ignister. Also helps make Dinoster.

 

P-Effect is better for rearranging your own scales tbh.

 

Run 1-2, though definitely lean towards 1.

 

Ariadne the Absolver

 

Oh?! One of the synthetic seraphim have graced tonight's show with its prescence, as well!

 

Ariadne is a Flame Mascot/Plushfire conditioned, Pantheism of the Monarhcs worded searcher... for Pendulum Traps. No hard OPT, just kill her, by any means, and find a counter trap. Including her summon being negated.

 

This is an extremely powerful effect, especially considering how strong a pair she is with Luster alone. And that's not to mention her powerful scale effect, which gives you the ability to ignore the costs of cards like the Solemn series or Magic Jammer/its variations.

 

Run 0 or 3. You don't have to run her, but she gives you a significant edge that cannot be ignored, and I'd definitely max her out.

 

Vector Pendulum, the Dracoverlord

 

Wh-what's this?! The show is being crashed?!

 

Vector makes his way here for a couple reasons. First off, the Clash of Dracorivals engine. I'm still not convinced by it, mostly due to having to MAIN this, but this card can shut the pendulum mirror down if they're not already set up. And that's the second reason... watch out for it. Does nothing good, when across the board, except negate Monkeyboard's restriction... so nothing.

 

Run only if you run Clash of Dracorivals.

 

Jigabyte

 

Oh, come on!

 

It makes you able to Xyz Summon after your first Normal Summon, while not being terrible through the game. Being able to R4 before Pendulum can definitely be nice, and this is searchable by King Feral, as well.

[spoiler=Magic and Tricks]

Now, who wants some opening magic?!

 

• Illusion Balloons is adorable, and has synergy, but... It's not especially great now. Better in the early days when finding Sorcerer wasn't as easy.
• Performapal Recasting is just outdated now. Igknight Reload does it (mostly) better, and it's not especially worth the space.
• Bubble Barrier doesn't stop the most important cards, barring Bottomless. Soooo yeah, no.
• Sky Arc isn't worth it without Odd-Eyes monsters... which is another variant now.
• Performance Band Hurricane, oh man! If you have 2 scales up, you can bounce 2 backr-... Wait, it says monsters? Oh. Eew no. Ignister is better anti-everything.
• Performapal Revival is just Friendonkey as an unsearchable trap. Yeah... no.
• Performapal Call is slow and just not worth it.
• Performapal Pinch Helper is the same as Call.
• Command Performance is cute as hell, but it's just worse than other backrow, sadly.
• Last Minute Cancel is just strange.

 

Raigeki

 

yes hi hello

 

run it

 

Mystical Space Typhoon

 

Consider it, for sure. Even if you don't main it, side it. It's just good value and shuts down annoying sheet.

 

Book of Moon

 

keeps you from getting shrekt by veiler/BTS/etc.

 

Run 0-1.

 

Wavering Eyes

 

... Nope. Still not a fan of maining this. With Ariadne, it's improved, but it's just not a card I like, as I feel like using it in anything but the Pendulum Mirror is just so weak. Obviously main it if the mirror is common, but yeah.

 

Pendulum Storm

 

It's cute. It's backrow removal. Similar to Wavering Eyes, and can make cards miss timing. It's cute. 

 

Clash of the Dracorivals

 

An engine card, clearly. It gets you anti-Pendulum, the best generic Pendulum there is, and just speeds you up on an effective +1. Also enables Exciton.

 

Twin Twister

 

Similar to MST, this is removal. While it does cost an extra card from hand to use, it is more efficient at stopping Pendulum Scales (bar Scout or Monkeyboard) and heavy backrow, meaning it warrants a mention.

 

Vanity's Emptiness

 

Not something you have to run, but it can still win games, especially with your deckthin. Just be careful not to trap yourself under it, though using it only to kill it with Eccentrick the next turn is a fun play.

 

Run 0-1.

 

Pendulum Reborn

 

It's a bit slow, but it gets Sorcerer from the ED in a manner similar to Friendonkey... except able to be used during the opponent's turn. Definitely worth a glance.

 

Solemn Notice

 

This is going to be the placeholder for all Counter Traps. Why? It's super funking relevant.

 

Solemn Notice is released alongside Monkeyboard, Master Pendulum, Ariadne, and more. And it gives you an edge in the Pendulum mirror, against Kozmo, Nekroz... everything except Shaddoll, really.

 

Reminder that Ariadne searches this and more. This and Solemn Warning are most noteworthy, but I enjoy the Seven Tools of the Bandit tech, just for extended searching/being good to draw/be given in a fair amount of matchups.

 

Fiendish/BTS/Etc. can be run, but space is tight, especially if you run Ariadne.

 

Also of note are Trap Holes, because... well, you'll see.

[spoiler=The Extra Dimensional]

And now... what you've all been waiting for... beings from another dimension!

 

The Dracoslayers

 

Blasting, soaring, surging... the dracoslayer's power shines bright!

 

These three cards are tied to Luster and Majester... though moreso the former. And all of them are good, though left is best and right is worst.

 

Ignister is an extremely powerful form of removal, a Karakuri-style synchro, and a huge body for Luster + Level 4 Pendulum. It synergizes with Ariadne and Guiturtle, it tears its way through opponents, and it's even better in the mirror. It's all around strong as funk, to the point of broken, I'd say. Run 2.

 

Majester is an almost generic R4, and it finds your non-Ppals... like Luster, Eccentrick, Ariadne, and Ppals if needed. The SS effect makes negation/Ghost Ogre less of a pain, and it's able to put a Sorcerer in the grave to make Ignister before you Pendulum. Run 1-2.

 

Dinoster is just a combo piece. I said it's good, but it's only decent. You make it in order to either go into something better or continue your comboing on Ignister GG turns. Run 1.

 

Divine Dragon Knight Felgrand

 

A holy knight descends by the combination of dragons!

 

If you open a way to Pendulum Summon Luster + Level 4 Pendulum + any other Pendulum, you can make this by going into Ignsiter then Dinoster. This puts 4 Pendulums into your ED for the next turn, and gives you a boss that's hard to remove/get past. It's optional, but can be run @1.

 

The Tellarknights

 

The forms of the goddess from the stars, and they can summon...!

 

These two, on their own, give you a generic way to shut out DARK decks, like BA, and Infernoids, if dropped early. Shaddolls, especially. And that's not all Ptolemaeus can do...

 

The Cyber Dragons

 

Mechanical serpents that oversee infinity!

 

These 2 should already be known. CDI is essentiall a 3-material R4 that's 2500 and negates sheet once a turn... and is removal, as well. It's a very powerful card, and it can be made cheap and early, which is especially efficient if you have backrow, as well.

 

King of the Feral Imps

 

Even some gremlins can be called!

 

While not as strong as he once was, he still finds Lizardraw, Partnaga, and sometimes Jigabyte. He's a solid T1 if you can't make Majester, CDI, or Felgrand.

 

Traptrix Rafflesia

 

Don't get too close, folks! Her looks are deceiving!

 

Ariadne currently outclasses this, but this is still a card to remember. She's definitely not bad, and she helps against things like Denko Sekka, but there's not enough space to run the Trap Holes which... are just weaker than the counter traps you can play in their stead.

 

The Phantom Knights of Break Sword

 

And now a relative of the performers, a dullahan!

 

While not legal Post-BOSH, it is worth a note that this card is very, VERY good in here. It gives you something to do with your 3s, manages scales, pops Ariadne... it's all around really strong. On release, it should be run, but that's not now.

 

Also the only Rank 3 that doesn't suck here.

 

Hrm... We need to speed this up, too. Let's go!

 

The Rest

 

You should know these guys, so just think about why generic R4 are good!

[spoiler=Sample Show ~ Shadow Breaking!]

 

 
Now that they're on stage, let's begin the shooow!
 
And the special part of this show is that... I'm gonna add an OoP section. Inspired by Hoban's Nekroz article.
 
Order of Operations:
1. Remember the Core 4, but don't forget your other Pals.

• They are your primary searches through one another. You will search other Ppals depending on situations/what you need in a moment, but the Core 4 will take most of the searching.
• While not in the Core 4, Lizardraw is one you'll search a fair bit, as it is a free draw... or Pot of Greed with Guiturtle.
• Secondonkey is a good +1 fodder, as it is essentially just getting an extra deck thin and level 4 body. Sadly, it doesn't synergize with the Dracoslayers much.
• Silver Claw is good for pushes/being a high scale you can destroy on demand.
• Guiturtle is best as an early search alongside a Monkeyboard, in order to quickly + off of it.
• Partnaga is searchable off of Sorcerer and King Feral, but mostly because it's just an extra low scale.

2. Monkeyboard is not the optimal first scale set, so do not blindly play it.

• You would much rather have a better Luster setup play with Sorcerer/Ariadne, but this is not as consistent.
• Despite that, Luster can work with Monkeyboard as well if you have Monkeyboard + Sorcerer/Friendonkey + Luster, but this is not the most common occurence, and you have to account for the fact you would, ideally, want to save the Donkey/NS Joker on turn 1. So assess how worth it that play is, and what it achieves you, before executing it.

3. Your Normal Summon is invaluable.

• While you may only have a small number of cards that need to be Normal Summoned, they can be the crux of your plan. The advantages that both Donkey and Skullcrobat offer are very high, in their own ways.
• Secondonkey can also fill this role early game, if you need to find Sorcerer, but it loses the NS distinction after the early game.
• You can easily find your NSable monsters, but make sure to assess which furthers your situation more.
• If you want to tech something that has to be NS'd, weigh its value against a searcher and double searcher/recovery.

4. If you have Monkeyboard and Joker, test the waters with Joker first.

• At present, you are more likely to run into negation than Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit, so decide how you need to play based on if Joker resolves.
• If you do get negated, assess which set of plays is more likely to keep you in the game. You may want to set Monkeyboard just to grab another Joker, depending on setup.
• If you do not, find Guiturtle with Joker. Set Guiturtle, then Monkeyboard, to draw 1 and then find Sorcerer, if needed, then continue your plays.

5. Ariadne and Friendonkey can conflict.

• If you have Ariadne in the Extra Deck and access to Friendonkey/Friendonkey in hand, you may want to Pendulum Summon first. This can cause a loss in advantage, though, to find Counter Traps, so considering finding Sorcerer instead/saving the Donkey if Sorcerer is in the Extra Deck, as this allows you to find a Joker off of the search, then NS it as a +1 Level 4 body.

6. Do not blindly devote into backrow.

• Solemn Notice is at 3, in addition to other backrow, so be clever with what you Pendulum Summon against backrow. Ariadne, Sorcerer, sorta Secondonkey, and sometimes Luster are the noteworthy cards, as you can either recur them or get value off of their death.
• Bottomless Trap Hole is your second biggest enemy, so don't use Sorcerer on monsters alone if you may be BTH'd.

7. Luster Pendulum is a better monster than Pendulum Scale.

• After the early game ends, you really just want a way to put the Luster on your scale into your ED, so that you can achieve Ignister Prominence to force your way through.
• It does not pair well with Monkeyboard, especially when your copies are running low.
• Guiturtle is your optimal high scale.
• Silver Claw helps pushing better as a scale.
• Lizardraw makes you less likely to get capitalized on by random Wavering Eyes.

8. There is a correct hierarchy to value of Monsters to be Xyz'd with.

• From best to worst Xyz Material: Pendulum Sorcerer #1 > Secondonkey (period) > Skullcrobat Joker #1 > Master Pendulum > Skullcrobat Joker #2-3 > Ariadne (period) > Pendulum Sorcerer #2 > Silver Claw (period) > Pendulum Sorcerer #3.
• Sorcerer is so high due to Donkey making it a boon to have it in the graveyard, though not too many. Plus, if you're going to make Majester, you want to use Sorc for it. Not too many, though.
• Secondonkey is pure fodder. Only reason NOT to Xyz with it is Dire Wolf/Break Sword popping it.
• Joker is a vanilla after it has searched, and may as well be used for material, as a recurring 18/28 is achieved by "better cards" for those scenarios 9/10.
• Master Pendulum exists almost exclusively as an Xyz Material, but it has good interactions with Majester that make it less favorable than the first Joker.
• Ariadne only needs to resolve 1-2 times before you're either set up or out of uses for her, so feel free to use her at will.
• Silver Claw is a strong push card, giving you a 2100 that buffs other Pals by 300 each on swing. If possible, use her as a Synchro or Fusion Material, as she's almost the worst card to Xyz with.
• Luster Pendulum is unlisted, due to the fact it can only make Majester. If you're making Majester with it, you are either in the early game or Ignister powerhousing, in which case it is acceptable when needed.

I could do more, but my brain is beginning to draw blanks at this point, so I'mma stop here.

 

Also because coding funking pisses me off with how fickle it is.

[Blake]

Exciton removed, in light of new developments.