Card Masters of Bugaria
By: Carmina
Difficulty: ***
Carmina has given you the Blank Card, and tasked you to find the four Card Masters of Bugaria to enter the Metal Island tournament.
Search through Bugaria to find them and defeat them in a card battle!
Ant Kingdom, Underground Tavern
Carmina: A challenge? Bring out your deck. Let us duel with honor.
Vi: Um, what?
Kabbu: What's a deck?
Carmina: Tch. Have you come to waste my time, then? I live and die by the card.
Carmina: If you're not here to play, leave.
Leif: Sounds interesting. Won't you tell us more? We may surprise you.
Carmina: You expect me to teach a newbie the ropes?
Carmina: ...Well, sure. It's been a slow day.
Carmina: The first thing you'll need is a proper deck of cards.
Vi: We aren't gonna have to buy some, are we?
Carmina: Decks are built from Enemy Spy Data. You should hold a few right now, even.
Kabbu: Oh, yes! I do love spying!
Carmina: You'll need at least one Boss Card, two Miniboss Cards and one Enemy Card.
Carmina: Come talk to me when you're ready. I long for battle.
[insufficient spy types]
Carmina: ...These aren't nearly enough.
Carmina: Come back once you have one Boss Card, two Miniboss Cards and one Enemy Card.
Carmina: There's someone selling spies here, if you're in a rush.
(minibubble) Vi: Noooo!
[have enough spies]
Carmina: ...Hmm. Yes, these will do. Although I can't speak of their quality.
Leif: You'll battle us, then?
Carmina: Already? Thought you'd appreciate the basics.
Textbox: Please teach us.
We studied.
[We studied.]
Leif: No need. We read up on the game while looking at our cards.
Carmina: You're a cheeky one, aren't you? I hope your "studying" proves enough.
Carmina: When you're ready, let us battle!
[Please teach us.]
Carmina: Listen closely, rookie!
Carmina: Listen up. Here's the rules for Spy Cards.
Carmina: You play using a deck containing 15 cards. These cards come in 4 types: Attacker, Effect, Mini-Boss and Boss.
Carmina: Attacker cards are quite basic. They add an amount to your Attack Counter, and are pretty cheap to play.
Carmina: Effect Cards can have many different effects. Here's a few keywords you can find in your cards:
Carmina: Numb: One of your opponent's Attacker cards is numbed. If X: If played alongside X card, gain an effect.
Carmina: If Atk (X): Gain an effect if your total ATK reaches X.
Carmina: Unity: Gains ATK for every member of its tribe. Like a swarm of Midges…
Carmina: You can check many more effects in your Discoveries menu.
Carmina: You can include as many repeated copies of Attacker and Effect cards in your deck as you want.
Carmina: Now, for Mini-Boss cards. They work like Effect cards, but you can only have 2 copies in your deck. And no duplicates!
Carmina: Boss cards also work like Effect cards. Each deck can only include 1 Boss card.
Carmina: Each card has a TP Cost required to play it. You get a set amount of TP each turn.
Carmina: At the end of each turn your TP is restored, so go wild with your plays.
Carmina: To summarize, your deck must contain 15 cards: 1 Boss. 2 unique Mini-Bosses. And 12 Attacker or Effect cards which may be duplicates.
Carmina: Now, try building your deck.
Carmina: During a match, your cards will be shown on the left side. Your opponent's will be on the right side.
Carmina: Mine are turned back, of course. But you can tell their type through their back.
Carmina: I'm holding a Mini-Boss and 2 Attacker or Effect cards.
Carmina: Attacker and Effect cards share the same back. Leaves you wondering, right?
Carmina: Use as many cards as your TP allows you to and try to win the round.
Carmina: Whoever gets the highest ATK wins the round, inflicting damage to the loser's HP.
Carmina: This is a bit obvious, but reduce the opponent's HP to 0 and you'll win the match.
Carmina: What a mouthful... Let's start our duel.
Carmina: I'll be holding back during this practice match, okay? Pick your cards and give it your all!
Carmina: By the way, all cards used in a turn are shuffled back into your deck. Maybe you'll see them again!
Carmina: That should cover everything. Let's continue!
[Win]
Carmina: Hm. Well done.
Carmina: Seems you are ready for the real thing...
Carmina: If you're ready for the real thing, let's get it started.
[Lose]
Carmina: Hmph. Oh well. There's always next time.
[talk again]
Carmina: You're up for our duel?
Textbox: Rematch Time!
Can you explain the rules again?
No thanks.
[No thanks.]
Carmina: A shame you turned out so spineless…
[Rematch Time!]
Carmina: Ready yourself. This will be a duel for the books!
[Lose]
Carmina: That was disappointing. But at least it helped pass the time.
Leif: Tch. We'll get you next time.
(minibubble) Kabbu: Hang in there!
[Win]
Carmina: ...! I've lost!?
Leif: So it seems. Good game.
Carmina: Ahahaha... Ahahahahah!
Carmina: That I did. An excellent duel, Leif.
Vi: We get anything for winning?
Leif: Don't bring your greed into our battleground, Vi.
Carmina: Mhm. This was nothing more than a duel to clash our wits. To think I'd be bested…
Carmina: But if you really want a prize, there's a big competition on Metal Island.
Carmina: Rich bugs board the boat on the pier there, and watch us play for sport.
Carmina: The entry is pricey, but nothing compared to the prize.
Vi: Wait, you can make money playing card games?
Leif: It sounds fun. Can we enter, then?
Carmina: Take this, Leif.
Carmina: If you wish to enter...you'll need to fill up that Blank Card.
Carmina: Search for the four Card Masters across Bugaria. That's all I can say.
Kabbu: Could we have a tip, at least? Bugaria is quite vast…
Carmina: ...Eh, sure. Why not. The first card master...is old. Good luck.
Vi: Heheh. Let's go look for them! You've gotta win that prize!
Leif: You can keep the prize. We play for glory.
(minibubble) Kabbu: Don't forget the mission...
card upgrade dialogue
[first]
Leif: Excellent. Still three to go, though.
[second]
Kabbu: Good job, Leif! We're halfway there!
[third]
Vi: Woah! Only one left!
[last]
Leif: We've done it.
Snakemouth Way, Chuck's Abode
[Talk without having picked up I Want A New Taste quest]
Chuck: Hm! Spy Cards, huh?
Leif: You know about them?
Chuck: I sure do! But I'm starvin'... Can we duel after ye do me a favor?
Chuck: I posted a request in the old board in the city... Get that sorted out, and we can talk cards.
Chuck: Scratch my back, and I will scratch yours!
Chuck: Hey hey! Are those Spy Cards you have there?
Leif: Indeed. We are looking for the Card Masters.
Chuck: Ho ho! Been a while since someone came by to challenge me.
Kabbu: Wait, really? You're a card master?
Vi: Carmina did call him old…
Chuck: She best get her eyes checked! I fight like a young champ!
Chuck: Back in the day, they called me the Flash Summoner!
Leif: We're eager to see the "Flash Summoner" duel.
Chuck: Really? Are you ready to face an old champ?
Textbox: Indeed we are!
Not yet.
[Not yet.]
Chuck: Hmm. A wise choice. You'd best prepare.
[Indeed we are!]
Chuck: You'd best not think I've gotten rusty, ye hear?
[Lose]
Chuck: Oho! I've still got it!
Vi: Come on, Leif! Just try again!
(minibubble) Kabbu: You can do it!
[Win]
Chuck: Oof. Could I actually be getting old...?
Kabbu: Nonsense, you fought like the best of them!
Chuck: It was good. Best I've had for a long time. I wouldn't give this to just anybody!
[Masters remaining]
Chuck: You've still got some Card Masters to go though, don't ya?
Vi: Got any good hints?
Chuck: Patience, ye lot! Here's a good hint for sure: "Happy, in a bountiful village."
Leif: Um, anything more specific?
Chuck: Card Master protocol! I'm sure ye'll find her, though.
Kabbu: Thank you, Chuck.
Chuck: No problem, yer always helping me out! Come back for a rematch, will ya?
Leif: When we settle this business. For now, we must go.
[Final Master]
Chuck: Look at that, folks! You defeated all of us masters!
Leif: Mhm. It was pretty fun.
Chuck: Show that card I gave ya to the gent at the pier. You'll get a good price to travel to Metal Island.
(minibubble) Vi: Discount!
Chuck: Come back for a rematch, ye hear? Gets a bit lonely here…
Leif: When we settle this business. For now, we must go.
Chuck: Back so soon? What can this fellow help you with?
Textbox: We've come to rest.
Card rematch!
Just saying hi.
[Card rematch!]
Chuck: Can't get enough of the Flash Summoner, eh? Ready up!
[Win]
Chuck: Good stuff, Leif! Here's a little something!
Golden Settlement, Residential
Arie: Are those... You're Spy Card players, eh?
Leif: That we are. You too?
Arie: Heehee! Yup! I'm one of those cool Card Masters!
Leif: Just who we were looking for. Will you duel us?
Arie: Wow, you're so eager! I can't say no to that!
Arie: You ready to get things rolling, then?
Textbox: You're on!
Not yet.
[Not yet.]
Arie: Aw. Tell me when you're ready then!
[You're on!]
Arie: Time to rumble!
[Win]
Arie: Wow, you won! And I don't lose too much, let me tell ya!
Leif: You had us by the ropes, um…
Arie: Heheh, that's Arie to ya. It's my joy to upgrade your card!
[Lose]
Arie: Good duel, eh? Maybe next time you'll win.
Leif: Tsk...
[Masters Remaining]
Arie: My card master hint is: "Taking shade, always cool."
Vi: That could mean anything!
Arie: You'll figure it out, I'm sure!
Kabbu: Still, thank you. We are closer to the tournament goal.
Arie: By the way, Leif, if you ever want to play again, just drop the word, eh?
Leif: Hopefully soon. But for now, we'll be on our way.
[Final Master]
Arie: The card's filled up! You're ready for the tournament!
Vi: About time!
Arie: Show the full card to the old sailor at the pier, he'll give you the tournament fare!
Leif: We'll do our best. For the card master's reputation, too.
Arie: Good luck, Leif! Oh, and, if you ever want to play again against me, just drop the word, eh?
Leif: Hopefully soon. But for now, we'll be on our way.
[Talk again]
Arie: Hey there, Leif! Up for another match?
[Yes]
Arie: Alrighty! Let's go!
[Win]
Arie: Beat again! It was too fun. Won't you take this?
Defiant Root, Commercial
Shay: ...I see. You're card players, huh?
Leif: You're quick on the uptake. Ever heard of the Card Masters?
Shay: You're talking to the one and only.
Kabbu: A-Aren't there four?
Shay: You ready for this? I have no plans to go easy on you.
Textbox: Bring it on!
Not yet.
[Not yet.]
Shay: Tch. Don't bother me then.
[Bring it on!]
Shay: Feel the sting of a pro player!
[Lose]
Leif: Ngh...Strong.
Shay: The title of card master isn't given to just anyone. Best of luck next time.
[Win]
Shay: ...I've lost to a rookie!?
Leif: Your overconfidence was your defeat.
Shay: I learned a strategy or two, I'll give you that. I, Shay, shall upgrade your card on my duelist honor.
[Masters remaining]
Shay: You still need to defeat the remaining masters. But they don't get any better than me, really.
Shay: Here's a good hint: "Someone shy, but when challenged, changes completely."
Kabbu: It pains me to say there's no shortage of shyness in this kingdom. Thank you for your help, however.
Shay: No problem. If you're up for another game, just say it. I'll give you a good fight.
Leif: Hmm. Anytime, Shay.
[Final Master]
Shay: With this full card, no one's going to stop you from entering the Metal Island tournament.
Vi: We did it! The prize is just within reach!
Shay: Show the old sailor by the pier this card, and he'll give you a good discount. Beats swimming.
Leif: Thank you. It's time to test our skills against the elite.
Kabbu: Let us go. Towards Metal Island!
[after winning]
Shay: Up for another match?
Textbox: Bring it on!
Not yet.
[Bring it on!]
Shay: Feel the sting of a pro player!
[win again]
Shay: So I lose again... Here's something for your trouble. I did come up with some tricks.
Hive, H.B.'s Lab
[if you talk to her before the factory]
Crow: ...! Y-you're card players?
Leif: Yes. You know any Card Masters?
Crow: Well, I'm a bit busy...I-I can help you find them later.
[first talk after factory]
Crow: ...! Y-you're card players?
Leif: Yes. You know any Card Masters?
Crow: Y-yes, I do. The Card Master is, um...
Crow: It's me!
(minibubble) H.B.: Not this again...
Kabbu: This dueling aura!
Crow: When it comes to cards...I won't hold back! I won't be defeated!
Leif: We expect nothing less of a card master!
(minibubble) H.B.: Please be quiet...
Crow: Prepare as you must. This will be a duel for the ages!
[talk again]
Crow: You ready for a real duel!?
Textbox: Bring it on!
Not yet.
[Not yet.]
Crow: W-well... Come back if you change your mind.
[Bring it on!]
Crow: Do your worst!
[Lose]
Crow: You're no match for me at all!
Vi: I liked her more when she was quiet.
Leif: That really was a great duel, we can't deny it.
Crow: Come back when you have better cards! T-That should help a little.
[Win]
Crow: Ugh... How could I be defeated...
Leif: You're the strongest opponent we've faced.
Crow: ...Sigh. The doctor's gonna make fun of me later…
(minibubble) H.B.: Yup.
Crow: But that was a great duel! U-Um, I'll upgrade your card now.
[Final Master]
Crow: And that's it. You've got a full card!
Crow: Show it to the old sailor at the pier. He'll take you to Metal Island for real cheap!
Vi: Really? That's awesome!
Leif: We can finally test our mettle against the tournament's best.
Crow: Good luck! You're strong, Leif. B-but you're gonna need it!
[Masters Remaining]
Crow: Huh? You're missing some Card Masters? Did you confuse Chuck for me?
Kabbu: Not exactly... Don't worry about it.
Crow: Well, um, if you're up for a rematch... Just talk to me, ok?
(minibubble) H.B.: Nooo!
[talk again after beating]
Crow: Hey Leif. Come for a rematch?
(minibubble) H.B.: Dangit, Crow!
Textbox: Bring it on!
Not yet.
[Not yet.]
Crow: W-well... Come back if you change your mind.
[Bring it on!]
Crow: Now we're talking! Time for you to lose!
[Win]
Crow: Darn, I lost again...H-Here, you won this!
[Lose]
Crow: You're no match for me at all!
Vi: I liked her more when she was quiet.
Leif: That really was a great duel, we can't deny it.
Crow: Come back when you have better cards! T-That should help a little.
Metal Lake, Pier
[if before ch6]
[defeated all card masters]
Captain: Hm! Card Players, eh? Actually managed to defeat the Masters?
Captain: Very well. 90 berries the round trip to Metal Island for the three of you!
Textbox: Let's go!
That's too expensive!
[That's too expensive!]
Captain: Psh. Don't waste my time then.
[Insufficient funds]
Captain: What?! No money, no trip! Get out of here!
[Let's go!]
Captain: ...That's all berries accounted for. Hop on! Our destination: Metal Island!
Metal Lake, Metal Island Inn
Guard: Halt! Only those who have proof that they have mastered the way of the card may enter!
Textbox: We have proof!
Proof?
S-Sorry...
[We have proof!]
Guard: Show it to me, then!
[incorrect item]
Guard: ...What is this!? This is not proof! Don't waste my time!
[bug ranger plush]
Guard: ...That girly doll is not proof!
Kabbu: G-girly?!
Vi: Woah! Brutal!
Guard: Don't waste my time! Bring me proof or you shall not pass!
[full suit card]
Guard: ...
Guard: I apologize for my previous behavior, masters.
Guard: You are welcome in the great hall of the Spy Card Champions! Please proceed.
[Proof?]
Guard: Only those who have defeated all Card Masters of Bugaria and obtained the proof of their skill may pass beyond this gate!
Guard: Begone if you have no proof!
[S-Sorry...]
Guard: Without proof, you may not pass! Begone!
[talk after showing full suit card]
Guard: You are welcome in the great hall of the Spy Card Champions! Please proceed.
Metal Lake, Auditorium
[first talk]
Tourney Host: Oh, new meat? Great. The current competition was starting to get stale.
Host: Here we hold down the Spy Cards Championship.
Host: You probably already know that since you managed to defeat the Card Masters.
Host: Let's cut to the chase. If you win the tournament, you can get many, many berries.
Host: You will have to fight 3 battles in a row with the same deck. No changing in between.
Host: Only one of you can participate, however. So decide who it will be.
Kabbu: Hm. Who should play then?
Vi: ...Uh, Leif. Duh!
Leif: Mhm. We are ready to start whenever.
Host: If you are ready, just say the word. Don't leave our sponsors waiting.
[subsequent talks]
Host: Are you ready to start the card tournament? The entry fee is 25 berries.
Textbox: Yes
No
[No]
Host: Then don't waste my time!
[Insufficient funds]
Host: ...Listen. This is already the cheapest fee I can do. Either pay up or get lost.
[Yes]
Host: Let us start then.
[tournament]
Host: Welcome once more, to the Spy Cards Championship! Today, eight competitors will fight and try to reach the top!
Host: Here are today's competitors…
Host: From this side, Leif the moth, from the Ant Kingdom. Let's see who he will be facing this time...
[one of the following]
Host: From the other side... The mysterious, the charming, the one and only, Carmina!
Host: From the other side... A nomad Bee with exotic power! Ritchee!
Host: From the other side... A deckbuilding innovator! Johnny!
Host: From the other side... His bonds brought him this far! Bu-Gi!
Host: From the other side... A good sport, win or lose! Serene!
Host: From the other side... A pained soul with a battle forged deck! Kage!
Host: From the other side... Um...Janet? It's JANET!
[applicable of these]
Carmina: I brought you into the scene...But I'll crush you nonetheless!
Ritchee: Hmph. You're my opponent? A shame for the spectators...
Johnny: You better get ready! My deck's unpredictable!
Bu-gi: For grandpa... I'll defeat you!
Serene: Let's have a good match, alright?
Kage: You will feel true despair...when you face my cards!
Janet: Oh, hey. I'll do my best, so you do too.
[then]
Host: And now... Let's start the fight!
[Lose]
[applicable of these]
Carmina: Good showing. Let us play again.
Ritchee: ...As expected. Out of my sight.
Johnny: You didn't see it coming, eh?
Bu-gi: GRANDPA! I DID IT!
Serene: That was so fun! Let's go again!
Kage: You lack hatred, if you're to defeat me...
Janet: Hey, you tried. It was a good try.
[then]
Host: What a shame. If you want to try and make a comeback, you know where to come to.
[Win]
Carmina: ...The potential I saw in you was true. Good game.
Ritchee: WHAT!? HOW...HOW DARE YOU SULLY MY RECORD!!!
Johnny: Aww, that worked out better in playtesting...
Bu-gi: N-No...everyone...I…
Serene: Aww...What a good game. Shame it had to end!
Kage: ...Tch. Have I not suffered enough to earn victory?
Janet: Oh. Hey, you're pretty good. I'll try again later.
[first win]
Host: Amazing! Leif made it to the next stage!
Host: Here are the current standings...
[back to char intro and applicable line]
[second win]
Host: This is the final battle! Who will take the prize? Place your bets now!
Host: A refresher of the current standings!
[back to char intro and applicable line]
[third win]
Host: INCREDIBLE! WHAT SKILL! THE WINNER IS...LEIF!!!!
Host: You gave the crowd the show of a lifetime!
Host: Here's your prize, Spy Card champion!
Host: We hope you'll come again, and show off your skills!
Host: Show's over! Let us meet again!
Leif: We could see ourselves coming back quite a bit.