[Old Set Update] Solemn Soldiers

[Neutrality Man]

Original 2014 Thread: https://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/323922-archetype-solemn-soldiers/
 
The cards have been spoilered to compress the page length to a reasonable size.

 

[spoiler=Third Version, Changes only]

New card.

Solemn Soldier - Fell Falconer

Level 4 EARTH Warrior Effect Monster

1400/300

1. You can only control 1 "Solemn Soldier - Fell Falconer". 
2. When this card is Summoned: place 2 Warfare counters on it."Solemn Soldier" monsters you control gain 300 ATK for every Warfare Counter on this card. 
3. When a "Solemn Soldier" monster battles, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step.

Highlander clause to reduce potential for NS-able 4k+ beaters.

Makes Berserk Maidens 2300 Level 4s when Summoned, and bigger if she gains more counters during her life.

Grants Armades clause to Archetype while on board.

 

[spoiler=Changes]

1. Once per turn: you can Special Summon 1 "Solemn Soldier" monster from your hand.
2. The Special Summon of a Warrior monster(s) cannot be negated.
3. When a Warrior monster is Normal Summoned: place 1 Warfare counter on this card.
4. If this face-up card would be destroyed, you can remove 1 Warfare Counter from a card you control instead.

Counter generation acceleration.

 

1. Once per turn: You can Special Summon 1 EARTH monster with 300 DEF from your Graveyard. It cannot attack or activate its effect(s) this turn. 
2. When a "Solemn Soldier" monster battles, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step.

Now grants Armades, Keeper of Boundaries' battle clause to Archetype

 

1. You can remove 2 Warfare Counters from cards you control: target 1 card your opponent controls; destroy that target.
2. When this card is Summoned: you can add 1 EARTH Warrior monster from your Deck to your hand. You can only use this effect of this card name once per turn.

 

HOPT added to Summon-search

 

1. If this card was Synchro Summoned using a Pendulum Summoned Synchro Material(s), it cannot be destroyed by card effects.
2. When a "Solemn Soldier" monster battles, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step.

3400/300

1. If this card was Synchro Summoned using a Pendulum Summoned Synchro Material(s): it cannot be targeted or destroyed by card effects. 
2. Once per turn You can remove any number of Warfare Counters on the field; destroy cards in your opponent's hand or on their field, up to the number of counters removed,then this card loses 300 ATK for each card destroyed until your next Standby Phase

 

Restored base ATK value to original amount, removed exhaustion penalty from effect.

Super Mode prevents targeting.

 

1. Must be Synchro Summoned. 
2. If this card was Synchro Summoned using a Pendulum Summoned Synchro Material(s), it cannot be destroyed by card is unaffected by other cards' effects. 
3. If a face-up "Solemn Soldier" card, except this card, would be destroyed: this card loses 900 ATK instead, and if it does, it gains 600 DEF.

 

Super Mode buffed to complete effect immunity, except from it's own negative effect. I will NOT be making it Kaijuproof.

 

1. If this card is destroyed and sent to the GY: you can Special Summon up to 2 monsters with 300 DEF from your hand or Deck, except "Solemn Soldier - Valiant Knightcorn".
2. If this card you control is targeted by an opponent's card effect: you can remove 1 Warfare Counter from this card; negate that effect.

Can no longer Summon other copies of self.

 

 

 

[spoiler=Second Version for this Thread]
[spoiler=Main Deck Monsters]


 
Solemn Soldier - Hopeful Hime
2000 / 300
Level 4 | EARTH | Warrior | Normal Monster
Lore:
"Against unfathomable hordes we fight. Myself on the front lines bolsters the resolve of my commander, though it drives my sister berserk. Their army was endless... and just as hope for an end was nearly lost, a new ally appeared to me and promised aid, from the most unlikely of sources. We can only hope these gifts will be enough."


Solemn Soldier - Artillery Sprite
Level 4 EARTH Warrior Pendulum Tuner Effect Monster
1900/300
Pendulum Effect 
Scale 3/7

1. During your Standby Phase you can add 1 "Solemn Soldier - Artillery Sprite" from your Deck or face-up Extra Deck to your hand. 
2. "If a "Solemn Soldier" monster(s) in your possession is destroyed or banished: You can place Warfare Counters on this card equal to the number of monsters destroyed/banished.

Monster Effect

1. You can remove 2 Warfare Counters from cards you control: target 1 card your opponent controls; destroy that target.
2. When this card is Summoned: you can add 1 EARTH Warrior monster from your Deck to your hand.

Solemn Soldier - Berserk Maiden
Level 4 EARTH Warrior Effect Monster
1700/300

1. When this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle: place 1 Warfare Counter on this card, also if your opponent controls an attack position monster(s), this card can attack again in a row. 
2. If a card with Warfare Counters you control attacks a defense position monster your opponent controls, inflict piercing battle damage.

 

Solemn Soldier - Sigil Sisters
Level 4 EARTH Warrior Tuner Effect Monster
1000/300

1. Cannot be used as a Synchro Material for a Synchro Summon, except for the Synchro Summon of a "Solemn Soldier" monster.
2. Once per turn, if this card would be destroyed by battle, it is not destroyed.
3. When this card is Normal Summoned while you have more Warrior monsters in your GY than your opponent: You can draw cards up to the difference (max. 3). 

 


Solemn Soldier - Spellarrow Sniper
Level 6 EARTH Warrior Effect Monster
2200/300

1. You can discard 1 other card in your hand, Special Summon this card from your hand. 
2. While you control another face-up "Solemn Soldier" monster, this card cannot be targeted for an attack. 
3. Once per turn: you can target up to 2 Spells and/or Traps your opponent controls: banish them. This card cannot attack the turn you activate this effect. 

Solemn Soldier - Resolute Commander
Level 6 EARTH Warrior Effect Monster
2300/300

1. While you control another face-up "Solemn Soldier" monster, this card cannot be targeted for an attack or by a card effect.
2. During your Standby Phase: Place 2 Warfare Counters on every face-up "Solemn Soldier" card you control. 
3. When a card with Warfare Counters on it leaves the field, place its Warfare Counters on this card.
4. Once per turn: You can remove any number of Warfare Counters from this card; Special Summon 1 "Solemn Soldier" monster from your Deck with a Level equal to the number of Warfare Counters removed.

 

Solemn Soldier - Valiant Knightcorn
EARTH Level 4 Warrior Effect Monster
1500/300

1. If this card is destroyed and sent to the GY: you can Special Summon up to 2 EARTH monsters with 300 DEF from your hand or Deck.
2. If this card you control is targeted by an opponent's card effect: you can remove 1 Warfare Counter from this card; negate that effect.

 

[spoiler=Extra Deck Monsters]
[spoiler=Synchros]
 

Solemn Soldier - Maiden of Divine Justice
Level 8 EARTH Warrior Synchro Effect Monster
2200/300
1 Tuner Synchro Monster + 1 or more "Solemn Soldier" monsters

1. You can treat face-up Xyz Monsters you control as Level 0 Synchro Material monsters for the Synchro Summon of this card. 
2. While you control a face-up Spellcaster Xyz Monster, this card cannot be destroyed or targeted by card effects. 
3. During your End Phase. if you do not control another Warrior monster: return this card to the Extra Deck. 
4. When this card leaves the field, Special Summon 1 "Solemn Soldier - Berserk Maiden" from your hand, Deck, or GY.
5. This card gains additional effects depending on the number of Xyz Monsters used as Synchro Material for its Synchro Summon:
   1+: This card's original ATK becomes 3400. 
   2+: If this card battles a Fiend monster, destroy that monster at the end of the Damage Step and inflict 1000 damage to your opponent.
   3+: Negate the effect to return this card to the Extra Deck if you do not control another Warrior monster.

 


Solemn Soldier - Erazure mkVIII
Level 8 EARTH Machine Synchro Effect Monster
2000 / 300
1 "Solemn Soldier" Tuner + 1 non-Tuner "Solemn Soldier" monster

1. If this card was Synchro Summoned using a Pendulum Summoned Synchro Material(s), it cannot be destroyed by card effects.
2. When this card battles an opponent's defense position monster: inflict piercing battle damage. While you control this face-up monster: other face-up "Solemn Soldier" monsters you control cannot be attacked.

Solemn Soldier - Absolution mkX
Level 10 EARTH Machine Synchro Effect Monster
3200/300
1 "Solemn Soldier" Tuner + 1 non-Tuner "Solemn Soldier" monster

1. If this card was Synchro Summoned using a Pendulum Summoned Synchro Material(s), it cannot be destroyed by card effects. 
2. Once per turn: You can remove any number of Warfare Counters on the field; destroy cards in your opponent's hand or on their field, up to the number of counters removed, then this card loses 300 ATK for each card destroyed until your next Standby Phase. 

 
 

Solemn Soldier - F.I.N.A.L.E.
Level 12 EARTH Machine Synchro Effect Monster
4500/300
1 "Solemn Soldier" Tuner + 1 non-Tuner "Solemn Soldier" Synchro monster

1. Must be Synchro Summoned.
2. If this card was Synchro Summoned using a Pendulum Summoned Synchro Material(s), it cannot be destroyed by card effects.
3. If a face-up "Solemn Soldier" card, except this card, would be destroyed: this card loses 900 ATK instead, and if it does, it gains 600 DEF.

When unboosted ATK hits 0, DEF will be 3300

[spoiler=Xyz]
 
Solemn Soldier - Spellblader Sorceress
Rank 6 EARTH Spellcaster Xyz Effect Monster
2600/300
2+ Level 6 EARTH Warrior-type monsters

1. You can also Xyz Summon this card using 3 or more non-Xyz "Solemn Soldier" monsters you control as Xyz Material.
2. Once per turn (Quick Effect): you can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card: add 1 Spell from your GY to your hand.
3. Gains 600 ATK for each face-up Spell on the field.

 

Solemn Soldier - Progenitor Technomancer
Rank 4 EARTH Spellcaster Xyz Effect Monster
2600/300
3 Level 4 Monsters

1. When this card is Xyz Summoned: You can add 1 EARTH Warrior-type monster from your Deck to your hand.
2. You can detach 1 material from this card and pay 600 LP; place 1 EARTH Pendulum Monster from your Deck or GY in your Pendulum Zone.
3. You can detach 1 material from this card and remove any number of Warfare Counters from cards you control; Special Summon EARTH Warrior-type monsters from your hand or Deck whose total Levels equal the number of Warfare Counters removed.

 

Solemn Soldier - Warcrux Witch
Rank 4 EARTH Spellcaster Xyz Effect Monster
2300/300
2 Level 4 "Solemn Soldier" monsters

1. Once per turn, if this card was Xyz Summoned using a Pendulum Summoned Xyz Material(s), it cannot be destroyed by battle. 
2. Once per turn: you can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; add 1 Normal Spell Card whose card text includes "Warrior monster" from your Deck to your hand.
3. You can detach 2 Xyz Materials from this card; Special Summon 1 "Solemn Soldier" monster from your GY. Banish it when it leaves the field.

 
Solemn Soldier - Armed Apprentice
Rank 4 EARTH Spellcaster Xyz Effect Monster
1000/300
2 Level 4 EARTH Warrior monsters

1. This card cannot be destroyed by battle or by card effects while it has Xyz Material.
2. Once per turn: you can detach all materials from this card; Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower Warrior monster from your Deck. While this card has no materials: it gains the following effects:
   • This card is treated as a Level 4 Warrior Synchro Tuner monster, also it is no longer treated as a Rank 4 Xyz Monster.
   • This card cannot be used as a Synchro Material monster, except for the Synchro Summon of a Synchro Monster that lists a "1 Tuner Synchro Monster" as a Synchro Material monster.

 

[spoiler=Link]

Solemn Soldier - Commander Seraph
EARTH Warrior Link Effect Monster
2900/Link-3
DL, D, DR
2+ EARTH monsters
When this card is Link Summoned: you can target 1 EARTH monster with 300 DEF in your GY; Special Summon it, and if you do, shuffle as many cards as possible from your GY into the Deck, up to that monster's Level/Rank, then draw 2 cards. You can only use this card name's effect once per turn.

 

[spoiler="Spells]

On the Warpath
Normal Spell
If you control a "Solemn Soldier" monster: excavate the top 5 cards of your Deck; Special Summon any number of "Solemn Soldier" monsters among them in face-up defense position then send the rest to the Graveyard. You lose 200 LP for each monster Special Summoned. You can only use this card name's effect once per turn.



Secret Sword of the Solemn Soldiers
Equip Spell

1. Equip only to a Warrior or Spellcaster monster.
2. The equipped monster is treated as both a Warrior monster and a Spellcaster monster, also it gains 600 ATK for each face-up monster that shares a type with the equipped monster.
3. When the equipped monster destroys an opponent's monster by battle: you can add 1 EARTH Warrior monster from your Deck to your hand.

 

[spoiler=Trap Card]


Soldiering Onwards
Continuous Trap
Once per turn: You can Special Summon 1 EARTH monster with 300 DEF from your Graveyard. It cannot attack or activate its effect(s) this turn.

[spoiler=First Version for Thread]
[spoiler=Updated 2014 Cards]
[spoiler=Monster Cards]
[spoiler=Normal Monsters]

 
Solemn Soldier - Hopeful Hime
2000 / 300
Level 4 | EARTH | Warrior | Normal Monster
Lore:
"Against unfathomable hordes we fight. Myself on the front lines bolsters the resolve of my commander, though it drives my sister berserk. Their army was endless... and just as hope for an end was nearly lost, a new ally appeared to me and promised aid, from the most unlikely of sources. We can only hope these gifts will be enough."
 

 
[spoiler=Effect Monsters]

 
Solemn Soldier - Berserk Maiden
Level 4 EARTH Warrior Effect Monster
1700/300

• When this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle: place 1 Warfare Counter on this card, also if your opponent controls an attack position monster(s), this card can attack again in a row.
• If this card attacks a defense position monster your opponent controls, inflict piercing battle damage.

Solemn Soldier - Resolute Commander
Level 6 EARTH Warrior Effect Monster
2300/300

• You can only control 1 face-up "Solemn Soldier - Resolute Commander".
• While you control another face-up "Solemn Soldier" monster, this card cannot be targeted for an attack or by a card effect.
• During your Standby Phase: Place 1 Warfare Counter on every face-up "Solemn Soldier" card you control.
• When a card with Warfare Counters on it is destroyed, place its Warfare Counters on this card.
• Once per turn: You can remove all Warfare Counters from this card; Special Summon 1 "Solemn Soldier" monster from your Deck with a Level equal to or less than the number of Warfare Counters removed.

 
Solemn Soldier - Valiant Knightcorn
EARTH Level 4 Warrior Effect Monster
1500/300
If this card is destroyed and sent to the GY: you can Special Summon up to 2 monsters with 300 DEF from your hand or Deck.
 

 
Solemn Soldier - Sigil Sisters
Level 4 EARTH Warrior Tuner Effect Monster
1000/300

• Cannot be used as a Synchro Material for a Synchro Summon, except for the Synchro Summon of a "Solemn Soldier" monster.
• Once per turn, if this card would be destroyed by battle, it is not destroyed.
• When this card is Normal Summoned: if your Graveyard has more Warrior monsters in it than your opponent's, you can draw cards up to your Graveyard's current Warrior monster surplus (max. 3). You can only use this effect of this card name once per turn.

 

 
 
[spoiler=Pendulum Monster]
 


 
Solemn Soldier - Artillery Sprite
Level 4 EARTH Warrior Pendulum Tuner Effect Monster
1900/300

Pendulum Effect
Scale 3/7

• If you do not control another "Solemn Soldier" card in your other Pendulum Zone: this card's Pendulum Scales become 4.
• If a face-up "Solemn Soldier" monster you control is destroyed: place 1 Warfare Counter on this card. If a "Solemn Soldier" card is banished: place 1 Warfare Counter on this card.
• "Solemn Soldier" monsters you control gain 250 ATK.

Monster Effect

• If this card is Pendulum Summoned from the Extra Deck: it cannot be used as Synchro Material for a Synchro Summon for the rest of this turn.
• You can remove 2 Warfare Counters from a card(s) you control: target 1 card your opponent controls; destroy that target. This card cannot attack for 2 turns after activating this effect.

 

[spoiler=Synchro Monsters]
 
 


 
Solemn Soldier - Maiden of Divine Justice
Level 8 EARTH Warrior Synchro Effect Monster
1400/300
1 Tuner Synchro Monster + 1 or more "Solemn Soldier" monsters

• You can treat face-up Xyz Monsters you control as Level 0 Synchro Material monsters for the Synchro Summon of this card.
• While you control a face-up Spellcaster Xyz Monster, this card cannot be destroyed or targeted by card effects.
• During your End Phase. if you do not control another Warrior monster: return this card to the Extra Deck.
• When this card leaves the field, Special Summon 1 "Solemn Soldier - Berserk Maiden" from your hand, Deck, or GY.
• This card gains additional effects depending on the number of Xyz Monsters used as Synchro Material for its Synchro Summon:
  1+: This card's original ATK becomes 3400.
  2+: If this card battles a Fiend monster, destroy that monster at the end of the Damage Step and inflict 1000 damage to your opponent.
  3+: Negate the effect to return this card to the Extra Deck if you do not control another Warrior monster.

Lore Identity: Berserk Maiden after absorbing all of the energy in F.I.N.A.L.E.'s failing power core with aid from Progenitor Technomancer and Artillery Sprite's magic skills.



Solemn Soldier - Erazure mkVIII
Level 8 EARTH Machine Synchro Effect Monster
2000 / 300
1 "Solemn Soldier" Tuner + 1 non-Tuner "Solemn Soldier" monster

• Once per turn, if this card was Synchro Summoned using a Pendulum Summoned Synchro Material(s), it cannot be destroyed by card effects.
• When this card battles an opponent's defense position monster: inflict piercing battle damage. While you control this face-up monster: other face-up "Solemn Soldier" monsters you control cannot be attacked.

 
Solemn Soldier - Absolution mkX
Level 10 EARTH Machine Synchro Effect Monster
3400/300
1 "Solemn Soldier" Tuner + 1 non-Tuner "Solemn Soldier" monster

• Once per turn: if this card was Synchro Summoned using a Pendulum Summoned Synchro Material(s); it cannot be destroyed by card effects.
• Once per turn: If a face-up "Solemn Soldier" card, except this card, would be destroyed, this card loses 600 ATK instead.
• You cannot activate Spells.

Solemn Soldier - F.I.N.A.L.E.
Level 12 EARTH Machine Synchro Effect Monster
4500/300
1 "Solemn Soldier" Tuner + 1 non-Tuner "Solemn Soldier" Synchro monster

• Must be Synchro Summoned.
• Once per turn, if this card was Synchro Summoned using a Pendulum Summoned Synchro Material(s), it cannot be destroyed by card effects.
• You cannot activate Spell or Trap cards.
• You can remove all Warfare Counters on the field and target cards in your opponent's hand or on their field, up to the number of counters removed; destroy those targets and, if you do, inflict 100 damage to both players for each card destroyed.
• This card loses 900 ATK and gains 300 DEF each Standby Phase.
• During your End Phase: banish the top 3 cards of your Main Deck and pay 500 LP. If you do not: banish this card and destroy all other cards you control.

 

 

[spoiler=Xyz Monsters]



Solemn Soldier - Spellblader Sorceress
Rank 6 EARTH Spellcaster Xyz Effect Monster
2600/300
2 or more Level 6 EARTH Warrior-type monsters

• You can also Xyz Summon this card using 3 or more non-Xyz "Solemn Soldier" monsters you control as Xyz Material.
• Once per turn (Quick Effect): you can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card: add 1 Spell from your GY to your hand.
• Gains 600 ATK for each face-up Spell you control.

Solemn Soldier - Warcrux Witch
Rank 4 EARTH Spellcaster Xyz Effect Monster
2300/300
2 Level 4 "Solemn Soldier" monsters

• Once per turn, if this card was Xyz Summoned using a Pendulum Summoned Xyz Material(s): it cannot be destroyed by battle.
• Once per turn: you can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; add 1 Normal Spell Card whose card text includes "Warrior monster" from your Deck to your hand. Cards with the same name as that card cannot be activated for the rest of this turn.
• You can detach 2 Xyz Materials from this card; Special Summon 1 "Solemn Soldier" monster from your GY. Banish it when it leaves the field.

Solemn Soldier - Progenitor Technomancer
Rank 4 EARTH Spellcaster Xyz Effect Monster
2600/300
3 Level 4 Monsters

• When this card is Xyz Summoned: You can add 1 EARTH Warrior-type monster from your Deck to your hand.
• You can detach 1 material from this card and pay 600 LP; place 1 EARTH Pendulum Monster from your Deck or GY in your Pendulum Zone.
• You can detach 1 material from this card and remove any number of Warfare Counters from cards you control; Special Summon 1 EARTH Warrior-type monster from your hand or Deck with a Level less than or equal to the number of Warfare Counters removed. You can only activate 1 effect of "Solemn Soldier - Progenitor Technomancer" per turn, and only once per turn.

 
Solemn Soldier - Armed Apprentice
Rank 4 EARTH Spellcaster Xyz Effect Monster
1000/300
2 Level 4 EARTH Warrior monsters

• This card cannot be destroyed by battle or by card effects while it has Xyz Material.
• Once per turn: you can detach all materials from this card; Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower Warrior monster from your Deck. While this card has no materials: it gains the following effects:
  • This card is treated as a Level 4 Warrior Synchro Tuner monster, also it is no longer treated as a Rank 4 Xyz Monster.
  • This card cannot be used as a Synchro Material monster, except for the Synchro Summon of a Synchro Monster that lists a "1 Tuner Synchro Monster" as a Synchro Material monster.

Lore Identity: A younger Progenitor Technomancer, still learning the craft from Artillery Sprite.
 

 
[spoiler=Spell Cards]
 


 
Dhasheimr, Kingdom of the Solemn Soldiers
 
Field Spell

• Once per turn: you can Special Summon 1 "Solemn Soldier" monster from your hand.
• The Special Summon of a Warrior monster(s) cannot be negated.
• When a Warrior monster is Normal Summoned: place 1 Warfare counter on this card.
• If this face-up card would be destroyed, you can remove 1 Warfare Counter from a card you control instead.

Secret Sword of the Solemn Soldiers
Equip Spell

• Equip only to a Warrior or Spellcaster monster.
• The equipped monster is treated as both a Warrior monster and a Spellcaster monster, also it gains 600 ATK for each face-up monster that shares a type with the equipped monster.
• You can tribute the equipped monster; Special Summon 1 of your banished Level 4 Warrior monsters, but return it to the bottom of the Deck when it leaves the field.

On the Warpath
Normal Spell
If you control a "Solemn Soldier" monster: excavate the top 5 cards of your Deck; Special Summon any number of "Solemn Soldier" monsters among them in face-up defense position then send the rest to the Graveyard. You can only use this card name's effect once per turn.
 

 
 
[spoiler=Trap Card]


Soldiering Onwards
Continuous Trap
Once per turn: You can Special Summon 1 EARTH monster with 300 DEF from your Graveyard. It cannot attack or activate its effect(s) this turn.

[spoiler=New Cards for 2018]



Solemn Soldier - Spellarrow Sniper
Level 6 EARTH Warrior Effect Monster
1900/300

• While you control another face-up "Solemn Soldier" monster, this card cannot be targeted for an attack.
• Once per turn: you can target up to 2 Spells and/or Traps your opponent controls: banish them. This card cannot attack the turn you activate this effect.

Solemn Soldier - Command Seraph
EARTH Warrior Link Effect Monster
2400/Link-3
DL, D, DR
3 "Solemn Soldier" monsters
When this card is Link Summoned: you can target 1 EARTH monster with 300 DEF in your GY; Special Summon it, and if you do, shuffle as many cards as possible from your GY into the Deck, up to that monster's Level/Rank, then draw 1 card. You can only use this card name's effect once per turn.
 

 

End Goals:
A player is meant to choose between the Xyz -> Divine Justice route, and the Synchro Robots route for their endgame. I'm sure a mix of both would be possible, if not best, but I haven't been able to find that balance myself and I'm the guy who designed them 4 years ago.
 
Lore:
This tribe of 95% females is at constant war defending against the invading Skydaemons. There is never going to be a male card, it's too risky to have their men on the battlefield. And the two forces are evenly matched, neither able to get the upper hand. The Main Deck Warriors and Xyz Spellcasters matched their enemy blow for blow, but even when they were beaten and broken... The Skydaemons would flee and regroup, whereas the Soldiers would push forward even through having their skeletons powdered to see their homes defended.  (Soldiering Onwards) Not even their beloved leader (Hopeful Hime), wielding their most powerful relic, the Royal Spellsword (Secret Sword of the Solemn Soldiers), could turn the tides, and despair started to creep into the hearts of the embattled women.
 
Then, one day, Artillery Sprite appeared in the Solemn Soldiers' camp, and met with their princesses with an offer to help end the war, having an old score to settle with the Skydaemon. Shocking even their most powerful mages, Sprite ripped open time itself and called forth three battle machines (the Synchros) from the far-off future.
 
The trip took it's toll on the armorsuits, however, and the more powerful two had damage to critical systems (Absolution & F.I.N.A.L.E.'s backrow lockouts) that simply could not be repaired in the current time, and their power reactors would eventually run out of juice (the ATK drops) Thankfully, the mightiest of the three was so huge it served as a mobile fortress capable of sheltering the entire tribe. (F.I.N.A.L.E. gains DEF to simulate the transformation into a fortress) The least powerful (Erazure) managed to endure with only paint scraping off, and the metal monstrosities came equipped with a barrier that could project outwards to protect more than just the pilots.(the protect effect that costs ATK for Absolution and the one that doesn't for Erazure). For all their power, this damage would prove to be the reason these machines were not enough, and though the Skydaemons' numbers were drastically reduced to but a handful, that handful were able to easily overpower the undamaged Erazure once it was alone on the battlefield.
 
The machines were far from useless to the soldiers, however, and spelled victory for them when Berserk Maiden, the second-born princess of the tribe, absorbed the remaining vestiges of energy from the recovered power cores of Absolution and F.I.N.A.L.E. into her very soul through the newly-invented magicks of Technomancy developed by Artillery Sprite and her Apprentice (Armed Apprentice -> Progenitor Technomancer). By drawing upon the power now safely locked deep within her spirit, the warrior princess transformed into a devastating fighter, whose strength was like that of the Gods in the eyes of the civilians taking shelter in the now inert shell of F.I.N.A.L.E.'s heavy armor. Her only goal being to find justice for her people. (Maiden of Divine Justice).
 
Drawing on the power using only her own mediocre magical skill, however, would lead to the energies retreating back into the core of her essence in short order. (MoDJ self-bounce effect) It is only with the help of all her magical comrades (3+ Xyz used as material), could she pull enough energy out to maintain it indefinitely. (negate the self-bounce) Once she dismissed the form, it would be sealed away into her soul once more, and the limitations for calling it out on her own would return.
 
But even with the last of the Skydaemons defeated... eventually, another enemy would rise to fill the vacuum.

[Dova]

I don't think you have quite enough counter placement to warrant cards being able to remove it without placing them. Right now, it's not very consistent, as you only have 4 cards among the entire set that place counters, and 3 of those also remove the counters while the last one (Berserk) does it in such an inconsistent manner it may as well not have that effect at all. I mean, there's nothing wrong with putting it on monsters that simply use it as a form of a cost for themselves, but later in the archetype, when you have monsters which have powerful effects which rely on removing them.

 

[spoiler=Main Deck Monsters]Your main deck monsters are rather all over the place. Knightcorn is slow, but the utter genericness with which it can Summon seems far too much. At the very least, do the EARTH limitation we see later. Even so, since the archetype doesn't have self-destruction as an effect, you're completely reliant on your opponent to trigger it, and even then you're going to have wait until their turn unless you ram with it. Commander is too slow to be of much use in regards to the Summoning, not only having to wait until your Standby Phase but then having to wait for your created monsters to be destroyed by your opponent. Berserker doesn't add anything to the archetype, being purely for battle with low ATK and only adding 1 counter for others to remove. Sigil is a pretty fun card to use, as its limitations prevent it from being splashed, and while being completely useless early game, it powers up quickly. Shame it needs to be NSd only, but it is a potential +2. I would suggest wording the effect like so:

 

When this card is Normal Summoned while you have more Warrior monsters in your GY than your opponent: You can draw cards up to the difference (max. 3). 

 

Less writing, and simpler. Interesting how you only went with 1 Pendulum Monster, and it could've worked, except you only have one means of actually making it consistently useful: Technomaster. If it was a central card, Otherwise, you're never going to get to properly use it. At least if you have a Scale 1 you can Pend Summon your MD Tuners to trigger your Synchro Monsters' protection, but if you do, you lose this card. Honestly, if you're going to throw in just 1 Pendulum Monster without centering the archetype around it, it's probably not a good idea to have a crucial parts of the bosses (protection) relying on it. 250 ATK seems a little awkward; why not a whole 100? Also, for the counter placement, if you're going to insist on leaving it on the card, I would suggest starting with the having the placement effect like so:

 

If a "Solemn Soldier" monster(s) in your possession is destroyed or banished: You can place Warfare Counters on this card equal to the number of monsters destroyed/banished. 

 

It doesn't matter if it gets destroyed in your hand or Deck, as those are niche uses. S/T Cards are normally banished quite a bit with their GY effects, but not yours, so you can just change card to monster without much lost. Spellarrow Sniper is too much effort to get out in the first place, despite its useful effect.

 

 

 

[spoiler=Synchro Monsters]Erazure could get with the protection not being OPT. Same with the other two Synchro bosses. Speaking of the other two, do they allow Spell/Trap effects such as that of your already activated Field Spell, or activations in the GY/off the field, or they do completely prevent you using them at all? Regardless, Absolution lies slightly on the too weak side, merely providing protection not really being enough to merit its Summon. It's still better than FINALE by a wide margin, as Warfare counters are rarely seeing any real play at the moment. Kinda odd, as I imagined FINALE being the one to protect the people, being their literal home and all. But as it stands, the restrictions and nerfs on that boi make it totally not worth playing. Is there meant to be an in-archetype way of getting out Maiden of Divine Justice? True, you you have your Xyz that becomes a Tuner, but that just seems arbitrary :P Doesn't seem designed to ladder of the bosses anyway; it would work better with FINALE's Summoning requirements. Speaking of Maiden...it isn't actually very bad, save for the stats. A little more than that Absolution on the power scale, but not quite balanced yet; too much going in for too little going out. Shame about the Typing battle requirement, as it has a very niche use and would be fine without needing Fiends to activate.

 

 

 

[spoiler=Xyz Monsters]Spellblader is an odd card; perhaps the best one out of this bunch so far. Very easy to get out considering the Level modulation present in the Main Deck monsters. Generic Spell searching is pretty neat, allowing for a lot of recycling after you've brought out your monsters with said spells. The ATK gain is a little weird, considering you only have 2 Spell Cards that stay face-up...and only 3 in total. Warcrux is also pretty good, interesting card, with stringent Summoning requirements making its potential abusable searching perhaps a tad too weak; considering you need Solemn Soldiers to make it in the first place, I think you can allow them to activate the Spell Card that turn. There are only 8 targets in the current TCG/OCG, anyway. Other effects are pretty sweet. Technomancer's last effect is bad, as said before, and the Super HOPT really hurts it as well, considering I am putting 3 cards into a monster that might not even restock my GY. -2 for a meh beater isn't great. Armed Apprentice works as a ladder, but isn't much use considering how slow the archetype is at the moment anyway.

 

 

 

[spoiler=Spells/Traps]Dhasheimr hints towards the Warrior Counter theme, but is held back by the rest of the archetype. I mean, it's not a bad card inherently, but for now it doesn't fix the archetypes major problems of speed, consistency, and staying on the field. Really, it's the Main Deck and Synchro monsters letting it down. Secret Sword is a pretty unique card, but due to the sparse present of banishing in the archetype, isn't particularly useful unless you happen to up against Masked HEROs. ATK Boost is nice, but it's not a priority that this archetype needs. On the Warpath, on the other hand, is just...immediate ez Summon. If the other cards in the archetype actually become good, this might need nerfing, Soldering Onwards is simple, slow, yet effective. No complaints there.

 

 

 

Commander Seraph being a Link 3 is too much. Just look at how powerful the Mekk-Knight equivalent is: 3k ATK, potential protection AND Summoning from the Deck. It needs to get buffed somewhere. But, I do like the effect anyway.

 

Very weak and all over the place at the moment. I feel you can buff their effects while more closely tying them into the lore. Hell, you could probably throw in a few additional effects here and there among the cards which aren't exactly specified in the lore, just to spice things up a little while keeping the monsters competent. There's no denying there isn't potential, especially among the Xyzs, Link, and S/T, but the actual main portions of the deck are severely lacking.

[Neutrality Man]

Hm, all very good points. Which is why I submitted this to your judgments.And so, the following changes have been made to the necessary cards. (read: All the effect monsters, and both the not-Field Spells) As for the intention of the playstyle (which I forgot and will now add to the OP), a player is meant to choose between the Xyz -> Divine Justice route, and the Synchro Robots route for their endgame.

[spoiler=Main Deck Monsters]


Solemn Soldier - Artillery Sprite
Level 4 EARTH Warrior Pendulum Tuner Effect Monster
1900/300
Pendulum Effect 
Scale 3/7

• During your Standby Phase you can add 1 "Solemn Soldier - Artillery Sprite" from your Deck or face-up Extra Deck to your hand. 
• "If a "Solemn Soldier" monster(s) in your possession is destroyed or banished: You can place Warfare Counters on this card equal to the number of monsters destroyed/banished.

Monster Effect

• You can remove 2 Warfare Counters from cards you control: target 1 card your opponent controls; destroy that target.
• When this card is Summoned: you can add 1 EARTH Warrior monster from your Deck to your hand.

Basically a complete overhaul removing all the early Pendulum Era restrictions she had. I don't think we had a PendTuner at all when I first made these. Also made 1 copy search the other 2 out if you're playing a full set. As she's meant to be a solo Pendulum by design.


Solemn Soldier - Berserk Maiden
Level 4 EARTH Warrior Effect Monster
1700/300

• When this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle: place 1 Warfare Counter on this card, also if your opponent controls an attack position monster(s), this card can attack again in a row. 
• If a card with Warfare Counters you control attacks a defense position monster your opponent controls, inflict piercing battle damage.

She now uses the counters to grant the entire Archetype piercing.
 

Solemn Soldier - Sigil Sisters
Level 4 EARTH Warrior Tuner Effect Monster
1000/300

• Cannot be used as a Synchro Material for a Synchro Summon, except for the Synchro Summon of a "Solemn Soldier" monster.
• Once per turn, if this card would be destroyed by battle, it is not destroyed.
• When this card is Normal Summoned while you have more Warrior monsters in your GY than your opponent: You can draw cards up to the difference (max. 3). 

Just the wording you described. The twins were designed basically the moment I read about the introduction of the term "surplus".
 


Solemn Soldier - Spellarrow Sniper
Level 6 EARTH Warrior Effect Monster
2200/300

• You can discard 1 other card in your hand, Special Summon this card from your hand. 
• While you control another face-up "Solemn Soldier" monster, this card cannot be targeted for an attack. 
• Once per turn: you can target up to 2 Spells and/or Traps your opponent controls: banish them. This card cannot attack the turn you activate this effect. 

Buffed the ATK value and gave her a self-Summon condition.


Solemn Soldier - Resolute Commander
Level 6 EARTH Warrior Effect Monster
2300/300

• While you control another face-up "Solemn Soldier" monster, this card cannot be targeted for an attack or by a card effect.
• During your Standby Phase: Place 2 Warfare Counters on every face-up "Solemn Soldier" card you control. 
• When a card with Warfare Counters on it leaves the field, place its Warfare Counters on this card.
• Once per turn: You can remove any number of Warfare Counters from this card; Special Summon 1 "Solemn Soldier" monster from your Deck with a Level equal to the number of Warfare Counters removed.

Highlander clause removed, accelerated the counter generation.

 

Solemn Soldier - Valiant Knightcorn
EARTH Level 4 Warrior Effect Monster
1500/300

• If this card is destroyed and sent to the GY: you can Special Summon up to 2 EARTH monsters with 300 DEF from your hand or Deck.
• If this card you control is targeted by an opponent's card effect: you can remove 1 Warfare Counter from this card; negate that effect.

Added the EARTH restraint as suggested.
Added Warfare Counter-related effect.

[spoiler=Extra Deck Monsters]
[spoiler=Synchros]
 

Solemn Soldier - Maiden of Divine Justice
Level 8 EARTH Warrior Synchro Effect Monster
2200/300
1 Tuner Synchro Monster + 1 or more "Solemn Soldier" monsters

• You can treat face-up Xyz Monsters you control as Level 0 Synchro Material monsters for the Synchro Summon of this card. 
• While you control a face-up Spellcaster Xyz Monster, this card cannot be destroyed or targeted by card effects. 
• During your End Phase. if you do not control another Warrior monster: return this card to the Extra Deck. 
• When this card leaves the field, Special Summon 1 "Solemn Soldier - Berserk Maiden" from your hand, Deck, or GY.
• This card gains additional effects depending on the number of Xyz Monsters used as Synchro Material for its Synchro Summon:
  1+: This card's original ATK becomes 3400. 
  2+: If this card battles a Fiend monster, destroy that monster at the end of the Damage Step and inflict 1000 damage to your opponent.
  3+: Negate the effect to return this card to the Extra Deck if you do not control another Warrior monster.

Increased ATK so baseline is higher than her un-empowered state.
Removed the Type-Hunter aspect from the "2 Xyz"  bonus effect.
 


Solemn Soldier - Erazure mkVIII
Level 8 EARTH Machine Synchro Effect Monster
2000 / 300
1 "Solemn Soldier" Tuner + 1 non-Tuner "Solemn Soldier" monster

• If this card was Synchro Summoned using a Pendulum Summoned Synchro Material(s), it cannot be destroyed by card effects.
• When this card battles an opponent's defense position monster: inflict piercing battle damage. While you control this face-up monster: other face-up "Solemn Soldier" monsters you control cannot be attacked.

OPT removed from protection effect.


Solemn Soldier - Absolution mkX
Level 10 EARTH Machine Synchro Effect Monster
3200/300
1 "Solemn Soldier" Tuner + 1 non-Tuner "Solemn Soldier" monster

• If this card was Synchro Summoned using a Pendulum Summoned Synchro Material(s), it cannot be destroyed by card effects. 
• Once per turn: You can remove any number of Warfare Counters on the field; destroy cards in your opponent's hand or on their field, up to the number of counters removed, then this card loses 300 ATK for each card destroyed until your next Standby Phase. 

OPT removed from protection effect.
Lowered baseline ATK
Switched shielding effect with F.I.N.A.L.E.'s more offensive destruction effect.
Removed targeting from the swapped-in destruction effect.
Made ATK-loss negative temporary to simulate a "recharge" period in-Lore, tied to destruction effect.
 
 

Solemn Soldier - F.I.N.A.L.E.
Level 12 EARTH Machine Synchro Effect Monster
4500/300
1 "Solemn Soldier" Tuner + 1 non-Tuner "Solemn Soldier" Synchro monster

• Must be Synchro Summoned.
• If this card was Synchro Summoned using a Pendulum Summoned Synchro Material(s), it cannot be destroyed by card effects.
• If a face-up "Solemn Soldier" card, except this card, would be destroyed: this card loses 900 ATK instead, and if it does, it gains 600 DEF.

Removed all restrictions except the Sync-Only clause.
Swapped destruction effect for Absolution's shielding effect.
Tied the ATK/DEF conversion from the old maintenance cost into the shielding effect.


When unboosted ATK hits 0, DEF will be 3300

[spoiler=Xyz]
 
Solemn Soldier - Spellblader Sorceress
Rank 6 EARTH Spellcaster Xyz Effect Monster
2600/300
2+ Level 6 EARTH Warrior-type monsters

• You can also Xyz Summon this card using 3 or more non-Xyz "Solemn Soldier" monsters you control as Xyz Material.
• Once per turn (Quick Effect): you can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card: add 1 Spell from your GY to your hand.
• Gains 600 ATK for each face-up Spell you control  on the field.

Now uses opponent's Spells for PowerUp effect as well.
 

Solemn Soldier - Progenitor Technomancer
Rank 4 EARTH Spellcaster Xyz Effect Monster
2600/300
3 Level 4 Monsters

• When this card is Xyz Summoned: You can add 1 EARTH Warrior-type monster from your Deck to your hand.
• You can detach 1 material from this card and pay 600 LP; place 1 EARTH Pendulum Monster from your Deck or GY in your Pendulum Zone.
• You can detach 1 material from this card and remove any number of Warfare Counters from cards you control; Special Summon EARTH Warrior-type monsters from your hand or Deck whose total Levels equal the number of Warfare Counters removed.

Super HOPT removed entirely. (Considering putting soft OPT on Effect #3, pending playtesting.)
Summoning effect changed from single monster of equal or lesser Levels, to swarming for exact total Levels
 

Solemn Soldier - Warcrux Witch
Rank 4 EARTH Spellcaster Xyz Effect Monster
2300/300
2 Level 4 "Solemn Soldier" monsters

• Once per turn, if this card was Xyz Summoned using a Pendulum Summoned Xyz Material(s), it cannot be destroyed by battle. 
• Once per turn: you can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; add 1 Normal Spell Card whose card text includes "Warrior monster" from your Deck to your hand.
• You can detach 2 Xyz Materials from this card; Special Summon 1 "Solemn Soldier" monster from your GY. Banish it when it leaves the field.

Lockout removed from Spell search due to minimal TCG/OCG searchpool, 8 cards at time-of-post, and even more limited usable searchpool, 2 cards. (ROTA and The Warrior Returning Alive). The other 6 are either:
A: 3 unavoidable collateral targets because "Beast-Warrior" exists and is called that. (2 Bujin Spells and Wild Nature's Release)
B: 2 unable to support these cards due to their statlines. (Chaos Seed, no LIGHT or DARK cards to fuel it; Feast of the Wild LV5 can only summon 5s, and this set has only 4s and 6s.)C: 1 exists only to support an entirely unrelated Theme. (Legend of Heart for the Season 4 Knights)

[spoiler=Link]

Solemn Soldier - Commander Seraph
EARTH Warrior Link Effect Monster
2900/Link-3
DL, D, DR
2+ EARTH monsters
When this card is Link Summoned: you can target 1 EARTH monster with 300 DEF in your GY; Special Summon it, and if you do, shuffle as many cards as possible from your GY into the Deck, up to that monster's Level/Rank, then draw 2 cards. You can only use this card name's effect once per turn.
Buffed ATK, relaxed the Link Recipe. I'm still not fully sure on the general best practices with Links.

 

[spoiler="Spells]

On the Warpath
Normal Spell
If you control a "Solemn Soldier" monster: excavate the top 5 cards of your Deck; Special Summon any number of "Solemn Soldier" monsters among them in face-up defense position then send the rest to the Graveyard. You lose 200 LP for each monster Special Summoned. You can only use this card name's effect once per turn.
Rebalanced against the increased power of the rest of the Archetype.



Secret Sword of the Solemn Soldiers
Equip Spell

• Equip only to a Warrior or Spellcaster monster.
• The equipped monster is treated as both a Warrior monster and a Spellcaster monster, also it gains 600 ATK for each face-up monster that shares a type with the equipped monster.
• When the equipped monster destroys an opponent's monster by battle: you can add 1 EARTH Warrior monster from your Deck to your hand.

Completely replaced the banish recovery effect with further consistency boosting search power.

 

[Dova]

I hate to say it, but Beserk is still terrible. Inefficient, low stats, slow...there's nothing helpful there. The genericness of Artillery Sprite's search, on the other hand, is crying for abuse. I would suggest hard once per turn on it at the very least. EARTH Warrior has got to be one of the most commonly used Typings/Attributes in YGO. I do like the increased use of Warrior Counters though. Sniper's buff is neat, and Resolute finally has its place. For Knightcorn, I would suggest hard once per turn on its effect, as if your opponent controls a monster with more than 1500 ATK, you can ram this card into it to get 2 copies of itself, then ram both copies to get 4 monsters. This can be done in any deck.

 

Your Synchro bosses are better, but I would suggest that both Absolution and particularly FINALE have addition protection or offensive power, as the latter is rather underwhelming for a Level 12.  I still don't think that your counter placement is enough for Technomaster and Absolution are any useful. Other changes in that regard are also fine.

 

Secret Sword's new effect is pretty cool, but we still need a battle clause like Armades on at least 2 cards somewhere so that destroying by battle is not only possible but has limited repercussions. That could be an idea for a Field Spell. But yeah, destruction by battle being as weak as it is, if you want to work with that you'll need to work with more ATK gain (which you have done to some extent) and Armades' clause.

[Neutrality Man]

I'm intentionally leaving Berserk Maiden terrible on her own. She's supposed to be strongest when her army is at her side.

 

New card.

Solemn Soldier - Fell Falconer

Level 4 EARTH Warrior Effect Monster

1400/300

1. You can only control 1 "Solemn Soldier - Fell Falconer". 
2. When this card is Summoned: place 2 Warfare counters on it."Solemn Soldier" monsters you control gain 300 ATK for every Warfare Counter on this card. 
3. When a "Solemn Soldier" monster battles, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step.

Highlander clause to reduce potential for NS-able 4k+ beaters.

Makes Berserk Maidens 2300 Level 4s when Summoned, and bigger if she gains more counters during her life.

Grants Armades clause to Archetype while on board.

 

[spoiler=Changes]

1. Once per turn: you can Special Summon 1 "Solemn Soldier" monster from your hand.
2. The Special Summon of a Warrior monster(s) cannot be negated.
3. When a Warrior monster is Normal Summoned: place 1 Warfare counter on this card.
4. If this face-up card would be destroyed, you can remove 1 Warfare Counter from a card you control instead.

Counter generation acceleration.

 

1. Once per turn: You can Special Summon 1 EARTH monster with 300 DEF from your Graveyard. It cannot attack or activate its effect(s) this turn. 
2. When a "Solemn Soldier" monster battles, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step.

Now grants Armades, Keeper of Boundaries' battle clause to Archetype

 

1. You can remove 2 Warfare Counters from cards you control: target 1 card your opponent controls; destroy that target.
2. When this card is Summoned: you can add 1 EARTH Warrior monster from your Deck to your hand. You can only use this effect of this card name once per turn.

 

HOPT added to Summon-search

 

1. If this card was Synchro Summoned using a Pendulum Summoned Synchro Material(s), it cannot be destroyed by card effects.
2. When a "Solemn Soldier" monster battles, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step.

3400/300

1. If this card was Synchro Summoned using a Pendulum Summoned Synchro Material(s): it cannot be targeted or destroyed by card effects. 
2. Once per turn You can remove any number of Warfare Counters on the field; destroy cards in your opponent's hand or on their field, up to the number of counters removed,then this card loses 300 ATK for each card destroyed until your next Standby Phase

 

Restored base ATK value to original amount, removed exhaustion penalty from effect.

Super Mode prevents targeting.

 

1. Must be Synchro Summoned. 
2. If this card was Synchro Summoned using a Pendulum Summoned Synchro Material(s), it cannot be destroyed by card is unaffected by other cards' effects. 
3. If a face-up "Solemn Soldier" card, except this card, would be destroyed: this card loses 900 ATK instead, and if it does, it gains 600 DEF.

 

Super Mode buffed to complete effect immunity, except from it's own negative effect. I will NOT be making it Kaijuproof.

 

1. If this card is destroyed and sent to the GY: you can Special Summon up to 2 monsters with 300 DEF from your hand or Deck, except "Solemn Soldier - Valiant Knightcorn".
2. If this card you control is targeted by an opponent's card effect: you can remove 1 Warfare Counter from this card; negate that effect.

Can no longer Summon other copies of self.