Faithful Squire // Kaiso, Memory of LoyaltyHow it works & interactions with other cards

Harnessing the Ki

While on its front side, Faithful Squire features a triggered ability that triggers whenever you cast a Spirit or Arcane spell. Each time this happens, you have the option to put a ki counter on it. These counters serve as the resource needed for its transformation and its subsequent defensive abilities once flipped.

The Transformation Process

At the beginning of each end step, the game checks if Faithful Squire has two or more ki counters on it. If it does, you may choose to flip the card. Once flipped into Kaiso, Memory of Loyalty, it becomes a 2/2 Legendary Spirit with Flying. Crucially, any ki counters that were on the Squire remain on Kaiso, ready to be spent to prevent damage.

Strategic Protection

Kaiso, Memory of Loyalty has an activated ability that costs one ki counter. This ability targets a creature and prevents all damage—both combat and non-combat—that would be dealt to that creature for the remainder of the turn. Since this is an activated ability, you can use it multiple times in a single turn as long as you have the counters to pay for it.

Common Pitfalls

Remember that flipping is optional; you do not have to flip the Squire just because it has two counters. Also, note that the flip check only happens at the beginning of the end step. If you cast your second Spirit spell during an end step, you will have to wait until the next turn's end step for the opportunity to flip the Squire.

Interaction examples

Doubling the Discipline

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'Human' or 'Soldier' chosen, Faithful Squire's first ability will trigger twice whenever you cast a Spirit or Arcane spell. This allows you to place two ki counters per spell, fulfilling the flip requirement in a single cast.

Protecting Your Assets

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent attempts to destroy Solemn Simulacrum using a damage-based spell like a fireball or through combat, you can activate Kaiso's ability by removing a ki counter. This creates a prevention shield that lasts the entire turn, ensuring your Golem survives to block or attack another day.

Sequential Casting

With Faithful Squire on the battlefield, you cast two Spirit spells during your main phase. Each spell triggers the Squire, and you put two ki counters on it. As you move to your end step, the Squire's second ability triggers. You choose to flip it, and it becomes Kaiso, Memory of Loyalty, retaining both counters to use for protection later.