We now arrive at the mystery card from the final sleeve—a beautiful and powerful version of Azumarill. This is a holographic rare card from the XY-era set Tidal Storm, and it’s a special one, featuring a unique “Ancient Trait” that sets it apart from the rest.
Card Details
- Pokémon Name: Azumarill (マリルリ)
- Set: Tidal Storm (XY5)
- Year: 2014
- Card Number: 049-070
- Rarity/Edition: Holo Rare (Ancient Trait)
- Artist: 5ban Graphics
- National Pokédex No.: 184
Card Text & Attacks
- Type: Fairy
- HP: 100
- Evolves From: Marill
Ancient Trait: α Recovery
- Japanese: α回復 (Alpha Kaifuku)
- Effect: When this Pokémon’s HP is healed, the amount of healing is doubled.
Attack 1:
- Japanese: しっぽビンタ
- Romaji: Shippo Binta
- English: Tail Slap
- Cost: [Fairy][Colourless]
- Damage: 30x
- Effect: Flip 2 coins. This attack does 30 damage for each heads.
Attack 2:
- Japanese: ひきしお
- Romaji: Hikishio
- English: Ebb Tide
- Cost: [Fairy][Colourless][Colourless]
- Damage: 100-
- Effect: This attack does 10 less damage for each damage counter on this Pokémon.
- Weakness: Metal x2
- Resistance: Dark -20
- Retreat Cost: [Colourless][Colourless]
Pokédex Entry:
- Japanese: お腹の 泡のような 模様は 水の 中で 自分の 姿を カモフラージュしてくれる。
- Romaji: Onaka no awa no yōna moyō wa mizu no naka de jibun no sugata o kamofurāju shite kureru.
- English: The bubble-like pattern on its stomach helps it camouflage itself in the water.
Collector’s Notes
This Azumarill is a Holo Rare from the Japanese set Tidal Storm (XY5) and a fantastic example of a card with a special mechanic. The “Ancient Trait” (α回復 or Alpha Recovery) is a passive ability, indicated by the special text box in the upper portion of the card. This mechanic was a key feature of the sets that introduced Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre, adding a layer of ancient power to many Pokémon. Its presence is also the reason the National Pokédex number is not printed on this card—the design was adjusted to make room for this unique feature.
The artwork by 5ban Graphics is vibrant and magical. Their 3D style makes Azumarill pop, and the surrounding scene is full of sparkling bubbles and lush, verdant nature. The “cosmos” holographic pattern beautifully complements the water and light effects in the illustration, making the entire card feel alive with energy. It’s a more dynamic and action-oriented take on the Pokémon compared to its other version in the set.
As a Friend of Geopik, this Azumarill carries a wonderful metaphorical link to our theme. The concept of “Ancient Traits” evokes the idea of discovering abilities that have been dormant for ages, much like a geologist unearths fossils or a miner discovers a hidden vein of ore. It represents a power that is old, primal, and connected to the very fabric of the world. While its camouflage connects it to the biology of its aquatic environment, its ancient power connects it to the history of the Pokémon world itself.
