Merlin Prismriver

Poltergeist Trumpeter

Stats

Base

Fantasy Rebirth

Health

6400

Agility

1170

Yang ATK

1450

Yang DEF

850

Yin ATK

1000

Yin DEF

700

Races

Poltergeist Soul Gensokyo Misty Lake Musician Older Sister Younger Sister Undead

Element Type Chart

Ondan-zensen

Expand

Ondan-zensen (a Touhou LW original) refers to warm fronts―the leading edge of a mass of warmer air that moves in and replaces a mass of colder air. This temperament matches Merlin's heated and energetic music. Merlin is endowed with Metal Phase, as the trumpet is her instrument of choice, and Sun Essence, with her cheerful nature.

The cold and silent Metal Phase resists Earth Phase, because earth bears metal, but it is weak to Fire Phase, because fire refines metal.

The alluring and arrogant Sun Essence resists the diverse and uncooperative Star Essence, but it is weak to the cooperative and indecisive Moon Essence.

Sun

Moon

Fire

Water

Wood

Metal

Earth

Star

Character Shots

Riverside Song

Merlin Prismriver's Spread Shot. She attacks with cheerful melodic notes in a cross pattern. Due to how rivers are formed by nature, the land next to them is often wide and flat―Perfect for performances of all kinds. Perhaps the Prismriver Ensemble also has some concerts down by the river.

	Solo	Brass Ensemble Performance	x8	Yang
Energy Bullet Element: None PWR 4.29 ACC 75% CRI 5% [Sure-Hit]Always hits regardless of Accuracy stat.
	Solo	Trumpet Music Bullet	x3	Yin	1
Energy Bullet Element: Wood PWR 2.74 ACC 75% CRI 5% [Soul-Killer]
	Solo	Horn Music Bullet	x3	Yin	1
Energy Bullet Element: None PWR 2.29 ACC 75% CRI 5%
	Solo	Trombone Music Bullet	x3	Yang	2
Energy Bullet Element: None PWR 1.83 ACC 75% CRI 5% [Sure-Hit]Always hits regardless of Accuracy stat.
	Solo	Tuba Music Bullet	x3	Yang	2
Energy Bullet Element: None PWR 1.37 ACC 75% CRI 5%
	Solo	Euphonium Music Bullet	x3	Yin	3
Energy Bullet Element: None PWR 0.91 ACC 75% CRI 5% [Soul-Killer] [Sure-Hit]Always hits regardless of Accuracy stat.

Trumpet Soul

Merlin Prismriver's Focus Shot. She attacks with the cheerful music played from her trumpet spirit. The notes played by Merlin are maniac notes―notes that excite and motivate all who hear them. Fitting for a trumpeter, as they are often considered the star of the orchestra.

	All	Brass Instrument Spirits	x4	Yang
Energy Bullet Element: None PWR 9.52 ACC 75% CRI 5% [Indoor Person-Killer]
	All	Trumpet Spirit	x2	Yin	1
Energy Bullet Element: Wood PWR 4.57 ACC 75% CRI 5% [Sure-Hit]Always hits regardless of Accuracy stat.
	All	Horn Spirit	x2	Yin	1
Energy Bullet Element: None PWR 3.81 ACC 75% CRI 5% [Sure-Hit]Always hits regardless of Accuracy stat.
	All	Trombone Spirit	x2	Yang	2
Energy Bullet Element: None PWR 3.05 ACC 75% CRI 5%
	All	Tuba Spirit	x2	Yang	2
Energy Bullet Element: None PWR 2.29 ACC 75% CRI 5%
	All	Euphonium Spirit	x2	Yin	3
Energy Bullet Element: None PWR 1.52 ACC 75% CRI 5% [Indoor Person-Killer] [Sure-Hit]Always hits regardless of Accuracy stat.

Character Spell Cards

Available

Limit Break 1

Limit Break 2

Limit Break 3

Nether Trumpet: Ghost Clifford

Merlin Prismriver's Spell Card. She attacks with music reminiscent of the legendary jazz trumpeter. It seems that quite a few musicians of relatively modern music such as jazz and rock have passed away under unfortunate circumstances. No... perhaps the same could be said of musicians from the classical era of music too.

*Pre- and Post- effects assume max level. Effects per level can be viewed here.

Pre-Attack Spell Card Effects

Target's Evasion 2 level(s) DOWN (3 turns).

Target's Agility 2 level(s) DOWN (3 turns).

Post-Attack Spell Card Effects

None

	Solo	Cheerful Jazz	x15	Yang
Energy Bullet Element: None PWR 7.31 ACC 75% CRI 5% [Hard]DMG scales with ATK in addition to 80% of DEF.
	Solo	Intense Trumpet Spirit	x3	Yin	1
Energy Bullet Element: Wood PWR 8.78 ACC 75% CRI 5% [Indoor Person-Killer]
	Solo	Hard Bop	x3	Yin	1
Energy Bullet Element: None PWR 7.31 ACC 75% CRI 5% [Soul-Killer]
	Solo	Happy Trumpet Spirit	x2	Yin	1
Energy Bullet Element: Wood PWR 8.78 ACC 75% CRI 5% [Indoor Person-Killer]
	Solo	Cheerful Bebop	x2	Yang	2
Energy Bullet Element: None PWR 6.58 ACC 75% CRI 5% [Soul-Killer]
	Solo	Jaunty Trumpet Spirit	x1	Yin	3
Energy Bullet Element: Wood PWR 8.78 ACC 75% CRI 5% [Soul-Killer] [Hard]DMG scales with ATK in addition to 80% of DEF.

Noise Sign: Merlin Happy Live

Merlin Prismriver's Spell Card. This attack is made up of the notes played in Merlin's solo composition and predominantly features trumpets. It's happy, a very happy attack. But what is happiness? Most likely, it's not something that can just be given to you or that comes to you out of nowhere, but something that you yourself find in your everyday life. Merlin's fans are surely reflecting on the happiness that they have found when listening to this song.

*Pre- and Post- effects assume max level. Effects per level can be viewed here.

Pre-Attack Spell Card Effects

Inflicts 2 layer(s) of Barrier Status: Freeze to target (3 turns).

Target's Evasion 2 level(s) DOWN (3 turns).

Post-Attack Spell Card Effects

None

	Solo	Energetic Music Bullet	x7	Yang
Energy Bullet Element: None PWR 15.67 ACC 75% CRI 5% [Slice]DMG scales with ATK in addition to 70% of Agility
	Solo	Maniac Music Bullet	x2	Yin	1
Energy Bullet Element: Water PWR 13.17 ACC 75% CRI 5% [Soul-Killer]
	Solo	Energetic Sound Bullet	x2	Yin	1
Energy Bullet Element: None PWR 10.97 ACC 75% CRI 5% [Indoor Person-Killer]
	Solo	Maniac Sound Bullet	x2	Yin	1
Energy Bullet Element: Water PWR 8.78 ACC 75% CRI 5% [Soul-Killer]
	Solo	Energetic Melody Bullet	x2	Yang	2
Energy Bullet Element: None PWR 6.58 ACC 75% CRI 5% [Indoor Person-Killer]
	Solo	Maniac Melody Bullet	x2	Yin	3
Energy Bullet Element: Water PWR 4.39 ACC 75% CRI 5% [Indoor Person-Killer] [Hard]DMG scales with ATK in addition to 85% of DEF.

Final Encore - Merlin Solo

Merlin Prismriver's Last Word (a Touhou LW original). Due to popular demand, the Prismriver Ensemble hold many musical events throughout the year. The encore on the last day of these events is always the climax. Merlin's solo portion of the song provides even more excitement to the already exciting occasion, so the audience must be careful not to faint from the frenzy... Though that may be difficult as concerts, by their very nature, are exciting.

*Pre- and Post- effects assume max level. Effects per level can be viewed here.

Pre-Attack Spell Card Effects

Target's Yang ATK 3 level(s) DOWN (2 turns).

Target's Yang DEF 3 level(s) DOWN (2 turns).

Post-Attack Spell Card Effects

None

	Solo	Bouncing Tremolo	x19	Yang
Energy Bullet Element: Wood PWR 14.44 ACC 75% CRI 5% [Soul-Killer] [Indoor Person-Killer] [Hard]DMG scales with ATK in addition to 100% of DEF.
	Solo	Inspiring Trumpet	x4	Yin	1
Energy Bullet Element: Water PWR 16.46 ACC 75% CRI 5% [Soul-Killer] [Slice]DMG scales with ATK in addition to 100% of Agility
	Solo	Emotive Trumpet	x4	Yin	1
Energy Bullet Element: Water PWR 13.71 ACC 75% CRI 5% [Soul-Killer] [Slice]DMG scales with ATK in addition to 100% of Agility
	Solo	Impulsive Trumpet	x3	Yin	1
Energy Bullet Element: Water PWR 14.63 ACC 75% CRI 5% [Soul-Killer] [Slice]DMG scales with ATK in addition to 100% of Agility
	Solo	Lively Tremolo	x2	Yang	2
Energy Bullet Element: Wood PWR 16.46 ACC 75% CRI 5% [Soul-Killer] [Hard]DMG scales with ATK in addition to 150% of DEF.
	Solo	Poignant Trumpet	x1	Yin	3
Energy Bullet Element: Water PWR 21.94 ACC 75% CRI 5% [Soul-Killer] [Hard]DMG scales with ATK in addition to 150% of DEF.

Character Ability

Capable of performing maniac notes

Expand

Maniac notes are sounds that excite the listener. Listening to these notes in moderation can help cure depression, but overexposure can make the listener hysteric and aggressive. Like Lunasa, Merlin's solo performances can be dangerous, but similarly to Lunasa's music, the harmful effects are negated when the music is combined with Lyrica's illusionary notes. Merlin's maniac notes directly affect the listener's spirit to make them happy, which may explain why she is said to have the most fans out of the Prismriver Sisters. While there are many reasons to listen to music, it is safe to assume that most people listen to music for the joy it brings them.

Immune to Barrier Status: Paralyze.

DMG from resisted elements 25% DOWN.

Character Skills

Jamming Tube Lvl 10

CD 4

Inflicts 2 layer(s) of Barrier Status: Freeze to all targets (1 turn).

Grants Quick to self.

Info

Huh? What did you say? The music's too loud!

Skill Level		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Barrier Freeze
	Value	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	2
	Rate	0	10	20	30	40	50	60	70	80	0
	Add	0	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	0
Quick
	Value	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
	Rate	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	Add	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
CD		4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4

Military Bugle Lvl 10

CD 4

All targets' Yang DEF 2 level(s) DOWN (1 turn).

All targets' Yang ATK 2 level(s) DOWN (2 turns).

Info

It can be used for communication and to increase morale. Too-to-toooot!

Skill Level		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Yang Defense Level Down
	Value	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	2
	Rate	10	20	30	40	50	60	80	80	0
	Add	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	0
Yang Attack Level Down
	Value	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	2
	Rate	0	10	20	30	40	50	60	80	80	0
	Add	0	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	0
CD		5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	4	4

All-Night Noise Lvl 10

CD 4

All targets' Evasion 2 level(s) DOWN (2 turns).

All targets' Agility 2 level(s) DOWN (2 turns).

Info

The main characteristic of poltergeists is that they make noise. A certain girl projected the memories of her sisters onto the noises in her mansion.

Skill Level		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Evasion Level Down
	Value	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	2
	Rate	0	10	20	30	40	50	60	80	80	0
	Add	0	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	0
Agility Level Down
	Value	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	2
	Rate	0	10	20	30	40	50	60	80	80	0
	Add	0	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	0
CD		5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	4	4

Character Characteristics

Flutter

When attacked, DMG from soul-like presences 20% DOWN. [Success rate 100%.]

Shake

When attacked, DMG from Energy Bullet 20% DOWN. [Success rate 100%.]

Ghost Note

When wave starts, inflicts 1 layer of Barrier Status: Freeze to target (3 turns). [Success rate 50%.]

Character Change Effect

Power Link

When switching places with a rear-guard unit, other unit's Spirit Power UP.
When switching places with a front-guard unit, front guard's Spirit Power UP.

Upgrade Costs

Rank	Coins	Materials
0 -> 1	1000	x20 x10 x20 x10 x10 x10
1 -> 2	2,000	x10 x10 x10 x20 x20 x20
2 -> 3	5,000	x20 x20 x20 x20 x20 x20
3 -> 4	10,000	x20 x20 x20 x30 x30 x30
4 -> 5	15,000	x30 x30 x30 x30 x30 x30

Character Analysis

Merlin Prismriver was released on December 6th, 2021 in The Prismriver Ensemble.

Brought into existence by Layla Prismriver, Merlin performs in the Prismriver Ensemble along with her other sisters, Lunasa and Lyrica. To differentiate her notes from her siblings, Merlin's trumpet performs melodies that call toward listeners' emotions and amplifies their happiness to irregular levels until they cannot control themselves. She has an optimistic personality to match the happiness releases from her instrument's performance. Releasing music that makes the audience lose themselves would be dangerous for her own party, so instead Merlin specializes as a Debuff unit that turns the rhythm onto enemies. With a wide variety of debuffs to share, Merlin works hard and stands out as a very serviceable A+ Tier Friend.

The debuffs are the main appeal of Merlin's kit, seen from the affects of her spell cards and skills. She is not shy of applying Freeze to her enemies' barriers, either freezing 2 barriers with her second spell card, Noise Sign: Merlin Happy Live, or passing 2 Freeze barriers to all opponents with her first skill, Jamming Tube. While having no way to break these anomaly Barriers herself, another Friend with Melting bullets can easily synergize with Merlin and work toward Full Breaking the enemy. It helps that Merlin's other two skills, Military Bugle and All-Night Noise, target every opponent as well with the helpful debuffs of Yang DEF DOWN by 2 levels or Evasion DOWN by 2 levels respectively. Unlike her spell cards, her skills can be used repeatedly over longer battles, meaning Merlin can provide debuffs consistently throughout challenging content.

It helps that Merlin does not only weaken her opponents, but can crush them with heavy damage as well. Her Last Word, Final Encore - Merlin Solo, is frontloaded with a 3-1-1 spread so that most of the bullets only need 1 Spirit Power to access. Considering the target's Yang DEF decreases by 3 levels combined with the other Yang DEF and Evasion debuffs from her skills, Merlin's Last Word can serve as a helpful Solo nuke for many farming needs.

Unfortunately, Merlin's performance contains a few low parts to prevent her from being at the top. Outside of her Last Word, she needs at least 1 Spirit Power to access any of her Wood or Water breaks on a basic shot or spell card. Even then, the amount of elemental breaks she has access to are rather low. Having a dual-element Last Word makes it difficult to maximize its damaging potential as well, especially considering how every bullet obtained from 1 Spirit Power is Water while the initial attack is only Wood.

Even without a wide variety of elemental breaks, Merlin gives a great amount of support to the party through weakening the opponents in various helpful ways. The Yang DEF debuffs open opportunities for fellow Yang attackers, and everyone benefits from hitting enemies with decreased Evasion. Merlin is a wonderful Friend when it comes to performing against the enemy, but just avoid those same tunes from reaching your ears...

The values of her Last Word's scaling are as follows:

Hard: 100%/0%/0%/0%/150%/150%

Slicing: 0%/100%/100%/100%/0%/0%

Story Card Recommendations

Spell Card

Ordinary Magician

Bunbunmaru Newspaper

The Witch of Scarlet Dreams

Yang ATK UP helps Lunasa hit even harder, and as such it's greatly appreciated. Otherwise, Yang DEF UP goes well with the high Hard scaling (if a bit let down by her only decent base Yang DEF) on her Last Word, and she can make good use of Spirit Power UP for extra Breaks, as well as damage in the Arena.

Last Word

Thunder Beat

As Merlin already has Yang ATK UP and Accuracy covered, Energy DMG UP is her best bet, with Thunder Beat being a particularly great option. Otherwise, look to Wood DMG UP or Yang ATK UP.

Character Skill Level Up Recommendations

Military Bugle is her best skill, due to the Yang DEF DOWN, and should be leveled first. Secondly, All-Night Noise is great Accuracy support and should be raised next. Lastly, Jamming Tube can wait until you have need for Freeze (such as if you own Cirno with her Freeze Breaks).

Character Strengths

+Can apply a decent amount of Freeze Barriers
+Very strong, frontloaded Solo targeting Last Word
+Solid amount of Yang DEF DOWN to all enemies
+Strong Accuracy support via Evasion DOWN to all enemies

Character Weaknesses

-Can't quite reach the highs of other nukers due to mixed scaling
-Breaks are just average

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Merlin Prismriver

Stats

Races

Element Type Chart

Character Shots

Character Spell Cards

Character Ability

Character Skills

Character Characteristics

Character Change Effect

Upgrade Costs

Character Analysis

Story Card Recommendations

Spell Card

Last Word

Character Skill Level Up Recommendations

Character Strengths

Character Weaknesses

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