Within the world of Final Fantasy XIV, Triple Triad remains a favorite minigame among players who enjoy strategy, card collecting, and casual competition. Found throughout Eorzea and beyond, Triple Triad opponents range from lowly vendors to legendary NPCs. One particularly noteworthy challenger is the House Fortemps Manservant, a character located in Ishgard who offers both a solid challenge and unique card rewards. Understanding where to find him, what deck he uses, and how to beat him is essential for anyone seeking to master Triple Triad in the Heavensward regions.
Who is the House Fortemps Manservant?
Background in the Lore
The House Fortemps Manservant is an NPC tied to the noble House Fortemps in Ishgard. Known for their loyalty and impeccable service, the manservants of House Fortemps are usually polite, reserved, and carry themselves with dignity. Although he might seem like just another background character in Ishgard, this manservant is actually a recognized Triple Triad challenger one who offers unique gameplay for those who know where to look.
Location and Availability
Players can find the House Fortemps Manservant within The Pillars of Ishgard. More specifically, he is usually located around the House Fortemps Manor, a central area frequented during the Heavensward expansion. To challenge him, players must first ensure that they have unlocked Triple Triad and meet certain progression requirements within the game.
The NPC becomes available as a challenger once you’ve reached Ishgard and advanced far enough in the Heavensward main scenario quests. His availability may also depend on the time of day or completion of a specific side quest, so if he doesn’t appear immediately, return later or review your progression.
Triple Triad Overview
Basics of the Game
Triple Triad is a card game first introduced in Final Fantasy VIII and later brought into Final Fantasy XIV as part of the Gold Saucer content. The game features a 3×3 grid where players place cards with numbered sides. The goal is to flip your opponent’s cards by placing a higher number adjacent to theirs, ending the game with more cards in your color than theirs.
Rules and Variants
Each Triple Triad NPC uses different rule sets that can dramatically change how the game plays out. Some of the most common rules include:
- All Open: Both players’ hands are visible from the start.
- Random: Your deck is randomly selected from your collection.
- Plus: If two sides of your card match up to create an equal total with adjacent cards, multiple cards can be flipped.
- Same: If two sides of your card match exactly with the adjacent cards, flips occur.
The House Fortemps Manservant sometimes plays with All Open, which gives you an advantage if you plan your deck well. However, he may also use Random, meaning you’ll need a broad collection of strong cards to ensure consistent wins.
House Fortemps Manservant Deck
Card Lineup
The House Fortemps Manservant typically uses a combination of Ishgardian-themed cards and those tied to characters from the Heavensward expansion. His deck may vary slightly based on updates or patch changes, but often includes cards such as:
- Haurchefant
- Aymeric
- Estinien
- House Fortemps Knight
- Alphinaud or other Scions
These cards usually have solid stats and decent synergies, particularly when used under the Plus or Same rules. While not the most overpowering opponent in the game, he presents a moderate challenge that rewards careful planning and strategy.
Weaknesses and Strategy
One weakness of the House Fortemps Manservant’s deck is its occasional lack of balance. Many of his cards have strong numbers on only two or three sides, making them vulnerable to strategic placement and flipping. If you can bait his strong side and attack from a weaker one, you can flip cards with minimal risk.
Best Cards to Use Against Him
Recommended Deck Composition
To beat the House Fortemps Manservant consistently, consider using a deck with a mix of high-power cards and tactical support cards. Recommended cards include:
- Terra Branford: Excellent all-around stats.
- Thancred: Strong right and bottom sides, useful for corner plays.
- Lightning: Great top and left values, perfect for counter-flipping.
- Ysayle: A thematic and balanced card from Heavensward, useful in mirror matches.
- Generic 4-star Cards: Choose those with opposite-sided strengths to cover all corners.
If the rule is All Open, you can exploit his strategy by placing counter cards early. Under Random, your chances improve with a well-diversified card library, so invest time in collecting strong 3-star and 4-star cards from other NPCs or tournaments.
Gameplay Tactics
When you begin the match, prioritize corner plays that leave fewer sides exposed. Observe which cards the Manservant plays and identify any repeating patterns. Often, he starts strong and ends with weaker cards, so reserve your power cards for the late game to secure flips and prevent comebacks.
Rewards and Card Drops
Winning the Match
Defeating the House Fortemps Manservant grants MGP (Manderville Gold Saucer Points), which can be exchanged for items, mounts, and more Triple Triad cards. Occasionally, you can win rare card drops directly from him after a victory.
Possible Card Rewards
He has been known to drop several unique or hard-to-get cards, depending on the patch and your RNG luck. Some potential drops include:
- Haurchefant Card
- Aymeric Card
- House Fortemps Knight Card
- Custom Ishgardian-themed Cards
These drops are not guaranteed, and the rate can vary. Sometimes, you may need to win multiple times before receiving a card. Consistency and persistence are key if you’re farming for collection completion.
Tips for Farming Cards
Time-Efficient Grinding
To farm the House Fortemps Manservant efficiently, equip gear or use buffs that increase your MGP gains. Some seasonal events or Gold Saucer bonuses increase drop rates or reduce wait times between matches. Try farming during these windows.
Track Your Wins
Since card drops are not guaranteed, it helps to keep track of how many wins you’ve had. Some players report drops after 10 wins, others after 50. Having a tally can help you determine when to keep going or try another opponent for a while.
The House Fortemps Manservant is a mid-tier but rewarding opponent in the world of Triple Triad. His deck offers a fair challenge, and the cards he can drop are highly desirable, especially for fans of Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward. Whether you’re aiming to complete your Triple Triad collection, earn MGP, or just engage in strategic gameplay, battling this Ishgardian NPC is worth your time. With the right preparation, knowledge of his deck, and careful card placement, you’ll find victory not just achievable but also satisfying. Dive in, build your ultimate deck, and prove your skills at the tables of Ishgard.