• Zhong Yao may 'use' a basic card, such as Attack, Escape, or Peach, by placing a black non-basic card on top of the deck.

• The black non-basic card must come from his hand or equipment area, and it takes the place of the basic card he declares. 

• "Living Ink" does not work if he has already used that type of basic card during the same turn. For example, if Zhong Yao already used a Attack earlier in his turn, he cannot use "Living Ink" to play another.

• The black card placed on top of the deck becomes the top card for future draws or judgments.

• "Secure" only works if no characters have taken damage during the current Action Phase. If damage is dealt, "Secure" cannot activate for the rest of the phase.

• If a character loses health, "Secure" can still be active since damage has not yet been caused. 

• Zhong Yao can trigger "Secure" when a character becomes the target of a spade card, regardless of its type.

• The targeted character draws one card immediately after the spade card is played, even if the card has not yet resolved.

• "Living Ink" allows Zhong Yao to make use of otherwise unplayable black non-basic cards by converting them into basic cards. This ensures consistent card utility.

• "Secure" enhances Zhong Yao’s ability to protect allies and encourage strategic use of spade cards for benefit.

• By placing a black card on top of the deck with "Living Ink," Zhong Yao can influence upcoming judgment cards to favor his side.

• Zhong Yao can use "Living Ink" to give the next character a spade tool card, allowing them to play it on their coming turn. This lets Zhong Yao activate "Secure" allowing more allies to draw cards. 

• "Living Ink" is restricted by the types of basic cards Zhong Yao has not yet used, limiting its impact during extended turns.

• "Secure" requires an undamaged Action Phase to activate, which may limit its effectiveness in chaotic battles.

• Zhong Yao’s abilities heavily rely on having black cards in hand, making him vulnerable to discard-focused tactics.

• Spade Users:
  Characters who frequently use spade cards, such as Yuan Shao, benefit from "Secure" as they can gain additional cards while using their abilities.

• Xiao Qiao:
  Xiao Qiao gets a special mention since she does not use spades. Her ability "Beauty" changes all her spades into hearts. This prevents Zhong Yao from using "Secure" from her.

• Judgment Manipulators:
  Characters like Sima Yi or Zhang Jiao, who rely on judgments, synergize well with Zhong Yao's ability to place a black card on top of the deck. This ensures or hinders favorable outcomes for their abilities.

• Card Generators:
  Allies like Liu Bei or Guo Jia, who can provide additional cards, help Zhong Yao maintain a steady flow of black cards for "Living Ink."

King

• • Zhong Yao’s abilities are defensive and team-oriented, making him a decent King candidate. His "Living Ink" ensures survival while "Secure" supports his Loyalists.

Loyalist

• • Zhong Yao excels in the Loyalist role by aiding the King with consistent card usage and mitigating damage through "Secure."

Rebel

• • As a Rebel, Zhong Yao can convert surplus cards into damage-dealing actions, but his defensive nature is less suited for an aggressive strategy.

Spy

• • Zhong Yao's flexibility allows him to adapt as a Spy, though his reliance on black cards may hinder his effectiveness if targeted early.

Zhong Yao is a versatile and defensive general, offering consistent utility through "Living Ink" and situational support with "Secure." His success hinges on careful resource management and strategic use of spade cards. While his abilities make him an excellent team player, he requires black cards to function optimally, so maintaining a diverse hand is critical. Zhong Yao shines in roles that prioritize defense and support, making him a valuable asset in group-oriented gameplay.

Zhong Yao was a prominent politician and calligrapher of the Cao Wei state during the Three Kingdoms period. Known as the "father of regular script," Zhong Yao’s innovations in calligraphy laid the foundation for future generations of Chinese writing. His association with calligraphy is reflected in "Living Ink," which transforms his precision into a game mechanic that grants flexibility in card use.

As a loyal servant of Cao Wei, Zhong Yao played a key administrative role, often supporting Cao Cao and his successors in stabilizing the state. His meticulous and calculated nature in politics is mirrored in "Secure," where his attention to detail ensures the safety and resources of his allies. The combination of his artistic and administrative legacy makes Zhong Yao a thoughtful and strategic addition to Sanguosha.