[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmYMesNndQbHGTAiv3WVeMsSLTgBgDSPm83pNkfTm7fyDD/image.png]
With no melee options my usual attacking options are out. In this battle, I explore other options and go back to my roots with a Magic battle. This time though, I have plenty of new tricks up my sleeve.
[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmY7EEfP4YXvz5QCcXvGMZYxbz2D836UQvLeVY5zHAbqji/image.png]
The Ruleset
[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmWKZpFFaxHtcbdV4ggsrFSk8ah9p9w9smrQmGqHAFk5ex/untitled.png]
With Life and Death unavailable there are still plenty of options. Melee is one of my favourite attack types so a switch up to magic or ranged damage is necessary. When Death is available, I tend toward ranged damage so I think going for either Water or Earth is the way forward here.
Keep Your Distance
[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmYSkeZZCh12WAd7fNNUjqkVuao9o36DhTSJUH7dGGWWZD/image.png]
Melee monsters are unavailable for this ruleset.
Even Stevens
[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmU3jfht5L8zVxxUwkP25mCaPSKQAD12c5FN97tn36ovL6/image.png] Only monsters with an even mana cost can be summoned.
Armoured Up
[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmSCKti9MB1v3bDNAvj5E6FPJHPafRG5aDza78wPC6LGL2/image.png]
Each monster receives +2 armour.
[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmY7EEfP4YXvz5QCcXvGMZYxbz2D836UQvLeVY5zHAbqji/image.png]
Obsidian
[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmerFXSrafzixFpsXnFhReUciBsYTKvotnAhHKrNqQiTjK/obsidian_lv6.png]
I am aiming to use magic as one of my more potent weapons and Obsidian allows me to do so. At sixth level, Obsidian offers a good range of utility as well within the Earth deck so I will be looking to boost my magic damage but also reduce the opposing lineup to nullify it where best possible.
Quillionaire Legionary
[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmVPVKzZBhmheC8fFd6dVzcDr3oea5qfuUojdPf8WnrhCL/quilliun_legionary_4.png]
This is a card I would consider key moving forward into Conclave Arcana. With the Void and Thorns abilities this is a solid tank to sit behind. With Close Range, this is a solid ranged attacker to work with as well so I am confident in this selection.
Goblin Psychic
[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQme8wGaUsTXkd3LPAChzaCYs1HFfSr64o6mHuyqL8Q4t48/goblin_psychic_lv8.png]
With Goblin Psychic at level eight, it is able to utilise Silence which reduces opposing magic damage. This combined with Void should help to support the tank at the front. With damage boosted to three by Obsidian, Goblin Psychic is a killer with healing capabilities. The Affliction is also useful as it will prevent healing for the opposition.
Xenith Archer
[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmXgoYWdNnREzv3NAHrtUyhSfsmi4pPHRzP91dFA8DpQmj/xenith_archer_lv1.png]
An additional two mana meant selecting a ranged attacker who could do more as a distraction. With my next card being low on health, I wanted to give any opposing opportunity monsters a different option to attack first. Ideally, this will not be necessary.
Madcap Magus
[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmXeNVc98bqTvJ3cD61aCd3VJnTKzrN3z9TLJJJwr19cYu/madcap_magus_lv4.png]
Low on health, I'll need to protect this but the random damage could be an interesting factor. If the battle lasts any significant length of time then this card will collect good amounts of health through the Life Leech ability. Good damage especially when boosted by Obsidian. The only thing is it is a little on the slower side.
Supply Runner
[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmYzEwd99aHPi37BzhAZuTTwbrvYqFwuSbGgyhu5ky9RJ2/supply_runner_lv8.png]
A solid card expecially at eighth level with the Swiftness ability which would help to speed my up line-up. Three damage and 5 speed is great and the ranged damage provides a good alternative to the magic on offer.
Ava The Undaunted
[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmZTbJmj3ks85sM3YkEw2vbkBm93CW2PQ4Lixd3iTT5vzp/ava_the_undaunted_2.png]
Good damage and speed as well as some armour make this a dangerous card to use. The Shatter ability could prove useful against Void Armour or any opposing armour
Opposing Lineup:
Obsidian
[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmbgETXGUj3vqi65Aqyx5zPWjEFQ1v5HFFPM8GNcJMsDFn/obsidian_lv2.png]
Key difference here is the level which will prevent the opponent from utilising each card to the maxmium. Could this be the difference maker?
Quillionaire Legionary
[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmNtAkWcjDwUtfutvdFM1ZqRsjabgoPRJHa8kSSLNUMe3o/quilliun_legionary_g2.png]
This is an example of why I think the Legionary is so important to unlock at level four. I think this could be a challenge for the opponent from the get go. I think my magic damage will overwhelm the tank but lets see what else is in store.
Madcap Magus
[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmYT3ghuMcD6P5PcH9K63wZJAx6cex8KaqsJVFCc9Zy9qG/madcap_magus_lv2_gold.png]
Similar choice to my own again. I think it'll be important who the Magus attacks first. Quick note though, due to the lower level this Gold Foil Madcap Magus will have lower damage than my own.
Magi of Chaos
[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmf4TXaNUV3TK8ESJeztD6v9j42EUU1RZWB8xgmwYAui1P/magi_of_chaos_lv2.png]
For a magic strategy with Obsidian, I think the Magi Of Chaos is an excellent card choice. With a base of two damage and six health it is a a capable card and a neutral as well. A good choice.
Goblin Psychic
[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmVxCnkw7pBEt2ZkbUudiZKSQr9m9YyiWGrtw5XcisKpEg/goblin_psychic_lv3.png]
A solid card even at lower levels. This third level card is missing two key abilities and I think this could be the real game changer here.
Meriput Mossmender
[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmSs9XJGWYq7dw6F4cnM1jT51TCw3f4rgBvUYRQvu36uaq/meriput_mossmender_g2.png]
I love the artwork on this card and this is going for around $20 USD at time of writing. A solid card for those reverse speed line-ups. I don't think this will make a significant difference due to Shatter.
Queen Mycelia
[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmYukcn8j4qPuzqps96Z8AER3m6RgCE57HB2MHfSz1N8zj/queen_mycelia_lv1.png]
A good choice and one of my favourite cards of all time. Ideally this would be at a higher level to contribute further. What Queen Mycelia will do is slow my ranged attackers down but with Shatter I hope to have this countered.
[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmY7EEfP4YXvz5QCcXvGMZYxbz2D836UQvLeVY5zHAbqji/image.png]
The Battle
Battle Link Here!
Round 1
[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmer4W96VSRG5YA3Ryxx5PsB8FWgiedb8UR7S9FpWBdZjE/round1_ezgif.com_video_to_gif_converter.gif]
Right from the start, the difference in the levels is clear. The Void ability is taking a beating but is doing its job. The Madcap Magus is taking shots at their backline and soon, that armour would be down.
Round 2
[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmRwWrVQQMZEyhRH4k6e2Ayi2naVWeYxrzrZMkAiSEUNBD/round2_ezgif.com_video_to_gif_converter.gif]
Having taken their tank down at the start of the round, the battle has a clear direction. The tactics have worked on my side. The Mossmender, with it's low health was always at risk from the Madcap Magus and it finally succumbed to a singular random strike. Queen Mycelia is looking very weak as well.
Final Rounds
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Taking away their ability to heal and their armour has meant that each strike from my line-up is now taking down their health with every strike.
[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmY7EEfP4YXvz5QCcXvGMZYxbz2D836UQvLeVY5zHAbqji/image.png]
Conclusions
- Magic damage is potent but can be easily countered with Void and Silence in combination.
- The Quilian Legionary is an excellent card but it really needs to get to fourth level in order to exploit its full potential.
- With some key level ups, the opponent would have stood more of a chance.
- I think I will desperately miss Goblin Psychic in the new modern. Which card do you think will replace it?
[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmY7EEfP4YXvz5QCcXvGMZYxbz2D836UQvLeVY5zHAbqji/image.png]
- This post is a 100% Power Up Post and is the sixth of ten in a row.
- I am committed to the Splinterlands community and Hive and hope that by completing at least ten in a row powered up, I can work back to a more positive standing as far as my account is concerned.
- I have worked down to a 5.22 rating which is a significant change.
- This is in part due to behavioural change but also the ten in a row challenge I set myself.
- As things are, I have posted five times in a row and directed all earnings to being powered up.
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All powered up Hive will remain there moving forward.
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In addition, only HBD earned from any future posts will be used to boost assets on Hive once the ten in a row has been completed / or until the account is in a positive standing.
[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmY7EEfP4YXvz5QCcXvGMZYxbz2D836UQvLeVY5zHAbqji/image.png]
Join Splinterlands:
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How to invest without FIAT in a bear market? : https://peakd.com/hive-167922/@holdeck/how-i-am-investing-for-after-the-bear-market
Setting and redefining goals in a bear market: https://peakd.com/hive-13323/@holdeck/setting-and-redefining-goals-in-a-bear-market
Splinterlands Fire divider by freeztag
Splinterlands Icon Divider made by holdeck and available here
All card, icons, Splinter images and stats courtesy of Splinterlands
Ability and Ruleset blurbs taken from Splintercards
Splinter Element Icons taken from Splinterlands
I have reformatted them into PNG files which you are welcome to use here
(Please note that all prices were accurate at the time of writing, sourced from Peakmonsters.com).
