Ruleset Focus
This week's edition of Battle Mage Secrets will delve into the intricacies of the CLOSE RANGE ruleset.
Under this ruleset, all Ranged units gain the capability to utilize Ranged attacks even from the first position during battles. This alteration in dynamics on the battleground introduces a newfound versatility to Ranged Monsters, as they are no longer confined solely to the backline! 😁
Abilities Focus
CLOSE RANGE ruleset, there will inevitably be a heightened focus on Ranged Monsters. Thus, having these abilities in your lineup would prove useful in mitigating the influence of Ranged Monsters!
return reduced damage back to their attacker
Summoner, Ilthain
When observing the CLOSE RANGE ruleset in action, one Summoner immediately stands out: Ilthain, from the Life Splinters. Ilthain has the ability to create an environment that is particularly challenging for Ranged Monsters, especially within the confines of the CLOSE RANGE ruleset. Priced at just 3 mana, Ilthain grants the team the Return Fire ability, which can truly excel in the CLOSE RANGE ruleset, where Ranged Monsters are expected to excel! 😅
The Battle
While fulfilling my responsibilities in the Splinterlands scholarship account I have with Balthazar, bltzr-wizard-729, I was able to engage in a battle that involves the CLOSE RANGE ruleset. To get right into the action, the battle link can be found here. Otherwise, do read on as I go into more detail regarding the lineup and fight.
Let's begin by analyzing the ruleset introduced for this battle. Firstly, we encounter the Counterspell ruleset, which equips all units with the Magic Reflect ability at the battle's onset. Following that, we encounter the focal point of this week's challenge: the CLOSE RANGE ruleset, which we've thoroughly discussed in preceding sections. Lastly, we have the Up to Eleven ruleset, which endows all units with the Amplify ability. The battle imposes a mana constraint of 25 and restricts the employment of only the Fire, Death, and Dragon Splinters.
Summoner, Quix The Devious
Taking into account the influence of the CLOSE RANGE ruleset, my selection of Quix The Devious as the Summoner primarily revolves around the potential to apply a -1 Ranged debuff on the Ranged Monsters throughout the battle. Given that the ruleset highlights the utilization of Ranged Monsters, the Summoner's -1 Range and -1 Speed debuffs offer significant tactical benefits during engagements! 😄
First Position, Ever-Hungry Skull
Strategically placing the Ever-Hungry Skull in the forefront, it acts as a sturdy tank, capable of retaliating against both Melee and Ranged assaults. Its formidable Armor stats, coupled with abilities such as Thorns and Return Fire, enable the Ever-Hungry Skull to inflict significant damage on enemy monsters, particularly advantageous under the Up to Eleven ruleset. The vulnerability of its low Health point is offset by the Counterspell ability, alleviating concerns about opposing Magic Monsters! 😝
Second Position, Silent Sha-Vi
In my favored lineup tailored with the Death Splinter involvement in battles, the Silent Sha-vi assumes a pivotal role. This unit's Sneak ability facilitates a lethal offensive maneuver, swiftly eliminating the enemy's rear guard. Additionally, its Piercing ability permits damage to bypass the target's Armor, resulting in additional harm to their Health, rendering it a formidable presence on the battlefield! 😅
Third Position, Venari Marksrat
With the introduction of the Martyr ability, Venari Marksrat has become a linchpin in my battle tactics. I've strategically positioned it between Silent Sha-Vi and Dhamphir Infiltrator, foreseeing that its potential early elimination would provide a significant boost to the adjacent monsters. This deliberate placement aims to enhance the effectiveness of my primary offensive units, giving them the advantage needed to secure victory in battle! 🙂
Fourth Position, Dhampir Infiltrator
The Dhampir Infiltrator occupies a distinctive role within my preferred units, especially in battles where mana resources are constrained. It thrives as an exceptionally aggressive unit, swiftly eliminating the enemy's rear guard. With both Double Strike and Sneak abilities at its disposal, the Dhampir Infiltrator has the capacity to unleash a potent offensive onslaught alongside other Sneaky Monsters in the lineup! 😉
Fifth Position, Ravenhood Warden
The Ravenhood Warden was chosen for its invaluable buff abilities that enhance the lineup! This Monster boasts the Protect ability, granting a +2 Armor stat to all Monsters at the battle's onset. Additionally, the Strengthen ability bestows a +1 Melee attack to all Melee attacking Monsters in the lineup, significantly bolstering the effectiveness of key damage dealers like the Silent Sha-vi and Dhamphir Infiltrator! 😤
Last Position, Corpse Fiend
To be honest, Corpse Fiend found its place in my lineup primarily because I had exhausted my mana after selecting the key members for my battle strategy. At 0 mana cost, Corpse Fiend possesses an ability that could potentially be advantageous in the battle. The Silence ability inflicts a -1 Magic attack debuff, which could prove to be valuable. Additionally, positioning it in the last slot of the lineup serves as a meatshield against any Sneaking Monsters! 😇
The Analysis
Given the specific rulesets implemented in this battle, particularly the inclusion of Counterspell and CLOSE RANGE together, there's a heightened emphasis on the utilization of Ranged Monsters. Additionally, the presence of the Up To Eleven ruleset made it a straightforward decision for me to opt for the Ever-Hungry Skull as my tank, despite its vulnerability with only 1 Health susceptible to Magic attacks.
With these rulesets in play, the Ever-Hungry Skull is effectively equipped to counter all attacks, now possessing the Thorns, Return Fire, and Magic Reflect abilities, augmented by a +1 damage boost from the Amplify ability.
The battle quickly swung in my favor as a result of these counterattacking maneuvers, further bolstered by the inclusion of Sneaking Monsters like the Silent Sha-Vi and Dhamphir Infiltrator from my team. ✌️
Do you guys have any better recommendations for setting up the team in this particular ruleset? Do share them with me in the below comments 😜
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