Today we've got two Epic cards from the Water Splinter. They are the AZMARE HARPOONIST, and the CORAL WRAITH.
Cards 2399-2407/2500
First up we've got the 6-mana AZMARE HARPOONIST, a card that can do a lot of base damage!
At level one its base stats compete with a maxed out CYCLOPS (Beta). At level 3, it can do 4 damage, and at level 5 it can do 5 damage. It starts out with the Snare ability, which isn't particularly useful in most cases. At level 4 it gets the Knockout ability, so paired with a monster with the Stun ability, you get a devastating 1-2 punch. Maxed out, you get the Piercing ability, which combined with the 5 damage will be punishing on tanks. Paired with a summoner like SELENIA SKY (Beta), this fellow is going to blast the enemy for 6 damage.
I am a fan of this card, but a maxed out one is going to make some other cards obsolete in a lot of situations. My 8 cards gets me just shy of level 3. I'll be looking to get this card up to level 3 for that 4 damage. At that point it will probably be worth the mana cost. For now I'll stick with other options.
Verdict: Upgrade to level 3 ASAP, then shoot for level 5. Sell the gold foil.
Cards 2408-2416/2500
As a 4-mana magic sneaker, the CORAL WRAITH is an interesting card.
This card is useable at all levels in my opinion. This is especially true when paired with a magic booster like ALRIC STORMBRINGER(Beta). It will really do a number on the enemy's rear guard. At level 4 it gets the Rust ability, which will make it a good counter to heavily armored sets like the Life Splinter. Maxed out it can do 3 damage, so with any magic bonus, this card is going to melt that last enemy card.
My 9 cards gets me 1 card short of level 3. I'd be happy with it at that point for a while, but would be interested in getting to level 4 to test drive the Rust ability.
Verdict: Upgrade to level 3 ASAP, eventually get it to level 4.