The Saltwater Mage is a really good magic damage unit especially considering you can get it for free by playing Frontier Ranked. Its magic damage is decent, and its Sneak ability, which targets the last enemy unit, makes it hard to counter. When paired with Marlai Singariel, another free card, the Saltwater Mage’s damage is even stronger. Although it’s mana is a bit high for its stats and ability, it can significantly influence the battlefield especially with the right modifiers. In most battles, the Saltwater Mage can capitalize on enemy weaknesses while avoiding direct counters making it a versatile and powerful choice in a lot of battles.
Stats for Saltwater Mage
Saltwater Mage is a good unit with decent magic damage. It's reliably and easy to get because it is free and can be obtained from playing Frontier Ranked. Since this unit has magic damage, it has a good synergy with Marlai Singariel, an archon that can also be obtained for free from playing the same mode. Sneak with magic damage can also be used in a lot of situation and can be a good combo with other sneak units.
Sneak: Targets the last Unit on the enemy Team instead of the first Unit
The Sneak ability is one of the Saltwater Mage’s most important traits. By targeting the last enemy unit, it allows the Mage to bypass the frontline, where enemy tanks usually absorb damage. This is especially valuable against teams that rely on strong tanks as the Saltwater Mage can target high-damage units in the backline without being stopped. Magic damage also bypasses armor, meaning the Saltwater Mage can still deal significant damage, regardless of how well-defended the enemy is. This makes it a great counter to enemy lineup that likes to use multiple tanks in the front.
Play This Unit In These Modifiers
Now You See Me: All units gain Camouflage.
The Now You See Me modifier grants Camouflage, ensuring that the enemy can only target units in the first position. This makes the Saltwater Mage impossible to hit if you place her at the back. While it cancels out the Sneak, you can still use her and keeps her safe in the process. This modifier is crucial for keeping the Saltwater Mage safe from enemy attacks, especially if the opposing team has strong damage dealers. This gives you more freedom to set up your team’s strategy.
Wands Out: Only units with magic attacks may be used.
The Wands Out modifier is perfect for a magic-focused team. This modifier forces only magic damage to be used in battle which works especially well with the Saltwater Mage. Few units combine both Sneak and magic damage so the Saltwater Mage can take full advantage of this modifier. With Wands Out modifier in effect, your Saltwater Mage can freely attack from the backline, dealing damage without fear of being countered by enemies who rely on physical damage or tanks. This modifier maximizes the saltwater Mage's potential, especially when facing teams that lack magic damage or the Sneak ability.
Ferocity: All units have the Fury ability.
The Ferocity modifier activates Fury which doubles the damage of all units against units with Taunt ability. With this, players avoid using units with Taunt ability in order to not suffer from the modifier meaning the Saltwater Mage can avoid tanks and strike at backline units more easily. When combined with Sneak, this modifier makes the Saltwater Mage even more dangerous. It allows the Saltwater Mage to target and deal high damage to vulnerable backline units, while avoiding any tank units in the front or tanks with Taunt.
Battle
Watch the full battle using this link: https://splinterlands.com/battle/sl_a424c6a9ec389aa03d6717a5d44da917
This is a Standard battle in Frontier Mode so very limited units can be played. While their main tank, Dread Tafarian, is good because of Heal, Saltwater Mage can attack on the back skipping him completely. This allows you to attack the biggest attack units that can be found most at the back. With mostly magic damage that cannot miss and bypass armor and increased by Marlai Singariel, you surely have the better team in terms of damage.
