Hope we are all having a good one this new season. And the victories are flowing like never before. It’s another challenge once again and as usual I will be sharing one of my recent battles where I triumphed over a more advanced and stronger team under the leadership of Spellmonger. This happened to be a mirror match of Death element under a standard ruleset and a mana cap of 42. Earth element disabled as well in this battle clash. Meaning both sides have to now relay on both strong and neutral elements from other elements aside Earth. But the big difference was the choice of monsters and positioning dynamics. Let’s see what transpired in this clash. But before that, don't forget to check the Hive account@splinterlands community for the links to these challenges. You need to pick a Splinterlands card that doesn’t get much love (“hidden gem”) for this challenge. I am here to share a true hidden gem of splinterlands, Spellmonger. And share this battle where his presence no doubt contributed to this victory over a higher and stronger team. lets get into it..!!!!

Battle Details

Mana Cap: 42

My Summoner: Thalgrimore (Level 1)

Opponent’s Summoner: Thalgrimore (Level 2)

My line up

Summoner : Thalgrimore

Monsters : (All level 1)

1.  Spellmonger
   

2.  Arcane Curator
   

3.  Nim Guard Captain
   

4.  Sorrow Harvester
   

5.  Little Sister
   

6.  Vengeful Monk
   

Opponents Line up

Smmoner : Thalgrimore ( Level 2 )

Monsters

1.  Nim Guard Captain ( Level 3 Monster) 
   

2.  Great Bear Druid
   

3.  Sorrow Harvester
   

4.  Little Sister
   

5.  Vengeful Monk ( Level 2 Monster)
   

Round-by-Round Breakdown

Round 1

The opponents Vengeful Monk was a level 2, and also has the opportunity ability. It had the upper hand because of its speed advantage but sooner, this advantage turned into a disadvantage. By targeting my Spellmonger, which had the lowest HP triggering a chain reaction that flipped the whole round. He opened up the fight and ended up being the first to be eliminated from my Spellmongers -2 thorns returns on the melee attack. Hence Spellmonger loses armor but Monk is gone forever.

Nim quickly retaliated with a melee attack on Spell monger being on the frontline. Causing him a -2 Armor. Spellmonger was out but not without a fight. Spellmonger dies, but the Thorns effect hits Nim Guard for –2 Armor. Seeing my Spellmonger weakened, Nim Guard finishes the job. My main monster (Spellmonger) occupying the front roll was gone. Opponent loses Monk. Their tank is partially softened. Just as planned.

Round 2

With Spellmonger gone, it became a grind of front-liners: Arcone being the next to exist. Nim Guard took the front roll now. Just as planned. It was now a face of between two Nim Guard. My Sorrow Harveste continues applying steady damage to Nim Guard with a strong back up from Moonkkkkk. This round is mostly trading hits between my Harvester, Monk and Nim Guard against the opponents Nim with Druid supporting from behind but

Round 3 The Fall of the First Tank

My Sorrow Harvester finally overpowers their weakened Nim Guard Captain with the help of Monk. Both front tanks eliminated. But their Druid quickly chips in with an attack on my team in return. If the enemy has any monster with Opportunity, especially a leveled Monk, hiding your fragile Spellmonger deeper in the lineup may still not save it — but placing higher-HP bodies before it can prevent an immediate collapse.

Why Spellmonger Was the Key Player

Most players do not see Spellmonger as a major threat, but in this match it became the centerpiece of my whole strategy, playing a crucial role reserved for tanky monsters. Spellmonger’s passive effect provided –2 Thorns melee attackers who came into contact with It.

This ability punished any melee monster that directly. Hit Spellmonger with a melee at your cost. Rest assured of returning heavy thorn damage right back.

In this battle, the two monsters that suffered the most from this thorn return were Nim Guard Captain (frontline attacker) and Vengeful Monk (enemy backline cleanup)

Every time these melee units swung at Spellmonger, they took –2 thorn damage in return and because my opponent placed their Level 3 Nim Guard Captain in the lead, it absorbed huge consistent thorn hits which off course didn't have much effect on him but then the support monsters played a key contribution after the downfall of Spellmonger. My MVP for most battles.