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Card Impressions: Cannon fodder/ backline support
Greeting Splinterlanders and welcome to another card strategy post. This week will be talking about the amiable support card Angelic Mandarin. At lvl 1 this card has 1 ranged attack 2 speed and 5 hp for a cost of 3, this makes it an adequate spacer to absorb a few hits of snipe or sneak at lvl 1. This card truly begins to shine however when it reaches lvl 4 and above and obtains the "triage" ability which allows it to heal your backline. This simple utility makes it an integral support for both modern and wild alike, there isn't the much triage available in modern OR wild for the water splinter.
Strategy and Placement: In the Backline
In the battle located here I place the Mandarin at the very end of my lineup to prevent sneak, but this character works in any position in the backline. Keeping in mind once it's in first position it cannot attack and after lvl 4 this card is much more valuable to keep alive than merely use as cannon fodder.
I only have this card at lvl 1 so I used it to merely be a buffer to prevent sneak damage from hitting other targets first (primarily Wave Smith). This card did it's job to the letter and absorbed numerous hits of sneak damage EVEN at lvl 1. The enemy lost due to not being able to break through my units armor and shield fast enough before magic damage won the day and blasted through my enemies armor plating. The mana cap was low so I used "armor up" to grant all my units armor, used little units, and used alric with magic to pack the most punch. This "old school" lineup is still effective in wild when not anticipated.
Lore: The Exact Opposite of a Betta Fish
In game excerpt is as follows,
"A variety of the already beautiful mandarinfish, the Angelic Mandarinfish is said to be blessed by the magic of the sea. They swim in the most gorgeous of tropical waters, and live peaceful lives in harmony with all around them. It is said that the touch of an Angelic Mandarinfish has healing properties. And that if one sees an injured person in need, they will swim up and stare into your eyes. As if looking into your soul. If they deem you to be kind, they will heal your wounds."
This lore is pretty neat actually, adding a bit more fauna to the ocean that is a bit more colorful and less "sharky". In fact this is sortof like a betta fish BUT with the COMPLETE opposite temperament and actually heal people and help them (akin to dolphins). This being a particularly special species that has particular healing properties. A nice addition to the lore. Their lore fits their abilities, I wonder what this sort of fish eats and what ecosystem they live in.
(Image obtained from the public domain here )
The fish group that this animal reminds me of aesthetically is the betta, but unlike this nice amiable fellow bettas are incredibly territorial and aggressive. Despite that they are still one of the most popular household fish due to their beautiful and colorful fins.
Talking Tidbits and Meta Musing
This card is a VERY utile support from lvl 4 and above, until then it acts as an adequate spacer for 3 mana. Currently in print in Chaos legion and likely to be seen A LOT in modern and wild here on out. Definitely a worthy addition to your Water splinter collection. I know I personally need to lvl this card up and it's on my list of "meta necessities" for playing in modern.
Giveaway Delegation
The winner of last week's delegation is 
This week 3 people who both like AND comment on this post will receive a 15 day delegation of Angelic Mandarin for 15 days (winners chosen at random).