The Soul Strangler has some great lore:
The soul strangler is a creature of nobility, of good stock and incredible wealth. They live in lavish opulence, wearing the finest attire and moving in the most sophisticated of circles, often engaging with the high born from other cities and enjoying intimate gatherings that last for days.
However, when this vampire chooses to hunt, they take on whole new guise, almost shifting their form to become more accomplished for the chase. Pointed ears extend refining their hearing and their eyes change colour affording the ability to see in the dark – their preferred time to hunt. Long fangs grow from their mouth and vicious talons sprout from their fingers. But what you can’t see in either form is the power they hold within their mind, an ability to attack at a spiritual level when they eventually find their adversary, squeezing the very life from them; a ranged attack that if not avoided, will have devastating consequences.
I think it would be great to see refined and lavish side of the soul strangler. I can picture Baron Kutziq Neculai sitting at the table with in his most fine clothing and pretending to eat while conversing and entertaining the people he governs over, none knowing his true identity, and if any suspected, none saying a word for fear of their lives...
Link to the Battle over on splinterlands.com
The Lineup
Summoner
As the Chaos Legion Death Summoner I chose to use Thaddius Brood for the challenge. At 4 Mana Thaddius gives -1 Magic and -1 Health to the opposing team.
I do think he is a great summoner and taking magic and health away from the opponent can sometimes be really helpful. In this case my opponent was thinking the same thing.
Front Row
At 6 Mana the Cursed Windeku brings in 2 Attack, 3 Speed, 10 Health and the Thorns ability (which does damage back to the melee attackers). The Windeku makes for an excellent tank with its high health, decent attack and the ability to hit back against would be attackers.
AI really like to use tanks with thorns, especially in a Melee ruleset, as any monster that attacks with melee takes a little damage back.
Second
At 3 Mana I next chose to bring in the Life Sapper. At 1 Magic, 3 Speed, 2 Health and the Life Leech ability not only can the Life Sapper do a little damage, but can also get some health every time he successfully hits a monster.
That said, it didn't really come into play in this match, but maybe next time.
Third
In third we went with the Carrion Shade. At 1 mana the Shade brings 1 Attack , 2 Speed and 2 Health. But what makes the Shade shine in these low mana battles, is the Flying ability which grants and extra chance to dodge attacks.
This rule set however what was useful was that even in the third position he could still attack and help damage my opponent.
Fourth
In the fourth spot is where I decided to put the Soul Strangler. At 3 Mana, the Strangler brings 2 Ranged, 3 Speed and 2 Health. Making him a very good low mana monster that can dish out a good proportion amount of damage.
Fifth
And because I could I added the Corpse Fiend. Being a 0 Mana card makes this Fiend an almost must add card if you have the extra space, but with 1 Melee and ability to attack from any position in this ruleset, that was turned into a great card.
Conclusion
So, what do I think about the Soul Strangler...
First off, I love the lore for him and hope to see it expanded.
The Soul Strangler is a card I like to use in low mana battle as I think the Damage per Mana cost is quite good. While it is a shame that he doesn't get any abilities until he is maxed out, I think my point still stands for it being a must have card in low mana battles...
Play splinterlands
Thanks to @kyo-gaming for the use of the dividers