NAGA FIRE WIZARD - How had I not played with this card before?

How had I not played with this card before. It is amazing!.png

One of my recent moves in Splinterlands was to sell off a collection of gold foils in order to improve my deck. I'm in the middle of that process now and it's been really rather an interesting exercise, as it has given me access to cards which, in gold foil, was unafforable. This is rather good news, as the end-goal of the exercise was to be able to play and make my way into the Diamond league. I only started back RANKED play a couple of days ago, but already, I've made my way into Silver II from a 0 rating starting point. I may not make it to Diamond this season, but I'll definitely be trying to chase down that end-point in the one after.

And in doing so, I'll be playing a host of new cards, like this one: It is the might NAGA FIRE WIZARD, who, I'll be honest, I've rarely come across in the game. I picked this sweet little Level 5 NAGA FIRE WIZARD up for 30 bucks! I know what you're thinking, an absolute bargain!

Usually we have such a focus on our tank/off-tank combination up front, and I know I often leave a weakness at the back of my team. It's an afterthought really, or a 'hope' that my opponent doesn't sneak - but this card solves that dilemma. You see, he is an offensive GEM. He throws +3 magic attack, but he also has the THORNS skill. This means if he is hit, he will do +2 damage to the opponent's card. But, it gets better, as he also has the SHIELD ability (one of my favourites) which will weaken the opponent's attack on the card, giving this guy increased longevity in battle.

image.png

The curious thing about this card is, however, that is looks to be pretty 'unloved', there are only 13,243 of this reward card in existence, but he isn't commanding a premium price as a sale or a rental.

From an investment point of view, you can pick up 1 card for around $1.50, that is about what I paid for my Level 5. To take him to Level 8, the cost will be a whole lot more expensive, but in the GOLD LEAGUE where I hope to be, he doesn't gain much for moving to Level 6 (ok, he gains 1 speed). For DIAMOND matches, absolutely you'd want this guy Level 7 to be able to throw +4 magic bolts. What a danger man on the rear!

image.png

That said, if you'd prefer to invest in a rental, you could actually pick this guy up reasonably cheaply. Check this out! You can grab a Level 3 for under 1 DEC. BARGAIN! Or a maxed card for only 28 DEC. This says to me this card is an unknown gem! (Probably a lot to do with FIRE having the least awesome summoners). Looking through the list of rentals though, I noticed you could pick this guy up as a Level 5 rental for only 7.5 DEC per day. BARGAIN!

image.png

So how does he do in battle? Glad you asked, because I took him for a spin. That said, I didn't get to see his full potential, as while I'm re-buying, I am yet to buy a maxed fire summoner. It just goes to show though, that even at Level 1, this card is boss. Let's check it out.

As Round 1 gets underway, you can see I have a 17 mana ruleset, but no legendary cards can be played, and summoners have been silenced (otherwise, I'd be playing Llama/Kron, let me tell ya!). Already then, as the battle opens, you can see it starts well for me as my Serpentine Spy takes the first hit to knock my opponent's KHMER PRINCESS over. My initial thoughts in this battle is that it will be a NAGA FIRE WIZARD vs the MYCELIC INFANTRY - ultimately, it could well be a very close battle.

image.png

As Round 2 gets underway, you'll notice my 1 mana tank has been dislodged, promoting the NAGA FIRE WIZARD to the TANK position, and my CHAOS AGENT fell to my opponent's SNEAK attack. Again in this round my SERPENTINE SPY will take the first hit - but his 2 attack won't be enough to drop the GOBLIN's 3 health.

image.png

In Round 2 then, my NAGA FIRE WIZARD lost his 1 armour to the attack of the MYCELIC INFANTRY, but my SERPENTINE SPY dodged the GOBLIN's sneak attack, so it's put me in a very good position. Meanwhile, the magic bolts keep hitting my opponent's TANK. It is becoming clearer and clearer that this looks to be my victory.

image.png

And then as we move into Round 4, my SERPENTINE SPY hits the MYCELIC INFANTRY and robs him of some armour, but I've paused the battle right before my NAGA FIRE WIZARD's attack - an attack which will be the death blow. Through this whole battle he's send magic bolts at the MYCELIC, and he's finally going to get his man!

image.png

Want to see the battle again? Here's a link, or just click play:
https://splinterlands.com/?p=battle&id=sl_bc5a00c476b0501127731ac65724961a

Evaluation:
OK, as it turns out, I really like this card. He came up against a strong tank in the MYCELIC INFANTRY and he absolutely held his own. The thing is though, the NAGA FIRE WIZARD would usually be in the last position on my team, so for him to be dominating out front makes me realise just how solid he'll be in defense - particularly as I didn't get to show off the full Level 5 stats of the card, which included his THORNS skill. If I played thorns and higher magic attack, this battle would certainly have been a whole lot quicker.

In short - I'm glad I discovered this new card and can't wait to get him into more battles!

Splinters Animated.gif

Don't forget, you can click here and sign up with my affiliate link.

#splinterlands #spt #play2earn
#oneup #hivegaming #battle #leofinance
#pimp #neoxian
#proofofbrain #thgaming
#leofinance #battle



0
0
0.000
22 comments
avatar
(Edited)

This card did a lot of work for me back then in 2020 when the latest pack is Untamed. She's just an old-school beast.

Like it used to be the tank counter to the ol' classic Living Lava. Just 1 more mana in cost and this card can tank like Living Lava (both have Shield) but will kill Living Lava with ease due to magic attack.

0
0
0.000
avatar

Yea, I can see how it would have amazing utility. Just surprising that you don't see it in play more often. I've been in the game 12 months, and I think I may have come across it two or three times only. A rare card by category, and in matches.

Do you still use it often?

0
0
0.000
avatar

I feel like it's not used often cuz it's too old of a card and not many have them by default. I don't see it used often nowadays so the newer players probably don't see it and never know it exists. Without knowing that, they aren't buying it.

I don't have it now. I am currently doing rent-and-play and I just rent a lot of modern cards to play cuz it's cheaper than renting wild cards as well. Gotta keep the budget in mind so I don't have it.

0
0
0.000
avatar

It's obvious you'd have to upgrade to level 5 to get that thorn ability. I mean I've never seen an ability like that on a magic card, but you're right, it's an absolute gem, I guess these newer cards have taken the shine

0
0
0.000
avatar

Yea, my card is L5, but because I'm doing the deck re-build, didn't get summoners yet, which meant he only played as Level 1. My plan was just to get through Silver and into Gold league - by end of next week, should have my summoners. In truth, I just rented kron/llama and be spamming them every battle. Not been a very interesting climb in the rankings.

0
0
0.000
avatar

I have a L6 one. It's an odd card that has defences like a tank but works best at the back. Sneakers beware.

0
0
0.000
avatar

Absolutely; it's why I picked this card up. I don't tend to play a lot of fire battles, but can see this gem of a card having a place in a lot of situations. I'm glad to have stumbled upon it... although, I guess we'll both need to be leveling it up further with the proposal to modify rewards based on card level!

0
0
0.000
avatar

I think it's a decent card but I tend to just go with Yodin for my fire deck. So this magic card usually doesn't find my way into my lineup and I am in modern fights so I can't use this card now.

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

0
0
0.000
avatar

It's been a long while since I have used a Yodin in battle, but he works well with a magic attack line-up too; I love ignoring armour ;)

0
0
0.000
avatar

The cost could be because a lot of players are focusing on building a modern deck, this one will only play in wild.

0
0
0.000
avatar

Yea, I hadn't thought of that. I never got into playing modern, always preferred wild. Either way, a solid card. ;)

0
0
0.000
avatar

Dam thats a cool card man, ill have to try. I been renting some beast cards and liking it. Have to accept cuz its cheaper on my debt. Cant buy em all so renting is a good idea. Must thank you for encouraging.

!PIMP

0
0
0.000
avatar

Yea, the idea of renting a few choice cards does seem to have a pay-off. Here's my plan, when I'm ready to go for my run through gold league, I plan on renting L3 legend summoners. I could get to within 50 points of Diamond league before I gave up last time, with a Kitty and Yodin smashing opponents, I think that will make more than the difference.

0
0
0.000
avatar

@captainquack22 - was surprised to match you in ranked. Looks like you've come across one of my new 'try out cards' - Plado Emberstorm!

https://splinterlands.com?p=battle&id=sl_e4e01a633b9190dc1ee0dedd52ec6d6c&ref=lordtimoty

0
0
0.000
avatar

Broooo, i was just gonna do the same and find you lol. I got demolished by a good choice on your team. Solid match my friend.

!PIMP

0
0
0.000
avatar

You know though, I rented a L3 Kitty - that card is boss in Gold.
And, how's this for a team? Kitty/Kron - I'm going to do a post about that combo later in the week. LOVE!

0
0
0.000
avatar

I do love the kitty. I actually bought 1 a long time ago. I would need 2 more to get to the next level, which would cost a ton, and im swearing to curb my appetite for a while. Got too much to pay, and i need babes soon. Aussie babes, Polish babes, spanish babes, idk bro !LOL

Plato is cool tho, renting has been good man. Makes sense, thanks for the motivation.

0
0
0.000