Hi all,

Introduction

Another post in this series. Thank you for your support in the previous posts 😊

This series intends to determine if there are other aspects of cards that may contribute to increasing its value. Based on your feedback I can focus on more/other things – so feel free to tell me where you want me to go into further detail.
I include some analysis on where the cards fit in terms of gameplay, strategy, comparison with other cards, and a market analysis of its price. Feel free to suggest what more do you want me to look into in this series, and your support is much appreciated!
In this edition I will be looking at the Pelacor Arbalest.

Gameplay Analysis

Djinn Biljka Analysis
Pelacor Arbalest is a Rare Life monster from the Chaos Legion core set, widely recognized for its high offensive potential. With Double Strike from level 1 and Flying at level 5, this ranged attacker is a dominant force in offensive strategies and rulesets requiring adaptability.

Card Overview
Mana Cost: 6
Attack Type: Ranged
Abilities by Level:
Level 1: Double Strike (Attacks twice each round)
Level 5: Flying (Increased evasion against melee and ranged attacks from non-Flying monsters)

Level-Based Insights

Level 1: Starts with 2 Ranged attack, 2 Speed, and 2 Health while having Double Strike from the get-go. This means it can deal 4 total damage per turn right away, making it an exceptional damage dealer even at the lowest level.
Level 3: Gains an additional point of Health, improving its survivability slightly.
Level 5: Unlocks the Flying ability, increasing its evasion against non-Flying enemies, which is especially useful in Earthquake rulesets or against ranged attackers.
Level 8: Reaches 3 Ranged attack, 3 Speed, and 5 Health, maximizing its potential for sustained damage output and durability.

Comparative Analysis

How does this card compare to other similar ones?

Vs. Stitch Leech: Stitch Leech is a melee attacker with Sneak, targeting backline enemies, while Pelacor Arbalest focuses on sheer damage output with Double Strike and is more effective in mid-range positions.
Vs. Crystal Werewolf: Crystal Werewolf offers utility through Silence and Thorns, but Pelacor Arbalest is purely offensive, delivering consistent damage to the enemy frontline or secondary targets.
Vs. Soul Fiend: As a 0-cost monster, Soul Fiend often fills out teams, but Pelacor Arbalest’s damage potential far outweighs its utility, making it a much more impactful pick when mana permits.

Key Takeaway
Pelacor Arbalest is a consistent, high-damage ranged attacker with excellent offensive utility, especially from level 1 with Double Strike. Its ability to deal significant damage in one turn makes it a priority target for enemies, so protecting it is crucial.

Synergies

This card pairs effectively with:

Protect Buffs: Monsters like Queen Mycelia or Truthspeaker that grant additional Armor improve its survivability, especially against Sneak or Snipe attackers.
Inspire Buffs: Cards like Silvershield Knight or Daria Dragonscale boost its Ranged damage, allowing it to deal even more devastating double attacks.
Speed Modifiers: Time Mage or other Speed-altering monsters help it attack first, ensuring it delivers maximum damage before being targeted.

Ruleset Performance

Favorable Rulesets:
Close Range: Pelacor Arbalest can attack from the first position in this ruleset, maintaining its high damage output even as a frontline unit.
Equal Opportunity: The double attacks make it highly effective in targeting low-Health monsters, quickly eliminating them.
Earthquake: The Flying ability (at level 5) allows it to avoid Earthquake damage, significantly increasing its durability.

Challenging Rulesets:
Reverse Speed: Its moderate Speed (2–3) limits its effectiveness in rulesets where slower monsters perform better.
Fog of War: With Sneak and Snipe disabled, Pelacor Arbalest can’t avoid targeting the front monster, limiting its versatility.

Market Analysis

Price Overview
Regular Foil: ~$0.08 per BCX
Gold Foil: ~$1.20 per BCX

Investment Potential
Pelacor Arbalest is an excellent investment for both new and experienced players due to its accessibility, affordability, and utility in numerous battles. Its Double Strike ability makes it a powerful offensive choice, while its Flying ability (at level 5) adds extra value for rulesets like Earthquake.

Conclusion

Pelacor Arbalest is one of the most efficient and versatile ranged attackers in the Life splinter. Its Double Strike ability ensures consistent high damage from level 1, and Flying (at level 5) improves its survivability in certain rulesets. It’s a fantastic addition for players focusing on Life strategies and looking for a reliable damage dealer in low- to mid-mana matches.

What do you think about this card? Do you use it in your lineups? Share your experiences in the comments and let me know which card you'd like me to analyze next!
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. 😊