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 Time Meddler.

Gameplay Analysis

The Time Meddler is a Common Life monster from the Riftwatchers set. With its unique ability progression and moderate mana cost, it provides valuable disruption and survivability in the Life Splinter. It shines as an anti-Ranged unit while offering utility against Melee-heavy teams at higher levels.

Stats and Abilities:

Mana Cost: 6
Attack Type: Magic
Abilities by Level:
Level 1: Dodge – Increases its evasion against Melee and Ranged attacks.
Level 6: Return Fire – Reflects Ranged damage back to the attacker.
Level 10: Thorns – Deals retaliatory damage to Melee attackers when hit.

Time Meddler is an excellent counter to physical damage, excelling at mitigating or punishing both Ranged and Melee attackers.

Level-Based Insights

Level 1: Dodge immediately boosts its survivability, particularly against slower physical attackers. Its Magic attack bypasses Armor, allowing it to deal consistent damage.
Level 6: Gains Return Fire, making it an effective counter to Ranged attackers, punishing them for every hit.
Level 10: Unlocks Thorns, which adds a strong layer of anti-Melee utility, making it a solid midline or secondary tank option.

Comparative Analysis

How does Time Meddler compare to other Life Magic monsters?

Vs. Venari Crystalsmith: While both are Magic attackers, Venari Crystalsmith focuses on healing and sustainability, while Time Meddler offers disruptive defensive abilities like Dodge, Return Fire, and Thorns.
Vs. Lunakari Mistress: Lunakari Mistress boasts a higher mana cost but greater offensive power. Time Meddler, on the other hand, trades raw damage for survivability and counterplay against physical attackers.

Key Takeaway: Time Meddler is a strategic, utility-driven Magic monster that excels in countering physical damage while providing consistent damage output

Synergies

Time Meddler pairs effectively with:

Luminous Eagle: With its Reach ability and high Speed, Luminous Eagle can complement Time Meddler's Dodge, creating an evasive frontline.
Shieldbearer: The Taunt ability draws enemy attacks, allowing Time Meddler to focus on counterplay and Magic damage from a safer position.
High Priest Darius: The Resurrect ability provides additional value to Time Meddler's survivability, enabling it to re-enter the battlefield and maximize its counter capabilities.

Ruleset Performance

Favorable Rulesets:
Armored Up: Time Meddler’s Magic attack bypasses Armor, while its Dodge and retaliatory abilities help mitigate physical threats.
Reverse Speed: With its moderate Speed, Time Meddler can perform well in this ruleset, especially against faster opponents.

Challenging Rulesets:
Lost Magic: Restricts its use entirely due to the ban on Magic attackers.
Noxious Fumes: Without self-healing or immunity, Time Meddler struggles to survive Poison-heavy matches.

Market Analysis

Price Overview
Regular Foil: Approximately $0.10 per BCX.
Gold Foil: Approximately $1.50 per BCX.

Investment Potential
Time Meddler offers solid utility for its mana cost, making it a valuable addition for players who rely on the Life Splinter. Its disruptive abilities and versatility ensure it remains relevant in various metas, particularly against Ranged and Melee-heavy lineups.

Conclusion

The Time Meddler is a powerful and adaptable Magic monster, excelling as a counter to physical threats. Its abilities – Dodge, Return Fire, and Thorns – provide a robust toolkit for disrupting enemy strategies, making it a valuable asset in Life Splinter lineups. Its affordable price and utility make it an appealing option for both new and experienced players.

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. 😊