This is one of those battles where the Modifier limits your options so much that you are forced to adjust your whole plan. With Odd Ones Out Modifier active, I couldn’t use some of my usual strong units which already made this harder than normal. I had to build around what was available instead of what I wanted. On top of that, Melee Mayhem Modifier could have been strong but I didn’t really have the right units to take full advantage of it. So, instead of forcing a bad setup, I focused more on some aspects and things I can control. It ended up with a confusing battle.
https://splinterlands.com/battle/sl_2fc36a483ce3d4352894bf30c473c42f
This was a hard battle for me not because of the strong enemies but because I wasn't able to add units I wanted to add because of Odd Ones Out modifier. I usually pair Ulundin Overseer with Zyrx the Emberglace but given that Zyrx the Emberglace has 10 mana, I cannot use him in this battle. This brought down my damage by a lot. One advantage though is I have huge health on the frontline so my Tank Heal can help me maintain the front a lot. The enemy Grove Doomblade also is nearer on the front which means she would be going to the front easier and that removes the threat of the Sneak. I also wasn't able to utilize the Melee Mayhem modifier because I don't have good units to use and this is the lineup I was able to make that, I think, worked.
Modifier 1: Odd Ones Out: Only Units with odd Mana costs may be used in battles.
Modifier 2: Melee Mayhem: Melee attack Units can attack from any position.
Since I couldn’t use my usual combo I focused on building a balanced team with what I had. I prioritized high health units in the front so I can make good use of Tank Heal. I also added a mix of magic range and melee so I still have different ways to deal damage. Even if I couldn’t fully use Melee Mayhem Modifier, I still included one melee unit for a true mix of damage. The goal of this lineup is to stay alive long enough and slowly win through consistency.
Nidhoggr: Nidhoggr is still a very strong archon even without my ideal units. The -1 armor and -1 health to all enemies is always useful no matter the situation. I chose to give Blast and Deathblow to Night Reaper, Satha Toledo and Buttercup Mauler to increase their impact. Even without perfect synergy, this still gave me extra damage across the board. He isn't as effective though in this battle since I don't have my usual high attack units.
Ulundin Overseer: Tank with no attack but has 6 armor, 13 health, 1 speed. It costs 11 mana and has Flank ability. Flank allows the unit behind it to use its melee attack if he's in the frontmost position. I don't have a melee next to him so that doesn't work in this battle.
Night Reaper: Night Reaper is one of my main damage dealers in this battle. The 3 magic damage is strong and consistent especially since magic bypasses armor. His Flying ability also gives him some survivability against melee and range attacks. Wingbreak didn’t activate because there are no Flying enemies but that’s fine. I mainly used him for reliable damage every round.
Giam Root: Giam Root is more of a support unit in this lineup. The Strengthen ability giving +1 health to all units is very useful especially for longer battles. With 11 health, he is also quite tanky and can survive for a while. His damage is low but that is not his main role here. I added him to improve the overall survivability of the team.
Satha Toledo: Satha Toledo is very important because of Tank Heal. With a strong frontline like Ulundin Overseer she can keep him alive for many rounds. Even if her damage is low the healing she provides is more valuable. I always try to include at least one Tank Heal when using a big tank. She helps maintain the positioning by making sure the tanks don't die fast.
Buttercup Mauler: Buttercup Mauler is my only real melee attacker in this lineup. The Sneak ability allows her to pressure the enemy backline. Her stats are not that high but she still adds extra damage towards the back. I included her to not only mix the damage type but also to have someone targeting the back of the enemy lineup as well.
Ujurak Elder: Ujurak Elder is a small but useful unit. With Camouflage, he cannot be targeted unless he goes to the front which helps him stay alive longer. Even with low stats, he can still deal some magic damage safely. I like using him as a filler unit that can survive until the later rounds. He may not look strong but he still contributes to the overall strategy.
This battle showed me how to adjust when my main units are not available. Even without full synergy, I was able to win by focusing on survival and consistency. I honestly don't like Odd Ones Out modifier because the impact it does in my lineup is huge.
