Briar Patch — All monsters have the Thorns ability 🌹🌹🌹
It goes without saying that the opponent having a lineup full of Thorns should make you think twice about playing a melee heavy team. So, what are the alternatives and strategies that should be considered?
Magic and Ranged attacks should be used
Think about using Void and Void Armor as your opponent will likely have some magic attacks.
Ranged can be slowed with the Headwinds ability and Silence can be used to slow magic attacks. Return Fire is another great way to protect against ranged heavy opponents.
Don't overdo the ranged as they cannot attack from the front row. Consider ranged attackers with close range to minimize the loss of attack from the front.
Reflection Shield prevents damage from Thorns!!!!
Battle Example
I didn't win this battle as I was outgunned, but my strategies were sound.
With Silenced Summoners in play choosing a summoner came down to what element I wanted to play without a buff in mind. Tide Biter's reflection Shield and a good magic contingent made me opt for Kelya.
Results
Rounds 1 - 5 — My opponent and I both chose a large tank with Void and Tide Biter backing them up and Merdaali healing from behind. For this reason, the big difference is my opponent's choice to use Uraeus. It was a risky play with Thorns in play, but he is able to take out my Wavesmith and use up my Resurrect bringing Wavesmith back. I'm actually able to take out their Oshannus before my tank falls, but the back row attacking of Uraeus is still giving my opponent the advantage.
Round 6 - This is where the tide turns in my opponent's favor. Uraeus takes out my Merdaali and I lose the ability to heal Baakjira!
Round 7 - Uraeus inflicts poison on Merdhampir and it becomes a slow count down to my demise 😔
The addition of the Blast ruleset really amplified my opponent's choice of Uraeus. Baakjira actually out lived Oshanuus up front, but Uraeus wreaked havoc from behind and I couldn't keep up. This shouldn't take aways from the power of Void and Reflection Shield in Briar Patch battles, just remember to watch your back too 😀
Fun with Thorns
Briar Patch turns every summoner into Mylor. This battle is a great example of not totally ruling out melee attacks, particularly sneak attacks, but also the importance of protecting against magic and ranged attacks.
