Introduction
Hi! @saydie here playing Splinterlands everyday.
This is Exploring the Chaos where I take a look on Chaos Legion and now also the Riftwatchers cards, as they brought new abilities that changes how we play the game.
The last Chaos Legion ability that I tackle would be Giant Killer. An ability that allows the monster to deal twice the damage on a opponent with 10 or more mana. With this week's post, I will talk about Backfire, an ability that can deal 2 damage on a opponent when it misses the target with this ability. It is a sort of indirect damage but monster with Reflection Shield is not immune of it.
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Prons
- Deals 2 damage just by the opponent misses it's target.
Cons
Heavily relies on RNG which if works produce great results but but there are times that it does not work and cause a defeat.
Damage cannot be Amplify unlike reflected damage.
Backfire is like the opposite of reflected damage such as Magic Reflect and Return Fire where it needs to hit the target monster then that target will return the damage back but with Backfire, the more the attacker missed their attack, the more damage they received which is all good because it reduces the damage the target unlike reflected damages where your monster will take a hit and lose some armor and health. The downside of this ability is that it heavily relies on RNG where it is important to include support abilities that will provide better miss chance but even after that, there chance that the target will still be hit despite of all of this support and unlike reflected damage, the amount of damage it deal cannot be amplified.
Backfire Card Stats & Other abilities
Tenyii Striker
| Edition | Chaos Legion |
|---|---|
| Mana Cost | 5 |
| Element |  Fire |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Attack Type |  Melee |
| Abilities |  Sneak,  Dodge Backfire |
| RF Burn Value | 20 DEC |
| GF Burn Value | 500 DEC |
Lore
A dozen generations sandwiched between the hammer of the Khans' cruelty and the anvil of the icy foothills of Kurguzd forged the Tenyii into reclusive deadly foes. Brought to the training creche from birth, taught to steal for food, beaten when caught and trained daily with the sword and spear as soon as they were strong enough for their hands to lift steel, the Tenyii clan were hard as iron and as fierce and silent as midnight on the mountain glacier.
When the Legion's heralds demanded a sacrifice of flesh and gold to open the rifts to the ways beyond, the Khan sent five hundred waadin berserkers to bring the tribe to heel. When a single horse returned bearing a sack of fifty skulls, the Khan threatened to burn the entire mountain to the ground. A dozen Tenyii Strikers were sent as tribute to spare the tribes and to satisfy the herald's call. Continue Reading...
Tenyii Striker is a Rare melee Splinter for the Fire Element. Aside from Backfire that it gets at level 7, it also has Sneak at level 1 that allows this card to target backline monsters and Dodge that gives it 25% evasion chance.
Card Prices
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Venari Knifer
| Edition | Chaos Legion |
|---|---|
| Mana Cost | 6 |
| Element |  Earth |
| Rarity | Common |
| Attack Type |  Melee |
| Abilities |  Thorns Backfire |
| RF Burn Value | 5 DEC |
| GF Burn Value | 125 DEC |
Venari Knifers are specialized rogues, assassins, and thieves that make their living through shadier dealings in the Realm of Silence underneath Praetoria. They often work as part of criminal organizations or guilds, taking on contracts to put more gold in their pockets. When the Chaos Legion's agents came to Praetoria, many Venari Knifers saw them as new benefactors for their mercenary work. Using the tunnels that run beneath the surface world, the Knifers move like shadows in the night to strike at their opponents.
Like the rest of their kin, Knifers are masters of tools and technology. They've used their knowledge to perfect the Knifer Rig. A deadly weapon powered by magic and pneumatics, Knifer Rigs consist of six fully articulated blades and rods carried on the back. When not in use, they fold away neatly and unobtrusively. When employed, however, they are silent, speedy, and absolutely deadly. Continue Reading...
Venari Knifer is a Melee card with Backfire at level 6 and Thorns at level 1 which deals -2 damage when attacked by melee monster.
Card Prices
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Naga Assasin
| Edition | Chaos Legion (Reward) |
|---|---|
| Mana Cost | 2 |
| Element |  Dragon |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Attack Type |  Range |
| Abilities | Backfire  Swiftness |
| RF Burn Value | 20 DEC |
| GF Burn Value | 500 DEC |
The most important unspoken agreements among the doers of shady deeds throughout Draykh-Nahka are “stay on your own territory,” and “call a Naga Assassin for your dirty work.” Naga come in many different varieties, sizes and cultures depending on where they live. No matter how well they fit into cities and societies, naga always have a certain ruthless edge left over from the recent wild roots of their people. The desert naga of Draykh-Nahka are especially strong and skilled at killing.
Naga Assassins are so quick and deadly at their work that there is rarely a need for a fight. They simply slither in unnoticed, plunging a quiet knife into the most vulnerable place on their victim. Continue Reading...
Naga Assasin is a Rare Range Splinter for the Dragon Element. It has Backfire at level 4 and Swiftness at level 8 which is a support ability that increases the speed of all ally monsters by +1.
Card Prices
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Chaos Agent
| Edition | Chaos Legion |
|---|---|
| Mana Cost | 1 |
| Element |  Neutral |
| Rarity | Common |
| Card Type | Non- Damage |
| Abilities | Dodge,  Phase Backfire |
| RF Burn Val. | 5 DEC |
| GF Burn Val. | 125 DEC |
Lore
Inexplicably conjured from the Chaos plane before the rift was opened, Chaos Agents have been deployed for years in the Splinterlands to sow dissent and fear amongst the people. These infiltrators have an almost demonic appearance that is subtle enough to avoid detection and they keep their form concealed beneath dark cloaks and hoods. They never stay in one place for long, just enough time to whisper their words of rebellion and uncertainty amongst the people before slipping away without trace, leaving no evidence of their plans or existence for people to follow..
As the time neared for the Chaos Gate to open, these spies intensified their efforts to include sabotage and assassination, resulting in the destruction of many prominent figures and buildings throughout the Splinters.
These agents of chaos don’t carry any weapons and weren’t intended as soldiers. Subtle words and targeted destruction are their gifts, and they employ them with precision, carefully choosing their victims to create the most confusion and misdirection possible in preparation for their master’s invasion. They enjoy the speed and agility of assassins, being able to dodge most attacks, usually leaving their attacker in a confused mess and wounded by their own weapons. Continue Reading...
Chaos Agent is a Common Non- damage Splinter for the Neutral Element with the Dodge ability at level 2 which allows this card to deal to get 25% evasion chance. At level 6, it gains the Phase that allows this card to dodge magic attacks while at level 10, it gains the Backfire for it's final ability.
Card Price
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Pelacor Deciever
| Edition | Chaos Legion (Reward) |
|---|---|
| Mana Cost | 5 |
| Element |  Death |
| Rarity | Common |
| Card Type | Melee |
| Abilities |  Flying, Backfire  Retaliate |
| RF Burn Val. | 5 DEC |
| GF Burn Val. | 125 DEC |
Lore
Many centuries ago, the Pelacor followed the prophet, Edalus, on what has become known as the ‘Exile.’ They followed him into the Mountains of Fire surrounding Mount Praetorous. For generations they lived alone in these mountains, hidden away. They were taught to worship the sun and moon gods, Solaki and Lunaki, deities dreamt into existence from the bones of Edalus’ dead parents and his zealous mind. The scriptures read that the two Gods were carried into the heavens upon pieces of consecrated land, torn from the World to raise them high, so that their worshipers would always look up to them and forever be beneath their great heavenly power.
On the darkest night of each year, Edalus would invoke rituals that would change the bodies of his people. Drawing upon the dormant power beneath the mountains, he caused angelic wings to sprout from their backs. This change was permanent and, in fact, most Pelacor offspring inherited the appendages from their parents. Continue Reading...
Pelacor Deciever is a Common Melee Splinter for the Death Element with the Flying ability at level 1 which allows this card to deal to get 25% evasion chance. At level 6, it gains the Backfire while at level 8, it gains Retaliate which allows this card to attack the melee monsters that attack this card.
Card Price
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Riftwing
| Edition | Chaos Legion |
|---|---|
| Mana Cost | 4 |
| Element |  Death |
| Rarity | Common |
| Card Type | Non- Damage |
| Abilities | Flying,  Scavenger Backfire,  Headwinds |
| RF Burn Val. | 5 DEC |
| GF Burn Val. | 125 DEC |
Lore
Riftwings are drawn to splinters and rifts. They feed off their energy and grow larger the closer they live to a portal. The Chaos Legion uses them as a means to locate rifts. In war, they are utilized as scouts, providing valuable information and as a way to harass/distract enemy forces, thereby slowing them down. Continue Reading...
Riftwing is a Common Death Splinter with no damage but it got abilities such as Flying that gives 25% dodge chance and Scavenger that allows it to gain health every time a monster was defeated at level 1. When it reaches level 5, it gets the Backfire and when it's at level 8, the Headwinds that reduces the damage of range monsters.
Card Price
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Flying Squid
| Edition | Chaos Legion |
|---|---|
| Mana Cost | 7 |
| Element |  Water |
| Rarity | Common |
| Card Type |  Melee |
| Abilities |  Reach,  Blind  Backfire |
| RF Burn Val. | 5 DEC |
| GF Burn Val. | 125 DEC |
Lore
Although Flying Squid are not truly capable of flight, their moniker comes from their ability to launch themselves from the water and glide above the surface for long distances before resubmerging. These aggressive predators shoot ink into the eyes of their prey to blind them before attacking with their lengthy tentacles. Continue Reading...
Flying Squid is a Common Melee Splinter for the Water element. At level 1, this card has Reach which allows this card to be able to attack at the 2nd position. At level 6, it gains Blind which gives 15% chance that all opponent monsters will miss their attacks and at level 10, it gains the Backfire as it's last ability.
Card Price
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Aquatus
| Edition | Riftwatchers |
|---|---|
| Mana Cost | 4 |
| Element | Water |
| Rarity | Epic |
| Card Type |  Summoner |
| Abilities | Backfire |
| RF Burn Val. | 100 DEC |
| GF Burn Val. | 2500 DEC |
Lore
Lemell is a flooded realm covered in vast oceans. The Aqua Sapiens, a splinter of humans with gills and webbed fingers and toes, inhabit the shallow waters surrounding its islands and archipelagos.
Aquatus was young when the Chaos Legion came and the dark god drained his home of magic. When the Riftwatchers followed, the Aqua Sapiens remained wary, not knowing whether they were friend or foe. But when a landing party arrived on an island near his home, Aquatus was curious. He snuck into the Riftwatchers’ camp late at night and stole a satchel. In it, he found waxed scrolls bearing ancient runic symbols, and something stirred within him. He became obsessed, and for years after the Riftwatchers left, he studied the runes, even fashioning a bandolier so he could carry them with him everywhere he went.
When next the Riftwatchers visited Lemell, Aquautus sought them out. They promised to teach him how to harness the power of the runes if he joined their fight against the Chaos Legion. Aquatus agreed without hesitation, leaving Lemell and his people behind for the promise of a new beginning. Continue Reading...
Aquatus is a Riftwatcher exclusive Summoner for the Water Element that gives the Backfire ability on all ally monsters.
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Note:This are the market price for the the following cards with the Backfire ability by the time that I checked on it and is subject to change depending on when you check for prices. Source: Peakmonsters
Giant Killer in Action ![ability_giant-killer.png]
Battle 1: Tenyii Striker
| Conditions | Description |
|---|---|
 Diamond League Modern Format | 48 Mana Cap Available Elements: Fire, Life, Earth |
 Stampede | AThe Trample ability can trigger multiple times per attack if the trampled Monster is killed. |
| Total Rounds | 5 |
| Times Backfire Triggers | 1 |
| Link | https://splinterlands.com?p=battle&id=sl_cdf7659ce90da3ac704a941d36a413aa&ref=bltzr-wizard-726 |
The rule set is Stampede so I expected that the opponent to use Earth magic team with Grund as a tank so I countered it with Legionaire Alvar with a Giant Killer on with Conqueror Jacek as the summoner. On round 4, Tenyii Striker was at the front after some of my monsters got defeated and there is where Backfire works when he was attacked by Venator Kinjo.
Battle 2: Venari Knifer
| Conditions | Description |
|---|---|
 Gold League Modern Format | 38 Mana Cap Available Elements: Life, Earth, Dragon |
 Equal Opportunity | All Monsters have the Opportunity ability. |
| Total Rounds | 4 |
| Times Backfire Triggers | 1 |
| Link | https://splinterlands.com?p=battle&id=sl_d025a0a66d97224e1dc9552c322bc239&ref=crimepoet |
For this battle, there is the Equal Opportunity rule set where all monsters have the Opportunity ability that targets the monster with the lowest health regardless of their position. I choose a magic heavy team with Obsidian so that I can use Mycelic Slipspawn's Taunt to attack all attacks on it and just in case put Venari Knifer that will do damage when a melee monster attacks through Thorns or when they misses through Backfire. By round 3, the ability triggers when Xenith Monk attacks Venari Knifer and miss.
Battle 3: Naga Assassin
| Conditions | Description |
|---|---|
 Gold League Wild Format | 30 Mana Cap Available Elements: Fire, Dragon |
 Equalizer | The initial Health of all Monsters is equal to that of the Monster on either team with the highest base Health. |
 Heavy Hitters | All Monsters have the Knock Out ability. |
| Total Rounds | 5 |
| Times Backfire Triggers | 3 |
| Link | https://splinterlands.com?p=battle&id=sl_2e1edc2d0d8792b5a9d923102e8814d2&ref=avainattempt |
This time, we have 2 rule sets- Equalizer where all of the monsters will have the same health and Heavy Hitters that will give the Knock Out to all monsters. With the available elements, I deduce that the opponent will either choose range or melee since there are few monster with low mana cost on these elements so I choose Quix the Devious for my summoner for not it only reduce the speed of the opponent but also range damage then I placed Naga Assassin at the back of the team on the off- chance that the opponent will play with Sneak monsters and it works as intended and triggers Backfire for 3x starting on round 1.
Battle 4: Chaos Agent
| Conditions | Description |
|---|---|
Diamond League Modern Format | 14 Mana Cap Available Elements: Water, Life, Dragon |
 Equal Opportunity | All Monsters have the Opportunity ability. |
| Total Rounds | 5 |
| Times Backfire Triggers | 2 |
| Link | https://splinterlands.com?p=battle&id=sl_71bb8c9486f5682a09cd4bef5e9da0b3&ref=bltzr-wizard-726 |
This time, I use the neutral monster Chaos Agent as a back- line damage absorber with my Kelya Frendul melee team and it becomes a huge help for preventing my monsters to be damaged and at the same time for damaging the opponent on a almost mirror match game.
Battle 4: Pelacor Deceiver
| Conditions | Description |
|---|---|
Diamond League Modern Format | 42 Mana Cap Available Elements: Death, Dragon |
 Odd Ones Out | Only Monsters with odd Mana costs may be used in battles. |
| Total Rounds | 5 |
| Times Backfire Triggers | 1 |
| Link | https://splinterlands.com?p=battle&id=sl_259be4687ba37b42361dbb7e8ec9635b&ref=bltzr-wizard-726 |
This battle has 42 mana cap with Odd Ones Out and only monsters with odd mana cost will be available in this battle and I use the Quix the Devious for my summoner to increase the options of monster that I can use together with the speed and range nerf. I choose Pelacor Bandit as my tank as it has decent speed and health and will Retaliate when attacked by melee monsters and Backfire when missed. The ability only triggers on the 1st rounds since the opponent uses magic which it cannot dodge.
Battle 5: Flying Squid
| Conditions | Description |
|---|---|
Diamond League Modern Format | 32 Mana Cap Available Elements: Fire, Water, Death, Dragon |
Equalizer | The initial Health of all Monsters is equal to that of the Monster on either team with the highest base Health. |
 Countermagic | All Monsters have the Magic Reflect ability. |
| Total Rounds | 7 |
| Times Backfire Triggers | 1 |
| Link | https://splinterlands.com?p=battle&id=sl_00ff0f867ef5ef7c0a8093768c95bb41&ref=bltzr-wizard-726 |
On this battle, there is the Equalizer where all monsters have the same health and Countermagic that gives Magic Reflect on all monsters. I choose a melee- range team with the summoner Kelya Frendul though my range monsters were de-buff by @captainwhoco but I've got more monsters which means more attackers and more health. My Flying Squid was on the 2nd position and with captain's Dessert Dragon Retaliate, Backfire was able to activate during round 2.
Battle 6: Aquatus
| Conditions | Description |
|---|---|
 Gold League Modern Format | 46 Mana Cap Available Elements: Fire, Water, Earth, Death |
Stampede | The Trample ability can trigger multiple times per attack if the trampled Monster is killed. |
 Broken Arrows | Ranged attack Monsters may not be used in battles. |
| Total Rounds | 5 |
| Times backfire Triggers | 3 |
| Link | https://splinterlands.com?p=battle&id=sl_ea552799be5ab24d4dbdb9714cd484ef&ref=agonyaccepted |
This time, I use the summoner Aquatus for a 46 mana battle with Stampede and Broken Arrows rule set where range monsters cannot be used so my opponent would probably use melee or magic so I use Djinn Oshannus as my tank because it has Phase that allows to evade magic attacks and so Backfire also works which triggers at round 1.
Final Thoughts
Backfire has brought new possibilities with the game with it's introduction with the Chaos Legion that sometimes help to bring unwinnable situations to a winnable one but also there are times that it just wont work but at the same time it's one of my favorite abilities from the new set of cards. The use of support cards will be essential to further increase the success rate of each miss so make sure to include them on your line- up if possible.
Previous Post
The battle links provided comes from my personal accounts and from the scholar account that I am using from Balthazar Guild.
All the image that I edited here belongs to Splinterlands.
Footer image made by splintercell-01
Card abilities from Splintercards
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