Calabash sage: A powerful magician and healer of the Earth element

Each card in the Splinterlands game has its own story and strategy. Some cards are effective even though they have low mana, while some cards are "heavyweights" or high mana, which can turn the tide of the entire battle. Today, I will discuss in detail one such heavy and powerful card in my deck or collection, "Calabash Sage". I have played several battles with this card recently,y and its power has impressed me. In today's blog, I will discuss the stats, abilities, es and why it can be a game changer in high mana matches.

Calabash Sage is basically a card of the Earth Element or Earth Splinter. Looking at the artwork of the card, it is a huge Hippo-like magician, holding a magic pot (Calabash) and a flame of fire. Its appearance shows how powerful and slow it is. Although it is a Common card, its effectiveness can rival many Legendary cards.

Analyzing the card's stats from the screenshots and my playing experience, we get:

Mana Cost: 10
This is a very high mana card. It is mainly designed for battles with 99 mana or higher mana rulesets. It is difficult to use it in low mana matches.

Attack: 4 Magic Damage
It has 4 magic damage from level 1, which is very deadly. Since it is a magic attack, it penetrates the opponent's armor and directly hits the health or health.

Speed: 1
Its speed is only 1. This may seem like a weakness at first glance, but in Splinterlands, the "Reverse Speed" ruleset is a blessing. There, this 1-speed card will be the first to attack.

Health and Armor:
It starts with 6 health, but as it levels up, it can reach 8 health and 3 armor.

This card is not only known for its serious damage, but also for its special abilities. Its abilities are discussed below according to the screenshot:

1. Shield (Shield - from level 1):
   Generally, magic attackers have low defense. But Calabash Sage's specialty is its "Shield" ability. It reduces the damage of the opponent's Melee and Ranged attacks. As a result, it can protect itself from the opponent's Sneak attacks even when sitting behind.

2. Tank Heal (Tank Heal - Level 5):
   In my opinion, the real power of this card starts at level 5. As you can see in the screenshot, when it reaches level 5, it gains the "Tank Heal" ability. That is, it will restore the health of your first position or tank every round. When a 10 mana card deals 4 damage and provides healing support, the chances of winning increase significantly.

3. True Strike (True Strike - Max Level):
   At the maximum level, it gains "True Strike", which means its attacks will never miss. Although magic attacks usually do not miss, it is still very effective against monsters with the "Phase" ability.

Journey to level 5 - My experience and plans

As you can see in my screenshot, the card is currently in the level 5 upgrade stage (60 cards required). Why am I upgrading this card?

Because, at level 5, it becomes a "Support + Attacker" combination.

Weakens the opponent with 4 magic damage.

Survives itself with 1 armor and 7 health.

And most importantly, keeps the tank in front alive.

This card is not for use in all matches. However, it is unbeatable in certain rulesets:

Reverse Speed: Since its speed is 1, it is a God-tier card in this ruleset. It will hit first and destroy the opponent with 4 damage.

Keep Your Distance: Where no Melee card can be used, this card can block the opponent's Ranged attack with its "Shield" ability and can make magic attacks itself.

High Mana Battles (99 Mana): In high mana matches, I usually keep it in the back or last position so that it can provide long-term healing support and withstand sneak attacks.

Many people may skip this card at 10 mana. But my advice is—
If you play with Earth Element or Obsidian Summoners, then you must keep this card in your collection. Especially upgrading to level 5 to unlock "Tank Heal" will be a very wise thing to do. This is not just a card; it is an investment that will win you many matches in the Silver and Gold Leagues.

Calabash Sage is not an ordinary magic card; it is a defensive powerhouse. Its slowness is its biggest strength. I am very optimistic about this card and plan to max it in the future.

To win in Splinterlands, it is not only about attacking, but also keeping your team alive is equally important. And for that, Calabash Sage alone is worth a hundred!

Have you used this card? How was your experience? Don't forget to let us know in the comments.

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