It seems like New Year's cold has not left me in total, yet

It seems like New Year's cold has not left me in total, yet. However I am feeling very much better and took some time and DEC to rent and test this week's featured unit in Splinterlands' share-your-battle challenge: Legionnaire Alvar.

Let's see how my writing unfolds, but perhaps this week it is time to throw a glance at levels 2-4 on this card, as well! A legendary card with fewer level to review might be a good start for what I intended for some weeks by now. However I think whichever form I might end up with, this time might not be the final format.

So my thoughts on Legionnaire Alvar which is both a Legendary and a Neutral card:

first thought (+): Alvar has 'Void Armor' ability which is one of my favorite abilities as it somehow gives a guarantee of being able to completely use a card's stats (and not allow the shield stat to be bypassed by any magic attack).

second thought (-): 9 mana cost is definitely not a cheapo!

third thought (+): High defensive stats (Alvar's shield and health stats combined make up a total of 14).

fourth thought (+): He is neutral!

fifth thought (-): Being a Legendary and a Neutral (Splinter) card it is expensive on secondary market!

Adding my thoughts about leveling up Alvar

regarding its stats development: It is very nice to see defensive stats increase along with melee attack. But to me it is not like any "wow, amazing!".

regarding its abilities development: I think this is where the magic is - especially the Demoralize ability Alvar gets on level 3 is really interesting to me!

Now let us go for one of my battles including my rented mercenary Legionnaire Alvar:

https://splinterlands.com?p=battle&id=sl_0c721511645a9fddbd9976822b077a7c&ref=jdike

Hard facts: Modern format, 24 Mana Cap, Additional rules: 'Reverse Speed'

The setup: Me and my opponent went with a similar approach, I guess. Each one of us put one cheap unit in front of one's main tank and go with magic attack boosted by Obsidian summoner otherwise.

However in this setup you could already gain an idea of how powerful Alvar's 'Void Armor' ability can be.

In the first round the expendable units left the field and Alvar managed to keep up with the opponent's magic attacks fairly well. Mycelic Slipspawn on the other side of the board did not fare as well as Alvar. -One more hit and he would be gone.

Due to 'Reverse Speed' ruleset the opponent's healer was able to give Mycelic Slipspawn some health back, but still at the end of second round Alvar was still standing while Mycelic Slipspawn had left the field.

So by just adding up the remaining health you could guess how this match would end...

...and well indeed it was a victory for me!

So what can this post's reader take with him about Legionnaire Alvar. The enemy's lineup was somewhat ideal for Alvar because 'Void Armor' was most useful against a team which was made up of magic damage units, only.

Anyways I personally think of Legionnaire Alvar as an option for a competent main tank in mid to high mana matches, just because his affiliation is so versatile! Being a Neutral unit just makes him a good choice if you are on a budget regarding unit purchases. -I definitely am and might consider him for buying after my initial test in this post!

Do not get me wrong, he is NOT cheap on secondary markets, but you might employ him in any Splinter's matches! :)

If you have not yet joined SPLINTERLANDS and you might consider, feel free to use my sign-up link:

https://splinterlands.com?ref=jdike