February 26, 2014

Five Wins Or Bust
I have a confession to make. I’ve been using Sandstorm teams all day long. I wanted to try the recent fix to elementals with an S/S Qiraji Guardling and an H/P Living Sandling. I still hate the accuracy debuff so I’ve been using two elementals most of the time. It’s been working beautifully. People started trying to counter with aquatics but thanks to having two Sandstorms I had some great coverage. I even beat some of the inevitable Jademist Dancer teams that showed up. This team has been doing so well that I fear that it may eventually take over the meta. A Sandstorm meta, just what I always wanted.

Battle 1: Sandy Gozongas
Living Sandling, Qiraji Guardling, Jadefire Spirit
vs. Lil’ Deathwing, Elder Python, Pandaren Earth Spirit

022614EBeing able to avoid the Cataclysm while the dragonkin racial was active helped a lot in such a close battle. Oh Well, it may not have hit anyways but it seemed like a good choice at the time. There were a few misses by my Qiraji Guardling. That’s actually my biggest problem with this team, the fact that I’m using an 80% accuracy move so often. It seems like too much is left to chance. The Jadefire Spirit finished off the battle with a Jade Claw. I’m taking Jade Claw over Jade Breath because the latter does weak damage to undead.
Record: 1-0

Battle 2: New Shinies
Spirit Crab, Sporeling Sprout, Dragonbone Hatchling
vs. Scalded Basilisk Hatchling, Sinister Squashling, Wild Jade Hatchling

022614DEven with Jab being weak against beasts the Sporeling Sprout was able to totally dominate the Scalded Basilisk Hatchling. The beast is just that bad when it’s slower. I wasn’t really sure where the synergy with Lightning was, there was a DoT on the Sinister Squashling but that’s it. I made sure I was never facing the beast with my Spirit Crab so this was an easy win.
Record: 2-0

Battle 3: Sandstorm Sellouts
Living Sandling, Qiraji Guardling, Emerald Shale Hatchling
vs. Sporeling Sprout, Wildhammer Gryphon Hatchling, Infested Bear Cub

022614AThe double shielding of the P/P Emerald Shale Hatchling is amazing. Sandstorm plus Stoneskin blocks a lot of damage. There are a few “copycats” on my meta, or perhaps just one that plays a lot. If I win with certain pets then the next team I face is made up of those same pets. The problem for my opponent in this battle was that the breeds of the pets weren’t optimal. The Sporeling Sprout was too slow and the flyer was not powerful enough. My opponent missed a lot more than me, I must be really good at this game.
Record: 3-0

Battle 4: The Second Try
Son Of Animus, Fox Kit, Restless Shadeling
vs. Anubisath Idol, Scourged Whelpling, Silkbead Snail

022614FI don’t remember what “the first try” was but I was looking through my teams and came across this. Instead of using Touch Of The Animus with DoTs the plan is to get a speed buff with the Fox Kit then use Batter for two or three heals per turn. I was worried about the Anubisath Idol (as usual). I like my chances with Son Of Animus against the Anubisath Idol but I had Batter instead of the usual Metal Fist. I started with the Fox Kit to use Dazzling Dance. My opponent brought in the Anubisath Idol and I brought in my Son Of Animus. Even with Sandstorm the Batters (along with many heals from Touch Of The Animus) were enough to take out the Anubisath Idol. The Silkbead Snail came in next and received more of the same treatment. When it was almost dead and Son Of Animus still had plenty of health my opponent bailed.
Record: 4-0

Battle 5: Krushgroove
Living Sandling, Qiraji Guardling, Ashstone Core
vs. Masked Tanuki, Emerald Turtle, Squirrel

022614BI chose the Ashstone Core so I could get some more double shielding. At 289 speed it can also use Crystal Prison somewhat effectively. There weren’t a lot of chances to use it here against the two critters. Overall it was a fairly dull battle besides the Squirrel being hard to take down at the end because of Crouch. Going 5-0 is nice but I really didn’t face any really competitive teams. I’m always glad to take out an Anubisath Idol but where were the Val’kyrs? Lately I’ve seen just as many of them as usual but hardly any Death Adder Hatchlings, which I don’t mind at all. These elemental Sandstorm teams really have me worried. They’re so good I fear that Sandstorm will become one of the most prevalent comps in 5.4.7. I hope I’m wrong.
Record: 5-0

3 Responses to February 26, 2014

  1. Choan says:

    Welcome to the dark side. Living Sandling proved to be a counter to Val’kyrs, Adders, Rabits, Dots, Imps… Well, he’s great.

    • Choan says:

      Just to add something: If you need a solid third, I use a Phoenix Hatchling and sometimes the Guardian Cub. They give me the extra punch against Crawdads.

  2. Noel says:

    Copycatting is the sincerest form of flattery, although picking the wrong breeds might have em scratching their heads.

    I can’t wait till summer so I can get myself a Qiraji Guardling!

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