The Rare Scrolls : Unleash Inner Power

 

Cost: 4 Growth
Type: Enchantment
Ability: Target creature's Attack is increased by its Health value. Its Health is then set to 1
Lore: My very essence shall be my blade

(correct as of Alpha patch 0.84)
 

Unleash Inner Power is one of the most interesting rare scrolls in the game. It can be used either as a buff or as removal, the latter of which is used significantly more. In previous Alpa versions, Unleash Inner Power worked well in Growth/Order decks, but due to recent nerfs this has become less viable. Unleash Inner Power is now widely used in Mono Growth instead. There has been some debate within the Alpha community to whether or not this scroll should be changed.


Here is a quote from Sysp on scrollsguide.com

“As suggested by carnalizer, a small change to how much health the creature is left with would make the buff on your own creatures a little more powerful while weakening its use on your opponent's creature some, bringing both uses a little closer in power and making the choice for the player a little more interesting.”
 

It is yet to be seen whether or not this change would take place, however it would only have a small impact on Mono Growth decks. Even if the creature has its health set to 2 for example, they would still be susceptible to Quake, Kinfolk Veteran and other forms of removal. I personally feel that it should be more balanced, as it stands Mono Growth already has enough removal especially with the haste ability.



As a buff, it’s not particularly useful as you are effectively leaving your creature open to various forms of removal such as Kabonk, Spark and Ragged Wolf. However, late game if you are racing your opponent to the finish and can wipe out a whole lane or maybe even the last idol, then it is worth it. This works best with Great Wolf as they are one of few creatures in a Mono Growth with relentless, plus they have the additional attack buff from other wolves. However, you must be careful when doing this against Mono Order decks, as their Spearmen have the Spiky ability – which deals 2 damage when attacked.


When used as removal, this scroll can take out huge units such as Iron Ogre with ease. This will slow down your opponent as they struggle to draw another powerful scroll. It also negates the effectiveness of Spiky as Spearmen can then be taken out with Ragged Wolf’s or Sister of the Fox, leaving an opening for your more powerful units you want to keep alive.


If you use it on an Honorable General before his countdown reaches 0, then you prevent your opponent from benefitting from his ability and give yourself another turn to take out other units. Unleash Inner Power works well with Ranger’s Bane due to the low cost. And as Ranger’s Bane lasts for 3 turns, you can cast it a turn before you cast Unleash Inner Power, so it can be used early game.


Overall, Unleash Inner Power is a strong scroll for Mono Growth decks and although it’s future is uncertain – it will still remain a powerful source of removal.


EDIT: As of alpha patch 0.87 - Unleash Inner Power has indeed been changed and now reduces target creature to 2 health. Since this change has taken place, I have seen this scroll used much less as the removal affect is less 'instant'. It's also now used more as a buff (which I  believe is how it should have been).