THL Player Profile: Travis, aka n00basaurus, aka Potato

Last week's Turf Wars did not disappoint, and the headline match between Archon Storm and Xnergy lived up to the hype. The difference maker came from Storm's five spot, as n00basaurus pulled out his first victory of the season at the most clutch moment possible—taking a 3-0 set that gave the defending champs the series win. This also pulled them into a tie with Xnergy for the overall THL points lead. While we may not see these two juggernauts face off again for some time, the latest chapter in their rivalry was a classic—and underscores just how important an entire team's lineup is.

We reached out to the first-year player following his win to find out more about the man behind the less and less appropriate battletag.

​
​

THL: What’s your history with Collectible Card Games?

nOObasaurus: I played Yugioh growing up and then transitioned into Magic in high school and college. Never competed in any tournaments; just casually with friends and drafts at local game stores.


THL: How did you hear about THL and why did you join?
​
n: I started playing Hearthstone actively this past summer and was recruited by my good friend John aka Viridae. He claimed that they needed to round out their line up. I discovered in the email thread that their PR was pretty much maxed out and they needed (and I quote) “a potato”.

THL: You started the season out with a pair of 2–3 heartbreakers, but you came up huge last week, sealing a win for Archon Storm. Overall, how do you feel about your first season in THL?

n: I’m feeling great and learning all the time. When I joined my goal was to score games here and there and so far I’ve been able to do that. THL’s a great community and it's nice to compete with friends in a non-toxic environment. Helping to seal a rivalry game was pretty cool too.

​

---

"I’m essentially the Questing Adventurer of Archon Storm, every time I practice or experiment I get a little bit better."

​

​THL: There’s been a lot of discussion about “the new player experience” in the Hearthstone community. Some say the game is getting too expensive for newcomers, some people think that’s just natural with collectible card games. As a self-proclaimed n00b, how would you describe your experience with Hearthstone?

n: As a Hearthstone n00b but an avid Blizzard fan I've tried and failed to get friends to play HS. Unfortunately collectible card games do suffer from an increasingly high barrier of entry and I don’t see that ending any time soon in HS. I’ve been lucky to have friends to practice and discuss the game with but for someone playing without a community I can only see it becoming more daunting. There’s a lot of great online Hearthstone content like tournaments and streamers like Kripparrian and Disguised Toast. I’m essentially the Questing Adventurer of Archon Storm, every time I practice or experiment I get a little bit better.

THL: What’s been your most embarrassing Hearthstone misplay?

n: I’ve used a Circle of Healing to try and get a huge draw with Northshire Cleric—forgetting to trade in my Auchenai Soulpriest first. Ending up wiping my entire board. Game over.

THL: What’s your favorite board to play on, and do you have an interaction that you compulsively tinker with?

n: Goblins & Gnomes: always go face with the laser beam. I used to love the teleporter but then I saw the fish flop out, which was a little bit upsetting. I haven't been able to use it since. That being said I loved the LoX Excavation site and hope it becomes regularly playable!



​


​THL: What’s your all-time favorite game and why? No restrictions video, board, whatever.

n: Civilization 5: Brave New World. I’ve spent hours playing single and multiplayer campaigns. Sending emails with screenshots and in depth descriptions of my empire’s history, military campaigns, and culture. It also kept me in touch with friends like John (Viridae) after I moved to Boston.

THL: What’s the best card art in Hearthstone? 

n: I’ve seen a lot more golden cards recently practicing with people and Priest has it best. Voljin, Confessor Paletress, and Cabal Shadow Priest are gorgeous cards. I’ve got to give a shout out to Brann Bronzebeard though, his vine swinging animation is hilarious and he won me a game this past week.

THL: Favorite way to play Hearthstone: PC, tablet, or phone? If you’re on mobile, what’s the most unusual place you’ve gotten a game in?

n: Tablet, specifically iPad. A co-worker witnessed me (drunkenly) falling asleep playing Hearthstone in my hotel room at a conference.

THL: Do you stream or produce HS content? 

n: I’m just a fan boy. :)

---