Flavour text has nothing to do with the process of gameplay, but pairs with artwork and helps flesh out the imaginary world depicted on the cards
As a hardcore Pauper player, I really hope that this card won't sell for too much, because I want a playset
Gurmag Angler is chosen over Tasigur, the Golden Fang because the card Karakas is a major player in the format, and because the average size of a Tarmogoyf is a 4/5
Then, the remaining damage spills over to the player
Lots has been said about Merfolk Branchwalker and Jadelight Ranger as well at the explore mechanic as a whole, but giving selection and card advantage to efficient creatures has always been a recipe for powerful cards in Standard
The Dark introduced 119 new cards, which makes it a VERY small expansion