Three play tests.
Matsuko Kazumi 120, Tagawa Samurai Archers x2 130, Roman Archers x2 110, Kaemon Awa 120, Apeo 30 = 510 points
Battle #1 v. Calibrax, Emperor Andask, Atlaga, Kelda, Raelin v1 = 510 points
@ Myrr Isabrot
Summary: Calibrax wondered out to the middle of the map to grab a treasure glyph in round 1 and took some wounds. Andask ventured out to help in round 2, but he died at the hands of the beefed up Roman Archers in one turn. The Kyrie heroes were in full retreat. Matsuko Kazumi and his band of archers could either continue to pod up on height or charge ahead. Throwing caution to the wind, Kazumi and a squad of Tagawa Archers forged across the swamp and ice flats to go after Raelin and friends. The strategy paid off. From the 3rd OM in the second round to the end of the battle, Matsuko rolled skulls on 13 out of 16 dice to dish out seven wounds. The Tagawa Archers did the rest. Well, almost. Kelda took out Calibrax by rolling a one on the 20-sider when trying to heal. This was a farce of a battle, ending after the first OM in round four. Matsuko's army had 452 points remaining. Two Romans and one Samurai were dead, Kaemon, Apeo and Matsuko were at full health.
Thoughts: Hmm. Matsuko Kazumi is probably the best figure ever created by NWHC. Way overpowered . . . I'm thinking about 400 points would be a good cost after this battle. Granted, Matsuko rolled very well while the Kyrie did not. And maybe the Kyrie army needs to learn how to strategize a little better.
Battle #2 v. Greenscale Warriors x2, Charos, Aristeos, Eilan Sidhe x2 = 500 points
@ Elswin Plateau
Summary: After the last battle, maybe I got a little overconfident with Matsuko. And maybe I forgot that Charos is a different animal. All started well. Matsuko and his archers gained height toward the middle of the map. Matsuko and the Romans put 4 wounds on Charos by the end of the second round . . . things were starting to look the same as the last battle. To start the 3rd round, Charos left engagement for his 5th wound, engaged Matsuko and hammered him for three wounds. A Greenscale then snuck in, rolled 3/3 skulls, and promptly killed Matsuko. OK, don't let this stud get in danger's way. Matsuko's army lost all three of their OMs that round, as Kaemon Awa was also taken out by Charos and the Greenscales. It was now just a matter of time and rolling of dice. The battle ended in the sixth round. Team Charos had 260 point remaining.
Thoughts: Lesson learned. Play it safe with Matsuko Kazumi. Maybe a cost of 400 is a bit ridiculous.
Battle #3 v. Deathstalkers x2, Deathcommander Mark 3, Zettian Guards, Deathwalker 7000 = 500 points
@ Dance of the Dryads
Summary: Round 1 - Einar missed on a bunch of attacks. Deathcommander Mark 3 put a wound on Kaemon Awa. Round 2 - A Tagawa died, Utgar blocked or stealth dodged a bunch of attacks, DW7000 tried to get adjacent to Matsuko to blow him up, and figures were all safe on the lava fields at the end of the round. Round 3 - DW7000, DM3, and a Zettian Guard rolled two shields in 28 dice. They all died. Utgar lost all OMs that round. The route was on. Three Deathstalkers died from a beefed up Kaeman and his counter strikes. The battle was over in the 5th round. Matsuko and team had 337 points remaining on the battlefield.
Thoughts: No, the opponent wasn't great. But Matsuko is really good. Awa becomes even better.
Reflections: Hmm. I really like what Matsuko does for the Roman Archers. The Tagawa Archers become very, very good. Kaeman Awa becomes an A+ figure when in Matsuko's aura. If I am playing an army with Matsuko, I am going to go with the Tagawa and skip the Romans, although their volley attack did provide useful a couple of times in the three battles. Good decision to increase Matsuko's points to 120. I am wondering if Kaemon needs a boost at all - maybe just make the aura for squad figures. I would be happy to let things stand, but I am wondering if Matsuko and 5-6 squads of Tagawa Archers would be near unbeatable.