NAME OF THE TEST UNIT: Jean de Ascalon
THEME TEST: Are there are any powers or stats on the test unit card that do not accurately reflect the theme or likeness of what the character should be able to do? Also consider whether or not this character's powers should affect destructible objects.
His powers should not affect DO's. Attack 1 is pretty small if he is a Valiant Warrior. I think 2 would be better. Was the inspiring idea for personality seen? I wouldn't mind if the add would work for any 20-sided roll a hero makes within 8 spaces- this way it could help when rolling for glyph powers/traps, and for a way for him to help the airborne drop (although not as big of a deal here.)
FUN TEST: Was the unit fun to play?
Believe it or not he was, and I was sad when he died. I put 2 early order markers on him so that he could help Cyprien to over the midpoint of the map. Other than that only the X marker was on him.
FUN OPPOSITION TEST: Was the unit acceptable to play against? Could it be considered annoying?
Yes and No. He doesn't boost anything too much to be considered annoying.
USAGE TEST: Were all of the powers on this card used, or at least usable?
Every 20-sided roll, with Cyprien on every chilling touch but 1 when he was out of range, and Iskra until the Retchets were summoned
STRATEGY TEST: Does the unit offer any real strategy or interesting tactics to the overall game?
Not much that a 20 pointer can or should do in this regards. Trying to make sure you heroes don't outrun is interesting, or placing him in the best spot.
BONDING TEST: Compare the unit card with all currently existing Bonding abilities. Are there any Bonding loops that do not stop appropriately?
As a valiant Warrior he bonds with NWHC Templars of Ascalon. No loops that I see.
SYNERGIES TEST: Think of all the current cards that would have synergy with the unit card. Are there any factors that could break the game by making a unit too powerful or too weak?
As a Human following Einar he gets Count Raymond's move bonus. Gives 4th mass Valiant defense is all I can see. For the 20-sided roll: Grimnak, Marro Warriors, Ne Goksa, Tarn Viking Warrriors, Kelda, Me Bruqsa, Dund, DW 7000, Saylind, Deadeye, James Murphy, Sudema, Parmenio, Morsbane, Braxas, Jotun, Nikitas, Ninjas of N'wind, Retarius, Kee moshi, Runa, Cyprien, Iskra, Isamu, Marcu, Hive, Sonlen, Torkulna, Arkmer, Emiroon, Dupious, Atlaga, Brave Arrow, Sujoah, Wosaga, Ana, Darrak, Estivara, Greater Ice, Morgrimm, Kurrok, Mind Flayer, Rhogar, Shurrak, Werewolf Lord, Warhulk ogre, Frost Giant, Ice Troll, Master of the Hunt, Elite Onyx, Sir Hawthorne. (Darrak, Venoc Warlord, Khosumet, Subakna, Valguard, and Sonya, Morgrimm, Warhulk Ogre are not aided.) Arashara, Elaria, grigor & Rogirg, Manuvi, Mok, - Gammacron, Torver, Uvall. I don't think any breaks the card or opponent.
POWER CHECK: When considering the test unit against all existing units (including released C3V and SoV units) and all glyphs, are there any powers that could be overamplified and break the game? Each power should define when it takes place, who or what it affects, and what conditions (if any) apply.
Not that I see. Braxas, Cyprien, etc. but they aren't going to be 1 short too often. In fact in my game with Cyprien if I didn't have the bonus I might have been a little safer with him.
DRAFTING TEST: Is this unit worth drafting?
As a good filler for needing a 20-sided roll. I wouldn't mind his attack up to 2 just in case.
MIRROR TEST: Consider the test unit against itself. Are there any loops that would upset the balance of the Game?
Not that I see.
ARMY TEST 1
Did the unit perform adequately? What should be the unit's point value? Give a brief summary.
Jean gave +1 to Iskra so she could summon the Retchets, 2 of which held the attack and unique attack +1 glyphs for a bit. Increased Cyprien to 18 for 3 wounds on Finn, 13 for 1 wound of Finn (and kill). Probably helped about 25-30% of the rolls not including initiative where he was 0 for.
Map: [Stroll in the park or Stone bridges- 1 rotv 2 tj]
Units: Army 1: [Cyprien, Sonya, Iskra, Retchets, Tomb skeletons x3, Jean de Ascalon,] VS Army 2: [KoW x3, Finn, Thorgrimm, Eldgrimm, Ellassar] Blunder on my part, should have been Tombs x2 and Suduma but I pulled the figures wrong. Knights had an advantage by 80ish points before starting
This is the same report for Ellassar.
Jean de Ascalon hogs the X marker throughout, and takes 2 other order markers in the 1st 2 rounds. This leads to Iskra being able to summon the Retchets, but they are too afraid to get into the Knights zone they opt to go for 2 glyphs (attack +1 and unique attack +1.) The 3rd tries to get Eldgrim who had the belt of strength glyph, and this backfires as the retchet goes down to Eldgrimm. Cyp loves the 2 glyphs and Jean's bonus and goes on a rampage (I forget how fun he can be). The Knights and Finn put 2 wounds on him and Ellassar put 2 on him, but at this point Cyp is full life. Finn and several knights are vampired before the multi-turn squad becomes too much. The Knights & co get the Retchets and take over the glyphs. The very next round the Airborne drop (enhanced by Finn and Eldgrimm and the 2 attack glyphs, but they roll horribly with their 6 to 8 dice managing to only kill Jean, put 2 wounds on Iskra, kill Cyp, and 1 Tomb skeletons. Cyprien didn't fare much better over the 2 rounds this took with his attack or chilling touch. Ultimately the Tomb skeletons and Iskra got the last 3 Airborne. The Skeletons get Thorgrimm and 2 KoW before falling to Ellassar and his height, glyph boosted attack. Full life Ellassar and 2 Kow remain.
Final thoughts- I really like what Jean brings to the table. I would like him to help the airborne, and figures when they roll the 20-sided die for glyphs etc. Not a game changer but worth 20 as a filler, especially if his attack is upped to 2 like I think it should be.
OP card and power changed from "an" to "a".