Project Pokemon Playtesting Thread: Kangaskhan and Bulbasaur

[White Knight]

Welcome to the *NEW* Project Pokemon Playtesting Thread!

Note: This thread will be replacing the original Project Pokemon Playtesting Thread. All new Pokemon playtests will be posted and discussed in this forum. When Gastly finishes playtesting and passes to Finalization the original thread will become obsolete. Many thanks to jwind for all his work on the original thread.

The goal of this thread is to provide quality feedback on the effectiveness and in-game useability of Pokemon figures passed to us from the design thread. In order to ensure that the information provided in this thread is up to the highest standard, we ask that the following procedure be made for each Playtest:

Playtesting Procedure
1) Test the figure on a map that has a variety of terrain, elevation, and obsatacles that a figure would commonly encounter in the game of 'Scape. If you can, it is preffered that you attempt to use BoV maps as they provide more accurate results.

2) Playtest the figure in the following scenarios:
- play a minimum of three 1 on 1 matches against heroes with similar point values
- play at least three 1 on 1 matches against squads with a similar point value. If no similarly priced squads exist, you may use more than one squad in your test.
- Play the figure at least twice in an army. Each test should use a different army. The figure should have a place in each army based on its intended role; it is not to be thrown into any "A+ stuff" army as an afterthought. Both armies should be fairly balanced, remember its not which army wins, its how well the figure performed.

3) Provide a detailed post on your playtest. Include the pro's, con's, and overall flaws in the figure's design that you found while playing.

4) State whether or not you feel the figure is ready to pass as an official unit with either a YES or NO vote.


What to look for:

- THEME TEST/ Check to see if there are any powers or stats on the test unit card that does not accurately reflect the theme or likeness of what the character would and could do. Also consider destructible objects, and whether or not this characters powers should affect them.

- MIRROR TEST/ Check to see if the unit were played against itself, if there would be any loops that would upset the balance of the Game.

- BONDING TEST/ Compare the unit card with all possible currently existing Bonding abilities to make sure there are no continual Bonding possibilities that do not stop appropriately or do not stop at all. This is to prevent loops in Bonding.

- SYNERGIES TEST/ Compare the unit card with all possible currently existing synergies to make sure there are no factors that could break the game by making any unit to powerful or too weak.

- POWER CHECK/ Consider the test unit and all existing units and all glyphs to compare to and check for any powers that could be over amplified and break the game. Each power must define when it takes place, who or what it affects, and What are the stipulations on the power if there are any.

- FUN TEST/ Consider whether or not the design was fun to play.

- FUN COMPETITIVE TEST/ Consider whether or not the design was fun to play against.

- DRAFTING TEST/ Consider whether or not this design is worth drafting.

- USAGE TEST/ Consider whether or not all of the powers on this card were used or at least usable.

- STRATEGY TEST/ Consider whether or not the design offers any real strategy or interesting tactics to the overall game.

Any member of Heroscapers.com may playtest a figure from Project Pokemon, and you're efforts are greatly appreciated.

Units must be playtested by a minimum of 4 people. After that, any Trainer can call for a vote to pass the unit. Voting follows standard Project Pokemon rules. Only Trainers and Jr. Trainers may vote, and only votes cast during the first 24 hours will be counted. After 24 hours, if a clear majority (a margin of 3 or more, such as 5-2, 6-3, etc...) has not been reached, the time may be extended.

If a unit passes it moves to the Finalization Thread. If a unit does not pass it must get reworked. For small changes, the unit may be fixed and re-playtested in the playtesting thread. If more discussion is required, the unit will be sent back to the design thread for fixing.

Current Units in Playtesting:

Kangaskhan


Bulbasaur




Up Next:
(Feel free to playtest the following units, but please don't post any playtest results for them until they move up to playtesting. We only want 2 Pokemon in playtesting discussion at a time. Thanks!)

DRATINI


SANDSLASH


WARTORTLE



MANKEY


LAPRAS


PARASECT


IVYSAUR


CHARIZARD



PIDGEOTTO


DRAGONAIR


BLASTOISE


JYNX


PRIMEAPE


KADABRA


HAUNTER


ONIX


VENUSAUR


Suggestions
For any of those wondering, here is an excellent example of how to show your playtesting results originally posted by tcglkn:

Spoiler Alert!

Heroes:
Battle 1: Charmander vs Kumiko
Kumiko won on the first turn of round 2 due to an initiative switch. Niether of Charmanders or Kumiko's abilities were used. Kumiko had 1 wound.

Battle 2: Charmander vs. Zetacron
Zetacron dominated Charmander. Charmander could not roll smokescreen, and Zetacron engaged him to prevent him from rolling it. Zetacron was woundless when he won.

Battle 3: Charmander vs. Shiori
Charmander won! In round 1, turn 3 Charmander killed Shiori. Charmander was woundless.

Squads:
Battle 1: Charmander Vs. Marro Warriors
Round 1 - Charmander killed 2 MW and took no wounds due to smoke screen.
Round 2 - MW cloned one of their fallen back. Charmander moved to get in range, but a MW on heights one shot killed him when he failed smoke screen.

Battle 2: Charmander vs MRT x1
Round 1 - Charmander rolled smokescreen a couple of times. No casualties.
Round 2 - Charmander failed smokescreen and took 2 wounds. He killed one MRT
Round 3 - Charmander fell to an engaged MRT

Battle 3: Charmander vs Capuan Gladiators x 1
Round 1 - Charmander kills one Capuan Gladiator, then takes one wound of Lava Field damage at the end of the round.
Round 2 - Cap Glads kill Charmander on turn 2.

Army Test 1: Charmander, Fire Elemenal x4, Water Elemental x4, Crixus, Raelin (RotV) 500 points vs. Estivara, Wyvern x2, Fyorlag Spiders x5, Isamu.
Round 1 - Fire Elementals move out. Wyvern moves out with spider, and Estivara.
Round 2 - Fire Elementals kill 2 Spiders. Wyvern kills 2 Fire Elementals. Wyvern takes Lava Field wound at the end of the round.
Round 3 - Wyvern kills 2 remaining Fire Elementals. Water Elementals kill 1st Wyvern.
Round 4 - New Wyvern moves out, kills one Water Elemental. Spiders kill 1 Water Elemental and remove 2 OM from the Water Elementals (one was the X) Water Elemental killed 2 spiders.
Round 5 - Crixus moves out. Wyvern commits suicide to kill Crixus. Crixus rolled a 20!
Round 6 - Estivara moves out to support the spiders. Crixus puts 3 wounds on Estivara. Water Elemental attacks and kills Estivara.
Round 7 - Charmander moves out to help clean up spiders. Charmander kills one spider and takes 2 wounds.
Round 8 - Charmander dies, Crixus cleans up 3 spiders.
Round 9 - Water Elementals take out 3 spiders. One Water Elemental is killed.
Round 10 - Water Elemental kills 2 spiders, Crixus kills one.
Round 11 - Water Elemental kills the last of the spiders.
Army 1 wins with Raelin, 1 Water Elemental, and Crixus left.


Another army battle left to do, but so far I have been highly unimpressed with Charmander's performance. He needs more defense or more life, and I would boost his Ember attack to 3 dice. I didn't inflict a single wound with Ember SA, so there wasn't even a chance of a Burn occurring. So far I vote NO to pass Charmander as he is.

If you have any questions about playtesting, either post it in this thread or send me a PM.
Happy playtesting!

[White Knight]

Note: I did some preliminary testing of Paras this past weekend.

A few things to keep in mind:

1) This will be our first real tests of both Paralysis and Sleep Markers. Magnemite had the chance to inflict Paralysis, but it was very small and didn't really come into play.

2) Because this is the first real tests of Paralysis and Sleep, we need to be open to possibly changing the effects somewhat. Keep that in mind while playtesting, and be thinking of any improvements we can make to the effects.

[NightSwipe]

Got it.

OBTW: In Effect Spore, it should read, "Sleep status markers cannot be placed... The FRENZY ability."

[mac122]

Originally Posted by NightSwipe

Got it.

OBTW: In Effect Spore, it should read, "Sleep status markers cannot be placed... The FRENZY ability."

It's misspelled as a result of the automatic keyword ability in MSE. It will be fixed on the final card.

[DrAwsm]

All tests for Paras were done on Fen_Hydra’s map “The Short Street.”



Paras Battle Reports - Heroes
NOTE: All I have for 30 point heroes is the Wyrmlings. Therefore, my reports may be a bit skewed.

Spoiler Alert!

Paras VS. Blue Wyrmling

Round 1
Blue Wyrmling wins initiative, and flies over the patch of mountains by his start zone.
Paras moves up, but can’t reach the Wyrmling.
The Wyrmling flies over and engages Paras from height. Paras is destroyed from a whiff.

Paras VS. White Wyrmling
Round 1
Paras wins initiative. Climbs up to height.
White Wyrmling gets Paras in range. Fails to harm him with Ice Shards.
Paras rushes and engages the Wyrmling, but fails to destroy it.
Wyrmling’s attack is blocked. It receives a Sleep Status Marker.
Paras whiffs an attack.
Wyrmling is too sleepy to do anything.

Round 2
Wyrmling wins initiative. Its Sleep Status Marker is removed. He destroys Paras with a normal attack.

Paras VS. Squads

Spoiler Alert!

Paras VS. Deathreavers
Round 1
Paras wins initiative. Climbs up to height.
Deathreavers spread out on either side of the rock cluster.
Paras heads down to the middle section.
Deathreavers surround Paras. Out of four attacks, one connects and kills Paras.

Paras in a 400-point army
Paras x4, Charos, Darrak Ambershard- Player 1
Deathwalker 9000, Warriors of Ashra x2, Othkurik the Black Dragon

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1
Player 2 gets initiative. Warriors of Ashra move up next to the rock cluster.
Player 1 A Paras climb onto height.
Player 2 Another squad of WoA climb onto the other side of the rock cluster.
Player 1 Darrak moves up onto height.
Player 2 Deathwalker 9K moves up behind the rocks and battlements.
Player 1 Charos flies over next to the rock cluster.

Round 2
Player 1 Charos flies over and almost engages a squad of WoA.
Player 2 A squad of WoA tie down Charos. None attack him.
Player 1 A Paras charges towards the WoA tying down Charos.
Player 2 One WoA stays engaged with Charos while engaging the Paras. One more engages Paras from the south end. The last one is unable to reach Paras. One gets a Paralysis Marker after a whiff. Another destroys the Paras.
Player 1 Another Paras ends its turn next to the rock cluster on the left.
Player 2 Deathwalker 9K gets height. Its attack is blocked by Charos.

Round 3
Player 2 Deathwalker inflicts 2 wounds on Charos with his normal attack.
Player 1 The Paras by the rocks engages a WoA, but fails to destroy it.
Player 2 One WoA walks around Charos to engage the Paras. Another heads into the heart of the field. The last one engages Charos.
Player 1 Charos fails to destroy a WoA.
Player 2 DW9K puts 2 more wounds on Charos.
Player 1 Paras whiffs on its attack.

Round 4
Player 2 DW9K puts another 2 wounds on Charos.
Player 1 Darrak engages a WoA engaged with Charos. His attacked is dodged.
Player 2 DW9K’s attack is blocked by Charos.
Player 1 Darrak engages another WoA. He fails to destroy it.
Player 2 Othkurik flies over to the rock cluster in the south.
Player 1 Charos (foolishly) disengages from five WoA. He is now dead.

Round 5
Player 2 WoA swarm Darrak. One gets height on him. Only 2 wounds are put on Darrak.
Player 1 Darrak’s attack is dodged by the WoA engaged with Paras.
Player 2 The WoA destroy Darrak.
Player 1 OM 2 was on Darrak.
Player 2 Othkurik destroys a Paras.

Round 6
Player 2 WoA walk past the rock cluster.
Player 1 A Paras engages the three WoA, but fails to destroy its target.
Player 2 Two WoA are paralyzed by the Paras. The last one destroys it.
Player 1 The last Paras engages a WoA by the rocks, and destroys it.
Player 2 DW9K walks down into the middle section.
Player 1 The Paras fails to destroy its newly engaged WoA.

Round 7
Player 2 The WoA destroy Paras on their first attack.

Paras, like Gastly before it, is useful especially with heroes. While in my tests it only paralyzed the White Wyrmling for heroes, it also paralyzed the WoA. This is where I think Paras can shine, in paralyzing squad members.

My biggest mistake in my army test was disengaging Charos from all those WoA. I wasn;t paying attention to his wounds, and if I had, I probably could’ve won that match. The Paras really had to be the MVP for Player 1 simply because they helped slow down the WoA. If they could’ve gotten to DW9K, they probably could have put it to sleep, giving Charos a breather from all his attacks. Unfortunately, that’s not how it went.

I think, since Paras is a common hero, it will be used best as support, rather than a main force. He helps more to slow down the enemy so that units like Charizard and Scyther can rush in and destroy them. His survivability is pretty good, especially with his four defense, so that helps him get to his target much easier than Gastly.

All in all, I really like Paras. I hope Parasect has his abilities, but helps pack more of a punch so he brings more to the table.

[Chardar]

My idea for Parasect was a red skull like ability that let you take multiple turns with Paras. This was a compromise because most of us didn't want Paras as a squad, which was my idea. However if you keep up the quality playtests I'd be happy to give the design to you.

[White Knight]

Added Kangaskhan and Bulbasaur to the first page of this thread, but please don't post results until we finish with Gastly or Paras.

[NightSwipe]

Here's a playtest for Paras...

All maps were played on BoV map Embattled Fen.

Hero Test 1: vs. Guilty McCreech Paras Wins

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1: Guilty moves out and attacks a bit, Paras blocks. Eventually, Paras approaches and kills Guilty after dodging a few more bullets.

Hero Test 2: vs. Theracus Paras Wins

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1: Both combatants move forward, but Theracus gets the first swipe and...Paras blocks and rolls a 5. A paralysis marker is placed on Theracus. Paras attacks and puts a wound on Theracus. Theracus rolls a 4 for Paralysis, and fails to take a turn.

Round 2: Paras wins initiative, and gives Theracus a wound. Theracus attacks and gets a Sleep Marker. Paras attacks and finshes the horse.

Hero Test 3: vs. Me-Burq-Sa (2 playtests) Me-Burq-Sa Wins

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1: Both combatants move forward. Me-Burq-Sa takes the high ground, rolls a 20 for Paralyzing Stare, and then rolls 2 skulls. I'll do this one again.

Round 1, Part 2: Both combatants move toward each other. Me-Burq Sa gets a 16 for Paralyzing Stare, but blanks. Paras moves forward and attacks, but blanks. Me-Burq-Sa rolls an 18 for Paralyzing Stare, and rolls 2 skulls.

Paras wins 2/3 Hero Tests.

Squad Tests:

Squad Test 1 vs. Marrden Nagrubs Nagrubs Win (2/3 left, 1 sleeping)

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1: The combatants move toward each other, 2 of the Nagrubs taking the road, the other going by the swamp water. The Nagrubs get the first strike. Both attacks are blocked, and one Nagrub gets Paralyzed while the other one takes a nap. The last one steps on the Glyph. Paras attacks and kills the Paralyzed Nagrub. The Sleeping Grub sleeps, while the Glyph Grub stays on the Glyph. The Glyph of Wannok kills Paras.

Squad Test 2 vs. Fyorlag Spiders Spiders Win (3/3 left, 1 Sleeping, 1 Paralyzed)

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1: The combatants move forward. The Fyorlag Spiders see an opening, and manage to score an Entangling Web. But they remove the X Marker! They attack: One gets Paralyzed, one goes to sleep, but the last one scores a hit that Paras fails to block.

Squad Test 3 vs. Venoc Vipers Vipers Win (2/3 left, 1 paralyzed)

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1: Vipers move out, but don't get Frenzy. Paras moves forward. The Vipers advance and attack. After some spectacular defense rolling from Paras, 2 vipers are Paralyzed, and 1 would be asleep, but, you know... Anyway, Frenzy doesn't work, and Paras proceeds to kill the un-statused viper. Both remaining vipers take 1 less move for their turn. They attack. One attack is blocked, but the other goes through and kills Paras.

Paras wins 0/3 Squad Tests.

Army Tests:

Army Test 1: 2x Paras, Krav, Deathwalker 9000 vs. Izumi Samurai, Ne-Gok-Sa, 3x Marro Dividers. (Paras=Paras's Army, Divider=Divider Army)
Paras's Army Wins! (DW9K)

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1:
(Paras) A Paras moves forward.
(Divider) The Izumi move up.
(Paras) The other Paras moves up.
(Divider) Ne-Gok-Sa moves forward.
(Paras) The first Paras moves forward again, engaging 1 Izumi and Ne-Gok-Sa. It attacks Ne-Gok-Sa, but the Marro Warlord blocks.
(Divider) A squad of Dividers move up.

Round 2:
(Paras) The unengaged Paras moves into the Swamp Water.
(Divider) The previously unengaged Izumi engage the Swamp Water Paras. The other Samurai attacks the Road Paras. The Road Samurai becomes Paralyzed, 1 Swamp Water samurai becomes Paralyzed, and the last Swamp Samurai kills Paras.
(Paras) The Road Samurai is killed by a Krav. The other Krav miss.
(Divider) Dividers move forward, one attacks the Paras and falls asleep.
(Paras) Deathwalker moves up, and his Explosion kills the remaining Izumi.
(Divider) Ne-Gok-Sa attacks Paras, and kills it.

Round 3:
(Divider) A Divider makes it to a Krav, but the Krav blocks the attack.
(Paras) The Krav kill a Divider.
(Divider) The Dividers move up.
(Paras) The Krav try attacking a Divider, but it Divides. The rest of the attacks miss.
(Divider) Ne-Gok-Sa makes it to a Krav, but Mind Shackle fails, and his attack misses.
(Paras) DW9K fires at the newly-spawned divider and his 2 buddies, and kills 2 of them with no replications.

Round 4:
(Divider) NGS moves around the Krav, so the dividers can come through, but once again Mind Shackle fails and the attack misses.
(Paras) All 3 Krav attack NGS. He takes a wound.
(Divider) 1 Divider moves into adjacency with 2 Krav, while one wakes up from a long nap, and another gets going towards the action from the starting zone. The Divider fails to kill anything.
(Paras) 1 Krav attacks NGS, but it is blocked. Another shoots the Divider that is engaged, killing it. The last attacks the Divider that woke up, but he misses.
(Divider) The previously sleeping Divider moves adjacent to 2 Krav, while 2 more move in from the start zone. A Krav falls.
(Paras) DW9K attacks 2 Dividers near the enemy start zone. 1 replicates, the other blocks. (2 dead Dividers.)

Round 5:
(Divider) The group of Dividers that DW9K targeted last turn scatters, and 2 more Dividers move up.
(Paras) DW9K targets the Divider engaged with a Krav, and the projectile finds its mark.
(Divider) 1 Divider engages DW9K, 1 engages a Krav, and the last engages the other Krav. 1 Krav dies.
(Paras) The last Krav attacks the adjacent Divider, but he blocks.
(Divider) NGS tries Mind Shackling the Krav, which fails, but he does kill it.
(Paras) DW9K attacks the adjacent Divider, killing it.

(DW9K vs. 5 Dividers and NGS with 4 life left)

Round 6:
(Divider) Dividers move closer to DW9K. 1 gets adjacent, but it is blocked.
(Paras) DW9K attacks the adjacent Divider, killing it.
(Divider) 2 Dividers make it adjacent to DW9K this time, but both attacks are blocked.
(Paras) DW9K attacks the Divider on even ground, killing it.
(Divider) 2 Dividers move closer to their target, and the Divider that was adjacent to DW9K at the beginning of the turn doesn't make a dent.
(Paras) DW9K attacks the adjacent Divider, but it Cell Divides!

Round 7:
(Paras) DW9K targets the Divider adjacent to him with Explosion, knowing that he will be affected to, but he fires the missle, and...nothing dies.
(Divider) A Divider down the road marches up and gets adjacent, while another one moves closer to the fray.
(Paras) DW9K targets the Divider that was adjacent to him for a longer time with Explosion, and... kills the Divider and the one that it spawned, and he didn't die himself!
(Divider) The last 2 Dividers move adjacent to DW9K, but fail to kill him.
(Paras) DW9K targets the Divider on even ground with a normal attack, but he misses.
(Divider) The 2 Dividers try again, but once again fail to make a dent.

(DW9K vs. 2 Dividers, Ne-Gok-Sa with 4 life left.

Round 8:
(Divider) Those 2 Dividers try again, and fail again.
(Paras) DW9K targets the Divider on even ground, killing it.
(Divider) The last Divider attacks... but the Soulborg's armor is too strong.
(Paras) DW9K doesn't even glance at the last Divider's face as it launches a rocket at it, killing it.
(Divider) NGS approaches DW9K.
(Paras) DW9K attacks, giving NGS 4 wounds, and killing it.

Army Test 2: 2x Paras, Raelin RotV, Othkurik the Black Dragon vs. 2x Fyorlag Spiders, Sujoah (Paras=Paras's Army, Spiders=Sujoah's Army)
Sujoah's Army Wins! (Paralyzed Sujoah with 3 life left, 3/6 Spiders, 2 Paralyzed Spiders)

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1:
(Paras) 1 Paras marches out on the road.
(Spiders) Sujoah goes first, stopping only a few spaces away from Paras thanks to the road bonus. The Spiders struggle to catch up.
(Paras) Thanks to the road bonus, Othkurik manages to end up adjacent to Sujoah, and gives him a wound.
(Spiders) Sujoah tries to Poison Sting Othkurik, but he blocks. The Spiders move forward.
(Paras) Othkurik attacks again, giving Sujoah 2 wounds.
(Spiders) Sujoah tries again for a Poison Sting, giving the young dragon 2 wounds. More spiders move up.

Round 2:
(Paras) The other Paras moves a few spaces into the sand so that it controls a key choke point to Paras's start zone, but at the same time, remains in Raelin's aura.
(Spiders) Sujoah tries for another Poison Sting, but Othkurik blocks. 2 spiders move into adjacency with Sand Paras. The other moves up from the start zone. Both Spiders attack, and they both fall asleep.
(Paras) The other Paras now moves into adjacency with Sujoah, also creating a choke point. Its attack fails to do anything, however.
(Spiders) Sujoah Poison Stings Othkurik, giving him 2 wounds and putting him at his last life. 1 Spider rushes up to attack Paras again, while the other 2 try waking up. The new Spider becomes Paralyzed, while 1 of the old Spiders wakes up and attacks, only to fall back asleep again.
(Paras) Raelin moves closer to Sand Paras, but fails to kill anything.
(Spiders) Sujoah tries killing the Paras to allow the Spiders to pass, but becomes Paralyzed instead. 1 Spider doesn't wake up, 1 spider takes a move reduction, and the other wakes up. The Spider that just woke up attacks Raelin, while the Paralyzed Spider attacks Paras. Raelin takes 2 wounds while Paras blocks the attack.

Round 3:
(Paras) Othkurik goes for a leaving engagement with Sujoah to go help Raelin and Sand Paras, but Sujoah misses. Othkurik uses Acid Spray, killing 2 spiders.
(Spiders) Sujoah rolls for being Paralyzed, and rolls a 1. No move or attack, so on to the Spiders: The Paralyzed one rolls a 5. Nice. 2 more spiders move closer to Othkurik.
(Paras) Othkurik flies onto the road again, but within Raelin's aura, and Acid Spraying Sujoah and the Spider adjacent to him. Both opponents block the attack, however.
(Spiders) Sujoah rolls a 7 for Paralyzation, so he moves adjacent to Othkurik and Poison Stings him, killing him. The Paralyzed spider rolls a 9 and moves adjacent to Raelin, as does 1 other spider. The last one moves adjacent to Sand Paras. Raelin takes 2 more wounds, leaving her with 1 life, while the Spider that attacked Paras becomes Paralyzed.
(Paras) Raelin attacks a Spider, killing it.
(Spiders) Sujoah rolls an 8 for Paralysis, and attacks the Road Paras, killing it. 2 Spiders roll for Paralysis. One is cured, while the other can't move or attack. Another Spider makes it adjacent to Raelin. The Spiders attack Raelin and Sand Paras. The one attacking Paras gets Paralyzed, while the one attacking Raelin is blocked.

(1 life Raelin, 1 Paras vs. 3 life Sujoah, 1 squad Spiders)

Round 4:
(Paras) Raelin fails to kill a Spider.
(Spider) Sujoah takes a move reduction and attacks Raelin, killing her. A Paralyzed Spider can't move or attack, while 2 more swarm Paras. The first one gets Paralyzed, while the second one finishes it off.

Paras wins 1/2 Army Battles.

Final thoughts:

Paras is an extremely fun character to play, and his abilities are very well balanced. The abilities are effective enough to ensure something happens most of the time, but not so overpowering that the figures end up being a waste of points.
On the other hand, Paras's stats are just right, although I think he could use a move boost. I don't know how we are going to fit it on the card, but...
He is easy enough to kill, but hardy enough to ensure he Paralyzes/puts to sleep his point value.
An excellent glyph/choke point holder.
His only real weakness is range, but this is good because it is his weakness. On second thought, this plus the low move value balances him quite well.
All in all, a very nice figure, the Deathreaver of Pokescape.
I recommend Passing him at 30 points.

[White Knight]

PARAS PLAYTEST
HEROES

All battles played on White Knight’s symmetric custom Middle Lake map:


Dumatef Guard (25 points) versus Paras(Note: there were no road tiles, so Dumatef was not at it’s best.)

Playtest #1

Spoiler Alert!

- Paras attacked first but blanked
- Dumatef attacked-->3 skulls and Paras was out

-->Dumatef wins


Playtest #2

Spoiler Alert!

- Paras went for height
- Dumatef attacked 1 skull, 0 shields--> Paras out

-->Dumatef wins


Playtest #3

Spoiler Alert!

- Paras went for height
- Dumatef got adjacent and rolled 3 skulls--> Paras out

-->Dumatef wins


Playtest #4

Spoiler Alert!

- Paras ran away
- Dumatef followed
- Paras won the initiative and chose to engage and attack--> 2 skulls, 0 shields, and Dumatef out

-->Paras wins


Playtest #5

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1
- Paras went for height
- Dumatef attacked--> 2 skulls, 2 shields, Dumatef Paralyzed
- Paras attacked but was blocked

Round 2
- Paras attacked--> 2 skulls, 1 shield, and Dumatef out

-->Paras wins


Playtest #6

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1
- Paras attacked first but was blocked
- Dumatef blocked--> Dumatef paralyzed

Round 2
- Dumatef rolled a 3 for Paralysis--> Paralyzed
- Paras attacked--> 2 skulls, 0 shields, and Dumatef out

-->Paras wins


Nerak the Glacian Swog Rider (50 points) versus 2x Paras(Note: there were no snow tiles, so Nerak was not at his best.)

Playtest #1

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1
- Nerak ran forward
- Paras #1 got on height
- Nerak attacked Paras #1--> blocked and Paralyzed
- Paras #1 missed

Round 2
- Paras #1 missed
- Nerak disengaged and attacked Paras #2 but was blocked
- Paras #2 attacked--> 1 wound on Nerak
- Nerak missed
- Paras #2 blocked
- Nerak missed

Round 3
- Nerak blocked
- Paras #2 missed
- Nerak missed
- Paras #2 missed
- Nerak (no longer Paralyzed) attacked--> blocked, Nerak Paralyzed again
- Paras #2 is blocked

Round 4
- Paras #2 attacked--> 2nd wound on Nerak
- Nerak no longer Paralyzed--> 3 skulls, 0 shields, Paras #2 out
- Paras #1 chose to stay on height
- Nerak moved closer but not adjacent
- Paras #1 attacked on level ground but missed
- Nerak attacked--> 2 skulls, 2 shield, and Nerak Paralyzed again

Round 5
- Nerak (no longer Paralyzed) attacked--> Nerak missed and fell asleep
- Paras #1 attacked--> 2 skulls, 1 shield, and Nerak out

-->Paras wins (1/2 Paras left)


Playtest #2

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1
- Nerak and Paras #1 moved forward

Round 2
- Nerak attacked--> attack blocked, Nerak Paralyzed
- Paras #1 was blocked
- Nerak was blocked--> still Paralyzed
- Paras #1 moved to height--> 1 wound on Nerak
- Nerak Paralyzed and cannot move or attack
- Paras #1 missed

Round 3
- Paras#1 was blocked
- Nerak missed--> still Paralyzed
- Paras #1 attacked--> 3 skulls, 0 shields, and Nerak out

-->Paras wins (2/2 Paras left)


Playtest #3

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1
- Paras #1 moved to height
- Nerak moved towards the Paras start zone
- Paras #2 engaged Nerak but missed
- Nerak attacked and took out Paras #2

Round 2
- Nerak rushed to Paras #1--> 3 skulls, 0 shield, and Paras #1 out

-->Nerak wins (3/3 life left)


Arkmer (50 points) versus 2x Paras

Playtest #1

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1
- Paras #1 hides behind the ruin
- Paras #2 hides behind the ruin
- Arkmer moves forward
- Paras #2 engages but whiffs
- Arkmer attacks--> Paras #2 out

Round 2
- Paras #1 rushes out to the open
- Arkmer misses from range
- Paras #1 engages but whiffs
- Arkmer attacks--> Paras #1 out

-->Arkmer wins (3/3 life left)


Playtest #2

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1
- Paras #1 hides
- Paras #2 hides
- Arkmer advances
- Paras #2 engages but whiffs (this sounds familier)
- Arkmer takes out Paras #2

Round 2
- Arkmer advances and attacks--> Paras #1 out

-->Arkmer wins (3/3 life left)


Playtest #3

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1
- Paras #1 and Paras #2 moves to height
- Arkmer forward
- after his last move, Arkmer attacks but is blocked

Round 2
- Paras #1 engages but is destroyed by Engagement Strike
- Arkmer attacks Paras #2 but is blocked
- Paras #2 engages but whiffs
- Arkmer is blocked--> Asleep
- Paras #2 attacks--> 1 wound on Arkmer
- Arkmer is Asleep

Round 3
- Paras misses
- Arkmer is Asleep
- Paras misses
- Arkmer is Asleep
- Paras misses
- Arkmer is Asleep

Round 4
- Paras #2 attacks--> 1 wound on Arkmer
- Arkmer is Asleep
- Paras #2 attacks--> 2 wounds, Arkmer out

-->Paras win (1/2 Paras left)


Playtest #4

Spoiler Alert!

(summary)
- Paras #1 puts 1 wound on Arkmer
- Arkmer takes out Paras #1
- Arkmer wins initiative and takes out Paras #2

-->Arkmer wins (2/3 life left)


Brave Arrow (50 points) versus 2x Paras

Playtest #1

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1
- Brave Arrow forward
- Paras #1 attacks first--> 1 wound on Brave Arrow
- Brave Arrow takes out Paras #1

Round 2
- Brave Arrow is blocked--> Paralyzed
- Paras #2 misses
- Brave Arrow is blocked--> Asleep
- Paras #2 blocked
- Brave Arrow is Asleep
- Paras #2 blocked

Round 3
- Paras #2 attacks--> 2 wounds on Brave Arrow
- Brave Arrow wakes up--> Paras #2 out

-->Brave Arrow wins (1/4 life left)


Playtest #2

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1
- Brave Arrow forward
- Paras #1 engages--> 1 wound on Brave Arrow
- Paras #1 out

Round 2
- Paras #2 engages but is blocked
- Brave Arrow blocked--> Paralyzed
- Paras #2 misses
- Brave Arrow blocked (still Paralyzed)
- Paras #2 attacks--> 2 wounds on Brave arrow
- Brave Arrow Paralyzed

Round 3
- Brave Arrow Paralyzed
- Paras #2 blocked
- Brave Arrow attacks--> Paras #2 out

-->Brave Arrow wins (1/4 life left)

I'll post squad tests soon. After that, I'll post my comments.

[White Knight]

PARAS PLAYTEST
SQUADS

All battles played on White Knight’s symmetric custom Middle Lake map:



Marrdan Nagrubs (30 points) versus Paras

Playtest #1

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1
- Nagrubs moved forward
- Paras got first attack--> 1 Nagrub out
- Nagrubs attacked--> 1 Paralyzed, 1 Asleep
- Paras missed

Round 2
- Paras attacked--> 2nd Nagrub out
- Nagrub woke up but was blocked--> Nagrub Paralyzed
- Paras is blocked
- Nagrub is blocked
- Paras attacked--> 3rd Nagrub out

-->Paras wins


Playtest #2

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1
- Nagrubs forward
- Paras headed for water
- Nagrubs followed and 2 attacked--> 1 Paralyzed, 1 Asleep

Round 2
- Nagrubs won initiative
- first Nagrub was still Sleeping
- second Nagrub attacked--> 2 skulls, 1 shield, and Paras out

-->Nagrubs win (3/3 Nagrubs left)


Playtest #3

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1
- Nagrubs split up
- Paras took out 1 Nagrub

Round 2
- Nagrubs went for the center island
- Paras swam out and engaged the first Nagrub--> 2 skulls, 1 shield, Nagrub #2 out
- last Nagrub stays on island for height in the middle of the water
- Paras swam to it and attacked--> 2 skulls, 1 shield, and Nagrub #3 out

-->Paras wins


Playtest #4

Spoiler Alert!

- Paras moved forward
- the Nagrubs moved forward
- Paras stopped next to side center hill
- first Nagrub got adjacent and attacked--> 1 skull, 0 shield, and Paras out

-->Nagrubs win (3/3 Nagrubs left)


Marro Warriors (50 points) versus 2x Paras

Playtest #1

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1
- Marro forward
- Paras #1 hides
- Marro attack Paras #2 but are blocked
- Paras #1 adjacent to 2 Marro--> 1 Marro out
- 2 Marro get to height, 3rd Marro takes out Paras #1
- Paras #2 misses

Round 2
- Paras #2 blocked
- Marro take out Paras #2

-->Marro Warriors win (3/4 Marro left)


Playtest #2

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1
- Paras #1 moves to height
- Marro forward
- Paras #2 hides
- Marro forward and attack--> Paras #1 out
- Paras #2 hides and waits for Marro to move closer
- Marro get height--> Paras #2 out

-->Marro Warriors win (4/4 Marro left)


Tarn Viking Warriors (50 points) versus 2x Paras

Playtest #1

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1
- Vikings forward
- Paras move to height

Round 2
- Vikings win initiative and get adjacent (2 fall asleep, the other two take out Paras #1 and Paras #2)

-->Tarn Vikings win (4/4 Tarn left)

Playtest #2

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1
- Vikings move forward--> Beserk Charge! Beserk Charge! Beserk Charge! (can’t quite reach the Paras)
- Paras #1 engages and attacks but is blocked
- Vikings engage and take out both Paras

-->Tarn Vikings win (4/4 Tarn left)


Playtest #3

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1
- Paras #1 rushes forward
- Tarn forward--> Beserk Charge! 1 Tarn attacks Paras #1 and falls Asleep
- Paras #1 gets height and attacks--> 1 Tarn out
- Tarn wakes up and attacks Paras #1 but is Paralyzed
- Paras #1 takes out 2nd Tarn
- Tarns #3 and #4 head to the Paras start zone

Round 2
- Tarn engage Paras #2--> Paras #2 out
- Paras #1 moves closer
- Tarn engage and attack--> Paras #1 whiffs and is out

-->Tarn Vikings win (2/4 Tarn left)

[White Knight]

PARAS EVALUATION
Note: I still need to do my army tests, but I wanted to summarize the results so far.

Overall Design
Effect Spore is thematic to Paras and I really like it as an ability.

Battle Analysis
Paras split battles versus the Nagrubs and Dumatef Guard. But Dumatef wasn't on road spaces, and the Nagrubs are mostly food for Su-bak-na.

Paras did well against Nerak, but Nerak had unused Bonding and no snow.

Paras did OK versus Brave Arrow. Sleep worked really well to keep Brave Arrow from attacking. Sleep also worked well against Arkmer in one battle, but most of the time Arkmer's 4 attack just blew Paras away. Also, Arkmer could attack from range.

The Marro and the Tarn crushed Paras. Even when one or two figures got Paralyzed or put to Sleep, his buddies would be there to take Paras out. The Marro especially, with their 6 range, were just too much for the Paras.

Suggestions
1) 4 move without any movement enhancers is really slow. Zettians only move 4, but they have a defense of 7. Increase Paras's move to 5.

2) Paralysis was good 1/4 of the time, but the movement slowdown was useless. By the time the figures were paralyzed, they were already close enough that they didn't need to use a full move. Most of the time, rolling for paralysis was just a lot of extra dice rolling with no effect. Reduce movement for Paralyzed figures to 1/2 movement instead of -1 to Move to make it more useful.

At least once that would have prevented a Paralyzed Nerak from reaching the second Paras in a single turn.

3) Sleep was good, but it seems weird that figures can defend just as well while asleep. I suggest that Sleeping figures roll 1 less Defense die and can't make leaving engagement attacks.

Paras would have beaten Brave Arrow both times if Brave Arrow had -1 Defense.

4) Paras was fun to play, but not very effective for the points. Lower Paras to 20 points.

5) Another option, instead of changing speed and points, is to increase Paras's Defense to 5.

Conclusion
The above are just suggestions I was thinking of during the battles. I'll get a better feel for Paras when it goes against some higher point melee heroes in an army battle.

[NightSwipe]

Originally Posted by White Knight

Suggestions
1) 4 move without any movement enhancers is really slow. Zettians only move 4, but they have a defense of 7. Increase Paras's move to 5.

2) Paralysis was good 1/4 of the time, but the movement slowdown was useless. By the time the figures were paralyzed, they were already close enough that they didn't need to use a full move. Most of the time, rolling for paralysis was just a lot of extra dice rolling with no effect. Reduce movement for Paralyzed figures to 1/2 movement instead of -1 to Move to make it more useful.

At least once that would have prevented a Paralyzed Nerak from reaching the second Paras in a single turn.

3) Sleep was good, but it seems weird that figures can defend just as well while asleep. I suggest that Sleeping figures roll 1 less Defense die and can't make leaving engagement attacks.

Paras would have beaten Brave Arrow both times if Brave Arrow had -1 Defense.

4) Paras was fun to play, but not very effective for the points. Lower Paras to 20 points.

5) Another option, instead of changing speed and points, is to increase Paras's Defense to 5.

Conclusion
The above are just suggestions I was thinking of during the battles. I'll get a better feel for Paras when it goes against some higher point melee heroes in an army battle.

I agree with 1, 2, 3, and 5. But as said, these are suggestions, and, IMO, Paras is a very playable unit without these changes.