The Book of Medusa

[Karat]

What if we did it more like Warrior engagement so that the Call makes you move towards her but if you try to leave she tries to use her snakes to stun you

VENOMOUS BITES
If Medusa rolls a skull or blank against a figure leaving an engagement with her, that figure may not leave the engagement with Medusa this turn.

Or the engagement strike style

VENOMOUS BITES
The first time a figure engages Medusa, you may roll an unblockable attack die against it.

I think I almost like the warrior engagement style one slightly better. Thoughts. It's still early and no tests have been run yet, so not a huge deal if it ends up affecting cost.

[IAmBatman]

I’d stick with just a skull but inflict an additional wound if you hit for the venom. Prefer the Warrior Engagement option as well.

[Karat]

Cool. Think I'll go with that then. Was wondering if the extra wound would be too much initially so I went the other route.

[IAmBatman]

People can (and probably will) just choose to not try to disengage.

[Karat]

Was just thinking about this and I think these changes would help. The idea of the first power is that they must move, so a 1 space requirement feels necessary but still shows that they are fighting the call, but they can choose to just engage as well.

For the stare, I realized that the defense bonus would never occur tied to your next OM so I think tieing it to your opponent's next OM reveal works better since it lets the Defense bonus happen and gives a bit more strategy.

HYPNOTIC CALL 12
Before an opponent would begin the movement of a figure they control without the Mental Shield special power that is within 6 spaces of Medusa, they must roll the 20-sided die. If a 12 or lower is rolled, that figure must move at least one space and end its movement closer to Medusa than at the start of the turn, if possible.

PETRIFYING STARE 12
Before an opponent's figure without the Blind Warrior special power attacks Medusa with a normal attack, that opponent may roll the 20-sided die. If they do not, they must subtract a skull from whatever is rolled. If they roll 12 or lower, the attacking figure's turn immediately ends and until the next time youthat opponent reveals an Order Marker, the attacking figure cannot move, attack, or use any special powers on its Army Card and adds 1 die to its defense.

[IAmBatman]

That change to Hypnotic Call looks good. I'm not sure if the trigger is completely clear, though. Here's what I mean:

Does it trigger if you're starting your turn and you would choose to move 0 spaces with a figure? Or do you have to actually start to move that figure one space or more? Like if I have a figure locked in a bunch of engagements, am I going to have to roll for it or can I choose not to if I decide I'm not moving this figure this turn?

And, yeah, the Petrifying Stare change makes sense. It doesn't really shut down that figure for long either way, since either way by their next turn they'll be back. It does give you a chance to get in a turn where they don't have any defensive powers, though, which is nice.

[Karat]

Just reviewed some things and it seems like that is a good workaround that is also semi thematic as Wonder Woman was able to resist moving in the Bloodlines movie but she almost gave in and then she blinded herself before moving back in to attack, so I'll change it to "Before an opponent would begin the movement of..."

[IAmBatman]

OK, so that'd take away the use her to generate leaving engagement attacks strategy, but that's probably for the best?

[Karat]

I think so too. She has a lot going on competitively as it is and it will lessen the feel bad a bit as she will be a pain to take down once you get engaged with her.

[Karat]

Came in a bit hot in the first game so I'm dropping her life and defense by 1 each going into game 2.

Added 1 defense back for Game 3.

[Karat]

C3G INITIAL PLAYTEST FEEDBACK FORM

NAME OF THE TEST UNIT Medusa

Version Tested

Spoiler Alert!

NAME = MEDUSA

SPECIES = GORGON
UNIQUENESS = UNIQUE HERO
CLASS = ANTAGONIST
PERSONALITY = BITTER

SIZE/HEIGHT = MEDIUM 5

LIFE = 7

MOVE = 6
RANGE = 1
ATTACK = 6
DEFENSE = 6

POINTS = 300?

HYPNOTIC CALL 12
Before an opponent would begin the movement of a figure they control without the Mental Shield special power that is within 6 spaces of Medusa, they must roll the 20-sided die. If a 12 or lower is rolled, that figure must move at least one space and end its movement closer to Medusa than at the start of the turn, if possible.

VENOMOUS BITES
If Medusa rolls a skull against a figure leaving an engagement with her, that figure receives one additional wound and may not leave the engagement with Medusa this turn.

PETRIFYING STARE 12
Before an opponent's figure without the Blind Warrior special power attacks Medusa with a normal attack, that opponent may roll the 20-sided die. If they do not, they must subtract a skull from whatever is rolled. If they roll 12 or lower, the attacking figure's turn immediately ends and until the next time that opponent reveals a numbered Order Marker, the attacking figure cannot move, attack, or use any special powers on its Army Card and adds 1 die to its defense.

FLYING

Army Test
- Does it pass, Yes or No? Yes
- What should be the unit's point value? 330-350?
- Give a brief overview. Doesn't feel broken but was much stronger than I would like overall. Gonna tone down her life and defense by 1 to see if that helps going forward.
Map: Highways and Dieways
Units: Medusa, Joker II, Lex Luthor (Battlesuit), Mister Mind, Mandarin (1,200) vs Wonder Woman I, Batman II, Superman II, Grid (1,200)

Spoiler Alert!

Mind enters Wonder. Batman brings the Shurikens, Flash Bang, and Bolas. Grid is studying Superman.
R1
Grid is assessing Medusa (20) and sends Wonder up. Trinity has initiative. In T1 Batman advances; Joker advances. In T2 Wonder Flies up and Lasso's Medusa punching her for a wound; Lex engages Wonder. In T3 Superman flies up punching Lex for a wound; Medusa disengages Wonder and engages Superman hitting him for 3 wounds (5/6 skulls vs 2/7 shields)!
R2
Grid is assessing Medusa (11) and has Wonderwoman disengage Lex but she is affected by the Call and engages Medusa blockling Bats' access to Medusa. Trinity have initiative. In T1 Superman punches Lex for a wound; Lex disengages from Superman and blasts an Evergreen tree with Kryptonite affecting Supes, Wonder, and Medusa but doesn't wound anyone. In T2 Bats is affected by the call and advances; Joker goes to take a turn but Mister Mind interrupts removing 3 markers to have Wonder lasso Supes and finish him off from height (7/7 skulls vs whiff)! In T3 Wonder resists the Call and disengages Medusa Lassoing Lex to low ground finishing him off; Joker moves up and Mind assists Joker removing a Marker letting his Toxin go off on Batman and has Batman Flashbang Wonder and then move next to Medusaand Bolas Wonder Woman before unleashing a Barrage of Shurikens on her giving her a wound over 3 attacks.
R3
Grid is assessing Medusa (10) and sends Wonder up who resists the Call. The Society of Monsters have initiative. In T1 Joker moves into engagement with Wonder; Batman is Petrified. In T2 Joker has Mind remove 3 Markers making Wonder lasso Batman to low ground punching Batman for 2 wounds; Batman shakes off the Petrification and resists the Call to engage Joker hitting him for a wound. In T3 Medusa engages Wonder and Batman hitting Wonder for a wound; Wonder pulls her punches and as a result can't hit Medusa.
R4
Grid is assessing Medusa (9) and moves himself behind the ruin. The Society of Monsters have initiative. In T1 Joker uses Mind's help to hit Batman with his Toxin and has Batman Bolas Wonder but she blocks his attack and Batman succumbs to the scattering his remaining equipment; OM on Batman. In T2 Joker hits Wonder with his Toxin and has her fell a tree on top of herself and felling another tree on top of herself in the process taking 2 wounds before succumbing to the Toxin and Mind appears on the battlefield; OM on Wonder. In T3 Medusa engages Grid hitting him for a wound; OM on Medusa.
R5
Grid is assessing Medusa (20) and chooses not to move. Society of Monsters have initiative. In T1 Medusa misses Grid; Grid pulls his punch and as a result does not wound Medusa. In T2 Medusa hits Grid for a wound; Grid resists Medusa's Gaze and hits her for a wound. In T3 Medusa finishes off Grid for the win.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? The society of Monsters won with Medusa bearing 4/7 wounds, Joker bearing 1/6 wounds, and Manadarin and Mister Mind unwounded.

_____________________________________________________________

Version Tested

Spoiler Alert!

NAME = MEDUSA

SPECIES = GORGON
UNIQUENESS = UNIQUE HERO
CLASS = ANTAGONIST
PERSONALITY = BITTER

SIZE/HEIGHT = MEDIUM 5

LIFE = 6

MOVE = 6
RANGE = 1
ATTACK = 6
DEFENSE = 5

POINTS = 300?

HYPNOTIC CALL 12
Before an opponent would begin the movement of a figure they control without the Mental Shield special power that is within 6 spaces of Medusa, they must roll the 20-sided die. If a 12 or lower is rolled, that figure must move at least one space and end its movement closer to Medusa than at the start of the turn, if possible.

VENOMOUS BITES
If Medusa rolls a skull against a figure leaving an engagement with her, that figure receives one additional wound and may not leave the engagement with Medusa this turn.

PETRIFYING STARE 12
Before an opponent's figure without the Blind Warrior special power attacks Medusa with a normal attack, that opponent may roll the 20-sided die. If they do not, they must subtract a skull from whatever is rolled. If they roll 12 or lower, the attacking figure's turn immediately ends and until the next time that opponent reveals a numbered Order Marker, the attacking figure cannot move, attack, or use any special powers on its Army Card and adds 1 die to its defense.

FLYING

Army Test
- Does it pass, Yes or No? Yes
- What should be the unit's point value? 290-300?
- Give a brief overview. This game felt a lot better. She fell pretty quickly but her powers made her a priority target so she drew attention away from Cap, Zemo, and the others.
Map: Remains of Cilonesia
Units: Medusa, Cap I, Baron Zemo (Heinrich), Batman (JL II), Nebula, Headpool (1,200) vs Batman (Outsiders), Geo-Force, Katana II, Black Lightning, Arsenal, Grid (1,200)

Spoiler Alert!

Cap makes Zemo, Medusa, Headpool, Batman, and Nebula Avengers. Zemo makes Batman, Headpool, Nebula, Cap, and Medusa Masters of Evil. Grid is Studying Arsenal.
R1
Grid is Assessing Medusa ( 18 ) and sends Arsenal up. Outsiders have initiative. In T1 Headpool seeks to annoy as Batman sends Arsenal and Katana up; Cap moves up. In T2 Headpool seeks to annoy as Batman sends up Black Lightning and moves up himself letting Arsenal target Cap but Headpool lets off a Wisecrack so Arsenal targets him instead giving him a wound and letting Geo move up; Zemo sends Medusa up. In T3 Batman sends up Katana who succumbs to the call engaging Medusa but Batman enacts his Mission Prep as Katana resists the Gaze striking Medusa for 3 wounds and Batman resists the call moving up and lets Arsenal Target Medusa subtracting 1 from her defense number (plus -2 from Grid) but she dodges it but it lets Geo move up; Zemo has Medusa let JL Bats Grapple up to height and Medusa strikes Katana for a wound.
R2
Grid is assessing Medusa (24) and sends up Lightning. Outsiders have initiative. Katana sends up Geo who feels the Call and Batman who also feels the Call. In T1 Batman resists the Call and engages Headpool letting Arsenal hits Medusa with a Bolas and then Targets her with -1 Defense (plus -1 from the Bolas and -2 from Grid) letting Geo advance but he Feels the Call and is forced to engage Medusa and makes some Lavafield rise giving Medusa a wound and then Batman has him move but he Feels the Call as he shifts onto the lavafield and causes another Lavafield to rise behind her finishing off Medusa; Cap steps up throwing his Shield finishing off Katana. In T2 Geo flies in causing rock to rise wounding both JL Bats and Cap punching Batman for 2 more wounds and then Rallies the Outsiders calling over Batman who Grapples into engagement with Cap and JL Bats taking advantage of the newly formed height but can't wound Cap and Black Lightning who disengages from Deadpool and unleashes his Lightning Lash but neither can wound Cap; Zemo has Cap have JL Batman grapple to height on Lightning and Assess his Weakness letting Cap one shot him. In T3 Headpool Seeks to Annoy as Geo causes his last rock to rise finishing off JL Bats and wounding Cap and Headpool and Batman enacts his Mission Prep but Geo still can't wound Cap but Batman finishes him off from height; Zemo sends Headpool to engage Batman and Geo and misses Batman letting Nebula move up to engage Batman but she can't wound him either.
R3
Grid is assessing Nebula and sends up Arsenal. Masters of Evil have initiative. In T1 Zemo has Nebula disengage from Batman and take even height with Arsenal giving him a wound; Batman Punts Headpool away. In T2 Zemo has Nebula strike Arsenal for 2 wounds; Headpool Seeks to Annoy and Batman uses his Shurikens to finish off Headpool and give Nebula a wound and sends Geo in enacting his Mission Prep as Geo blasts Nebula for 4 wounds. In T3 Zemo hasd Nebula Vengeful Strike Arsenal for the final wound (letting Geo take the last unrevealed OM) and then she Shoots Geo for a wound; Geo misses Nebula and Rallies Batman who uses his Shurikens from height but can't finish Nebula off. Nebula reveals the X to repair herself.
R4
Grid is Assessing Zemo (15) sending Geo to Lavafield height. Outsider have initiative. In T1 Batman misses Nebula with his Shurikens; Zemo has Nebula engage Geo Vengeful Striking him for 2 wounds and then striking him for another. In T2 Batman engages Nebula on even height lavafield using his Mission Prep finishing off Nebula and Sending Geo up to blast Zemo but Zemo dodges; Zemo advances. In T3 Batman moves back to height and misses Zemo with his Shurikens; Zemo picks up the Bolas and shoots down Geo.
R5
Grid is Assessing Zemo (19) and moves himself to a better spot. Outsiders have initiative. In T1 Batman gives Zemo 3 wounds with; Zemo moves up giving Batman a wound. In T2 Batman is stuck in Zemo's Trap; Zemo moves up giving Batman another wound. In T3 Batman uses his Mission Prep to finish off Zemo for the win.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? The Outsiders won with Batman bearing 2/4 wounds and Grid unwounded.

_____________________________________________________________

Army Test
- Does it pass, Yes or No? Yes
- What should be the unit's point value? 280-300?
- Give a brief overview. This was a neat little team but it could use more efficiency. Not getting a single unblockable with Legion of Zoom definitely did not help but Joker dealt out several wounds to Jean which helped significantly but it was not enough in the end. Thinking I overcompensated with medusa so bumping back to 6 defense.
Map: Wyrmwalk
Units: Medusa, Joker (IJL), Reverse-Flash, Weather Wizard I, Mirror Master (Leg Swap) (1,000) vs Prof. X, Jean I, Beast, Cyclops I, Angel, Iceman I (1,000)

Spoiler Alert!

Reverse-Flash and Joker have full markers. Reverse chose Professor X.
R1
Injustice has initiative. In T1 Mirror takes Reverse FLash's Legs and speeds up to height; Prof. X has beast Leap across the river and has Jean fly up dunking Mirror into Lava for a wound and blasting him for another wound. In T2 Medusa flies up; Reverse has Mirror move with the legion of Zoom to engage Angel and Prof. X failing to wound the Professor and Prof. X has beast engage Medusa but he is turned to stone (3) and Jean feels Medusa's call and then fails to throw her but blasts her for a wound. In T3 Weather flies up striking Jean with Lightning for 2 wounds over 2 attacks; Zoom removes a marker moving Joker into position and Prof X has Beast pull his punches Medusa for 3 wounds (6/6 skulls -1 skull vs 2/6 shields!) and Jean tosses Weather into Lava for a wound but then he, Medusa, and Joker are shrouded in fog.
R2
Injustice has initiative. In T1 Mirror swaps legs with Angel; Zoom has Medusa try to move but Jean has her stuck and Beast avoids the wound as Prof. X has Beast attempt a full strike but he is Petrified and Jean tosses Medusa into Lava for a wound and whiffs. In T2 Jean fails to stop Medusa and takes a wound from Joker as Medusa takes height on Beast smacking him for 3 wounds; Zoom expends his last marker to have Mirror not wound Prof. X who has Beast leap to height and pull his punches finishing off Medusa as Joker removes a Marker having Mirror fall back to height, Reverse zoom up and Jean fails to hold Weather taking a wound as Weather flies out of her range. In T3 OM on Medusa; Prof. X has Beast engage Zoom from height and Jean flies up landing next to Joker on height failing to toss him into Lava and punches him for a wound.
R3
Injustice has initiative. In T1 Jean holds Reverse where he is so Reverse hits Beast from low ground but couldn't land a hit; Prof. X has Beast negotiate off a marker from Reverse and then hit him for 3 wounds and Angel Carries Prof. X up. In T2 Jean fails to hold Reverse so Joker kills her as Reverse runs through Beast and Prof X stopping on high ground Lava Field hitting Prof. X for 3 wounds letting Angel move him away and then finishes off Beast with his Phase attack letting Angel move Prof. X back towards the remaining X-Men. In T3 OM removed; Prof. X has Cyclops and Iceman advance.
R4
Injustice has initaitve. In T1 Reverse Zooms through Cycvlops to height giving him 3 wounds with a Phase Strike; Prof. X has Cyclops move and use his Optic blast to take out Zoom and a Rock Outcrop and Joker removes a marker to move Mirror, Weather, and himself up as Iceman finishes off Mirror who had just engaged him. In T2 OM on Reverse; Prof. X has Cyclops moves up taking out an Outcrop and Joker punishes Weather for failure as Iceman hits Weather with a freeze blast for a wound. In T3 Weather finishes off Cyclops with some Lightning; Prox X has Iceman slide up next to Weather and finish him off with a Deep Freeze as Angel flies up to height on Joker giving him 2 wounds.
R5
Injustice has initiative. In T1 Joker takes height hitting Iceman for a wound; Prof. X has Iceman hit Joker with a Deep Freeze for a wound and Angel gives him another wound. In T2 Joker misses Iceman; Prof. X has Iceman hit Joker with a Deep Freeze finishing him off for the win.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? The X-Men won with Prof. X bearing 3/4 wounds, Iceman bearing 1/4 wounds, and Angel unwounded.

_____________________________________________________________

Version Tested

Spoiler Alert!

NAME = MEDUSA

SPECIES = GORGON
UNIQUENESS = UNIQUE HERO
CLASS = ANTAGONIST
PERSONALITY = BITTER

SIZE/HEIGHT = MEDIUM 5

LIFE = 6

MOVE = 6
RANGE = 1
ATTACK = 6
DEFENSE = 6

POINTS = 300?

HYPNOTIC CALL 12
Before an opponent would begin the movement of a figure they control without the Mental Shield special power that is within 6 spaces of Medusa, they must roll the 20-sided die. If a 12 or lower is rolled, that figure must move at least one space and end its movement closer to Medusa than at the start of the turn, if possible.

VENOMOUS BITES
If Medusa rolls a skull against a figure leaving an engagement with her, that figure receives one additional wound and may not leave the engagement with Medusa this turn.

PETRIFYING STARE 12
Before an opponent's figure without the Blind Warrior special power attacks Medusa with a normal attack, that opponent may roll the 20-sided die. If they do not, they must subtract a skull from whatever is rolled. If they roll 12 or lower, the attacking figure's turn immediately ends and until the next time that opponent reveals a numbered Order Marker, the attacking figure cannot move, attack, or use any special powers on its Army Card and adds 1 die to its defense.

FLYING

Army Test
- Does it pass, Yes or No? Yes
- What should be the unit's point value? 300
- Give a brief overview. This was more like how I thought the first trinity match should have gone. They were a threat but the trinity had more tricks in its bag.
Map: Elm Street
Units: Medusa, Mister Mind, Rainbow Raider, Jean Grey (1,000) vs Wonder Woman III, Batman III, Superman III (1,000)

Spoiler Alert!

Mister Mind invades Superman's brain. Wonder Woman, Batman, and Superman all have full markers. Joker has 2 markers.
R1
Injustice has initiative. In T1 Joker moves up surveying the scene and Mind gets a Marker; Superman flies up with Batman in tow. In T2 Rainbow flies up and Mind gets a marker; Wonder flies up. In T3 Medusa flies up and Mind gets a marker; Wonder flies up.
R2
Trinity has initiative. In T1 Superman flies up with Wonder in tow; Medusa has Mind remove 3 markers to have Superman give the car 2 wounds and Mind gets a marker. In T2 Wonder flies up hitting joker for a wound; Rainbow engages Wonder giving her a wound with his Rainbow Ray (20) and Mind gets a marker. In T3 Wonder hits Rainbow for 2 wounds; Rainbow misses Wonder (10) and Mind gets a marker.
R3
Wonder removes a marker to boost the Trinity. Trinity have initiative. In T1 Superman hears the Call and is turned to stone having chosen not to pull his punch; Rainbow punches Wonder for a wound ( 8 ) and Mind gets a marker. In T2 Wonder hits Joker for 2 wounds; Medusa has Mind take control of Supes who flies her up and then punches Batman taking 2 wounds from MMA and Mind gets a Marker. In T3 Wonder strikes at Joker but he Cheats Death; Medusa disengages from Supes for a wound taking up a better position and Mind gets a marker.
R4
Wonder removes a marker boosting the Trinity. Trinity has initiative. In T1 Supes resists the Call and flies into engagement with Medusa with Bats in tow and pulls his punch but still lands 3 hits on her (whiff); Raider attacks wonder but is blocked (4) and Joker interrupts wounding her and Mind gets a marker. In T2 Wonder punches Joker for 2 wounds; Medusa has Mind take control of Supes who punches Bats for a wound. In T3 Bats succumbs to the call avoids Medusa's Gaze (20) and strikes her for a wound; Medusa misses Supes and Mind gets a marker.
R5
Wonder removes her last Marker to boost the Trinity. Injustice has initiative. In T1 Rainbow hits Wonder with his Ray ( 18 ) for a wound and then punches her for another and Mind gets a marker; Supes chooses not to pull his punch and avoids Medusa's gaze (20) finishing her off. In T2 Mind removes 3 markers and has Supes engage Bats and takes 2 wounds from MMA and Mind gets a marker; Wonder strikes at Joker who Cheats Death. In T3 OM on Medusa but Mind gets a marker; Bats moves in striking at Joker but he cheats Death.
R6
Injustice have initiative. In T1 Mind removes a marker to help Rainbow (10+2) but he misses Wonder and Mind gets a marker; Wonder misses Rainbow. In T2 Mind removes a marker to help Rainbow (11+2) but he misses Wonder and Mind gets a marker; Supes flies in finishing off Joker but Joker gives him a parting wound with the help of Mind (6-2). In T3 OM on Joker but Mind gets a marker; Batman moves in finishing off Rainbow for the win.
Who won and how many wounds did they have? The Trinity won with Wonder Woman bearing 5/6 wounds and no markers remaining, Superman with 5/7 wounds and all markers, and Batman with 1/4 wounds and all markers.

THOUGHTS ON THE TESTED UNIT'S COST, BALANCE, & DRAFTABILITY: She was tricky at first seems a tad too tough and then too weak. The current mix seems optimal for the 300 point goal. She definitely feels draftable though.

GENERAL THOUGHTS ON THE TESTED UNIT: She's vulnerable from range and the not moving to avoid the call is neat. The disengage bit never really came up but is a nice option. The one time it would have I rolled a blank.

[IAmBatman]

Looks good! pre-yea for playtesting once the SP is updated to 6 Life.