COVE CREATURES

Balance Discussion

• The Cove has received a few significant unit role buffs as well as a handful of minor stat changes to almost all units. The highlight of new upgrades is the Tidecaller, a powerful Fangarm-raising unit that gives Cove the classic Inferno-style strategy of overwhelming an opponent with raised units.

• Nereids are known to be kind and beautiful sea nymphs, thus they are a supportive and more defensive option than Oceanids. Their ability to cast Mirth on their allies can be especially useful for early- and mid-game fights before your heroes find ways to increase their Morale, but they lack the offensive capabilities that Oceanids possess in melee combat.

• The Crew Mate line has received an incredibly useful buff in that these units now share some their ill-gotten plunder with their commanding hero every turn. They must be in a hero's army to gain this buff, as they would otherwise have no incentive to share what is "rightfully" theirs! Crew Mates need 22 days to see a full reimbursement of their hiring cost. Seamen have received a slight Speed buff to make them more viable in combat and have a 19 day return on investment, whereas Swashbucklers are more geared towards defenders that pay off their hiring costs within 10 days.

• Pirates, Corsairs, and Sea Dogs are now true masters of the seven seas with their fantastic new buff to movement on water. Corsairs have gained 4 more Shots to ensure they are not so reliant on an Ammo Cart for an upgraded Level 4 unit, and Sea Dogs remain an upgraded version of Corsairs - they have NOT been moved to an alternate unit.

• The Stormbird line has been healthily buffed to get them out of the classic trap of "mid-tier flier that is primarily used for scouting". Ayssids are now more comparable to Crusaders and are still a glass cannon unit, but a far more effective one, particularly when Blessed. Halcyons have more chance-based damage with their Lightning Strike ability, but have 50% more Health than either Stormbird or Ayssid, making them a decent brawler at the cost of consistent damage output.

• The Sea Witch line is now similar to the Pit Fiend line, with one far cheaper base unit and two very powerful upgrade choices. The Sorceress has been significantly buffed all around and has been made more expensive to compensate. The Tidecaller is the Pit Lord equivalent, as they can raise Fangarms that remain in the army after a battle is won, just like the Horn of the Abyss itself. This presents a whole new way to play Cove, especially as Fangarms are now Cove units, so there will be no Morale negation or penalty applied to armies that decide to raise a legion of them.

• The Nix Praetorian is the offensive counterpart to the Nix Warrior. They have a higher damage output and have a decent chance to Bind enemies in place, referencing (in tandem with their large trident) the gladiator Retiarius. They may have a higher Health pool, allowing them to fare better against spells, but they are not at all as sturdy in physical combat compared to their Warrior counterpart.

• Abyss Serpents come from the depths of Davy Jones' locker, striking fear into the hearts of unfortunate sailors and cursing all who come into contact with them. They are not as strong offensively as the vicious Haspid, but they make up for their lower Attack, Health, and Speed with their effectiveness at crushing the enemy's chance to dish out damage in the first place.