This is a custom card being designed for my Strike North Campaign Scenario which I will be GMing during the upcoming MaizeCon in Waterloo, IA happening in October 2018. There are plenty of card designs already out there by such esteemed individuals as Sharpe, Thor711 and ObstbfEgon. I'm using them as starting points for my own versions. Some have been left entirely intact and others I have modified to my own purposes.
Looking for feedback. What do you think? Is it balanced in terms of cost? Any concerns or questions?
Once I have enough comments / feedback giving approval I will produce the unit card and post it here.
French Forward Observer
Nationality: France
Soldier - Spotter
Year available: 1940
Cost: 6
Speed: 1
Defense: 3/3
AI: 6/-/-
AV: 2/-/-
Spotter - If this unit is within eight hexes of an enemy unit and has line of sight to it, friendly Aircraft roll one extra attack die when attacking that unit.
Chatting On The Radio - This unit only counts as a Spotter if it doesn’t move in the assault phase.
Concealed - While this unit has cover enemy units can't attack this unit at long range. (Updated)
Unless they could find good concealment, forward observers were a prime target for the enemy.
After a recent scenario playtest involving the use of a French Forward Observer a question came up. Could this card have the Concealed SA instead of the Camouflaged SA? Here is the wording for both special abilities:
Camouflaged - Until this unit attacks or moves, enemy units can’t attack this unit at medium or long range.
Concealed - While this unit has cover, enemy units can’t attack this unit at long range.
In the scenario being play tested a combined French / Polish force is attacking a German force. The French Forward Observer currently has the Camouflaged SA. At first, things went well, but then the allied attacking force advanced beyond the visual range of the observer. If the observer moved up, he would lose his camouflage ability whereas if he had the Concealed SA, he could stay concealed at long range. So here is my question to anyone reading this:
Should I just say, "Tough luck, that's the way it is for the French. I'll keep it the same."
or say "mmmmm...you have a point, I should swap out the Camouflage SA with the Concealed SA."
or say "You have a point, how about I just drop the French Forward Observer altogether and have you rely on a commander to spot for you if you advance too far. I'll give you more troops in compensation."