Thurin wrote:
I'd love some advice on how best to balance this game for her. Is the battle companies Effective Combat Rating going to be a fair guideline to follow when I'm writing her opponents warbands? Are there some heros/warriors/monsters that are just going going to mop the floor with a battle company point-for-point? Do you think I should build in a certain margin in her warband's favor, maybe 15% less points for her opponents to make certain scenarios more winnable?
Haven't done this before, but to answer some of the questions:
Most monsters should be manageable for a battle company on points, but they will be difficult because of the high fight value.
Warriors should be relatively balanced, though it depends on the match-ups. Goblins are great vs elves point for point because of the numbers advantage, and they get the maximum efficiency for fight being their lowest stat, compared to fight being the highest stat on elves.
Of course, the usual Watchers of Karna, Warg Marauders, and some of the other warriors, especially those with multiple attacks, are very strong for the points in those low points games.
As for building the scenarios in her favor: Definitely. it's almost always a good idea to give newer players some margin of extra points. Once she has a full grasp of the game rules, particularly when to use heroics, start reducing that advantage.
One change I recommend to the battle company rules is that the first shaman/stormcaller upgrade give 2 will in addition to the spell so that you can actually cast it.