Right, but 2 picks is a much larger opportunity cost than 50 mana. For its cost, they do the sane thing. They only help in very particular situations, both of which the human player can largely avoid anyway. Mobile rovibg stacks are better for defense of both nodes and cities. And static garrisons should only be used when the AI has an overwhelming numerical advantage. If I have one stack that can move 7 squares per turn, then I can hit 2-6 stacks with it before any if them get to the city/nods. Only when the AI can saturate even that speed does the retort or the spirit matter.
On the other hand, the AI cannot use roving stacks. Therefore, it is important for them to have static defenses, and anything that boosts those is helpful.
The guardian retort is not worthless. It has a very important place in the game. But its not a place the human player should be aiming for, because that is trying to beat the AI at its own game. Same thing with the guardian spirit.
On the other hand, the AI cannot use roving stacks. Therefore, it is important for them to have static defenses, and anything that boosts those is helpful.
The guardian retort is not worthless. It has a very important place in the game. But its not a place the human player should be aiming for, because that is trying to beat the AI at its own game. Same thing with the guardian spirit.