Breakthrough spell balance

[Seravy]

It has been a while since the spell was added, so what's your opinion on it?

1. Does the spell succeed at the intended purpose of making Chaos+Sorcery (or Chaos alone) have a slightly better early game?
2. Does it affect the game balance in any unexpected way and if yes, is it good or bad? (Such as does it make it to easy to attack or too hard to defend walled cities?)
3. Does the AI cast the spell when appropriate? (or wastes their turn then the spell is not needed and/or misses an opportunity to use it when it should?)

[kooinnjz]

Hi Seravy,

First of all I apologize for the digression, but before answering your question there is something I would like to add. I've played the original MoM as a kid, and have discovered CoM about a year or so ago. I believe you have done an extraordinary job with the changes made to the game, and the sheer amount of time and thought you've spent on this project is (for me) mind-boggling. I wanted to express my gratitude for the work you have done, as the game you have created is a true gem. Thank you Seravy for your continued work on this project, it is much appreciated.

As for the spell, my take as a guy who usually plays dark elves on expert difficulty, and who likes to get a group of apprentices early on is that the spell has helped me with two things. Normally to have a comfortable early game I needed nature books, as web+earth to mud will kill a lot of strong lairs. Now that phantom warriors really carry a punch, I can clear a lair with some gorgons even without web+EtM or running around with a cavalry turn after turn hoping to hit a 10% confusion. The other is that it is easier to create undead, as the summoned zombies can now get buffed from both breakthrough and darkness, making them quite strong. While Web+EtM is still the best thing for a stack of apprentices, at least the early game alternatives are more palpable now.

I can’t really comment on how well the AI has used it, as the sample is too small.

Good luck with your efforts mate, and thanks again!