[Humer]

Originally posted by Vger:

So, is a Vastness good enough to go out on his own as an SC? Since he can only buff by Astral spells and no items, I wondered.

First, one thing needs to be brought into daylight - the order in which following effects are checked: etherealness(1), astral shield(2), blood curse (3, V's special ability), Luck(4), Twist Fate(5). Insights anyone?

I'd put my money on "1->4->5->3->2". Assuming this, V IS rather nasty to think about:
Cast Luck, Cast Twist Fate. Now, 3/4 of non-magic weapon hits are ignored, 50% of those that hit are further ignored, blood curse MR check or hit self, astral shield MR check for paralyze.

They can rout small armies by themselves, just beware magical weapons! 0 prot, 79 hp can get you killed fast, blood curse or no. So pick your fights: Deep strikes into enemy provinces, taxes to 200% and be off or hang around hunting slaves or pillage a turn if you think you can pull it off. Other SC's will kill your V (magic weapons, high MR).

They do gain experince and if they get 'Heroic quickness'... And you can empower them (earth for the *skin path, nature for regeneration).

No items is a serious problem (from SC point of view), since V's do not grow on trees. I'd guesstimate about 2 V's/30 turns...

And then there's magic duel. 3 astral isn't much.

- Humer