[Uh-Nu-Buh]

I personally like having a range of nations, some of which are weaker than the average, and some of which are stronger. I like it that some nations are harder to play with than others. I like it that some require more delicacy, some require more subtlety, and some require more micromanagement.

I also like it that some require less thought, less subtlety, and less micromanagement. Sometimes you just want to play. Sometimes you want the other guy to have an advantage. Sometimes you want a newb to have a chance. Sometimes you want to play against an AI who has a chance of beating you.

I just like having the sheer breadth of the current game. If anything, instead of taking away, let's add to the game. More nations, more spells, more pretenders. Let's add a nation that is even more blunt and overpowered than Vanheim.

I'd argue, also, that even Vanheim isn't obviously overpowered--it takes a bit of thinking, familiarity with the game, some trial and error, and some puttering with the math to come up with the overkill Vanheim strategy. Or else reading a lot of posts.

I vote against the nerf bat.

Now, in keeping with the whole thread: Vans are for wussies. I taunt Van players. Your mother was a rabbit and your father smelled of elderberries. You Vans, ha on you! I Squish you! Ha ha! Yes! Take that!!