[thejeff]

Part of the problem with this discussion is that the two sides of the debate seem to be talking past each other.

One side, largely, is saying that dying because the attackers don't auto-rout when they should is wrong.

The other side is saying the overall chance of killing an SC is low, so the spell is balanced.

These are different arguments. They're not even opposed. The spell can be balanced, but achieve its affect in an unfair way. I'd say that's where I stand. The balance is likely fine, it may even be underpowered, but losing an SC due to time limits when the attacker should rout first is a lousy way to achieve that balance.

I'd suggest either strengthening or cheapening the spell, but allowing the dead to rout, by giving them a few non-mindless commanders if necessary.

Are there any other ways to get an attack force (either assassination or province attack type spell) without a commander? Phantasmal attack, maybe? (I think that's what it's called. The one that sends phantasmal warriors to attack a province?) Are they mindless?