Are Niefel Jarls too strong?

[Treebeard]

While true that normal jotun commanders are much cheaper (and pretty good impromptu SCs), they do not get the same benefit from such items.

The NJ benefits a lot from a better armor. Even a normal breast plate increase their protection by a good rate (which doesn't happen to the normal jotun commanders). Added an horror helmet they also send the opposition to a rout pretty quick.

But what's really devastating is the breath of winter, which really increases the chill effect. Dozen of enemy troops are frozen to death.

They get a very good protection, possibly regeneration (I don't see anyone using Jarls without nature 9), fear effect and area kill - and all that very early in the game.

Originally posted by Endoperez:
But they are mages, and could do something at your lab. They are useful, but they cost a lot. How much upkeep do they cost?
And, how useful they are as (combat) mages? They can cast quickness to themselves, and to others in late game, but what else?

I think they are good, but it might be better to use most of your income to buy normal Jotun commanders instead. They are sacred, lot cheaper, and can equip those items as well as your Niefel Jarl. But NF does have a better magic resistance. Complicated. And very, very interesting.