by LPhillips » Mon Nov 05, 2012 3:57 am
Yes, a flier's strength is in mobility. Thus the only value for +defense on a mobility-based unit is if that makes it more difficult to intercept them, so that you can't easily stop them from reaching vulnerable cities. However, we have Eagles, who are 35 strength against fliers for 2 turns of production. There are also other effective anti-air measures such as elves and wizards. That means the Gargoyle will be useless.
Smursh is making a lot of sense here. This unit would be extremely situational: only really useful to reinforce an offensive against counterattack when someone needs to get his reinforcements over mountains/water on very specific maps, has planned ahead and produced them in quantity, and is not hard-countered by cheap anti-air units.
In other words, not useful at all.
The War Bear, on the other hand, is too strong. 40 plunder on a Creature (intelligent/Golden Compass bears)? Good movement, 25 strength in 2 turns, 3 terrain movement bonuses, and siege+5.
The real problem here is the Siege ability. That's relegated to purpose-built siege engines. If you introduce this unit, what earthly good is the Battering Ram? 175g extra cost and you have a fast-moving, terrain-bypassing, hero-carrying, looting, 25-strength ram.
The War Bear would need to ignore walls instead of +5 Siege, have 20 strength, and have 5-15 plunder ability. He'd still have to cost ~625-650 to produce. It seems implied that he leads no one but heroes, which is also necessary.