HOLDER'S HEROES

From the gray Brigade, the Syrians are one of the biblical civilizations featured in Redemption. It is difficult to base a defense on the Syrians due to lack of Evil Characters, but the Syrians provide gray with a strong aspect of banding and capture, as well as supporting the hand control strategy. Let's take some time to explore the Syrians.

Follow up:

The one negative found with the Syrians is that they only have three Evil Characters. This makes it literally impossible to have a defense entirely made up of Syrians, because only having three Evil Characters wouldn't be a good idea. However, each of the Syrians have a good special ability to be used. King Rezin enjoys cannot-be-negated banding and capture with Damascas sites in play, King Ben-Hadad I has a good hand control ability, and Syrian Archer can band to either Rezin or Ben-Hadad. These are some very nice Evil Characters, and most gray defenses will have each of them even if they do not take full advantage of all the Syrians have to offer.

The linchpin of the Syrians is obviously King Rezin, because of his cannot-be-negated ability. Gray has several capture cards to utilize, but Syrian Victory is great for Rezin, since it allows Syrians like him to capture two Heroes instead of just one. Another point for Syrian Victory is that you get the benefit of name on name bonus if you use it on Syrian Archer. Gray also has a few banding Enhancements for Rezin to take advantage of. Rezon Arises draws on Damascas sites (like Rezin does) to add an additional O.T. Evil Character to the battle, making Rezin's banding even better.

While King Rezin is the strongest Syrian, King Ben-Hadad is no slouch. His ability to choose a card from the opponent's hand to place at the bottom of their deck upon a successful block is great. This is especially for next tournament season, when players will no longer be able to play Dominant cards before you pick the card. Along with the other hand control cards that Gray has, Ben-Hadad makes a very nice addition.

Last, but not least, is Syrian Archer. Very similar to the other "archer"-type Evil Characters from the Kings expansion, Sryian Archer can discard a hero in a territory and band. Syrian Archer is restricted to banding only to other Syrians, so this banding ability becomes stronger in Type 2 decks. However, the ability to band to either Rezin or Ben-Hadad I makes for a good combination.

All in all, the Syrians are quite formidable, but their small numbers helps to curtail their strength. Hopefully the Syrians will be blostered with a few more Evil Characters in upcoming expansions. Maybe some other stuff too.