by Anduin
Some additions:steveg700 wrote:
1) If neutral units are moved into an area with a players units, do they become allied in the same fashion as successful diplomacy? For example, if diplomacy results in the units retreating, can the player to my left simply move the neutral units into one of his friendly areas and acquire them instantly?
Technically, yes. But as stated before, when neutrals retreat, they can only retreat to uncontrolled areas.
However, there is a reward card - the flute - that lets you move neutrals. If yo move neutrals into an area controlled by your units, they are immediately allied with you.
steveg700 wrote:
2) Do allied units ever require any kind of special upkeep? It sure *seems* like a huge power swing can result from diplomacy (or even failed diplomacy, as in the example above).
It is not too strong to ally with neutral units. But its strong enough to justify the effort (and influence) you put in to get them. Remember: Neutral units still count towards the 8 units maximum and they have to be "fed" during winter.
steveg700 wrote:
4) Other than quest cards that specify acquiring a new quest card at their conclusion, is there any other way to gain quest cards?
Some cities can give them to you, however: most of the time you won't need any more quest cards (see next question)
steveg700 wrote:
5) If a player has no quests left, what else is a hero good for? I know Banners of War added a rule that allows them to participate in battle. Is that pretty much their two functions?
There should be no moment when you do not have any quest cards. Remember: Everytime you complete a quest (you get a reward), you discard this quest and draw a new one.
Still: Heroes are way too often ignored when it comes to hinder your opponent. Killing your opponents heroes is a very clever move and can give you the winning edge, because you get his rewards and he has one hero less. If you play with revised rules, its even more useful, since he has one hero less for supporting battles.
steveg700 wrote:
6) Is there any limit on how many rewards can be used at once? I had some shards that allowed me to cash them in for dragon runes at a stronghold. Doing bumped me up to six runes in year three (which seemed kind of early).
No. But only one Weapon and one Armor can be used during a single duel. And I think the shards are only cashable one, once a season.
steveg700 wrote:
7) For purposes of tallying strength, are all standing units considered to only contribute one strength? Yes, I've read the tallying strength rules, but thought there might be something I'm overlooking to differentiate the strength of a footman from a dragon (guess the latter's more likely to be alive when tallying time comes 'round....).
Every standing unit counts as 1. No extras for stronger units (as you said yourself, they are more likely to survive the battle already).
If you play with revised rules however: Even routed hexagon units count as 1 strength.
Hope this helps :)