I believe that adding a counter mechanic to Redemption would be great and allow for more variety of play styles. The evil forts that came out in the Priests set and on until we got to the Gates of Samaria and Gates of Judah, were pretty much lack luster for the most part some were great. The occasional Protect X from Y was not useful because while som civilizations got this the other only got that, which made it weaker. A good example would be the protection of Assyrian Camp v. Headquarters at Riblah, Camp protected from discard, conversion, capture while the latter only protected from discard. Below are some ideas I have for these forts with a counter mechanic to improve upon them and make them more viable. I will also be doing some characters and enhancements in separate threads. Let me know what your opinions are.
Assyrian Camp
Evil Fortress
Holds 1 Assyrian King or Commander
Protect Assyrian Evil Characters in your territory from opponents. Each Upkeep Phase a character is here, place 1 counter on this card. If a Assyrian blocks 2 or more Heroes, you may remove 1 counter from this card to withdraw a human Hero to Owner's territory.
2 Kings 19:35
Headquarters at Riblah
Evil Fortress
Holds Any # of Captured Humans, X= # of counters
Protect Babylonian Evil Characters in your territory and contents from opponents. While all your Evil Characters are Babylonians, each Upkeep Phase place a counter on this card. While Blocking, you may remove a counter from here to have evil capture abilities gain "regardless of protection". During your draw phase, you may discard this card and contents to have both players draw X.
2 Kings 25:20
Pharaoh's Throne Room
Evil Fortress
Holds 1 Egyptian King or Pharaoh
Protect Egyptian Evil Characters in your territory from opponents. Each time an opponent activates a draw ability while a character is here, place a counter on this card. While Blocking with a Egyptian, you may remove 2 counters from this card to discard the top 2 cards of opponent's deck and draw 1, regardless of protection. Place Lost Souls in play instead.
Exodus 5:2
House of Rimmon
Evil Fortress
Protect Syrian Evil Characters in your territory from opponents. While all your Evil Characters are Syrians, Each time an opponent activates a search ability place 1 counter on this card. While Blocking with a lone Syrian, you may remove 2 counters to either negate band abilities on good cards or randomly discard 1 card from opponent's hand.
2 Kings 5:18
Fortress of Ashdod
Evil Fortress
Protect your Philistine Evil Characters in territory from opponents. During each Upkeep Phase, place 1 counter on this card. While blocking with a Philistine Giant, remove 2 counters to toss all enhancements this battle.
