Tactics… Aerial Units
Aerial Units are one of the most potent units in the Fantasy Cards when used effectively. Unfortunately, they are probably one of the most under-appreciated units as well. In large part this is due to the Aerial Units only being available when specific cards make them available. Because of this, some players feel they are not as valuable as the other types of units that remain on the battlefield. While a case can be made for this, a strong case can also be made for just the opposite too!
As mentioned, the obvious drawback to Aerial Units is their limited availability during the battle. This supposed disadvantage can work as an advantage at times though, as opponents often tend to forget about their enemy’s aerial forces when they have not made an appearance for a while. Forgetting about the enemy’s Aerial Units often leads opponents to carelessly leave their units vulnerable to an aerial attack, giving Aerial Units the opportunity to deliver decisive blows on the battlefield through their aerial charges.
As part of an aerial charge, an Aerial Unit is allowed to make a Melee Attack against its chosen target. This requires the Aerial Unit to be placed in Close Combat (i.e. physical contact) with its target to actually make the attack. The positioning of the Aerial Unit in relation to the target in this situation can be very important, as it will determine the direction the target unit will move if the outcome of combat is a Fallback result. Careful placement of an Aerial Unit might result in the target unit falling back into an exposed position, moving closer towards another friendly unit poised to charge it, or even moving right off of the battlefield (making it effectively an ‘Eliminated’ unit). All of these outcomes make waiting for the appearance of Aerial Units worth it!
Further, Aerial Units are able to select the most vulnerable enemy units to attack due to their ‘swooping out of the sky’ approach. This can be very significant, as Aerial Units do not have the most potent melee attack in the game. Being able to attack a unit which is already Shaken or Out of Action, coupled with the Aerial Unit’s inherent advantage from diving on their target (stepping up once on the Combat Results Scale for being an attacking Aerial Unit), can be just enough to finish off even the most powerful foe.
Finally, Aerial Units also add a degree of protection for your own forces. With the right card in your hand Aerial Units can act as a sort of combat air patrol, chasing off enemy aerial attackers before they can do any damage. Given the potency of Aerial Units discussed above, it is no small favor to be able to shield your own units from roving enemy aerial forces.
As you are putting together a force for your next Fantasy Cards battle, give some thought to the inclusion of those often overlooked Aerial Units. While their availability may be limited, if used correctly the times they do appear might just be the decisive factor you need!
