The Bureau of Balance (collating and testing fan-made changes)

Jaina

Brief Discussion

Jaina is generally considered to be the worst character in the game. Unlike :midori::vendetta: who suffer from significant draw variance but otherwise have potentially strong decks, the Phoenix Archer’s kit seems to have significant holes that can’t be filled even with good draws and/or high level play.

Jaina’s many issues include the lowest effective block count of any character, likely the least effective HP after taking into account her innate, an inability to effectively punish early game blocks and a weakness to 0.0 speed attacks. This means that kits featuring prominent blocking or 0.0 speed attacks (such as :zane::geiger::setsuki::argagarg::menelker:) cause her significant problems. Her match vs :geiger: in particular is historically the worst matchup in the game.


Changes Under Consideration

Amongst all the suggestions for Jaina, there has been a consistent preference to bring her more in line with the archery-focused feel of her Codex and Fantasy Strike incarnations. It is generally consensus that J is her worst card and given that fast J is Flame Arrow this is a bit of a flavour failure.

@hobusu has proposed the following set of changes to give Jaina’s fast J a prominent role in her zoning play, free up her 10s to be dedicated blocks and to improve slow J as a dodge follow up while not completely oppressing :rook:.

Burning Vigor
At the end of combat, if you attacked, you may return any of your combo cards to your hand other than Jacks, Queens or Aces. Take 3 damage for each card returned this way.

Burning Desperation
If you have 35 life or less, you may also return Jacks, Queens and Aces and take 4 damage for each.

J Flame Arrow
2.6 speed, 6(5) damage —> 2.4 speed, 7(6) damage

J Charged Shot
4.6 speed, 8(7) damage —> 7.4 speed, 10(9) damage :knockdown:

J* Flame Trap
If Flame Arrow deals block damage, the opponent doesn’t draw a card from blocking and you may take 3 damage to return this card to your hand. Whenever the opponent dodges while this card is in your discard pile, they take 2 damage. You can’t power up with this card. (It’s too hot.)

10* Smoldering Embers
Deleted

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