What would an upgrade card look like that specifically counters the "INTEL" keyword look like?

I'm thinking something like:

Jamming Signal - 8

Offensive Retrofit Slot

"Any enemy squad at distance 1-3 loses the INTEL keyword."

I'm not sure if this is a good idea at all, or over/undercosted, but it would be nice to continue to see squadron counters (Like Flechettes) come out in future upgrades.

What do you guys think?

Personally I'm not a fan of cards that flat-out overwrite other cards. What I do like is abilities like Snipe, which, through well-executed strategic play, can counter abilities like Intel (in this case by potentially getting around Escort), but don't automatically shut it down. So more stuff like that would be good, especially since Imperial players only have access to a single squadron with Snipe, and it only has 3 Hull and no defensive tokens...

I'd prefer something that cancels the effects of heavy rather than intel. More flexibility there.

I just wouldn't do it. For me, it's just too specific to have something to specifically cancel another effect.

Squadron counters, sure. And options for counter-play, absolutely. Heck, I wouldn't even mind an ability that let you choose and cancel other abilities in some limited fashion... no, wait, now that I think of it, that sounds terrible.

EDIT: As Caldias said, something that cancels or otherwise interacts with Heavy seems like a better path to take.

Networked Interception Matrix

Friendly Squadrons within distance 1 cannot have the "Heavy" keyword

?

I like that, Dras.

Might have to be worded "Lose, and cannot have" to account for things that already have it.

Or you could say "cannot gain"... So if they already have it, they keep it, but Intel won't work.

There's a few ways you could go about it, from a rules perspective.

As I've said to FoaS a few times... Terrible at coming up with new concepts, but give me a concept, and I can generally "rules-ify" it.

Though the Imperials only have one sniper, (though IG is also a thing!) Flechettes can lock down the intel squadron, which means you can potentially keep it from going where it needs to be.

That might be enough to stop bombers bombing.

As people have said, soft counters are the best, especially when there are a few options.

I'd prefer something that cancels the effects of heavy rather than intel. More flexibility there.

Networked Interception Matrix

Friendly Squadrons within distance 1 cannot have the "Heavy" keyword

?

I really like the idea of "losing" the Heavy keyword. And it isnt that much of a points issue. I mean Gamma squad gains GRIT and loses HEAVY for 1 point.

Maybe "Squads Equal to your Squadron Value lose the HEAVY keyword"?

I wouldn't limit it to squadron value. Just keep it limited in range. Easier to run that way.

and

I think the card should be called "F-ck You, Jan...Bays" and be five points.

I'm still not a fan of a card that flat out blocks things from getting heavy. It looks functionally identical to cancelling intel. I'd rather see something like Escort but for ships.

I think the card should be called "F-ck You, Jan...Bays" and be five points.

We already have a potential card called "F-ck you, Jan."

It was a discard that allowed you to use your ships Battery Armament against a single Squadron.

We already have a counter. It's called Instigator =)

I think the card should be called "F-ck You, Jan...Bays" and be five points.

We already have a potential card called "F-ck you, Jan."

It was a discard that allowed you to use your ships Battery Armament against a single Squadron.

Yeah but mine features Bays.

So what are you doing to Jan's bays now?

That's almost as bad as Biggs' moustache ride formation.

So what are you doing to Jan's bays now?

That's almost as bad as Biggs' moustache ride formation.

I've never wanted to use Biggs more than I do right now.

... Which sounds dirty. I mean, differently than the other thing already did. But... Eh. Worth it.

and

Smart@#$