These familiars are granted by a Wizardry skill card, and follow
the rules governing familiars. Mata and Kata’s speed is 6. Mata
and Kata are both represented by markers that may move
independently of each other. The familiars can each be given or
pick up and carry one item (including potions). They can give a
carried item to an adjacent hero (or each other, whether they
are adjacent or not) by spending one movement point.

If Mata and Kata begin their turn in the same space, they may
move together. While moving together, they may pick up and
carry one chest, treasure pile, or runekey. If they wish, they
may still carry one normal item instead. Mata and Kata cannot
enter the same space as another figure while carrying a chest,
treasure pile, or runekey. Mata and Kata may separate at the
beginning of any of their turns, but if they do, any chest,
treasure pile, or runekey they are carrying must immediately be
dropped and left where it is.

Has anybody tried using the new rules for M&K? Worth getting in an advanced campaign now? Think these are good rules to use in standard games?

Yes, I know that there is no reason to say that they should be used in standard games, but since they're almost strictly worse than Bardic lore, I feel that giving them a boost is no bad thing. Or does anybody think differently?

It makes them slightly better. Their biggest advantage in the advanced campaign is still that the items that they carry cannot be hit by crushing blow. So you can be gurenteed of having your best 2 weapons in the final battle. If you are paranoid about your staff of the grave, you could even have a hero use the weapon, then give it to Mana, and then have Mana gives it back after the OL turn (only works if a different character has the mana & kata skill).

Badend said:

Only if you're willing to accumulate another Curse token every round - cursed items give you a Curse token when you equip them and don't remove it when you unequip them.