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Well, the general consensus is right now that "BSB with Lord-magic limit Standard does not make up its points with D6 Magic Resistance and base-to-base magic item nullification". Personally, I agree with this: You're forced to take a nigh-naked BSB to take this Banner, and it has a 50% chance each turn of failing to surpass an item slightly less than 1/2 the cost, and if put in Savage Orcs you bounce between a 33-50% chance of paying an extra 55pts for "Nullify Magic Items in base-to-base".

As such, my proposal for a counter to the item: Roll the D6 MR as normal. However, measure every friendly Orc unit within (I'm thinking 6", but 12" might be better). If the unit has at least one model within the radius, apply half the D6's Magic Resistance (or a D3, essentially) to the unit. Possibly make the final version as the banner normally is, apply MR(D3) to units besides the bearer unit within 6" (so you will usually nab about three units), and all friendly Orc and Goblin Shamans within 12" may add +1 to their Channeling Rolls.

Does this seem like it'd be closer to the proposed price tag of twice the old Spirit Totem's value? The housing unit still gets the D6 MR and item nullification when in BtB with the bearer, friendly units within 6" of the banner get D3 MR, and friendly Shamans within 12" get +1 to Channeling.

An item that nullifies magic shouldn't give you a channeling bonus.

I'd go with MR D6 for all units within 12" (friend or foe) and no wizard within 12" may channel at all.

-Matt

I'm just curious: the main way that the BSB is going to die is through normal (non-magical) hand-to-hand, right? Artillery has a 1 in 6, of course, and magical sniping seems like it'd be a waste. So, basically, better combat characters, right?

It seems like this is one of those banners that goes a ways toward protecting the BSB who takes it, but I'll agree this item isn't worth it's cost

Really, Magic Resistance is pretty bogus. It works when magic tries to kill you, but not curse you?
In 8th, hexes/augments are almost always better than direct damage. I'd consider revamping MR before changing items that give it.

MR revamp is easy.
If you're targeted by a Hex, roll a D6. If you roll equal to your MR or Less, the spell fails.


Personally, I like that MR doesn't help against Hexes. Most hexes only target a single unit, which is a good balance for death stars. If MR stopped hexes, it would make the death star even more survivable, which IMO is a bad thing.

-Matt

That system seems much more "all or nothing" than how MR effects damaging magic...

I don't think it makes sense, whether it balances the game or not. The fact that Deathstars are a big thing is just hinting at some other problems (like no partial VP, for instance).

You know, you could put that banner on a Black Orc BSB and have him join a huge horde of night goblins with nets.
4+ armor and parry, with T5 and nets, while shutting down all magic items is pretty survivable.

The problem I think is that you don't need to protect rank and file Orcs and Goblins. Maybe if he's in a huge unit of boar boyz, or leading a troll horde; but outside of that, you should be fielding so many boyz that you won't notice losses that you get MR against.

-Matt