I don't think that was their question.  The question about the counter attack was in reference to the Whirling Spirit which is a melee attack.  There are 2 separate questions in this thread.

1.  Chain Lighting/Intervene interaction (multiple target)
2.  Whirling Spirit vs Guard (counterattack)

So while it is true Chain Lightning is a ranged attack it doesn't pertain to the Whirling Spirit question.

hmm I would think the guard could make a counter attack since the counter attack is declared at the time they are attacked (which presumably would be before they are pushed)?  It doesn't seem right that they would only get the choice to counter (or be denied that option) after they are pushed.  I could be reading it wrong though.

P.27 Step 7
If the attacker made a melee attack on the defender, and the
defender has a quick melee attack with the Counterstrike
trait, the defender may choose to counterstrike the attacker at
this time. This is a “free” quick melee attack against the attacker.
The defender may counterstrike, even if the attacker’s attack
was not “successful” (did not roll dice because it missed or
was avoided).
The counterstrike attack is resolved like a normal attack,
starting with Step 1: Declare Attack, except that no
additional counterstrikes occur.

Ooh interesting, very cool Zot.  I love the Gorgon Archer, one of my favorite cards.  I used her and a basilisk and an air spirit.  Creatures that can push other creatures are kind of fun! 

I would think (hope) that it would actually increase their sales.  As people try it out online that will make them want to buy the board game.  The board game version feels so much more "real" and maybe because I'm tactile I like hovering over that board and feeling like I'm part of the action in the arena.  Online is cool too though from the standpoint it gives you more people to play with, but it is a different feel.

If AW was wanting to get into the digital gaming and make their own server like MTGonline has now I could see that being an issue though for sure.

Thanks for the advice all.  I played this push war out as the Wizard this weekend and it was quite successful.  So far my Wizard is undefeated regardless of what build I have played him as (earth, air).  So this adds a bit of flexibility to his already awesome set of abilities.  Multiple win conditions and damage mechanics are great to add options and be able to counter various other builds.

The Wizard Tower is such an awesome card and fits well in whatever strat.  Here in particular for pushing mobs around.

Actually that distinction for purpose does make me feel MUCH better about promos.

I was kind of anti promo because I don't want the game turning into a trading card game like Magic where you have to find those "rares", which give people that have access to the rares or the cash an advantage over most other players.

That was one of the draws (at least for me) about Mage Wars.  EVERYONE has access to the SAME card pool so no one has an advantage over another.  Plus you always know what you are up against.

As long as the cards are used to beta test cards they want to put in future expansions (that EVERYONE will have access to) and isn't used to give "some" people a competitive advantage over other people that don't have access to promos then the promos are a great tool to help the game.  Having thoroughly play tested cards before going to print is awesome.  One of the worst things they could do is print a card and then change it or nerf it after it goes live to the public, so promo/testing would help prevent that occurance.

So I've switch my anti promo thoughts to it will help the game, since not used for comp advantage.  Cool.

Some of the intro videos that are on YouTube are pretty engaging, brief, and draw you in.  Not the ones of watching someone play (although I enjoy those) but the ones where they talk about the Mages, abilities, etc.  If you can get them to watch a couple of those for 10-15 min they do a really good job of both explaining the game but making it look cool.

Reaching a 'common ground' to help bridge them from a game they are used to is helpful, as was mentioned.  For example I have a friend of mine who plays Magic the Gathering and we also play Summoner Wars.  I love both of those games, but I love Mage Wars too (for different reasons).  But it is easy to draw some references to Magic (color vs school of magic theme) and Summoner Wars (since it is a card game on a grid type board).  And yes yes I realize Mage Wars is TOTALLY different, in so many cool ways, but my point is it makes them 'connect' to it a little easier. 

For me the biggest thing is the spell book concept, and not being bound to what card is on the top of my deck (which is the big draw back of MTG, Summoner War, and a TON of other TCG).  Plus Mage Wars is more dynamic and a living card game.

Unfortunately I think you are either into these kind of games or not.  So I have friends that play MTG that love Mage Wars, but the ones that aren't into those "type" of games won't even touch or try Mage Wars.  I guess it kind of sells itself in a way, if there into the genre it isn't a tough sell.  Once they try it they are hooked though.  Plus I have a couple friends who we have tried practically EVERY type of fantasy game, card game, board game, other games.  You name it we've tried it (been a bit of an investment and I'm sure Amazon Prime loves me) lol.  But I'd say out of all of them Mage Wars is easily in the top 1-2 games and one we keep going back to time and time again.