Sunday, October 16, 2016

Ashlynn Thoughts

 So, three games of piloting this..."list":

Ashlynn1 - Gallant, Rocinante, Sylyss, Rorsh w/Brine, Dahlia w/Skarath, Aiyanna + Holt, Harlen Versh, Tinker, 2x Kayazy Eliminators, Precursor Knights (Min)

Air quotes because functionally it was built on a couple interactions that I didn't examine in depth.



I'll get this out of the way now: The rubbish parts of the list were not as rubbish as I expected. That said, breaking it down model wise upon the universally accepted grading system utilized by imaginary wizards:

Troll
Precursor Knights - There to be an Accumulator model for Gallant, which Harlen already does. There is a thing there, because Versh is so very much worth killing already. They were useful as a miscellaneous unit for contesting and taking last ditch attacks, ultimately not worth their points and I don't think there's potential for the unit as I took it.
Sylyss - Support model for Ashlynn, included for a gameplay that was never the right call. With different Ashlynn play becomes mandatory anyway.

Poor
Kayazy Eliminators - Didn't do a great deal, though they had useful points. The real issue is that they were never Quickened due to their inherent disposable nature.
Tinker - Also not a bad piece, I simply never needed repair or contesting.

Acceptable
Dahlia w/Skarath - Put in the good work I expect of them.
Rorsh w/Brine - When they weren't misplayed they rocked as usual.
Harlen Versh - Great with Purgation active. Accumulator great. Defensive stats are where he goes off the rails.

Exceed Expectations
Aiyanna/Holt - Were bosses those games, particularly Holt weirdly enough. RAT 8 works out statistically likely with enough games played, much as the misses are far more memorable.
Rocinante - Was a nice all rounder, Defensive Strike was nice. Guard Dog didn't come up, nor would I expect it to unless one of he players is forced into a low odds play where Ashlynn is either super aggressive or suffering a hail mary melee assassination. Real issue is that even with decent use, 18 points for what he delivers is.....blah. Probably just to much.

Outstanding
Gallant - Ayep. Fella was excellent aside from that time I threw him away. The whole Purgation but not Blessed thing is weird, but Sacred Ward and Def 13 are amazing, unlike Rocinante easily worth his more-than-a-Nomad cost.

Disqualified due to to conflicting judgements
Ashlynn - Alright, I'll grant that she does some fun stuff. Quicken/feat are excellent things. My original position of her being pants is unchanged, but there is a distinct possibility I was to afraid of her dying when she could have made more meaningful contributions. I'd intended her to throw out a Gallows, Distraction or cycle Quicken each turn but it never felt better than just camping four or five focus.

If (Notice the size of the if) I give Ashlynn more chances, I'll definitely drop Precursors for Anastasia and Acosta.
Rocinante, the Snake and Sylyss are all in danger of the bench, though ideal replacements I'd be unsure of. Probably Nomads and the Crocs.