So, I love Howlie as a simple centerpiece for the Howlmother swarm (Assault Missiles be blowed!), but sometimes, you need to dress her up. I've tried Push the Limit, and it's pretty great, although the simple Tie dial doesn't do a ton to relieve her stress, but was wondering - what other Elite Pilot Talents have other pilots used, and what's had success in your builds with Howlrunner?

I personally like determination, its cheap and discards the occasional crit.

determination + hull/shield/stealth device is popular

I like swarm tatics.

Black dress and lipstick

I prefer naked

I personally like determination, its cheap and discards the occasional crit.

Good point, Sparklelord! I'll have to try that one out!

These days, I second the votes for Determination, nothing, and Swarm Tactics, in approximately that order.

When I run a howl swarm, I will kit her out in one of two ways: either swarm tactics or nothing. It depends on the squad. My currentswarm has her with nothing.

Here is how I see it: Xwing players are conditioned to target howlrunner early on. She is often the first ship to die. Thus, the more you put on her, the more points you are giving your opponent. Push the limit will keep her alive for a single hit over just focus, and you get the stress if you live long enough to worry about it. Determination is okay vs Etahn lists, but a Black with draw their fire can do the same thing. (Math-wise, if you're bringing howlrunner, the max you can bring with her is 6 ships, which leaves 10 points for upgrades, so I would spend 3 to make an AP into a black with dtf.) But determination does nothing against hlc lists, generally.

So, for me, I go swarm tactics if I run her with Alphas for instance, or lately with no upgrades.

Determination/Swarm Tactics, or Hull, or nothing.

What about a Shield Upgrade?

If you are worried about shedding stress from ptl, a wing man black squadron pilot is only 16 points. I've had fun with Howlrunner with ptl and stealth device, black squadron pilot with wing man, 2 academy pilots and 2 alpha squadron pilots. This gives Howl a focus and evade with 4 dodge dice. Not impossible to get through, but other targets are often more tempting.

No one uses hull upgrade?

Swarm Tactics or Determination for EPTs.

Modification could be Hull Upgrade or Stealth Device.

What about a Shield Upgrade?

No one uses hull upgrade?

Hull Upgrade does get used at times but that is three points which is only good for taking one more damage card and possibly that killer face-up card which may not save you. Hull upgrade generally is better that Shield Upgrade; at a point more the Shield Upgrade's increased protection (avoiding a card instead of being able to take another card) is rarely worth the cost.

For a point I like Determination. Beyond that I start looking at other things and the DTF BSP are nice because they can save Howlrunner from more than just "pilot" criticals.

I don't run full swarms, so Howlrunner serves either for the boost she gives or for her secondary role as bait. Either way, most often she does not have any upgrades.

I have found Predator to be effective with her - I get good effectiveness from her offensively at a high PS while still being able to take an evade.

Adding too many upgrades can make her even more of a target. However if your opponent isn't stupid she is already at teh very top of the "to kill" list, so that might not be a problem.

I like giving her swarm tactics - let a TIE shoot at PS 8

I also like giving her Shield Upgrade / Elusive, just to keep her alive.

If you have 1 point left over determination is a good filler if you don't want initiative.

Given that shes is such a high priority target i'm always surprised there is no imperial 'bodyguard' type character with a biggs type ability to draw flak

Do you all really think Determination is good on a ship with only 3 hp? I feel like drawing a 7/33 crit on 3hp is a REALLY low chance. And sometimes you really dont give a **** anyway.

My ties basically get one shot and critted by other things anyway.

Also HLC and DASH make me sad when i try and play with my ties.

Whipping cream.

Do you all really think Determination is good on a ship with only 3 hp? I feel like drawing a 7/33 crit on 3hp is a REALLY low chance. And sometimes you really dont give a **** anyway.

My ties basically get one shot and critted by other things anyway.

Also HLC and DASH make me sad when i try and play with my ties.

To me, the reason you'd take Howlrunner is for her ability, so I guess you don't want to lose her ability to an unlucky crit.

Determination protects against just that.

Do you all really think Determination is good on a ship with only 3 hp? I feel like drawing a 7/33 crit on 3hp is a REALLY low chance. And sometimes you really dont give a **** anyway.

My ties basically get one shot and critted by other things anyway.

Also HLC and DASH make me sad when i try and play with my ties.

It all depends on what you're comparing it to. As Keffisch mentioned its more as insurance against what could be the "worst possible non-lethal" outcome than as something you actually expect to prevent damage. If you want to prevent damage then you go with the BSP+DTF wingman or take your chances with PtL. I'd say I may be happier with Determination + Hull Upgrade than I would be with just a Shield Upgrade.