Arvel Crynyd the Ace Killer

By YwingAce, in X-Wing

I just had an idea:

Arvel Crynyd (23)

Chardaan Refit (-2)

Snap Shot (2)

Vectored Thrusters (2)

A-Wing Test Pilot (0)

Total: 25

Arvel uses his moderate PS to block aces. Snapshots to fire before they can token up, doesn't get shot back. Not sure if it's really competitive, but it could be fun for only 25 points.

Edited by YwingAce

I think you've misread Snap Shot, but it's still effective.

He gets in position to block, focuses probably.

They bump: he gets off a Snap Shot.

During combat, he gets off a focused shot vs their lack of tokens. If that was a Procket shot, that ace is in a lot of trouble. Probably worth the 5 points.

Yes Arvel should never leave home without his procket. I'm looking forward to HoTR to get snapshot for my low ps rebel pilots :-)

I think you've misread Snap Shot, but it's still effective.

He gets in position to block, focuses probably.

They bump: he gets off a Snap Shot.

During combat, he gets off a focused shot vs their lack of tokens. If that was a Procket shot, that ace is in a lot of trouble. Probably worth the 5 points.

Yup I misread snapshot, but it still kind of works. It actually works better, because he gets a modified shot vs. unmodified greens.

Edited by YwingAce

I think you've misread Snap Shot, but it's still effective.

He gets in position to block, focuses probably.

They bump: he gets off a Snap Shot.

During combat, he gets off a focused shot vs their lack of tokens. If that was a Procket shot, that ace is in a lot of trouble. Probably worth the 5 points.

Yup I misread snapshot, but it still kind of works. It actually works better, because he gets a modified shot vs. unmodified greens. Not sure how you're fitting the procket shot in though? He can't attack again that round?

Snap shot fires during activation. During activation you do not get a second shot, so no gunner with snapshot combos. You still get your normal combat shot and that shot can be a proton rocket. btw, snapshot can not be modified by the attacker.

I think you've misread Snap Shot, but it's still effective.

He gets in position to block, focuses probably.

They bump: he gets off a Snap Shot.

During combat, he gets off a focused shot vs their lack of tokens. If that was a Procket shot, that ace is in a lot of trouble. Probably worth the 5 points.

Yup I misread snapshot, but it still kind of works. It actually works better, because he gets a modified shot vs. unmodified greens. Not sure how you're fitting the procket shot in though? He can't attack again that round?

Snap shot fires during activation. During activation you do not get a second shot, so no gunner with snapshot combos. You still get your normal combat shot and that shot can be a proton rocket. btw, snapshot can not be modified by the attacker.

Yea, re-read that, and edited.

So:

Arvel Crynyd (23)

Proton Rockets (3)

Snap Shot (2)

Vectored Thrusters (2)

A-Wing Test Pilot (0)

Total: 30

Could become a Soontir killer. Even has a chance against X7s since they will only have an evade token against 2 attacks.

TFW . . .

You walk into a thread and realize Arvel could actually be competitive.

:blink:

It would be pretty sweet for him to show up as a competitive option. The real question is what list does he fit into at that cost? I would also consider dropping Vectored Thrusters if I needed the points else where.

I've tried Snap Shot on A-Wings (was a 5 A-wing Swarm), and they are, underwhelming. Against a low agility target, they are pretty much free damage, but against a 3-die AGI like a Defender, you won't scratch them, not enough to win, anyways. I think if you do Arvel, Intimidation is still your best bet, as then you're killing one of their dice to gain one yourself.

Edited by SirCormac

I've tried Snap Shot on A-Wings (was a 5 A-wing Swarm), and they are, underwhelming. Against a low agility target, they are pretty much free damage, but against a 3-die AGI like a Defender, you won't scratch them, not enough to win, anyways. I think if you do Arvel, Intimidation is still your best bet, as then you're killing one of their dice to gain one yourself.

But Arvel will be able to fire against an unfocused enemy, make a follow up Procket shot (still against unfocused enemy), and then not have to worry about that enemy firing back.

It would be pretty sweet for him to show up as a competitive option. The real question is what list does he fit into at that cost? I would also consider dropping Vectored Thrusters if I needed the points else where.

I had the Vectored Thrusters on so he can have more options for the block. I guess they're optional. I'm thinking he might actually pair well with Nien, since Nien also likes to be an in your face type of person.

Arvel Crynyd (23)

Proton Rockets (3)

Snap Shot (2)

Vectored Thrusters (2)

A-Wing Test Pilot (0)

Wes Janson (29)

Veteran Instincts (1)

R2-D2 (4)

Integrated Astromech (0)

Nien Nunb (29)

Rage (1)

R3-A2 (2)

Primed Thrusters (1)

Integrated Astromech (0)

Total: 97

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

Not sure where to spend the last 3 points. Arvel blocks, Nien sets up at range one of the blocked ship, Wes makes sure there's no way that ship is going to have a token against Nien's attack, and Arvel's Procket. Only problem is without Biggs, Wes will melt like butter. But in this setup, all of them (except maybe Arvel) should be able to hit your average x7 Defender before it can get a shot off. Soontir might get a shot before Nien or Arvel, but he'll be throwing naked dice.

Intimidation + Arvel + Prockets is normally a death-knell for an Imperial Ace, however with the rise in Manaroo and/or Mindlink scum squads in my area, the little niche that Arvel hand is under threat.

It's not easy to block barrel rolling + boosting nimble ships that see this kind of block coming from miles away from a little ship.

It's a dedicated ace killer. PS6 means he'll be able to move well before Imperial Aces. They won't be able to react, unless they are lower ps, or have a way of repositioning before their maneuver. The only Imperial aces that aren't prone to this are Ryad, Deltas, and Glaives if you lose initiative. Still solid against Interceptors, Fighters, FOs, and TAPs.

I think you've misread Snap Shot, but it's still effective.

He gets in position to block, focuses probably.

They bump: he gets off a Snap Shot.

During combat, he gets off a focused shot vs their lack of tokens. If that was a Procket shot, that ace is in a lot of trouble. Probably worth the 5 points.

Yup I misread snapshot, but it still kind of works. It actually works better, because he gets a modified shot vs. unmodified greens. Not sure how you're fitting the procket shot in though? He can't attack again that round?

Snap shot fires during activation. During activation you do not get a second shot, so no gunner with snapshot combos. You still get your normal combat shot and that shot can be a proton rocket. btw, snapshot can not be modified by the attacker.

Yea, re-read that, and edited.

So:

Arvel Crynyd (23)

Proton Rockets (3)

Snap Shot (2)

Vectored Thrusters (2)

A-Wing Test Pilot (0)

Total: 30

Could become a Soontir killer. Even has a chance against X7s since they will only have an evade token against 2 attacks.

If you are playing Arvel this way, always take initiative. When the X7 completes its maneuver, both Snap Shot and the X7 title trigger. Since you have init, you take your Snap Shot before they get their Evade. Not the most amazing thing ever, but at least you have some chance of dealing damage.

Also, if you have room for Shara Bey (or Thane) with the new M9G8 and Weapons Engineer you can get a ton of mileage out of M9G8+Snap Shot. Take a TL on Arvel, use M9G8 to give him a reroll on his Snap Shot as well as his later procket attack. Extra points if you can use M9G8 on the enemy as well to ensure they can't hit anything.

Edited by KineticOperator

Arvel Crynyd (23)

Proton Rockets (3)

Snap Shot (2)

Vectored Thrusters (2)

A-Wing Test Pilot (0)

Nien Nunb (29)

Rage (1)

R3-A2 (2)

Primed Thrusters (1)

Integrated Astromech (0)

Shara Bey (28)

Adaptability (0)

Weapons Engineer (3)

M9-G8 (3)

Vectored Thrusters (2)

Alliance Overhaul (0)

Total: 99

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

One point for initiative.

You could pair him with a VCX & Shuttle, with Intel Agent and Zeb crew (and either FCS or AC w/ ABT), for ultimate blocking shenanigans.

Also, if you have room for Shara Bey (or Thane) with the new M9G8 and Weapons Engineer you can get a ton of mileage out of M9G8+Snap Shot. Take a TL on Arvel, use M9G8 to give him a reroll on his Snap Shot as well as his later procket attack. Extra points if you can use M9G8 on the enemy as well to ensure they can't hit anything.

I don't think that M9-G8 works on Snap Shot because the attacker is still rerolling the die, not the ship with M9G8.

I do think Vectored Thrusters is important for Arvel to be able to block an ace while still having his arc pointed at them. It can get tricky, so having both Boost and Barrel Roll to choose from helps a lot. But then he is without Focus for the Proton Rockets, so there needs to be some way to get him a focus. I haven't decided on a good, sturdy squad mate yet. Maybe a VCX with Jyn Erso? That VCX would need to not have Hera, though, because Jyn requires an action. So many hoops to jump through...

Also, if you have room for Shara Bey (or Thane) with the new M9G8 and Weapons Engineer you can get a ton of mileage out of M9G8+Snap Shot. Take a TL on Arvel, use M9G8 to give him a reroll on his Snap Shot as well as his later procket attack. Extra points if you can use M9G8 on the enemy as well to ensure they can't hit anything.

I don't think that M9-G8 works on Snap Shot because the attacker is still rerolling the die, not the ship with M9G8.

I do think Vectored Thrusters is important for Arvel to be able to block an ace while still having his arc pointed at them. It can get tricky, so having both Boost and Barrel Roll to choose from helps a lot. But then he is without Focus for the Proton Rockets, so there needs to be some way to get him a focus. I haven't decided on a good, sturdy squad mate yet. Maybe a VCX with Jyn Erso? That VCX would need to not have Hera, though, because Jyn requires an action. So many hoops to jump through...

It IS 100% possible to fly the VCX without Hera. She's just an awesome one point inclusion, and makes you feel like you're flying a giant Defender, sometimes.

Also, if you have room for Shara Bey (or Thane) with the new M9G8 and Weapons Engineer you can get a ton of mileage out of M9G8+Snap Shot. Take a TL on Arvel, use M9G8 to give him a reroll on his Snap Shot as well as his later procket attack. Extra points if you can use M9G8 on the enemy as well to ensure they can't hit anything.

I don't think that M9-G8 works on Snap Shot because the attacker is still rerolling the die, not the ship with M9G8.

It does, though, for the same reason Palpatine on a Shuttle will fix a die for someone else locked and being shot by Omega Leader.

Arvel Crynyd (23)

Proton Rockets (3)

Snap Shot (2)

A-Wing Test Pilot (0)


Airen Cracken (19)

Veteran Instincts (1)


Biggs Darklighter (25)

R2-D6 (1)

Determination (1)

Integrated Astromech (0)


Tarn Mison (23)

R7 Astromech (2)

Integrated Astromech (0)


Total: 100




Here's what I came up with. I hate it, and yet I love it. What's good is that Arvel can get an action when Cracken shoots during the combat phase at PS 10. What's bad is that Arvel doesn't have Barrel Roll. Aslo, if Arvel needs to boost to block the ace, Airen Cracken may not be able to keep up. Maybe Squad Leader to reach out to range 2? With VI he doesn't even need Biggs because he'll likely shoot first. I gave Biggs Determination because I've been hearing from so many people that R4-D6 just doesn't do anything. With torp scouts cone, Determination may be a good call. I cannot count the number of times my friends have rerolled their HLC shots to end up with at least one [crit], so I think Determination has some merit. I would try it out, but I hate Biggs. And Tarn is just a durable 3-atk ship.


What could we change? Well, if we dropped down to R4-D6 for Biggs, Airen Cracken could get Squad Leader, and use it safely to help the A-wing. Squad Leader + his ability gives Arvel a Focus + TL shot with his Proton Rockets, which sounds amazing. But is he really going to get that shot? I like the idea upthread by ArbitraryNerd about Intelligence Agent. Could be really helpful.


EDIT:

@ObiWonka: I don't want to get into a big discussion here, but it's my understanding that M9-G8 says, "When a ship you (the M9-G8 carrier) has locked is attacking, you (the M9-G8 ship) may choose 1 attack die. The attacker (the locked ship that is using Snap Shot) must reroll that die." In this case, the ship with Snap Shot is rerolling, which is strictly forbidden by Snap Shot. Does that sound right? That's my interpretation.

Edited by Parakitor

Cracken is a good option. but he's really squishy. So is Arvel. IF your going against an alpha strike build, your praying that when they get the 2-3 range attack that your A and Z will survive just so you can throw 5 dice at range 1 the next turn. Should also put Chips on Arvel since your not using the mod slot anyways.

There is potential here...

Arvel Crynyd (23)
Proton Rockets (3)
Snap Shot (2)
A-Wing Test Pilot (0)
Guidance Chips
Airen Cracken (19)
Adaptability (0)
Biggs Darklighter (25)
R4-D6 (1)
Integrated Astromech (0)
Jake Farrell (24)
Adaptability (0)
Proton Rockets (3)
Guidance Chips
Total: 100
may not be as effective mind you...
edit: ahha I forgot the chips
Edited by Wiredin

I think you've misread Snap Shot, but it's still effective.

He gets in position to block, focuses probably.

They bump: he gets off a Snap Shot.

During combat, he gets off a focused shot vs their lack of tokens. If that was a Procket shot, that ace is in a lot of trouble. Probably worth the 5 points.

Yup I misread snapshot, but it still kind of works. It actually works better, because he gets a modified shot vs. unmodified greens. Not sure how you're fitting the procket shot in though? He can't attack again that round?

Snap shot fires during activation. During activation you do not get a second shot, so no gunner with snapshot combos. You still get your normal combat shot and that shot can be a proton rocket. btw, snapshot can not be modified by the attacker.

Arvel Crynyd (23)

Proton Rockets (3)

Snap Shot (2)

Vectored Thrusters (2)

A-Wing Test Pilot (0)

Total: 30

Could become a Soontir killer. Even has a chance against X7s since they will only have an evade token against 2 attacks.

Um, yes, I do love flying A-Wings as they are my #2 Rebel Squad.....but, um....Soontir Killer? Well, I wouldn't go so far my friend. And X7s and A-wings are not a good match up for the Rebs; least in my attempts. However, there are quite a few opposing ships that this will be a good hammer to use. And yes, Prockets when up close and personal and when you must resort to the primary attack; try your best to swarm a few together to get some damage through.

X7s?? really?

Cracken is a good option. but he's really squishy. So is Arvel. IF your going against an alpha strike build, your praying that when they get the 2-3 range attack that your A and Z will survive just so you can throw 5 dice at range 1 the next turn. Should also put Chips on Arvel since your not using the mod slot anyways.

There is potential here...

Arvel Crynyd (23)
Proton Rockets (3)
Snap Shot (2)
A-Wing Test Pilot (0)
Guidance Chips
Airen Cracken (19)
Adaptability (0)
Biggs Darklighter (25)
R4-D6 (1)
Integrated Astromech (0)
Jake Farrell (24)
Adaptability (0)
Proton Rockets (3)
Guidance Chips
Total: 100

I like this squad, save Mr. Biggs; he's too pricey for his punch, I'd want a better hitter somehow worked in. I've often taken an all A squad with some Prockets. Yes, Biggs can't pull the main-gun enemy attacks if he's right there; but with the A-Wings dial, will Biggs be able to keep up? Maybe, but with A-Wings and Prockets, there's no real target for the Enemy anyway and many times the range bonus might not even be there for you...I'd ditch Biggs....personally.

Cracken is a good option. but he's really squishy. So is Arvel. IF your going against an alpha strike build, your praying that when they get the 2-3 range attack that your A and Z will survive just so you can throw 5 dice at range 1 the next turn. Should also put Chips on Arvel since your not using the mod slot anyways.

There is potential here...

Arvel Crynyd (23)
Proton Rockets (3)
Snap Shot (2)
A-Wing Test Pilot (0)
Guidance Chips
Airen Cracken (19)
Adaptability (0)
Biggs Darklighter (25)
R4-D6 (1)
Integrated Astromech (0)
Jake Farrell (24)
Adaptability (0)
Proton Rockets (3)
Guidance Chips
Total: 100

I like this squad, save Mr. Biggs; he's too pricey for his punch, I'd want a better hitter somehow worked in. I've often taken an all A squad with some Prockets. Yes, Biggs can't pull the main-gun enemy attacks if he's right there; but with the A-Wings dial, will Biggs be able to keep up? Maybe, but with A-Wings and Prockets, there's no real target for the Enemy anyway and many times the range bonus might not even be there for you...I'd ditch Biggs....personally.

Teh A-Wings outrun Biggs too. so I agree.....