Man, I hadnt realized how many cool link options we have! Obviously the Keisotsu Core with Tanko ML (and Brawler MSV2 if desired) is one option Ikari is feared for, but theres so much more! - Someone here mentioned replacing the Tanko ML with a Flammenspeer to save SWC. - Adding a Keisotsu HMG is definitely interesting even though their BS is low. Its still 5 burst, so nothing to scoff at, right? - A Druze core with the EM LGL looks tasty, if expensive, too. Include to taste a hacker with pitcher, or even the Tanko with ML for a formidable, versatile and powerful link. - The Wu Ming are a no brainer, too - cheap and strong, with a ML that can be given Assisted Fire! And dont even get me started on the Haris options! My current favourite would be a Wu Ming Haris with the HRL and a Brawler doc - good active turn and reactive firepower and a useful specialist to be dragged along. What are your favourites?
For Core FT, I started out with the Wu Ming core because that's what I had. I still love them! Perfect for doing the Limited lists. However lately It's been the Tanko ML + Keisotsu + Brawler Sniper. Haris I need to try out more. I've done the Wu Ming but I'm not a big fan of the Chain Rifle+SMG guy. Druze can Haris but for 1 SWC but at least the troop itself is pretty good. A Tanko team is sounding intriguing though. Just not sure if all Tanko or a mix Tanko+Brawler is best. So far I've found, due to the specific needs of Ikari link teams, the EVO bot running Team Pro is really important. only a pure Keisotsu team need not worry.
At 300 points my favourite is the well known keisotsu + Tanko LM + Brawler MSV2. But, at 300 with limited insertion also I love the 4 Wu Ming (HMG and grenade launcher) + Clipper. My chosen haris link are Tanko Haris + Tanko SMG + Brawler HRL and Wu Ming Haris + Wu Ming HMG + Brawler Doctor.
Shotty tanko, keisotsu HMG and brawler msr ain't bad. Gives up close punch, ranged burst and msv2 coverage.
I wish the Druze Haris wasn't so awkwardly priced or equipped, but if you can get over that you can make some pretty neat Haris teams with them: DRUZE (Fireteam: Haris, X Visor) Combi Rifle, Chain-colt, D.E.P. / Viral Pistol, CCW. (1 | 25) DRUZE (X Visor) Shock Marksman Rifle, Chain-colt / Viral Pistol, Knife. (0 | 27) DRUZE Hacker (Killer Hacking Device) Combi Rifle + Pitcher, D-Charges / Viral Pistol, Knife. (0 | 25) 1 SWC | 77 Points Effectively a Shock Spitfire with an X-visor, a solid specialist with a Pitcher and D-Charges, and I guess the Haris profile exists too. They cover a ton of ITS10 classifieds, and get a big leg up thanks to Forward Deployment.
I will try wu ming haris next time (hmg/smg haris/boarding specialist), disapointed on daiyokai who did nothing two last games.
I'm pretty excited that I was able to trade my old Aragoto bikers for the old Druze box set. I'm looking forward to trying them out a bit more. I used my buddies figs once and they did pretty well. Especially the Panzerfaust with X-Visor!
I was looking at the Haris of Druze and I can't help but think "why bother?". The cost isn't that much greater to make it a core with another Druze and Tanko. Also it costs 1 SWC to do a Haris! Even if you wanted to do a Core Keisotsu and Haris Druze it seems again, might as well go full core. Druze are just to good to NOT do a Core I think. Might as well turn it around and do a Core Druze and maybe a Haris of Brawler-Tanko.
I had a game on the weekend to try out the Druze. I unfortunately got a taste of my own medicine, mainly by getting my teeth kicked in! I used my Ikari with Druze team vs. QK. He went first and proceeded to bring down 3 Yuan Yuans. He brought one down out of line of sight of my Druze, then with his irregular order killed three of the 4 Druze with a chain rifle ☹. Scarface then came up and took care of the last Druze. The Tanko got some revenge on Scarface but ultimately it all went downhill from there when he the proceeded to bring up his Janissary link team. Nuff said…
As I say, DBS is where it’s at. I’ve messed around with Ikari, and I’ve come to my own personal conclusion. There’s a magical little something about DBS and their limited list. The are extremely solid, and I’ve found that I’ve performed remarkably well in every game with them. Surprisingly, I haven’t had nearly the same results when playing Druze in Ikari or QK. As for Ikari, four Yuan Yuan is the only way to live.
Am I the only one who thinks that Ikari, DBS and Qapu are almost their own faction, with different sectorials? ;)
