Deathrain’s UK Tour: The Finale

Dunno. Pub?

I was gonna do a write up about the future of X-Wing. About the lifespan of games like these. The goal was to get people to see things from a different perspective and hopefully whine less on forums. Then two days later FFG announced it was going to clean house in September so never bloody mind then!

Initially I was disappointed by X-Wing version 2. As a newish player (my second tournament was during the Paratanni invasion if you’ve got your timeline to hand) I’ve only just now got to the point where I’m doing well in tournaments and looking forward to taking the next step up. When I found out about the 4 month deadline I spent a day staring into the middle distance, some semblance of meaning lost.

This will be the last UK tour thingy for X-Wing 1.0 as I wanna try out my unused ships before the transition. I’ll be back in 2.0 and I’ll push myself even harder.

My next target is Gravesend to a pub called the Mug and Meeple. However that’s a couple of weeks away and I’ve got the tourney itch so gonna sneak a quick swiss in at Chaos Cards in Folkestone. Double bill episode!

Deathrain with you know what.

QuickDraw with the usual plus harpoons

Pure Sabacc with title, lwf and pred

After getting a proper pounding by a striker list a few days ago I couldn’t say no to it making an appearance as they are so fun to fly. Couple of practice games in and away we go.

Round 1 vs Hera, Zeb, Ahsoka

Range control at its finest

Opening joust went in my favour as a bomb and harpoon splash took out Ahsoka early. Trying to take the Ghost down without QuickDraw was a lot tougher as it had ps advantage. Round win 100–66.

Round 2 vs Nym Miranda

My bomber rivals

Asteroids across the map diagonally creating a wall that the crafty rebel bombers could hide in. I approached the fortress then disengaged. I’m not falling for it this time. We kept our distance, circling our territory and goading the other to fight on theirs. For a couple of turns I wasn’t really enjoying myself. Then I realised what we were doing was akin to a chess game. Setting out pieces to defend spots and invite the opponent to take the bait on our terms. Then I was having fun. I can play a mean chess game (at least I could when I was 9) and so we waited for the perfect opportunity. Chance came when Miranda had to turn in to avoid a bump and edged out just beyond the asteroid wall. Then she got jumped by QuickDraw. The game went to time with QuickDraw vs Nym. Nym needed 1 evade to survive and win the game. Nym got it. Round loss 46–61.

Round 3 vs Brobots (hlc)

These things really hurt

Deathrain was reduced to 2 hull in the first volley. Next turn Deathrain forces a bump and the IG has to shoot QuickDraw unmodded. QuickDraw was reduced to 2 hull. QuickDraw fires harpoons and the IG evades all 4 hits. One of the most brutal openings I’ve had at a tournament. Tried some evasive maneuvers but it was not to be. Round loss 50–100.

Round 4 vs 4 Wookiees

Sabaac picked the wrong time to turn in

Sabaac tried to flank the furry fortress and got blown away. Fortunately that meant my two bulkier ships were behind them. So long as I stayed behind them I’d be ok. Game ended with Deathrain left to finish the last one off. His pre move barrel roll paying off dividends to keep out of arc. Game win 100–66.

Final standing 2–2 8 out of 16 players. Always a great day out on the coast with a sun tan and a newly acquired ship for participation.

So. Last tournament of 1.0. Knowing that the reset is in a few months, my motivation to compete in try hard mode has been dampened somewhat. Time to fly nonsense!

Gentlemen, start your engines!

Deathrain with you know what.

2x Cutless Squadron with lwf, trajectory, munitions, unguided, seismics and thermals.

I mean this is the Punisher blog right? How could I not fly triples in my last adventure for the season.

Round 1 vs Ghost, Fenn

One launched bomb can spook 3 ship rebels. Three launched bombs can spook Ghost, Fenn. Fenn needed flight assist astro to keep him away from the bombs so couldn’t look Deathrain in the eye. The Ghost k turned to the corner to stay out of harms way. However this put him in a dangerous position, or so I thought. Next turn the Ghost hard turned and bumped the Punisher wall, then coordinate boosted through a 2ft gap the bastard. Round loss 53–100.

Round 2 vs. Ketsu, Bossk

Come closer you overgrown lizard

My mate came down with me to this one and we get paired up round 2. I’ve been on the receiving end of this list and it has the potential to one shot Deathrain. Fortunately that didn’t happen. Deathrain’s bomblet got Boba’d in trade for most of Ketsu’s health. Ketsu, now on the run couldn’t stop my bomber boys from getting behind Bossk and causing havoc. Round win 100–33.

Round 3 vs. Triple TIE/D Defenders

Witness me!

This wasn’t the greatest matchup for defenders, being unable to avoid thermal detonators really took its toll early on and there was no recovering from it. Round win 100–33.

Round 4 vs. Ketsu, Asajj

No no I insist, after you.

Aside from the picture above my rockets took priority over bombs. Getting all 3 shots on 1 target ripped straight through the shadowcasters. Round win 100–33.

3–1 and placing 2nd out of 11. Not a bad way to end things. Won some store credit so I went home with another ship.

Win rate is still sitting on the 65% marker, Phil I have failed you.

Big shoutout to all my opponents, people I’ve met and event organisers from Element Games, System Open, Chaos Cards, Eclectic Games, and The Mug and Meeple.

Big shoutout to Rasta and Steve for turning a boring old Punisher into the one and only Deffers.

Big shoutout to the people who read my blog. It must take great courage to admit you read this load of old cobblers.

Deathrain will return in September.