X-Wing: Who is “Howlrunner” ?
Who is the Imperial Pilot known as Howlrunner? Lets find out!
Hello again BoLS readers, AdamHarry back with with a simple question: Just who is this “Howlrunner” and why does she have Rebel Aces in both X-Wing AND Armada quaking in their flight boots? Well I aim to find out! In this new series I intend to take a look at different pilots across the Star Wars universe. Today’s sights are set on one of the most feared Imperial Aces out there: “Howlrunner”
Bio
Civé Rashon – Callsign “Howlrunner” is the Ace Imperial Pilot and leader of the much feared Obsidian Squadron. Rashon participated in a few battles during the Galactic Civil war, most notably the Battle of Endor – the same battle that ended in Imperial defeat and the destruction of the Death Star II. During her command the elite Obsidian Squadron was stationed on board the Imperial Star Destroyer Avenger and was also involved with the occupation of Cloud City. They participated in pursing the fugitive Milliennum Falcon off the gas giant Bespin. They would have captured the Falcon had it not been for a surprise Hyperdrive activation. She flies the TIE/LN starfighter Obsidian 1.
In Canon and Media
Howlrunner and the Obsidian Squadron was first seen on film (star fighters only) in the movie Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back. She is also referenced in The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia as being a participant in the Battle of Endor during the movie Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi.
In Game
One of the cool things about “Howlrunner” is that she is a great pilot and leader in both X-Wing and Armada. We’ve actually already covered some of her usefulness here on BoLS. But I wanted to present a quick list for X-Wing because I think she deserves it – and the list is simple, effective and really takes advantage of her role as a leader/support TIE. Lets start with the basics of flying TIEs – it’s one word and I think you already know where I’m going: SPAM, umm… SWARM!
The Basics: 90 pts
- “Howlrunner” – 18
- Academy Pilot – 12
- Academy Pilot – 12
- Academy Pilot – 12
- Academy Pilot – 12
- Academy Pilot – 12
- Academy Pilot – 12
Pretty straightforward, right? And before you ask, no I did not consult Goatboy about building this list even though it is super spammy 🙂 This really is a bread’n’butter/meat’n’potatoes/basic TIE swarm list. The more of them you fit within range 1 of “Howlrunner” the better their shooting gets. It’s a pretty basic concept that works surprisingly well! And you still have 10 points to add upgrades. However, if I’m being perfectly honest, this list is super boring to look at – I mean, on the table top is might be neat to fly with the possibilities of formation flying… but on paper… meh. I like a little bit of variety with my meat’n’potatoes – can we have a carrot or two? Heck yes we can! On top of all that I don’t think it’s very fitting for the leader of Obsidian Squadron (a bunch of elite Imperial pilots) to ride with guys fresh out of the Academy.
The Basics + Carrots: 85 pts
- “Howlrunner” – 18
- “Night Beast” – 15
- Obsidian Squadron Pilot – 13
- Obsidian Squadron Pilot – 13
- Obsidian Squadron Pilot – 13
- Obsidian Squadron Pilot – 13
Okay, now we’re getting somewhere. It’s starting to shape up with the addition of “Night Beast” who is her wingman and flies Obsidian 2. I know this isn’t as efficient as ‘The Basics’ but it is definitely more flavorful. We also have 15 points to play around with now as well. On top of all that the Obsidian Squad Pilots are no longer easy prey for the “Predator” card. With those extra points lets invest in keeping “Howlrunner” flying and still manage to make some of her wingmen bigger targets/threats. After all: A TIEs best defense is not getting shot in the first place!
TIE Fighter Stew: 100 pts
- “Howlrunner” + Squad Leader + Stealth Device – 23
- “Night Beast” + Targeting Computer – 17
- Obsidian Squadron Pilot + Targeting Computer – 15
- Obsidian Squadron Pilot + Targeting Computer – 15
- Obsidian Squadron Pilot + Targeting Computer – 15
- Obsidian Squadron Pilot + Targeting Computer – 15
Now we are cooking with TIEs! The Stealth Device is obvious on “Howlrunner” for the bonus defense die. Squad Leader seems appropriate as well and it also gives you some flexibility with getting TIEs into position. You can use Howl’s action to cause one of your wingmen to immediately use an action – for instance Barrel Roll to get them back into Range 1 of “Howlrunner” or with the new Targeting Computers have them Target Lock. When it comes time for them to activate they will be able to then use the focus action. At Target Lock + Focus token + a re-roll from “Howlrunner” on an attack die – that’s going to spell some damage for the unlucky victim. “Night Beast” is even nastier – He is going to be able to fly around and get the free Focus from a Green Maneuver and save his action for Target Locking goodness. I like this TIE Stew list – it’s not quite a swarm, but it looks like more fun than a bland list of basic TIE fighters. Then again, you can take those extra 15 points and just add a 5th Obsidian Pilot. Then throw on Stealth Device and Squad Leader to “Howlrunner” – but then she becomes the primary target all game.
So there you have it! Picking a pilot can really help you create a theme for a list and give you a fun project to paint up (if you’re into that). “Howlrunner” and the pilots of the Obsidian Squad are worth taking a look at if you want to run a fun, fluffy list that still packs a punch. Is it the most efficient? Probably not – but just imagine how cool it would look to have a 100 point game of fully custom Obsidian Squad TIEs led by the Boss herself – “Howl ‘I-go-can-go-toe-to-toe-with-Luke’ runner!” What do you think BoLS Readers? How would you use Howlrunner in a list? AdamHarry OUT!
