David Yun: (contact-deleteme[at]-deleteme-direman [dot] com) 2017-06-03 06:49:20

Cavern Angels Zealot

Fluff: Pilots serving in the ranks of Saw Gerrera's extremist Partisans
Format: Extended only
Points: 39
Version: 1/9/20 points update

Recommended Upgrades
Astromech: none
Torpedo: none
Illicit: Deadman's Switch
Modification: none
Configuration: Servomotor S-foils (auto-include)

CAZ offers three distinct features: it's cheap for a fairly durable 3 attack ship (best to keep it lean and inexpensive). Initiative 1, combined with boost or barrel roll, makes it an effective blocker. And the Illicit slot is a rarity for non-Scum fighter craft. Unfortunately, it is not Hyperspace legal, which bumps down the grades of the following squads.

5 CAZ - 199 points, Rank C
(41) Cavern Angels Zealot: Deadman's Switch, Servomotor S-foils
(41) Cavern Angels Zealot: Deadman's Switch, Servomotor S-foils
(39) Cavern Angels Zealot: Servomotor S-foils
(39) Cavern Angels Zealot: Servomotor S-foils
(39) Cavern Angels Zealot: Servomotor S-foils

I like to start examining ships by spamming them, and the CAZ is reasonably satisfying. Stagger your approach by using the pair of Deadman Switches to lead block for the squad. If executed properly, they'll deny actions, and provide frustrating target priority for your opponent.

4 CAZ Leia - 200 points, Rank B
(44) Zeb Orrelios: Leia Organa, Hull Upgrade
(39) Cavern Angels Zealot: Servomotor S-foils
(39) Cavern Angels Zealot: Servomotor S-foils
(39) Cavern Angels Zealot: Servomotor S-foils
(39) Cavern Angels Zealot: Servomotor S-foils

Leia's ability has proven to be one of the most powerful in the game. Adam Kempers made Top 8 at 2019 Adepticon System Open (251 players), using two Blue Squadron Escorts, two Blue Squadron Pilots, and Zeb carrying Leia. This version lacks the defensive stability of the B-Wings, but the rock bottom price of the CAZ allows us to upgrade Zeb's Hull. If you manage to keep Zeb alive for at least two Leia uses, you're probably in good shape. Keep Zeb in the rear; employ his ability, judicious use of Evade actions, and defensive range bonuses to keep Leia in the fight.

4 CAZ 2Z - 200 points, Rank B
(39) Cavern Angels Zealot: Servomotor S-foils
(39) Cavern Angels Zealot: Servomotor S-foils
(39) Cavern Angels Zealot: Servomotor S-foils
(39) Cavern Angels Zealot: Servomotor S-foils
(22) Bandit Squadron Pilot
(22) Bandit Squadron Pilot

The other option is to spend the extra points on more bodies. They're all Initiative 1, and six ships (4 of which are punchy) clogging up flight paths is obnoxiously effective.

CAZ Beef - 199 points, Rank B
(39) Cavern Angels Zealot: Servomotor S-foils
(39) Cavern Angels Zealot: Servomotor S-foils
(39) Cavern Angels Zealot: Servomotor S-foils
(50) Partisan Renegade: Leia Organa, Pivot Wing
(32) Phoenix Squadron Pilot: Intimidation

Michael Grieb won 2019 Fresno Hyperspace (37 players) with three Blue Squadron Escorts, a Blue Squadron Scout, and a Phoenix Squadron Pilot. (My ego demands that I mention I was the only one to defeat him, and I also dropped undefeated from the cut). We discussed how he should've gone entirely Initiative 1, and this is the version I would field today.

CAZ Red 5 - 198 points, Rank B
(75) Luke Skywalker: Sense, R2-D2, Servomotor S-foils
(41) Cavern Angels Zealot: Deadman's Switch, Servomotor S-foils
(41) Cavern Angels Zealot: Deadman's Switch, Servomotor S-foils
(41) Cavern Angels Zealot: Deadman's Switch, Servomotor S-foils

I love this squad. I took an earlier version to a Hyperspace Trial (2019 Gameology, 46 players) and despite an 0-2 start due to careless play (I had already won a Hyper) and horrid variance, I still acquired prize dice even with continued reckless play. With his Force regeneration, Luke is one of the best Sense users in the game, and the explosive CAZs are well equipped to exploit that intel. The squad dumpsters aces, and swarms aren't fond of the Deadman's Switches.

For funsies, I like to upgrade one of the CAZs to Cloaking Device. This takes the squad to 200 points (losing the bid), but look at these decloak (or not) blocking options on a simple 3 bank: