Databank Download: Wicket, Intrepid Warrior & C-3PO and R2-D2 Preview

Today’s preview takes us back to the forest moon to take a closer look at several of the individuals responsible for enlisting the Ewoks to join the Battle of Endor and, as a result, lay the groundwork to defeat Emperor Palpatine and the Galactic Empire. That’s right, I’m giving all the credit for that victory to Wicket and our favorite pair of droids.

The young but recklessly brave Ewok warrior named Wicket W. Warrick would prove to be a key component of the successful rebel attack on the Endor deflector shield generator compound. His involvement was nearly entirely by chance, having stumbled upon Leia Organa after a speeder chase and wreck in his home forest. Having already taken a disliking to the Imperials and eager to see them done in, he soon became friends with Leia and assisted in ambushing several patrols before returning to the Bright Tree village, which had already captured several other Rebels and was planning to add them to the dinner menu. Fortunately, some Jedi tricks by Luke Skywalker and an impressive performance by C-3PO prevented this catastrophe and soon the Ewoks and Rebels joined sides against their mutual enemy. Wicket is noteworthy for having already been planning ways to employ clever traps and ambushes to employ against the invading troopers, efforts that would prove vital to their eventual success. Like most Ewok warriors, Wicket is quite small and has learned to rely on utilizing the environment to his advantage, preferring the Stealthy Approach over overt assaults. Keeping to the cover of the trees, this lets him swiftly Dash toward the enemy and either take cover (gaining a hunker token) or make an aimed attack via a focus action. Cautious as all Ewoks are by nature, Wicket is braver than most and quite willing to Lead the Charge when haste is required. This Tactic abilty allows Wicket and a nearby Ewok ally to Dash forward, after which he can still gain the benefit of Stealthy Approach, if Force tokens are available.

For the hefty price of a Force and an action, Wicket can sound his Hunting Horn both to rouse his allies and to alarm his foes. Those enemies who are not engaged will be Pinned, while those already in the midst of a melee clash will become Exposed, making them vulnerable to attack. And like most Ewoks of his village, Wicket is a quite capable skirmisher, carrying a sling for ranged attacks and his trusty spear when closing on the foe.

Wicket’s Wary Vigilance Stance demonstrates that he is particularly fierce in melee, having very strong Melee Attack and Defense Stats. His Defense Expertise Chart is also robust, relying on his Quick Wits to evade strikes and reduce his opponent’s criticals. This stance’s Combat Tree offers potentially impressive damage, given Wicket’s stature, but also a number of tactical options and debilitative conditions to inflict on his foe. He has early access to up to two Shoves, the choice of inflicting Strain or Disarm, the option to Dash or focus on damage, and possibly Exposing or Pinning his target if his attack reaches the end of the tree.

Wicket is a quite impressive warrior in his own right, but fights best when engaging alongside others, such as fellow members of the Bright Tree tribe like the great shaman Logray or Ewok Trappers. But he also does quite well taking advantage of the useful distractions provided by a pair of clever droids like C-3PO and R2-D2.

This pair of droids may not have anticipated how well they would eventually get along with the Ewoks, but a strong bond was quickly formed, particularly after C-3PO attained the stature of a minor god. And while these droids may ordinarily prefer a bit of distance from combat, they provide considerable support and assistance when in close proximity of their small allies. Indeed, as demonstrated by Goodness Gracious Me, the Ewoks will move in such a way as to intercept incoming fire, preventing the droids from being targeted. This cooperation goes both ways, as C-3PO’s Brilliant Oration Active Ability can provide a hunker token, heal some damage, or encourage an Ewok to gain a free 5 dice attack, showing the influence of divine encouragement.

And while it’s true that R2-D2 is a lot better at fixing machines, R2, I’m Not Sure That’s Such a Good Idea can be handy in a pinch. This Reactive Ability allows a nearby Ewok or Rebel Alliance ally to remove debilitating conditions, though at a cost of incurring some damage from the electrical discharge of the droid’s tools. Sometimes it’s worth it to endure a bit of a shock to fight at full effectiveness. And the Divine Influence of C-3PO can be felt by nearby Ewoks, providing certain benefits depending on the current stance of the droids (bestowing either Scale on Scouts like the Trappers or Steadfast on Warriors like Wicket).

The droids’ have a pair of possible Stances, reflecting which of the pair is taking charge, each offering some useful distinctions. When caution is required, the Against My Programming Stance reflects C-3PO’s discomfort with violence, allowing the droids to engage with a Combat Tree offering minimal damage but in exchange for some immediate healing the chance to trigger their Active Ability, and possibly Disarm the foe. Furthermore, both the Attack and Defense Expertise Charts of this Stance offer additional healing.

Alternatively, the Angry Trilling Stance relies on R2-D2’s more aggressive disposition. This Stance has slightly better Melee Attack Stats, a Combat Tree with slightly better damage output, and the chance to Shove the foe twice and possibly inflict Strain, as well as a more damaging Attack Expertise Chart and a Defense Expertise Chart offering the possibility of Dashing to another position.

Altogether the pair of droids is not intended to win any battle on their combat prowess, but they offer numerous significant advantages to nearby Ewoks, greatly increasing the potential of stalwart warriors like Warrick. I can think of nothing more amusing than to face down the likes of Darth Vader or General Grievous with a band of cute Ewoks and a pair of loudly complaining droids.

Make sure to check back for our next Shatterpoint Unit preview, where we give you a first look at how your favorite characters from the Star Wars™ galaxy translate into the gameplay of Shatterpoint. Pre-order your own copy of Star Wars: Shatterpoint at your local game store or through our webstore today.

Until next time, Atomic Mass Transmissions, signing off!