Scene to Stats: Swoop Bike Riders

SWL97 Swoop Bike Riders

“Like a bantha, yes?” –Boba Fett™, The Book of Boba Fett™

The galaxy is full of rogues and mercenaries willing to perform dangerous tasks for the highest bidder. There is no better example of this than the numerous Swoop Bike gangs of the Outer Rim. Described as an “engine with a seat,” the Swoop Bike itself is a blunt, straightforward instrument that requires more skill to ride than a Speeder Bike. Likewise, the riders themselves utilize brutal methods in lieu of tactical acumen. They are also well equipped with all manner of illegal weapons and mechanical modifications. In this installment of Scene to Stats, we’re taking a look at the brand new Swoop Bike Riders unit for Star Wars™: Legion.

Swoop Bikes offer a full suite of offensive and defensive abilities to those willing to hire their services. These mercenaries can fit into the Shadow Collective, Rebel Alliance, and the Galactic Republic. At first glance, Swoop Bikes possess many of the same advantages as 74-Z Speeder Bikes. They are speed-3 repulsor vehicles with native Cover 1, a Comms upgrade slot, and a surging white defense die. They also surge to hit on attack dice and include the Speeder 1 keyword. But what sets them apart from their 74-Z counterparts, is their riders’ propensity for engaging the enemy at extremely close range.

Swoop Bike Riders have two weapon options available to them. The first is their Heavy Blaster Pistol, which rolls one red and one black attack die per miniature. Second is the addition of a overrun weapon: the Vibro-Ax. Not only does this weapon roll a respectable three dice, but it also gives the unit access to Overrun 1. Assuming one of the riders has not met their untimely demise, this allows the unit to make up to 2 Overrun attacks per activation. This fly-by assault is sure to give any army backed up by Swoop Bike Riders the aggressive attack capabilities needed to gain the edge in your next game of Star Wars: Legion.

To reflect their flexibility, the unit also has Independent: Aim 1 or Dodge 1. This allows them to react to any situation they may find themselves in. Additionally, the Swoop Bike Riders have Reinforcements, which lets the unit deploy after all units without reinforcements have deployed. This gives them clever choices that enable them to have the most impact on the battlefield.

That’s all for our first look at the Swoop Bike Riders. Be sure to check back for yet another installment of Scene to Stats, the series where we give you your first look at how your favorite characters transition to the tabletop in Star Wars: Legion. Pre-order your own copy of the Swoop Bike Riders Unit Expansion at your local game store or through our webstore today.

Until then, Atomic Mass Transmissions, signing off!