Scene to Stats: A-A5 Speeder Truck

“You’re always telling me to take risks. Seemed like the most irresponsible thing I could do.”
-Shriv Suurgav to General Calrissian

The Rebel Alliance was known for its practical and resourceful approach to warfare. Their tactics often focused on flexibility, hit-and-run strikes, and maximizing every tool at their disposal. Few vehicles in the Rebellion’s arsenal better represent this mindset than the A-A5 Speeder Truck. The A-A5’s spacious design, numerous retrofits, and many modifications can enhance its humble frame to an efficient force multiplier on the battlefield. The Rebellion wasn’t the only force to integrate these into their guerilla forces.  In remote conflicts on Outer Rim worlds, smugglers and mercenary raiders alike benefit from this dependable platform. Mount up and prepare for contact as we take a closer look at the A-A5 Speeder truck for Star Wars^TM: Legion.

Despite its plain outward appearance, the A-A5 Speeder Truck has many features that have made it such a steadfast instrument of warfare. A single-miniature unit, the A-A5 holds the rank of “Heavy” in Shadow Collective Battle Forces and Rebel Alliance armies. Armor 5 and 8 Health represent its thick protective plating and considerable bulk, which is just as useful for absorbing fire targeting the vehicle as it is for shielding units advancing in its wake. The length of the A-A5 also makes contesting or securing a Point of Interest token a constant threat to the enemy, and the unit even has the potential to be in the range of two objectives at the same time!

The Speeder Truck also has the Transport keyword, which allows a friendly unit to be tactically delivered into the heart of the fight. Heavy-hitting soldiers such as Fleet Troopers, Rebel Sleeper Cell, and Black Sun Enforcers will all benefit from this advanced deployment into the heart of the enemy’s lines. This allows Rebel Commanders to put deadly pressure on a pivotal area of the battle. Finally, Reposition and Hover: Ground strengthen the A-A5’s maneuverability through different types of terrain, and Weak Point 2: Rear nods to its known vulnerability to attacks from the flank.

Several Pilot upgrades can be used to amplify different roles the A-A5 can perform on the battlefield. Rebel Speeder Trucks can utilize Shriv “Danger” Suurgav, commanding soldiers from his vehicle with the Field Commander keyword. Rebel Commanders looking to provide direct support may instead choose the Hotshot Pilot, granting the A-A5 Sharpshooter 1, or the Outer Rim Speeder Jockey for an additional layer of protection via Cover 1. Additionally, the Shadow Collective employs the unpredictable Frenzied Gunner, adding a random attack die to the A-A5’s ranged attacks.

When a firm hand is needed to oversee an operation, the Raiding Party Leader enforces their will through Allies of Convenience and shapes any force into a fearsome fighting element by giving allied Raider vehicles Demoralize 1. Combine this with a flanking force of Swoop Bikes to create a wave of terror that sweeps up anything in its path.

Just as important as the pilots guiding the A-A5 to its destination, are the crew upgrades that give each Speeder Truck its own unique flavor. The first of these is the Unorthodox Tactician, who can increase the offensive proficiency of allied units by handing out Aim tokens to up to 3 units. This crew enables Commanders to support aggressive pushes into enemy territory. Unlike the Tactician, the Backworld Medic works to keep your troopers fighting even as they take losses. Although risky to the unit receiving aid, they will appreciate any help they can get in the moment. When the mission is at stake and you need a little extra punch to capture a key point of interest, look no further than the Unstable R5 Astromech. This little astro droid can be expended to give the A-A5 an attack or move, although at a potentially explosive cost! However, no cost is too great to ensure a swift victory for the Rebellion (or to ensure stolen piles of credits make it safely back to camp).

While not directly outfitted for military conflict, crafty Shadow Collective engineers and desperate Rebel cells have found ways to increase the offensive prowess of the A-A5. The Heavy Laser Retrofit adds a range 1-4 attacks to the Speeder Truck’s arsenal. This Hardpoint’s Critical 1 keyword helps compensate for the unit’s lack of offensive surge conversion. Providing a torrent of fire deadly to infantry and vehicles alike, the AG-2G Quad Laser Cannon packs a potent punch. Communication is the key to victory, and the A-A5 can add a Comms upgrade to bolster its considerably varied loadouts. Equipping an Onboard Comms Channel will add the Coordinate: Trooper to the A-A5, further synchronizing infantry assaults as the conflict rages on. These upgrades all serve as a way to give the A-A5 Speeder Truck a lasting presence on the battlefield after they’ve dropped their cargo.

Once you’ve loaded up your squad and strapped in the crew, pre-order your copy of the A-A5 Speeder Truck unit expansion at your local game store or through the webstore today. Be sure to check back later for yet another installment of From 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.

Until next time, Atomic Mass Transmissions, signing off.