Darth Tyranus, Legacy of the
Dark Side
Separatist
Cost: 49
HP: 120
DEF: 21
ATK: +15
DAM: 20
Double Attack; Lightsaber Duelist
Force 2;FR1 - Force Lightning 4, Block, Riposte,
Master of the Force 2
Seps only got one figure
this set, but it was a very good one. Wizards
has a habit of making single figures for a faction
very good ones. This Tyranus comes in under
50pts, which is good. His stats are pretty
typical Tyranus from top to bottom, all of which are
very good. Tyranus, LotDS also has his basic
double attack and lightsaber duelist. So far
he really isnt any different than his other
versions.
Where this Tyranus stands out is his force package.
He starts with 2FP, but backs it up with renewal.
Being a Master duelist he of course has block, but
now he has riposte. What makes that combo even
better is his MotF2, so he can either block twice or
block and riposte. He is nasty towards other
melee characters, like he should be. There is
one more force power that really makes Tyranus good.
This Tyranus has force lightning 4. It only
replaces attacks, so Tyranus can still move six (or
8 with his MotF2) and fry some one. It does a
massive 50 DAM, which will hurt on anyone, but it
also activates the character with a save of 16!
Taking 50 DAM and not being able to activate a big
swinger really kills an opponent's plans.
This is a very true version of Tyranus. On top
of that, Tyranus has some very good faction support.
He can use Sidious for a force battery to get two
rounds of back to back lightning. You can
bring in another beatstick like Maul or Aurra JH,
but the best help is San Hill. It should let
him get withing range to use his lightning because
you will out activate most squads. Back that
up with a Muun Tactics Broker, and you get the
starting init to unleash electric hell.
100pts: He doesnt look to do well here, simply
because i dont think he has the right support, but
he is cheap enough that if you wanted to try him,
you might have some success. The success will
be in the support.
150pts: With the combo of San Hill and the MTB,
Tyranus is absolutely deadly. His best support
right now is Aurra JH. She is great help
against force users, but not so good against
everything else and horrendous against Vong.
Hopefully the clone wars set will give him some
better options since Seps are getting nothing in the
KotoR set.
200pts: Here you have plenty of room for whatever
type of help you want to bring. Tyranus is
just solid all the way around, and a fantastic
piece.
Have a happy and safe 4th everyone.
willis maximus
Darth Tyranus, Legacy of the Dark Side
Faction: Separatists
Cost: 49
HP: 120
Def: 21
Att: +15
Dam 20
SA:
Unique
Melee
Double Attack
Lightsaber Duelist (+4 Defence when attacked by an
adjacent character with a force rating)
Force 2:
Force Renewal 1
Master of the Force 2
Lightsaber Block
Lightsaber Riposte
Force Lightning 4 (force 4; replaces attacks; range
6; 50 damage to target. Huge or smaller characters
are considered activated this round, save 16.)
Hmm, where to even start. A lot of people were
thrilled by the new and improved Dooku. Others, not
so much, due to profound lack of a commander effect
from the supposed commander of the Separatist
forces. But whatever, I'm reviewing him for what he
is . . . the best damn beatstick in the Separatist
faction. The stats are as solid as they get. 120
HP is great. 21 defence is great. +15 attack is
great. He has double attack of course, and
lightsaber duelist will boost that already
impressive defence to a rockin' 25 when attacked by
an adjacent force user.
Force powers are off the chart. Renewal 1 and MOTF
2 is always top notch. Block and riposte with
the MOTF 2 is always a great combo as well. Think
Shaak Ti, Jedi Master. Blocking two attacks, or
blocking and riposting back, or even riposting twice
(on two different attack, mind you) can turn the
tide in a hurry. Be wary though . . . shooters will
chew through Tyranus if you let them have LOS.
Where Dooku shines is in one-on-one melee combat,
not unlike the movies' portrayal of him. But wait,
he has one more ghastly trick up his sleeve in the
form of Lightning 4. Tyranus is the second piece to
recieve the ability, but deserves it just as much as
the Secret Apprentice does. An auto 50 damage from
6 squares away is awesome enough, but the 75% chance
to activate is sick.
Unfortunately, Tyranus suffers from a few heavy
drawbacks. The first of which is his faction. The
Separatists Sith characters have always struggled
due to an utter lack of synergy and support.
Consider running Darth Sidious, Dark Lord with
Tyranus . . . Dooku can spend Sidious's force points
which helps with his other drawback: Not unlike
Shado, those force points drain faster than you can
say "I have the high ground!" If you want to
lightning more than once, you almost have to forgo
blocking, riposting, or whatever else altogether.
Speaking of Shado, I has to ask myself why I'm keen
on Tyranus and not our blue avenger. They do look
similar on the surface. Was I overly harsh on Shado?
After thinking about it I've decided that Tyranus
is, in fact, way more effective. For starters, he
has more impressive base stats. Shado has the +1
defence, but lacks Duelist. Shado also lacks a
force battery as well as the greatness that is
Lightning 4. Bottom line: if you play seps, get
Darth Tyranus, Legacy of the Dark Side. You'll
enjoy him, I guarantee it.
100pts 3/5: He can hold his own here depending of
whether or not you get a key lightning off. Block
rolls are also critical. You have 51 points left to
work with, so he's definately playable here.
150pts 4/5: I think he does best in this format.
The problem is finding synergy with other pieces in
your squad. Currently, there's very little. I'm
hoping Clone Wars will change all that.
200pts 3/5: Dooku may actually take a hit here.
200 is extremely shooter heavy. I know 150 is too,
but at 200 there's more of them, and they usually
have accurate shot. A total lack of range defence
will force me to give a lower rating in this format
everytime. He's still incredibly fun to play
though. Give him a shot :)
