Built on Hope

Zion's Finest Episode 032 - Searching For Bobby Skywalker

It's another brain-buster. In this episode, Kenny has Ben Varnum from Omaha on the podcast. Ben Varnum gives a general introduction, a report on how he's done at some recent regionals, and then launches into his true love, which is apparently combining his two esoteric hobbies (IA and chess) into one MASSIVELY esoteric thought-paradigm.

Ben discusses how he thinks certain chess concepts map onto IA and what players can understand about the best game in the universe from one of the better games in the universe. The episode runs a bit long, but it will be well worth your time.

If you have thoughts, comments, or feedback, please join us on the Slack Channel and let us know what you think! Send an email to zionsfinestia@gmail.com.

Here's the Scientific American article that Ben references (gated, sorry): https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-expert-mind/

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Zion's Finest Episode 031 - I Certainly Ain't No Ernie Pyle

SKIRMISH BREAKDOWN! In this episode, Kenny does his absolute best to immitate the great war-correspondents of the past as he relays a report from a Worlds Prep skirmish night. Predictably, Kenny fails.

He does, however, convince JK and Steven to stick around after a night of skirmishing to give their thoughts on the meta and their lists. Really, though, we just end up talking about Han Rangers. Turns out, that list is pretty super good AS KENNY HAS BEEN SAYING FOR MANY MANY MONTHS.

The format is a bit different, because I recorded on-site (there's a bit of background noise, but it's not bad at all), but I think you're going to enjoy our breakdown.

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Zion's Finest Episode 030 - My Brain. It Broke.

REGIONAL(S) REPORT(S)! I know I say this a lot, and you might think it's hyperbolic, but seriously friends. My brain. It broke.

This is a longer episode, but that's because Lucas Davidson marched into town with his Imperial Forces of Darkness to deliver reports on his regional season, INCLUDING THREE REGIONAL WINS. I know. It's insane.

Lucas breaks down Vader, eJets, & Co. He talks about his original iteration of the list (with Rule By Fear) and chronicles the evolution to the current flavor de jour (Unshakeable with Parting Blow et al.). It is amazing. 

IF YOU ARE RUNNING EMPIRE YOU NEED TO LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE. IF YOU ARE RUNNING AGAINST EMPIRE YOU NEED TO LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE. THIS MEANS THAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE.

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PLAY MORE VASSAL! Download here: http://www.vassalengine.org/wiki/Module:Star_Wars:_Imperial_Assault

and learn how to play here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp-vqEH-6Z8&t=13s

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Zion's Finest Episode 029 - When The Texans Come To Town

LISTBUILDING EPISODE. As if Robert Stanley wasn't enough Texas for us, Kenny managed to convince ANOTHER Texan to come on the podcast to help us break down the current meta. That Texan is Brandon, and he is a genius.

In this episode, Brandon, Robert, and Kenny each discuss a particular list that they're working on in preparation for Worlds. Brandon is wedded to his double eRangers list (because, you know, he won a regionals with it), Robert thinks that AT-DP and Terro are a thing (because he likes to ruin the happiness of others), and Kenny gets an EXPLOSIVE Box with Han and Drokkatta.

While nothing is particularly off-meta, it's enough of a variation that we are sure you will profit from the insights offered. ENJOY!

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PLAY MORE VASSAL! Download here: http://www.vassalengine.org/wiki/Module:Star_Wars:_Imperial_Assault

and learn how to play here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp-vqEH-6Z8&t=13s

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Zion's Finest Episode 028 - Rebellions Are Built On Hope (That Brett Runs Rebels)!

REGIONAL REPORT! Brett Kelly, the illustrious runner of Rebel raucous-raisers, flies in on his knock-off of the Millenium Falcon to tell us how he did at the recent regional in New Jersey (spoiler alert: ....). The field was INTENSELY competitive--some of the best players in the world were there--and it was a great preview of what we expect to see at Worlds.

Brett was running: eRangers, Han Solo, RCPlus, R2, x2 rSmugglers, and RHC. The list was focused on card draw, specifically, hunter card draw, and Brett gives some great guidance on its strengths and weaknesses. He discusses the list's matchups, Rangers vs. Jedi Knight Luke, and his general thoughts on running the list.

WATCH BRETT KELLY'S TWITCH CHANNEL! It is so great: twitch.tv/brettpkelly

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PLAY MORE VASSAL! Download here: http://www.vassalengine.org/wiki/Module:Star_Wars:_Imperial_Assault

and learn how to play here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp-vqEH-6Z8&t=13s

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Zion's Finest Episode 027 - Way Down Yonder In New Orleans, There's A Regional Champion Named Matt

REGIONAL REPORT. Is it just me, or are these titles getting too long? WHO CARES?!

In this episode, Matthew Pinckard from New Orleans gives us a regional report from a tournament in southern Mississippi. Because he is awesome and freaking amazing, Matthew triumphed in this tournament. NOW WE NEED THE DETAILS AS TO WHY AND THAT'S WHAT HE'S HERE TO DELIVER. 

Matt talks about his Scum list, how it fared against the field, and gives some great strategy and tips for running Scum lists without IG (I know, I know, who would ever do that?).

Join us on the Slack Channel! Send an invite to zionsfinestia@gmail.com

Support us on Patreon! Go to patreon.com/zionsfinest! ALL THE COOL KIDS ARE DOING IT!

PLAY MORE VASSAL! Download here: http://www.vassalengine.org/wiki/Module:Star_Wars:_Imperial_Assault

and learn how to play here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp-vqEH-6Z8&t=13s

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Zion's Finest Episode 026 - The Man Rode Into Town On A Tauntaun

REGIONAL REPORT! Ryan Janway, of Tauntaun Rider fame, rides into town to deliver a report from his recent regional in Cary, North Carolina. As expected--because he is amazing--Ryan had an excellent showing.

In this episode, Ryan talks about how his FIVE activation list with ZERO ranged units (officers don't count) fared in a meta that is dominated by Imperial forces. Somehow, Ryan manages to pull off win after win (with a few minor exceptions). Don't ask me how he does it.

Join us on the Slack Channel! Send an invite to zionsfinestia@gmail.com

Support us on Patreon! Go to patreon.com/zionsfinest! ALL THE COOL KIDS ARE DOING IT!

PLAY MORE VASSAL! Download here: http://www.vassalengine.org/wiki/Module:Star_Wars:_Imperial_Assault

and learn how to play here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp-vqEH-6Z8&t=13s

SUBSCRIBE AND GIVE FIVE STAR REVIEWS TO THE TAUNTAUN RIDERS! Ryan Janway proved how freaking AMAZING they are. 

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Zion's Finest Episode 025 - The Gordian Knot Is Severed!

NEWS FLASH PEOPLE: THE META IS SOLVED AND WE CAN ALL GO HOME. JUST KIDDING IT'S WIDE OPEN AND WE'RE ALL GOING TO LOSE UNLESS WE GET SERIOUS ABOUT LISTBUILDING. In this episode, JK, Wise-Sam, and Kenny each discuss two lists that they are working on in order to solve particular meta problems. JK discusses Scum Hunters (sans IG) and Terro Troopers, Sam discusses his beloved Rebel Heroes (without LANDO?!) and Vader Palp, and Kenny discusses Ahoska Ko-Tun Rangers and the Lovers Box.

The discussion revolves around what each list brings to confront the major problems of the current meta (IG, Han and Rangers, Vader/Palp, and Trooper Swarm), individual eccentricities, and closes with some general musings.

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PLAY MORE VASSAL! Download here: http://www.vassalengine.org/wiki/Module:Star_Wars:_Imperial_Assault

and learn how to play here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp-vqEH-6Z8&t=13s

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Zion's Finest Episode 024 - The Death of a (Box) Salesman Under the Warmth of the Southern California Sun

REGIONAL REPORT! You know where I wish I lived? Southern California. But I don’t. So I suffer. I was, however, able to take a work / family vacation and carve out a day to go to the SoCal IA Regional in Brea, California. I was joined by Drew and Grant, two members of Zion’s Finest and two amazing guys.

This episode is a bit wonky, because we lost Grant’s audio and I had to edit is as though he doesn’t exist--don’t worry, he does--but it is a good recap of how my precious Box and Drew’s terrifying Vader performed at the Regional.

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Support us on Patreon! Go to patreon.com/zionsfinest! Remember that Patreons will get the coolest and best swag that Kenny is able to steal … er … procure.

PLAY MORE VASSAL! Download here: http://www.vassalengine.org/wiki/Module:Star_Wars:_Imperial_Assault

and learn how to play here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp-vqEH-6Z8&t=13s

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BUY RECREATOR’S TOKENS! He is such a good guy and you will love what he produces!

http://recreatorstudios.com/

Watch the Toronto Regional, courtesy of VTTV!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk3Ylq2jwldNGynR7HLoFbA

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Zion's Finest Episode 023 - BRACE YOUR BRAINS FOR BRETT'S BRILLIANCE!

Guys. Eat your Wheaties and prepare yourselves. Brett Kelly is about to drop some serious knowledge on you. Also, sometimes I like to use alliterations in the titles for the podcast. I know, I know, it might be a problem, I'll see a doctor to have it checked out.

In this episode, Brett (who I am going to have on the podcast eight million more times in order to more fully plumb the depths of his knowledge) discusses his Han Luke list that he took to a recent regional (and won). He talks about its strengths and weaknesses, then dives into a more general approach to the current meta. Also, spoiler alert, Brett is a huge fan of Luke--the Jedi Knight, not the wimpy crybaby we got in the core box.

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Read Brett's brilliant summary of his regional here: http://rollfordamage.net/index.php/2017/12/13/battle-report-regionals-2017-18-games-and-stuff/

Subscribe to his Twitch stream: https://www.twitch.tv/brettpkelly

PLAY MORE VASSAL! Download here: http://www.vassalengine.org/wiki/Module:Star_Wars:_Imperial_Assault

and learn how to play here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp-vqEH-6Z8&t=13s

THANK YOU AGAIN!