The Deep Warband themed box set

This box seems like it has a very strategic and synergistic approach with its abilities, focusing on a combination of controlling the battlefield, inflicting status effects, and sacrificing units for the greater good.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what I think makes each unit tick, and how they might interact together:

1. Mother-of-Pearl

   • Role: Controller with a focus on status effects, especially immobilizing enemies.
   • Strengths: Their Drown ability will help chip away at enemy health over time, and pairing that with the immobilizing effects will leave enemies vulnerable for longer. The ability to sacrifice Miyakomo's Echo will help sustain Mother-of-Pearl, but they’ll need protection.
   • Tactics: Focus on keeping enemies immobilized while chipping away at them, ensuring that they can’t escape easily. You'll want to position well to protect Miyakomo’s Echo so they can be used effectively.

2. Jung Keikoku

   • Role: Tanky fighter to hold down opponents.
   • Strengths: The Intangible ability helps Jung get to enemy fighters easily, and their Indomitable and Tough make them hard to take down. Great for controlling areas and locking down enemy key pieces.
   • Tactics: Place Jung Keikoku in the center of enemy formations or near important targets. They’ll hold enemy fighters in place, giving your other models the time to attack or control the battlefield.

3. Meunagi

   • Role: Damage dealer with piercing attacks.
   • Strengths: The combination of Pierce and Sharp attacks makes Meunagi a solid counter to tougher units with Armor or Tough. Bleed synergizes nicely with Mother-of-Pearl’s Drown ability, as it adds ongoing damage.
   • Tactics: Use Meunagi to attack hard-to-kill enemies. Work them into position where their Bleed effect can stack, particularly against tougher fighters that are already immobilized by Mother-of-Pearl.

4. Anko

   • Role: Disruptor and tank for enemy actions.
   • Strengths: Their drag attack can reposition enemy models, and the Hypnotic Gaze ability can cripple the opponent by forcing them to lose activation counters. Illicium is an interesting way to redirect damage, which can help keep key fighters alive.
   • Tactics: Anko is a great support piece, especially in the late game. Use their Hypnotic Gaze to disrupt enemy actions and move threats out of position with their drag attack. Keep them safe from direct combat, as they seem to thrive more on disrupting and redirecting.

5. Himei

   • Role: Ranged support.
   • Strengths: The Slippery ability lets Himei disengage easily, while their ranged attack can add stun counters from a safe distance. They’ll be more effective in a hit-and-run role.
   • Tactics: Keep Himei at a distance, using them to apply stun counters from afar while staying out of harm’s way. They’ll need careful positioning, so focus on mobility and keeping enemies at range.

6. Fu Ran Ku

   • Role: Disruptor and debuffer.
   • Strengths: Fu can apply immobilized markers, and their ability to slow down enemies’ activations makes them a great tool for controlling the pace of the game. Durable helps them stay on the field longer, despite their low health.
   • Tactics: Use Fu to clog up enemy lines, applying immobilization and slowing down activation phases. They’re not great in direct combat, so it’s key to position them carefully and avoid getting surrounded.

7. Miyakomo’s Echo (x2)

   • Role: Sacrificial units for Mother-of-Pearl.
   • Strengths: These cheap units will be a necessary sacrifice to keep Mother-of-Pearl alive and allow her to keep using her abilities effectively. They’re also useful in triggering Tokkiko’s Choice ki feat.
   • Tactics: You’ll want to use them as expendable pieces, throwing them into dangerous situations where they can be sacrificed to save Mother-of-Pearl or trigger her special abilities.

Key Synergies:

• Mother-of-Pearl and Meunagi: You’ve got a nice synergy between Mother-of-Pearl’s immobilizing abilities and Meunagi’s Bleed. Keep the enemies locked down with Drown, then use Meunagi’s attacks to keep applying additional pressure.
• Jung Keikoku and Fu Ran Ku: Jung Keikoku will hold enemies in place while Fu Ran Ku disables their activation counters, slowing down the opponent's plans.
• Anko and Himei: Anko can draw enemy attention with their Illicium and drag attacks, while Himei keeps applying pressure with ranged stuns, enabling more control over the enemy’s actions.