Return of the Jedi
By: John Bustamante
Edited By: Derrick Rabenold

Deep in the underbelly of the Second Death Star, the battle has begun. A former farm boy from Tatooine, Luke Skywalker, Commander of Rogue Squadron and now a Jedi Knight, is ready to take on the Dark Lords of the Sith. He will need to use the skills taught to him by Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda if he is to come out of this potentially fatal encounter unscathed.

This week I have, for your pleasure, the seventh and eighth spoilers for the Battle of Endor IDC Expansion.

First, we have Luke Skywalker (T). As a homage to his mentor Obi-Wan (Ben) Kenobi (F), Luke (T) is equipped with 40 Speed, 5 Power, 5 Health, and the classic Pay 2 Force -> Evade 2. These stats help to create a unit that is a balanced character, able to both defend and attack with equal precision. But that's not all; this version of Luke also comes with the Stealth ability when a Character Location is being used. This gives the son of Skywalker a more defensive twist against faster Dark Side units, especially the more powerful Sith versions. It allows him to ignore faster deadlier units while allowing him to take out slow and weak support units. Alternatively, he can keep the Character arena contested so that reinforcements can be built in the Space or Ground arenas.

Luke Skywalker (T) is the embodiment of Luke progressing as a Jedi and a Character. No longer is he the naive farm boy from Tatooine. He is now a warrior of the Rebellion, but he isn't a complete powerhouse. This Luke could be essential to a stack that may be powerful, but also has the ability to revert to defense against a more powerful stacked opponent. Try using Luke (T) in a stack with some of his support versions to make a support/defense stack combo. Or alternatively, use Luke (T) in conjunction with his more powerful versions to have a balanced defense/attack combo.

Next, we have the weapon of a Jedi. Luke Skywalker's Lightsaber (A), "A weapon of a more civilized age," features a +1 power and health bonus, plus Stun 2 and Overkill to Luke himself. For the relatively reasonable 1 Build Point to build and 1 Build and 2 Force Equip cost, this lightsaber gives its user more power to throw at opponents and an extra health to provide a slightly tougher unit. This lightsaber used with any Jedi could provide a much needed boost in power and health at a later turn during a game. Also considering the lightsaber gives Luke additional abilities, it gives him the upper-hand on slow, weak units and allows damage to be diverted from slower, more powerful units. Combined with his natural abilities, Luke's Lightsaber (A) is definitely a solid choice for Luke heavy decks, as well as a complement to any Jedi deck.

Also, think of ways to combine Luke's Lightsaber (A) with other Lightsabers we have available to the Light Side Jedi. Obi-Wan's Lightsaber (A) provides Parry 1 to any Jedi who wields it, using both Obi-Wan's and Luke's Lightsaber together with Luke would grant an amazing +1 Power, +1 Health, Stun 2, Overkill, and Parry 1. Jedi Lightsaber which provides +2 Power and 2 Force Deflect 1 could also be used in conjunction with Luke's Lightsaber (A) and any version on Luke to add +3 Power, +1 Health, Stun 2, Overkill, and 2 Force Deflect 1. Or better yet add any version of Luke + Luke's Lightsaber (A) + Obi-Wan's Lightsaber (A) + Jedi Lightsaber to create the ultimate +3 Power +1 Health, Stun 2, Overkill, Parry 1 and 2 Force Deflect 1. Though, accomplishing such an amazing combo might be more difficult then it seems. Luke's Lightsaber (A) in conjunction with any Luke can make our favorite farm boy into an average Jedi. With the aid of multiple lightsabers Luke can become a surprise powerhouse that your opponent would never expect.

As a final point, we have Luke Skywalker (T), the Jedi of the Rebellion Era. He is a defensive powerhouse who can evade the quicker, easier, and more powerful Dark Siders. This Luke is a unit that can hold his ground against a speedy Emperor and Darth Vader combo for a short time, and possibly longer if helped by a Location. Dismiss and/or Vendetta can also help to protect Luke if your cover is blown. In conjunction with Luke Skywalker's Lightsaber (A), a "Jedi's weapon" would be an asset to any Jedi character, but with the added bonus of Stun and Overkill for Luke, it boosts his offensive capability. Try using Luke's Lightsaber (A) in conjunction with Luke (O); this would give him 50 Speed, 7 Power, and 7 Health with Stun 2 and Overkill, plus the ability to pay 2 Force for +1 Power unstacked. Although, Luke (O) and Luke's Lightsaber (A) would be best if Luke was fully stacked for an amazing 80 Speed, 10 Power, 10 Health, 2 Force Evade 2 , Stun 2, Overkill, and 2 Force + 4 power. With the aid of his Lightsaber, Luke can finally be a contender in the Character arena. Also, as late game trump it's possible to take a fairly weak version of Luke and create a powerhouse with multiple lightsabers. With these two new additions to the Luke theme, think of the possibilities that a Luke heavy Character presence could offer to your next deck.

Next week, for our final two previews, Trent McCrow (IVIaceWindu) will reveal the ultimate evil.

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