N18 Eschers for Noobs

[Lunarcruiser]

There is one exception to this, which is the Shock Whip, rain of blows let you hit with it twice a turn if enemies are nearby,

Versatile like the Shock whip, and also the normal whip and any sword or knife with Combat Virtuoso, is covered under the Stick and Move point.

Escher can have quite a lot of Versatile.

I was trying to focus on the "cover a bit of longer range support" part of @wildneb s question but I accept your point

situational for sure but with the Escher leaders 3 attacks base it absolutely blenders people when you can get it off.

Try it with a Death maiden Combat Virtuoso with a pair of stiletto swords (with or without a touch of Alchemy). Its just super murder tornado territory

 

[Psyan]

Combat Virtuoso is a great second skill for a Death Maiden, but Spring Up is always #1 for me.

Here's my (maybe a bit min-maxed) Escher list. A fairly well-armed 10 fighters, including 3 Champions.

Far Dareis Mai

Escher (HoB) gang with a rating of 1000 by Psyan

yaktribe.games

 

[Lunarcruiser]

Combat Virtuoso is a great second skill for a Death Maiden, but Spring Up is always #1 for me.

If I am power gaming yes Spring up first but I seldom play that way. It's less fun for my other players.
We also don't duplicate starting skills and I prefer Spring up in my long ranged champion first. It also means I have to use more cover to get the murder tornado into combat slowing them down a turn. Just being Sporting.
Or toying with the uncouth rabble...

 

[Psyan]

I agree that the list is pretty optimized and that non-duplication of starting skills is a good house rule.
That said, I also feel like it is much easier to power game with some gangs than it is with others. A highly optimized Escher (or Orlock, or Delaque) gang is pretty good, but a highly optimized Van Saar of Goliath gang feels more like power gaming. Opinions are naturally going to vary.