This marks the start of Expensive Ships Week, and
also the debut of my new ship-rating spreadsheet.
Hopefully, my numbers will be more consistent from
now on.
The Guichan was a special premium for sending in a
bunch of card wrappers and receipts, just like
WizKids is doing now with the Zeus. At 30 points,
this ten-masted junk is as expensive as anything
else in the game. Ten cannons is impressive, as is
seven cargo; heck, the sheer size of the thing is
impressive. When you add the Headhunter's
world-hater ability, the cannons become as hurty as
anything I've ever seen (717% short range, 250% long
range). But there are a few downsides.
The biggest problem is the S speed, or rather, the S
non-speed. Even with a Helmsman, it will be hard for
this brute to pick its battles; faster ships can
choose to fight or disengage at will. The point cost
is another killer; add the necessary Helmsman and
Captain, plus the required Headhunter, and its
sail-away cost is 42 points, and that doesn't
include the Oarsmen that the Headhunter will need to
gain free actions. Ouch.
In all, this is an imposing ship. You may not get
many chances to use it, due to its high cost, but if
you can get one and get the chance to use it, by all
means do so.
