Shielded Swordsman (CoH - 2026)

-- Just because I'm not actually going to CoH (this year), doesn't mean I can't make decks for it! I wanted to make a defend for the table Swordsman deck and realized that Phoenix is the coolest option for it. Why?

Here goes:

• With Suit Up, Team Training, Uncanny X-Men and Honorary X-Men, you can eventually get Swordsman's HP to 7 when he comes in.

• Or you can use Suit Up to pull Swordsman and Telekinetic Shield. Once you have enough resources to pull this off, you can usually soak up 3 hits with this combo. Remember that Telekinetic Shield will take up a full attack even if it already has 4 damage on it.

• You may not always kill Swordsman fully in the villain phase, but he doesn't exhaust to defend with his response. With Psychic Kicker you can take advantage of those piercing attacks with 4 damage behind it, and throw Swordsman in the discard pile . Then you can Make the Call, Suit Up, Call for Backup him right back in.

• Remember that you can use Swordsman right after a boost card is turned face up on an undefended attack. So, you'll always know how much damage Swordsman will take when he defends. Maybe someone you're playing with is like, "I'm fine. I don't need Swordsman. I'll take it to the face." but then they get 3 boost icons, and are regretting that decision. Gentle remind them that Swordsman can still save them. He's also great for defending minion attacks.

• Bring the Storm or Cyclops heroes in the group, and Swordsman can shine even more because of their damage reduction.

• Swap out Evaluate Threat for Ready for Action. I missed the text on Evaluate Threat where you have to be an Avenger or Shield.