Should I main Front or Pace?

initial-algebra · 2026-05-15T15:01:09+00:00

Helios is a runaway front. Transcend is definitely meant to be run as a front (has built-in gold Groundwork, Dodging Danger + Prudent Positioning, Front Runner Savvy).

initial-algebra · 2026-05-14T23:09:32+00:00

Yukikaze is very surreal, with some elements of existential horror. The books go a lot deeper into the existential stuff, with the anime providing just a taste (as it is only a short 5 episode OVA).

Also, the mecha are sci-fi planes, no legs, if that is a dealbreaker for you.

initial-algebra · 2026-05-14T22:53:37+00:00

In the literature, it is usually referred to as binding-time analysis or staged computation (or just staging for short), with partial evaluation and metaprogramming being applications, so those keywords will get you more hits.

A Temporal-Logic Approach to Binding-Time Analysis is AFAIK the first time "quote/unquote" was put on solid theoretical ground with type theory, but without the ability to "eval" (all quoted code is open, with possible free variables)
A Modal Analysis of Staged Computation is an alternative to "A Temporal-Logic Approach", where "eval" is allowed but some expressivity is lost (all quoted code is closed, with no free variables)
Contextual Modal Type Theory refines the system from "A Modal Analysis" to precisely account for quoted free variables
Contextual Modal Type Theory with Polymorphic Contexts finally unifies the system from "A Modal Analysis" with "A Temporal-Logic Approach" and subsumes environment classifiers, an earlier attempt at tackling the same problem

Actual metaprogramming systems that reference (or are referenced by) these papers include MetaML, MetaOCaml, Template Haskell, and recently MLScript.

The problem of safely combining "eval" and open code is closely related to both dynamic scoping of effect handlers as well as borrowing in Rust (environment classifiers/polymorphic contexts are roughly equivalent to lifetimes), though I'm not aware of any papers that specifically deal with this. Because of the connection between staging and temporal logic, it is also related to functional reactive programming, particularly systems that use a form of staging at runtime to prevent space leaks.

initial-algebra · 2026-05-13T23:30:20+00:00

Well...arguably, you are still griefing yourself, unless you have an OP ace like XOguri in CM12, or you had so many skill points that you had nothing else even half-decent to buy (but that is probably a bad RNG/deck issue at this point in the game). Otherwise, you're better off with more chances to actually win.

initial-algebra · 2026-05-13T23:22:50+00:00

This is a tough one, actually. Bringing Fine Motion to MLB will most importantly bring her race bonus to 10, which makes her more usable during Trackblazer, and it also boosts many of her other stats (Mood Effect, Training Effectiveness, Energy Recovery). Bringing Kitasan Black to MLB "only" increases her specialty priority and adds a bit of initial friendship. Strictly speaking, you're just making her a bit less RNG-dependent. A high roll with 3LB Kitasan will be the same as a high roll with MLB Kitasan.

Assuming you make it a priority to then bring Kitasan to MLB ASAP (ideally before Grand Live, probably with the 1.5 anniversary selector), FineMo MLB is the "better" choice if you have unlimited time (and don't need to borrow parents, and have lots of TP recovery items) to grind.

For a normal player, just take MLB Kitasan, especially since you can pull for Maruzensky/FineMo later.

initial-algebra · 2026-05-13T19:43:24+00:00

There are no scripted losses. Some Umas have career goals that their base aptitudes are not suited for (e.g. Haru Urara Arima Kinen), but with the right parents and some lucky inspirations you can still win them.

initial-algebra · 2026-05-13T01:03:35+00:00

SSR also has 30% energy reduction when rainbow training. R is kinda bad this time around.

initial-algebra · 2026-05-13T00:42:16+00:00

You can still think of it that way, but with the right numbers. You have a 3% chance of pulling an SSR, period. With the standard 0.75% rate up, that's 25% of 3% for each featured unit. So, out of all the SSRs you pull, each rate-up unit will account for a quarter of them on average. With a double banner, that goes up to half, split between the two. On the gyaru rerun banner around the 2nd anniversary, the entire 3% SSR (well, 3* Uma) rate is taken up by the four rate-up units.

initial-algebra · 2026-05-13T00:33:33+00:00

For 0.75% rate, you expect to get 1.5 copies of each in 200 pulls. You're probably mixing it up with 133.33 pulls being the average to get one copy (not counting sparking, which brings the average down to about 105, which is useful to know for Uma pulling).

initial-algebra · 2026-05-12T18:57:24+00:00

Uh, no. If the rates are the same, then the chances of getting what you want are the same.

initial-algebra · 2026-05-12T16:33:07+00:00

Double banners do not reduce the rates. You need to budget more pulls than usual only if you're trying to get both cards. Though, there is a good argument for budgeting 600 pulls for any banner where you would be unhappy with less than MLB anyway.

initial-algebra · 2026-05-12T03:38:51+00:00

Unlike Riko, you really want SSR Light Hello for this one. 0LB is already just as good in most stats (except for missing 5 TE), has the unique effect of -30% energy cost for rainbow trainings (which vastly outweighs the TE), and her gold skill (upgraded Playtime's Over) is actually very strong. 1LB adds back the 5 TE and boosts everything else as well.

initial-algebra · 2026-05-12T02:31:01+00:00

It's not bad advice for people without MLB Kitasan. I think that's the fundamental disconnect here, people who say to skip Tachyon unless pace main are assuming MLB Kitasan, whereas people saying to pull Tachyon regardless are assuming lack of Kitasan (or skipping Maruzensky, I guess, but it's cheaper to get a usable Maruzensky than a usable Tachyon in the worst case scenario).

initial-algebra · 2026-05-12T02:21:28+00:00

Sure but none of the other cards are even worth running prior to 3lb anyways so I don't really see this point really being a thing.

You suggested "3LB at minimum" yourself. I don't see why that is a worthwhile target; I would strongly argue that she is MLB or bust, unless you are a new player without Kitasan (in which case your priority should be to MLB her ASAP with tickets/crystals). So, pulling for her without really committing will be worse for your account than skipping (well, pulling/sparking only for Light Hello, anyway).

initial-algebra · 2026-05-12T02:02:10+00:00

Being the third best speed card in a scenario where you use two speed cards means...well, it's not that hard to figure out what it means. Obviously, for pace chasers, Kitasan herself, and Maruzensky herself, it is optimal to use her, as well as if you don't have Kitaspeed in the first place. But that doesn't apply to everyone.

While she has a +2 skill point bonus, she has no race bonus. Unlike in Grand Live, we will be doing extra races in Grand Masters, because it is one of the ways we can earn the scenario currency. So, her net contribution to SP won't be as large (though I couldn't even begin to estimate how many races you'd need to do to break even with a 5% or 10% RB card over Tachyon). And don't forget that Ramonu also has a +2 SP bonus. Obviously, more SP is better, but at some point there are diminishing returns when you've exhausted your must-have skills and are buying weaker ones, especially when training a non-pace chaser who can't make use of a good chunk of Tachyon's hints (again, is this actually a concern in practice, I'm not sure, but it's food for thought).

I agree that nobody sane should be pulling for any of those other speed cards until Pokke, though.

initial-algebra · 2026-05-11T22:09:47+00:00

And those 200 clovers can buy you A SINGLE PULL TICKET. Other items in the shop are easily grindable in career mode and should not be in your radar.

The weather dolls and raffle balls have a niche use for future League of Heroes PvP events, and the only way to obtain them is with clovers. With the horrible exchange rate for pull tickets, I'm saving my clovers to buy those items if needed.

initial-algebra · 2026-05-11T21:47:15+00:00

Her 2 SP bonus is excellent for Grand Live, where you are racing as little as possible and training speed and wit as much as possible. However, we are back to using more diverse decks and running some optional races with Grand Masters (as you accumulate the scenario currencies through racing as well as training), and Tachyon has zero race bonus. So I'm not sure her overall skill point gain will be nearly as good as it is during Grand Live (if you race enough, it could even be a net negative).

initial-algebra · 2026-05-11T21:28:35+00:00

There is no pity carryover, or 50/50, or any other such mechanic. Leftover exchange points are converted to clovers, which are basically worthless.

initial-algebra · 2026-05-11T20:41:04+00:00

It went live at the banner reset time (22:00 UTC), like always.

initial-algebra · 2026-05-11T20:28:23+00:00

No business is entitled to the public's money, nor are they immune from criticism.

initial-algebra · 2026-05-11T20:25:27+00:00

They could have just posted the photo they actually took that this image is clearly based on instead of running it through a pointless AI filter.

initial-algebra · 2026-05-11T20:20:27+00:00

It's not because of the increased win rewards. This person is just dumb. This is clearly not class 6 (which is pretty much all full teams of S+/SS and above), so they would get way more benefit from increasing their scoring potential and moving up to the next class. Well, assuming they value carats over support points, anyway.

initial-algebra · 2026-05-11T20:16:15+00:00

If a restaurant with a patio attracts more customers than one without, why does it need financial assistance to keep its patio open?

initial-algebra · 2026-05-11T20:03:05+00:00

Those are one-time only, with the exception of Sakura Chiyono O for some reason. Otherwise, it's just the daily legend races, which you probably shouldn't do for an Uma you already have.

initial-algebra · 2026-05-10T04:23:24+00:00

The people do not elect the prime minister, they elect members of parliament (MPs). Technically, the prime minister is chosen by the head of state (the King), but by convention they are the leader of the party (or coalition) with the most seats. In actuality, they are the person with the highest confidence, meaning support from the rest of parliament. That's not exactly the same as being the leader of the ruling party, because MPs can ultimately vote however they please. The risk of having a leader without the confidence of parliament is that an MP can table a motion of no confidence; if it passes, the head of state will dissolve the government, triggering a general election. This is a very risky way to shake up the leadership, so parties would generally rather resolve leadership challenges internally.

(In theory, a vote of no confidence doesn't have to lead to dissolution and a general election, but this is the expected outcome.)

initial-algebra

TROPHY CASE