It seems the game is pointing me towards a more Arts-oriented setup. I got Caster Gil during Babylonia's release, Tamamo during the GSSR, and Berserker Vlad while trying and failing to roll for Musashi. I also got my second Saberlot during that time.
Right now I'm trying to craft a team for challenge quests, starting with the one in the upcoming Prison Tower event.
Right now I'm thinking the following setup.
Vlad (Maid in Halloween to boost healing received)
Tamamo (Gentle Affection to boost healing given)
Backline:
Mash (Iron-willing Training)
Hans (2030/Gentle Affection)
??? (Ideal Holy King)
For support, I'm aware that Jeanne is usually paired with Tamamo and Vlad. I was thinking of using Merlin. He may be more Buster support (Vlad does have 2 Buster Cards) but I was aiming for his NP more than his Buster support. With his NP, I could use Tamamo's NP more often, healing the party alongside Merlin's heal per turn and lowering cooldown repeatedly.
Low cooldowns would let me use Vlad and Tamamo's Def up buffs more often, Vampirism and Curse too for stall, and Merlin's skills would also benefit of course (1st for NP gauge, 2nd for Invincibility against NPs, 3rd for Max HP).
To me, that seems better than Jeanne's NP, which also stuns her leading to possible (and likely) chain breaks.
I also plan to use Chaldea Combat Uniform as my Mystic Code for this setup. The stun (provided it isn't resisted) could delay an NP or I could use Order Change to swap Vlad with Mash for her taunt and Invincibility (provided it isn't an AoE NP). It would take out my DPS (plus his vampirism for stall) but I get a sturdier defensive wall with her skills, NP and lack of class weakness.
So... Opinions?
I also need suggestions for my final backline member. I was thinking Cu (I don't have Herc or Cu Alter) but I'm hoping I don't have to need all three backline members.
Thanks.