I've been playing in the NBFL and loving it. I was pointed towards the NCBB as another top-tier league. I decided to join, but wanted to play something fun that would provide a challenge without being a complete pain to play. After some (read: five minutes) deep, thoughtful, contemplation I decided to run Simyin, and so the Syracuse Orangeskins were born.

This presents an odd challenge. As Simyin are league-only, and FUMBBL only, there's very little out there for strategies, tips, and best practices. This was part of the appeal of course, but does present a challenge. I'm going to try to set out in pixels my initial thoughts on the roster before I play my first game, largely to see how much thse assumptions hold up in practice.

0-1 Silverback

The "Big Guy" on the team. I view the Silverback as a Kroxigor-like piece. Wild Animal is the "best" of the Neg-traits, this zeros out the lack of prehensile tail in my mind. Grab, as a starting skill on a big guy is huge. My plans for the Silverback are to be a road-block, and speed bump, tying up pieces and acting as support. With this in mind I'm thinking Guard, Stand Firm, Juggernaught, and Break Tackle are all gimme-skills.

Extra Arms is nice, and means that in a clutch moment he can pick up a grounded ball on a 5+, is this a good idea? No. A fun idea? Oh yeah!

0-4 Gorillas

These guys are a cross between a Black Orc, and a Saurus. Not exactly immobile, and starting with Grab means that getting close to them is hazardous. Agility/Strength skills on a normal roll is a weird mix and means that they can be built as hitting pieces, and as potential ball carriers. Catch, Jump Up, Piling On, Mighty Blow are all normal rolls. The only "Double" that I'm missing and am going to miss a ton, is Block.

I think for at least two of the Gorilla I'm going to go Might Blow, Piling On, Jump Up as standard. Should a Gorilla roll a +AG I'd pick up Catch, Break Tackle, and Dodge for a solid ball carrier. Block, obviously, on doubles.

0-2 Chimpanzees

I skipped these guys in my starting build, but plan to pick up both as soon as I'm able. General/Agility access is huge, and sets these guys up as solid ball handlers, sweepers, and blockers. I'm going to play my skill picks reasonably conservatively, Block, Dodge, Fend/Side Step/Diving Tackle unless one, or the other, rolls a stat increase.

0-2 Orangutans

Throw-apes! I love em. I started with one, and plan to build him out as a classic ball returner/thrower. General/Passing on a regular roll sets him up for Sure Hands, Pass, and Accurate. Doubles demand Dodge, and should he survive that long Leader seems an interesting choice. Additionally, Hail Mary Pass tied with Diving Catch on the Chimps shows promise.

0-12 Bonobos

6 3 3 7 Lineman. Reasonably cheap, AG 4 on the pickup, or catch. General access on a regular roll. I'm definitely building a kicker, and possibly a Pass Block, or two. Otherwise, I don't see these guys living long enough to develop past a single skill.