In reviewing these guys I've taken the opportunity to look through your newer version, and I think things have cleared up quite a bit! Definitely needs more playtesting, but as that's not something I can focus on or judge for the moment, I wanted to commend you on your understanding of fun game mechanics and how to get them to flow well together.
I also do love the theme of the phoenixes, you've obviously put some research into their mythology, and as an extension into how that can be applied to a game of root. (Life cycles etc)
One thing I'm unsure about is with crafting, them not having an item box isn't really much of a nerf or anything that affects their gameplay much, if anything it just kinda messed things up for the VB and LOTH. LOTH would have an important interaction with these guys, but that's kinda taken away by this.
Great submission, crazy that it's one of three!