After getting absolutely smoked by Rexler Brath in one of the AOIA events I attended, I've been trying to come up with some lists to potentially run him a few times. So far I have this:

Rexler Brath:

-Predator

-Stealth Device

Howlrunner:

Stealth Device

Academy Tie Pilot x3

Having Howl + Predator gives Rexler the near equivalent of a TL freeing him up to always take a focus and use it defensively or to flip damage face up with his ability, while the ties perform clean up. I don't know how it will work in practice but, I'll find out soon enough.

OR

Rexler Brath:

Predator

Avenger Tie Int x3

Rexler Brath

-HLC

-Push the Limit

-Engine Upgrade

Academy Tie x 4

-99pts

Fly Rexler like an Interceptor on Crack with a HLC and the ability to K-Turn for free. Arc-Dodge with Engine/Barrel roll and be invincible in end game.

Rexler Brath

-HLC

-Push the Limit

-Engine Upgrade

Academy Tie x 4

-99pts

Fly Rexler like an Interceptor on Crack with a HLC and the ability to K-Turn for free. Arc-Dodge with Engine/Barrel roll and be invincible in end game.

You realize the Defender only has green straight moves, right? That's going to severely limit his manoeuvring after he gets stressed from PtL. I guess it might work if you use Push very sparingly, but I'd prefer Predator, personally, since you get to use it every time you shoot and you pretty much have full access to your dial all the time.

Predator seems made for Brath. It allows you to re-roll at the minimum one dice and possibly two. Hopefully you can keep that focus to allow him to make a ship useless with crits. PTL with EU would be fun, but you won't get the most out of his ability. I like him with HLC, but he comes in at 44 points with that alone. That's as much as Lando.

Rexler Brath

-HLC

-Push the Limit

-Engine Upgrade

Academy Tie x 4

-99pts

Fly Rexler like an Interceptor on Crack with a HLC and the ability to K-Turn for free. Arc-Dodge with Engine/Barrel roll and be invincible in end game.

You realize the Defender only has green straight moves, right? That's going to severely limit his manoeuvring after he gets stressed from PtL. I guess it might work if you use Push very sparingly, but I'd prefer Predator, personally, since you get to use it every time you shoot and you pretty much have full access to your dial all the time.

alternatively, try cutting away 2 Academy TIEs to get a Yorr Shuttle. Not only does the Shuttle absorb the stress from PTL, it can also absorb the stress from your hard turns. And the range 1-2 requirement is a lot more lenient than Wingman, although you may feel somewhat "strapped" to the Shuttle most of the time

I tried a build with Yorr + a Scimitar and Verry and it was really not worth it... The shuttle is just not good enough and in order to turn back in the battlefield area, he needs to use the red 2 turn. Which prevent you from taking any more stress. Also the maneuvering style of the Defender pairs much better with a Firespray than a shuttle. I have a build with Rexler and Kath pimped to the teeth that looks very promising. Otherwise a Delta with HLC and a mini swarm (4 ties) is probably the best build for the Defender... I won against a Han + 2 B-wing last night

Rexler Brath

-Predator

-HLC

Obsidian Squadron Pilot x4

99 pts.

It's basically Krasiss with a dice reroll all the time, with a smaller base and higher pilot skill.

Plus with obsidians you beat a lot of squads using pilot skill 2 rebel ships.

You could always give Rexler an engine upgrade and drop the obsidians to academies though.

Is Outmaneuvre a useful option? I certainly like the sound of it, both function and its feel, fluffwise, but I have no idea if it's practical or a worthwhile use of the slot and points overall.

Rexler Brath

-Predator

-HLC

Obsidian Squadron Pilot x4

99 pts.

It's basically Krasiss with a dice reroll all the time, with a smaller base and higher pilot skill.

Plus with obsidians you beat a lot of squads using pilot skill 2 rebel ships.

You could always give Rexler an engine upgrade and drop the obsidians to academies though.

So using your list as a base, after fiddling with point levels you can get this:

Rexler Brath

-HLC

-Predator

-EU

Howlrunner

Backstabber

Night Beast

1 less Tie, but get an elite Howl swarm and an EU, but comes in at 100pts. Cut NB down to a BSP or OSP to bid for initiative

Is Outmaneuvre a useful option? I certainly like the sound of it, both function and its feel, fluffwise, but I have no idea if it's practical or a worthwhile use of the slot and points overall.

I like OM on Vessery more than Rexler since Vessery can modify all his dice if he shoots at something that already has a target lock.

Rexler Brath

-Predator

-HLC

Obsidian Squadron Pilot x4

99 pts.

It's basically Krasiss with a dice reroll all the time, with a smaller base and higher pilot skill.

Plus with obsidians you beat a lot of squads using pilot skill 2 rebel ships.

You could always give Rexler an engine upgrade and drop the obsidians to academies though.

So using your list as a base, after fiddling with point levels you can get this:

Rexler Brath

-HLC

-Predator

-EU

Howlrunner

Backstabber

Night Beast

1 less Tie, but get an elite Howl swarm and an EU, but comes in at 100pts. Cut NB down to a BSP or OSP to bid for initiative

What I was mainly aiming for is making my opponent choose between attacking Rexler, or a group of 4 ties. 3 elite ties can work but they aren't as scary in my opinion as 4 in your face at range 1. Plus if I take backstabber I'm gonna want to flank with him, not fly in a group.

How about...

How about...

Rexler Brath (37)

Predator (3)

Heavy Laser Cannon (7)

"Howlrunner" (18)

Swarm Tactics (2)

Black Squadron Pilot (14)

Swarm Tactics (2)

Black Squadron Pilot (14)

Swarm Tactics (2)

99 Points.

4x Pilot Skill 8 shooters.

Cheers

My only problem with that is what happens if and when you lose Howlie