I really want to like Rexler - but IMHO - he is severally limited in two very important areas:

First, the Defender dial is just a bummer, the white 4K move notwithstanding. Basically, only having straight green maneuvers makes stress a huge problem. Worse, 1 and 2 sharp turns are red. This makes any Defender painfully predictable - basically you are limited to moving in a straight line (to include that white K), a bank or the 3 hard turn.

Second, there is no easy way to do more than one action a turn - which is the only realistic way to get Rexler's awesome ability to trigger. I have tried PTL with x2 BSP equipped with Wingman to shed the stress for him, but I think this comes up short - and it certainly does not help with the predictability.

For now, here is what I am thinking:

Rexler + HLC, Shield and VI for 49 points

Colonel Jendon + HLC, Engine, ST 321, Sensor Jammer, Weapons Engineer, Fleet Officer (not yet released) for 50 points

It does give you options, a way to give Rexler either a TL at R1 or a FT at R1 or 2. It also made for a nice initial attack - both ships perform short maneuvers for T1 and end up well out of range with a TL each, then for T2 the Shuttle assigns Rexler a FT and Rexler performs a Focus Action, so Rexler can attack with HLC at PS10 with a FT and TL to modify and still have a FT to trigger his ability. The Shuttle then follows at PS6 with a HLC with a TL to modify.

It worked okay last night, but I think Fleet Officer will most likely work better with the Decimator. Also, it looks like there is a Decimator at PS8 with EPT for 46 points... + VI and FO would be 50... I would lose the ability to pass TLs but presumably have an easier time passing FTs, as the Decimator's dial will be better than the Shuttle's (the Decimator has a spoiled green 2 bank). Also, having the support ship also shoot at PS10 (with 360 arc) does not hurt - even if it is with one less red die.

Thoughts?

Captain Yorr

Personally, I think Predator was made for Rexler. That way he gets some dice modification without an action, and when he does have an action, he's of course going to focus.

I think you are trying too hard to make his pilot ability work consistently.

That's never going to happen, and throwing a ton of resources at trying to make it happen on demand is going to weaken your list overall.

Rex's primary strength is that he is a PS8 in a TIE Defender.

have you tried him with someone with decoy, where you can swap down, so he is later in firing.

Also you need to check the FAQs on Colonel Jendon - I think they changed his cards ability.

I flew a Defender for the first time last night. It was Vessery and granted it was against a slightly rusty opponent who didn't always make the best (IMO) decisions for moves.

However, I had *no* problem in lining up a Rebel ship, and keeping it in my arc until it was destroyed. I found the TIE/Df very easy to use, almost too easy with the white 4K turn. I only once pulled a red 1-turn.

I'm keen to try it against someone with more recent flight time to see if I still find it "easy". However, it's not an X-Wing. It's not a basic TIE fighter. I didn't fly it as such, I flew it to its strengths of strafing assault and being hard to shake off.

I think you are trying too hard to make his pilot ability work consistently.

That's never going to happen, and throwing a ton of resources at trying to make it happen on demand is going to weaken your list overall.

Rex's primary strength is that he is a PS8 in a TIE Defender.

This has been my experience as well. I don't think I've ever actually used his pilot ability, but a PS8 Defender with Predator is not something to scoff at. Though I also agree with the above that the Decimator with Fleet Officer will likely be a nice boon for him and his ability.

If there's a PS8 Decimator pilot at a reasonable price, that could be a very, very cool pairing with Brath.

Marginally related note: Does Stay on Target make Brath + VI even better? It's already nice to have a PS 10 HLC as insurance against arc dodgers, but now that guys like Wedge can alter their dial, getting above that threshold is even better. The effective difference between PS8 Brath trying to fight a PS9 pilot that can change dials on him and a PS 10 Brath that keeps the dial hidden until the very end, and then adjust his own position with Barrel Roll is pretty huge.

The TIE/Def is probably the strongest Imperial ship. The red 1/2 turns are not that necessary. This thing gets it done on the joust. If you need a bit of bend, you can throw on an engine upgrade to make those banks into 90deg turns, and to curve that beautiful kturn.

I am planning to fly the following tonight:

Brath + Predator

Vessery + VI

OGP + Vader

I really want to add HLCs to them, but the points cost makes it prohibitive on a dual Defender build. Solo Brath with Pred and HLC is amazing.

If there's a PS8 Decimator pilot at a reasonable price, that could be a very, very cool pairing with Brath.

Marginally related note: Does Stay on Target make Brath + VI even better? It's already nice to have a PS 10 HLC as insurance against arc dodgers, but now that guys like Wedge can alter their dial, getting above that threshold is even better. The effective difference between PS8 Brath trying to fight a PS9 pilot that can change dials on him and a PS 10 Brath that keeps the dial hidden until the very end, and then adjust his own position with Barrel Roll is pretty huge.

Er.... Brath has one EPT slot, not two.

Edit: Oop. Misread.

Yeah, Stay on Target makes Veteran Instincts better for everybody.

Given my fondness for space cows I'd probably run something like:

Rexlar Brath(37)

Predator(3)

HeavyLC(7)

Stealth Device(3)

Space Cow Omicron(21)

Fire Control System(2)

Space Cow Omicron(21)

Fire Control System(2)

Engine Upgrade(4)

Deployment:

Parallel to edge. Brath in the rear.

Initial movement:

Get clear of rocks, then cows turn and head to Imps. Brath follows or flanks depending on how the other opponent deploys.

Tactics:

Brath tries to stay at Range 3 as much as possible as he denys the extra green with the HLC whereas he keeps the extra green unless they also fire secondaries. Reroll 1 or 2AD with Predator and maintains focus.

Cows inch slowly and then come around after a firing pass (though one will lag behind without the Engine Upgrade).

Weakness: only 3 ships and highest PS is 8. Plus Cows are not exactly 'agile' even with the engine upgrade on one of them.

Did I suggest anything other than Veteran Instincts?

Did I suggest anything other than Veteran Instincts?

You did not.

My mistake!

have you tried him with someone with decoy, where you can swap down, so he is later in firing.

Also you need to check the FAQs on Colonel Jendon - I think they changed his cards ability.

The FAQ states, "Colonel Jendon may assign 1 of his blue target lock tokens to a ship that does not have the target lock action listed in its action bar." This does not mean that the ship receiving the Colonel's TL cannot have the TL ability; rather the ship receiving the TL can do so even without that ability in the action bar.

I really want to like Rexler - but IMHO - he is severally limited in two very important areas:

First, the Defender dial is just a bummer, the white 4K move notwithstanding. Basically, only having straight green maneuvers makes stress a huge problem. Worse, 1 and 2 sharp turns are red. This makes any Defender painfully predictable - basically you are limited to moving in a straight line (to include that white K), a bank or the 3 hard turn.

Second, there is no easy way to do more than one action a turn - which is the only realistic way to get Rexler's awesome ability to trigger. I have tried PTL with x2 BSP equipped with Wingman to shed the stress for him, but I think this comes up short - and it certainly does not help with the predictability.

Regarding your first point, there is not much to say except that this dial is not for everyone: you either love it or hate it. There is definitly weakness to work around (hard 1 and 2 red) but also greatness (White k-turn and all maneuvers available except the 1 straight). It just doesn't fly like other ships and there is a little more planning involve. The white k-turn AND 1 bank are your best friends. I personally love it.

Regarding your second point, take Predator. Seriously, this EPT is great, allowing you to reroll 1-2 dice every shots without the need of an action. This way you can pair him with whatever ship you like and let him do his thing. Also, don't expect his ability to trigger often. It won't. When it will, boy will you be pleased! But until then, consider him more like a PS8 Defender that can potentially wreck a ship appart. Just don't build around trying to make his ability work, Predator+Focus should be enough.

For now, here is what I am thinking:

Rexler + HLC, Shield and VI for 49 points

Colonel Jendon + HLC, Engine, ST 321, Sensor Jammer, Weapons Engineer, Fleet Officer (not yet released) for 50 points

Finally, just my opinion but, putting 50 pts in a Shuttle is suicide. It will be shot down fast and then you'll be left with the trouble of taking down 61pts of ship to get a full victory with only one ship. Odds are definetly not good.

have you tried him with someone with decoy, where you can swap down, so he is later in firing.

Also you need to check the FAQs on Colonel Jendon - I think they changed his cards ability.

How so? The last time the FAQ was updated there was a flurry of concern until everyone realised it was a clarification - i.e. that he could pass target locks to people without the target lock action, not that he could only pass target locks to people without the target lock action.

Agree with Audio Weasel - Predator provides Brath with a partial target lock without requiring an action, allowing you (hopefully) to reserve your focus token.

Also, don't underestimate a Defender's manouvrability. It takes some doing, but a lot of supposed 'dogfighters' don't have a hard '1' turn at all (X-wing, TIE Advanced, E-wing, Z-95) and unlike most fighters, a Defender is happy to keep a stress token for several turns - predator means you don't need the action for offense, the lack of evade means you don't really need focus for defence (although it's nice) and you can still koiogran turn if you need to.

give him a HLC and fly him with Jonus.

have you tried him with someone with decoy, where you can swap down, so he is later in firing.

Also you need to check the FAQs on Colonel Jendon - I think they changed his cards ability.

How so? The last time the FAQ was updated there was a flurry of concern until everyone realised it was a clarification - i.e. that he could pass target locks to people without the target lock action, not that he could only pass target locks to people without the target lock action.

Yup.

I've only played this twice but I managed to get use out of his ability with this

Brath

Hlc

Predator

Jonus

Nightbeast

Dark curse

With jonus and predator you basically get the same function as a target lock.

Saving his focus for his ability

Another option is put Jendon in there and down fgrade the academy pilots

Agree with Audio Weasel - Predator provides Brath with a partial target lock without requiring an action, allowing you (hopefully) to reserve your focus token.

As much as I want to use Predator - I just end up playing against lots of High PS opponents (PS10 Wes / PS9 Wedge, Whisper and Fel).

This has two obvious results - 1.) Pred only allows 1 reroll (as I never see a PS1 or 2 ship on the table) and 2.) VI allows Rex to move after and shoot before many of my opponents when I otherwise would not - which is a lot better vice one reroll on 4 dice

VI also saves 2 points. That's something.

Just a few points. 1) Stress doesn't restrict white maneuvers. 2) Passive upgrades such as Predator are not restricted by stress. 3) The ONLY red moves on the dial are the 1 and 2 speed turns and with a 5 green straight/white 4k, you should never need any of the red maneuvers. Just like you should never k-turn an interceptor. It's a different beast than the Empire is used to so far, but it IS a beast. It just requires a fight style that maximizes what it can do, just like everything else in this game.

As a counter to the above point about HLC and predator vs. high ps pilots, why does rex need an HLC? Try him with just predator and use the 60 points you have left to field something else awesome to go with it. I like Rex w/predator, Fel w/PtL, and Jax w/PtL. Joust with Rex, flank with Fel and send Jax into the midst of your opponent and watch them squirm. I will tell you that with even re-rolling just the one die, you get 4 hits at range 1 more often than not, and almost always 3 hits at range 2-3. This leaves you free to crit them to death with your focus.

I really want to like Rexler - but IMHO - he is severally limited in two very important areas:

First, the Defender dial is just a bummer, the white 4K move notwithstanding. Basically, only having straight green maneuvers makes stress a huge problem. Worse, 1 and 2 sharp turns are red. This makes any Defender painfully predictable - basically you are limited to moving in a straight line (to include that white K), a bank or the 3 hard turn.

Second, there is no easy way to do more than one action a turn - which is the only realistic way to get Rexler's awesome ability to trigger. I have tried PTL with x2 BSP equipped with Wingman to shed the stress for him, but I think this comes up short - and it certainly does not help with the predictability.

For now, here is what I am thinking:

Rexler + HLC, Shield and VI for 49 points

Colonel Jendon + HLC, Engine, ST 321, Sensor Jammer, Weapons Engineer, Fleet Officer (not yet released) for 50 points

It does give you options, a way to give Rexler either a TL at R1 or a FT at R1 or 2. It also made for a nice initial attack - both ships perform short maneuvers for T1 and end up well out of range with a TL each, then for T2 the Shuttle assigns Rexler a FT and Rexler performs a Focus Action, so Rexler can attack with HLC at PS10 with a FT and TL to modify and still have a FT to trigger his ability. The Shuttle then follows at PS6 with a HLC with a TL to modify.

It worked okay last night, but I think Fleet Officer will most likely work better with the Decimator. Also, it looks like there is a Decimator at PS8 with EPT for 46 points... + VI and FO would be 50... I would lose the ability to pass TLs but presumably have an easier time passing FTs, as the Decimator's dial will be better than the Shuttle's (the Decimator has a spoiled green 2 bank). Also, having the support ship also shoot at PS10 (with 360 arc) does not hurt - even if it is with one less red die.

Thoughts?

What you have said in the first paragraph many of us have thought over and over and have seen on the battlefield.

It shouldn't work on paper. It doesn't work in the field.

It's not a matter of a Tie Defender not killing anything, because it can and should. It's not a matter that it doesn't have high survivability. It's that for the point cost and the flexibility of manuever choices it's really not an economical nor wise choice.

To me it's very similar to the Tie Advanced:

I want to like it, but it's just not worth it in a competitive environment.

If you are playing casually who cares. But most players want to win, so they want to play what could be competitive. This ship has less competitive value than most others.

It will always stick out, but that's because of the stat line.

Don't confuse a good stat line with a good ship.

Anyhow, I'd say Yorr is probably the best choice as he can steal stress and also have a Fleet Officer give you more options!

I really want to like Rexler - but IMHO - he is severally limited in two very important areas:

First, the Defender dial is just a bummer, the white 4K move notwithstanding. Basically, only having straight green maneuvers makes stress a huge problem. Worse, 1 and 2 sharp turns are red. This makes any Defender painfully predictable - basically you are limited to moving in a straight line (to include that white K), a bank or the 3 hard turn.

Second, there is no easy way to do more than one action a turn - which is the only realistic way to get Rexler's awesome ability to trigger. I have tried PTL with x2 BSP equipped with Wingman to shed the stress for him, but I think this comes up short - and it certainly does not help with the predictability.

For now, here is what I am thinking:

Rexler + HLC, Shield and VI for 49 points

Colonel Jendon + HLC, Engine, ST 321, Sensor Jammer, Weapons Engineer, Fleet Officer (not yet released) for 50 points

It does give you options, a way to give Rexler either a TL at R1 or a FT at R1 or 2. It also made for a nice initial attack - both ships perform short maneuvers for T1 and end up well out of range with a TL each, then for T2 the Shuttle assigns Rexler a FT and Rexler performs a Focus Action, so Rexler can attack with HLC at PS10 with a FT and TL to modify and still have a FT to trigger his ability. The Shuttle then follows at PS6 with a HLC with a TL to modify.

It worked okay last night, but I think Fleet Officer will most likely work better with the Decimator. Also, it looks like there is a Decimator at PS8 with EPT for 46 points... + VI and FO would be 50... I would lose the ability to pass TLs but presumably have an easier time passing FTs, as the Decimator's dial will be better than the Shuttle's (the Decimator has a spoiled green 2 bank). Also, having the support ship also shoot at PS10 (with 360 arc) does not hurt - even if it is with one less red die.

Thoughts?

What you have said in the first paragraph many of us have thought over and over and have seen on the battlefield.

It shouldn't work on paper. It doesn't work in the field.

It's not a matter of a Tie Defender not killing anything, because it can and should. It's not a matter that it doesn't have high survivability. It's that for the point cost and the flexibility of manuever choices it's really not an economical nor wise choice.

To me it's very similar to the Tie Advanced:

I want to like it, but it's just not worth it in a competitive environment.

If you are playing casually who cares. But most players want to win, so they want to play what could be competitive. This ship has less competitive value than most others.

It will always stick out, but that's because of the stat line.

Don't confuse a good stat line with a good ship.

Anyhow, I'd say Yorr is probably the best choice as he can steal stress and also have a Fleet Officer give you more options!

A Black Squadron TIE with Wingman flying in tandem may not be a bad idea either

What I've found with TIE defenders is they're a nightmare to face one on one, but focus firing them takes them down no trouble. It's very durable but it's no tank and it performs best in the late game, provided it's got enough health left. They pair very nicely with HLC as they can fire from long range, then when the enemy closes in zoom past with the 5 straight then K behind them. The trick with the white K is to never leave the opponent certain as to when you're going to do it. If they guess you'll white K and you 3 bank, they're out of position, leaving you to white K onto an out of position fighter.

To get the most out of a TIE defender you need to give the opponent something else to shoot at: it needs to be paired with another significant threat: a miniswarm, a Firespray, possibly a phantom. Then your opponent either has to take the Defender down and leave the other threat alive, or take down the other threat and let the Defender reach the late game where it thrives.