I've got 19 points to play with in a 3 ship build, no particular synergy between ships, so I'm trying to fill it out.

At first I was gonna go with a naked Cracken. Free actions for close friends. But then I started thinking I could get some more out of a lower Z with some upgrades.

The list is incomplete, as follows

Chewie, VI, rec spec (fell in love with it after a month of firespray flying)

Etahn A'baht, VI, FCS

I'm aware of the inherent flaws with these parts of the list, but this is about those last 19 points. However, any and all critiques are welcome.

Drop the two VI and add a rookie. There aren't that many folks in that PS5-7 range to make VI useful.

Also, Etahn's ability is better the more ships you have. I'd drop the VIs, put in Horn instead of Etahn, and then use the 20pts for Blount + Missiles of some sort + Deadeye.

If you're looking to spend 19 points, you may be better off looking for a way to free up 2 more points and take Blount, having a higher PS means he'll have a easier time getting the shot off.

An ordiance Tala without synergy from fellow pilots probably will not survive to unload its missiles. Upon the initial encounter, you stand to not be able to get a target lock (If your opponent is high enough PS) and get focus fired before you can fire.

If the YT-1300 was piloted by Lando then it would be another story, allowing you to unload your ordiance quickly.

Another option would be to add Cracken and give him one of the veteran instincts. He can shoot at ps10 and it will let you barrel roll ajbaht into a better firing position after everyone is done moving. Generally though I am on board with dropping both VIs for a rookie pilot. As stated above you don't get much by going to ps7.

Given the rest of the list as-is, I'd vote for naked Cracken. He either attracts fire from your opponent--a pretty cheap version of Biggs, and/or pretty cheap extra armor for Chewie--or he supports the rest of your list with that extra action. It's a win/win.

However, I agree with those upthread who say that Etahn is out of place here, and so is VI. I tried to tweak it, but I keep running afoul of that Recon Specialist; here's the best thing I think I came up with.

I'm not going to comment on the rest of your list if that's what you're set on, but I think the build is fine if it's your preference.

I've wondered about the Tala with ordnance as a <20 filler. I think about 18-19 is the proper point range to add this.

Cracken is good for 19. I really like him with Chewie, but in early in the game he might work better buffing Etahn with an Evade token to improve his survivability to late game.

Bandit/Tala with missile can range from 15-19, but my preference would be either Tala + Homing or Tala + Ion Pulse + Munitions Failsafe.

You could also try a Prototype A-wing for blocking, Chewie + Etahn would really benefit from an action blocking A-wing.

A bandit or tala with ordinance can be a good lightning rod for your list. If they go after it instead of something better then it saves your good ship and if they don't then they get wrecked by ordinance. Not great but a decent option.

I've had a ton of fun during the games where I had a bandit with a missile. The thing is, as others have said, you would want to have that with some kind of synergy/support. I think it's OK, but an Awing is superior for the points and adds a level of flexibility to your maneuver. Cracken would be hamstrung by staying close to either ship to get the most of his ability. You could even remove the two VI's for an EPT to go on a Green Squadron pilot.

With missle laden Z's in mind, I've found it best to fly with Dutch, Cracken and a nameless joe. I know this isn't applicable to your list, but I have fun flying the following and using missiles:

Dutch w/ Ion

Roark w/ Ion and Tactician

Cracken w/ Concussion

Bandit w/ Concussion

I think there were a few other upgrades, but I can't remember. The thing is, ordnance actually has a very good place in a game that usually only has 3-4 rounds of significant action to reach an inevitable conclusion. At least one of those rounds your paying a cheap price to get a firepower 4 shot with its requisite additional text. Z's are great for this reason.

Man, now I'm sorta flustered. I really like Etahn, I've taken him toe to toe with large ships and come out on top, but I know that horn also a heavy hitter, every other turn.

Man, now I'm sorta flustered. I really like Etahn, I've taken him toe to toe with large ships and come out on top, but I know that horn also a heavy hitter, every other turn.

I think the combination Chewie and Etahn is really hurting here, because they don't really mix well, they don't complement each other. What was your intention in pairing them?

Man, now I'm sorta flustered. I really like Etahn, I've taken him toe to toe with large ships and come out on top, but I know that horn also a heavy hitter, every other turn.

I think the combination Chewie and Etahn is really hurting here, because they don't really mix well, they don't complement each other. What was your intention in pairing them?

My intent was that Chewie is pretty powerful in his own right, and Etahn is just consistently pumping crits. I've single handedly bested a full strength firespray with Etahn.

Just last night i once again took a z-95 out in one round of shooting from one ship i think they are good when cheap but there is not much point spending points on upgrades for something so fragile.

For the same reason i don't heavily modify tie fighters.

Man, now I'm sorta flustered. I really like Etahn, I've taken him toe to toe with large ships and come out on top, but I know that horn also a heavy hitter, every other turn.

I think the combination Chewie and Etahn is really hurting here, because they don't really mix well, they don't complement each other. What was your intention in pairing them?

My intent was that Chewie is pretty powerful in his own right, and Etahn is just consistently pumping crits. I've single handedly bested a full strength firespray with Etahn.

Nothing wrong with running ships you like, but the synergy is limited.

Ok! I got completely squashed yesterday, using three entirely different squads.

Anyway, I've got a feel for it now, how about this 4-ship rebel list

Lt Blount, predator

Etahn A'baht, FCS

Red squadron x wing x2

More ships, more attack. Still not a lot of synergy, but I feel it's better than before.

It does seem more consistent.

You could also try Etahn with FCS, A naked Rookie and Lando with Nien Nunb