So the GR75 came with both turbolaser and ion tokens for use in missions that saw the Rebels fleeing between pot shots from ISDs. Likewise, covering fire from the Rebel Ion Cannon Battery shot through the battle from time to time as the Hoth base tried to discourage Imperial pursuit. See them here just below the X-wing model and above the target lock tokens.
Now that we have capital ships for both the Rebels and Imperials, featuring both turbolaser and
ion cannons, is there a way to incorporate those tokens from the GR-75?
My suggestion would that, when firing on another capital ship, resolve the attack as usual. Key here is the rule that shots take place along a straight line path between the nearest points on each ship. Now, in addition, to this attack, place a turbolaser/ion token halfway down the line of sight the shot took place. If a starfighter of any faction is within range 1 of its forward edge, it immediately suffers the appropriate damage given. You'll note that the tokens actually have firing arcs already on them because this is how they operate in the missions included with the GR75.
(If this seems too powerful, if could be changed so that if any starfighters are touching the placed token, instead of within range 1 of the leading edge, they immediately suffer the damage.)
This makes firing through your own ships risky (as it should be), makes the space between capital ships a dangerous place for starfighters, and represents the overwhelming power of capital class weaponry. Starfighters would still resolve being fired upon by capital weapons if targeted, gaining their bonus agility die. But these broadside shots between capital ships would be complete flukes, catching starfighters off guard with devastating consequences.
Checks against this being abused come from it having to be a shot fired on another capital ship and the token being placed halfway along the line of sight. Starfighters can simply make a point to avoid that space but can now also run between dueling capital ships to shake a tail. Capital ships can likewise charge into furballs, risking becoming targets, to scatter starfights who are now at risk of getting caught in the crossfire. Torpedo runs, swarms, and general furballs would have to take the capital ship duel into account much more now. This is of course for Epic play where there are more points on the board. A few starfighters being blown out of the sky isn't as big a deal with more on the board but it is also more likely to occur without careful placement. Likewise, since capital ships fire at PS0 it really hits all PS, high and low, at a random level. Even an ace pilot can drift into a firing lane.
Thoughts?
Edited by R22