For the campaign mode, is the Imperial open group choices restricted by the deployment cards provided in the game? In other words, since there is only one regular Nexu card does that mean he can't have two in the open group?

There are no real limits to what the Imperial player can choose, except he can't take unique cards unless he has earned them from missions.

The Threat cost to deploy them creates a balancing factor.

From the Campaign Guide, under Deployment and Setup:

When choosing open groups, the mission may list specific groups or traits (such as Creatures) that cannot be chosen. Additionally, the Imperial player cannot choose a unique Deployment card unless it has been rewarded to him as a villain.

Oh, but there are very important limitations, specifically:

"Component Limitations", RRG, Page 8 states:

In a campaign, players are limited to the number of figures included in the game. For example, the Imperial player is limited to six regular and three elite Stormtrooper figures, even if he owns multiple copies of the game.

So even if you own 4 nexu models, and 2 of the regular and elite deployment cards, you are still limited to the components of a single box set, meaning a single elite and a single regular nexu.

Can the imperial player choose rebel cards?

No.

"Campaign Mission Setup", RRG, Page 18:

He may choose any non-Rebel Deployment cards not used in the initial or reserved groups. He cannot choose an ally that he has not gained as a reward.

Thanks Fizz!

Oh, but there are very important limitations, specifically:

"Component Limitations", RRG, Page 8 states:

In a campaign, players are limited to the number of figures included in the game. For example, the Imperial player is limited to six regular and three elite Stormtrooper figures, even if he owns multiple copies of the game.

So even if you own 4 nexu models, and 2 of the regular and elite deployment cards, you are still limited to the components of a single box set, meaning a single elite and a single regular nexu.

I personally find that rule ridiculous. It, to me, almost discourages buying expansion packs for the campaign.

For instance, why buy the stormtrooper pack if you're limited to what's already in the box?

Oh, but there are very important limitations, specifically:

"Component Limitations", RRG, Page 8 states:

In a campaign, players are limited to the number of figures included in the game. For example, the Imperial player is limited to six regular and three elite Stormtrooper figures, even if he owns multiple copies of the game.

So even if you own 4 nexu models, and 2 of the regular and elite deployment cards, you are still limited to the components of a single box set, meaning a single elite and a single regular nexu.

I personally find that rule ridiculous. It, to me, almost discourages buying expansion packs for the campaign.

For instance, why buy the stormtrooper pack if you're limited to what's already in the box?

Skirmish and goody cards.

There's an ongoing discussion as to how many Hired Guns we can put in. @Fizz, is there a ruling on this yet?

Oh, but there are very important limitations, specifically:

"Component Limitations", RRG, Page 8 states:

In a campaign, players are limited to the number of figures included in the game. For example, the Imperial player is limited to six regular and three elite Stormtrooper figures, even if he owns multiple copies of the game.

So even if you own 4 nexu models, and 2 of the regular and elite deployment cards, you are still limited to the components of a single box set, meaning a single elite and a single regular nexu.

I personally find that rule ridiculous. It, to me, almost discourages buying expansion packs for the campaign.

For instance, why buy the stormtrooper pack if you're limited to what's already in the box?

Skirmish and goody cards.

There's an ongoing discussion as to how many Hired Guns we can put in. @Fizz, is there a ruling on this yet?

I heard someone say that the pack had an insert saying it was 1 and 1.

The Hired Guns skirmish mission insert sheet states very clearly (Under the "Component Limitations" section) that you can only include 1 regular and 1 elite unit in the campaign, no matter how many you own.

That makes it seems as though the expansion packs are aimed squarely at the Skirmish game, but I've found that they do a pretty good job of balancing the utility between Skirmish and Campaign.

For me, the expansion packs offer options in campaign play and structure. It isn't possible to include all of the expansion side missions in a single campaign, but that's what gives IA so much replay value - it's different every time you play through it. Failed to get Wookies to join you this time through? Better luck next time!

And really, who doesn't want a Boba Fett mini?

And really, who doesn't want a Boba Fett mini?

I even got a pink dinosaur mini to go with it

That makes it seems as though the expansion packs are aimed squarely at the Skirmish game, but I've found that they do a pretty good job of balancing the utility between Skirmish and Campaign.

For me, the expansion packs offer options in campaign play and structure. It isn't possible to include all of the expansion side missions in a single campaign, but that's what gives IA so much replay value - it's different every time you play through it. Failed to get Wookies to join you this time through? Better luck next time!

And really, who doesn't want a Boba Fett mini?

Well, that was an auto-buy, no doubt.