I just though

Yes.. Lone wolf on Xizor. So before you call me crazy, hear this out. You run them in a formation with the Prince in the back. You give your opponent a tough choice. Shoot at Xizor and have a really tough time sticking any kind of damage on him or take out his wingman. The easy choice is shoot the wingmen. Which is what you want. If you get Xizor in the end game, he's going to be extremely durable with LW, SJ, and AT combo. Good luck to your opponent if he's 1 on 1 against him. It sounds crazy, but it just might be crazy enough to work.

I have run this and it does very well. Makes him even more of an endgame beast. Though for the love of everything always take AS on him.

I think if your running Xizor without Y-wings or a Mandalorian you're doing it wrong. He needs the raw numbers of hits to pull off his ability effectively.

Prince Xizor ability is rather awful. Sure you could surround him with Scum-wings then again you could just take 5 Y-wings instead.

Well no, his ability is amazing. It keeps him alive until the end game, and I think people are seriously underestimating just what can be done with an AS Starviper. I managed to outmaneuver Fel with Xizor in endgame until it was called on points. It is a very slippery ship, and Xizor eats any large turret he comes across easily.

I just thought of this:

BSE + AT x 2 (1 with Fletchette)

Xizor + LW + AT + Title + Sensor Jammer + Hot shot

Yes.. Lone wolf on Xizor. So before you call me crazy, hear this out. You run them in a formation with the Prince in the back. You give your opponent a tough choice. Shoot at Xizor and have a really tough time sticking any kind of damage on him or take out his wingman. The easy choice is shoot the wingmen. Which is what you want. If you get Xizor in the end game, he's going to be extremely durable with LW, SJ, and AT combo. Good luck to your opponent if he's 1 on 1 against him. It sounds crazy, but it just might be crazy enough to work.

I'm not sure how much I like the Sensor Jammer on him, but taking Lone Wolf could be really interesting.

It's a shame that FFG made the Virago title unique. It seems like they didn't really want people taking both of the named pilots in a list.

I consider Star Vipers as unshielded E-wings.

Vipers are worth their cost, generic E-wings aren't.

Are they?

I don't see a lot of Generic Star Vipers due to costing 25 points and unlike Corran Horn which has an awesome pilot ability Prince Xizor ability is rather awful. Sure you could surround him with Scum-wings then again you could just take 5 Y-wings instead.

eww no

Xizor's ability is ******* bananas. It might as well read "as long as there's a friendly ship in range 1, never get shot ever":

Build him up for offense (either predator & sensors, or V.I & FCS), toss on thrusters, and fly him like a madman

If your opponent shoots him, he's doing it wrong. If you're not flying crazy to get range 1 shots and generally not giving a ****, you're doing it wrong.

I used to think the lack of evade was a death sentence on this ship. Now after playing it many times, despite never using TL, I can savely say that auto-thrusters and either named pilot's ability more than compensate for that lack.

The named Starvipers are my favorite S&V pilots, you just have to learn to get around any possible preconceptions. Starvipers are literally unlike any other ship in the game and they have to learned accordingly (though the play-style generally boils down to sledgehammer 90% of the time, reposition 5%, and arc-dodge 5%). I'm not kidding when I say they fly like B-wings on steroids and speed, because they both go faster and take a lot more hits to kill if played properly.

I don't see how a Star Viper could work like a B-wing. The way I see competitive B-wings run are a straight up brawler looking for a nice big furball and getting stuck in the cluster with Adv Sensors allowing them to continue action before bumping back into the mess and shields taking the brunt of the range 1 shots until they finally blast their way out of it and then take a 2 speed K-turn with adv sensors to flip around and go back in, then speed 1 clear stress action and repeat to get stuck in the fray.

With the S-loop of the star vipers I think they would do their best to avoid getting stuck into cluster F**** that B-wing would be going straight for. I guess one can be Adv Sensors with the title and maybe a hot shot blaster for some close in attacks but I am not sure they would want to stay in with their low health and a very low shield percentage. I guess a s-loop might make it easier to break then 1 bank to go back in where as a B-wing would have to rely on sheer brute force.

Interesting build but again with autothrusters you do not want to be bumping or in a close range fire fight.

It's a shame that FFG made the Virago title unique. It seems like they didn't really want people taking both of the named pilots in a list.

Rather “there was only one Virago according to the old canon“ :-P

I would never put PTL on StarVipers Lone wolf or Predator would be my choice instead

I consider Star Vipers as unshielded E-wings.

Vipers are worth their cost, generic E-wings aren't.

Are they?

I don't see a lot of Generic Star Vipers due to costing 25 points and unlike Corran Horn which has an awesome pilot ability Prince Xizor ability is rather awful. Sure you could surround him with Scum-wings then again you could just take 5 Y-wings instead.

eww no

Xizor's ability is ******* bananas. It might as well read "as long as there's a friendly ship in range 1, never get shot ever":

Build him up for offense (either predator & sensors, or V.I & FCS), toss on thrusters, and fly him like a madman

If your opponent shoots him, he's doing it wrong. If you're not flying crazy to get range 1 shots and generally not giving a ****, you're doing it wrong.

I used to think the lack of evade was a death sentence on this ship. Now after playing it many times, despite never using TL, I can savely say that auto-thrusters and either named pilot's ability more than compensate for that lack.

The named Starvipers are my favorite S&V pilots, you just have to learn to get around any possible preconceptions. Starvipers are literally unlike any other ship in the game and they have to learned accordingly (though the play-style generally boils down to sledgehammer 90% of the time, reposition 5%, and arc-dodge 5%). I'm not kidding when I say they fly like B-wings on steroids and speed, because they both go faster and take a lot more hits to kill if played properly.

I don't see how a Star Viper could work like a B-wing. The way I see competitive B-wings run are a straight up brawler looking for a nice big furball and getting stuck in the cluster with Adv Sensors allowing them to continue action before bumping back into the mess and shields taking the brunt of the range 1 shots until they finally blast their way out of it and then take a 2 speed K-turn with adv sensors to flip around and go back in, then speed 1 clear stress action and repeat to get stuck in the fray.

With the S-loop of the star vipers I think they would do their best to avoid getting stuck into cluster F**** that B-wing would be going straight for. I guess one can be Adv Sensors with the title and maybe a hot shot blaster for some close in attacks but I am not sure they would want to stay in with their low health and a very low shield percentage. I guess a s-loop might make it easier to break then 1 bank to go back in where as a B-wing would have to rely on sheer brute force.

Interesting build but again with autothrusters you do not want to be bumping or in a close range fire fight.

advanced sensors really aren't that great on non-keyan B-wings anymore. Tactician is absolutely where its at in this age of phantoms and PTL and just straight up jousters (you can't joust when you're stressed ). FCS is also crazy for the TL + focus potential for a mere 24 points. But anyway,

1.) Character Vipers can take sensors

2.) Guri doesn't need sensors because both predator and her ability trigger regardless of actions

3.) 3 agility with focus and possibly an essentially guaranteed evades every shot (minus the 1 damage on a y or a z, such a sacrifice...) makes them far more durable than a b-wing

4.) Getting two choices of segnor's versus 1 k-turn lets you navigate the furball much more easily than the k-turn. Toss on advanced sensors and there is no way you're missing one

5.) auto-thrusters only has to trigger once to be absolutely worth it, anything else on top of that is gravy. Turrets and long ranged ships (most large ships and especially aggressors) beware.

Not to somehow imply that B-wings aren't the best **** ever, but the character star vipers are very similar in application in a vacuum only they're more durable and more expensive and in a faction that can't get B-wings anyway.

It's a shame that FFG made the Virago title unique. It seems like they didn't really want people taking both of the named pilots in a list.

I suspect it was more the fact that there was only ever one Virago, just as there was only ever one Millennium Falcon and Slave 1, rather than a deliberate attempt to limit squad building.

You should try pairing Guri and Xizor together with Serrisu.

With the right upgrades on each ship it is a lethal list.....

QUOTE PYRAMID

...

...

...

...

...

Not to somehow imply that B-wings aren't the best **** ever, but the character star vipers are very similar in application in a vacuum only they're more durable and more expensive and in a faction that can't get B-wings anyway.

There you just hit the main problem with the third faction. That is the question(s): What's good that S&V can do but the Rebels and Imperials can't; What is it that Rebels or Imperials can do good but the S&V does it better?

As of now the only thing I can think of is replacing the Buzzsaw shuttles (Gunner+FCS & add EU) with the Buzzdroids (IG2000 B&C w/FCS). Other than that I am at a lost.

What can S&V do that rebels and imps can't?

******* Starvipers is already an answer. They're amazing, give them the shot they deserve.

also:

Unhinged Astro

R4 Aggro

Kavil

Scum Kath

Mux

Palob (both being massive presences on the table in ways rebel HWKs wish they were)

K4 Security Droid (and how it makes EH viable)

Feedback Array (no ******* comparison to how useful this makes Z-95s)

Inertial Dampeners

Aggressors

Scyks

from my list of personal preferences

I've flown starvipers a few times now they do tend to die quicker at the start but late game their worth is easy to see as they arc dodge easily.

Not a ship you get instant easy results with but with practice they'll do well.

I love a Mando Merc with DTF, if you pair that with Guri, you practically have half of Xizor's ability. I was playing in the list builder with the idea of enhanced scope on Guri and make her a blocker.

It's a shame that FFG made the Virago title unique. It seems like they didn't really want people taking both of the named pilots in a list.

I suspect it was more the fact that there was only ever one Virago, just as there was only ever one Millennium Falcon and Slave 1, rather than a deliberate attempt to limit squad building.

I get that it's tied to a ship that is unique in the SWU but it make such a difference in the capability of the ship it makes it hard to justify taking both Guri and Xizor since only one of them can take the title.

The Starviper is not an interceptor, an E-wing or a B-wing. It's a Tie Advanced with teeth. The PS1s are amazing blockers and the named pilots are just sick. I hope people continue to not understand or fly these amazing ships. They eat B Wings for lunch and laugh at turrets.

It's a shame that FFG made the Virago title unique. It seems like they didn't really want people taking both of the named pilots in a list.

I suspect it was more the fact that there was only ever one Virago, just as there was only ever one Millennium Falcon and Slave 1, rather than a deliberate attempt to limit squad building.

I get that it's tied to a ship that is unique in the SWU but it make such a difference in the capability of the ship it makes it hard to justify taking both Guri and Xizor since only one of them can take the title.

I don't see the point of taking both in a given list

they're eating up more than 66% of the list, leaving little for Xizor to pawn hits off to

eww no

Xizor's ability is ******* bananas. It might as well read "as long as there's a friendly ship in range 1, never get shot ever":

Build him up for offense (either predator & sensors, or V.I & FCS), toss on thrusters, and fly him like a madman

OK, you've single-handedly convinced me to break Xizor out and fling him in somebody's unsuspecting face. The number of Prince-related puns for squad names is just a bonus.

I'm not a fan of Push the Limit on Interceptors, either. Except Soontir Fel, of course.

Me too.

What do you guys run them with then?

There's a reason PTL is so good on them, it maximizes maneuverability, defense, offense, and of course coolness.

I think PTL limits them, because you'll always have to run green maneuvers, making them very blockable. I like being able to do 2 actions, but it is often at too high a price when next turn comes around. Turtling up is great, but I feel like I get shot at a whole lot less when I skip the PTL.

What do I run them with? Usually nothing, but maybe a Veterans instincts or predator every once in a while. I generally don't load up on upgrades

eww no

Xizor's ability is ******* bananas. It might as well read "as long as there's a friendly ship in range 1, never get shot ever":

Build him up for offense (either predator & sensors, or V.I & FCS), toss on thrusters, and fly him like a madman

OK, you've single-handedly convinced me to break Xizor out and fling him in somebody's unsuspecting face. The number of Prince-related puns for squad names is just a bonus.

What, like, "the squad formerly known as 'Prince walks the Headhunters?'"

eww no

Xizor's ability is ******* bananas. It might as well read "as long as there's a friendly ship in range 1, never get shot ever":

Build him up for offense (either predator & sensors, or V.I & FCS), toss on thrusters, and fly him like a madman

OK, you've single-handedly convinced me to break Xizor out and fling him in somebody's unsuspecting face. The number of Prince-related puns for squad names is just a bonus.

What, like, "the squad formerly known as 'Prince walks the Headhunters?'"

I know a local player here is an absolute stickler for the correct pronunciation of his name, so we endeavor to pronounce "xizor" differently every time we reference him

Chi-zor

Que-zor

Si-zor

Xy-zor...

can't even remember how we're supposed to say his name

What, like, "the squad formerly known as 'Prince walks the Headhunters?'"

Xizor, two Ys and N'Dru Suhlak - "Prince And The N'Dru Power Generation."

I just though

Yes.. Lone wolf on Xizor. So before you call me crazy, hear this out. You run them in a formation with the Prince in the back. You give your opponent a tough choice. Shoot at Xizor and have a really tough time sticking any kind of damage on him or take out his wingman. The easy choice is shoot the wingmen. Which is what you want. If you get Xizor in the end game, he's going to be extremely durable with LW, SJ, and AT combo. Good luck to your opponent if he's 1 on 1 against him. It sounds crazy, but it just might be crazy enough to work.

I have run this and it does very well. Makes him even more of an endgame beast. Though for the love of everything always take AS on him.

I think if your running Xizor without Y-wings or a Mandalorian you're doing it wrong. He needs the raw numbers of hits to pull off his ability effectively.

Yeah he is definitely better with Y-wings, Zs, etc. But I was going with the all SV theme. Like I said its not a strictly competitive squad, but more of a thematic one.

Advanced Sensors is the way to go, but I wanted to make Xizor as defensive as possible. SJ is kind of awesome though. It really forces your opponent to focus for their action and makes them spend it. So in reality its as much as an offensive upgrade as it is defensive. If they have to spend a focus for attacking, they won't have one for defense (unless you are soontir). Making your attack just that much more accurate. Its really an underused upgrade.

I just though

Yes.. Lone wolf on Xizor. So before you call me crazy, hear this out. You run them in a formation with the Prince in the back. You give your opponent a tough choice. Shoot at Xizor and have a really tough time sticking any kind of damage on him or take out his wingman. The easy choice is shoot the wingmen. Which is what you want. If you get Xizor in the end game, he's going to be extremely durable with LW, SJ, and AT combo. Good luck to your opponent if he's 1 on 1 against him. It sounds crazy, but it just might be crazy enough to work.

I have run this and it does very well. Makes him even more of an endgame beast. Though for the love of everything always take AS on him.

I think if your running Xizor without Y-wings or a Mandalorian you're doing it wrong. He needs the raw numbers of hits to pull off his ability effectively.

Yeah he is definitely better with Y-wings, Zs, etc. But I was going with the all SV theme. Like I said its not a strictly competitive squad, but more of a thematic one.

Advanced Sensors is the way to go, but I wanted to make Xizor as defensive as possible. SJ is kind of awesome though. It really forces your opponent to focus for their action and makes them spend it. So in reality its as much as an offensive upgrade as it is defensive. If they have to spend a focus for attacking, they won't have one for defense (unless you are soontir). Making your attack just that much more accurate. Its really an underused upgrade.

don't put SJ on Xizor. Your opponent already isn't shooting at him, no need to make things silly.

But if you get into a 1 on 1 situation with Xizor (which I have), that SJ can be brutal.

I'd much rather have sensors to influence the entirety of the game up to and including when Xizor is alone rather than sensors kicking in only after his escort is dead

the only defensive tech Xizor needs apart from sensor's giving a potentially defensive focus even during bumps or segnors is Auto-Thrusters