So no comments on how the generic Defender almost needs a turret to be viable at its cost, huh? I expected that to generate some pushback. This must just be the wrong thread for it.

It's a shame you can't run 4 Defenders like you can B Wings and Starvipers. Almost doesn't seem fair to the Empire.

Yeah defenders and e wings got shafted with point cost, defenders more than e wings for sure.

Edit/PS: it would be 33% more durable, not 25% more durable. It technically it is slightly less than 33% better defensively because of the way the math works out on the final kill-shot. But it is pretty close. Numbers I have are:

Drrr... Yes, ~33%. From an offensive efficiency perspective, though, how do they compare? I'm just wondering how their base size/dial coefficients affect expected damage output in your formula.

I could see an 'ACES-like' expansion what helps our dear friends the E-Wing and the Defender.

From a purely jousting calculation which only includes the stat line, things like the dial, actions, and base size don't enter the equation. The larger base has a coefficient less than 1 because of a much greater chance to lose actions, and this would affect the total value prediction. Speaking of which, I still have not run yet.

Yeah defenders and e wings got shafted with point cost, defenders more than e wings for sure.

It's a double shaft on the Defender. FFG seemed to think that white K was going to be better than it is. I'm guessing that's why they not only made it expensive, but have it a predictable dial due to it's greens.

Does fleet officer make brath a more viable option?

Put it on a low ps shuttle and they don't even need to fly near each other as long as the shuttle ends its activation at range 2 of where the defender starts it

Does fleet officer make brath a more viable option?

Put it on a low ps shuttle and they don't even need to fly near each other as long as the shuttle ends its activation at range 2 of where the defender starts it

This is part of the problem with Brath's ability. It needs something else to get it to work. Predator (3 points) is the cheapest way to do it. This does not give him a focus for offense or defense though. Fleet officer is other way, but this requires a second ship and its crew slot! (and then there is the stress that it causes) If there was an EPT that gave a free focus (or behaved like a focus) this would greatly increase Brath's effectiveness.

On a side note, I actually really like the idea of an EPT that reads something along the lines of: "once per round change all <focus symbols> as if you had spent a focus token."

A 4-point EPT that just let you keep a focus when you spend it? Probably broken on other ships : /

Does fleet officer make brath a more viable option?

Put it on a low ps shuttle and they don't even need to fly near each other as long as the shuttle ends its activation at range 2 of where the defender starts it

Or a Phantom! Use Advanced Sensors to act before both ships move, then clear stress with a green. Keep 1 Focus for yourself and give 1 away.

Probably not very good overall, but fun.

OK....I just listened to the podcast through Tie Defender and am happy to hear your thoughts on Col. Vessery. I was expecting you to totally pan him, but you didn't. I'm glad about that.

EDIT: As for the discussion about the X-wings...I don't think it was really much about any other ship than the B-wing. FFG admits they priced them too cheaply. You trade 1 green die for more shields. You know tournament goers are all about removing variance and making their lists more reliable. That means that if you have a choice between a X-wing or a B-wing, the B-wing will win every time.

A 4-point EPT that just let you keep a focus when you spend it? Probably broken on other ships : /

3 Point EPT: Once per turn, assign this ship 1 Focus token and 1 Stress Token. You cannot use this ability if you have any stress tokens. It's sort of like PTL, but you change flexibility of action for flexibility of timing. PTL is better on a lot of stuff, maybe to much more stuff. You do have the advantage of using it only when you need it. No need to take the stress then not need the tokens. I rolled 3 eyes for my defense roll? Take the stress and avoid 3 damage. It's still probably not better than PTL, but it might be interesting.

A 4-point EPT that just let you keep a focus when you spend it? Probably broken on other ships : /

3 Point EPT: Once per turn, assign this ship 1 Focus token and 1 Stress Token. You cannot use this ability if you have any stress tokens. It's sort of like PTL, but you change flexibility of action for flexibility of timing. PTL is better on a lot of stuff, maybe to much more stuff. You do have the advantage of using it only when you need it. No need to take the stress then not need the tokens. I rolled 3 eyes for my defense roll? Take the stress and avoid 3 damage. It's still probably not better than PTL, but it might be interesting.

The stress would make this EPT idea almost useless on a Defender. The Defender would greatly benefit from double focus but its cost must come via points spend on the EPT. Stress or the loss of any other ability would hamper the Defender more than help I fear.

If recon spec only costs 3 points, I don't see why an EPT version could not be created in the same fashion. It would need to be "a pilot skill" though in nature. Maybe "At the begining of combat, if you are in range 1 of an enemy ship you may assign a focus token to your ship."

A 4-point EPT that just let you keep a focus when you spend it? Probably broken on other ships : /

3 Point EPT: Once per turn, assign this ship 1 Focus token and 1 Stress Token. You cannot use this ability if you have any stress tokens. It's sort of like PTL, but you change flexibility of action for flexibility of timing. PTL is better on a lot of stuff, maybe to much more stuff. You do have the advantage of using it only when you need it. No need to take the stress then not need the tokens. I rolled 3 eyes for my defense roll? Take the stress and avoid 3 damage. It's still probably not better than PTL, but it might be interesting.

The stress would make this EPT idea almost useless on a Defender. The Defender would greatly benefit from double focus but its cost must come via points spend on the EPT. Stress or the loss of any other ability would hamper the Defender more than help I fear.

If recon spec only costs 3 points, I don't see why an EPT version could not be created in the same fashion. It would need to be "a pilot skill" though in nature. Maybe "At the begining of combat, if you are in range 1 of an enemy ship you may assign a focus token to your ship."

I wasn't really thinking of Defenders specifically, just a way to get an extra focus that wasn't overpowering on any ship.

Thanks for doing this, guys. I really enjoy listening to you when I'm driving to and from work.