(6) Deathrain 26

-Advanced Sensors 3

-Cluster Mines 4

-Extra Munitions 2

-Twin Ion Engine 1

(6) Epsilon Leader 19

-Twin Ion Engine 1

(6) Dark Curse 16

-Twin Ion Engine 1

(1) Academy Pilot 12

- Twin Ion Engine 1

(1) Academy Pilot 12

-Twin Ion Engine 1

The idea is to have the power of the mini swarm boosted by their ability to shed stress with Epsilon and Twin Ion, backed up by a bomber with a lot of options. I had some succes recently with a similar build using 2 generic defenders and throwing Deathrain at the backbone of my opponents squad, and having the ability to drop the mines either before or after I execute my maneuver.

Do you really need all those TIE mk 2s? I can see keeping it on deathrain, but its benefit on the others is questionable. Dropping those gives you 4 points---could throw conner net or proximity mines on Deathrain (or even a seismic/ion bomb if you prefer).

I also think Backstabber is probably more useful for this type of list rather than Dark Curse. Since he's going to be ignored until deathrain and Epsilon leader are dead, might as well benefit from the extra damage die...

Enhanced scopes on Deathrain is more useful in my experience, being able to move before everyone else knowing where they will be without being blocked to lay your clusters under an ace is priceless.

Having seen the Epsilon Leader in action, I don't think you really need all of the Mrk. II engines outside of Deathrain. Epsilon Leader almost always self-purges whatever stress they acquired from maneuvering before the next movement phase and the stock TIEs only gain 2 more greens out of the upgrade.

I'd probably drop the engines for another bomb or Ion Pulse missile on Deathrain (the former for more chances to use their ability or the latter to help set up good bombing opportunities) or else maybe a shield or hull upgrade on the Epsilon Leader to keep them in the fight longer. Otherwise looks like good fun to fly!

I found that Death rain doesn't combo as well will ships that want to be within R1 of opponent ships. Hard to drop mines and bombs when your ships are everywhere. I like using ships that thrive at R3 with Deathrain.