So far we have a pattern whereby generic pilots get no pilot ability, and unique pilots always get a pilot ability. This started me thinking about if a generic could/would/should ever get a pilot ability, and if so, for what kind of situation.

The main idea that springs to mind is if the pilot is from a squadron that is specially trained to used a certain technique or tactic. Seeing as my knowledge of B5 lore is better than that of Star Wars lore, the first example that sprang to mind was that of PsiCorps' Omega Squadron: A Starfury squadron formed exclusively of telepaths, so it would make sense that even generic members would get some basic telepath-like ability.

How would people feel if we did get any generic pilots with pilot abilities? Is there any squadrons in Star Wars that are reknown for being trained in unusual tactics, and what would their squadron's ability be? (I'm thinking that such abilities should at least be relatively weak so as not to outshine true aces.)

If so, I would give the generics some kind of bonus when they show up in groups, e.g -2 squad points per additional ship of same type. But no real pilot abilty.

In general I like the way it is now

Problem: Unless the text is really, really short, the specials are going to have different special abilities to their generic ships.

Really, that's what Title Cards should be for; you'd make "Omega Squadron" a title and give them special rules text there.

Beyond that, SW doesn't really have entire organisations of sufficiently special forces - in particular, Force Users are bespoke, and better represented by named pilots. Everyone else... well, there's Royal Guard Pilots already. They're PS6 and Elite; their special ability is to pick a card, any card* from the appropriate upgrade list.

* ha ha just kidding it's PTL

Well, nowadays you're always a Royal Guard.

Even if you're not!

Actually titles with strict PS limits are the way.

Something like

Pack hunters

Starviper PS 1-4 only

Title 2 points

While at range 1-2 of another Pack Hunter, you may re-roll 1 die when attacking and defending

and BLOP
Generic Starvipers stop gathering dust like they do right now!

*Add Underworld Aces pack with PS4 EPT-generic for extra epic generic swarms!*

What are you talking about? The meta is chalk full of Syndicate Thugs, Blue Squadron Pilots, Bandit Squadron Pilots, Gold Squadron pilots, and even the once mighty Academy Pilot is starting to make a comeback.

What are you talking about? The meta is chalk full of Syndicate Thugs, Blue Squadron Pilots, Bandit Squadron Pilots, Gold Squadron pilots, and even the once mighty Academy Pilot is starting to make a comeback.

Whoa, that's weird, I never noticed Bandits had a pilot ability . . . .

I actually like the idea of generic pilots with a pilot ability, but I'm not sure how you would make it work. Maybe a Rogue or Wraith Squadron pilot with a specific ability.

What are you talking about? The meta is chalk full of Syndicate Thugs, Blue Squadron Pilots, Bandit Squadron Pilots, Gold Squadron pilots, and even the once mighty Academy Pilot is starting to make a comeback.

Ever seen a Generic starviper?

Generic E-wing?

Generic YT-s?

Generic HWK's?

Generic 'Ceptors?

Generic phantoms?

yep. that's it.

What are you talking about? The meta is chalk full of Syndicate Thugs, Blue Squadron Pilots, Bandit Squadron Pilots, Gold Squadron pilots, and even the once mighty Academy Pilot is starting to make a comeback.

Ever seen a Generic starviper?

Generic E-wing?

Generic YT-s?

Generic HWK's?

Generic 'Ceptors?

Generic phantoms?

yep. that's it.

I fly generic phantoms and they are awesome and super competitive. Stygium, Sensor Jammer, Rebel Captive and Carnor Jax makes them very tough.