Why the ion cannon and not the tractor beam? WIth that many shots hitting you'll get a LOT more mileage out of the tractor beam. Also, Crack Shot on Vess; getting him up to PS8 is a lot less important than forcing that critically important hit through.

Ion for damage and control (Vessery has always liked being able to ionise, K-Turn, and then walk someone off the board; TIE/D makes that even better). Plus the other three ships can take advantage of an ionised ship as well, potentially moreso than TBeam (although not necessarily).

Also VI is there because when he lands the Tracers, the TAPs get TLs which triggers their titles so they also get Evades. The sooner they get Evades the more likely they are to survive that first round and get off the missiles. Any unfired ordnance is a blow against a list, so that's a priority. It also gives Vess an edge against non-VI Brobots by default, which will go a long way in helping with that matchup.

I'd question ions in a list without a way to get two on a big ship in a single turn. And I think you're underestimating the value of -1 agility.

Getting VI just for a single evade on each TAP slightly earlier (but not early enough to make the difference against PS9+) seems like a waste to me compared to forcing through a hit on the likes of Soontir or Poe. Vessery's arc with the Tractor Beam (from experience trialling it since the card was spoiled) is a death zone for small ships when the rest of the list has a lot of shots to spend, and not a pleasant place even for large ones.

The predictability of ions is great, but I'm not sure it's worth spending two points on.

I'd question ions in a list without a way to get two on a big ship in a single turn. And I think you're underestimating the value of -1 agility.

Getting VI just for a single evade on each TAP slightly earlier (but not early enough to make the difference against PS9+) seems like a waste to me compared to forcing through a hit on the likes of Soontir or Poe. Vessery's arc with the Tractor Beam (from experience trialling it since the card was spoiled) is a death zone for small ships when the rest of the list has a lot of shots to spend, and not a pleasant place even for large ones.

The predictability of ions is great, but I'm not sure it's worth spending two points on.

TBeams are great! I'm definitely not going to disagree there. I just feel the Ion and its extra damage are worth the extra points; using TBeam I'd probably build the list differently. Maybe drop the missiles altogether and take Thrusters on the two TAPs since their 2ATK is going to work well against anyone that Vessery tractors. Frees up some points, maybe for a PRocket on Vessery or upgrading the TIE/fo to another TAP or maybe even a TIE/x1.

I had no idea there was this much excitement for generic TAP's. I was only thinking about the inquisitor but now my rusty gears are turning.

I'd question ions in a list without a way to get two on a big ship in a single turn. And I think you're underestimating the value of -1 agility.

Getting VI just for a single evade on each TAP slightly earlier (but not early enough to make the difference against PS9+) seems like a waste to me compared to forcing through a hit on the likes of Soontir or Poe. Vessery's arc with the Tractor Beam (from experience trialling it since the card was spoiled) is a death zone for small ships when the rest of the list has a lot of shots to spend, and not a pleasant place even for large ones.

The predictability of ions is great, but I'm not sure it's worth spending two points on.

TBeams are great! I'm definitely not going to disagree there. I just feel the Ion and its extra damage are worth the extra points; using TBeam I'd probably build the list differently. Maybe drop the missiles altogether and take Thrusters on the two TAPs since their 2ATK is going to work well against anyone that Vessery tractors. Frees up some points, maybe for a PRocket on Vessery or upgrading the TIE/fo to another TAP or maybe even a TIE/x1.

That's the thing though, you should get a lot more damage out of a Tractor Beam, because -1 agility is ~+0.5 damage per attack roll, and you'll be shooting 6 times in round 1 potentially.

Prockets are wasted points on a TIE/D, you're almost never going to use them over a cannon-then-primary.

I had no idea there was this much excitement for generic TAP's. I was only thinking about the inquisitor but now my rusty gears are turning.

Guidance Chips! They make for a much more efficient missile platform, and the Sienar Test Pilot at 16 points (+1 for the TIE/v1 title) is a great place to use a Concussion Missile I feel. You're very likely to roll 3-4 hits just using the Conc and GC texts, never mind a Focus token as well!

That's the thing though, you should get a lot more damage out of a Tractor Beam, because -1 agility is ~+0.5 damage per attack roll, and you'll be shooting 6 times in round 1 potentially.

Prockets are wasted points on a TIE/D, you're almost never going to use them over a cannon-then-primary.

TBeams only provide extra damage from additional shots, and that's if it lands in the first place. Someone with high enough AGI to be a concern might dodge the TBeam shot anyway. Ion has the same chance to hit of course, and the whole idea is to use Vessery for TLs on both attacks, but without extra attacks TBeam doesn't offer as much immediate return as Ion (YMMV with the tractor-roll of course!).

And as for PRockets on a TIE/D, normally I'd agree, but Vessery is the exception for me! Being able to spike damage with a TL+F 5 dice attack is absolutely more useful as an attack of opportunity against the likes of Fel or Vader since it threatens to wipe them clean off the board. Yes a R1 Ion+Primary combo threatens the same damage, but it's across two separate attacks and the Ion lacks the ability to Crit. But for the most part no the TIE/D isn't interested in PRockets.

I had no idea there was this much excitement for generic TAP's. I was only thinking about the inquisitor but now my rusty gears are turning.

Something to run pocket Prockets (plus Targeting Chip) on, seeing what people are saying about TBeams I may be leaning towards them since the original idea was to Ion then dive on a target.

Instead you can go full Scorpion on there tailpipes and open up with 5 dice with focus and negate a blank, against reduced agility to boot. This is before you consider all the utility of flipping ships onto obstructions or range 1 (here's looking at you TLTs) and the continued mitigation of defense with the rest of your list being 2 dice primaries.

They lose out on sloops I guess but you can always mix and match with TIE/FO's!

I had no idea there was this much excitement for generic TAP's. I was only thinking about the inquisitor but now my rusty gears are turning.

Guidance Chips! They make for a much more efficient missile platform, and the Sienar Test Pilot at 16 points (+1 for the TIE/v1 title) is a great place to use a Concussion Missile I feel. You're very likely to roll 3-4 hits just using the Conc and GC texts, never mind a Focus token as well!

That's the thing though, you should get a lot more damage out of a Tractor Beam, because -1 agility is ~+0.5 damage per attack roll, and you'll be shooting 6 times in round 1 potentially.

Prockets are wasted points on a TIE/D, you're almost never going to use them over a cannon-then-primary.

TBeams only provide extra damage from additional shots, and that's if it lands in the first place. Someone with high enough AGI to be a concern might dodge the TBeam shot anyway. Ion has the same chance to hit of course, and the whole idea is to use Vessery for TLs on both attacks, but without extra attacks TBeam doesn't offer as much immediate return as Ion (YMMV with the tractor-roll of course!).

And as for PRockets on a TIE/D, normally I'd agree, but Vessery is the exception for me! Being able to spike damage with a TL+F 5 dice attack is absolutely more useful as an attack of opportunity against the likes of Fel or Vader since it threatens to wipe them clean off the board. Yes a R1 Ion+Primary combo threatens the same damage, but it's across two separate attacks and the Ion lacks the ability to Crit. But for the most part no the TIE/D isn't interested in PRockets.

If you can't co-ordinate your force so you can land multiple shots on a t-beamed target then yeah, you've got a point I guess.

But when you can, the T-beam is amazing.

I for one look forward to flying this:

Rexler Brath — TIE Defender 37
Predator 3
TIE/x7 -2
Ship Total: 38

Colonel Vessery — TIE Defender 35
Veteran Instincts 1
TIE/x7 -2
Ship Total: 34

Tomax Bren — TIE Bomber 24
Cool Hand 1
Fleet Officer 3
TIE Shuttle 0
Ship Total: 28

I for one look forward to flying this:

Rexler Brath — TIE Defender 37

Predator 3

TIE/x7 -2

Ship Total: 38

Colonel Vessery — TIE Defender 35

Veteran Instincts 1

TIE/x7 -2

Ship Total: 34

Tomax Bren — TIE Bomber 24

Cool Hand 1

Fleet Officer 3

TIE Shuttle 0

Ship Total: 28

I like this list. A lot. Might try this in my next Vassal league game; been loving the x7 title so far. Even the PS1 Defender is a force to be reckoned with with that thing equipped.

So what's the thoughts on Col. Vess running /D and Ion Cannon with the new Tie Prototypes?

With their title they increase the efficiency of their target locks and have a dial that's on point to chase down an Ion'd ship.

Definitely looking forward to Vessery and some TAPs! I'm excited to try the following:

Colonel Vessery (35)

Veteran Instincts (1)

Ion Cannon (3)

XX-23 S-Thread Tracers (1)

Guidance Chips (0)

TIE/D (0)

Sienar Test Pilot (16)

Concussion Missiles (4)

Guidance Chips (0)

TIE/v1 (1)

Sienar Test Pilot (16)

Concussion Missiles (4)

Guidance Chips (0)

TIE/v1 (1)

Omega Squadron Pilot (17)

Crack Shot (1)

Total: 100

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

Kind of wish I could fit a third TAP in there but I'm hoping that Vessery sticking the Tracers onto a juicy target at Range 3 to start combat, followed by two TL+F+Guided Concs will really nail a Large ship or VIP. After that it's just mopping up; quad TLTs could be a pain or anything with a ton of health and no ideal first target (4BZ and quad K come to mind).

I like it, but depending on their price (when it's finally revealed) might look to go with the "Baron of" TIE/Inqs by possibly downgrading the Omega to a Black. Makes em' Predator-resistant, and guarantees you'll shoot before a lot of people to help you safely use that Focus on offense rather than risking it on defense and having your concs possibly whiff. It'll also help them set up their own TLs should things go awry with Vessery.

But again, totally dependent on their cost. They could be anywhere from 17-21, with my money either on 18 with no EPT or 20 with an EPT. If they can't fit, they can't fit.

Vessery is about to be in SUCH a good place because the Imperials now have SO many potential wingmen who synergise with him - TAPs with TIE/v1, TIE Advanced aces with ATC, Omega Leader, Redline with FCS, Bombers with LRS just off the top of my head. You don't need to take suboptimal choices to make a PS6 Defender work any more, you can surround him a ton of stuff that's strong in its own right and actually WANTS to take or have Target Lock every round.

Can't friggin' wait.

Has there been much discussion as to the importance of the initiative bid when it comes to the TBeams positional play? A VI Vess being able to deny Poe his shots (or Marrik against Fel, ability be damned he can be PS 9!) seems pretty valid.

Has there been much discussion as to the importance of the initiative bid when it comes to the TBeams positional play? A VI Vess being able to deny Poe his shots (or Marrik against Fel, ability be damned he can be PS 9!) seems pretty valid.

Not a huge amount. Most of my building has focussed around the beam-carrier being Vessery, and I've more or less given up on the initiative race at that point and just gone for making it awkward to dodge arcs, and making sure the t-beam hits at all costs when it's able to fire, and kept a set of lower-initiative allies on the board to take advantage when it does.

My Vessery builds always use Darth Vader, In my opinion this is the perfect partner for Vessery. High PS makes grabbing TLs easy, but unlike other high PS ships you don't have to worry about Vader shooting first and needing to spend the TL.

Vader, predator, ATC, engine upgrade- 37 points

Vessery, x7 title, mk2 engines, outmaneuver- 37 points

This leaves as many as 26 points for the last ship, or you can go with a more expensive setup for Vessery with TIE/D title and a cannon. Vessery's EPT is open to change if you prefer, and Vader could stand to drop to VI or Adaptability for a cheaper price and slightly different strategic benefits.

So what can you get with 26 points or less?

Inquisitor with title - 26 points. No autothrusters unless you drop points on Vader

Tomax Bren, crack shot, intel agent - 26 points

Tomax Bren, crack shot, long range scanners- 25 points

Lieutenant Colzet, 23 points

Tempest squadron pilot, accuracy corrector- 21 points

Sienar Test Pilot- 16 points, 17 with title

all the various TIE/fo builds all the way down to 15 points

Academy pilot + targeting computer, 14 points

I'm leaning toward the Tomax Bren, crackshot, long range scanner build myself, but I could also see dropping Vader to VI for Inquisitor, title, adaptability, autothrusters.

So what can you get with 26 points or less?

Dude, El Presidenté, who also doesn't want to spend his locks!

Omega Leader /w Comms and Juke - wooooooooooo!

^ is actually the first real synergistic triple-ace list that the Empire has seen.

^ is actually the first real synergistic triple-ace list that the Empire has seen.

Opinions can differ on the right EPT for each pilot, but that's personal opinion and meta dependent anyway. Looks to be a pretty brutal combination either way. Predator Vader hits hard, Vessery hits really hard, Omega Leader hits modestly hard on his target, so you have a particular sort of jousting power. Furthermore, if Vessery is the last one alive, he's been doing epic damage, and he's got the white K-turn to beat people up in the end game. Vader is a proven closer. Omega Leader can very nearly solo most ships in the game one-on-one. There's a lot of bad choices to be made by the opponent.

Well pre reveals I flew vessery with three tie advanced using AC that was deadly but swap them for TAP's and give vessery /D and TB you have a nice setup to give anything a headache.

^ is actually the first real synergistic triple-ace list that the Empire has seen.

Opinions can differ on the right EPT for each pilot, but that's personal opinion and meta dependent anyway. Looks to be a pretty brutal combination either way. Predator Vader hits hard, Vessery hits really hard, Omega Leader hits modestly hard on his target, so you have a particular sort of jousting power. Furthermore, if Vessery is the last one alive, he's been doing epic damage, and he's got the white K-turn to beat people up in the end game. Vader is a proven closer. Omega Leader can very nearly solo most ships in the game one-on-one. There's a lot of bad choices to be made by the opponent.

I just had a game where my Omega Leader with comms realy and juke destroyed Han Solo with predator, gunner, title, and C3P0 by himself. All other ships were dead by the time they started shooting at each other and neither had any damage going in. I'd say that's pretty conclusive that Omega Leader is without a doubt the best 1v1 ship in the game.

^ is actually the first real synergistic triple-ace list that the Empire has seen.

Opinions can differ on the right EPT for each pilot, but that's personal opinion and meta dependent anyway. Looks to be a pretty brutal combination either way. Predator Vader hits hard, Vessery hits really hard, Omega Leader hits modestly hard on his target, so you have a particular sort of jousting power. Furthermore, if Vessery is the last one alive, he's been doing epic damage, and he's got the white K-turn to beat people up in the end game. Vader is a proven closer. Omega Leader can very nearly solo most ships in the game one-on-one. There's a lot of bad choices to be made by the opponent.

Also you can just run Vessery with x7 and no ept since he's crazy good naked, predator Vader and baffle Palpatine. Not 3 closers but let me tell you, vessery with focus evade target lock and Palpatine every turn is just stupid.

Has there been much discussion as to the importance of the initiative bid when it comes to the TBeams positional play? A VI Vess being able to deny Poe his shots (or Marrik against Fel, ability be damned he can be PS 9!) seems pretty valid.

Most aces are going to want to give you the initiative so that they can dodge better. This means that you will be firing your tractor beams before them anyways, so I don't really see any reason for you to have any bid at all. Either the aces give up their ability to dodge (and the value of their bid), or they make themselves more vulnerable to tractors. Win/win for you.

Lucky me, I already preordered two!

It seems most people are not that big on the Bombers. Even with their new paintjob. Do you all think its an underwhelming paintjob? My problem is I've got 5 already.

I am actually really looking forward to running those bombers. My two IV sets are going to leave me with 4 bombers total. They're a pretty survivable ship, and I want to use them more. (plus Epic bomber runs are going to be sooooo fun)

Unfortunately I'm greener then the green weenie and don't know if a Bomber squadron is worth it, even if they're one of my favorite craft.

They're absolutely worth it. They're already fine as vanilla generic craft but when Veterans drops they'll be in an even stronger standing. Guidance Chips and Extra Munitions in tandem, as well, are going to help the Bomber quite a bit.

I was planning a K wing eventually for connor net, I guess more extra muns wouldn't hurt, but I'm not sold on a tap for chips, or buying three bombers+vets.

The Jumpmaster 5000 will also come with two Guidance Chip cards! Still not ideal I know but they're definitely going to help the Bombers.

I can wait then.

This will be unpopular but I don't think Brath is that good. I am sure Merek or the baroness will be better for abilities and the reduction of price.