It all started when I bought the Vaksai minis from Mel's miniatures. I originally intended to replace Cobra's ship model with Vaksai to differentiate it from other Kihraxz pilots.
But then I had a thought: why not develop an entirely new ship for him? He is using subpar ship just like Wedge, which kinda overnerfed his awesome ability (TLTs eat Cobras for lunch). Not saying that 28pts Kihraxz are overcosted, it's just that I'd rather see him in a more expensive ship that won't limit what he can do (see Rexler). Thus I am planning to let him fly Vaksai fighter in casual play with the following traits:
Pilot Card:
Yes, yes I know it's a Rebel template with E-Wing silhouette. Compared to Kihraxz, Vaksai gains 1 extra agility, better shielding plus the Boost Action and Systems upgrade. I feel that it fits the description of Vaksai's capabilities as explained in Wookieepedia:
The Vaksai had over three times the maximum component capacity of the Kihraxz, allowing for heavier, more powerful engines, weapons, capacitors, and other systems
I questioned myself when deciding the cost. Is it too cheap? maybe, given that PS8 Corran is 35. But the E-Wing has even better shielding, barrel roll instead of boost, evade, systems upgrade AND the astromech slot which is by far the most important upgrade to keep your costly investment flying safely. Plus double tapping is a more effective ability to have as it procs anytime you have the opportunity to shoot not just at R1. So I'd say that 33 pts is alright.
On the other hand, Cobra can now dodge like palpatine's in da house at R3 with 5 defense dice and autothrusters and sensor jammer. Unfortunately, the mantra says TLTs eat cobras for lunch so you can forget that mid-day sweet dreams. But wait! there's a way to fare better against turrets which I'm gonna explain in a bit. For now, let us discuss the maneuver options:
Maneuver Dial:
Again, Vaksai has better engine..or should I say, thrusters so it gets a 5-White straight, 2-Red Tallon Roll/S-loop (still undecided) at the cost of missing 3 K-turn and 1 hard turns now red. Cobra loves boom n zoom tactics so this ship fits his style even more. Hard turns are even harder to do now because, well, the thrusters are stronger. It has the feeling of a Tie Defender, don't you agree? ![]()
Now, Vaksai and Kihraxz line in general are famed for their ability to take heavy modifications and configurations which result in every single ships looking unique and different. How can I bring this element to the game and make a different flying experience with this uber customizable-trait in mind? The answer is to introduce a modification upgrade card:
Sublight Accelerator Refit
Vaksai Fighter only. Modification
Your upgrade bar lose the <Missile> upgrade icon. Your action bar lose the <Boost> action icon. Reduce your primary weapon value by 1. Your action bar gains the <SLAM> action. You may equip "Advanced SLAM" upgrade card along with this modification. If you do, pay the squad point cost as normal.
Cost -2
Last time I checked, Missile Boat and K-Wings are the primary users of SLAM and they are both *arguably* small-base ships in scale so surely someone at the outer rim can tinker the Vaksai to replace the engine with a bigger one? I've ditched the missile racks even!
Anyway, This offers a host of new options to play with. With reduced primary, Cobra won't hit as hard anymore, but he will become the slipperiest pilot in the galaxy. SLAM away from Turret danger zones and come back to the fight later for a R1 4-red dice strike! You can even SLAM a 5 straight maneuver for a total of 11-speed straight rush to your opponent's face, but of course you won't be shooting that round so there's that. Or equip Expert Handling for the best repositioning possibilities. There will be a host of loadout options for the ship which can be tailored to fulfill specific roles with or without the modification. I just wish that my friends are ok with me flying this ship once the mini comes.
Thanks everyone for reading, I hope you had a good time. Also if you would be so kind to leave a constructive feedback on my ideas, by all means do let me know! ![]()
Btw I made the custom card/dial/token with this awesome creator http://cardcreator.atelierdufaucon.com/. It's in French but you can navigate around quite easily. Kudos to the creator!
Edited by Grivoire

