As the title says. Been playing rebels almost exclusively since forever so I felt like trying Imperials for a while. Althougb I am trying to avoid the "standard" Vader/Soontir choices. Is this any good?

Lambda-Class Shuttle: Omicron Group Pilot (21)

· ST-321 (3)

TIE Defender: · Colonel Vessery (35)

Veteran Instincts (1)

"Mangler" Cannon (4)

TIE Fighter: Academy Pilot (12)

TIE Fighter: Academy Pilot (12)

TIE Fighter: Academy Pilot (12)

-- TOTAL ------- 100/100p. --

Nothing terribly wrong with it... There are tweaks I would make but I will say what I always say - plan what you would do against meta lists, test it, and tweak.

I think 24 points for no other reason than to enable Vess' ability is a bit questionable. I like the shuttle and all, but without something else to keep it relevant for the whole battle (or as long as it lives), I don't think its worth it. Also, mangler is a bit questionable on a ship that already has 3 attack. Lastly, once the shuttle goes, there's nothing else in the list for Vess to get TLs from...

Here are two other ideas that allow 'gauranteed' TLs for Vess (or as close as you can get without long-range scanners)

Vessery w/ veteran instincts = 36

Vader w/ VI, x-1, ATC & engine = 35

Omega Leader w/ juke, comm relay & stealth = 29

100

Or:

Vessery w/ crack shot, HLC, shield = 47

Epsilon Ace w/ comm relay = 20

2 zeta pilots = 16 x 2

99

1st list gives you TL at PS11, 2nd list at PS12 (I think those points are right...)

You make a good point about having no other target lock sources. To be honest the shuttle idea came from thinking about long range scanners, and I was looking for an alternative to use in the mean time. I'm also looking for unconventional builds because the manager of my FLGS is convinced Imperials can't win without recourse to either Vader or Soontir or both, and I've resolved to prove him wrong.

I like the idea of supporting with FOs though, probably should've thought of that sooner.

As for the mangler thing... Yeah, probably. I tend to just default to it over HLC because of the point cost.

Not that I'm dead set on the shuttle per se, but what about:

Shuttle, ST-321, Vader

Vessery, VI, HLC

2 Epsilon

I'm close to the above post, but rather than the HLC:

Both of those look good!

St321 is usually a bad call to help Vessery, I think. He's powerful because he gets re-rolls for "free". St321 is 3 points. So is Predator, and Predator is worlds better.

Death rain or redline with FCS

Epsilon squad x4

Or

Omega jerk, stealth, comm, juke

Epsilon x2