So have a build in mind but 2 points left open which I could use for either a better upgrade or drop in Brath. Like Vessery's skill, but the increase in pilot skill could be helpful.
Conversely I could take something like ruthlessness or predator instead of VI...
Colonel Vessery — TIE Defender 35
Veteran Instincts 1
Ion Cannon 3
Ship Total: 39
Delta Squadron Pilot — TIE Defender 30
Ion Cannon 3
Ship Total: 33
"Omega Leader" — TIE/fo Fighter 21
Juke 2
Comm Relay 3
Ship Total: 26
When I see Vessery squads, I usually see more than one ship that can target lock for him. Now it's true that Delta Sq. Pilot can target lock, but he really shouldn't I ran Delta's a lot a few months ago, and they absolutely need that focus token. With that in mind, I would choose Brath instead of Vessery. In fact, Brath + ion >> Vessery + ion. It's awesome when Brath uses his ability to land an ion hit on a high-agility ship like "Whisper" or Soontir Fel.
That said, I think Ion Cannon may be the enabling factor here. If Delta can ion a target and get behind, he will be free to target lock and help out Vessery. It's a tough call.
I will say that when I faced a squad like this at a tournament, my opponent had no Ion cannons, and he had Darth Vader instead of Delta Sq. Pilot. It was a well put together squad, and I'm not sure that Delta can sufficiently replace what Vader can offer.
I personally like Brath
Brath, PTL, Twin Ion Engine Mk II, TIE/x7 title (39)
Delta Squadron Pilot, Ion Cannon, Twin Ion Engine Mk II, TIE/D title (34)
Omega Leader, Juke, Comm Relay (26)
Leaves you with 1 point for initiative.
Personally I like Brath with the HLC on him, but if you're looking for 2 defenders, it's hard to do. With PTL on him though, you can ensure he always has a focus for his ability.
I personally like Brath
Brath, PTL, Twin Ion Engine Mk II, TIE/x7 title (39)
Delta Squadron Pilot, Ion Cannon, Twin Ion Engine Mk II, TIE/D title (34)
Omega Leader, Juke, Comm Relay (26)
Leaves you with 1 point for initiative.
Personally I like Brath with the HLC on him, but if you're looking for 2 defenders, it's hard to do. With PTL on him though, you can ensure he always has a focus for his ability.
With Veterans not out yet that build still not quite viable
I personally like Brath
Brath, PTL, Twin Ion Engine Mk II, TIE/x7 title (39)
Delta Squadron Pilot, Ion Cannon, Twin Ion Engine Mk II, TIE/D title (34)
Omega Leader, Juke, Comm Relay (26)
Leaves you with 1 point for initiative.
Personally I like Brath with the HLC on him, but if you're looking for 2 defenders, it's hard to do. With PTL on him though, you can ensure he always has a focus for his ability.
With Veterans not out yet that build still not quite viable
True.. Drop The Title on both, and the Twin Ion Mk II on the Delta and you end up with 100 points even.
Speaking of th MKII engine upgrade I could use my 2 points for those as well
I think the second defender does nothing for you here - tie/FOs will give you a source of target locks and more maneuverability, and the points to take a proper cannon.
I think the second defender does nothing for you here - tie/FOs will give you a source of target locks and more maneuverability, and the points to take a proper cannon.
Something against ion cannons?
I also throw my hat in with Brath. With OL being the only source of reliable locks for Vessery to feed off of, it makes OL an even more juicy target to be burned down. I've faced an OL/Vess list a few times, and each time I killed OL first, making Vess a higher PS generic.
I like Ion cannons, but the list really lacks in firepower. I know the plan is likely to walk ships off the board, but if you are using your cannons, you are doing at most, 4 damage a round. Swarms/turrets will likely pick you apart.
Have fun with it, but I'd likely revisit this list once Vets comes out and you can play around with the TIE/D title.
Have fun with it, but I'd likely revisit this list once Vets comes out and you can play around with the TIE/D title.
That is also part of the idea here getting used to flying this a bit more so it's a smoother transition for the Tie/d title.
There's nothing wrong with ion cannons. True their damage is limited, but you don't have to use them every round. It's about damage mitigation as well. If you can get on the other side of someone next round b/c they'll be ionized, that's dice that aren't coming your way.
That being said, it is still very situational, but well worth 3 points.
I don't mind ions, but if you're flying Vessery and you get a focus and a free target lock to modify dice with, I think it's a bit of a waste not to take an HLC.
This will change when Veterens comes out with the new titles 
Contrary to popular belief, Ion cannons are not for 'walking ships off the board'. Sure its possible, but frankly, only if your opponent is an idiot (although large-based ships that's easier to do, provided you have at least 2 ions, but even then, a bit of a stretch).
Ions are for keeping your own ships out of harms way. When you know your opponent is doing a 1 straight next turn, its very easy to set up your ships such that the ioned ship has no shot. Not getting shot is the best kind of damage mitigation (except against primary weapon turrets, but its easier to ionize them onto a rock or something else bad).
Having said that, I don't think named defenders are a good place to stick an ion cannon (yet! TIE/D changes that!). This is based on my experience with a bunch of different defender builds. I still feel named defenders should be with HLC or no cannon at all at this time. YMMV.