Tie Fighter (and X-Wing before it) played a rather large part in my teenage life, so it's always been much vexing that the Tie Defender never really cut it. Though it's still one of my most played ships and appeared with an Ion Cannon in my store tournament list helping to guide my fleet to the heady heights of not quite last in swiss (Highlights include score draw vs Po despite Po being on full and the Onyx being down to it's hull upgrade only, getting 2 ion tokens on Dash and having him take a hit from the asteroid he 1 straight moved onto, and ion Fel into the back of the Anti Pursuit Laser shuttle, finishing him off).

But I digress. I'm exuberant about the forthcoming Veterans pack and can't wait to get a more efficient Defender on the table. I suspect running a single generic amongst a pack might happen regularly, but here's more of a Defendery list:

Serve & Volley

Colonel Vessery

TIE Defender

How about Relxar + HLC? At range 3 they aren't getting bonus range dice (thought Autothrusters is still on the table) and if you can land a hit, especially in this new Ghost environment you have the potential to turn 4 cards face up if you are focused.

Just a thought, I've only gotten a couple games in with the defender. I love the ship though, that white 4K turn is incredible.

Rex and the HLC are certainly a consideration, though swapping the title to the -2pts x7 as the HLC can't be combined with v1 double tapping (3 point turrets and lower).

I know it's all only throwing 3 die at R3 and big bases (yes you jumpmaster) need 2 ions so the plan will soon melt, I still like the theory!

HLC would not work with either title, because it is too expensive of a cannon for one and the cannon spot gets removed from the other. I would say the HLC version might have potential until Imperial Veterans comes out, though.

HLC would not work with either title, because it is too expensive of a cannon for one and the cannon spot gets removed from the other. I would say the HLC version might have potential until Imperial Veterans comes out, though.

Of course. Stupid HLC.

HLC would not work with either title, because it is too expensive of a cannon for one and the cannon spot gets removed from the other. I would say the HLC version might have potential until Imperial Veterans comes out, though.

Of course. Stupid HLC.

Lol it was probably a very intentional design choice with Mangler and HLC out there

Why not tractor beam?

Lower their evade for that second primary shot

The tractor beam has its charm, but I like the ability to know exactly there the ion'd ship will be, without actions for the next trun. To really push through the volley, with a great chance to ion a second time and pummel repeatedly.

The tractor beam has its charm, but I like the ability to know exactly there the ion'd ship will be, without actions for the next trun. To really push through the volley, with a great chance to ion a second time and pummel repeatedly.

I understand the movement control that you get out of the ion cannon.

Just think of pulling them in to a range one shot with one less evade. I can almost taste the tears

I understand the movement control that you get out of the ion cannon.

Just think of pulling them in to a range one shot with one less evade. I can almost taste the tears

Absolutely. But I see these fella's operating at R3 where possible, only diving close when it's safe to do so. The defenders are getting 2x 3 dice attacks per turn, with a max damage output of 4 hits (1 from ion, 3 from primary).

Dragging them into R1 with the beam would without doubt be more reliable with 4 dice output vs lower agility, but then you're dancing in R2, which isn't a place The Inquisitor cares for and the arcs aren't quite as generous.

That's the thought process at least!

I have to say ion + tractor beam as a pair is pretty effective. Throw them into debris and then ion them is heaps of fun, especially if they'll take a second stress getting out.

I like it overall, that the Inquisitor and Vess are both PS8 is pretty nice and the title works well with getting the TL for vess to use. If you lose the Inquisitor however, you're stuck trying to TL with the other defender but I guess if they're trying to hit the Inquisitor (... Heresy!) then you go to town with the Defenders.