That a scrub pilot like the Countess gets to do green K-turns is total BS. She's only PS5. How could she possibly merit such an elite maneuver when she's not even a Royal Guard TIE pilot?

Sincerely,

Tetran Cowell

Wow. Can I just say that this was the best post I've read all week? This was on point! While Biophysical's reaction was, "Gasp!", my reaction was, "Now wait a second - this is the second or third time they've taken a TIE interceptor pilot's ability and made it better, then had the gall to release it on a different ship!" It's so disappointing. Lt. Lorrir and Tetran Cowall are almost as sad as "Fel's Wrath" now. And Kir Kanos. Whelp. Guess there's only one thing to do now -- put them on the table at game night! (At least until the Countess arrives...then I'm going to have to admit that TIE defenders are cooler than TIE interceptors).

pssh, I played Defenders before it was going to be cool

.. Its not like Ryad auto wins vs stuff. Like Soontir. And Whisper will fly around her for days. And Han will boost around her for days. And scouts will turn 1 kill her for a single day.

whats with all the fuss??

She is going to have the greenest dial ever with MK II. Really, the first Defender where PTL is a viable option. So, she is going to be hitting hard with TL and Focus most of the time.

FFG finaly gives the best abilities to not_top_PS_pilots!

Palob Godalhi and Torkhil Mux would like a word with you...

I'm excited to try;

Glaive with x7 and Wired

Glaive with x7, Juke

Rex with x7, Lone Wolf, Stealth Device

Steele with Mangler

Ryad with PTL, x7

Basically I'm just excited.

Now instead of just a "why Glaive instead of Vessery" question, it's a "why Glaive instead of Maarek" question. That 1 point buys you a PS and a decent ability over a Glaive.

The big draw of the Glaive is that you can take three of them with X7 and have four points for upgrades between them. For example make them all ps8 and have a one point bid if you want them all operating at top tier PS with the likes of the Inquisitior, Omega Leader and Poe.

Or run them beside Stele like shown in the article.

Nope, the best part of the Glaive is that you can take 2 of them together with the countess, all at PS 7 OR just 3 glaives at PS 8 OR two glaives and soontir Fel OR … it seems to fit really well into our imperial squad doctrines.

That a scrub pilot like the Countess gets to do green K-turns is total BS. She's only PS5. How could she possibly merit such an elite maneuver when she's not even a Royal Guard TIE pilot?

Sincerely,

Tetran Cowell

Wow. Can I just say that this was the best post I've read all week? This was on point! While Biophysical's reaction was, "Gasp!", my reaction was, "Now wait a second - this is the second or third time they've taken a TIE interceptor pilot's ability and made it better, then had the gall to release it on a different ship!" It's so disappointing. Lt. Lorrir and Tetran Cowall are almost as sad as "Fel's Wrath" now. And Kir Kanos. Whelp. Guess there's only one thing to do now -- put them on the table at game night! (At least until the Countess arrives...then I'm going to have to admit that TIE defenders are cooler than TIE interceptors).

To be fair, Cowell's ability allows him to change length of K-turn on the fly. Ryad's ability gives her lots of length options (in green). They are rather different things.

That a scrub pilot like the Countess gets to do green K-turns is total BS. She's only PS5. How could she possibly merit such an elite maneuver when she's not even a Royal Guard TIE pilot?

Sincerely,

Tetran Cowell

Wow. Can I just say that this was the best post I've read all week? This was on point! While Biophysical's reaction was, "Gasp!", my reaction was, "Now wait a second - this is the second or third time they've taken a TIE interceptor pilot's ability and made it better, then had the gall to release it on a different ship!" It's so disappointing. Lt. Lorrir and Tetran Cowall are almost as sad as "Fel's Wrath" now. And Kir Kanos. Whelp. Guess there's only one thing to do now -- put them on the table at game night! (At least until the Countess arrives...then I'm going to have to admit that TIE defenders are cooler than TIE interceptors).

To be fair, Cowell's ability allows him to change length of K-turn on the fly. Ryad's ability gives her lots of length options (in green). They are rather different things.

...good point.

He's saying that he coined the term jousting value (true) and that maneuver options have nothing to do with the calculations he used to produce said jousting values (also true). When one uses a term invented and defined by another person, it is generally good practice to keep their definition, or communication becomes very difficult.

As further background, I specifically coined the term "jousting value" because I wanted it to be as obvious as possible that the numbers did not consider the value of the dial (or other non-dice factors), so I picked the word "jousting" as it implies two ships recklessly just flying straight at each other.

And I think, as your Maths Version 3.0987438945039859302 takes into account, that printed stats are less and less useful to math out as the game continues to expand. Jousting turned into "3 pillars: Swarm, Ace/Arc Dodge, Turret" and now we're even past that.

The opposite is actually true, IF you consider *all* possible dice mods and a realistic action economy.

Soontir Fel can 2x focus + evade

Inquisitor gets F+E+TL+ R1 attacks

Omega Leader with CR+Juke w/ TL on the enemy directly changes the dice mods

Etc etc.

You can get a very accurate set of values for each, even though it encompasses more than just the raw stat line. Fundamentally jousting values are about pure dice and stat manipulation. Originally I only looked at the raw stat line, but that has improved.

Whenever I think of the X7 title, this keeps popping into my head...

So my question is where does Rexlar fit into all of this? He may not have the best synergy with the titles and his ability isn't the coolest but he is still gonna be the best option for a high PS defender, and while sure veterans is gonna really boost the standing of defenders as it stands in most imp lists either you are a cracktie, a palpmobile, or a high ps dodgy/tokeny ace. Think an x7 rexlar can stand up with the rest of the aces?

Rexler + VI + TIE/D + Tractor Beam (39).

He's about the cheapest user of tractor beam who can reliably pass the -1 Agility benefit to multiple ships, including himself with the second shot; he can roll smaller enemies around defensively rather than offensively (to get their arcs off him, so on); and he's not super-expensive.

He's a team player, someone who cripples ships for his wingmates AND for himself.

And Sithborg, there's only one Sonic themesong that's worth linking:

And I think, as your Maths Version 3.14159265359 takes into account...

FIXED.

Extremely disappointed in you, Rakky...

You know... In my brain I had gone back and fixed that. Brain fail or stupid smartphone fail? Funny either way I guess.

As further background, I specifically coined the term "jousting value" because I wanted it to be as obvious as possible that the numbers did not consider the value of the dial (or other non-dice factors), so I picked the word "jousting" as it implies two ships recklessly just flying straight at each other.

And I think, as your Maths Version 3.0987438945039859302 takes into account, that printed stats are less and less useful to math out as the game continues to expand....The math does a great job of predicting "duds". AND is essential to know, at least at the base level, so that you can apply your skill to the right option.

I disagree with the "less useful" line because of the "great job of predicting" line.Jousting value is useful, even if nobody jousts, because it gives you a sense of how good the intangibles have to be before the ship becomes effective. If a ship lands with a 50% jousting value, you know it's going to need Echo's decloaks, Lorir's barrel roll, Juno and Tycho's ability, and Epsilon Ace's PS before it has a chance at making those points back. Likewise, if the numbers say 130%, then you know you can just drop the generics on the table and go.

I know that. But we're running out of feasible base stat lines at this point. The intangibles almost mean as much or more than raw stats. We know the value of stat lines but the upgrades and slots interactions are mind numbingly complex for even your more than average player. Thankfully we have someone to do the maths for us!

He's saying that he coined the term jousting value (true) and that maneuver options have nothing to do with the calculations he used to produce said jousting values (also true). When one uses a term invented and defined by another person, it is generally good practice to keep their definition, or communication becomes very difficult.

As further background, I specifically coined the term "jousting value" because I wanted it to be as obvious as possible that the numbers did not consider the value of the dial (or other non-dice factors), so I picked the word "jousting" as it implies two ships recklessly just flying straight at each other.

And I think, as your Maths Version 3.0987438945039859302 takes into account, that printed stats are less and less useful to math out as the game continues to expand. Jousting turned into "3 pillars: Swarm, Ace/Arc Dodge, Turret" and now we're even past that.

The opposite is actually true, IF you consider *all* possible dice mods and a realistic action economy.

Soontir Fel can 2x focus + evade

Inquisitor gets F+E+TL+ R1 attacks

Omega Leader with CR+Juke w/ TL on the enemy directly changes the dice mods

Etc etc.

You can get a very accurate set of values for each, even though it encompasses more than just the raw stat line. Fundamentally jousting values are about pure dice and stat manipulation. Originally I only looked at the raw stat line, but that has improved.

Then your new secret sauce is even more Caliente! Than you have allowed us to believe!

I like that both titles are going to be great on different pilots. I think defenders more than any other ship are good from the lowest generic to the top ace. I guess TIE fighters can say the same.

Brath is still not worth it when compared to the other pilots though.

So my question is where does Rexlar fit into all of this? He may not have the best synergy with the titles and his ability isn't the coolest but he is still gonna be the best option for a high PS defender, and while sure veterans is gonna really boost the standing of defenders as it stands in most imp lists either you are a cracktie, a palpmobile, or a high ps dodgy/tokeny ace. Think an x7 rexlar can stand up with the rest of the aces?

Easily,

Rexler with Lone Wolf, Stealth Device and X7 is going to be a pain in the rear deflectors.

Or Rexler with Systems Officer/Fleet Officer support, etc.

So my question is where does Rexlar fit into all of this? He may not have the best synergy with the titles and his ability isn't the coolest but he is still gonna be the best option for a high PS defender, and while sure veterans is gonna really boost the standing of defenders as it stands in most imp lists either you are a cracktie, a palpmobile, or a high ps dodgy/tokeny ace. Think an x7 rexlar can stand up with the rest of the aces?

x7/Juke is solid on Rexler. Juke provides some offensive modification and allows him to retain his focus token to throw crits.

Throwing in a BOmber Buddy to give him TLs and additional focus tokens is just gravy.

PTL/x7 is also an option.

I don't think TIE/D is his friend though, he has too many ways to spend focus at that point, and I think you want to build him lean.

I think, with Rexler, it's better to just take a focus, and use his ability if he rolls natural hits against a ship with no shields. Treat it as a bonus that might come into play rather than the reason to take him. Stele (x7, Calculation) is a better choice if you need those crits to matter.

People, now we are in trouble.

TIE Defender: · Maarek Stele (35)

Juke (2)

TIE/x7 (-2)

TIE Defender: · Countess Ryad (34)

Push The Limit (3)

Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (1)

TIE/x7 (-2)

Lambda-Class Shuttle: Omicron Group Pilot (21)

· Emperor Palpatine (8)

Must say. This expansion would be perfect if only FFG added Connor Net instead of Cluster mines. I mean probably every Imperial player has at least one Punisher. One Crackshot/TB also hurts but I can live with that.

More diversification of upgrades per fraction expansion, please.

Must say. This expansion would be perfect if only FFG added Connor Net instead of Cluster mines. I mean probably every Imperial player has at least one Punisher. One Crackshot/TB also hurts but I can live with that.

More diversification of upgrades per fraction expansion, please.

Seriously, the fact that this includes no Conner Net is really irritating. They're literally only in Rebel sets at the moment, which is a pain for people who play Scum and Imps and not Rebels.

I don't want to buy two K wings. But I'm probably going to wind up doing so for the Conner Nets and TLTs.

That a scrub pilot like the Countess gets to do green K-turns is total BS. She's only PS5. How could she possibly merit such an elite maneuver when she's not even a Royal Guard TIE pilot?

Sincerely,

Tetran Cowell

Wow. Can I just say that this was the best post I've read all week? This was on point! While Biophysical's reaction was, "Gasp!", my reaction was, "Now wait a second - this is the second or third time they've taken a TIE interceptor pilot's ability and made it better, then had the gall to release it on a different ship!" It's so disappointing. Lt. Lorrir and Tetran Cowall are almost as sad as "Fel's Wrath" now. And Kir Kanos. Whelp. Guess there's only one thing to do now -- put them on the table at game night! (At least until the Countess arrives...then I'm going to have to admit that TIE defenders are cooler than TIE interceptors).

To be fair, Cowell's ability allows him to change length of K-turn on the fly. Ryad's ability gives her lots of length options (in green). They are rather different things.

And the ability to change if she K-turns or not on the fly.

.. Its not like Ryad auto wins vs stuff. Like Soontir. And Whisper will fly around her for days. And Han will boost around her for days. And scouts will turn 1 kill her for a single day.

whats with all the fuss??

She is going to have the greenest dial ever with MK II. Really, the first Defender where PTL is a viable option. So, she is going to be hitting hard with TL and Focus most of the time.

I've been using x7 PTL Rexler for ages and he wrecks face, add a tie shuttle with fleet officer he will dismantle anything.

Not viable, but ooh boy:

http://geordanr.github.io/xwing/?f=Galactic%20Empire&d=v4!s!147:96,-1:23:17:U.124;195:18,-1,-1:33:3:;59:96:5:15:M.17&sn=Unnamed%20Squadron

And Sithborg, there's only one Sonic themesong that's worth linking:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYW7-hNXZlM

Wtf?! That's the most insane thing I've ever heard!

Not viable, but ooh boy:

http://geordanr.github.io/xwing/?f=Galactic%20Empire&d=v4!s!147:96,-1:23:17:U.124;195:18,-1,-1:33:3:;59:96:5:15:M.17&sn=Unnamed%20Squadron

Think I would run something like this: http://geordanr.github.io/xwing/?f=Galactic%20Empire&d=v4!s!163:18,-1:27:17:;195:18,-1,-1:33:17:;28:18:5:15:M.5&sn=Unnamed%20Squadron

You lose the engine upgrade on the countess (which is a shame), but the build makes up for it with two other very mobile and hard to hit ships. Possibly even drop the Twin II on the Inq for an initiative bid.

So with childish glee I mentioned to my regular group of x wingers about the Defenders I use are finally going to become the superiority fighter they were destined to be and I was met with:

"PS5 is too low to make that ability useful"
"They all cost too much"

"Speed 3 is too fast for it is be constantly useful."

"Why would you ever take one over Vader or Fel, who are cheaper, higher PS, do more and survive longer."
"They are not the Imperial IG88 Aggressors like they were meant to be."

"Without autothrusters, they will still die and take away half your list in points."

"They can't turn and retain actions. . "

I gave up trying to justify them after that because I know they are going to be buying the pack.