In preparation for the Regionals in Murray, Ky, I have been building and testing quite a few lists. I have narrowed it down to three, and I was hoping i could get some insight and criticism of the constructive sort...

While all three of these lists fall into well known classifications, i.e Doom Shuttle, Palp/ Aces, etc... I feel like they may be a rehash of things you have seen before, but I would still like to get your opinion on them. If you have seen it before, and it doesn't work, let me know where it's flaws lie.

List the first:

OGP 29 pts

Vader

Jade

APL

Fell 35 pts

Title

PTL

Autothrusters

Stealth Device

Jax 34 pts

Title

PTL

Autothrusters

Stealth Device

98 pts total

This list surprised me with how fun it is to play. I love Interceptors, and while squishy, AT and Stealth Device keep them alive long enough to do serious damage, and Jax can shut down enemy tokens. The shuttle works well as a blocker, with APL and Mara hopefully keeping large base ships and enemy aces out of range one while Vader throws a hissy fit and gets timely crits on damaged enemies. Also, two point initiative bid.

It requires a rather aggressive style of play, that I like, but also requires the shuttle to be flown in close where it will become a HUGE target.

List the second:

Vader 37 pts

Title

Adaptability (increase)

ATC

Prockets

EU

Inquisitor 34pts

Title

PTL

Prockets

Autothrusters

OGP 29pts

Palpatine

100 pts total

This list is probably pretty self explainatory. I have had to defend my choice of taking the Prockets, but only until Vader and his fellow henchman unloaded them on a Deci in round 3 of a game and it left the board next round. I think they are dangerous and work so well with this list. If anything, i would might replace PTL with Predator on the Inquisitor.

No initiative bid.

List the third:

Jax 34pts

Title

PTL

Stealth Device

Autothrusters

"Redline" 41pts

Proton Torps

Extra Munitions

Cluster Missles

Seismic Charges

FCS

Chips

OGP 24pts

Vader

99 pts total

Of these three lists, I have played with this one the least. I have had success with it, however, and I am convinced it could be competitive. Have not tested it against ANY meta-builds. I think it will work very well against U-boatmageddon.... got some serious damage output in "Redline", and he takes more than one torpedo hit to kill. Jax keeps Deadeyers from getting that crucial focus, and Vader is a bully.

Okay, that's what i got. Tear 'em apart and help me choose!

Thanks in advance!

I like the first and second lists.

For the first list, I think you're better off with Palpatine on the shuttle. Your two Interceptors will benefit greatly and your Stealth Devices will last much longer. If you stick with Vader crew, then consider taking Electronic Baffle to be even more of a nuisance.

For your second list, there isn't anything I'd change here. Ideally, Vader should have VI to deal with other Palp Aces; but some well-placed blocks into Prockets should get you through.

Ultimately I would go with the first list considering the current meta. Triple Scouts annihilate Vader whereas Carnor severely dampens their threat potential.

Thanks for the input. I must admit, this was the list I was leaning towards.

I'm not sure about Electronic Baffle, though. Stacking damage-for-effect upgrades seems risky, but again, I have an aggressive play style and that means taking risks... might be right up my alley.

I consider Electronic Baffle to be low risk since it only costs 1 point.

You don't have to activate it, but when you do it's probably giving you a significant tactical advantage.

I find it really helps keep targets in arc for Vader. In addition to consecutive stalls, it also lets you do two 2-turns in a row to get back in the fight.

I never put that together... thanks for the great advice. I look forward to trying it out. Might just be the tweak this needed.

Okay, so after playing a game against a pretty tough Scum build this past weekend, I am much less in love with Vader and Mara as crew on the space cow.

I think I will be dropping them in favor of having Ol'Pappy on board yelling at the pilot that he is flying to fast.

I think I will keep Electronic Baffle, though.

I ended up with a disfavorable endgame, but my opponent did learn why you never count Fell out. He pulled it out when the chips were down.