I'm playing in a multi day narrative campaign later this summer and this is the flight I'm thinking about taking. I've never used Palpatine or the Shuttle before, so I want to get that part right. I could switch the Glaive for Vessery with Adaptability but then I'd always feel compelled to try for target locks to help him out.

Palpatine's Defenders (100)

Omicron Group Pilot (32) - Lambda-Class Shuttle

Reinforced Deflectors (3), Emperor Palpatine (8), Emperor Palpatine (8)

Maarek Stele (34) - TIE Defender

Adaptability (0), TIE/x7 (-2), Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (1)

Glaive Squadron Pilot (34) - TIE Defender

Veteran Instincts (1), TIE/x7 (-2), Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (1)

WHy have a Glaive when you can have Ryad? The difference between PS5 and PS6 is minimal at the moment and Ryad can do a wide range of green k turns.

I think Vess and Ryad are much better pilot selections.

Colonel Vessery [VI, TIE/x7, twin ion engine]

Countess Ryad [PTL, TIE/x7, twin ion engine]

Omicron Group Pilot [Emperor]

100 points

I didn't go with Ryad because of her lower PS. Currently I have two ships at PS8. That lets me use them as a true section, switching movement order whenever I please. I love the Countess' skill but her lower PS and love of PTL would completely change that.

In which case, dump Reinforced Deflectors and go for Rexler.

The PS5 to PS8 range is really small though. You're moving after things like Brobots and Dash only.

Also consider that low PS on Defenders is actually good. You can block exceptionally well with Ryad's ability, and your K-turns will rarely be blocked.

8 is a REALLY important number for PS right now though. Most of the commonly used Imperial Aces are PS8.

Sure, but then you need an initiative bid.

I'd try out both: with Ryad or the generic. Different tactics worth exploring.

One list for attempting blocks, the other for shoot first.

Sure, but then you need an initiative bid.

Eh, even getting up there for Simultaneous Fire can be enough.

If you want PS8, that's understandable, but don't use dual defenders. Use Vessery with VI and the Evade title and a 31pt Inquisitor (34pts if you add PRockets), and run those with the Palp Shuttle.

If you aren't first, you're last.

If you aren't PS9, you might as well be PS5.

Run one of those as an Onyx, put those points elsewhere. X7 Defenders rely less on dice than Interceptors do. Do you really need Palpatine?