I've been testing as list on TTS for a bit and would love to get some fresh eyes on it. (Mobile formatting, sorry)

TIE Defender: · Colonel Vessery (35)

Veteran Instincts (1)

Tractor Beam (1)

Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (1)

TIE/D (0)

TIE/fo Fighter: · "Omega Leader" (21)

Juke (2)

Comm Relay (3)

TIE Fighter: · "Wampa" (14)

TIE Bomber: · "Deathfire" (17)

Extra Munitions (2)

Proximity Mines (3)

Long-Range Scanners (0)

-- TOTAL ------- 100/100p. --

I've been running them in a box formation. Deathfire takes a TL on a threat turn 1. This forces the opponent into an immediate choice; disengage with the threat to avoid the Vessery alpha or take a chance in the first turn off combat. It's proven to be a great combo thus far.

Wampa plays the part of Imperial Biggs while OL and Vessery do their thing.

My biggest quandary right now is whether or not formation flying is correct or if I should split them into two squads (likely Vessery/Deathfire and OL/Wampa).

What do you think of the squad? What is the better opening?

If you are set on formation(s) flying do you have a strategy for rocks too? Do you need the tractor shot on Ves? I have learned that Ves sans x7 is pretty soft.

Extra munitions is cool... But I think crack ion cannon Ves is nastier vs some of the tanky stuff out there. Ion crack Ves makes Poe almost worthless. And... Ion crack Ves scare the heck out of any small ship TBH.

Why not replacing Deathfire with some bomber with rockets/torpedoes in order to take part with Vessery's alpha-strike?

If you are set on formation(s) flying do you have a strategy for rocks too? Do you need the tractor shot on Ves? I have learned that Ves sans x7 is pretty soft.

Extra munitions is cool... But I think crack ion cannon Ves is nastier vs some of the tanky stuff out there. Ion crack Ves makes Poe almost worthless. And... Ion crack Ves scare the heck out of any small ship TBH.

I'm definitely not set on formation flying. It's just where my head goes say first. I do fine with rocks these days and formations go to hell after the first pass anyway lol

I've really enjoyed having the TB shot from Vessery, helps make his two attack die friends hit harder. However, the Ion is a great idea too.

As for replacing Deathfire, I can see that being a possibility. He has been fun with his bomb dropping shenanigans but a standard bomber may have more teeth.

Thanks for the thoughts!

For that, and go with this ship setup:

TIE Bomber: Scimitar Squadron Pilot (16)

Proton Torpedoes (4)

Extra Munitions (2)

Long-Range Scanners (0)

You could also use Chimps if you like the damage, but LRS I think allows you to do better at getting the TLs needed for firing, plus synergizes well with Vess.

I think you drop Tractor/D to x7 and and Mk2 Engines to save 4 points. This lets you take Concussion Missiles on Deathfire to participate in the opening exchange.

The Problem with mixed formations is it really limits your movements options. There will only likely be 2 or 3 viable moves for the formation at any time, so it becomes easy to predict and arc dodge them.

I think you drop Tractor/D to x7 and and Mk2 Engines to save 4 points. This lets you take Concussion Missiles on Deathfire to participate in the opening exchange.

Time to bow down to the master!

Thanks for the thoughts!

The Problem with mixed formations is it really limits your movements options. There will only likely be 2 or 3 viable moves for the formation at any time, so it becomes easy to predict and arc dodge them.

Only if you aren't willing to break formation. The initial exchange will likely always be predictable, and that's where you need the concentrated firepower. After that, breaking formation is going to be the way to go. The fighters (including fos) are going to have the more similar dials, and should try to stay together. The Defender can quite easily go out on his own and do great things. The Bomber is the only somewhat problem, but if he's loaded up with Missiles instead of bombs, I don't think he survives the first exchange, just because of the potential threat and that he had only 2 agility and 6 hull to burn through. So you can somewhat count on the fact that after the first exchange, your down to two fighters and a defender. Change the defenders tactics to a flanker, and you're set the rest of the match.

The Problem with mixed formations is it really limits your movements options. There will only likely be 2 or 3 viable moves for the formation at any time, so it becomes easy to predict and arc dodge them.

Only if you aren't willing to break formation. The initial exchange will likely always be predictable, and that's where you need the concentrated firepower. After that, breaking formation is going to be the way to go. The fighters (including fos) are going to have the more similar dials, and should try to stay together. The Defender can quite easily go out on his own and do great things. The Bomber is the only somewhat problem, but if he's loaded up with Missiles instead of bombs, I don't think he survives the first exchange, just because of the potential threat and that he had only 2 agility and 6 hull to burn through. So you can somewhat count on the fact that after the first exchange, your down to two fighters and a defender. Change the defenders tactics to a flanker, and you're set the rest of the match.

Your line about people singling out the Bomber has rang true in every game I've played with Deathfire. People see the one low(er) agility ship and light him up. He has earned his points back in maybe one of 7 or 8 games.

I think you drop Tractor/D to x7 and and Mk2 Engines to save 4 points. This lets you take Concussion Missiles on Deathfire to participate in the opening exchange.

Time to bow down to the master!

Thanks for the thoughts!

Nooooo! It's just an idea for something to try.

I think you drop Tractor/D to x7 and and Mk2 Engines to save 4 points. This lets you take Concussion Missiles on Deathfire to participate in the opening exchange.

Time to bow down to the master!

Thanks for the thoughts!

Nooooo! It's just an idea for something to try.

I do think it's a great idea. Deathfire is not warnin his points in my testing games. I don't know if adding more points to the bullseye ship is going to do much, but it can't hurt.

Honestly, if Deathfire is the first target with Vessery and Inquisitor in play, you're probably doing okay.

That's a fair point.

I think you drop Tractor/D to x7 and and Mk2 Engines to save 4 points. This lets you take Concussion Missiles on Deathfire to participate in the opening exchange.

I'm with bio here on dropping to x7 and dropping the mk2, but I would use the points for plasma torps on deathfire and to upgrade the proxy to a conner net.