Hello Everyone!

I just started playing X-Wings and I am having a blast at playing and learning. I do have one question regarding Darth Vader and his 2 free action moves. When Darth acquires a stress token does this keep him from performing both of his "free" actions or just one action? And if it cancels both actions why is this? Stress normally keeps a regular ship from performing that ships regular action however Darth Vader has the ability to perform two actions. Thanks for the clarification.

Stress token prohibits you perform ANY actions.

Free action = action.

You have even one and you can't perform actions from any source, be they your basic action during 'perform action" step

Free actions from ability, or other ship abilities.

stress = no actions

I think I might have to disagree with any kind of stress voids every action (other ships besides Vader) on the basis that Vader is powerful enough to perform two actions then why isn't Vader powerful enough to take on one stress and perform the second action? I maybe over thinking this a bit for a game but it does have some merit doesn't it? In theory one could make a case that Vader is powerful enough that 1 stress might not have an impact on him, but the rules I know state otherwise. Also I would not consider Vader's second action to be "free" (also according to the rules free actions cannot be used either) as that is part of his skill set. I know I am over thinking it however I do believe there is some merit to the question.

You would be wrong, as noted in your thread on the topic on BGG.

There are only two ways to do actions whilst stressed: Tycho Celchu pilot and Chopper crew.

All other things which are actions, free other otherwise (and Vader's second actions isn't a free action, it's just an action, he gets two instead of one in his action phase) are blocked if the ship has any stress tokens assigned to it.

Being stressed prevents performance of any actions at all.

(But, note that things which do not mention being actions (such as Fire Control System, TIE/x7, Soontir Fel's pilot ability to name but a few of the vast number) are NOT blocked by stress).

You may not like it, but you don't have to like it - you just have to accept that that is the rules, and maybe avoid k-turning Vader too often, he hates it.

I think I might have to disagree with any kind of stress voids every action (other ships besides Vader) on the basis that Vader is powerful enough to perform two actions then why isn't Vader powerful enough to take on one stress and perform the second action? I maybe over thinking this a bit for a game but it does have some merit doesn't it? In theory one could make a case that Vader is powerful enough that 1 stress might not have an impact on him, but the rules I know state otherwise. Also I would not consider Vader's second action to be "free" (also according to the rules free actions cannot be used either) as that is part of his skill set. I know I am over thinking it however I do believe there is some merit to the question.

Fair question, but what you find is that the game may or may not reflect what you think an ability thematically should be.

In Vader's case, his ability is reflected in the ability to perform 2 actions and have a pilot skill of 9. None of this is "free" as his cost is higher than others, but it is balanced.

From the standpoint of stress eliminating both actions - Have you ever known someone who was really good at multitasking or skilled at something, but their performance was limited when they were distracted or stressed?

I consider it the same here. Under stress - even the best of us find our limitations.

I think I might have to disagree with any kind of stress voids every action (other ships besides Vader) on the basis that Vader is powerful enough to perform two actions then why isn't Vader powerful enough to take on one stress and perform the second action? I maybe over thinking this a bit for a game but it does have some merit doesn't it? In theory one could make a case that Vader is powerful enough that 1 stress might not have an impact on him, but the rules I know state otherwise. Also I would not consider Vader's second action to be "free" (also according to the rules free actions cannot be used either) as that is part of his skill set. I know I am over thinking it however I do believe there is some merit to the question.

The big mistake you're making here is confusing fluff with the rules of the game. Yes, Vader is powerful, but in this game it just doesn't count for squat. In order to work the way you suggest, his card text would say something like:

"During your "Perform Action" step, if you have no stress tokens, you may perform 2 actions. If you have 1 stress token, you may perform only 1 action during your "Perform Action" step."

But sadly, it doesn't say that. The stress rule is a blanket rule that covers everyone. And any pilot or upgrade that is exempt from that rule has it clearly stated. See Tycho.

What would it take to change the wording of Vader's card? As this would be a game changer and would come in handy in several scenarios. I even add Veterans Instinct to give Vader a higher pilot skill. Thoughts? Good or bad.

What would it take to change the wording of Vader's card? As this would be a game changer and would come in handy in several scenarios. I even add Veterans Instinct to give Vader a higher pilot skill. Thoughts? Good or bad.

It would take you changing the balance of the game. When playing casually you can make up whatever rules you want if people are willing to accept them but you certainly won't be able to play competitively in any real way.

Vader is already quite strong in the game and may have the strongest ability conceptually in the entire game despite the rather small disruptions that may restrict his ability at times.

What would it take to change the wording of Vader's card? As this would be a game changer and would come in handy in several scenarios. I even add Veterans Instinct to give Vader a higher pilot skill. Thoughts? Good or bad.

You can houserule whatever you want, but this will not ever change in the official rules.

Personally, I wouldn't change his pilot ability as it's pretty much fine. It's the rather sad 2 attack dice that needs the improvement.

Personally, I wouldn't change his pilot ability as it's pretty much fine. It's the rather sad 2 attack dice that needs the improvement.

That's what the Tiex1 title and Advanced Targeting computer take care of.

Personally, I wouldn't change his pilot ability as it's pretty much fine. It's the rather sad 2 attack dice that needs the improvement.

It DID get improved. Advanced Targeting Computer is better than a 3 dice primary.

Personally, I wouldn't change his pilot ability as it's pretty much fine. It's the rather sad 2 attack dice that needs the improvement.

It DID get improved. Advanced Targeting Computer is better than a 3 dice primary.

Is it? The restriction to not spend the target lock is rather restricting, you can spend your focus, but not your target lock. We are talking about 2.25 damage + a crit on range 1 vs 3.75 damage on range for a 3 dice primary with TL and Focus. Pretty lackluster against ships with tons of shields or ships with tons of green dice and token stacks. The crit is nice against ships with primary hull.

With predator this changes somewhat as you get than still 2.68 hits + the crit, which is roughly equally hard to evade, equal against shields and downright better against hull.

Except that you don't have to use the TL each turn, so you can do Focus and something instead of Focus TL each turn.

Also this is a garanteed crit... so you have to make your math based on always having a crit for your 4 dice attack with Focus + TL. Yes ship have Shield but at some point they will not have them anymore.