Stress B's

By stonestokes, in X-Wing Squad Lists

Posted at

Here's an interesting idea that could be fun against PtL aces like Soontir or Inquisitor.

Nera Dantels (B-Wing) + Deadeye + Accuracy Corrector + Ion Cannon + Flechette Torpedoes + Munitions Failsafe

Accuracy Corrector + Munitions Failsafe allows for unlimited shots with Flechette Torpedoes (albeit with no damage). Fire off the torpedo, use AC to cancel your attack dice, then opt to not add two hits to the result.

Nera can do so at range 2-3, even out of arc.

I have 64 points to play with. My first idea was to pair her with:

2x Blue Squadron Pilot (B-Wing) + Accuracy Corrector + Ion Cannon + Flechette Torpedoes + Munitions Failsafe

I realize this isn't very strong, and I'm aware of the shortcomings. It was just fun theory-crafting. I would love to hear other ideas that might compliment this one.

Posted at

Wow, I really like this! I dig Nera's ability, but it always felt like a waste when ammo is so limited. This nips that problem right in the bud, AND makes use of an under-utilized card!

Posted at

What about something like this???

Nera Options (99)

Nera Dantels (36) - B-Wing

Deadeye (1), Accuracy Corrector (3), Ion Cannon (3), Flechette Torpedoes (2), Munitions Failsafe (1)

Eaden Vrill (46) - YT-2400

Heavy Laser Cannon (7), Dash Rendar (2), Outrider (5)

Prototype Pilot (17) - A-Wing

Chardaan Refit (-2), Autothrusters (2)

Posted at

Though about this too, but don't like it as much

Nera Options (100)

Nera Dantels (40) - B-Wing

Deadeye (1), Accuracy Corrector (3), Ion Cannon (3), Flechette Torpedoes (2), Proton Torpedoes (4), Munitions Failsafe (1)

Chewbacca (60) - YT-1300

Draw Their Fire (1), Concussion Missiles (4), C-3PO (3), Luke Skywalker (7), Millennium Falcon (1), Anti-Pursuit Lasers (2)

Posted at

What about something like this???

Nera Options (99)

Nera Dantels (36) - B-Wing

Deadeye (1), Accuracy Corrector (3), Ion Cannon (3), Flechette Torpedoes (2), Munitions Failsafe (1)

Eaden Vrill (46) - YT-2400

Heavy Laser Cannon (7), Dash Rendar (2), Outrider (5)

Prototype Pilot (17) - A-Wing

Chardaan Refit (-2), Autothrusters (2)

That is PERFECT!

Edit: Ack! Eaden's ability only works with his primary weapon. :(

Edited by stonestokes
Posted at

What about something like this???

Nera Options (99)

Nera Dantels (36) - B-Wing

Deadeye (1), Accuracy Corrector (3), Ion Cannon (3), Flechette Torpedoes (2), Munitions Failsafe (1)

Eaden Vrill (46) - YT-2400

Heavy Laser Cannon (7), Dash Rendar (2), Outrider (5)

Prototype Pilot (17) - A-Wing

Chardaan Refit (-2), Autothrusters (2)

That is PERFECT!

Edit: Ack! Eaden's ability only works with his primary weapon. :(

The usual solution is to drop the Outrider title. That way he gets 4 dice out the front arc at range 2-3, and against a stressed opponent he gets 4 dice at range 1, so no donut hole.

The question is, what do you do with the extra 5 points? Engine on Eaden? Bring the Prototype up to a green and give it Push the Limit?

Posted at

What about something like this???

Nera Options (99)

Nera Dantels (36) - B-Wing

Deadeye (1), Accuracy Corrector (3), Ion Cannon (3), Flechette Torpedoes (2), Munitions Failsafe (1)

Eaden Vrill (46) - YT-2400

Heavy Laser Cannon (7), Dash Rendar (2), Outrider (5)

Prototype Pilot (17) - A-Wing

Chardaan Refit (-2), Autothrusters (2)

That is PERFECT!

Edit: Ack! Eaden's ability only works with his primary weapon. :(

The usual solution is to drop the Outrider title. That way he gets 4 dice out the front arc at range 2-3, and against a stressed opponent he gets 4 dice at range 1, so no donut hole.

The question is, what do you do with the extra 5 points? Engine on Eaden? Bring the Prototype up to a green and give it Push the Limit?

Well, you can't do it yet, but in a few months you can swap out the A-wing for Sabine in her TIE with title, PTL, Black Market Slicer Tools, and Int Agent (or another crew). That comes out to 21 points. With the extra point you can put slicer tools on Eaden as well via Smuggling Compartments.

Edited by DeathToJarJar
Posted at

How about this?

Nera Dantels (33) - B-Wing
Deadeye (1), Accuracy Corrector (3), Flechette Torpedoes (2), Munitions Failsafe (1)

Chewbacca (52) - YT-1300
Opportunist (4), Kanan Jarus (3), Tactician (2), Millennium Falcon [s-Loop version] (1)

Prototype Pilot (15) - A-Wing

Chardaan Refit (–2)

Posted at

So... Possible correction

Nera Options (99)

Nera Dantels (40) - B-Wing

Deadeye (1), Accuracy Corrector (3), Ion Cannon (3), Flechette Torpedoes (2), Proton Torpedoes (4), Munitions Failsafe (1)

Eaden Vrill (36) - YT-2400

Tactician (2), Anti-Pursuit Lasers (2)

Green Squadron Pilot (23) - A-Wing

Push The Limit (3), Chardaan Refit (-2), A-Wing Test Pilot (0), Autothrusters (2), Wired (1)

Kind of a lot of points on Nera, but gives her a punch option on like a fel or inq that PTL the last turn and we stressed

Posted at

I'd get rid of the accuracy corrector - getting flechette torpedoes to deal damage is not what you want, because you can't stress aces after that, and on Proton torpedoes 2 hits is a waste of points. Instead you could get fire control system, which can really power up your proton torpedo attacks. The escort is also good, but lacks serious firepower. I'd suggest:

Nera Dantels (26)

Proton Torpedoes (4)

Flechette Torpedoes (2)

Fire Control System (2)

Munitions Failsafe (1)

Deadeye (1)

Poe Dameron (PS8) (31)

R2-D2 (4)

Autothrusters (2)

Weapons Guidance (2)

Veteran Instincts (1)

Gold Squadron Pilot (18)

Twin Laser Turret (6)

You get a lot more punch to your list in the form of Poe with weapons guidance (which, if you do the math is surprisingly good) and the gold squadron pilot with TLT. Nera gains FCS for more effective focus fire against an individual target. This is a great control list, but a perfect 4 hits from nera can be cancelled by 1 natural evade rolled by Soontir Fel from outside her arc. Nera is fun, but not currently super competitive.

Posted at

I'd get rid of the accuracy corrector - getting flechette torpedoes to deal damage is not what you want, because you can't stress aces after that, and on Proton torpedoes 2 hits is a waste of points. Instead you could get fire control system, which can really power up your proton torpedo attacks. The escort is also good, but lacks serious firepower. I'd suggest:

Nera Dantels (26)

Proton Torpedoes (4)

Flechette Torpedoes (2)

Fire Control System (2)

Munitions Failsafe (1)

Deadeye (1)

Poe Dameron (PS8) (31)

R2-D2 (4)

Autothrusters (2)

Weapons Guidance (2)

Veteran Instincts (1)

Gold Squadron Pilot (18)

Twin Laser Turret (6)

You get a lot more punch to your list in the form of Poe with weapons guidance (which, if you do the math is surprisingly good) and the gold squadron pilot with TLT. Nera gains FCS for more effective focus fire against an individual target. This is a great control list, but a perfect 4 hits from nera can be cancelled by 1 natural evade rolled by Soontir Fel from outside her arc. Nera is fun, but not currently super competitive.

That is a great list, but the mechanic we were playing with was unlimited flechette torps, by canceling the dice and not taking the 2 auto hits, need Acc Corrector for that. And I think the plan with the YT's is to add some meat to absorb some damage

Posted at
a stressed opponent he gets 4 dice at range 1, so no donut hole.

The question is, what do you do with the extra 5 points? Engine on Eaden? Bring the Prototype up to a green and give it Push the Limit?

I wouldn't overplay Eaden & Nera's synergy, simply because Nera is easy enough to kill.

A 'stress turret' is nice, but has its limits, particularly since you're giving up damage to do it.

Opportunist is a nice ability - if your target is stressed (or extra stressed) then logically it should be easier to get opportunist shots. And the best opportunist pilot (since he eats his own stress token in the resulting shot) is also a B-wing pilot, Keyan Farlander.

Finally, as a second opportunist-supporting nasty, maybe Wes Janson?

Posted at

I think Keyan Farlander is a great idea! I would probably put Biggs in there to escort the two vulnerable B's so they can get their game started. Thanks guys!

Posted at
That is a great list, but the mechanic we were playing with was unlimited flechette torps, by canceling the dice and not taking the 2 auto hits, need Acc Corrector for that. And I think the plan with the YT's is to add some meat to absorb some damage

True, but literally every ship you could meet that already has a stress token (i.e. PTL Imperial Aces) is going to be near impossible to hit, as you will average 1.5 hits on the opening attack roll with flechettes, and they will get at least 2 on defense. Even if there is some sort of outlier scenario where your flechette torpedoes do hit a turtled Soontir Fel, that result is so much better thn stressing him again on another turn, as he is goind to be horrible weak during the next turn for your FCS + focus proton torpedo. If you can keep Poe at range 3 he'll both do more damage and take more damage than any YT. Plus, he's a superb endgame ace. In addition you get a Y-wing with TLT, which can soak up as much damage, point for point, as Chewbacca.

Keyan Farlander is definitely a great idea. The trouble is that B-wing lists with more than one named pilot are super squishy, so I'd want to work Biggs into the equation:

Nera Dantels (26)

Proton Torpedoes (4)

Flechette Torpedoes (2)

Fire Control System (2)

Munitions Failsafe (1)

Deadeye (1)

Keyan Farlander (29)

Heavy Laser Canon (7)

Opportunist (4)

Biggs Darklighter (25)

R4-D6 (1)

Integrated Astromech (0)

Keyan with HLC and opportunist hits harder than every other ship in the game, as 5 dice with "focus" and target lock average about 4.6 hits. This means that you can 1-shot a stressed Inquisitor or stealth device Soontir, or even Whisper. Biggs does some serious work keeping things alive, and I flew a variant of this list to victory in a local tournament. I think the real key is finding a way to combat Jumpmasters, as both Dengar and Triple U-boats don't care about stress. At all.

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Try Keyan with Hera Syndulla and fcs. Red moves when stressed along with target locks. Spend stress to change eyeballs and ignore stress when moving. With Hera you have the full movement dial to play with. Back-to-back K turns and hard reds. No more predictable maneuvers.

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The whole point of this thread is the idea of Nera being an unlimited stress turret. All this Keyan stuff misses the point entirely.

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True, but literally every ship you could meet that already has a stress token (i.e. PTL Imperial Aces) is going to be near impossible to hit, as you will average 1.5 hits on the opening attack roll with flechettes, and they will get at least 2 on defense. Even if there is some sort of outlier scenario where your flechette torpedoes do hit a turtled Soontir Fel, that result is so much better thn stressing him again on another turn, as he is goind to be horrible weak during the next turn for your FCS + focus proton torpedo.

I think you've missed the point again. You DON'T WANT flechette torps to hit, as they inflict a stress token regardless. With accuracy corrector, you MAY cancel dice results, and if you do you MAY add 2 hits. Choose to cancel results, choose NOT to add hits, your attack wiffs, but they still get the stress. With munitions failsafe, you get to reuse the torp when it misses. With Nera, you can use it like a turret.

I think adding some Ion would be fun! When they're ionized, they can't clear the stress: stressed means no boosting or barrelrolling to avoid obstacles or table edge. Maybe swap the A-wing for a Y with ion turret?

Posted at

So, I've been thinking about this plenty..... What about something like this??

Nera Stress Turrett (100)

Nera Dantels (33) - B-Wing

Deadeye (1), Accuracy Corrector (3), Flechette Torpedoes (2), Munitions Failsafe (1)

Poe Dameron (39) - T-70 X-Wing

Veteran Instincts (1), R5-P9 (3), Weapons Guidance (2), Autothrusters (2)

Gold Squadron Pilot (28) - Y-Wing

Ion Cannon Turret (5), Plasma Torpedoes (3), R3-A2 (2), Guidance Chips (0)

There are a few upgrade swaps possible, I looked at several things and I like this combo. I know this wasn't my thread, but this is all stuff I can actually field. I can't currently afford to add to the hanger, so.....

Edit: TLT? R5-D8 for Regen on the Y?

Edited by JSwindy
Posted at
The whole point of this thread is the idea of Nera being an unlimited stress turret. All this Keyan stuff misses the point entirely.

I think you've missed the point again. You DON'T WANT flechette torps to hit, as they inflict a stress token regardless.

I believe your objections are based around the assumption that your turret will hit. Lets do some math do clarify the subject:

Soonitr Fel with PTL, Stealth device and Autothrusters will probably turtle up (meaning he will have 2 focuses and an evade token) when in your range 3 death band to avoid the proton torpedoes doing damage. Your flechette torpedoes will average 1.5 hits, with a maximum of 3 if your rolls are particularly good. You can really expect a spread of hit something like: 1,2,1,2,1,2 for every time you fire the flechette, or maybe: 0,1,2,3,0,1,2,3. Soontir Fel will roll 1.5 evades without spending focus, and with focus will roll 2.5 evades on average. Adding in autothrusters to guarantee a blank to an evade and the evade token, and you will literally never hit him. Therefore, against Soontir Fel, the accuracy corrector is useless against Soontir Fel.

Against the Inquisitor with focus and evade plus autothrusters, which he normally has thanks to his Title card and PTL, he will average about 3 evades, not including autothrusters which makes it even more certain. Therefore, against The Inquisitor accuracy corrector is useless.

Against Whisper you are PS 6, meaning that she will always cloak before you can shoot her. That means she will have 4 evade dice with a focus token, normally. She will average 2.5 evades. This means that about 95% of the time, accuracy corrector is useless.

Against Vader, who has a focus and evade, or maybe just a focus: he will roll 15/8 evades by spending focus, meaning you've only got about a 25% chance of hitting him, and if he evaded as well your flechette torpedoes will never hit. Therefore, accuracy corrector is mostly useless against Vader.

Defenders really don't care about stress, but an X7 defender without focus will roll an average of 9/8 evades, and by spending the evade token takes that up to 17/8 evades. Therefore, you will only rarely hit a defender, who doesn't care about stress anyway so you should probably have used your proton torpedoes instead. Therefore, accuracy corrector is nearly useless against Defenders

Neither Dengaroo or Triple JM5Ks care about stress whatsoever, so unfortunately the whole Nera build is a bit wasted there - and I'm as sad as you about it.

Pretty much any given rebel list can shurg off stress, as their aces have enough durability to take a turn without actions occasionally. The only three aces I can think of that would hate continual stress from Nera are PTL Dash, PTL Corran and Poe Dameron. Against their (mostly) two die defenses an accuracy corrector would be great to ensure a miss.

I can't think of any other list that is truly crushed by having a single stress on it each turn. Don't get me wrong, I believe that the accuracy corrector + flechette torpedo Nera build is ingenious and innovative, but it sadly doesn't stand up in the current meta of Super Aces like Soontir, stress ignoring scum like Dengar, or Rebel Jousters that don't mind a stress here or there. Best of luck with whatever you try.

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You are correct Asrech, the damage output is low! The point though is that the fletch torp and the stress mech both put stress on without getting the hit. Put a second stress on a PTL ace and they are nearly defenseless the next round and predictable as they try to drop stress. Add a ion and they can't even get rid of that stress. It would take impressive flying and some lucky rolls to win against all lists, for sure! The thread and theory crafting here, is how do you make a stress list feasible again??? Plus, I love Nera's ability in theory. I agree, it's probably not a perfect system, but my last list I think could annoy most competition, and as its not been seen like this, maybe through even the best pilots off their game. Also, just looking for something new and fun to fly! Maybe I'm expecting too much from a control and finesse game plan, but If you wanted to run something that was more about driving you opponent mad because you take away actions and mobility, how would you set it up? I, personally, had a lot of enjoyment just trying to work out how to make it reasonable. The point wasn't a stress here or there, but constant probably doubled up stress the whole match. Aces using PTL can't use it or risk getting popped with a second, then ion and they can't shed it, while Poe slips in from behind. You are right, it would probably get crushed dengaroo or u-boats, and rebel aces and swarms for that matter, but maybe, just maybe........there is a way to make the plan work, thus the discussion. Obviously you disagree, and I would say you are probably right. Guess I was hoping for an ingenious bit I wasn't seeing ;)

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Yes, I understood that the point was to get the stress on without getting a hit, and that you could do this turn after turn to utterly deny enemy PTL aces. My side-pont was that accuracy corrector is an unnecessary 3 points, as against any double action or PTL ace you will never reliably hit them. Nera's ability is great, but gets a little more mileage out of Proton Torps and guidance chips for massive turret potential. Paul Heaver managed to make a stress list "feasable" again by winning worlds with the best stress ship so far - the stresshog. If you're looking for an interesting stress - mechanic list to play, try one of the following:

Paul Heaver's 2015 worlds list. Its got a lot going on with a very effective stress dealer.

4 x Blue Squadron Pilot (22)

B-wing E/2 (1)

Tactician

Thereby giving you up to 4 stress dealt per turn without receiving any in return. t also has the added benefit of being great in jousts.

Guardian Squadron Pilot (25)

Twin Laser Turret (6)

Tactician (2)

If you just have to have 3 turrets and a stress dealing mechanic.

3 x Knave Squadron Pilot (27)

Accuracy Corrector (3)

Flechette Torpedoes (2)

Munitions Failsafe (1)

Same accuracy corrector deal, but times 3 in a list.

Nera is so hard to ork into a list because of the 30 point base cost, which doesn't leave much to make up for her utter lack of damage. I do hope you find an ingenious solution, as I'm certainly no master, and I'd like it as much as everyone if Palp-Aces was removed from the meta.