So, I've been running a list for a little while with a few variations, and I'm happy with 68 of the points I've spent, it's getting the last 32 "right" that I'm struggling with.

The fixed bit of the list is:

-The Inquisitor, Autothrusters, PtL and Tie/V1.

-Vessery, Tie/D, Tractor Beam and Vet Instincts.

For the remainder I've tried:

-Omega Leader, Juke, Comm Relay.

He just doesn't seem to pull his weight.

-Tomax Ben, Crack Shot, Homing Missiles, and Guidance Chips.

He's good, but struggles once things get "close".

What would you guys suggest? I want any ship I add to be able to Target Lock. And while I do have a shuttle and Palpatine, I don't really find him that much fun to have on the table.

I've considered a brace of Tie F/O to go with them, but not sure they really fit.

Rikk

Both named pilots that come in the Special Forces TIE can easily be made to fit within 32 points, e.g:

You can also toss in a 31pt Vader with VI. It'll never be the best Vader possible, without Engines, but he is still a pretty fair piece at 31 points.

You can actually fit Vader's engine into the list too, if you drop Vessery from tractor beam to x7

Toss in some Soontir, he can't TL, but he is really good. You have to drop some things though, for him to be the best he can. I like running shuttle, I know you don't though. Naked Defender? I'm out of ideas, hope this at least helps a little.

Add a Defender with X7 title: can take a hit, can dish out the punishment, and has your target lock.

Soontir with Autothrusters is really a great buy for 32 points. If you get him in a good groove you end up getting a lot of range-1 shots with focus. He doesn´t need Targeting Computer to be an offensive beast. I find Soontir more fun in a 3-Ace list than Palp-Aces lists because there is less pressure to keep him alive forever, so you can be slightly more daring with him.

Carnor Jax with autothrusters and PTL? He's PS 8 which works with the tractor beam, although it doesn't have target, but the Inqu has that? gives 1 pt bid or you can throw on a MKII engine mode on either Vessery or Carnor.

Glaive with X7

I've considered a brace of Tie F/O to go with them, but not sure they really fit.

Tomax Bren is alright, but if you don't like him, that's cool.

A pair of Epsilons make excellent blockers. They can also do decent damage thanks to target locks (which Vessery also likes) from range 1. You even get a 2 pt initiative bid which is not bad for your PS8 characters.

Another good option is a Delta w/ X-7. You can even throw an engine upgrade for 32 points and make him into a really versatile blocker (and he can grab locks and is pretty hard to kill).

I would not bother with an interceptor (whether its Jax or Fel) for this type of list, personally. You already have a potential flanker (Inquisitor) and you don't need another one. Just because Fel is considered 'competitive', doesn't mean he is the best choice for every single list...

Thanks guys, I suspect the lack of Target Locks on Interceptors rules them out as far as list synergy goes, also the flanking point is a fair one.

I'm going to give Tomax another run out or two, just in case I've been a little harsh in my opinions when I'm used to playing Aces rather than heavier ships.

Failing that I think the pair of F/Os will also keep the synergy running and offer some blocks along with a few more red dice and some hit points to bulk out with.

Rikk

I like quiz/tomax and a d, but the defender in that triad is better served as an x7. That way, you can joust with the x7 up front, the bomber lays up ordinance behind, and quiz flanks.

For vessery support you can't do better than omega leader. Untill now:

Backdraft (32)

-Out Maneuver

-Title

-FCS

If you had 2 pointa more to spend a sensor cluster is nice (but not necessary). He does extremely reliable damage and doesn't even spend his action to target lock. Can even use his target lock and still grant vessery a freebie (if it was there a turn ahead ofc). The SF is a very effective fighting platform in my limited experience. Good luck!

What are opinions on:

Maarek Stele, with Adaptability +1, Title, Advanced Targeting Computer, Guidance Chips and Advanced Homing Missiles.

?

The reasoning so far:

-Also PS8 which makes coordinating the Squadron easier.

-Lots of Target Lock Generation.

-Almost guaranteed to push Crits through against Tractored targets.

-Advanced Homing Missiles give a good chance (with Maarek) of punching 2 damage past shields onto a target quite early on, this is especially good against my bogey pilot that always ruins my day, Corran (the regening monster) Horn.

Rikk