i have the two TIE/fo's from the core2 set.

i was looking at the new Imperial Veterans set to get an imperial starter squadron going, with what i have* and that, i could put together this:

http://xwing-builder.co.uk/view/665522/first-order-border-patrol#

(35 pts) Countess Ryad, Tractor Beam, TIE/D Title

(33 pts) Tomax Bren, Crack Shot, Extra Munitions, Fletchette Torpedoes, Cluster Missiles, Long Range Scanners

(16 pts) Zeta Squadron Pilot

(16 pts) Zeta Squadron Pilot

*total collection is Core2, Ghost, YT-2400, HWK-290, ARC-170, K-wing, A-wing, E-wing, X-wing, T-70 X-wing

You could definitely do that, or you could go with Imperial Aces. Both would give you a decent "Imperial Starter Set".

I'd recommend doing Vessery, not Ryad, if you're doing TIE/D. Or giving Ryad Predator. Without a EPT that gives built in dice mods, Ryad is likely only going to hit with one of her shots. To make room for the points, lighten Tomax's load; while he is fun to fly, too much ordinance just makes him a big threat on a fragile body. Although of course Vessery comes in the Defender expansion, not Imperial Veterans, so that you leaves you with Predator on Ryad, or doing a PtL x7 Ryad instead. Either one should work fine.

Realistically, if you want to start flying Imperials, my best is advice is pick what you think is cool, and fly that. If you like the idea of defenders and a bomber, stick with it. If you find the idea of TIE Phantoms much cooler, go with those. If you really want to try out the Punisher, everyone will tell you no, but do it anyways (Redline isna gorgeous beast).

If you do end up getting ImpVets, a good second buy would be another Defender, or the TIE F/O expansion. The TIE F/O is buy-and-fly, which is nice, while the Defender gives you Vessery and Rexler, both fun Defender pilots. The TIE Advanced Prototype is also really good, but likes Autothrusters a little too much when you don't have them. Possibly also the issue with ImpAces. The Decimator is a solid ship, as is the new Upsilon Shuttle, which is a support ship that packs a punch, and stick with the First Order theme. Or. If you want a budget ace, the TIE Striker is neat and cheap to fit into a list.

Best of luck, and welcome to the right side of the war!

Imperial Veterans and the TIE/FO expansions are some of the best deals for the money. You already have PtL from the A-wing so you can run Ryad x7 with it out of the Veterans box.

The TIE/FO expansion includes an all inclusive ace in Omega Leader with Juke and Comm Relay (all in the box). Best 26 points Imperials can pull.

I agree with the above!!

Ryad is a monster with PTL and /x7 and slighly better with twin ion engine mod (comes with punisher though so proxy when able) Another fun but tricky build I use on her include engine upgrade to slightly change angle after all the green k-turns.

Personally, for the points, I prefer Deathfire over Tomax. Tomax can definitely push a bit more damage, but deathfire can be just as scary and more efficient this way (IMHO)

DeathFire: HM, EM, Conner,LRS He usually doesn't last long enough to get more than one missile and one bomb off so you could save 2 points w/o EM, but I like to make him the biggest first threat with 2 missiles and 2 bombs. His LRS is very helpful to Vess when you get him

As a third ship with what you have I might think about a FO "pocket ace" for a lil PS advantage. Either Omega Ace w/ PTL or Zeta Leader w/ wired can be fun.

edited the file in the link based on this feedback. dropped the cluster missiles for Predator.

what is the advantage of an x7 over the TIE/D, beyond the obvious extra evade?

main interest in the Vet's box (or a Aces box) is cost-effectiveness.. i've got a limited budget so trying to minimize any extra costs to get a playable force.

1 minute ago, mithril2098 said:

what is the advantage of an x7 over the TIE/D, beyond the obvious extra evade?

Really, it's just that evade token. You'll get that evade token whether you're blocked or not, you'll even get it if you're stressed because it's being assigned to the ship, it's not an evade action. When not blocked/stressed, your Defender will have focus and evade behind 3 green dice. That's tanky as hell.

decided to play around with an Imp-aces option:
http://xwing-builder.co.uk/view/665522/first-order-border-patrol-v2#
using Carnor Jax and a royal guard kitted out with royal guard title, PTL, stealth and shield mods.. (could easily swap to another royal guard instead of carnor, and sink the saved points into givingeach of the TIE/fo's Weapons Guidance)

honestly, i think i'd prefer the Vet's set, even though it has fewer cards that benefit the rest of my collection. Interceptors are nice and all (and i've seen my brother use that PTL+Stealth+Shield combo very effectively before) but the Bomber and Defender just seem more interesting to me.

17 hours ago, gennataos said:

Really, it's just that needt tokenfirstu'll get that evade token whet her you're blocked or not, you'll even get it if you're stressed because it's being assigned to the ship, it's not an evade action. When not blocked/stressed, your Defender will have focus and evade behind 3 green dice. That's tanky as hell.

Yeah, its pretty sweet. Ryad can do a 3-5 Move (maybe with a k-turn ) and have focus+evade, or double evade. She's tanky and decently hard hitting. Only real downside is her middling pilot skill. Shes very good at hunting lower or even higher skill ships though. She can usually survive the first volley and then just roll normal shots, even better if she didnt use the focus on defense.

Only 32 points as well.

Found a place that sells the veterans pack at enough of a discount I could afford a single.. Would the TIE advanced prototype be a good addition?

Well, yes the Tie AdvPro is a great lil ship with a very useful ace: Inq w/title, PTL, AutoThrusters (you don't have yet, but will want to find a few copies eventually) is a very solid ship build. Though, personally, I would pony up for a 2nd Defender to have Vessery!! Vessery and Ryad are a tough combo. Of course after the faq the x7 title is a little less attractive, but still very palyable IMO. Below is a list I play frequently and really enjoy! Tweak to the available upgrades or proxy as needed and you have a fun and mostly competitive list.

"Deathfire" (28) - TIE Bomber

Homing Missiles (5), Conner Net (4), Extra Munitions (2), Long-Range Scanners (0)

Colonel Vessery (36) - TIE Defender

Trick Shot (0), TIE/D (0), Tractor Beam (1)

Countess Ryad (36) - TIE Defender

Push The Limit (3), TIE/x7 (-2), Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (1)

Another great pick-up on the Imp side is the Tie/FO blister. Omega Leader comes with upgrades that should be stapled to his pilot card (Juke and Comm Relay) he makes for a great 1v1 ship