Well, still working on some new machinations for Imps- trying to come up with something competitive.

I've decided to focus on a few things:

1) Deal with Miranda

2) Be somewhat versatile enough to also face off against Triple U-Boats, Parattani, or any other of the Mindlink shenanigans.

3) Have a stress-resilient list, that isn't going to crumble against stress mechanics (Assaj or Stresshog come to mind).

4) ???

5) Profit.

So to that end I give you my two lists:

Crazy 8's w/ Backdraft:

Backdraft (32 points) Adaptability (+1), FCS, Hyperwave Comm Scanner, Special Ops Training, Lightweight Frame

Col. Vessery (38 points) VI, TIE/D, Tractor Beam, TIE Mk. II

Omega Leader (29 points) Comm Relay, Juke, Stealth Device

99 points

Idea with this list is to keep pilot skill high enough (8s all around, with somewhat of an initiative bid) that you can always move after Miranda, making her life harder. Nice little synergy here with Hyperwave Comm on Backdraft and Omega- Omega can start the game with her evade token- allowing you some early game pressure, if you prefer. All three ships are threatening in their own right, can synergize with Target Locks, and are tough enough not to just get wiped from a single Sabine bomb. Omega is your closer, poised to be standing at the end- being by far the most annoying ship in the group to focus. Stealth Device helps cover her Evade token, allowing it to be active during his firing phase, even if targeted by a higher PS ace. Obviously Vessery is your heavy hitter, and you're aiming to use your tractor beam to best effect on enemy small ships: Drag Biggs out from behind the ghost, drop Miranda on a rock, etc. He's always going to be your first shot so the others can benefit from the -1 AGI from tractor beam.

Crazy 8's w/ Tomax Bren:

Tomax Bren (34 points) Crack Shot, Extra Munitions, Homing Missile, Lightweight Frame

Col. Vessery (38 points) VI, TIE/D, Tractor Beam, TIE Mk. II

Omega Leader (29 points) Comm Relay, Juke

98 points

Very similar setup here (PS8 on everyone, 2 point bid), but dropping Backdraft for Bren for some more punchy offense. Bren and Vessery can pump a lot of hurt into a target really fast- with Target Lock rerolls on all attacks, -1 AGI on target, Crack Shot, etc. During their alpha strike, these two can pretty reliably put 5-6 damage into a target, before you even figure in Omega Leader. Bren is going to be your enemies main target, trying to kill him before he gets off both Homing missiles, but that's actually a good thing- Vessery is the real threat, and ignoring him is REALLY dangerous. Him and Omega can wipe up easily if left alone too long. Again, 3 decently tough ships, not going to get one-shot by bombs.

Both lists require some good flying, but you have the tools. Decent dials on everyone (with exception of Bren, Bombers are meh). Stress doesn't cause any of them to fold, things like FCS, Vessery's ability, Bren w/ Crackshot, etc. aren't really all that phased by stress. You just need a good early target lock and you're rolling with everyone. Omega Leader is the real standout here, he tends to keep his TL throughout the game and that really helps Vessery out a lot.

Anyway, looking to get some feedback, see what people like/don't like about the lists, and what advice you have in flying these lists against the meta lists of the day. Very specifically I'd like some guidance on how to handle Miranda/Biggs and Triple U-Boats. Thanks all!

http://xwing-builder.co.uk/view/685840/crazy-8s-imperial

My personal take on the Crazy 8's that I've run for about 6 months. PTL Inquistor instead of OL.

Personally, I'd rather have ion cannon than tractor beam. Sure the tractor beam is fun and can be effective, but ion cannon destroys miranda far more easily. Plus, it makes it impossible for her to drop bombs on you.

Ion cannon is also much better against the Ghost (a hugely popular ship right now) and the decimator (not as popular, but still shows up enough).

I also agree that Inquisitor is far better now than Omega Leader. Same TL efficiency, but better damage. Also has autothrusters so better durability, especially against turrets.

I'd agree that swapping OL out might be better. She's a great ship but her damage output can be pretty limited.

14 hours ago, blade_mercurial said:

Personally, I'd rather have ion cannon than tractor beam. Sure the tractor beam is fun and can be effective, but ion cannon destroys miranda far more easily. Plus, it makes it impossible for her to drop bombs on you.

Ion cannon is also much better against the Ghost (a hugely popular ship right now) and the decimator (not as popular, but still shows up enough).

I also agree that Inquisitor is far better now than Omega Leader. Same TL efficiency, but better damage. Also has autothrusters so better durability, especially against turrets.

I understand why you would prefer ion cannon, but there's just nowhere to shave points for it.

Edit: http://xwing-builder.co.uk/view/685840/crazy-8s-imperial-ion I did a thing. Juke on Inq to upgrade the tractor to an ion cannon.

My Fav - 8Ship - 98 points

You can have Vader at PS8, shoot the tractor with Vess first and have three primary Shots at a debuffed target with Vader's added Crit coming in on the last shot. It also gives tough target priority as both Vader and OL are good end game ships but if you try to take them out first Vess just tears you a new one. If there are PS 9's or 10's against you, put Vader up to PS10 and you have a 2pt bid to hopefully ensure he moves last. I love this list and have taken down many ships in one round of firing (Norra, Mirranda, TLT-Y's, etc.). Against stress, Vess gets his target locks anyway, OL just misses out on a Focus or BR, Vader is the worst off as he'll miss out on two actions and his greens are not the best, but with good flying you can still arc dodge with him or turtle up (unless double stressed).

PILOTS

Darth Vader (34)
TIE Advanced (29), TIE/x1 (0), Adaptability (0), Engine Upgrade (4), Advanced Targeting Computer (1)

Colonel Vessery (38)
TIE Defender (35), Tractor beam (1), Veteran Instincts (1), TIE/D (0), Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (1)

“Omega Leader” (26)
TIE/fo Fighter (21), Comm Relay (3), Juke (2)

I put together a list with "Quickdraw" and Tomax together. You can use Fire System Control and Target Sync to get some serious missile or torps off. I have yet to fly the list but on paper it looks solid.

"Quickdraw" (29)
Adaptability (0)
Fire-Control System (2)
Targeting Synchronizer (3)
Lightweight Frame (2)
Special Ops Training (0)

Tomax Bren (24)
Crack Shot (1)
Extra Munitions (2)
Concussion Missiles (4)
Guidance Chips (0)

Colonel Vessery (35)
Adaptability (0)
TIE/x7 (-2)

Total: 100

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

Great ideas everyone, thanks for the list input. I'm going to make notes and try a bunch this out. I ran 2 games of the Backdraft/OL/Vessery list last night- One against triple A-Wing aces, another against 2ThugY/Plott/Zuckuss.

My thoughts so far: Backdraft is a beast. He was by far the MVP of the night. Dishing out added damage from the rear arc was great, lightweight frame worked awesome (especially against threats like Zuckuss's pilot skill). I even managed to joust well enough to get shots from primary arc and auxiliary arc twice, range 1. 6 dice + add a crit is NICE.

The dials are a bit wonky, but may flying an FO and and SF together gives you some real options and cool segnors loops.

I'll be testing Tomax next.