I have two lists that I'm interested in taking to my store championship. I haven't attended a tournament at this store so I'm not sure of the local meta, but I can get an idea of it from just looking at the meta in general on the forums. I'm going to provide the lists, but I would really like some feedback on the lists and also the best way to set up the lists. I usually like flying in formation, but I've also heard that it might not be the best idea. Also, I don't have anything from the most recent sets. The last thing I bought was the Imperial Vets pack. Of course I can always pick up a ship or two before the event. Okay, so here we go:

List #1 Points 100/100

Valen Rudor (25)

Tie Adv. Prototype (23), Squad Leader (2), Tie/v1 (1)

"Deathfire" (26)

Tie Bomber (17), Cluster Mines (4), Plasma Torpedoes (3), EM (2), LRS (0)

Scimitar Squadron Pilot (24)

Tie Bomber (16), Concussion Missiles (4), Seismic Charges (2), EM (2), Chips (0)

Scimitar Squadron Pilot (25)

Tie Bomber (16), Seismic Charges (2), Ion Torpedoes (5), EM (2), Chips (0)

I really love the Tie Bomber, So I tried my best to make a list that would include a bunch of them. I also tried kitting them out with ordinance that would help in many situations. Plasma Torpedoes for the high shields and Ion Torpedoes for the ones in formation. Also, each one has a bomb of some sort. They are bombers after all. lol Then I have Valen Rudor with Squad Leader. I feel as though with is ability and this EPT, I can either keep him out of harms way or use that extra action to Squad Leader it to another bomber. Either give them a target lock or a focus or even barrel roll themselves into position. I'm not reliant on Rudor's effect because there is always the chance they just won't attack him till the end. Lastly, They all cost relatively the same. So I don't have to worry about them focusing down my highest cost ship just for points.

List #2 Points 100/100

Soontir Fel (34)

Tie Interceptor (27), PTL (3), Royal Guard Tie (0), Autothrusters (2), Targeting Computer (2)

The Inquisitor (30)

Tie Adv. Prototype (25), Expert Handling (2), Tie/v1 (1), Autothrusters (2)

Academy Pilot (12)

Academy Pilot (12)

Academy Pilot (12)

Okay, so the idea with this list is to have the Academy Pilots as blockers. Then just have Soontir and Inquisitor tear them apart. lol A simple mindset with this list, I know. Now I equipped Targeting Computer because I don't have Stealth Device. Also it does make for a more aggressive Soontir. As for the Inquisitor, I gave him Expert Handling that way he can keep skirting around the edge of the map and if someone does target lock him, I can just barrel roll and remove it. Just another layer of protection as I see it.

Well those are my two lists. Any advice or constructive criticism would be appreciated. Also maybe ways you would set up the ships at the start of the game. Thanks for reading!

My comments based on what I would do should I face those lists:

List #1: I find the use of squad leader with Valen interesting, but unfortunately, by himself, he does not pose a threat. At 2 attack dice with either a target lock or focus, he does not have much offensive power, so I would not target him and focus on the bombers themselves.

List #2: Aces and academy pilots? Sure, it can work. I would, however, drop expert handling from the inquisitor and replace it with the traditional push the limit. Expert handling is an action in itself, so if you are using it, it means that you did not focus or target lock (with the free evade). Therefore, the offensive and defensive potential drop dramatically. It also has limited uses against a PS 9 target if it target locks you (you'll have to wait next round to shake it off).

I would add that while you do not have every card, you can borrow them from friends or other people. This is why joining a local community is great idea :).

Have fun!

For your first list I would exchange Valen Rudor for Epsilon Ace w/ Targeting Synchronizer if you have it. He can grab TLs at PS 12 for the Bombers and will generally be more useful than Valen. That also frees up 5 points to upgrade a Scimtar to Gamma Vet possibly. I'd also run Homing Missiles instead of Ion Torps. Homing Missiles will be more accurate since you don't have to spend the TL to shoot them. Ion Torps are really only useful against Swarms and you just don't see many now.

I don't think the 2nd list is any good, at least in today's X-wing. Back a couple waves it would have been fine. Soontir is just too much of a liability to take in my opinion. You might get lucky and not face a list with Sabine crew or a Scum list running things like Black Market Slicers, but if you do its going to be really tough to win. Also, that list doesn't have much firepower. The two dice attacks from the academies doesn't offer much and blocking is less important with things like Mindlink running rampant. I would run a Defender instead of the 3 Ties and if you want to run a Interceptor I would run Carnor. At least he can mess with your opponents action economy.

Both Jo Jo and dotswarlock have great points.

I agree that Valen is sub-optimal. Quickdraw with FCS and TS makes for an excellent spotter for the bombers. For example, like this:

"Quickdraw" (29)
A Score to Settle (0)
Fire-Control System (2)
Targeting Synchronizer (3)
Special Ops Training (0)

Scimitar Squadron Pilot (16)
Extra Munitions (2)
Cluster Missiles (4)
Guidance Chips (0)

"Deathfire" (17)
Extra Munitions (2)
Cluster Mines (4)
Long-Range Scanners (0)

Scimitar Squadron Pilot (16)
Extra Munitions (2)
Plasma Torpedoes (3)
Guidance Chips (0)

Total: 100

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

For the second list, if you are going to use the inq, 3 AP and an interceptor, i would put swarm leader on the Inquisitor and do something like this:

Carnor Jax (26)
Push the Limit (3)
Autothrusters (2)
Royal Guard TIE (0)

The Inquisitor (25)
Swarm Leader (3)
Autothrusters (2)
TIE/v1 (1)

"Wampa" (14)

Academy Pilot (12)

Academy Pilot (12)

Total: 100

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

@dotswarlock , Do you think Valen would be more useful if I dropped the seismic charges and tossed a missile on him?

@Jo Jo , You make a good point. I see now both you and @Calibri Garamond have suggested "Targeting Synchronizer" That is a very useful card for the bombers. Unfortunately I would need to buy the Upsilon-Class Shuttle and either a FO/Tie or SF/Tie. I can either get both Tie fighters or the Shuttle but not all. So in everyone's opinion, which one would be more advantageous for me?

I think what everyone is getting at is you need an ace to finish the game after your bombers obliterate one or two enemy ships. Here is my humble submission for you, drop Valen and get the Inquisitor. Also plasma is less good on ships shooting last, since the ship they are shooting at is less likely to have shields after other ships have shot at it.
100 pts.
Scimitar Squadron Pilot + Proton Torpedoes + Extra Munitions + Long-Range Scanners
Scimitar Squadron Pilot + Proton Torpedoes + Extra Munitions + Long-Range Scanners
Deathfire + Plasma Torpedoes + Extra Munitions + Cluster Mines + Long-Range Scanners
The Inquisitor + Juke + Autothrusters + TIE/v1

Deathfire can drop bombs on the enemy aces and has potential to hit with that first torp strike. Also the Scimitars have some natural mods in those torpedoes. The inquisitor can snipe from afar.
Also since the bombers have a 5 K, its likely that you'll be at or beyond range 3 after the initial joust, so LRS shouldn't affect you too much. Also with this you shouldn't have to buy anything else (most tournaments I have been to are fine if you have 1 copy of a card but have it equipped to multiple ships).

Alternatively if you choose the interceptor list. I saw a Inquisitor, Fel, Jax list obliterate a Paratanni the other day. So you might want to drop those 3 academy ties and just bring Carnor Jax. In this case I agree with @dotswarlock that PTL is the better elite pilot talent.

Good luck and let us know how it goes! I just won my store champs for the empire and you might be able to do it too! Crush the Rebels and Scum!

@AngryAlbatross , Those are some good points. Also it is very cost efficient. I would still need to pick up a FO/Tie for the Juke. lol But that's not too bad. Having an ace for late game makes sense. I guess I was so caught up in the initial encounter that I forgot about late game. I'm hoping to bring home the glory for the empire. I love the bomber and want to bring home a win with it.

1 hour ago, AngryAlbatross said:

100 pts.
Scimitar Squadron Pilot + Proton Torpedoes + Extra Munitions + Long-Range Scanners
Scimitar Squadron Pilot + Proton Torpedoes + Extra Munitions + Long-Range Scanners
Deathfire + Plasma Torpedoes + Extra Munitions + Cluster Mines + Long-Range Scanners
The Inquisitor + Juke + Autothrusters + TIE/v1

Hmm.. given the limitations, what if you do a standard PTL Inquisitor and give him XX29 tracers? This way all bombers can be outfitted with guidance chips.

With the second list, you have 36 points (3 TIEs) with 2 atk dice and no outside modifications like Howlrunner to help. I'd think about dropping all 3 and finding a 36 point 3rd Ace, like a defender. At the very least, keep 1 TIE blocker and with the last 24 points, use a Lambda with Vader (Doom Shuttle) or a maybe a TIE Striker like "Countdown"

@PT106 Has an excellent point! You could give the bombers guidance chips and give the Inquisitor tracers to guarantee that something dies first round.
Also I realized that Concussion Missiles would be better than Proton Torps for the long range sensors variant. Since they can turn a blank to a hit and its likely you will have a focus (because of long range sensors).

36 minutes ago, piznit said:

With the second list, you have 36 points (3 TIEs) with 2 atk dice and no outside modifications like Howlrunner to help. I'd think about dropping all 3 and finding a 36 point 3rd Ace, like a defender. At the very least, keep 1 TIE blocker and with the last 24 points, use a Lambda with Vader (Doom Shuttle) or a maybe a TIE Striker like "Countdown"

An alternate route would be to put something like Swarm Leader on the Inquisitor. In this scenario, the Academies are serving as blockers and taking evade actions to fuel his five-die attacks. It'd require shaving a point off Soontir somehow, though. Maybe switching him for Carnor Jax?

3 hours ago, PhantomFO said:

An alternate route would be to put something like Swarm Leader on the Inquisitor. In this scenario, the Academies are serving as blockers and taking evade actions to fuel his five-die attacks. It'd require shaving a point off Soontir somehow, though. Maybe switching him for Carnor Jax?

hrm hrm.. (see above)

1 minute ago, Calibri Garamond said:

hrm hrm.. (see above)

What, you actually expect me to read the full thread before posting? BAH!

But seriously, yeah, something like your list.

Well after all of the discussion here, I definitely think I'll be going with the bomber list. @PT106 , I think I will try Inquisitor with the Thread Tracers and the bombers with Chips. I'll do a few test games and see how it goes.

Would anyone have any advise on the best way to set up this team? Should I set the bombers in formation and have the inquisitor off to the side? Should I have them all spaced out?

Love this post, I really do.....been following it a bit. I really hope you go with the advice and do awesomely well sir. Hat's off to you!

But, in the current state of things, I'd recommend this, it's far easier to use secondary weapons pre late June FAQ:

Fenn Rau , Concord Dawn Protector (1), Autothrusters (2), Attani Mindlink (1)

JumpMaster 5000 , Plasma Torpedoes (3), Extra Munitions (2), Boba Fett (1), R4 Agromech (2), Attanni Mindlink (1), Guidance Chips (0)

JumpMaster 5000 , Plasma Torpedoes (3), Extra Munitions (2), R4 Agromech (2), Attanni Mindlink (1), Guidance Chips (0)

Want a good list?

Kylo Ren

FCS, Mara Jade, General Hux, Pattern Analyzer, KR Shuttle

Rear Admiral Chiraneau

Expose

I've got thoughts on List 1. I really like Seismic Charges on Tie Bombers, but I've found it useful to drop them to edge up the PS of the Bombers more. What if you dropped both Seismic Charges on the Scimitars to bump one of them up to a Gamma Vet w/ VI? That would give you a PS 7 Bomber that would have an easier time with his TL issues.

@Rogue 2 It might be best to have them all fly in formation. You do need to hit with the Inquisitor's missile, so make sure you target the enemy ship with the lowest agility first. Against Biggs lists you might have to control the range so you can only shoot what Biggs is protecting with the tracers, but against everything else you should be able to kill 1 ship on that first engagement easily.

@AngryAlbatross , @PT106 , This is what I have so far;

100 pts.

"Deathfire"+ Cluster Mines + Plasma Torps + EM + LRS

Scimitar Squadron Pilot + Proton Torps + EM + Chips

Scimitar Squadron Pilot + Proton Torps + EM + Chips

The Inquisitor + Juke + Tie/v1 + Autothrusters

I was hoping to have the Inquisitor with PTL and Tracers, but that would put me over on points. I'm having a hard time trying to figure out what to downgrade or drop to fix that. Also, I have LRS on Deathfire because I only have the two Chips. Otherwise all three would have chips. I feel as if I downgrade a proton to a plasma (to fit in a tracer), I would lose a lot of modded damage potential. Thoughts?

LRS is an underappreciated card, and IMO it's the better choice for low PS ordnance carriers. At PS 2, it's all too easy to find yourself moving first, then you're beyond range three of your target so you don't get the TL, then in the next turn you get the TL but they close to range 1 and you can't fire your ordnance anyway.

LRS gets you away from that in that you're always able to get the intiital target lock. Yes, you have to telegraph your target, but at worst that messes up your opponents ability to fly their list the way they want - if they're worrying about your torps, they're less worried about killing you.

LRS also kind of solves your points problem. Chips and Proton Torps are synergistic because you get to change one blank into a hit and one focus into a crit - statistically, your odds are good for 3-4 hits even without any tokens for modification. But with LRS, you should almost always be shooting your torps with a focus token, making the focus to crit modifier built into the Protons less valuable (except as a mechanism for saving your focus for defence). You can drop down to plasmas, and use the two points to get PTL for the Inquisitor, which, combined with the title, gives him the action efficiency he needs to shine.

The major downside, of course, is that you're left with no way to modify blank red dice. Personally, I prefer praying to the gods of variance to never getting my torps off, but your milage may vary on that - if it's a reliable shot you want, the Proton/Guidance Chips combo will give you that.

Alternatively, you can try for the beat of both worlds. Put Long Range Scanners on the Scimitars, drop the torps entirely and go with Homing Missiles instead. Built that way and with your same Deathfire, you can fit a 28 point Inquisitor with the title, autothrusters and adaptability to get him to PS9. The lack of PTL will really hurt in that combination, but if your bombers survive any hostile alpha strikes, they'll get some nasty shots off.

21 minutes ago, Rogue 2 said:

100 pts.

"Deathfire"+ Cluster Mines + Plasma Torps + EM + LRS

Scimitar Squadron Pilot + Proton Torps + EM + Chips

Scimitar Squadron Pilot + Proton Torps + EM + Chips

The Inquisitor + Juke + Tie/v1 + Autothrusters

I was hoping to have the Inquisitor with PTL and Tracers, but that would put me over on points. I'm having a hard time trying to figure out what to downgrade or drop to fix that. Also, I have LRS on Deathfire because I only have the two Chips. Otherwise all three would have chips. I feel as if I downgrade a proton to a plasma (to fit in a tracer), I would lose a lot of modded damage potential. Thoughts?

I would do something a bit controversial and drop extra munitions from Deathfire. The way I see it, you're unlikely to be able to drop both cluster mines before dying. In this case the potential squad can look like that:

I agree with most of what @MacchuWA said. LRS is best for low PS carriers, as it guarantees you will get that torpedo off. It combines best with Concussion Missiles over Proton Torps though. Guidance Chips and Protons probably have about the same expected amount of damage, but its harder to get that target lock on the initial joust without being in range 1.

@PT106 is right that you are unlikely to get two cluster mines off from Deathfire, and that could get you the PTL points you need. Also from what I have seen the Inquisitor is much better with PTL than with Juke. Either list variation is good!
If you switch to LRS (which you can probably borrow more cards if the FLGS your playing at has a nice group of people) dump the protons. Otherwise, carry on!

You have inspired me to try running a mini swarm of Tie's with some bombers next casual night, for maximum thematic points.

@MacchuWA , you are bringing up some very good advice. The LRS would give me the set up I need for the Scimitar Pilots right off the bat. If I LRS one of their ships right out of the gate I have the chance of throwing my opponent off their initial plan. Then I could slow roll and reacquire new targets based on how they reacted. You were also correct about the Inquisitor and PTL. He will definitely shine with it and since he is supposed to be my late game clean up, I should make sure he is at his best and not just at half power. Otherwise he will die just as quickly as the bombers.

@PT106 , I really like the list you provided. I guess taking off the EM from Deathfire isn't terrible. I just had high hopes for him with so many cluster mines. lol But I shouldn't put all of my eggs in one basket.

@AngryAlbatross , Ok, I could probably squeeze the Concussion Missiles in if I switch LRS on the Scimitar Pilots. Also, I'm glad I've inspired you to run some bombers. I love the ship. My fondest memory of the Tie Bomber is one shotting a Poe Dameron with an Adv. Proton Torpedo. It was very satisfying.

Ok, so here is the next revision of the list. It is very similar to what @PT106 posted. Just with a few changes. Let me know what you all think.

100 pts.

The Inquisitor + PTL + Tracers + Tie/v1 + Autothrusters (32)

"Deathfire" + Cluster Mines + Plasma Torps + Chips (24)

Scimitar Squadron Pilot + Concussion Missiles + EM + LRS (22)

Scimitar Squadron Pilot + Concussion Missiles + EM + LRS (22)

I have chips on Deathfire, but I will ask around to see if anyone can lend me a LRS. If so then I'll just switch them out. With this I still have some dice modification with the Concussion Missiles and by the time I fire them, I should also have a focus. I also have a fully stocked Inquisitor. Ready for late game and TL support if needed.

4 minutes ago, Rogue 2 said:

I have chips on Deathfire, but I will ask around to see if anyone can lend me a LRS. If so then I'll just switch them out. With this I still have some dice modification with the Concussion Missiles and by the time I fire them, I should also have a focus. I also have a fully stocked Inquisitor. Ready for late game and TL support if needed.

I'm not sure why are you trying to outfit everyone with LRS. From my point of view, chips is a strictly superior option as long as you have a separate way to get that target lock (and tracers provide you with this).

13 minutes ago, PT106 said:

I'm not sure why are you trying to outfit everyone with LRS. From my point of view, chips is a strictly superior option as long as you have a separate way to get that target lock (and tracers provide you with this).

Well the way I see it, since I no longer have EM on Deathfire, he is only going to get that first volley of Plasma Torps off. Then no more torps. So I might as well set him up with the rest with LRS and a focus for the initial encounter.

The way I see things playing out is after the first encounter, then I will 5k with my bombers, and have the Inquisitor hit the next target with Tracers to set up for the next attack. Of course this is all situational, but if I can read my opponent well and not lose anyone in the first encounter, then it should play out this way. Then again, I also can't rule out using Chips. I can always play test this build with the Scimitars having Concussion Missiles + LRS, then play test them with Proton Torps + Chips.