So, I am normally not a huge fan of squadrons, mainly because they come at the cost of fielding the backbone of the Imperial Navy, the ISD. I also don't like them as they usually reek with Aces and upgrades made to directly enhance squadron shootyness.

This is my 'Generic' swarm Imperial list where I shamelessly use Sloane whilst trying to keep a balance of Ties/Ints and Aces and use my ISD as an ISD and not just a shover of squadrons.

Is it optimal, probably not. Can I stomach fielding it and not feel totally dirty. I guess so. It evokes the feel of a fleet for me rather than a bunch of squadrons with some flotillas tagging along.

The Swarm II
Author: Englishpete

Faction: Galactic Empire
Points: 395/400

Commander: Admiral Sloane

Assault Objective: Advanced Gunnery
Defense Objective: Capture the VIP
Navigation Objective: Superior Positions

[ flagship ] Imperial I-Class Star Destroyer (110 points)
- Admiral Sloane ( 24 points)
- Avenger ( 5 points)
- Minister Tua ( 2 points)
- Boarding Troopers ( 3 points)
- Electronic Countermeasures ( 7 points)
- Leading Shots ( 4 points)
= 155 total ship cost

Gozanti-class Cruisers (23 points)
- Boosted Comms ( 4 points)
= 27 total ship cost

Gozanti-class Cruisers (23 points)
- Boosted Comms ( 4 points)
= 27 total ship cost

Quasar Fire II-class Cruiser-Carrier (61 points)
- Agent Kallus ( 3 points)
- Boosted Comms ( 4 points)
= 68 total ship cost

1 Black Squadron ( 9 points)
7 TIE Fighter Squadrons ( 56 points)
1 "Howlrunner" ( 16 points)
3 TIE Interceptor Squadrons ( 33 points)

That build really, really wants flight controllers for the alpha with Howlrunner.

I know, but it's so against my principals :-)

I could drop Black Squadron to a normal Tie and add FC's to the Quasar for a zero point bid.

Then Howlrunner and the 3 Ints go in first with support fire from the Quasar....

The Swarm II
Author: Englishpete

Faction: Galactic Empire
Points: 400/400

Commander: Admiral Sloane

Assault Objective: Advanced Gunnery
Defense Objective: Capture the VIP
Navigation Objective: Superior Positions

[ flagship ] Imperial I-Class Star Destroyer (110 points)
- Admiral Sloane ( 24 points)
- Avenger ( 5 points)
- Minister Tua ( 2 points)
- Boarding Troopers ( 3 points)
- Boosted Comms ( 4 points)
- Electronic Countermeasures ( 7 points)
- Leading Shots ( 4 points)
= 159 total ship cost

Quasar Fire II-class Cruiser-Carrier (61 points)
- Agent Kallus ( 3 points)
- Flight Controllers ( 6 points)
- Boosted Comms ( 4 points)
= 74 total ship cost

Gozanti-class Cruisers (23 points)
- Boosted Comms ( 4 points)
= 27 total ship cost

Gozanti-class Cruisers (23 points)
- Boosted Comms ( 4 points)
= 27 total ship cost

8 TIE Fighter Squadrons ( 64 points)
1 "Howlrunner" ( 16 points)
3 TIE Interceptor Squadrons ( 33 points)

Principals and fleet optimisation don't always go hand in hand D: But at least you know what you're missing out on :b

:-)

With 12 Sqds I think it's not necessary to have the Quassar II and Kallus (-10 pts), would give you a nice bid to go first.

also you could drop 12 pts for Boosted comms (exept on Quassar) and instead get a Lamda (+15 pts). Your ISD anyways will be in the thick.

That leaves you still with a 7 pts bid