VT-49 Decimator and expose

By bllaw, in X-Wing Rules Questions

Just wondering what would happen if you used expose on the VT-49 Decimator?

You add one red die to your attack and reduce your agility by one. Since your agility can't be less than zero, it stays at zero.

As far as I'm aware, it works - but obviously there is no drawback in terms of losing agility.

The reason it's not used all that much though is because of the " Action: " header, so you'll be relying on natural hit/crit results (RAC potentially circumvents this with his ability, but again, there are probably better and cheaper options for him, like VI or Predator ).
A 4 die attack with no mods is generally worse than a 3 die attack with mods (like a focus).

So essentially, to get the most out of Expose , you need to pair it with something like Experimental Interface . But the value of the combo becomes dubious because that is now a 7 point investment.

But this is X-Wing. So I fully expect someone to come along in response with a list that makes REALLY good use of Expose on a Decimator :P

Edited by Tom1132

You're already spending, at least, 40 points on the decimator. What's 7 more?

10 minutes ago, FourDogsInaHorseSuit said:

You're already spending, at least, 40 points on the decimator. What's 7 more?

Fair point, Decimators primarily feature in 2 ship lists so you can afford to splurge a bit more on em.

I guess the issue for me is more that you've used your EPT *and* mod slot to get it to work. Whereas I'd see Engine Upgrade and VI/Predator as a more worthwhile investment for 5-7 points. It does a little bit more work for you (getting out of arcs, firing first/making your attacks more reliable independent of extra actions) versus adding a die.

Different strokes and all that. Probably depends on who your wingman is.

1 minute ago, Tom1132 said:

Fair point, Decimators primarily feature in 2 ship lists so you can afford to splurge a bit more on em.

I guess the issue for me is more that you've used your EPT *and* mod slot to get it to work. Whereas I'd see Engine Upgrade and VI/Predator as a more worthwhile investment for 5-7 points. It does a little bit more work for you (getting out of arcs, firing first/making your attacks more reliable independent of extra actions) versus adding a die.

Different strokes and all that. Probably depends on who your wingman is.

You're absolutely right, which is why VI/Engine RAC is played a lot and EI/Expose RAC really really isn't...

Oicunn+Expose along with some other goodies can be really nasty. You need the "bull in the china" shop attitude to make it work but it can be devastating.

I knew of one guy who ran expose on RAC with palp, made jokes about Palpitine exposing himself every turn

No one said it... Amazing.

<ehem>

EXPOSE IS NEVER THE ANSWER

Now move along.

On ‎11‎/‎8‎/‎2017 at 10:25 AM, Tom1132 said:

Fair point, Decimators primarily feature in 2 ship lists so you can afford to splurge a bit more on em.

I guess the issue for me is more that you've used your EPT *and* mod slot to get it to work. Whereas I'd see Engine Upgrade and VI/Predator as a more worthwhile investment for 5-7 points. It does a little bit more work for you (getting out of arcs, firing first/making your attacks more reliable independent of extra actions) versus adding a die.

Different strokes and all that. Probably depends on who your wingman is.

remember too that with Expose, those 4 dice are at 360.
Another approach is to through an Upsi in to the mix so it can coordinate: Something like Striden w/ FO and EI + RAC w/ Expose. Can give you RAC with a focus and target lock plus 4 dice at 360.

Edited by SkullNBones

Theoretically, its the one ship which Expose would work on. No downside other than the cost. The issue is is giving up an action and EPT worth +1 attack dice? Or is it better to use your EPT to give your 3 attack mods to make it more likely to do more damage.

You could do,

100 points

PILOTS

Rear Admiral Chiraneau (59)
VT-49 Decimator (46), Expose (4), Tactician (2), Systems Officer (2), Dauntless (2), Experimental Interface (3)

“Whisper” (41)
TIE Phantom (32), Agent Kallus (2), Fire-Control System (2), Veteran Instincts (1), Advanced Cloaking Device (4)

That is decent action economy. You are locking the Decimator into green maneuvers, but they're not awful.

4-5 attack dice with a focus and turning 1 focus into a crit at range 1-2, and giving stress if it's range 2, isn't bad. And bumping still gives you one action. Plus you can get Whisper target locks when you do greens.

Not the worst synergy, but point for point there are better choices.

Everyone knows that the universe will implode if you can actually make Expose work in a build, so don't try it ;)

By the way, I've occasionally ran Expose on Vader pilot for funzies. It kinda works on him due to his built in action efficiency. Get a target lock on a previous turn, pull up behind someone while out of their arc or of little chance of taking damage, go Focus + Expose for actions. Then you throw 4 dice at range 1, plus focus, plus auto-crit. Its awesome when it works, but 4 points can be better spent if you're really trying to win.

Edited by Joe Censored
On 11/16/2017 at 2:39 AM, mad mandolorian said:

I knew of one guy who ran expose on RAC with palp, made jokes about Palpitine exposing himself every turn

I vaguely resemble that remark!

I have been using a RAC - EI - Expose - Palp - Rebel Captive build with a backdraft tie/sf.

If you can get RAC in range 1, the 5 dice with a focus, Palp, and his ability, getting 4-5 hits with lots of crits is a thing of beauty.

It really catches people off guard, however it biggest weakness is the lack of green on his dial, meaning you mainly end up circling around on his green two banks, making you somewhat predictable.