2nd EDITION, obviously

With second edition bringing a few noteworthy arcdodgers and token stackers (from the humble fel/whisper to the mighty Lord Vader himself), I feel it's best to start familiarizing ourselves with this humble but potent ace/Jedi huntress

Kestal benefits from the incredible arc coverage of primary arc + turret. And thanks to barrage rockets, her front arc is actually worth a ****!

Imo, her default build is

(36) Lieutenant Kestal
(6) Barrage Rockets
(1) Ruthless
(6) Ion Cannon Turret
Points 49

That's 24/25 points in 1st Ed terms, ie VERY tolerable given how squishy the TIE/aggressor is

The secret to utilizing Kestal (other than keeping her on the flank and outside direct engagement) is to give her enough mods to allow her to spend her focus in her ability. This is accomplished via Ruthless and Jonus.

Yes, TIE Bombers are great with basically everyone (because they ******* rock), but since the TIE/ag could basically be its cousin it's very easy to integrate into bomber formations

Bombers also have the dubious honor of being incredible Ruthless targets. Plus, given how clunky they can be (despite essential dial improvements...thank FFG for that white 2-turn) they really benefit from an ace hunter like Kestal. Be aggressive with ruthless, because non-jonus bombers ain't great late game.

because of her cost, she's easy to include in lists

Her, Barrage Jonus, and THREE barrage scimitars will run you 197 points (200 if elusive on Jonus)

Her, Barrage Jonus with Elusive, Barrage Rhymer with Elusive + adv protons, all aided by Palp on a scariff base pilot = 197 points

....so yeah, be aware she exists when you start running into Fels/whispers/any manner of force user/moldy crows (just not Palob, sadly)

Didn’t you say barrage rockets might be a little too good though? If they get a price hike do you think that will affect the aggressor’s?

1 hour ago, LordFajubi said:

Didn’t you say barrage rockets might be a little too good though? If they get a price hike do you think that will affect the aggressor’s?

I hope they don't, they MAKE the aggressor and bomver viable

Bombers might get pricier

9 minutes ago, ficklegreendice said:

I hope they don't, they MAKE the aggressor and bomver viable

Bombers might get pricier

**** rebels are so pissed off at bombers, they keep blowing up our manufacturing plants all over the outer rim.

Luckily our supply chains are frankly amazing, so across the Empire we will only see a marginal increase in costs.

49 minutes ago, ficklegreendice said:

Bombers might get pricier

Bombers are priced fine in relation to other factions. It is just that some other Imperial ships are too costly - also it is a faction traditionally connected with ace lists, and aces are underpowered/overpriced for now.

3 hours ago, LordFajubi said:

Didn’t you say barrage rockets might be a little too good though? If they get a price hike do you think that will affect the aggressor’s?

5 charges for turning your 2 dice primary to 3 dice but you cannot spend a focus for defence or you lose your 3 dice attack. The rockets seem fine. Maybe the bomber is too cheap.

But I need to play it to see.

Barrage bomber is equivalent to the striker (34 points)

Striker is lower I, less health, and doesn't ignore range 3

But VASTLY more mobile, doesnt need focus to fling 3 dice, and gets range 1 bonus

It's probably Jonus that just turbocharges barrage bombers into the realm of insanity

About Kestal : quite interesting, probably cooler than efficient. I will need to practice those knew aggressor.

I feel They will love to flank and suddenly joust when the opportunity rise.

I've been thinking Kestral with Fifth Brother might be cool, mod your attack while denying theirs.

I have said it before and will say it again Lt Kestral is good. The ability to block all eyeballs and blanks is pretty good. You can even get hits in on force users.

What about that ? A small swarm with Kestal ? Better to keep alpha or add ace tie fighter ?

12 minutes ago, Arkanta974 said:

What about that ? A small swarm with Kestal ? Better to keep alpha or add ace tie fighter ?

Kestal & swarm (200)

Lieutenant Kestal — TIE Aggressor	36
Elusive	3
Ion Cannon Turret	6
Barrage Rockets	6
Fifth Brother	12
Ship Total: 63
Academy Pilot — TIE Fighter	23
Ship Total: 23
Academy Pilot — TIE Fighter	23
Ship Total: 23
Alpha Squadron Pilot — TIE Interceptor	34
Ship Total: 34
Alpha Squadron Pilot — TIE Interceptor	34
Ship Total: 34
Academy Pilot — TIE Fighter	23
Ship Total: 23

Will a named 4 ship swarm fit? At first glance I expected it but now I’m not sure. I think dropping 5th brother to fit it is worthwhile.

Those are some really nice abilities to stack on top of a basic barrage carrier for not much extra cost — I hadn’t been looking at the TIE/ag at all.

She also fits with barrage Jonus, barrage Rhymer + APT, and standard (?) Deathrain (barrage, traj sim, proton bombs, seismic, ablative). Lots of different threats in there and they’re all at I4.

Jendon Synergy

(46) Colonel Jendon
(5) Director Krennic
Points 51

(34) Major Rhymer
(6) Barrage Rockets
(6) Adv. Proton Torpedoes
Points 46

(48) Seventh Sister (prototype)
(5) Collision Detector
Points 53

(36) Lieutenant Kestal
(6) Ion Cannon Turret
(6) Barrage Rockets
(1) Ruthless
Points 49

Total points: 199

1 hour ago, ficklegreendice said:

Jendon Synergy

Jyndonergy if you will.