"At the start of the Engagement Phase, you may choose 1 ship in your firing arc at range 0-2 and spend 1 force. If you do, that ship suffers 1 hit unless it chooses to remove 1 green token."

My question is in regards to if this ability has to be used, i.e. there are two ships in my firing arc, one is an enemy's and one is my own. I say I am using it and start measuring range. The enemy ship is outside of range 2 but my own is in range 2. Do I have to Vader my own ship?

Several months ago I was told that once I start measuring range I have to complete the ability even if it is on my own ship. It doesn't sound right to me that I would have to Vader my own ship. Based on what the card says I understand the timing to be that you would measure range 0-2 first because you have to know which ships are range 0-2, then pick a ship in that range, then spend the force to activate the ability.

Any clarification would be great!

Thanks.

"You may choose"

Best consensus on this is that you don't have the ability to choose, unless you know what you're choosing from amongst, so you measure first, then choose whether to activate.

Also a ship is not in its own firing arc per the rules reference.

Quote

page 3 of Rules Reference version 1.0.4

ARC

An arc is an area formed between the lines created by extending hash marks or arc lines printed on a ship token to range 3. A ship is in an arc if any part of its base is inside that area.

• Arcs are measured beyond the base of ships. The portion of any object that lies beneath a ship is not in any of those ship’s arcs.

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page 26 of Rules Reference version 1.0.4

Q: Is a ship in its own firing arc?

A: No.

You measure to see IF you can use Vader... then you MAY CHOOSE to use his ability if you want.

So no.. you don't have to after you measure.

I believe that a ruling made for the System Opens was that you did have to hurt your own ship if it were the only legal target after you declared your intent to use Vader's ability?

1) Declare intent;

2) measure range and arc;

3) choose a ship within range and arc if there are any (including your own) - if there aren't any, you get to keep the Force Token;

4) apply the choice of damage or removal of a green token.

You are correct, but that ruling is not supported in the RRG and contradicts the wording of Vader's ability.

Yup. TO rulings can be wrong, and have repeatedly been wrong, even at the highest level of events.

Thank you! I shall be adjusting how I rule it in future.

Very useful.