TL/DR: Lambda is an awesome carrier for Tarkin and Targeting computer and it can support all types of lists. But maybe this forum had already concluded that?
In another thread about using the Reaper I suggested the idea of it carrying his Tarkiness and Targeting Computer to give free locks. It made me wonder what would be a better carrier for this upgrade cards, the Reaper or the Lambda.
TIE Reaper
- •Captain Feroph - 56
•Captain Feroph -
Imperial Courier
(47)
•Grand Moff Tarkin (6)
•Targeting Computer (3)
Lambda
-class T-4a Shuttle - •Colonel Jendon - 61
•Colonel Jendon -
Darth Vader’s Shuttle Pilot
(46)
•Fire-Control System (2)
•Grand Moff Tarkin (6)
•Targeting Computer (3)
•
ST-321
(4)
So, the Reaper is cheaper, but only if you go improving the Lambda. It's certainly faster and more maneuverable and you could have it joining the fray with the rest of your list... You could swap Feroph for another pilot if you wish too.
Lambda is a bit more expensive, flies like the milk truck we all know, but has twice the health, a rear arc, and more importantly, a ton of synergy with locks. With Jendon you can lock ships on turn 1 while the enemy is still in their deployment zones, and do it again later in the game without needing the Lambda to be anywhere near the target. The lock obtained on round 1 can be passed via Tarkin on round 2, so your ships can do the initial engage already with it. It can carry a FCS, so to take advantage of the locks that it will generate. The ST-321 title is the icing of the cake, letting you coordinate and get the free lock, and then share it around via Tarkin every other round. Talk about action economy! You could drop it if you needed the points elsewhere, but I would definitely keep it.
So, for me, the Lambda, Jendon's Lambda with the title, is clearly the winner here . Also, I don't think his Tarkiness will suffer flying in anything less than a proper high ranking officers transport like the Lambda Shuttle... But anyway, go for the Reaper if you fancy.
Ok, next I thought about... what will the rest of the list could look like with the 139 to 144 spare points? That's a lot! Both ships can sport another crew upgrade if you need one or if it goes well with the rest of the list. So I started to think about list types that would enjoy Locks.
Aces
Oh boy! The thread about the Reaper that started this train of thought had Vader and Soontir, so let's visit that first:
TIE Advanced x1 - •Darth Vader - 78
•Darth Vader -
Black Leader
(67)
Fire-Control System (2)
Afterburners (6)
Hate (3)
TIE/in Interceptor - •Soontir Fel - 55
•Soontir Fel -
Ace of Legend
(53)
Predator (2)
Total with Shuttle: 194/200
Total with Reaper: 189/200
You can fit 2 awesome aces, with upgrades, and still have a decent bid, or get rid of hate or predator for extra bidding. I think that the awesomeness of of giving those 2 free locks is very straightforward. Or you can drop Vader and see if you can get a couple of pocket aces. Maarek w/FCS would certainly love the free locks.
Swarm and demi-swarms
Naturally, the more ships there are in your list, the more value you get from Tarkin's locks. So, if you choose the Lambda, you could add:
- 6x Academy Pilot TIE's, or 5x Black or Obsidian TIE's
- For 140 pts you can field Howlrunner, Iden Versio, Seyn Marana and Wampa. Or your choice of TIE swarm.
- 4x Strikers, or Duchess and 3 generics
- 4x Interceptors, or Soontir and 2 Saber generic
- You got the idea....
Ordnance
One of the main drawbacks of missiles and torps is getting the locks first thru the battle. Now they can get them freely every 2 rounds.
- For 140 pts, 4x Scimitar Bombers with Concussion or Diamond Boron missiles, or 3 bombers armed to the teeth of missiles and devices.
- For 150 pts. swap a Scimitar for Capt. Jonus with concussion missiles. Gotta lean up that lambda!
- Several Punishers... named and generics, with full exploding toys.
Ok, I'll stop now. I think I stated my case thoroughly.
I read the other day in a thread how the Lambda was one of the top support ships, and this makes it even clearer. There is awesome synergy in the Lambda +Tarkin + targeting computer + title, that can support all kinds of Imperial lists . It's simply awesome. Or so I think.
Wow... you manage to read up to here? Txs, have a cookie: 🍪
Edited by LUZ_TAKspelling