I've always struggled with the space combat system in this game, but I think I've found a way to simplify it (though this might not be an original idea, I don't know. Someone's probably thought of this before). I've set up some "Imperial Crew" NPCs, with the idea that I run them like a single NPC, with a level of skill corresponding to their ship and their perceived skill level (i.e. customs frigate over some sleepy outer rim planet won't be as skilled as one that has been involved in anti-piracy operations).
At the most basic, here's how it would work: If the ship has a captain NPC, both the captain and the crew get an initiative slot. The crew gets 1 Pilot Only Maneuver and Action, and 2 Not Pilot Only Maneuvers.
That said, I'm not sure about having a minion variant, as I don't think it would ever come into play, and would just be really weak. Thoughts? I'd also appreciate a critique of the statblocks themselves.
Here are the SWSheets for them:
Imperial:
Minion
,
Rival
,
Nemesis
I'm considering making more of these, such as pirate crew or Rebel crew.