So I have been playing for a while now, and I have yet to use Marek Steele. Thouoght about him on the drive into work this morning and I came to the conclusion that he could be an amazing missile delivery system. Bear with me.

His pilot text says when you deal a face up damage card, draw three and choose one.

So that would mean we should aim to maximize his crits. This lead me to Marksmanship. Turn a hit into a crit with a pseudo focus ability. Could be fun.

So how to get it to happen a lot. Cluster missiles. Marskmanship would kick in twice. Hmm I thought.

And what if we added Captain Jonus, to make sure there were more hit and crits on those cluster missiles....

So here is my plan:

Marek Steele + Marksmanship + Cluster Missile

Captain Jonus + 2x Cluster Missile

Col Jendon + FCS + Gunner + Weapons Engineer

I figure this can probably do some significant damage on an alpha. I could drop the Weapons Engineer to give Jonus Marksmanship also.

Alternatively, I could drop Marek for another bomber, but that defeats the whole purpose of this list, to use his (as I never have.)

Good idea, with one small flaw.

Crits only count if they hit hull. So as an alpha against most Rebel ships you might not find you get much effect with Marek. I'd consider perhaps holding off on the missiles until you get the shields gone or mostly gone depending on what the other guy is flying.

Shooting a B-Wing for example with a Cluster Missile hoping for crits may not accomplish a lot.

Good idea, with one small flaw.

Crits only count if they hit hull. So as an alpha against most Rebel ships you might not find you get much effect with Marek. I'd consider perhaps holding off on the missiles until you get the shields gone or mostly gone depending on what the other guy is flying.

Shooting a B-Wing for example with a Cluster Missile hoping for crits may not accomplish a lot.

That's true... but since Jonus and Jendon are going to be shooting first, he's likely missing a few shields, which means the 5-6 dice can go through to his hull. Though a B wing is pretty much dead by the time you're putting crits on him.

Ya, but Im not always fighting Bwings. Our group seems to have a heavy Imperial slant. I normally face off against with oodles of ties, shuttles and firesprays. The clusters should make short work of the firesprays and shuttles, again once the shields are down.

Im also thinking that cluster missiles spell bad news for ties of all ilks.

Jonus & Jendon are PS 6, Maarek is PS 7, Maarek wil be shooting first.

That's true... but since Jonus and Jendon are going to be shooting first, he's likely missing a few shields, which means the 5-6 dice can go through to his hull. Though a B wing is pretty much dead by the time you're putting crits on him.

I should point out that Maarek is PS7 and both Jonus and Jendon are PS6, so Maarek would be shooting first with this list.

I also have been playing with the idea of using Maarek. I've seen his ability used and it was particularly painful. It's a great ability.

I was thinking more this setup though. Less guaranteed crits of course, but his job is going to be more long term.

Maarek Stele (27)

Marksmanship (3)

Omicron Group Pilot (21)

Fire-Control System (2)

Gunner (5)

Mercenary Copilot (2)

Engine Upgrade (4)

Academy Pilot (12)

Academy Pilot (12)

Academy Pilot (12)

Total: 100

Maarek in this capacity acts as a flanker. Send the three Academies in as the main force, trailed by the Albino Space Manatee, with Maarek blasting up the side to flank them. His job will then be to hunt down damaged craft while the main force concentrates on the big threats.

Or if I want to really dogfight:

Maarek Stele (27)

Marksmanship (3)

Saber Squadron Pilot (21)

Push the Limit (3)

Saber Squadron Pilot (21)

Push the Limit (3)

Scimitar Squadron Pilot (16)

Proton Bomb (5)

Total: 99

Maarek once more acts as a flanker, but this time I have tow interceptors to act as vicious knife fighters. The Bomber is there largely to draw initial fire. That proton bomb is a huge threat. If they concentrate on the bomber, the Interceptors have time to get behind their ships. If they don't, that proton bomb can cripple their list. Probably a weaker overall list, but if flown well could be decisive.

The clusters should make short work of the firesprays and shuttles, again once the shields are down.

Yeah, damage is damage...

I wasn't trying to say the list wouldn't work. Just pointing out that against shielded ships you'll find his ability won't always be useful.

D'oh... I feel like an idiot. I guess that should serve as a reminder to not post before coffee.

I guess that should serve as a reminder to not post before coffee.

Always a bad idea.