I didnt know there was an official 500 pt format

Josh, I have a couple thoughts on this subject...

First off, I agree that making Bastila count as a CE is the incorrect move. However where I must disagree is the use of ABM in the Epic 500 format. My recommendation would be to ban ABM from the 500 format, as Disintegration is under the Epic Duo format.

Next as we have seen in our two tourneys, the unlimited use of CE's definitely tips the balance in the favor of the OR with ABM adding the insult to the FA injury. Only a well crafted/played Imperial or Vong squad can counter the OR silliness and that is an uphill battle depending on the map in play. Therefore a formal set of guidelines should be established to include the three CE limit and a review of map choice selections.

The good news here is that our events have been a valuable opportunity to prove out this logic.

Commander effects are not the prob here. It is ABM and maps. Restrict the maps and ABM in 500pts and it will be a very fun format. Without that OR is rediculous and not even fun to play against. We do not mind losing but it shouls at least be competive.

Chris

How about S.A.? Particularly with the Vong.
Master Shaper, Shaper, Scarification plus C.E.'s Cunning, Charging, Momentum, Posion plus stolen C.E.

to start off let me state that i am against the commander effect limit. TO be honest it helps very few factions and hinders factions like sith, Imperial, Mandalorians, and rebels. i will say in its defense that it boosts Old Republic and Vong more than anything, but in this format they already have a big cutting edge. this is one of my favorite formats so anything that i suggest is meant to be in an attempt to create a level playing field for all factions and to make the game more fun over all.

as to the ABM in epic skirmishes, i dont think it should be banned. I may not like the power, but i think that it would just cut the legs out from Old Republic by banning it. Now that being said if it were changed slightly fro the format i could see that working well. Maybe tone it down. The +10 damage could stick, but i think the board wide disruption should be change to something like 12 squares or something to that magnitude.
For me if ABM is banned i also think that the vong should take some kind of a hit with all of the Special abilities that they have like Scarification and shaper, especially with the Yommask, they become board-wide and give them a huge advantage.

now IF a commander limit is enforced i would like to see it as a WORKING commander limit. That way you can still have some of the better Pieces in your squad that have the commander effects, you dont care about the effect. Pieces like Rex, Gen Skywalker, force spirits, several Vaders, and many other Pieces would be great to have in your squad, but if they put them over your commander effect limit you cant use them. I think they should be able to be in your squad, Still count as a commander for commander effect (for simplicity), But not be able to use their commander effect. Pellaeon is a good example of a piece that will see very little play at the epic level, because of his commander effect. You effectively lose a commander for his Ysalamiri. I think that some changes like this would make this format much more interesting and fun for the entire community.

Now i realize that not everyone agrees with these example or ideas but they are just that at the moment, Ideas. I just wanted to put in my 2 cents on the subject

Actually, if you are going to play Imperials in this format, Pellaeon is integral to having any success against OR. Whether you go with 1 Ysalimiri figure or 2 (I favor using Pellaeon with the new Thrawn to preserve the opportunist damage) the problem is keeping him alive. Maybe Daniel's idea of a seperate map list would help.

Personally, in a format where you see OR played as much as any faction, Pellaeon would be the FIRST piece in my squad.

From what I understand, tournys with the 3 CE limit includes all commander effects, even if they aren't used. So if you already have 3 commanders you couldn't use Atris even if you only intend to use her for Force Meditation and your squad doesn't even have Handmaidens.

You know, a CE limit really nerfs Vader...
;)

I think people have forgotten about the RBSV. It basically takes away the advantage of having those accurate shot shooters OR squads love using. I know he'd be easy to fit into a Vong squad for sure. You'd have to really think about how he'd fit into Imperial and Republic squads, since he's your 3rd commander, and only works well with Mas Ameda. If I were playing Vong, I'd have no problems against Accurate shooters. Just use the Yammosk to extend the CE of the RBSV to all vong followers. Obviously you can't steal a CE with the Yammosk in this squad if you play to 3 CE's limit. But the Yammosk is so useful in other ways, its basically like putting a super-mas ameda in your squad. If you play it smart it should be easy to get around accurate shot. Same goes with Imperials and Republic. Its basically all comes down to how dangerous a Accurate shooting squad is to your squad and if you think its worth the risk to have the RBSV in your squad as a commander.

I believe that Hoth's OR Conscription is the biggest advantage to OR. It is neither a CE nor a Force Ability. I don't think it was really tested in a large format (I could be wrong). In duo format it can't really be abused as it can in 500. Take that away (and by default Mando Conscription) and OR wouldn't be as dominant. Just my opinion tho.