Today I would like to start a discussion on the Rodian Black Sun Vigo, who from here on will be abbreviated RBSV. I was wondering what the community thought about this, in my opinion, quite useful piece. I just searched for 200 point squads that contained this piece and it seemed that the squads that actually had ratings from the community were rated in the 6-7 or the Rodian was used in tandem with the other Vigos and Xizor. I would like to begin this discussion with the points that I believe make this piece extremely useful. (The rating it currently has is 7.62)

To start, the RBSV's commander effect is one of the best, in my opinion, defensive commander effects, "Each follower within 6 squares who has cover cannot be targeted by Accurate Shot unless it is the nearest enemy." I use this commander effect to guard my support pieces: medics, Czerka, door control. I also take advantage of this commander effect to guard my fodder pieces and any melee followers I have.

An example of this would be Antares Draco and an Imperial Knight Master need to get to the fight quickly to begin engaging the enemy, the RBSV commander effect will ensure that these two pieces, who do not have ranged defense, can get to the fight without getting picked off by enemy accurate shooters, provided there is someone in front of them, say a piece with evade or deflect.

Now a draw back to this commander effect is that it is limited to six squares and does not guard the RBSV itself from getting sniped. However, this problem is easily remedied by Mas Amedda, who will be in most Imperial/Republic squads anyway, or mouse droids, who will also be in a lot of squads anyway.

Another strength of the RBSV is that not only does he pay for himself by protecting your followers, he has the chance to legitimation pay for himself by his Fringe Reserves 20. With the 20 points of reserves you could bring in Lando, Dashing Scoundrel, support pieces like medics that you didn't originally have points for, or even more mouse droids. It is true that there will be some games that you wont ever get the reserves but the opposite is true as well. I think a lot of us have played games where we or our opponent just seemed to have an endless stream of reserves.

Finally, the RBSV's stats are not the best in the game, especially for his cost but lets look at it in the scope of support for him. He has a base of ten damage so he can gain twin attack from a Czerka Scientist. Though there are very few options to raise attack and damage, he can fill other rolls as well. He can be given Grenades 10 and Heal 10 from a Rodian Trader, he can combine fire with someone else to increase there chance of success. He will not be the damage dealer in your squad but he can play a very important role in your squad.

Now I will say that if the enemy does not have any accurate shooter in there squad the RBSV is not nearlly as useful but if that is the case, the RBSV has stealth so he will actually be able to participate fairly well in the combat role that he would not be able to do if there were accurate shooters, shooting at him. The +5 attack is not terrible to against the enemies fodder pieces and if necessary he can be a good distraction for the enemy to focus on.

So, in conclusion, I believe that the RBSV is an extremely versatile piece that can fulfill many roles within the squad. The 24 points that it cost to include him is paid for by the advantages that he gives versus accurate shooters. As well the possibility of Reserves helps to sweeten the deal when considering him for the squad. His combat skills are not great but are not terrible for taking care of fodder pieces and can be increased through the use of support. All in all, I think that this a very solid piece and would like to hear from the community as to your thoughts about the RBSV and whether you normally include it in you squad or if you decline his inclusion and, more importantly, why do you include him or exclude him?

---jlbm347

http://www.bloomilk.com/Squad/104705/black-vong-cartel

This is a fun go for them, superstealth quading is a good time. Also that fringe reserves is great when it happens.

Like qvos I played the base off of this guy back in the day (lol)... his reserves are awesome when they happen and I used to run him with the fragile BH set bounty hunters to help keep them alive.

He's good. But, generally speaking, a little to expensive to be competitive by todays standards. One glaring flaw is that he cant help the poor mouse droid that is relaying his orders.

Dont you DARE suggest that Mouse Droids need more support. :P