Texas_Fett

The only Star Trek design I've ever liked is the Defiant, although the Klingon Bird of Prey is pretty cool, too. Other than that, the rest of the ships just plain...well, suck. There ain't nothing more imposing than an Imperial Star Destroyer (well, maybe a SSD or the Death Star ), and as Trej said, they're surely more powerful. Perhaps it's the 'rough edge' Star Wars has, but its ships are much more appealing to me.

Yeah, but I figured on the off-chance that he hasn't, then it'd be a good way to get two out of three victory conditions and set him up to quickly get the third.

I'd say that the best way to build up your fleet is to consider just exactly what you want to do. To defend a system, like Coruscant, be sure to build a Death Star, a Death Star Shield, and stock it with Hyperspace-capable craft (so that they don't have to deploy), and station 50-100 (minimum) squadrons of TIE Interceptors planetside. Additional ships are also a must, although the composition is whatever you'd like it to be, just make sure that their fighters are all TIE Defenders. Lancer's would greatly aid your starfighters, and a few ISDII's would help deter any Rebel capital ships. For an assault fleet, start with the 'core' craft of a SSD, as stated by Jahled and Evanders above. The pyramid analogy is extremely apt, as you want to be able to bring supporting firepower to bear against your Rebel counterparts, especially if they have a Bulwark Battlecruiser. The variety of 'support' ships is up to you, but realize that ISD's and VSD's (both I's and II's) are superior to pretty much anything the Rebels can throw at you. Countering Rebel starfighters is paramount to your fleets' survival, so be sure to include Lancers and Carracks. Your own starfighter complement should consist almost exclusively of TIE Defenders, although having 6-18 squadrons of Interceptors will allow you to exploit the AI (the computer tends to target the starfighters that are most dangerous to the capital ships first {i.e., bombers}, followed by the 'newest' or most advanced design. By having Interceptors in the fleet, the Defenders will take the brunt of the Rebel starfighter's assault while your Interceptors roam at will.) However, assembling a massive fleet that puts the one at Endor in RotJ to shame will most certainly result in the Rebels immediately turning tail and fleeting for the Rim. To avoid this, it is imperative that you include an Interdictor cruiser or two (just in case). This will allow you to trap the Rebls and make them fight, no matter how badly outgunned they are. But if you're instead trying to herd them into assembling a larger fleet, then don't include the Interdictor. The only ship I've ever found superfluous in the Imperial Navy is the Loronar Strike Cruiser, although it can be useful if you want to build a ship quickly that packs the punch of a VSD1. But at the late stages of the game, resources and contruction time shouldn't be a problem at all, so why bother? Another consideration is the Death Star. While it certainly is fearsome, and its presence carries with it a great deal of bonuses, it also has a glaringly obvious negative: one starfighter can take it out. Moving it around offensively means that its fleet has to carry its starfighter complement with it, and it takes a huge number of TIEs to foil a Death Star Trench Run. While not impossible, it is certainly a concern, with wide-ranging consequences. I tend to have the Death Star itself carry Interceptors while the rest of the escort fleet carries TIE Defenders, for the same reasons listed above. Now, I don't tend to play the Imperials as much as the Rebels, but that's my 2-cents.

Yes, but that forum NEEDS sticky's! How many times have you replied to the same question when it was asked just about a dozen topics previously? I may just have to create it myself, by copying & pasting from your different topics and posts... No, I meant GL cleared up the name 'bongo' for Weird Al. But yeah, the lyrics were 'approved' by GL, but they were cobbled together based on WA's sleuthing.

The latter. "Rivendell" is simply a contraction of "riven" and "dell". It's the "common" rendering of the elvish (Sindarin, I believe) name for it, Imladris. I have this nagging feeling that I'm forgetting something, though. I've read the series at least every other year since I was 11. Each time I catch something new. Granted, by today's standards some of the book is rather difficult reading, but I greatly enjoy it. I envy you, being able to read the series and experience it for the first time. Seeing the movies will spoil some of it, but I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at many of the changes, and disappointed at others. However, I highly recommend them, and the movies as well. {sigh} I wasn't seriously suggesting that I sit on a streetcorner to sell them, dude. Of course E-Bay or some-such would be better, but then I'd also have to learn to use that, right? I think the biggest hurdle right now would be coming up with the capital to invest in the project. I'll believe that when I see it. Besides...{snort}...Ty's got nuthin' on me, right BBL?

That may not be quite true, Trej. Sure, if you send Skywalker then he'll be detected through the Force, thereby foiling the mission. However, Datajack hasn't said whether or not he's captured Vader. If so, then yes, your suggestion works. However, if Vader ISN'T captured, then sending Luke on a mission (assuming Vader is there as well) will result in the "Final Battle", thereby netting Vader AND the Emperor for the Rebels. Then, assuming that the General on Coruscant isn't Force-sensitive, he sends Luke and/or another Jedi or two, and viola! No more defenses. But otherwise, build about a half-dozen escort carriers, fill 'em chock full of B-Wings, assign an Admiral, Commander, and General to the fleet and then bombard the planet.

Thanks J-Man, I appreciate it, but Mask beat you to it. Of course, if I've gotta wait for his next update, then maybe you'd better do it after all.

{sigh} There's another card I'll have to make for the game. There's nothing like find the right incentive to motivate people to your cause.

Well, "broken valley" would be a pretty accurate synonymn for "riven dell". Sam Neil? Okay...I can kinda see the resemblance. Sorry, but I'm a huge[/] Tolkien junkie, and I was following news of the movies as early as late 1999. Oh, I'm sure of that. I'll have to get to work on getting a few of these printed up. Now to block off a weekend to sit on a streetcorner to sell 'em... Agreed, and seconded!

Oh, good lord...I'm screwed now!

Yeah, that sight is pretty much drool material for SW fans the world over, isn't it? And as for worrying, I wasn't. Another good one! If I make it into the Air Force I'll have to get one for Officer Training School, so that makes for a BIG reason. Rivendell is from The Lord of the Rings. It's the refuge of Elrond, who in the movie is played by Hugo Weaving, who played Agent Smith in the Matrix films. In the scene in which Elrond is first seen, he is standing over Frodo's bed as he says, "Welcome to Rivendell, Frodo Baggins". So what you get with my above quote is a reference to two different aspects of pop-culture. The "What Would Shaft Do?" is classic! I think you posted that in the 'Animated Gifs' thread, right? Man, we're compiling quite a list, here! Yeah, those two are good for a couple of one- or two-line posts every so often before they disappear. A bit flaky, if you ask me.

True. I had thought of photoshopping a cowboy hat onto Boba Fett for my avatar, but then realized the same thing. I did find a good pic that I'd love to use (sans hat), but I've got to get my site up first to host it.

You know, it's kinda gotten to the point where you need your own seperate forum or FAQ. You know, something like "Ask the_mask" with sticky topics like, "No, you CAN'T do that without the sourcecode" and stuff. Tempting, but I'm not quite sure when I'd use it. I don't really do that much downloading, especially not to the point where I feel I'm losing a lot of time by doing it. Thanks for the offer though. I may take you up on it sometime. Kind of. He's more a 'passing reference' with tantalizing photos of him and hints that you can see more if only you'll subscribe. Yeah...like I've got money for that. Yeah, I read an interview with him in which he stated just how much of a SW geek he really is. He followed the internet discussions about the plot of TPM and strung together what he thought the story would be. He then timed the release of "The Saga Begins" for the week of the movie's opening. Apparantly he caught George's eye, because he clarified a few points for him (like the "bongo"...stupid name, btw).

Well, that explanation works for me. Maybe Evanders should work a little magic so you could change your username to "Jedi_Mask".

What? ? And I suppose these wookie pelts hanging off my armor were just bought at Walmart, right? And the wookie throw-rug in the livingroom? Try and take MY lunch money, will they? Humph! "Let the wookie win" my heiney...now to go and get my armor let out a size or two...

I can't decide if that's an obscure Corran Horn reference of if my wife made that big of an impression on you. Infrared connection? Ah, nope. But that's as good a reason as I can think of to get a laptop. Yup. Don't worry; I'll get you hooked up in no time. I think someone else here in the forums had a goodie: "What would Padme do?" You have a good point, though. Another goodie, would be: "Welcome to Rivendell, Mr. Anderson". Yeah, I know he stops in from time to time, but it's like he's dropped off the face of the Earth. Yes, but at least in this forum we don't have to worry about getting slapped around for wandering off topic.

Sure! Anything to speed up the process, right? At least it'd go from a bi-monthly viewing to a "once every two weeks" one. wink: {sigh} Not annoyed, my friend. Wryly sarcastic. There just isn't a good smiley to get that across. I suppose is close...but not quite. So what you're telling me is that you wrote a program to improve your download manager to where it will work without being installed and all you have to do is 'drag & drop' the url into it, all in the name of expediting your internet browsing and dowloading? Yeah, I can see where the ol' "click on each thumbnail" bit would get a bit frustrating for you. You should offer it as a download on your site. Well, considering all of the 'official' pics coming out of starwars.com, TFN, and the "Clone Wars" cartoons concerning General Grievous, it's not surprising that he'd be a good bet for an appearance in Episode III. I must have missed the one about Mace's hand though... Then again, George has been rather predictable in the prequels. I mean, Weird Al was able to decipher the script from message board postings enough to write "The Saga Begins" and nail the story.

The 'Edit' button: swrebellion.net's cheap Jedi Mind Trick. Hmm...okay, I think it's either the 3310 or the 3330. Just think "John Wayne". For example, you have just arrived at your date's house to pick her up. How would John Wayne handle the situation? A polite introduction, no leering glances, promises to her family (if she still lives at home) to have her home at a decent hour, etc. Now you're out on the date. How would John Wayne handle himself? Keep your hands to yourself, compliment your date, pay for everything (no matter how much she insists otherwise), hold open the doors (even for those women who only fit the term "lady" because they're female), dance with her every time she asks (and even a few times when she doesn't), don't get roaring drunk (especially not on the first date), if you take public transit, give up your seat to the lady, or to any lady/soldier/elderly person who gets on board, etc. In short, it's just basic common sense. Respect the lady, and you'll do fine. Step outta line, and be prepared to run and evade. I may have to print up some new bumper stickers though..."What would John Wayne do?" Whoops! Well, I was in mid-post, so who can blame me? Sorry Scath! (Where has be been, anyway? )

(emphasis mine)Note the word "funny".

Next time, on Extreme Pet Make-overs, we examine how best to bring out the natural highlights in your pets' coloration using an airbrush and common household products...

I think they reference it in one of the 'Rogue Squadron' graphic novels, too.

The Replacements (one of my personal favorite movies) and Parenthood, as far as I know. Otherwise, he's stayed away from the 'comedy' genre.

Thanks! Well, I could follow precedent set by other members and just PM-you whenever I think there's a topic you need to check out. Oh, you mean like the rest of us have to do? Or at least those of us not tech-savvy enough to use a download manager? Well then, my mission here is done.

You don't know what that is ??? Well, I'd call it a typing error Okay, time out. I'm pretty sure she's my "beloved wife". Okay, why don't we start with what kind of model you have. I currently got a 6310i and at the weekend I finally made that JKIII logo. Right after that I swapped it for a self created "Unreal" logo and also carved myself a new ringtone "Iron man" from Black Sabbath Um...it's a Nokia. And it's gold-colored. Other than that, I have no idea. The model type isn't anywhere on the phone as far as I can see. My thoughts exactly. See, now if only racing-game designers listened to suggestions like that... All it means is that you'd better follow the unofficial 'Texas Rules for Treatment of Women', which are pretty much predicated on the fact that if you don't treat her right, then don't be surprised when the lil' lady hauls off and peppers the tailgate of your truck with a 12-Gauge. Got it. The world may never know the true reason... BTW, sorry for hijacking the topic, TK421!

But, as I said elsewhere, I meant it in the nicest of ways! And besides, I'm not that removed from being an 'old fart' myself. Well, you can thank Trej and Mask for bring that up. I was directed to look up the furious feline's antics after inadvertantly slandering him in the "Love Parade" thread. I'm not quite as gung-ho about challenging him, but I still think it's criminal what he does to Foster's.