With F&D now out (in beta) I was wondering how y'all would build a pugilist. The idea being that the character is a melee specialist that does not use a lightsaber (who wants the attention it attracts, am I right?). I'm thinking like a teras kasi master.
I'd like to use as little as possible from other books, relying on F&D for as much as possible. I know the Marauder spec from Edge would do the job, but that's out of the scope of F&D.
For Race, humans are always a good, well-rounded choice. The Nautolans seem passable with a starting 3 Brawn, but the 1 Willpower isn't that great for a Force-sensative.
From what I'm reading, starting spec of Guardian: Soresu Defender. Just ignore reflect, defensive circle, and strategic form (since they all require a lightsaber). Everything else but the required Soresu Form can be used without a glowstick. Guardian: Protector is a nice in-career spec to branch off into with access to Force protection and a variety of +Strain/+Wound talents. Seeker: Ataru Striker has a nice left-hand column that gives dodge and parry. Warrior: Shii-Cho Knight also has a good assortment of non-lightsaber talents, too.
Gear would be a combat knife (cheap and the parry talent requires a Melee weapon) and a pair of Refined Cortosis Gauntlets for the pugilist theme (even though the description makes it sound like it should be considered a Melee weapon for purposes of the parry talent). Throw on the weighted head from Edge (the only non-F&D aspect of this character) to improve the damage.
Force powers: Enhance seems like the best bet—only 20XP to add Force dice to Brawl checks! Misdirects and sense both have great commit effects for passive bonus. The Protect/Unleash power, emphasis on Protect, will help against ranged attacks until you get in close to beat them up with your gauntlets.
How does that sound to all y'all? Critiques welcomed!
-EF