Hello!

My group has just re-started playing SW RPG and we are primarily around the EotE setting. We have just finished the EotE beginner box mission and now the group has our own ship and 25XP after character generation. I GM'ed that game but someone else wants to GM the next game so I am rolling a Jedi character to play on the next mission. I need a bit of help with regards to the rules and mixing characters from different books.... I am referring to the EotE and AoR books vs. the F&D Beta.

Obligation/Duty vs. Morality

I understand Obligation and Duty can come into play by stressing out characters or having "rewards" earmarked to lowering Obligation and stuff. However, from what I understand, Morality only determines whether the Jedi is a Light-side or Dark-side Jedi/Sith. Is there a way to mix Obligation/Duty and Morality? Or should my Jedi character have both considering it is an EotE setting... Obligation for the mechanics that it entails and also Morality to keep track of my good side/bad side?

Force Rating

I read that my Jedi character will start with one... and at the lowest tiers of the career specialization trees, there is a chance to increase the Force Rating by 1 more for 25XP. Are there other ways to get/increase Force Rating? From what I see now, getting a Force Rating of 2 means going for that extra one at the end of the spec. tree, and then to get a Force Rating of 3, I'll have to get another specialization and go through that.

Lightsaber

It seems that building a lightsaber is quite expensive. The hilt is alright, it is the crystals that pump up the price. But is it okay to "give" such a weapon to a Jedi as a mission reward? I can see the hired guns of the group buying their own gear but with the rarity and exoticness of a lightsaber, I don't think it'll make sense for my character to just buy one.

Damage

On p.125, it says the basic Lightsaber has damage of 6 and needs 2 Advantages to trigger a Crit. That makes sense. But on p.123, the Ancient Sword has "+2" for Damage... how does that work? If I have Brawn of 2, then the sword does 4 damage? If I have Agility of 3 and Ataru Technique, the sword does 5 damage?

My group has also decided that being a Jedi in our current game is dangerous. The Empire is still keen on stomping out any Force sensitives and if I use my powers more than is noted on the EotE rulebook, I can see my character being a target of the Empire. While I see that as a unique challenge (ie, how can I contribute to the group without compromising my cover?), I am afraid that going down the specialization trees may not be very worthwhile as I'll be limited in their use. What I can see to be more useful are the Force Power Trees, especially the Move, Seek, and especially the Sense tree. Any suggestions for a Jedi-in-training/Jedi-in-hiding?

Thanks in advance for the help!

Obligation/Duty vs. Morality

I understand Obligation and Duty can come into play by stressing out characters or having "rewards" earmarked to lowering Obligation and stuff. However, from what I understand, Morality only determines whether the Jedi is a Light-side or Dark-side Jedi/Sith. Is there a way to mix Obligation/Duty and Morality? Or should my Jedi character have both considering it is an EotE setting... Obligation for the mechanics that it entails and also Morality to keep track of my good side/bad side?

There is information on mixing the rules for obligation/duty/morality in the errata here . What is used should be determined by the GM for the group. Generally it is recommended that morality be used for Force characters. Beyond that if your game is more the fringe element I would say use obligation. Once the actual Core rulebook drops it will contain the final cut of this information.

Force Rating

I read that my Jedi character will start with one... and at the lowest tiers of the career specialization trees, there is a chance to increase the Force Rating by 1 more for 25XP. Are there other ways to get/increase Force Rating? From what I see now, getting a Force Rating of 2 means going for that extra one at the end of the spec. tree, and then to get a Force Rating of 3, I'll have to get another specialization and go through that.

No easy way to purchase Force Rating except through Force Trees.

Lightsaber

It seems that building a lightsaber is quite expensive. The hilt is alright, it is the crystals that pump up the price. But is it okay to "give" such a weapon to a Jedi as a mission reward? I can see the hired guns of the group buying their own gear but with the rarity and exoticness of a lightsaber, I don't think it'll make sense for my character to just buy one.

You don't have to "buy" your lightsaber. Sure a GM could gift one. Another option rather than buying one is building one. Accumulating the costs could be narrated as you building your lightsaber. Or a GM could actually work the pieces into the game or an actual lightsaber. Lots of methods available. Start with a training one and upgrade to an actual one later.

Damage

On p.125, it says the basic Lightsaber has damage of 6 and needs 2 Advantages to trigger a Crit. That makes sense. But on p.123, the Ancient Sword has "+2" for Damage... how does that work? If I have Brawn of 2, then the sword does 4 damage? If I have Agility of 3 and Ataru Technique, the sword does 5 damage?

The ancient sword is a melee weapon so yes its damage is based on Brawn and its damage modified. So yes in your example damage would be 4. Damage is always based on Brawn though. Ataru Technique only allows you to use agility with the Lightsaber skill, but Agility doesn't affect damage. Just as with the other alternative attribute lightsaber Talents.

My group has also decided that being a Jedi in our current game is dangerous. The Empire is still keen on stomping out any Force sensitives and if I use my powers more than is noted on the EotE rulebook, I can see my character being a target of the Empire. While I see that as a unique challenge (ie, how can I contribute to the group without compromising my cover?), I am afraid that going down the specialization trees may not be very worthwhile as I'll be limited in their use. What I can see to be more useful are the Force Power Trees, especially the Move, Seek, and especially the Sense tree. Any suggestions for a Jedi-in-training/Jedi-in-hiding?

The Force Trees do contain talents which are not Force specific, so you can be just as useful. The powers can be more of an issue depending on the GM. Some GMs may be more interested in punishing Force use so may make it an unattractive choice. best determine the type of game the GM is going to run and what kind of response you can expect for Force and lightsaber use.

Excellent questions

Obligation/Duty vs. Morality

I understand Obligation and Duty can come into play by stressing out characters or having "rewards" earmarked to lowering Obligation and stuff. However, from what I understand, Morality only determines whether the Jedi is a Light-side or Dark-side Jedi/Sith. Is there a way to mix Obligation/Duty and Morality? Or should my Jedi character have both considering it is an EotE setting... Obligation for the mechanics that it entails and also Morality to keep track of my good side/bad side?

The Devs suggest that all Force Sensitives should use morality. It's a balancing and narrative factor for their characters. For Duty/Obligation, you should ask your GM. You shouldn't need either, but your GM may want you to have an Obligation, since it's easier to tie you into the story if you have one.

Force Rating

I read that my Jedi character will start with one... and at the lowest tiers of the career specialization trees, there is a chance to increase the Force Rating by 1 more for 25XP. Are there other ways to get/increase Force Rating? From what I see now, getting a Force Rating of 2 means going for that extra one at the end of the spec. tree, and then to get a Force Rating of 3, I'll have to get another specialization and go through that.

The Force Rating talent found in many of the Force specializations is the only way to increase your Force Rating.

Lightsaber

It seems that building a lightsaber is quite expensive. The hilt is alright, it is the crystals that pump up the price. But is it okay to "give" such a weapon to a Jedi as a mission reward? I can see the hired guns of the group buying their own gear but with the rarity and exoticness of a lightsaber, I don't think it'll make sense for my character to just buy one.

This may vary from GM to GM, but getting a Lightsaber in-game should be more of a story thing and less of "I lay down some credits and get me a laser sword" type of deal. The Lightsaber is a potent weapon, but your GM shouldn't feel too worried about handing you one early in the game. Uncle Ben had a saying about "great power" in this situation.

Damage

On p.125, it says the basic Lightsaber has damage of 6 and needs 2 Advantages to trigger a Crit. That makes sense. But on p.123, the Ancient Sword has "+2" for Damage... how does that work? If I have Brawn of 2, then the sword does 4 damage? If I have Agility of 3 and Ataru Technique, the sword does 5 damage?

The "+X" means that you add X to your Brawn score and that is your damage for that attack (plus uncanceled successes). So if you have an ancient sword and a brawn of 3, you have a base damage of 5 when you successfully attack. Lightsabers aren't dependent on how strong you are, just that you hit. So they have a flat base damage, like blasters.

My group has also decided that being a Jedi in our current game is dangerous. The Empire is still keen on stomping out any Force sensitives and if I use my powers more than is noted on the EotE rulebook, I can see my character being a target of the Empire. While I see that as a unique challenge (ie, how can I contribute to the group without compromising my cover?), I am afraid that going down the specialization trees may not be very worthwhile as I'll be limited in their use. What I can see to be more useful are the Force Power Trees, especially the Move, Seek, and especially the Sense tree. Any suggestions for a Jedi-in-training/Jedi-in-hiding?

Sense is the bread-and-butter of the "in-hiding" Jedi or for someone who is unaware of their abilities. I also suggest you check out the Shadow specialization for the Sentinel. The Shroud talent allows you to be undetectable by Force Powers and makes his/her own powers go unnoticed for the rest of the encounter. The Now you See Me talent allows you to make a Deception check to make a number of witnesses forgot about you entirely.

Other than that, take an example from Kanan on Star Wars Rebels. He doesn't use his powers or his lightsaber for every fight. He mostly sticks to his blaster until he's already around enemies that know his secret. So stick with your sword unless you're in a desperate situation or there's no chance of witnesses blabbing to you. Or you can use your powers and glow stick anyway and have fun with it. Maybe your character is tired of hiding and wants to let the galaxy know that the Jedi are still around and that they are wanting to help them.

Obligation/Duty vs. Morality - Yes, you can take more than Morality. The specific rules are in the latest/last beta update for FaD. Essentially if you take more than one, you can only alter one to gain bonuses. And if you feel like morality is something not important to your force-user, you can do away with it altogether.

Force Rating - Unless the GM decides to give you a free boost through narrative means (which I wouldn't recommend), then no, only way to increase Force Rating beyond 1 is to grab Force Rating talents.

Lightsaber - You're not really meant to be able to just purchase a suitable crystal. Sure, you technically can, but it's very much intended meant to be something given as a reward later on or to have an entire adventure around.

Damage - Ancient Sword is technically a melee weapon, even if it doesn't use that skill, so damage is still based off Brawn.

And anything can be done/useful if you're creative enough. But if your main goal as an exile is to avoid being caught, Misdirect and Influence are going to be good ways to avoid trouble.

Most of what I would say is covered buy people above. However I would like to add 2 things.

1.force rating.

Yes talents are the only way to get more if you want it. But 2 specs have the talent twice, Sage and Seer. Also the only lightsaber tree that has it as a talent is Nimian Diciple.

2. Force Users in the world.

This is down to your GM have a long talk about it. However a reminder force and destiny trees do not give instant Jedi characters, your story should be more 3D than glowstick wealder or hand waver. By all means specialise in one of those things but you can be scout with a glowing stick and a troubled past, or former lady of the night that learned how to manipulate her clients minds to give them true pleasure.

My group has also decided that being a Jedi in our current game is dangerous. The Empire is still keen on stomping out any Force sensitives and if I use my powers more than is noted on the EotE rulebook, I can see my character being a target of the Empire. While I see that as a unique challenge (ie, how can I contribute to the group without compromising my cover?), I am afraid that going down the specialization trees may not be very worthwhile as I'll be limited in their use. What I can see to be more useful are the Force Power Trees, especially the Move, Seek, and especially the Sense tree. Any suggestions for a Jedi-in-training/Jedi-in-hiding?

Thanks in advance for the help!

Force Sensitive Emergent has several ranks in indistinguishable, as well as FR +1, not the mention a dozen other handy things.

The F&D equipment section includes something called concealing robes, you should look into it.

Everyone makes a fuss over not using lightsabers or force powers. Its really just about not getting caught. Just ask Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Peter Parker...

There are some good threads about getting giving and creating lightsabers. Personally...I'd want a story arc around making one-- I don't like things spoon fed to me. The story will make any reward that much cooler. It doesn't have to be the whole game session but could be incorporated into it...maybe just a simple triumph roll that happens to make the ground cave in under you-- sliding through a cavernous tunnel and landing in a giant mud puddle you lift your head to reveal a skeleton. Upon further inspection it seems to been clutching something-- glinting in what little light shines...a small crystal. The force ripples through you and the next thing you know your clutching it in your hand. How'd it get there? One thing is for sure-- the force wanted you to have this.

Thanks for the response guys!

I agree re: lightsaber, I totally agree! It will make a very interesting story and choosing when to use it will be even more interesting!

Thanks for the suggestions on gear and careers as well. I'm looking at Seeker - Ataru Striker primarily to make the Lightsaber skill use Agility that way I can benefit from high Agility for both melee (Lightsaber) and ranged. I am planning to make a sneaky/agile character, focusing on Agility for combat and sneakyness, Cunning for Perception, and maybe Intellect for a bit of hacking skills. Maybe lower Brawn (not too physical) and Presence (keeping my head low).

I'm still not too sure how these decisions tie in with the rest of the game or careers though, so suggestions welcome!

Shadow (The Shadow!?!) lends itself well to sneaky type. Especially if you want to fly under the radar with your Jedi-ness.

I see it, but unfortunately it doesn't do anything for lightsaber combat. Might have to mix 2 careers?

I see it, but unfortunately it doesn't do anything for lightsaber combat. Might have to mix 2 specializations ?

Truthfully you'll probably have to do that for a lot of concepts that go outside of "lightsaber wielding badass."

The Lightsaber Form specs are all pretty focused on being highly proficient with a lightsaber and fairly tough in combat, whether it be the "strike fast, strike first, strike hard" approach of Ataru Striker to the "can't touch me!" approach of the Soresu Defender to the "tank" approach of Shii-Cho Knight (at least where melee combat is concerned). If you want to have talents or career skills that go outside of that focus, then you're looking at having to take multiple specializations.

And just to note, you only ever get a single career, which is selected at character creation. You can take additional specializations, but not careers. Figured that's what you meant, but as there's been a plethora of threads over the past couple years with folks operating under the incorrect idea that you can purchase multiple careers.

I see... thanks for that clarification. I just spent the last 4 days trying to read the rulebook so my brain is mostly mush but I'll do my best to remember that.

While I do want to be a "lightsaber wielding badass," unfortunately, I don't think the setting calls for just that. I'm trying to mesh some ranged combat with melee/lightsaber skills and some Force powers. I wonder why you say "strike fast, strike first, strike hard" on the Ataru Striker though. I see the strike first - Quick Draw and Quick Strike? But strike fast and strike hard?

But strike fast and strike hard?

Hawk Bat Swoop and Saber Throw help you reach enemies that may be further away/inaccessible through a single turn of maneuvers.

Saber Swam lets you get in an extra strike for each lightsaber you have. So with 2 lightsabers you can get four hits in with 6 advantage and an added difficulty die (to allow for two-weapon combat in the first place). Which is even more possible with Hawk Bat Swoop that lets you convert Force Points into Advantage. Subsequently, you could also just use Hawk Bat Swoop by itself and 1 lightsaber, and just go for a single really nasty critical. But either way, you're taking your target down.

Thank you for that clarification.

You mentioned 2 lightsabers.... not really looking at 2 lightsabers at the moment but rather 2 weapons... A quick read-through of the rules and please tell me if my understanding is correct: If I have two bladed weapons, an ancient sword (Lightsaber[Agility] due to Ataru Technique) and, say, a combat knife (Melee[br]), and I have Brawn of 2, Agility 3, and one rank in Lightsaber(Agility). I try to attack a target in egaged range. The primary weapon would be the sword. I take the lower characteristic (Brawn 2) and the lower skill (Melee) and end up with two green dice. I also start with an Average difficulty check that gets bumped up to 4 purple dice due to having to use Lightsaber and Melee skills. Is this right?

If I had a lightsaber and a shoto (or two lightsabers? Is that possible??), I would only need Lightsaber(Agility) and would roll two green dice and one yellow dice and the difficulty would only be 3 purple dice, correct?

Force Power Trees

Since I start with a Force Sensitive character (Seeker), I automatically gain a Force Rating of 1... if I started with a non-Force Sensitive character, I would need to purchase a specialization for 20 or 30XP (depending on which one I get), is this right? Anyway, do I need to "pay" anything else to get the Force Power Trees? Or do I just have to spend the necessary XP cost to get what I want? For instance, if I wanted the Sense and Seek basic powers, do I just spend the 20XP and it's done?

EDIT:

Force Power Tree: Sense

When purchasing the left-side Control upgrade, I understand this to mean that if the character was to be attacked (melee or ranged) and with an Average difficulty, I can commit one Force die so that the GM rolls one purple and one red die, correct? However, does he (the GM) do this for only one attack or for all attacks that are targeting my character for this round? I suspect it is only for one attack since the next Duration upgrade says I can trigger that Control upgrade again in the same round (without committing another Force die), right? The next upgrade is Strength which says to upgrade the pool twice so now the GM rolls two red dice and will have to do so for up to two attacks on my character, correct?

And on the last Control upgrade, that means I can upgrade one attack one time, yes? Sorry for being nitpicky at this point but I just want to know I am interpreting it correctly and will be playing it correctly.

During character creation, can a player lower his starting characteristics to "buy back" some XP? I am starting with a Human character but want to lower Brawn from 2 to 1, does that give me back 20XP to spend elsewhere?

Force Power Trees

Since I start with a Force Sensitive character (Seeker), I automatically gain a Force Rating of 1... if I started with a non-Force Sensitive character, I would need to purchase a specialization for 20 or 30XP (depending on which one I get), is this right? Anyway, do I need to "pay" anything else to get the Force Power Trees? Or do I just have to spend the necessary XP cost to get what I want? For instance, if I wanted the Sense and Seek basic powers, do I just spend the 20XP and it's done?

Yes, yes, and yes.

If you start with an Edge or Age career, you need to pick up Exile or Emergent to get an FR. The Specs in F&D don't come with an FR, only the Careers, so you gotta start with it for an FR.

For Force power, just spend your XP and enjoy... also be ready to flip some dark pips. The books make it sound all "oooohhhhh it's darkside it's scaaarrrry oooohh" but the actual mechanics are such that you're expected to flip at least a couple times a session. As long as you don't act like a total a-hole the rest of the session you'll be fine.

Regarding your two weapons, yes I believe your calculations are correct. It's not easy. Even if you optimize (both weapons are the same, and use the same skill, and the difficulty is PPP), it only begins to pay off when you have a dice pool of YYY or YYGG. Before that it's not worth it because you lose even the base hit.

1.force rating.

Yes talents are the only way to get more if you want it. But 2 specs have the talent twice, Sage and Seer. Also the only lightsaber tree that has it as a talent is Nimian Diciple.

You have to remember that even though some of the trees do not have a force rating they have other cooler things... like Supreme Reflect, Supreme Parry, Improved Reflect and Parry...

Not to mention the Healer takes force successes away from people using the force against him...

It depends on the type of jedi that you are.

And remember you do not NEED to have the skill in order to take it. It just cost 25xp extra to get it up to 5 ranks (+5 extra per rank), don't grab a tree just for the lightsaber rank. But if you are becoming the sneaky jedi the Ataru Striker is definitely the best to use your agility.

1.force rating.

Yes talents are the only way to get more if you want it. But 2 specs have the talent twice, Sage and Seer. Also the only lightsaber tree that has it as a talent is Nimian Diciple.

You have to remember that even though some of the trees do not have a force rating they have other cooler things... like Supreme Reflect, Supreme Parry, Improved Reflect and Parry...

Not to mention the Healer takes force successes away from people using the force against him...

It depends on the type of jedi that you are.

Kind of what I was getting at. Not all specs are equal for FR but do you need it? Personally I feel too many people are viewing F&D as Jedi and not Force Sensitive.