How about what Qui-Gon was doing at the start of TPM? Would you guys say that's a saber mod or a power? With the door melting deal?

The default under the old D6 system, and old canon, was if you released the grip, it would shut off. It required a lock-on switch to remain on if you dropped it or threw it. Vader's saber specifically had a lock-on switch. Luke's didn't. That's why Vader could throw his and keep the blade lit, while Luke's deactivated once he dropped it.

Or could just be that Vader was using the Force to keep his lightsaber ignited during the throw, with Yoda doing exactly the same when he hurled his 'saber into the chest of a Clone Trooper in RotS. They're both incredibly talented Force users, and in game would have the Saber Throw talent (which itself is a Force talent), which enables them to throw a lightsaber and not have it switch off the moment it leaves their hands. The Grand Inquisitor from SW Rebels would probably have this same talent as well, given his frequent usage of the technique.

As kaosoe noted, the vast majority of the time that we see a lightsaber be forced from the wielder's hands, the weapon shuts off. About the only time that doesn't happen is when it's being deliberately thrown as an attack.

But if you really must have a lock-on switch for your saber, ask your GM to let you add it as a feature when building the lightsaber hilt at the cost of an advantage.

Nope The original stats and write-ups on Vader's lightsaber specifically state that it has the lock-on feature.

How about what Qui-Gon was doing at the start of TPM? Would you guys say that's a saber mod or a power? With the door melting deal?

Narrative description of Qui-Gon slowly dealing damage to the door. Since he's a Jedi Master, he's got the Ilum crystal of his lightsaber fully modded, and with Breach 1 is easily able to deal damage to the door.

The default under the old D6 system, and old canon, was if you released the grip, it would shut off. It required a lock-on switch to remain on if you dropped it or threw it. Vader's saber specifically had a lock-on switch. Luke's didn't. That's why Vader could throw his and keep the blade lit, while Luke's deactivated once he dropped it.

Or could just be that Vader was using the Force to keep his lightsaber ignited during the throw, with Yoda doing exactly the same when he hurled his 'saber into the chest of a Clone Trooper in RotS. They're both incredibly talented Force users, and in game would have the Saber Throw talent (which itself is a Force talent), which enables them to throw a lightsaber and not have it switch off the moment it leaves their hands. The Grand Inquisitor from SW Rebels would probably have this same talent as well, given his frequent usage of the technique.

As kaosoe noted, the vast majority of the time that we see a lightsaber be forced from the wielder's hands, the weapon shuts off. About the only time that doesn't happen is when it's being deliberately thrown as an attack.

But if you really must have a lock-on switch for your saber, ask your GM to let you add it as a feature when building the lightsaber hilt at the cost of an advantage.

Nope The original stats and write-ups on Vader's lightsaber specifically state that it has the lock-on feature.

You mean the WEG write-ups that have been noted as no longer being part of the current canon, and were never actually true canon but instead part of the Expanded Universe?

The default under the old D6 system, and old canon, was if you released the grip, it would shut off. It required a lock-on switch to remain on if you dropped it or threw it. Vader's saber specifically had a lock-on switch. Luke's didn't. That's why Vader could throw his and keep the blade lit, while Luke's deactivated once he dropped it.

Or could just be that Vader was using the Force to keep his lightsaber ignited during the throw, with Yoda doing exactly the same when he hurled his 'saber into the chest of a Clone Trooper in RotS. They're both incredibly talented Force users, and in game would have the Saber Throw talent (which itself is a Force talent), which enables them to throw a lightsaber and not have it switch off the moment it leaves their hands. The Grand Inquisitor from SW Rebels would probably have this same talent as well, given his frequent usage of the technique.

As kaosoe noted, the vast majority of the time that we see a lightsaber be forced from the wielder's hands, the weapon shuts off. About the only time that doesn't happen is when it's being deliberately thrown as an attack.

But if you really must have a lock-on switch for your saber, ask your GM to let you add it as a feature when building the lightsaber hilt at the cost of an advantage.

Nope The original stats and write-ups on Vader's lightsaber specifically state that it has the lock-on feature.

You mean the WEG write-ups that have been noted as no longer being part of the current canon, and were never actually true canon but instead part of the Expanded Universe?

Not just the WEG books, but yes, and they were part of Canon until Disney took over, but that's a moot point. There's also the actual model of Vader's lightsaber showing its internal as well published in the Visual Dictionary and other books. Several sources established that Vader's lightsaber had a lock-on switch.

How about what Qui-Gon was doing at the start of TPM? Would you guys say that's a saber mod or a power? With the door melting deal?

Narrative description of Qui-Gon slowly dealing damage to the door. Since he's a Jedi Master, he's got the Ilum crystal of his lightsaber fully modded, and with Breach 1 is easily able to deal damage to the door.

This is very simplistic, isn't it? Because we've seen many Jedi "do damage to doors", like cutting through them like a hot knife through butter, which he was doing at first.

But then, they close the blast doors, he pulls the saber out, sticks it in again, and this time it looks like the door is melting AROUND the saber. "They're STILL coming through!!!"

How about what Qui-Gon was doing at the start of TPM? Would you guys say that's a saber mod or a power? With the door melting deal?

Narrative description of Qui-Gon slowly dealing damage to the door. Since he's a Jedi Master, he's got the Ilum crystal of his lightsaber fully modded, and with Breach 1 is easily able to deal damage to the door.

This is very simplistic, isn't it? Because we've seen many Jedi "do damage to doors", like cutting through them like a hot knife through butter, which he was doing at first.

But then, they close the blast doors, he pulls the saber out, sticks it in again, and this time it looks like the door is melting AROUND the saber. "They're STILL coming through!!!"

It's been a while since I watched TPM, but I seem to recall that the initial door was over a foot thick, and when they closed the blast doors the combined thickness was greater than the length of Qui-Gon's lightsaber. So naturally it would have taken longer to cut through than a 5-cm thick metal bulkhead.

From a game mechanics perspective, the GM set the door's wound threshold to, say, 12. Since the lightsaber has Breach 1 the soak/armour/hardness doesn't matter. Qui-Gon's player makes a Lightsaber check and does solid damage, maybe even enough to cut through it in one round (which can last as long as a minute, remember). Unfortunately he also rolled quite a bit of Threat, so a secondary blast door slams shut. Looking annoyed, Qui-Gon makes a second roll but doesn't get enough damage to cut through the door in round 2. And then the Droidekas appear.

Regarding the melting metal I'd say that's just a consequence of the thickness of the door. All edges around a cut made with a lightsaber glow with molten metal; since there's now metal along the entire length of the saber it will logically melt and drip.

How about what Qui-Gon was doing at the start of TPM? Would you guys say that's a saber mod or a power? With the door melting deal?

Narrative description of Qui-Gon slowly dealing damage to the door. Since he's a Jedi Master, he's got the Ilum crystal of his lightsaber fully modded, and with Breach 1 is easily able to deal damage to the door.

This is very simplistic, isn't it? Because we've seen many Jedi "do damage to doors", like cutting through them like a hot knife through butter, which he was doing at first.

But then, they close the blast doors, he pulls the saber out, sticks it in again, and this time it looks like the door is melting AROUND the saber. "They're STILL coming through!!!"

Yes, it's simplistic because you're over-complicating things, and sometimes the simplest solution is the best solution.

As Krieger22 noted, the whole exchange takes place over two rounds at most, and the GM simply described the damage that Qui-Gon did the blast doors as him melting the lock as opposed to simply carving through as he was initially doing. Perhaps on his first combat check, he rolled a Despair, thus triggering the blast doors, which added another point of vehicle armor, thus slowing down how quickly he was carving through the door.

How about what Qui-Gon was doing at the start of TPM? Would you guys say that's a saber mod or a power? With the door melting deal?

Narrative description of Qui-Gon slowly dealing damage to the door. Since he's a Jedi Master, he's got the Ilum crystal of his lightsaber fully modded, and with Breach 1 is easily able to deal damage to the door.

This is very simplistic, isn't it? Because we've seen many Jedi "do damage to doors", like cutting through them like a hot knife through butter, which he was doing at first.

But then, they close the blast doors, he pulls the saber out, sticks it in again, and this time it looks like the door is melting AROUND the saber. "They're STILL coming through!!!"

Yes, it's simplistic because you're over-complicating things, and sometimes the simplest solution is the best solution.

As Krieger22 noted, the whole exchange takes place over two rounds at most, and the GM simply described the damage that Qui-Gon did the blast doors as him melting the lock as opposed to simply carving through as he was initially doing. Perhaps on his first combat check, he rolled a Despair, thus triggering the blast doors, which added another point of vehicle armor, thus slowing down how quickly he was carving through the door.

To me the simplest solution is ALWAYS the best solution. Unless it doesn't satisfy the problem.

That still doesn't make sense to me, because in the movie you don't see metal melt and drip like just something cutting through. At the last portion of the scene right before the Droidekas show up, we see a hunk of metal drop to the floor, almost like Qui-Gon somehow did something to the saber, or just the blade, or something, that altered the way it behaves, making its heat actually expand beyond what a lightsaber would usually do. And, if what you guys are saying was true, he wouldn't need to remove the saber, and then re-insert it. He clearly had a good reason to do that. Just re-watch please, you'll see my point, I'm sure.

How about what Qui-Gon was doing at the start of TPM? Would you guys say that's a saber mod or a power? With the door melting deal?

Narrative description of Qui-Gon slowly dealing damage to the door. Since he's a Jedi Master, he's got the Ilum crystal of his lightsaber fully modded, and with Breach 1 is easily able to deal damage to the door.

This is very simplistic, isn't it? Because we've seen many Jedi "do damage to doors", like cutting through them like a hot knife through butter, which he was doing at first.

But then, they close the blast doors, he pulls the saber out, sticks it in again, and this time it looks like the door is melting AROUND the saber. "They're STILL coming through!!!"

Yes, it's simplistic because you're over-complicating things, and sometimes the simplest solution is the best solution.

As Krieger22 noted, the whole exchange takes place over two rounds at most, and the GM simply described the damage that Qui-Gon did the blast doors as him melting the lock as opposed to simply carving through as he was initially doing. Perhaps on his first combat check, he rolled a Despair, thus triggering the blast doors, which added another point of vehicle armor, thus slowing down how quickly he was carving through the door.

To me the simplest solution is ALWAYS the best solution. Unless it doesn't satisfy the problem.

That still doesn't make sense to me, because in the movie you don't see metal melt and drip like just something cutting through. At the last portion of the scene right before the Droidekas show up, we see a hunk of metal drop to the floor, almost like Qui-Gon somehow did something to the saber, or just the blade, or something, that altered the way it behaves, making its heat actually expand beyond what a lightsaber would usually do. And, if what you guys are saying was true, he wouldn't need to remove the saber, and then re-insert it. He clearly had a good reason to do that. Just re-watch please, you'll see my point, I'm sure.

He did have a reason. He wanted a deeper thrust at a better angle. For all we know, when we're looking at the melting blast door from inside the bridge, Qui-Gon is twisting or wiggling the blade to widen the incision. We could easily be seeing the effect of the blade moving in a cone-shaped fan inside the door as the metal weakens and melts.

How about what Qui-Gon was doing at the start of TPM? Would you guys say that's a saber mod or a power? With the door melting deal?

Narrative description of Qui-Gon slowly dealing damage to the door. Since he's a Jedi Master, he's got the Ilum crystal of his lightsaber fully modded, and with Breach 1 is easily able to deal damage to the door.

This is very simplistic, isn't it? Because we've seen many Jedi "do damage to doors", like cutting through them like a hot knife through butter, which he was doing at first.

But then, they close the blast doors, he pulls the saber out, sticks it in again, and this time it looks like the door is melting AROUND the saber. "They're STILL coming through!!!"

Yes, it's simplistic because you're over-complicating things, and sometimes the simplest solution is the best solution.

As Krieger22 noted, the whole exchange takes place over two rounds at most, and the GM simply described the damage that Qui-Gon did the blast doors as him melting the lock as opposed to simply carving through as he was initially doing. Perhaps on his first combat check, he rolled a Despair, thus triggering the blast doors, which added another point of vehicle armor, thus slowing down how quickly he was carving through the door.

To me the simplest solution is ALWAYS the best solution. Unless it doesn't satisfy the problem.

That still doesn't make sense to me, because in the movie you don't see metal melt and drip like just something cutting through. At the last portion of the scene right before the Droidekas show up, we see a hunk of metal drop to the floor, almost like Qui-Gon somehow did something to the saber, or just the blade, or something, that altered the way it behaves, making its heat actually expand beyond what a lightsaber would usually do. And, if what you guys are saying was true, he wouldn't need to remove the saber, and then re-insert it. He clearly had a good reason to do that. Just re-watch please, you'll see my point, I'm sure.

He did have a reason. He wanted a deeper thrust at a better angle. For all we know, when we're looking at the melting blast door from inside the bridge, Qui-Gon is twisting or wiggling the blade to widen the incision. We could easily be seeing the effect of the blade moving in a cone-shaped fan inside the door as the metal weakens and melts.

But we're not. It's very clear, we see him concentrating, and the one movement he does with the saber is a turn, like as if he's trying to screw the blade in. Here:

Now, just that wouldn't justify the large area melting on the other side. That blade right there is being affected by something else. Force or his saber emanates more heat with a switch.

Nah. I've got to agree with Krieger and Donovan on this. It just looks like he's putting extra effort into it because of the thickness of the blast doors.

Nah. I've got to agree with Krieger and Donovan on this. It just looks like he's putting extra effort into it because of the thickness of the blast doors.

That still wouldn't explain what happens on the other side, though.

Nah. I've got to agree with Krieger and Donovan on this. It just looks like he's putting extra effort into it because of the thickness of the blast doors.

That still wouldn't explain what happens on the other side, though.

Two Words:

Narrative. Description.

End of story.

This system was designed with the intent that they didn't need to create rules to precisely cover ever little detail seen on the screen, and that between the GM and the players there would be enough creativity to add descriptive flourishes like "as I continue to slowly carve my way through the blast doors, the central locking mechanism begins to overheat and melt." Things like advantages and threats are there to also help guide that narrative description, adding an extra spin (positive for advantage, negative for threat) to the results of the dice as opposed to the old binary pass/fail mechanic that's been an RPG mainstay for decades.

If you can't or won't accept that there doesn't need to be a mechanical justification for every little thing we see on the screen or read in a book, then perhaps this isn't the RPG for you.

It's not me. It's the players... But I see your point. I'll just find another way for them to settle down about it.

Nah. I've got to agree with Krieger and Donovan on this. It just looks like he's putting extra effort into it because of the thickness of the blast doors.

That still wouldn't explain what happens on the other side, though.

Two Words:

Narrative. Description.

End of story.

This system was designed with the intent that they didn't need to create rules to precisely cover ever little detail seen on the screen, and that between the GM and the players there would be enough creativity to add descriptive flourishes like "as I continue to slowly carve my way through the blast doors, the central locking mechanism begins to overheat and melt." Things like advantages and threats are there to also help guide that narrative description, adding an extra spin (positive for advantage, negative for threat) to the results of the dice as opposed to the old binary pass/fail mechanic that's been an RPG mainstay for decades.

If you can't or won't accept that there doesn't need to be a mechanical justification for every little thing we see on the screen or read in a book, then perhaps this isn't the RPG for you.

It's not me. It's the players... But I see your point. I'll just find another way for them to settle down about it.

Donovan's right on this one. What's happening on the other side is easily explained by natural heat radiation and convection. Remember, Lightsaber blades are made up of extremely hot plasma . It's simply melting the metal around it and the heat is spreading as it is wont to do. As the metal heats up and melts, the heat spreads, melting a larger and larger area. That's basic physics.

Ok I have some things to add here:

I don't remember if this was in the D6 or d20 system, but I remember a few saber mods that don't seem to be in this system:

- The "stay-on" switch for like, when you throw a saber it needs to stay ignited.

- The pressure switch, that does the opposite, turns off the saber if it flies from your hand

- Placing the switch inside the saber, so as for it to only be operable using the Force

And then an idea I had once:

- Fingerprint (or DNA maybe? It's Star Wars after all) recognition. Only YOU can use your saber. Dark Side version could do damage to the wielder, like Blade the Daywalker's blade. Or, like the movie sword, maybe just a hidden switch so someone else can use it IF they know the secret.

The default under the old D6 system, and old canon, was if you released the grip, it would shut off. It required a lock-on switch to remain on if you dropped it or threw it. Vader's saber specifically had a lock-on switch. Luke's didn't. That's why Vader could throw his and keep the blade lit, while Luke's deactivated once he dropped it.

The default under the old D6 system, and old canon, was if you released the grip, it would shut off. It required a lock-on switch to remain on if you dropped it or threw it. Vader's saber specifically had a lock-on switch. Luke's didn't. That's why Vader could throw his and keep the blade lit, while Luke's deactivated once he dropped it.

Yes! This is what I remember from the old systems.

But also, I want to see a Sabercopter in the rules (that inquisitor spinning saber. Yes, I've named it now).

The default under the old D6 system, and old canon, was if you released the grip, it would shut off. It required a lock-on switch to remain on if you dropped it or threw it. Vader's saber specifically had a lock-on switch. Luke's didn't. That's why Vader could throw his and keep the blade lit, while Luke's deactivated once he dropped it.

Or could just be that Vader was using the Force to keep his lightsaber ignited during the throw, with Yoda doing exactly the same when he hurled his 'saber into the chest of a Clone Trooper in RotS. They're both incredibly talented Force users, and in game would have the Saber Throw talent (which itself is a Force talent), which enables them to throw a lightsaber and not have it switch off the moment it leaves their hands. The Grand Inquisitor from SW Rebels would probably have this same talent as well, given his frequent usage of the technique.

As kaosoe noted, the vast majority of the time that we see a lightsaber be forced from the wielder's hands, the weapon shuts off. About the only time that doesn't happen is when it's being deliberately thrown as an attack.

But if you really must have a lock-on switch for your saber, ask your GM to let you add it as a feature when building the lightsaber hilt at the cost of an advantage.

Well, I was going through the attachments in the F&D core book, and found something very interesting that answers the question about the Lock-on switch. It is actually covered in the new rules . Specifically, it's one of the options mentioned under Superior Hilt Personalization . to quote:

Numerous cosmetic or practical enhancements can be applied to a lightsaber, from rare metals and precious gemstones to customized grips and locking activating switches .

It's not me. It's the players... But I see your point. I'll just find another way for them to settle down about it.

There are more crunchier version of Star Wars. You guys don't have to use FFG's rules. This design isn't for everyone and for people who want more rules and a page listing for X, Y, Z I recommend d20 and Saga over this version. There's no shame in not using these rules. They're wonderful, but they are not for everyone.