I was playing around with the concept of a Selonian Force-sensitive and how she would transition from her traditional Selonian Glaive to a Lightsaber Pike and have to say I am kind of disappointed in the lightsaber pike as presented.

A couple of key points from the description, “ceremonial weapon… Similar in construction to a force pike or electrostaff,.. long, sturdy haft typically made of composites or strong alloys… a respectable weapon in its own right… shoto length blade”

Three key points for me are:

• The presented lightsaber pike is not stated to be used alternately as a melee weapon, despite the hilt being a respectable weapon in its own right
• The presented lightsaber pike is a shoto length blade, but has the base damage of a regular lightsaber
• The presented lightsaber pike is a long weapon with using only the internal workings of a shoto, but has Hard Points equal to a shoto (3), less than a double-bladed lightsaber (4) or a regular lightsaber (5)

With that in mind, I will probable revise the base stats of the lightsaber as…

Lightsaber Pike (Lightsaber or Melee, Damage 5 / +2, Critical 2 / 4, Range [Engaged], Encumbrance 3, Hard Points 5, Price 9,600/R, Rarity 10, Breach 1, Cumbersome 3, Defensive 1, Sunder / Cumbersome 3, Disorient 2)

Lightsaber Pike Hilt (Lightsaber or Melee, Damage 0 / +2, Critical na / 4, Range [Engaged], Encumbrance 3, Hard Points 5, Price 600, Rarity 7, Cumbersome 3, Defensive 1 / Cumbersome 3, Disorient 2)

This incorporates the shoto damage, an increased number of Hard Points, and an alternate melee attack based on the ceremonial staff (due to length I used this instead of the Truncheon) from Desperate Allies (pg 46)

In addition here are a couple of attachments I would allow

Stealth Hilt (Lightsaber Attachment)

Throughout the Jedi order’s history there have been Jedi who have wanted to deemphasize the presence of a lightsaber on the person, either for diplomatic or stealth reasons or who have wanted to secure their lightsaber from use by non-Force-sensitives. Regardless of motivation the first step for both has always been to internalize the controls for a lightsaber. This attachment may be used on any lightsaber hilt.

Models Include: none, custom

Base Modifiers: Force Power Move is required to ignite the lightsaber. Due to the intimate and extended time needed to craft their own lightsaber, a Force-sensitive who is using their own weapon only needs the Base Move Power and ignition is an incidental. A Force-sensitive using a foreign lightsaber must first succeed at a Hard ( ♦♦♦ ) Knowledge (Lore) check to understand the lightsabers internal workings and ignition is then a standard Force Move action.

Modification Options: 3 Internal stealth materials add ■ to any technical scans to detect the lightsaber as a weapon mod; 3 a disguised/recessed emitter add ■ to any manual checks to detect the lightsaber as a weapon mod.

Hard Points Required: 1

Cost: 200 credits

Ceremonial Furnishing (Weapons Attachment)

Many cultures have ceremonial weapons that are considered appropriate attire in social situations in a surprisingly wide set of social situations. By adding various ornamental features it is entirely possible to get certain classes of weapons into environments they would not normally be allowed. This attachment may only be added to unpowered melee weapons, weapons that have been disguised as such, or weapons that only cause Stun Damage.

Models Include: none, custom

Base Modifiers: A character adds ■ when attempting to convince others to allow them to retain their ceremonial weapon (although attempting to conceal the weapon negates the bonus if discovered).

Modification Options: 1 add and additional ■ when attempting to convince others to allow them to retain their ceremonial weapon.

Hard Points Required: 1

Cost: 500 credits

I think you're taking the fluff text a bit too seriously.

As far as attacking with the haft, just treat it the same as a truncheon, and that the lightsaber pike's wielder has the option of using the rules for two-weapon combat to strike with both ends of the weapon during their turn, or just striking with the haft if they don't want to eviscerate their opponent.

1 The presented lightsaber pike is not stated to be used alternately as a melee weapon, despite the hilt being a respectable weapon in its own right

2 The presented lightsaber pike is a shoto length blade, but has the base damage of a regular lightsaber

3 The presented lightsaber pike is a long weapon with using only the internal workings of a shoto, but has Hard Points equal to a shoto (3), less than a double-bladed lightsaber (4) or a regular lightsaber (5)

1 as per @Donovan Morningfire , if that comes up (which I agree it could) you could just use a generic melee weapon stats.

2 the shoto energy blade is no less damaging than a classic lightsaber blade, the difference is the leverage (as per Extended hilt mod).

3 it's the working you're modding, not the simple metal pole.

But at a glance your rules look fine too, go with whatever you think works best in your game.

1 The presented lightsaber pike is not stated to be used alternately as a melee weapon, despite the hilt being a respectable weapon in its own right

2 The presented lightsaber pike is a shoto length blade, but has the base damage of a regular lightsaber

3 The presented lightsaber pike is a long weapon with using only the internal workings of a shoto, but has Hard Points equal to a shoto (3), less than a double-bladed lightsaber (4) or a regular lightsaber (5)

1 as per @Donovan Morningfire , if that comes up (which I agree it could) you could just use a generic melee weapon stats.

2 the shoto energy blade is no less damaging than a classic lightsaber blade, the difference is the leverage (as per Extended hilt mod).

3 it's the working you're modding, not the simple metal pole.

But at a glance your rules look fine too, go with whatever you think works best in your game.

All disclaimers regarding it being a flexible system and intent as house rules (not RAW change request)

1 - fair enough, I just prefer having it in the stats vs it being a question of being an improvised use of the weapon.

2 - good point that I hadn't considered - and a reasonable justification for returning it to Damage 6.

3 - I disagree with this to a degree, with numerous examples of attachments out that effect portions of a weapon not integral to "workings" like slings, undergrenade launchers, forearm grips, ect. The Hard point system seems to take a holistic approach to weapons/armor/vehicles. While the Stealth Hilt (something I already intended provide in any campaign I run) would apply to the "workings," something like the Ceremonial Furnishings wouldn't, but is should still take up a Hard Point because it would prevent other types of modifications. Between this and the possibility of all the internal space allowing additional changed to the "workings" I really feel Hard Points should at least equal a standard Lightsaber.

Also - Thanks for the critique, I enjoy Hacking games I play to better suit the themes/mood I want to emphasize in them and always appreciate constructive comments.

As far as attacking with the haft, just treat it the same as a truncheon, and that the lightsaber pike's wielder has the option of using the rules for two-weapon combat to strike with both ends of the weapon during their turn, or just striking with the haft if they don't want to eviscerate their opponent.

I'm not sure if I'm comfortable with treating it as a two weapon attack or linked while ignited to get a lightsaber/bludgeoning attack combo. When used as a bludgeoning weapon I have a hard time not envisioning the ignited half either striking the wielder or impeding movement so much as to make the bludgeoning strikes far less effective. I also don't want this Hack to have the weapon stray into double lightsaber territory.

Mentally, i am seeing this in two roles. A less lethal alternative use during more open eras of play, and a lead in to a stealth lightsaber for character focused on that concept or in eras where Force-users need to be underground due to persecution.

Thanks for the input, I appreciate the constructive criticism.