I am on the verge of running Jewel of Yavin and i was wondering if anyone had a clear interpretation of the weapons policy for Bespin and Port Town?

I am on the verge of running Jewel of Yavin and i was wondering if anyone had a clear interpretation of the weapons policy for Bespin and Port Town?

To my understanding; never expressively stated, but personal sidearms only (blades might get you ***** looks, but provided it's not a two handed brutish weapon it should be fine.), and in some segments during the adventure heist I imagine they are disallowed entirely (namely during the audition period). Not to say that they couldn't have weapons during those periods, or a run a few assault rifles during the latter part, just if the party is found with these, it could result in further complications developing.

This seems to be an ongoing line of questioning in RPGs and Star Wars games are no exception. From my understanding the SW universe is like the Old West, sidearms are nearly always carried and long arms are stowed or checked in and are only openly carried away from "civilization". The closer to the Core the less likely, and less frequently, you're going to see anything but sidearms. Also remember the Galaxy is at war and even though most areas are not directly affected by it, Imperial propaganda and methods keep the threat of Rebel "terror" attacks and reprisals on everyone's mind. Local law enforcement and private security are always going to be extremely suspicious and likely confrontational to persons who are displaying excessive firepower in populated areas. Imperial forces will be even more suspicious and the further from the Core the less restraint they're likely to exhibit.

Keeping all this in mind I tell by players when they go into town that if it requires two hands or a sling to use, and they aren't in uniform, they are going to attract attention, none of it good. I don't stop my players from having heavier weapons just that they should have a reason to bring them.

Any thoughts about heavy armour?

Weapon/armor restrictions are a very realistic way to introduce challenge to PCs. We see it in the world we live in routinely and it varies wildly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

Any thoughts about heavy armour?

Heavy armour is uncomfortable and awkward to wear. If someone is wearing it around town and they're not actually a security guard then everybody is going to wonder why they're wearing it. Because unless you're actually looking for a fight, why would you be tromping around town in uncomfortable, awkward clothes, knocking things off shelves in shops with your padded plates, not being able to see to the side as well because you have a helmet on, etc.

Basically, wearing heavy armour around town says you're a violent person expecting violence. And people should react accordingly.

Any thoughts about heavy armour?

Heavy armour is uncomfortable and awkward to wear. If someone is wearing it around town and they're not actually a security guard then everybody is going to wonder why they're wearing it. Because unless you're actually looking for a fight, why would you be tromping around town in uncomfortable, awkward clothes, knocking things off shelves in shops with your padded plates, not being able to see to the side as well because you have a helmet on, etc.

Basically, wearing heavy armour around town says you're a violent person expecting violence. And people should react accordingly.

This really. As even though it's fairly easy to equip a PC to be extremely capable in equipment, that doesn't necessarily mean they can carry all that gear al the time. Not without a good cover story at least.

In a long going campaign I've got going, me and one other PC are living under forged identities, which we have used to sign up to the bounty hunters guild in the year's break. Since one of them (My Rodian) is a force sensitive highly saught after by the empire, being able to wear usually cumbersome gear makes it bearable if I have a legitimate permit for it. Useful for visiting planets with either a an unusually high imperial presence or just a place where I don't feel I want to announce my presence, instead opting to to be the wallpaper body guard (Main occupation is a slicer/mechanic/gunslinger, so this would contrast greatly from normal attire.)

Any thoughts about heavy armour?

Pretty similar to my take on weapons. Heavy Battle Armour, Powered Armour, and full, helmeted Laminate in civilized areas will stand out like a guy on the beach in the middle of summer wearing a parka. Less obvious and light armours (like what Kanan and Sabine, minus the helmet, wear in Rebels) will be noticed but mostly ignored (unless accompanied by a heavy weapon). If it's near the space port I'll be more lenient. Suggest Armoured Clothing which can be made to not look like actual armour if the PCs want decent protection without attracting attention.

Edit: Keep in mind that because of how Defence works (no stacking and use the best) Cover is a good substitute for armour that gives a Setback and there are lots of options for inconspicuous armours that provide a couple of Soak. Remind your Players of this.