GM Holocrons & Narrative Talent Trees

By Guest, in Star Wars: Force and Destiny RPG

Although I never listen to the Order66 podcast, I learn a lot from the hosts.

I'd like to add to my own GM Holocron by looking at my players' investments. For example, a Niman Disciple may feel disappointed if I never/rarely have a melee combatant against whom they can Parry. Players bought skills, talents, and Force Powers they hope expect to use in future games.

I'm looking to create a narrative talent tree reference sheet for my GM Holocron. I want to have a condensed version of specializations, that include GM-specific recommendations on building my own PC or NPCs, without navigating tree branches. Here is an example, using the Consular: Healer specialization. With a quick read, I can know...

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Optimized Healers should be expected to have maximum ranks in Medicine (Intellect). They will also want Willpower equal to the number of other allies/PCs. Knowledge: Xenology (Intellect) and Resilience (Brawn) also have use. Beginning characters could heal 3+ wounds by talent alone. This Force-using specialization would pair well with the Heal/Harm Force Power (Medicine, Intellect) and/or Supress (Discipline) because of inherent specialization synergies. Polis Massan could be instinctive Healers with Intellect, Willpower, and Medicine in their blood. Brawling and Melee weapons (Lightsabers?) may be a Healer's best choice of weapon, or wearing armor, because this specialization does not immediately benefit from being agile, cunning, or due to their presence.

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Am I re-inventing the wheel? Has this been done, in narrative form? From the narrative written, I could make a quick Polis Massan Healer, with fast data on their characteristics, skills, talents, Force Powers, and weapon choice. I can also expect what my PC Healer will want to do, and have enough encounters to maximize their spent XP.

I can fit condensed information that I will want to double-check against my PCs' choices. They want demand value from their XP expenditures. This effort provides direction for a possible NPC or my own characters.

Edited by cimmerianthief

One thing I do with a group is have a document with each PC's strengths and weaknesses, then a list of brief scenario ideas that challenge them or offer a chance for them to really shine.

Yup, this project seeks to collect generic samples, starting with career specializations, for just that purpose. Ideally, having this smaller, condensed word data allows me as GM to quickly identify generic strengths. Next, I'll offer sample encounters based on said strengths and weaknesses.