So, let's make a mental excersise.

Let's say I want to create a new character that would be a Spy, only using EotE core rulebook specs. Which one would you pick? I'm interested in a spy who can fly a ship. I have seen in other threads, and Spy (like a bounty hunter) implies so many aspects that are hard to pin in one carrier or spec.

I also realize that by limiting only to the core book, I'm missing the Spy (Courier)

So far, I'm inclined to choose a Smuggler (Thief) or an Explorer (Scout). I'm eager to hear any other potential combinations. Thank you!

A Spy-Explorer with his own ship sounds cool. Suped-up Sensors instead of the usual add-ons would be a change-up from business as usual. Anything as a Pilot could work if the spying is done by ship sensors. He/She could do reconnaissance for the Empire or Rebellion. An expert navigator who gets into tights spots unnoticed to scan for troops, vehicles, ships, etc.... Smuggler-Pilot and BH-Operator work for it. Why would such a spy need any of the on-the-ground skills? Sometimes it is tough way to try to be good at everything.

16 minutes ago, DurosSpacer said:

Why would such a spy need any of the on-the-ground skills? Sometimes it is tough way to try to be good at everything. 

1

A great question. I'm working on piloting skills as a secondary skill. Not aiming to be the main pilot. Although the whole idea of spy pilot is certainly tempting.

To specify, I'm looking for an "on the ground" spy with piloting skills (maybe some talents if possible). And yes, is hard to be good at everything. I realize that this is not an optimal approach.

Smuggler Thief and then cross-spec into Scout.

Play a Human and use your free non-career to round out your skills.

Like any career, a spy can have many different specializations.

An infiltration-oriented character would probably just be a reflavored Thief. An informant is basically a Trader, although they’d need knowledge and perception as well. A sabateur could use Demolitionist. Con artists and double agents could use Scoundrel or Charmer. You could also do an investigator by being a Marshall but focusing on the investigation side of it.

Thanks for the advice, guys. Please, keep them coming!

If I have to pick one career for a spy, I would say Smuggler is the best fit thematically, considering the "trader of information."

Of course, cross spec into Scout or Assassin (among the Core specs) is a great addition.

16 hours ago, Rithuan said:

So, let's make a mental excersise.

Let's say I want to create a new character that would be a Spy, only using EotE core rulebook specs. Which one would you pick? I'm interested in a spy who can fly a ship. I have seen in other threads, and Spy (like a bounty hunter) implies so many aspects that are hard to pin in one carrier or spec.

I also realize that by limiting only to the core book, I'm missing the Spy (Courier)

So far, I'm inclined to choose a Smuggler (Thief) or an Explorer (Scout). I'm eager to hear any other potential combinations. Thank you!

Well there are almost zero talents that actually facilitate STEALTH (unless some recent publication has remedied that, but I doubt it), so you should focus on a talent tree that helps with lying and misdirection. Basically the social infiltration side of things, as that is where you can get the most Talent assistance in becoming good at getting places you shouldn't be.

I'd just pump xp into the Stealth skill, as well as Coordination and Athletics, to help with any physical infiltration you might have to do, but talent wise, make a Consummate Liar would be my suggestion.

Really depends on your definition of "SPY" I guess...many spies succeed simply because they have the ability to blend into any environment and think fast on their feet and with their wits. A good spy should never have to resort to violence, that's what assassins and soldiers are for. So any profession with good array of Social skills as well as some Computers skill would do you up pretty solid. IF you weren't sticking to Core EoE I'd suggest stacking on the Recruit Tree from AoR as it gains skills as it goes, include piloting skills not to mention some SUPER-useful talents as well.

Amusingly the next SW campaign I have planned is a heavily spy/espionage-oriented campaign with characters working for the ISB (Jagged Fel -era Empire though, not Palpatine).

Which of the three JBs do you picture? James Bond, Jason Bourne, or Jack Bauer?

My very favorite fictional spy was Doctor Stephen Maturin, from Patrick O'Brian's nautical series. Doctors are often given access to places others might have trouble getting into. The Colonist career also has Politico for Deception, or Scholar (which might also benefit from improved access), both of which offer Well-Rounded...

...As does Archaeologist, which could be a good mix for scholarly and asskicking prowess.

Someone with mechanics skills to build and place Bombs would be excellent for Sabotage missions! Or even build and place tracking devices, surveillance devices etc...

3 hours ago, Stan Fresh said:

Which of the three JBs do you picture? James Bond, Jason Bourne, or Jack Bauer?

Great question. How would you classify the three JBs?

Excellent advice everyone!

8 hours ago, Stan Fresh said:

Which of the three JBs do you picture? James Bond, Jason Bourne, or Jack Bauer?

Jim Brown... I guess he was technically a Courier.

On 3/26/2019 at 11:49 PM, Rithuan said:

Great question. How would you classify the three JBs?

Excellent advice everyone!

I think it's a reference to Alpha Protocol, where the three JBs were used as guidelines for the three types of dialogue choices.

James Bond - suave, cool and witty

Jason Bourne - curt, professional, to the point

Jack Bauer - aggressive and confrontational

14 hours ago, penpenpen said:

I think it's a reference to Alpha Protocol, where the three JBs were used as guidelines for the three types of dialogue choices.

James Bond - suave, cool and witty

Jason Bourne - curt, professional, to the point

Jack Bauer - aggressive and confrontational

Ah, Alpha Protocol, I really enjoyed the reputation system in that game, I just wish the game itself had been more engaging. I remember doing a mission where you had to sneak into a guarded facility to get information, and at the end the guy who owns the facility calls you via video conference. And if you are able to finish the mission without setting off any of his alarms, AND not killing any of his guards, he's very impressed with your professionalism and restraint. And you start off very high in his estimation.

3 hours ago, KungFuFerret said:

Ah, Alpha Protocol, I really enjoyed the reputation system in that game, I just wish the game itself had been more engaging. I remember doing a mission where you had to sneak into a guarded facility to get information, and at the end the guy who owns the facility calls you via video conference. And if you are able to finish the mission without setting off any of his alarms, AND not killing any of his guards, he's very impressed with your professionalism and restraint. And you start off very high in his estimation.

I loved the part where the only way to get the ultra-professional, detached villain to fight you (and giving you a chance to kill him) is to James Bond him every chance you get. The flippant arrogance grinds his gears to the point where he hates you so much he decides to throw professional detachment and discretion out the window and kill you all to h*ll and back personally.

Just as you planned.

But a smart villain would read the 1-1 Rules and get a competent minion to do the job...at the very least shoot first and accurately....8)