Hello,

Hopefully this is the correct forum and I apologize if it isn't as this is my first post I could be putting it in the wrong place. If that's the case please just tell me where I should post this?

(Backround) I'm not new to RPGs (Been a DM with dungeons and Dragons) but I am new to Star Wars FFG RPG and I love it. However, during the last game something came up with a DM ruling that left me confused and made me look up the ruling. We were in combat and I am the healer (Soldier Medic spec). I went to use a Stimpack on a character using a ranged weapon. The GM ruled that since that character is in combat they are likely dodging fire and not standing completely still. Therefore my character had to essentially "hit" the ranged character with a stimpack requiring a brawn/melee roll. I mentioned my confusion over the roll but didn't argue longer than a minute or so because I realized that this would take some time and ruin the fun/immersion for everyone else.

After the game we like to discuss what we like and didn't like. I mentioned the ruling he made and was very clear to state that he is the GM and I respect his ruling. However, introducing a check where there isn't really suppose to be one and making it brawn/mellee (which my character is not built for) didn't make sense to me. He argued that it made logical sense that I was trying to "hit" a moving target. This went back forth for a bit and I left it with asking him to please think about the ruling and if a check is absolutely required maybe make it medicine or something. To which he replied that stimpack use doesn't require a medicine check. I didn't respond with it not requiring a brawn/melee check either because it's a game and I really don't want to ruin anyone's (including the GMs) fun.

My questions are: Is this ruling correct? Should I bring it up again if he's adamant? Some advice on how to bring it up without getting into a player versus GM argument which I really am not looking to get into.

Thank you for your time,

First off, congratulations on your first post getting mod-approved in less than a week! That doesn't seem to happen much anymore.

Now as to your actual question. Here's the RAW (Bold added for emphasis):

Quote

Using a stimpack requires one maneuver, which covers the simple act of a character using the autohypo on himself or one other person.

This is RAW. Consider it as the target taking a break, resting behind cover while the medic applies a stimpack. If you have Forged in Battle (a book I highly recommend), look at page 66. It has a very good representation of someone using a stimpack on an ally. Here's that picture:

In a situation where you were trying to use it on someone who was resistant to having a stim applied, then a Brawl/Melee check would make sense.

Thanks for the quick reply! It's good to know there's a good community with people willing to help playing this game. I'll try again with this GM maybe away from the other players and bring up the RAW. He had mentioned the behind cover thing (not explained in my first post). At the time we were in a hallway against two storm troopers and I suppose there wasn't anything to take cover behind. That said, the RAW is as you quoted so I don't think cover being available or not is a factor in using the Stimpack. Thank you again for your time answering this!

Just now, Scotty492 said:

Thanks for the quick reply! It's good to know there's a good community with people willing to help playing this game. I'll try again with this GM maybe away from the other players and bring up the RAW. He had mentioned the behind cover thing (not explained in my first post). At the time we were in a hallway against two storm troopers and I suppose there wasn't anything to take cover behind. That said, the RAW is as you quoted so I don't think cover being available or not is a factor in using the Stimpack. Thank you again for your time answering this!

No problem! Glad to help.

In the case you describe, I can understand where the GM was going with it, but I don't think he made the right call. If he wants to make a house-rule that you have to be behind cover in order to use a stimpack as a maneuver, then the group should agree to that as a house-rule, not just an out-of-the-blue GM ruling. It probably shouldn't require a check, though. At most, pushing it up to being an action.

Personally, I'd just stick to the RAW. Narrate it as pressing flat against the wall with the target laying down covering fire while the medic applies a stim. Something narrative to give a good reason for why the stormtroopers can't land a hit while you're vulnerable.

That makes perfect sense.

This is actually good advice for me as well because he will unfortunately will be moving for work in the summer and I'd like to GM this game. I will definitely remember your advice (also that pic is pretty awesome and I'll have to take a look at that supplement). Thanks again!