I agree that exploiting weaknesses is key. My group lacks a slicer, so I estimate that'll come into play very soon.

All opinions and assumptions on where XP should & shouldn't be aside….

Does anyone have any tips and techniques they use to "step up" the adversaries for their upper-level parties? Putting more NPC's in the initiative chain just seems to slow the game down. I don't like my "turn" to last any longer than any of the other players'.

While we're sharing tricks: I fold blue & pink post-its in half and then in half again to crease them and drape them over the screen with names on them to show initiative order. Blue for PC's & pink for opponents (like light sabers). That way, everyone can see who's up next, a PC or an adversary, and I can trade slots easier.

There is also something in the GM guide about giving nemeses an extra slot at the end of initiative. I've been too scared to give my emotionally-invested nemeses a chance in the battle, because I think the PC's will kill them. Yes, I need to just let my attachments go and let it happen someday soon.

Biggest thing our GM did to us was the enemy called in reinforcements. It was pretty epic.

No problem so far at higher levels. Several players are hovering around 1,600 (But they've played a lot since Beta). So far we've had no issues with mixing in lower exp players - to be honest, that is a nice change from the Saga games. I tend to give a decent amount of exp, and encourage role-playing, so five of the exp tends to be there just for this aspect.

One thing I have to say I really appreciate with this game, is the way character development is more of a lateral thing than vertical. The high level characters are still capable of rolling badly and not only failing or missing, but adding threats and despair on a regular basis.

Equipment and money as well has been regulated often by keeping the economics Star Wars like (10,000, we could almost buy our own ship for that!) and giving them things they will have to trade or resell to turn a profit, making the negotiators valuable. Actually, the Negotiating characters have kept the game very much rolling. Money is fun, as I have different credit types not be as valued, or even not even recognized in some ports. Lots of Huttese credits rolling around now due to this.

JoraanSett, I agree. PC's economic situation has never been as fun as it is in EotE.