How to Run:Star Wars Saga Edition - Revision history

GORT: rv vandalism, several layers worth

2009-08-28T13:23:07Z

rv vandalism, several layers worth

@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 In the main, the contents of this page are drawn from the thread, [http://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?t=368680 SWSE - Any advice for running the game?] Any additional sources will be cited in the text.
-http://careers.directi.com/users/viewuserprofile.action?username=buy-cialis-online- buy discount viagra online
+This may be my personal taste here, but I'm tempted to go as far as saying that you should never let a player just hand their character's Destiny over to you. Let them know that you're willing to let them defer picking a Destiny until they find something during play that they want to base a Destiny around, but try and avoid them just handing the biggest opportunity they have to tell you what's cool about both their character and the game world over with a shrug. - IMAGinES
-http://careers.directi.com/users/viewuserprofile.action?username=buy-propecia- buy generic viagra off the shelf
+== Classes ==
-http://careers.directi.com/users/viewuserprofile.action?username=buy-viagra-online- buy generic viagra on line
+While they don't always look it, Nobles and Crime Lords are the most powerful characters in the game. Because of the way Saga is set up, anything that grants additional standard actions, especially immediate standard actions, is a godsend. A Crime Lord and a Sith, working in concert can act like an Infinite Force Lightning Generator. This is awesome. - OldKentuckyShark
 == Destiny Points ==

201.251.160.194: /* Equipment */

2009-08-28T13:03:00Z

Equipment

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:03, 28 August 2009
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	http://careers.directi.com/users/viewuserprofile.action?username=buy-propecia- buy generic viagra off the shelf		http://careers.directi.com/users/viewuserprofile.action?username=buy-propecia- buy generic viagra off the shelf

	~~== Equipment ==~~		http://careers.directi.com/users/viewuserprofile.action?username=buy-viagra-online- buy generic viagra on line

	~~Equipment really doesn't matter in ''Star Wars,'' and it can take a while for players to figure this out~~. ~~Money is also largely unimportant~~. ~~Other than really expensive high-end armor, lightsabres, battle droids, or star fighters, there's really nothing worth buying that can't be replaced at the drop of a hat~~. This can be very liberating, or very frustrating, depending on the player; some people are just natural gearheads, and ''Saga'' doesn't support the gearhead ideology very well, no matter what the web enhancements say. For these players, I reccomend introducing "prestige" gear: fancy colored lightsaber crystals, antique Mandalorian armor, double-~~secret encrypted commlinks, rare starship mods, souped~~-~~up swoop bikes, etc. It doesn't need to actually do anything, but it makes gearhead types and collector types feel better.~~ - ~~OldKentuckyShark~~

	== Destiny Points ==		== Destiny Points ==

93.17.7.213: /* The Force */

2009-08-28T12:00:42Z

The Force

@@ Line 9: / Line 9: @@
 http://careers.directi.com/users/viewuserprofile.action?username=buy-cialis-online- buy discount viagra online
-== The Force ==
+http://careers.directi.com/users/viewuserprofile.action?username=buy-propecia- buy generic viagra off the shelf
 == Equipment ==

220.197.222.16: /* PC Competence */

2009-08-28T09:55:58Z

PC Competence

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:55, 28 August 2009
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	~~== PC Competence ==~~		http://careers.directi.com/users/viewuserprofile.action?username=buy-cialis-online- buy discount viagra online

	~~PCs are quite competent~~. ~~At third level, feel free to throw dozens of 1st level peons at them and they are likely to win in exciting fashion~~. No one in our party has even come close to death yet (statistically) although the Jedi was in definite peril from the 3rd level Dark Jedi and the Scout got incapacitated by a wookie in session two (who knocked the Scout silly with his bare hands). Also, Force Points can pull a character's bacon out of the fire. As long as a PC has at least one remaining, he is unlikely to actually DIE on the spot from the stray critical hit or mishap. - ~~PaladinCA~~

	== The Force ==		== The Force ==

212.102.0.104: /* Classes */

2009-08-28T08:50:19Z

Classes

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:50, 28 August 2009
Line 5:		Line 5:


	~~== Classes ==~~

	While they don't always look it, Nobles and Crime Lords are the most powerful characters in the game. Because of the way Saga is set up, anything that grants additional standard actions, especially immediate standard actions, is a godsend. A Crime Lord and a Sith, working in concert can act like an Infinite Force Lightning Generator. This is awesome. - OldKentuckyShark

	~~=== Bahama'at's Rule of Thumb for NPC Nonheroic Levels ===~~

	The ratio is relative to the relationship to the PCs (so in a game where Vader isn't the primary focus, for example, Vader may be downgraded from his stats in the book to 'mere' lieutenant as below). This also works if by pure serendipity a character not initially planned to be a major antagonist manages to capture the imagination of the group (that one Stormtrooper manages to keep surviving combat with the PCs, that Commerce Guild minion you ridiculed) - as they become more important to the game/characters, you change the ratio and they accumulate narrative immunity that keeps pace with the PCs.

	~~Your total minion - 100% nonheroic levels~~

	~~Your slightly above average minion (the Stormtrooper officer, the elite goon) - 75% nonheroic, 25% heroic (usually 1-2 levels, enough for a talent or two and some better hit points).~~

	Your "challenge" encounter (my example for this in my game are Stormtroopers from the 501st) - 50-60% nonheroic, the rest heroic. Gives them some teeth, but they are still hampered. This character is usually 2 or more levels below the PCs average level (obviously at the very low levels this isn't possible).

	The villain's lieutenant/right hand/subcommander (in essence, the Vader to your Emperor) - 75-90% heroic. They should be ''almost'' equal to a full character, with just enough softness so the PCs don't use up too many Force Points/Destiny Points dealing with them. This sort of character is also within 1-2 levels of the PCs in either direction (your crime lord's lieutenant may be a level below them, your Darth Maul may be a level above them).

	Ultimate villain (your Darth Sidious/Malak/Cadeus or whatever) - 95-100% heroic. I put 95% because sometimes a level or two of nonheroic can be useful (they do get a wide variety of feats at that first level) or it takes the hard edge off the villain. This sort of villain I usually put several (3+) levels above the PCs - this is the showdown that is resolved by previous actions taken in the story, or in a face to face confrontation it is supposed to be the fight where Destiny/Force points flow like water.

	~~[http://forum.rpg.net/showpost.php?p=8543644&postcount=2 Source]~~

	== PC Competence ==		== PC Competence ==

196.1.219.246: /* Creating Characters */

2009-08-28T07:52:43Z

Creating Characters

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:52, 28 August 2009
Line 3:		Line 3:
	In the main, the contents of this page are drawn from the thread, [http://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?t=368680 SWSE - Any advice for running the game?] Any additional sources will be cited in the text.		In the main, the contents of this page are drawn from the thread, [http://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?t=368680 SWSE - Any advice for running the game?] Any additional sources will be cited in the text.

	~~== Creating Characters ==~~

	~~Probably the first thing any Internet-enabled GM or player should do is download [http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=866480 the SagaSheet Excel document].~~

	~~=== Destiny ===~~

	Do not leave Destiny until the end of chargen. Make sure it's one of the first things you discuss in the middle of all the stuff like where and when the game is set and who the characters are. Destinies are, I think, a lot like Keys in The Shadow of Yesterday; a great way for your players to tell you they reckon will be fun about their characters and their corner of the Star Wars galaxy.

	This may be my personal taste here, but I'm tempted to go as far as saying that you should never let a player just hand their character's Destiny over to you. Let them know that you're willing to let them defer picking a Destiny until they find something during play that they want to base a Destiny around, but try and avoid them just handing the biggest opportunity they have to tell you what's cool about both their character and the game world over with a shrug. - IMAGinES

	== Classes ==		== Classes ==

Knockwood: rv several deletions

2009-08-28T07:05:29Z

rv several deletions

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:05, 28 August 2009
Line 3:		Line 3:
	In the main, the contents of this page are drawn from the thread, [http://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?t=368680 SWSE - Any advice for running the game?] Any additional sources will be cited in the text.		In the main, the contents of this page are drawn from the thread, [http://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?t=368680 SWSE - Any advice for running the game?] Any additional sources will be cited in the text.

			== Creating Characters ==

			Probably the first thing any Internet-enabled GM or player should do is download [http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=866480 the SagaSheet Excel document].

			=== Destiny ===

			Do not leave Destiny until the end of chargen. Make sure it's one of the first things you discuss in the middle of all the stuff like where and when the game is set and who the characters are. Destinies are, I think, a lot like Keys in The Shadow of Yesterday; a great way for your players to tell you they reckon will be fun about their characters and their corner of the Star Wars galaxy.

			This may be my personal taste here, but I'm tempted to go as far as saying that you should never let a player just hand their character's Destiny over to you. Let them know that you're willing to let them defer picking a Destiny until they find something during play that they want to base a Destiny around, but try and avoid them just handing the biggest opportunity they have to tell you what's cool about both their character and the game world over with a shrug. - IMAGinES

			== Classes ==

			While they don't always look it, Nobles and Crime Lords are the most powerful characters in the game. Because of the way Saga is set up, anything that grants additional standard actions, especially immediate standard actions, is a godsend. A Crime Lord and a Sith, working in concert can act like an Infinite Force Lightning Generator. This is awesome. - OldKentuckyShark

			=== Bahama'at's Rule of Thumb for NPC Nonheroic Levels ===

			The ratio is relative to the relationship to the PCs (so in a game where Vader isn't the primary focus, for example, Vader may be downgraded from his stats in the book to 'mere' lieutenant as below). This also works if by pure serendipity a character not initially planned to be a major antagonist manages to capture the imagination of the group (that one Stormtrooper manages to keep surviving combat with the PCs, that Commerce Guild minion you ridiculed) - as they become more important to the game/characters, you change the ratio and they accumulate narrative immunity that keeps pace with the PCs.

			Your total minion - 100% nonheroic levels

			Your slightly above average minion (the Stormtrooper officer, the elite goon) - 75% nonheroic, 25% heroic (usually 1-2 levels, enough for a talent or two and some better hit points).

			Your "challenge" encounter (my example for this in my game are Stormtroopers from the 501st) - 50-60% nonheroic, the rest heroic. Gives them some teeth, but they are still hampered. This character is usually 2 or more levels below the PCs average level (obviously at the very low levels this isn't possible).

			The villain's lieutenant/right hand/subcommander (in essence, the Vader to your Emperor) - 75-90% heroic. They should be ''almost'' equal to a full character, with just enough softness so the PCs don't use up too many Force Points/Destiny Points dealing with them. This sort of character is also within 1-2 levels of the PCs in either direction (your crime lord's lieutenant may be a level below them, your Darth Maul may be a level above them).

			Ultimate villain (your Darth Sidious/Malak/Cadeus or whatever) - 95-100% heroic. I put 95% because sometimes a level or two of nonheroic can be useful (they do get a wide variety of feats at that first level) or it takes the hard edge off the villain. This sort of villain I usually put several (3+) levels above the PCs - this is the showdown that is resolved by previous actions taken in the story, or in a face to face confrontation it is supposed to be the fight where Destiny/Force points flow like water.

			[http://forum.rpg.net/showpost.php?p=8543644&postcount=2 Source]

			== PC Competence ==

			PCs are quite competent. At third level, feel free to throw dozens of 1st level peons at them and they are likely to win in exciting fashion. No one in our party has even come close to death yet (statistically) although the Jedi was in definite peril from the 3rd level Dark Jedi and the Scout got incapacitated by a wookie in session two (who knocked the Scout silly with his bare hands). Also, Force Points can pull a character's bacon out of the fire. As long as a PC has at least one remaining, he is unlikely to actually DIE on the spot from the stray critical hit or mishap. - PaladinCA

			== The Force ==

			The Force is strong in this one. My concerns in the game are that my two Force users will outstrip my non-Force user. So far, it hasn't happened, but the Jedi kicked some serious butt last session until he ran into the Sith apprentice. Thats when the Noble saved his bacon with a Force Point driven critical hit. My players are third level though and I haven't seen the mid-levels of the game yet. - PaladinCA

			I've run two games so far with players in the 8th-12th level range. While the Force-users are a bit more potent, it's not as bad a discrepancy as the previous version of the game (or WEG's version). Once players realize that the game allows them to be more flexible, it's an amazing transformation. - Ifshnit

			I have four Jedi and a Scout in my game. The Jedi are balanced by expanding feats and skills to use the Force effectively. They also need several high stats. That plus getting into the fray balances them in combat. Outside, the Scout shines, because all of his skills. - Ceti

			=== Dark Side Score ===

			The Dark Side Score has the potential to cause as much argument as alignments in ''D&D''. Through the Dark Side Score, the game’s rules and you as GM judgment the morality of the player characters’ actions, something that some players will object to. The best way to forestall any objections is to sit down with your players and discuss the Dark Side Score before the campaign starts and make sure that the whole group has the same idea of what constitutes morality and the grounds for increasing a character’s Dark Side score in the game.

			Read the Dark Side Score section of The Force chapter out to your players or let them read it. Make sure they understand that while there are no benefits to earning Dark Side Points, there are no inherent drawbacks either. In ''Saga Edition'', Dark Side points are more like the Humanity Score in the independent RPG ''[[How_to_Run:Sorcerer\|Sorcerer]];'' they’re the character’s incidental music that lets the group-as-audience know how far the character has turned to the Dark Side.

			Some topics worth discussing are:
			* Will non-Force users have Dark Side Scores? This is a matter of some debate as the text is fairly ambiguous.
			* What are the consequences of turning fully to the Dark Side? Will PCs remain playable or become NPCs?
			* Earning Increases:
			** The use of the Force as a first resort in solving a problem, even if you’re using non-lethal powers like Force Stun.
			** Letting evil occur by inaction.

			Pay special attention to the paragraphs on atoning. Ensure your players know that they can spend Force points to reduce Dark Side Score on a one-for-one basis, and that it assumes that the characters have spent some time in meditation and doing good works (this can happen off-screen, of course, but if a character does something particularly good, generous or altruistic in play, suggest they consider burning a Force point). Also assure your players that you’re willing to discuss Dark Side Score increases after any session; as an increase only has an overt or mechanical effect if a given PC’s Dark Side Score is pushed over its Wisdom, this should be no problem.

			Throughout all of this, be mindful of the balance you're striking. ''Star Wars' '' morality appears clear-cut but has many seeming exceptions when examined closely; your yard-stick should be "fun drama". Be willing to compromise your own views on ''Star Wars''' morality in service of what will be fun for the group (yourself most certainly included here).

			As such, be very careful if your game is regularly interrupted by players disputing increases of their PCs’ Dark Side Scores. Extended out-of-character arguments over rules are very rarely fun. Reassure players that your aim is to provide a fun session and that you're willing to discuss any issues once play is over. If during-session arguments continue, there's probably a bully at the table (be warned; it may be you). - IMAGinES

			== Equipment ==

			Equipment really doesn't matter in ''Star Wars,'' and it can take a while for players to figure this out. Money is also largely unimportant. Other than really expensive high-end armor, lightsabres, battle droids, or star fighters, there's really nothing worth buying that can't be replaced at the drop of a hat. This can be very liberating, or very frustrating, depending on the player; some people are just natural gearheads, and ''Saga'' doesn't support the gearhead ideology very well, no matter what the web enhancements say. For these players, I reccomend introducing "prestige" gear: fancy colored lightsaber crystals, antique Mandalorian armor, double-secret encrypted commlinks, rare starship mods, souped-up swoop bikes, etc. It doesn't need to actually do anything, but it makes gearhead types and collector types feel better. - OldKentuckyShark

			== Destiny Points ==

			Beware the power of Destiny Points. Level 5 characters who have been saving their Destiny points can and will defeat a Level 12 Sith Lord without taking losses. Believe it. - Egyptian

			That's only if it helps their destiny's with each player having max 5 destiny points (1 per level) You're not supposed to spend destiny points on things that have nothing to do with your destiny. - Sindalor

	== Combat ==		== Combat ==

81.200.15.144: /* Destiny Points */

2009-08-28T06:54:51Z

Destiny Points

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:54, 28 August 2009
Line 13:		Line 13:


	~~== Destiny Points ==~~

	~~Beware the power of Destiny Points. Level 5 characters who have been saving their Destiny points can and will defeat a Level 12 Sith Lord without taking losses. Believe it. - Egyptian~~

	That's only if it helps their destiny's with each player having max 5 destiny points (1 per level) You're not supposed to spend destiny points on things that have nothing to do with your destiny. - Sindalor

	== Combat ==		== Combat ==

91.121.91.61: /* Equipment */

2009-08-28T05:53:42Z

Equipment

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:53, 28 August 2009
Line 11:		Line 11:


	~~== Equipment ==~~

	Equipment really doesn't matter in ''Star Wars,'' and it can take a while for players to figure this out. Money is also largely unimportant. Other than really expensive high-end armor, lightsabres, battle droids, or star fighters, there's really nothing worth buying that can't be replaced at the drop of a hat. This can be very liberating, or very frustrating, depending on the player; some people are just natural gearheads, and ''Saga'' doesn't support the gearhead ideology very well, no matter what the web enhancements say. For these players, I reccomend introducing "prestige" gear: fancy colored lightsaber crystals, antique Mandalorian armor, double-secret encrypted commlinks, rare starship mods, souped-up swoop bikes, etc. It doesn't need to actually do anything, but it makes gearhead types and collector types feel better. - OldKentuckyShark

	== Destiny Points ==		== Destiny Points ==

221.178.181.197: /* The Force */

2009-08-28T04:51:13Z

The Force

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:51, 28 August 2009
Line 9:		Line 9:


	~~== The Force ==~~

	The Force is strong in this one. My concerns in the game are that my two Force users will outstrip my non-Force user. So far, it hasn't happened, but the Jedi kicked some serious butt last session until he ran into the Sith apprentice. Thats when the Noble saved his bacon with a Force Point driven critical hit. My players are third level though and I haven't seen the mid-levels of the game yet. - PaladinCA

	I've run two games so far with players in the 8th-12th level range. While the Force-users are a bit more potent, it's not as bad a discrepancy as the previous version of the game (or WEG's version). Once players realize that the game allows them to be more flexible, it's an amazing transformation. - Ifshnit

	I have four Jedi and a Scout in my game. The Jedi are balanced by expanding feats and skills to use the Force effectively. They also need several high stats. That plus getting into the fray balances them in combat. Outside, the Scout shines, because all of his skills. - Ceti

	~~=== Dark Side Score ===~~

	The Dark Side Score has the potential to cause as much argument as alignments in ''D&D''. Through the Dark Side Score, the game’s rules and you as GM judgment the morality of the player characters’ actions, something that some players will object to. The best way to forestall any objections is to sit down with your players and discuss the Dark Side Score before the campaign starts and make sure that the whole group has the same idea of what constitutes morality and the grounds for increasing a character’s Dark Side score in the game.

	Read the Dark Side Score section of The Force chapter out to your players or let them read it. Make sure they understand that while there are no benefits to earning Dark Side Points, there are no inherent drawbacks either. In ''Saga Edition'', Dark Side points are more like the Humanity Score in the independent RPG ''[[How_to_Run:Sorcerer\|Sorcerer]];'' they’re the character’s incidental music that lets the group-as-audience know how far the character has turned to the Dark Side.

	~~Some topics worth discussing are:~~
	* Will non-Force users have Dark Side Scores? This is a matter of some debate as the text is fairly ambiguous.
	* What are the consequences of turning fully to the Dark Side? Will PCs remain playable or become NPCs?
	* Earning Increases:
	** The use of the Force as a first resort in solving a problem, even if you’re using non-lethal powers like Force Stun.
	** Letting evil occur by inaction.

	Pay special attention to the paragraphs on atoning. Ensure your players know that they can spend Force points to reduce Dark Side Score on a one-for-one basis, and that it assumes that the characters have spent some time in meditation and doing good works (this can happen off-screen, of course, but if a character does something particularly good, generous or altruistic in play, suggest they consider burning a Force point). Also assure your players that you’re willing to discuss Dark Side Score increases after any session; as an increase only has an overt or mechanical effect if a given PC’s Dark Side Score is pushed over its Wisdom, this should be no problem.

	Throughout all of this, be mindful of the balance you're striking. ''Star Wars' '' morality appears clear-cut but has many seeming exceptions when examined closely; your yard-stick should be "fun drama". Be willing to compromise your own views on ''Star Wars''' morality in service of what will be fun for the group (yourself most certainly included here).

	As such, be very careful if your game is regularly interrupted by players disputing increases of their PCs’ Dark Side Scores. Extended out-of-character arguments over rules are very rarely fun. Reassure players that your aim is to provide a fun session and that you're willing to discuss any issues once play is over. If during-session arguments continue, there's probably a bully at the table (be warned; it may be you). - IMAGinES

	== Equipment ==		== Equipment ==