Specialization

[Jatrell]

Two quick questions. First of all, can I jedi specialize in a certain type of sbaer, like Dbl bladed. I was told that jedi cannot specialize, but I wanted to make sure. Also if they can is that spcialization governed by lightsaber skill?

My second question parcticle weapons, is this a specialization under blaster or is it a seperate skill all together. If you don't want to type a response, myabe give me a page number I can reference myself.

Thank you for the patience,
Jatrell
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[Guardian_A]

I dont recall anything one way or the other as far as Lightsaber specializations. I'd say that if you want to allow Lightsaber specializations, go for it, and there isnt any reason it cant be done like any other specialization.

As far as I know, particle weapons falls under Blasters.

Here is a COMPLETE skill list if that will help:
http://theguild.tripod.com/starwarsskills.html

[Bren]

re: Particle Weapons - they weren't really part of the RAW. Including extended universe (EU) and/or D20/SAGA sources seems to give conflicting results. If you look at Gry Sarth's weapons PDF, the Timms Emperor-4 Beam Tube is an archaic beam tube weapon is an archaic energy particle weapon. But the majority of the entries for particle weapons on page 73-74 are listed as a non-blaster skill either Charric or Particle weapons. In either case, it doesn't look like particle beams are a specialization of blasters. If you haven't downloaded Gry Sarth's PDF you should. You should be able to use search to find a link somewhere here on the forum.

re: Lightsabers - according to the RAW their aren't any "types" to specialize with. Also there is a natural concern that allowing specialization for a skill that already combines attack and parry with a single roll as opposed to blaster/dodge; melee combat/melee parry; and brawling combat/brawling parry would make the cost for increase too easy for a Jedi. As a GM just starting a group out,* I would avoid allowing a PC Jedi to save starting skill dice or CPs by specializing in lightsaber: single-bladed lightsaber or lightsaber: double-bladed lightsaber etc.

You can also read the rather lengthy threads on the topic for various pros and cons for dropping parry as a separate skill for melee or brawling as well as the pros and cons for adding lightsaber specializations, advanced skills, forms, etc. Again, I would tend to stick to the RAW for a while until both I, as a GM, and my players became familar with how the system works.*

* Not trying to tell you what to do. Just trying to temper the natural enthusiasm many of us (me included) get for our favorite rules tweaks.

[garhkal]

Lightsabers by the RAW don't get specialties. Though i have seen some gm's allow focuses of lightsaber such as Parry, bolt parry etc, but not specific types of lightsaber. IMO doublebladed, light whips and all the variants are different skills.
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[Fallon Kell]

I was going to say something pertinent, but Bren already said it and a little more that I hadn't thought of.

So I'll say something that may not be pertinent:
According to most sources, blasters are particle beam weapons. Although not all particle beam weapons are blasters. I tend, in areas like this, to base my ruling off of whether there are significant differences in the use of the weapons. Firing a blaster differs significantly from firing firearms, depending on factors like the sideways kick of ejecting spent cartridges, bullet drop, recoil, (though atgxtg would likely disagree), and the heat and light of a blaster bolt. A blaster and a particle rifle of some design may not have significant differences.
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[Guardian_A]

[Naaman]

Last I checked, vibro weapons were not energy weapons...

[Bren]

[Naaman]

Erm... ahem... right...

What I meant was, they do physical damage.

[Bren]

[Jatrell]

What threw me off is that dbl bladed sabers for example are listed as SKILL: Double Bladed Specialization. And I wasn't sure on the particale weapons. I wanted to list its governing skill as blasters, but I didn't want to make my character too OP. Thanks all
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[garhkal]

[Ankhanu]

Personally, I'd be more inclined to make double-bladed, light whip and the like advanced skills, rather than specializations. I think a specialization in these weapons makes them too cheap to master, when they're widely recognized as more difficult weapons than a standard lightsaber. Making them specializations means that a character can quickly learn/master them, rather than illustrating the dedication and effort that should be required to wield them with proficiency/skill.

Something like a lightdagger or extended lightsaber, I'd be more inclined to allow a specialization for, as they're really the same basic skill set as a standard lightsaber, they just represent slightly awkward uses of that design. A lightwhip or double bladed saber use fairly different motions to use properly, and have different properties and considerations than a single blade, whether that blade be short, intermediate or long.

Advanced skill progressions may actually make them TOO expensive to learn, really... probably the best solution is separate skills, with higher base difficulties to wield the weapons. Makes it costly to learn, but not prohibitively so.
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[garhkal]

Precicely. Heck i could see even making (A) light weapons an advanced skill off melee to encompass all of them.
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