Using the Force

[CmdrDarmic]

So, how do you handle the Force in your game?

The groups I have played in have used a decidedly cinematic approach. What I mean by that is, we allowed Force powers to be used as a reaction to someone else's actions. For example: a stormtrooper shoots at the Jedi, and the Jedi rolls against absorb/dissapate energy power to avoid the damage.

If I understand the 'rules as written', this is not how things work. In the example given, the Jedi would only get to roll against his power if he had that power 'up' at the time he was struck by the blaster bolt.

So, how do you handle Force use? I am of the opinion that the cinematic option is the way to go. This is Star Wars, after all. What do you think?

[Ankhanu]

I use a mixture of the rules as written and your cinematic style... as appropriate to the situation. For the most part, it's rules as written (or house rules as written), but there are situations where a reactive use could come into play; for example, I'll use the trooper shooting the Jedi you gave, if the Jedi knows the attack is coming and it would make sense in terms of initiative, I'd allow a reactive Control/Absorb Energy or something; if the Jedi was not aware of the incoming attack and/or they'd already messed themselves up for actions in initiative, they would probably be taken by surprise and not get the reflexive action.

Generally the story is more important than the mechanic in our games... but that's tempered with a healthy respect for the mechanic.

[garhkal]

Actually, the Ab/Dis skill can be used as a reaction, to somehting going on. It's only when using it for absorbing things like solar radiation etc, you 'keep it up'.

Let me look tomorrow for the rule on it..
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[CmdrDarmic]

OK, that was a poor example, but you get the idea. In general, do you allow Force powers to be used as a reaction?

The second part of the question is this: When activating (and maintaining) a Force power that uses more than one of control, sense and alter, do you count it as a single skill use, or do you count it as multiple actions? We have used the rule that, no matter how many Force abilities are involved (and how many die rolls are made), it is a single action to activate (and to maintain), say, affect mind (or any other multiple Force ability powers).

This has worked well for us in the past, but I would like to hear what others have experienced/think.

[Ankhanu]

The official rule is multiple uses. We initially did it that way, but switched to single use years back.

[Gry Sarth]

We handle the Force pretty much by the book. The only addition are some fan-made powers.
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"He's Gry Sarth, of course he has the stats for them."

[garhkal]

[Ankhanu]

Mostly due to laziness. But also, perhaps, because our Jedi were always so low level that to do otherwise generally meant that they were either very weak (Force would generally fail), or would probably die due to MAPs (Or taking too many rounds to even prepare).

[Grimace]

I generally do a more "cinematic" sort of running of the Force. One "action" even if it uses Control, Sense and Alter to activate the power, and some powers I allow the player to roll for if they think of it in time. Basically, I do what seems to best capture the feel and tempo of the movies when it comes to the Force.

[CmdrDarmic]

We made the change based on the previously mentioned affect mind power. This power is generally one that needs to be used quickly. I mean, how much time does OB1 have to prepare to use the power all of those times we see him use it? Usually he needs to use it right now, and taking three rounds to ramp up the power just is not feasable.

Also, all that preparing to do stuff just is not very cinematic, as Grimace pointed out. It is more in keeping with the style of game I personally enjoy to keep things a little 'looser and easier', as one friend put it.

Granted, that is only one way to play the game, and ymmv. As always, it is whatever makes the game more enjoyable for you and your fellow players.

[garhkal]

[Ankhanu]

Yeah, it is, but, in our games anyway, the Jedi were almost always seriously gimped compared to the other equally leveled characters, this balanced things out a little bit and, more importantly, kept the game moving along. I kind of find separating slows the action down somewhat.

[scott2978]

[Ankhanu]

[CmdrDarmic]