Read First: Character Creation Discussion

I thought it was mentioned we'd be using a GM kit influenced way to build out (there's a thread in the Reference Library on Lightsaber Construction). Not sure where we should be posting up all the rolls and such to create/details however.

I know that's not my bag. Also, I've always read the dark side canon as less "hey I want to go murder hobo" and more of a path of indulgence and emotional investment. Where the proper Jedi is aloof and distanced from feeling, the Dark Side practitioner revels in the ebb and flow of emotion. They use surges in it to fuel their actions. They let a more hedonistic value set rule. Well, hedonistic mixed with a flare of selfishness (not just what feels right, but what you need/want to get by takes precedence over what's necessarily best for the entire society).

So it might be best to refer to it simply as Dark Side characters rather than 'evil' characters since in many ways the Dark Side is not inherently evil, at least from an outside perspective.

Make a character you want to play. As always, considering what you could bring to the team that might be different is worth considering. As far as combat characters, the whole group is capable, some of you just seem intent on specializing more in it. One of the great things about FFG Star Wars is that you can be good at combat and still contribute in other ways. Even with F&D characters, you can choose a lightsaber style that goes with your highest characteristic; being good at combat doesn't requite Brawn in F&D. Meribson uses a 4 Intellect for lightsbaer. Dreamsailor uses a 5 Agility for his. Tefmon a 4 Cunning.

In sum, if you want to use a lightsaber well, you can choose a specialization that allows you to do so according to your highest characteristic.

Also, there's nothing wrong with being a brute either. I just want to make sure players know that you don't need to be a physical specimen, especially with lightsabers, to make hay in combat. My Niman Disciple Consular, with a 4 Willpower, is the best combatant in our group in a game I play.

Lastly, if you download Oggdude's Character Generator (see the first post of this thread) and use the F&D talent trees, you don't need to own the F&D core rule book.

It was mentioned in an earlier post on this thread. Also, for those of you who haven't been to the Library, it has a lot of information in there you can use. i set it up to make things easier for everyone. If you have questions, it's a good place to look first.

The dark side isn't the kind of evil that necessarily brings forth random psychosis and violence. It is, however, evil in a way, as intended by canon. It is part of the living force, and the dark part of it. It does the opposite of the light side, and pervades the individual, in a way corrupting them, taking them further along a path of... well, darkness. It's what allows the character to kill the younglings, force choke his true love, destroy a planet, etc. Anakin, the reference here, didn't intend to do any of those things. But a fork in the road started him down a dark path, and became so much a part of him, that it became who he was.

Another example is Count Dooku. In his case, he was less 'consumed' (I want to find another word, but am failing to do so) by the dark side, but was set on the path. He had strayed from the Jedi, and helped facilitate the political machinations that began the clone war. If his character lived longer, I am of the opinion he would evolved into a clearly darker character. At the same time, he considered himself to have seen the light by leaving the Jedi.

I think the simplest thing I could say about Vanguard of Darkness is that this game is about the villains, and how they come out on top. Assuming things go well for them.

Looking at the characters, I have to admit that I'm a bit surprised at the lack of force powers. Obviously they're not required. As your friendly GM, I will remind you that given the origin we seem to be going with, the Basic force powers (meaning the first one you can take, at the top of each tree) cost 5 XP less than usual.

What this means, for example, is that each Basic force power you take is like awarding yourself 5 XP. Am I suggesting you get them all? Of course not. However, you all have chosen to play force using characters thus far, and may be missing an opportunity. Remember, that Mentor bonus is only available during character creation. Once the game starts, all Basic force powers will revert to original cost.

This is a fairly accurate portrayal. Dark side characters may even enjoy violence, torture, etc, but rarely is it solely for the purpose of entertainment.

The Library forum:

For those who don't know, it has Lightsaber construction rules (follow these as they are loosely, but almost exactly borrowed from the GM kit), rules on Dice Pools and Skill Check mechanics for those who lack the CRB's, the home brew rules I will use, and a great page with a bunch of really useful links to various resources.

It isn't finished and will expand over time.

Hmmm. Good point. I think I may shift Lexi's two purchased points in Athletics out for 15 XP. Then pick up a bit of Influence and a bit of Move. Eventually I can see her getting to the point that she's adept enough with Move that she uses it as part of her piloting actions (once she has that level of fine control).

Thus I have dropped Hawke's Armor Master talent for the basic power in Move and Supress. I'm not getting much of a "force-wizard" vibe from him, more of a techie warrior vibe.

I've replaced Tajanna's Manipulate with Sense, for the same experience cost. I don't think I'm going to make any significant changes to my character sheet before we start play, but I still might tweak a thing or two there.

Also, are we all getting two free ranks in Parry and Reflect? I see that indicated on my character sheet, but I can't find where it was stated we're receiving those.

Also, I'm liking all of the lore we're building up here. Those Republic dogs and Imperial amateurs will never see it coming.

Going to attempt a roll for my lightsaber. We'll see if I do it properly.

I am going to rework my character a bit in the morning so you may have to review it again if you have already done so.

Nobody is getting two free ranks of Parry and Reflect. I just want to make sure there is no confusion on that one as people design their characters.

Instead, I just went through your sheets and adjusted them to Parry and Reflect ratings . The plus two refers to the damage parried or reflected, the rule being that the damage reflected/parried is "the number of ranks +2."

Glad to hear that you're liking the direction of the lore. I'm intrigued by it also, as a 3-way conflict between three major factions vying for control of the galaxy has a lot of interesting possibilities.

Ah, okay. That makes sense, it's the damage bring parried/reflected, not our ranks in Parry/Reflect.

OK, I have read through this thread and it has me really keen to take a look at the FaD rules. I will take a look in the library.

The droid planet idea was awesome and I didn't think there would be another idea that would trump until I read the stuff about the Bermuda triangle Rogue planet. So cool, really fired up the imagination picturing it. I want to see that one the big screen.

I have the character creator you mention. I only downloaded it a couple of weeks ago. Once I have checked out the library, I will use that to make up my character

OK, it's after midnight here so I am going to go to bed, not sure I will go to sleep for a while though, all the info is probably going to keep me awake imagining possibilities. I will spend some more time looking at options tomorrow

Like mrvain, I ended up losing a little sleep over character ideas. After thinking about it long I have decided I will not tweak my character but instead use an entirely different character. I will have it posted in a little while, once I have a chance to put together the character. Not sure if it matters but this character is not going the force sensitive route.

I, for one, am excited to see what we end up coming out with as a party. I just want to jump in a ship and start running amok about the universe. Corrupting strange new worlds, setting up empires and claiming dominion. TALLY HO!