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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Insight" data-source="post: 2869735" data-attributes="member: 11437">The ForceThis section details the game mechanics of the Force and how it will be applied in this conversion.  There are significant changes to how the Force works from prior editions of the Star Wars game, and a few departures from the True20 rules on supernatural powers.  Where possible, True20 standards have been followed to allow for a seamless transition to this system.What is the Force?Though it appears in many forms throughout the galaxy, it is best perhaps to describe the Force as a universal element, found everywhere that binds life together, and connects every living being.  Life is part of the Force, just as the Force is part of life.  Every living being touches the Force, and can be touched by the Force in kind.The Force is not a deity.  It is not even so much as a consciousness, though some close to the Force describe it as having a will.  There appears to be some connection to a concept of destiny with the Force, though this may be a misperception on the part of observers.At one tangible and intangible, the Force can influence living beings and objects alike, and can be used in a number of powerful ways.  Those who serve the Force are described as being Force-aligned.  These beings tend to be morally good and use their facility with the Force to benefit others.  The Force attracts followers by way of good deeds and actions, and the denial of the temptations of the Dark Side.What is the Dark Side?Associated with the Force is the Dark Side of the Force, or simply, the Dark Side.  There are many ways to describe the Dark Side, but most appropriately, the Dark Side is malice, hate, fear, destruction, and chaos.   As much as the Force represents a connection to life, the Dark Side represents the dissolution of life and the bonds between living things.While the Force promotes a morally good outlook, the Dark Side promotes selfishness, greed, hate, and ultimately, death and destruction.  As much as the Force has a semi-consciousness, the Dark Side tempts its users ever closer, offering power and influence over others.Like the Force, the Dark Side can be used to influence living beings and objects, but operates by way of violence, fear, and hatred rather than the point of view of helping people and promoting peace.Note that there is the “light” side of the Force.  There is only the Force and the Dark Side of the Force.Basic ConceptsBoth the Force and the Dark Side act upon all Force users in the Star Wars universe.  In this sense, each Force user experiences a daily “tug-of-war” between the Force and the temptations of the Dark Side.  In fact, the Force and the Dark Side could even be considered NPCs of a sort, invisible, but definitely a part of the game.Characters aware of the Force are either Force-aligned or Dark Side-aligned.  All Force sensitive characters begin as Force-aligned by default, though their actions may quickly send them down the path to the Dark Side if they misuse their power.Force Abilities form the core of what most people recognize as “the Force”.  These function as do supernatural powers do in True20, with the same structure and basic functions.  See a subsequent post for a complete list of each Force Ability.Certain feats expand or modify the use of Force Abilities.  These feats are only available to characters with the Force Sensitive feat, and possibly other prerequisites as well, depending on the feat.  See a subsequent post for a list of feats.Strength in the ForceAll Force sensitive characters have a certain Strength in the Force.  This applies to both Force-aligned and Dark Side-aligned characters (though technically, Dark Side characters would really be said to have Strength in the Dark Side – in the conversion we will use the term Strength in the Force to apply to both).  A character’s Strength in the Force is a number, usually from 0 to 20 (though some may have higher than 20) that represents the character’s “power” with their Force Abilities.  Characters add Strength in the Force to most Force-related checks and rolls (unless acting against another Force user – see below).Characters with only the Force Sensitive feat have a Strength in the Force rating of 0.  Characters gain Strength in the Force from other feats as well.  Finally, characters can gain Strength in the Force from defeating Force users from the opposing faction (defeating a Dark Side character for a Force-aligned character, for example).Characters power their Force Abilities using their Strength in the Force.  Some Force Abilities may require a certain Strength in the Force rating, while other Force Abilities give additional options with a higher rating.Relative ForceWhen two Force users oppose each other, each character’s Strength in the Force also oppose each other.  This creates a mechanic known as Relative Force.  This number is calculated as the lower Strength in the Force subtracted from the higher Strength in the Force.  Relative Force is a mechanic that affects Force-related rolls and checks made by either party.  For the character with the higher Strength in the Force, the Relative Force is added to all Force-related rolls and checks.  And the opposite is true for the character with the lower Strength in the Force.Certain feats affect Relative Force.Influence of the Force/Dark SideForce sensitive characters are influenced by both the nuances of the Force and the temptations of the Dark Side.  This is a never-ending battle that exists within each Force user, and manifests whenever a Force user invokes or calls upon the Force (or the Dark Side).To represent this, a mechanic has been created known as the Influence of the Force.  Along with this is the Influence of the Dark Side.  This situation is actually two sides of the same mechanic.  A Force-aligned character is rated either positively or negatively in terms of this Influence of the Force.  A positive number means that the character is generally following the tenets and philosophy of the Force, while a negative number means that the characters may fall prey to the wiles of the Dark Side (and eventually turn to the Dark Side).A character’s actions affect Influence of the Force (or the Dark Side), especially the use of Force Abilities.  A Force-aligned character who uses the Force to harm innocents, aid evildoers, or gain personal power will lose Influence of the Force and eventually slip into negative numbers, causing the character to be more and more susceptible to the Dark Side.Effects of InfluenceThe Influence of the Force (or the Dark Side) makes itself known in the character’s daily activities, and in the game as bonuses (or penalties) to certain checks.  A Force-aligned character gains a modifier to Diplomacy and Sense Motive skill checks, and to Willpower saves, equal to the Influence rating.  Thus, if the Influence rating is positive, it is a bonus to Diplomacy, Sense Motive, and Willpower saves, while if this is a negative number, it becomes a penalty.A Dark Side-aligned character gains a modifier to Bluff and Stealth skill checks, and to Fortitude saves, equal to the Influence rating, which works as above.  Turning to the Dark SideA Force-aligned character with a negative Influence of the Force rating is close to turning to the Dark Side.  Whenever this character is in a stressful situation (combat, or some non-combat situation) and calls upon the Force (uses a Force Ability), he or she must attempt a Willpower save (DC is 10+ the amount o the character’s negative Influence) or become Dark Side-aligned.  This check is made once per combat or stressful situation.  For example, a Force-aligned character with an Influence of –5 would need to attempt a DC 15 Willpower save or turn to the Dark Side.  Remember that, because Force-aligned characters with a negative Influence rating have a penalty to Willpower saves, this saving throw becomes more and more difficult as the Influence of the Force becomes weaker and weaker, and the Dark Side’s Influence becomes more powerful.</blockquote>

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