BoLS Overview: Star Wars RPG System
Come take a look at Fantasy Flight’s Star Wars RPG system!
Hey BoLS Readers, AdamHarry back with some more Star Wars action! This time I wanted to take a quick look at Fantasy Flight Games’ Star Wars RPG system. This is just going to be a basic overview, not an in depth analysis. The reason is at first glance it looks like 3 different games and I’m here to set the record straight – it’s ONE unified system! So lets talk Star Wars:
As I mentioned there are 3 different books (so far) for the Star Wars RPG. Each one functions as a stand alone product – but they work with each other seamlessly! I’ll say that again, but differently: You don’t need all 3 books to play but if you have them all you’ll have a more complete picture of the Star Wars RPG System. The dice are also constant across the system, so you’ll probably want to start with picking up a set.
Star Wars Roleplaying Dice
Yeah, you’re gonna want these…
Star Wars: Edge of the Empire Core Rulebook
The first book of this triumvirate is the Star Wars: Edge of the Empire Core Rulebook. This book was the introduction into roleplaying in the Star Wars universe. It allowed you to jump right in and start your Star Wars adventuring. It covers all the basics from clear, concise core game play mechanics, to character generations, to skills & talents and beyond. It also has a fun starter adventure if you’re new to GMing and just want some guidance before you set off on your own world building.
It does have one unique mechanic apart from the others. It’s mostly a story telling device or “plot power” called Obligation. This is something that is determined during character creation. You don’t have to use it, but it does help with the “why” of your character on top of giving the GM a great plot hook to reel you in…Obligation can be used with the other books, either in combination with or in lieu of their unique mechanic.
This book’s main focus is on the seeder elements of Star Wars – basically away from the main conflict of the Empire vs Rebels. Bounty Hunters, Smugglers and Explorers – this one’s for you! Think “Han, Chewie, and Boba Fett walk into a bar…” and you’ve got a pretty solid idea of the perspective this book takes. If that sounds like your cup of tea then Fantasy Flight Games has a great “getting started page” for Star Wars: Edge of the Empire.
Star Wars: Age of Rebellion Core Rulebook
The next book in the triumvirate is the Star Wars: Age of Rebellion Core Rulebook. Being a standalone book this one also covers the basics of game mechanics and character generation. It also introduces it’s own set of character classes, background, skills & talents and a ton of new stuff. We did a more in depth video of this book:
If you haven’t guessed by the title, this books focuses mostly on the Rebellion’s perspective of the Star Wars universe. It has a lot more information on Star Fighter and Fleet combat as well. You can be a Rebel Fighter Ace, Capital Ship Commander, or even a diplomat. To continue the analogy from above “Leia, Wedge and Admiral Ackbar walk into a Rebel Stronghold…” and those would be the types of adventures you’d want to play. (I guess that would be the start of the adventure, not the actual adventure…whatever.)
The unique “plot power” for the Age of Rebellion book is called Duty. It’s basically your reasons and motivations for joining/supporting/aiding the Rebels and how you want to accomplish those ends. Maybe you want to spy and get intel – maybe you want to work counter-intel! Perhaps you’re recruiting or maybe you’re on a diplomatic mission to Alderaan…you know, before that thing happens. The cool thing is that it can work in conjunction with or in place of Obligation.
If Space fights, the Rebellion or Diplomacy intrigue you, then check out the “getting started page” for Star Wars: Age of Rebellion.
Star Wars: Force and Destiny Core Rulebook
Would you consider yourself “Force-Sensitive?” Would you consider the Force to be strong in your family? Do you want to wield a Lightsaber, crush your enemies and see them driven before you? Of course you do – Jedi Powers are AWESOME! This book is for anyone that wants to explore their destiny with the Force. The other books DO touch on the subject of the Force but this book covers all you’ve ever wanted to know about it including the different types of Jedi, powers, gear, skills & talents and the background of the Jedi. It still has the core mechanics as well – it is a standalone RPG after all.
Naturally this book also contains an introductory adventure like the other two. It also has a unique “plot power” called Morality. It’s a gauge of your emotional strength and weakness. It’s also a good indicator of your light/dark side tenancies. I personally think this one is a bit more impactful for player motivation during character creation but that’s probably because it’s the most similar (of the three unique mechanics) to the classic Lawful/Neutral/Chaotic chart (but it’s still VERY different). I think it’s also the most general of the three because if you’re a Pride driven character it’s much open vs a smuggler that just wants to pay off that specific debt or a Rebel who really wants that one bit of intel. Again, the Morality mechanic can be used with, instead of or completely left out of your game.
So, if you want your adventures to start with “Luke, Obi-won and Yoda walk into a Jedi Temple…” then this book is for you! Go check out Fantasy Flight Games “getting started page” for Star Wars: Force and Destiny for more info!
I hope this information is helpful for anyone interested in the Star Wars RPG system from Fantasy Flight Games. Again, each book is self contained, has the core rule mechanics and it’s own unique “plot power” as well as classes, skills and talents. And even though they are 3 distinct and separate books, when you combine them all they function as one big mega system. Kinda like Voltron…
That’s called Partialism, Patrick.
