Force Powers

[Green Ranger]

Hey everyone! So, I know it's been a while since our last announcement, and you've all...well, most of you ( ;) ) have been really patient while we work on the timeline details, so firstly I just wanted to thank you all for your continued patience. I know this process is taking longer than we estimated, but do understand that the think tank probably has more work to do than any previous one, since we're also doing a lot in regards to overhauling rules and discussing new systems and how to handle the changes and rebalances to gameplay that we're doing. But, the good news is, we're making good headway, so stay tuned, and we'll have more information for you about a concrete date for the timeline going live very soon.

For now though, I want to take the time to spotlight an area I know so many of you are really interested in, and that's the question of how the Force will be handled next timeline. Both in the DOTR Workshop boards and even in some of the other announcements, it's been a really hot topic of discussion, so I really wanted to get this finalized for you guys so you could digest the information and give feedback on it before we go live. This is probably one of the bigger changes that effects you guys, so it's important that we fill you in on this process - not only so it's not a shock to the system, but also so that you're familiar with the new approach we're taking so you can factor that in to how you devise your characters.

At the bottom of this post, you'll find our guide to the Force, which will basically be our own site-based resource for acceptable usage of the Force going forward. We've done this for a few reasons, but maybe the biggest one for me was this: in the Think Tank, in coming up with this list, we compiled lists of Force powers from Wookieepedia. This turned out to be a massive undertaking, since Wookieepedia's lists of Force Powers, all up, is roughly about 450 articles we'd have to trawl through, analyze and rule on as to whether it was allowed or not. Considering a lot of those powers are minor variations on broader 'umbrella' powers ie telekinesis, it's inefficient to work off a list like that...and it's also counter-intuitive for us to use a hard-list resource like that as well, because...well most veteran members don't actually use it anyway.

The thing is, with the Force, once you let go of the ideas of specific powers or spells, it becomes a lot more interesting, both to write and to discuss. When you broaden the Force to broad descriptions rather than simple, categorized powers, then you gain the benefits of versatility, a better resource to write about, and you're also writing more accurately to the idea of the Force in the first place, and that's what we want the Force to be about for everyone - exploring a broad, immensely powerful and infinitely mysterious energy, and all the innumerable ways a Force user - any Force user - could potentially harness such a power.

So you'll notice in the write-up below that we're moving away from definite categorizations and moving into a far vaguer approach to the Force. We're really excited about this change, and we're hoping that it inspires all of you to explore the Force more freely as well, and really let those creative juices flow. But we've also got some rules around it as well.

So, enough rambling from me, but here's the stuff about the Force you guys need to know about for next timeline:

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The Star Wars RP's Guide to the Force

The Light Side of the Force
​

The essence of life, harmony, benevolence and calm, the Light Side of the Force represents the Force in balance, a positive and healing energy, most notably used by the Knights of the Jedi Order. Heavily associated with positive energy, a sense of calmness, knowledge and wisdom, the Light Side of the Force is considered a rather passive energy and field of study. As a result, many of the applications of the Force associated with the Light Side are focused on the gathering of knowledge, of observation, protecting and healing, and above all, clarity and wisdom. This is not to say that a Jedi Knight is wholely passive, but rather the techniques that strengthen their connection to the Force are often associated with a sense of calm and objectivity. Thus, for the Jedi, the temptation of the Dark Side is incredibly strong - as the temptation to use one's power in the Force for good intentions may be noble and righteous, but even the best of intentions can corrupt even the greatest of Jedi Masters. Any action lacking clarity, considered wisdom, and a sense of calm may in fact be the temptation of the Dark Side, and thus eternal vigilance is key to remaining firmly rooted in the power of the Light. The healing and invigorating nature of the Light Side can also have other beneficial effects - many Jedi Masters live far beyond their natural years, or may age noticeably slower as a result of their bodies being infused with the powerful, life-giving energies.

The Dark Side of the Force
​

The Dark Side of the Force is a perversion of the natural order. While the Light Side is associated with compassion, wisdom, and clarity, the Dark Side of the Force draws its power from passion, raw emotions, aggression and, above all else, the corruption of, and destruction of life itself. In direct contrast to the passive nature of the Light Side's influence on a Force User, the Dark Side can have a drastic influence on a practitioner. Even a novice Darksider may exhibit one of many traits of the corrupting influence, ranging from changes in behavior and demeanor such as aggression, paranoia and greed, through to physical changes - and the longer one harnesses such power, the greater these changes become. These may include (but are not limited to) one's skin becoming pale, teeth, eyes and nails yellowing, darkened and visible blood vessels on the skin, unexplained bruising, and in extreme circumstances, atrophy of muscle and flesh, terminal disease and eventually, complete destruction of one's physical form. Such effects may be mitigated for a time, but inevitably the corruption of the Dark Side leaves its mark on practitioners - as a result, many Dark Side sects - such as the Sith - use dark sorceries to maintain their appearance, or cover themselves in frightening tattoos to conceal the corruption eating away at their bodies. Such is the price of the power the Dark Side tempts one with.

Though the price is high, the power the Dark Side offers is unquestionable. Often seen as an easier, or faster path to power, the Dark Side is often associated with more active use of the Force, drawing on it to weaken, cripple or destroy one's adversaries, to empower the self beyond natural means, and to corrupt or alter the natural flow of life, or to sustain oneself unnaturally. The Dark Side demands that one harness their passions and raw emotions to use it - and although Dark Side sects like the Sith are often capable of controlling their visible external emotions, make no mistake that beneath the surface, a bubbling cauldron of rage and greed fuel their power.

Above all else, the Dark Side is notoriously tempting to all in tune with the Force. Even casual use of the Dark Side leaves an impact on the spirit, increasingly tempting the user to give in to its power completely, and practitioners with any notion of being above or beyond the temptation of the Dark Side are almost inevitably ensnared by it. To underestimate the temptation of the Dark Side of the Force is a truly perilous thing, indeed.

Fundamentals​

Use of the Force, be it Light or Dark in nature, requires intense focus and concentration. While those of the Light Side use a sense of stillness and calm to immerse themselves in its power, those who harness the Dark Side harness its power through the focus of raw emotion. The intense focus of concentration required does limit the Force User, however - having to focus solely on the Force, a Force User may only manifest a single effect of the Force at any given time. This is especially true for sustained effects - that is, manifestations of the Force that continue to occur over a period, rather than creating a single effect. While a telekinetic push, for example, is a brief and quick manifestation of the Force that may only require focus for one or two seconds, other effects - such as using the Force to strangle an opponent - require complete concentration for the duration of the effect, which can take considerable time. Such effects are easily disrupted by outside influences, and as such any Force User would be wise to only use such effects in a controlled environment, where the chances of distraction are low. Even a stray blaster bolt may be enough to cause a seasoned Sith Lord to lose their focus.

There are also limitations to one's use of the Force. Drawing on the Force is incredibly taxing physically, and while the Force can be used to create some extraordinary effects, even the most seasoned Jedi Master may be fatigued through excessive, rapid or extravagant use of the Force. This may be delayed in times of stress or crisis, such as in battle, but if a Force User does not carefully consider their own physical limitations, they may find themselves too physically exhausted to use the Force, or in extreme circumstances and particularly with practitioners of the Dark Side, that the Force may in fact begin to consume them.

Acrobatics​

A trained Force User is capable of using the Force to enhance their physical prowess, reflexes, strength and speed. This allows them remarkable dexterity and agility, allowing a Force User to leap higher, react quicker to circumstances around them, and move around the battlefield quickly and nimbly. This can take the form of enhancing their speed, or allowing great leaps, but also to dodge, react and move at near superhuman levels, or also considerable skill with a weapon. This is not to say that a Force User is incapable of being outmaneuvered, or that their acrobatic abilities are unbeatable - like any other person, a Force User does have limits in terms of how rapidly and how well they can adjust to changing conditions and react to them, however, a Force User can be expected to accomplish great feats of speed and agility, including superhuman leaps or speed and stunning dexterity. Their reflexes are especially attuned with the power of the Force, allowing a Jedi to even deflect blaster bolts or projectiles with relative ease.

Energy Manipulation​

The Force, being a universal energy, takes many forms, and such forms can be harnessed or altered by the will of a practiced Force User. While some highly advanced Force Users are capable of catching and diffusing weaponized energy - such as that from a blaster bolt or lightsaber - others prefer to create their own energy-based manifestations of the Force for offensive purposes. For many, this is immediately recognizable as the Sith's iconic conjuration of lightning, but this is but one of many manifestations of the Force in such a manner. A Force User might also be expected to be capable of conjuring a blinding light, or instead manifesting an offensive attack as a jet of flames, or raw, unshaped Force energies - such projections are a manifestation of the user's own will upon the Force, and as such can take many forms. Such attacks can be evaded or resisted, however. A Force User may also use such energies to enhance a weapon, enabling it to resist the burning blade of a lightsaber. Other such manifestations can disable and confuse even droids. Defensively, a Force User might be expected to be able to create shields of energy to protect themselves from damage or even an opponent's own Force powers, or to manipulate such powers and turn them back on their opponent. Controlling and redirecting energy is particularly advanced, however, and should both be treated with caution, nor be underestimated - while deflecting a lightsaber with one's bare hands may seem impressive, it is also a risky and dangerous move in practical application, where even the slightest of distractions could potentially be fatal.

Telekinesis​

Perhaps the ability most famous among Force Users, the art of telekinesis - or moving objects with one's mind - is a broad and exceptionally versatile field. Notable examples of use vary greatly - while a Force User is well known for using telekinetic waves of Force energy to topple over one or multiple enemies, this is but one application of an incredibly versatile school or training. A force user might also harness telekinesis to return a disarmed weapon to hand, or to hurl a boulder at an opponent. Exceptionally powerful force users may utilize telekinesis to open sealed doors, or create spheres of condensed energy that detonate on impact. A Force user may even use telekinesis to crush a weapon, or even another living creature. Using the Force to strangle another individual is considered a deeply Dark Side act, and is frowned upon by the Jedi, who prefer to use the Force to harmlessly incapacitate a foe by instead using the Force to lift a being into the air, and render them immobile. Such sustained acts require intense concentration, however, and like all applications of the Force, the focus required to create the desired effect is easily disrupted - one cannot simply shrug off a distraction to their focus.

Healing​

The art of healing is, for the most part, a field of study steeped heavily in the Light Side of the Force. Due to the corrupting nature of the Dark Side, certain alternatives are available, but healing is, generally speaking, a field of Light Side studies. The most obvious use of the Force is to apply it to a wound, injury, or disease, using the life-invigorating power of the Light Side to heal either one's self or another. Such use of the Force is not instantaneous, however, and healing techniques can vary in duration depending on the wound or disease involved - while minor injuries may be healed within minutes, a heavily diseased individual - or someone who is injured to near death - may take hours or even days to return to full health. Such an act is incredibly taxing on the healer, as well, and is considered largely impractical unless in the most dire of circumstances. For many Jedi, healing is simply used to stabilize an individual or keep them alive until the individual is able to receive proper medical treatment such as bacta immersion. However, almost all practitioners of the Light Side use the art of healing - even subconsciously, the Light Side may improve one's health over time, lengthening their natural years and providing greater resistance to common ailments. Light Side healing requires close proximity to the individual being healed.

Practitioners of the Dark Side may also heal another or themselves, however, the way in which they draw upon the energies to perform such an act is vastly different. Dark Side healing requires drawing of life energies from another, and targeting it either one the self or another individual. The sacrifice is left in a severely weakened state, and is often killed during the process - such dark methods are far less efficient by nature. Darksiders may also use such transfers offensively - a target opponent may be drained of their life essence to empower the Darksider, healing them or staving off the effects of their Dark Side corruption. However, like healing, such techniques are time consuming, exhausting, and require very close proximity to the sacrifice.

Status Effects​

Status effects refer to many different ways in which a Force Users may harness their power to augment or alter the state of themselves or those around them, providing strength and protection to allies, or alternatively to weaken and/or disable enemies. The effects vary greatly, however, some known applications of status effects include raising the morale of nearby soldiers, encouraging them to fight harder or rally after being routed, stirring one's self into a frenzied rage allowing them to shrug off the pain of injuries, incite a sense of calm within one another, allowing one to remain centered and focused in the Force, making one's self intangible, allowing them to effectively phase through solid, un-energized objects, or inducing a statis - like effect, effectively rendering a target immobile for as long as the practitioner maintains focus. These effects almost exclusively require continued focus, disabling the use of other powers for the duration of the effect, and over time can be increasingly taxing on the practitioner, and are generally considered more of a niche, but advanced, field of study in the Force.

Trances​

More commonly associated with Jedi, but also utilized by the Sith, trances are less of a specific field in of themselves and often are a means of harnessing the power of the Force in a more controlled environment. While a Force user may utilize many powers even in the heat of battle, trances allow for greater focus in harnessing such power, and are useful in controlling and channeling the Force to create effects. Many status effect-style powers are utilized using a trance, but this is not a hard rule. Trances are generally used to enhance one's connection with the Force more efficiently for larger, or more long-term effects. The idea of battle meditation, for example - or, in more broad terms, of meditating to influence the morale of allies and enemies in a large battle, where many minds are involved and require subtle influences, is best utilized through a trance. Using trance-like states, a force user can manipulate multiple objects telekinetically, or enhance their own healing. Other effects may include slowing down one's metabolism, or rejuvenating energy after a particularly exhausting battle.

Sense​

For even the untrained force user, the idea of having supernatural senses is a common manifestation in the Force, and is one of the broader fields of study for Force users. The Force grants users heightened sense in many areas, often subconsciously, but through careful study and practice, even more fascinating and versatile applications may become available. A force user may enhance their sight, hearing, or any of their other senses to supernatural levels, or focus their power to enhance their precognitive sixth sense in the Force. This may grant them startling insights into possible futures, or grant them knowledge about a person, location or item they would not be able to discern otherwise. In turn, they can exert this influence outwards, manipulating the senses of others, concealing their presence or alignment in the Force, mimicking sounds or creating illusions to fool an opponent. Fooling the senses of another is no easy feat, however, and for the strong-willed, easily dispelled. In groups of especially powerful individuals, this influence over sensory powers can even be utilized to sever an individual from the Force entirely.

Mental Manipulation​

The art of influencing, controlling or directing the minds of others, mental manipulation is a style of Force usage that requires incredibly finesse. Mentally influencing another individual is an incredibly difficult task to perform, especially for the strong-willed. It also requires a delicate touch, as clumsy or overbearing use of such powers runs the risk of shattering a mind entirely. While practitioners of the Light Side favour simpler tricks including subtle suggestions, Darksiders tend to prefer sheer mental domination or brute-force, shattering a mind in order to obtain a trivial piece of information or torturing an individual through generating intense sensations of pain.

Exotic Sects
​

There are many sects of study beyond the traditional Jedi and Sith orders, each with their own unique interpretation of the Force and of the powers granted, from dedicated monastic orders through to spiritual shamans and primitive covens of witches. While the interpretations of these groups may differ from the traditional views of the Force, they too are in one form or another, bound by the same rules the Force imposes upon all Force users. Some studies of the Force may not require a specific sensitivity to it, and so only the most gifted and dedicated of students may learn to harness its power - for these individuals, however, the power of the Force must come from an external source, and the effects on the practitioner remain consistent with the above descriptions. Such sects may use seemingly wild or exotic powers, but they are inevitably merely variants on the fields described above, and as such are bound by the same rules that govern the Force. Though philosophies may differ, the governing laws that rule all those who dabble in the power of the Force remain consistent.

Staff Notes
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While we want to encourage creative use of the Force using the guidelines above, there are certain limitations on Powers that should be factored in to your considerations. For one, excessive use of the Force may result in fatigue or exhaustion, and the use of multiple effects simultaneously is strongly discouraged. Using sensory powers to metagame information, or especially to obtain information without consent, is strictly prohibited, and certain applications of the Force - for example instantly killing an individual, severing their connection to the Force, reading the mind of another individual, or gaining knowledge of either future events or events that the individual was not present for, require consent from all parties concerned.

Finally, regarding combat vs non-Force users: Please note that while there are no strict bans on specific powers against non-Force users, this is done with an expectation of fair play. As with any other combat scenario, the opponent must have a reasonable opportunity to try to avoid, negate, or disrupt the power used by a Force user. This does not mean that there will always be a way to avoid an attack, but, as always, a simple rule should be followed: no auto-hitting.

The staff of The Star Wars RP reserve the right to intervene on, and rule on, breaches of these guidelines. However, we also understand that not all effects of the Force that you may be interested in are listed here, and that this is a significant learning process for all members involved. If you have any questions, feedback, feel like we have missed something in this list, or are looking for advice on acceptable use of the Force, please do not hesitate to contact one of the staff administrators.

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As always, we'd love to hear your feedback on this, so please let us know your thoughts below. Thanks!

 

[Rev]

Solid write up Boli! I like this outlook for the Force far more than past rules. The idea of the Force having limitations or guides to stay within was always something the movies never had but videogames did to build a good and evil side. I really feel this concept will carry with it a greater ability for characters to grow while being influenced by the pull of either side of the Force. I remember watching A New Hope and when Obi Wan talks about the Force for the first time it is riddled with mystery and unknown; an all powerful creator or destroyer of the Galaxy and this type of Force manipulation is a great call by the staff. I look forward to seeing where it goes with character creation as well as in the RP.

Goodjob overall; enjoyed the write up!

 

[CJ Solo]

I thnk this is a nice write up, but I'm wondering if there's going to be some sort of guideline for judging PvP? I ask about this because I could be in two battles PvP1 where a post is reported one admin makes one ruling in my favor and then in PvP2 I do the same thing or something very similar to its circumstances and the post gets reported and that admin rules against me. My first reaction is going to be.. ok well it was ok in this other battle, why not this one?

Or is there going to be more coming for force powers in PvP than what's been put here?

 

[Green Ranger]

The idea of a precedent section's been raised in the think tank several times, but we're still discussing it. I don't disagree that there's merit in such a system, but we have to work through a number of factors before we decide on something like that.

 

[Darby Shelton]

Honestly, this is perfect. It's concise, but vague enough to allow creative thinking. It's not just bullet points of, "These are the powers allowed". I love it, even if my character isn't a Force User. It will allow others to really embrace the possibilities.

 

[Miz]

I really like these new rules. It kind of reminds me of Naruto a bit. Everyone pretty much has access to the same powers but chooses to manifest itself in different ways based on their own personality, upbringing, and skill set.

 

[Rev]

I thnk this is a nice write up, but I'm wondering if there's going to be some sort of guideline for judging PvP? I ask about this because I could be in two battles PvP1 where a post is reported one admin makes one ruling in my favor and then in PvP2 I do the same thing or something very similar to its circumstances and the post gets reported and that admin rules against me. My first reaction is going to be.. ok well it was ok in this other battle, why not this one?

Or is there going to be more coming for force powers in PvP than what's been put here?

If youre utilizing the same move over and over in PvP whether it's ruled as a legal move or not it will come back to bite you. No two duels are ever alike so to think you'll get one ruled legally and another not is a bit of a stretch in my honest opinion. Where rulings get tricky is when everything comes across as fair but one player has an arguable point that has some justification behind it. From my experience each circumstance is judged at the time and for what it appears/is worth. If you have an issue with a ruling bring it up and have a second admins opinion thrown into the mix.

Your character from one duel to another should exhibit some growth and your writing will improve with practice. If your first fight it is okayed and the second it isnt then thats where it can get "hairy" but I think thats also more on the user than the admin. We as writers know when the limit is being pushed and have to also accept that not everyone is willing to lose a character or a fight without putting up a fit. Fight 'realistically' and keep it to the Star Wars realm of possibility and I dont see any issues arising personally. Reread your PvP posts multiple times and make sure its clear and concise while above all else keeping it within your character's limits. Its once you break your own threshold that you'll get called out. The site has always given opportunity to defend yourself. Play that to your advantage.

 

[Kibagami]

*Throws away grocery list of Force powers, happy to be rid of it*

I suddenly feel so...

 

[Ral]

If youre utilizing the same move over and over in PvP whether it's ruled as a legal move or not it will come back to bite you. No two duels are ever alike so to think you'll get one ruled legally and another not is a bit of a stretch in my honest opinion. Where rulings get tricky is when everything comes across as fair but one player has an arguable point that has some justification behind it. From my experience each circumstance is judged at the time and for what it appears/is worth. If you have an issue with a ruling bring it up and have a second admins opinion thrown into the mix.

Your character from one duel to another should exhibit some growth and your writing will improve with practice. If your first fight it is okayed and the second it isnt then thats where it can get "hairy" but I think thats also more on the user than the admin. We as writers know when the limit is being pushed and have to also accept that not everyone is willing to lose a character or a fight without putting up a fit. Fight 'realistically' and keep it to the Star Wars realm of possibility and I dont see any issues arising personally. Reread your PvP posts multiple times and make sure its clear and concise while above all else keeping it within your character's limits. Its once you break your own threshold that you'll get called out. The site has always given opportunity to defend yourself. Play that to your advantage.

While you are right, I think the idea of the question was like, let's saying I'm fighting a guy with a jetpack and I make it explode. In the first thread that gets ruled as valid, then in the second thread, in nearly the exact same situation the explosion of the jetpack gets ruled illegal.

Obviously different situations and different contexts will require a more in depth look, but having some semblance of a general standard may not be a bad thing, if for the very least you find yourself in a similar situation as one of those rulings you'll know exactly isn't allowed.

Now as I understand it most rulings have a general concensus done by most of the online admins, so if there is a deviant ruling then the players should be able to ask why it was ruled differently.

 

[Hishamori]

Awesome write up, and very thoughtful. To be fair, and honest, the old system to me felt rather restricting as I'm all for what's told/mentioned in the movies of star wars and not the games. As the games have to by default put restrictions on abilities as to make the game playable and fun if they don't then a player can pretty much god mode through the game and it wouldn't be nearly as exciting. (I've played Kotor, so yeah)

I look forward to seeing how player vs player battles go when regarding force user characters. Keep up the good work think tank!

 

[Brandon Rhea]

This is the moment you and I became best friends

 

[CJ Solo]

Ral, yes, basically what I'm talking about.

Rev, I know that stuff, but a Force push is a force push from one battle to the next even if it's used for different reasons.

 

[Oreus]

I like it. More information to write my Jedi. Now real life needs to move out of my way.

 

[Latte]

im loving this new Force usage writeup! has just enough specifics so people arent totally unguided while still giving actually a ton of room to explore the Force instead of just going "bulbasaur uses chomp" in duels and battles and having to list a bunch of Force powers in our character profiles. im super happy the admins did this, thanks a lot for it!

 

[Beta12]

A Force User might also be expected to be capable of conjuring a blinding light, or instead manifesting an offensive attack as a jet of flames, or raw, unshaped Force energies - such projections are a manifestation of the user's own will upon the Force, and as such can take many forms.

Ahem.

There are many sects of study beyond the traditional Jedi and Sith orders, each with their own unique interpretation of the Force and of the powers granted, from dedicated monastic orders through to spiritual shamans and primitive covens of witches.

Oh my god, the gift that keeps on giving.

 

[Green Ranger]

#GABA4Supreme

 

[AchillesHell]

Yes very well written.

Correct me if I'm wrong but this means we are doing away with listing force powers? Instead you are allowed to create any reasonable force power under the listed sections in the post that you think corresponds with your character?

 

[Green Ranger]

Correct me if I'm wrong but this means we are doing away with listing force powers?

Exactly. Let your imagination run wild...within the rules, of course ;)

 

[Kenico]

I
AM
IN
LOVE!!!!!

This is by far the BEST way In My honest opinion on how to make a proper outlook and guide on the Force. Its precise but not too vague and all of the most "common" Force Powers are all in their nice little umbrellas. Bravo Bol! Bravo! *Is now sad that he does not have an applause Gif...and a Sentate one for theme purposes lol*

But yeah this is awesome and it revolutionizes the way things are done for Forcers...Not to mention I am impressed you were able to do that while maintaining a sense of...civility...as in able to have this with some reasonable rules and such lol. So again Bravo.

looking forward to fixing my characters up...though...the question is...with this new set of rules in place does that mean that the original template as in the vanilla template is obsolete?

 

[Johnnysaurus Rex]

we are doing away with listing force powers?