[MA] My takes on the Star Wars Lightsaber Styles

[Phantasm]

Lightsaber Combat Styles

These styles are the main styles of lightsaber combat studied by the Old Republic Jedi. Many of them, particularly Makashi, Djem So, and Juyo, are also studied by the Sith.

The Force Staff skill (detailed below) listed as an optional trait in many of the styles represents training in the double-bladed lightsaber, first created by Jedi Master turned Sith Lord Exar Kun and popular with many of the Jedi who fought during the Mandalorian Wars. A true double-bladed lightsaber practitioner should study the Quarterstaff style from Martial Arts in addition to the styles below.

Author's Notes: I have decided not to do Vapaad, Mace Windu's style from Revenge of the Sith, due to the following points: He developed the style from Juyo late in the Star Wars timeline, and he only taught it to two fellow Jedi, both of whom fell to the Dark Side and died before he did. I have also left Jar'Kai separate from Niman, following older source materials from before the more recent sources that combined them.

Skills

Force Saber (DX/A)
Default: DX-5, Force Sword-3, or other Fencing skill at -3.
This skill is the fencing variant of the Force Sword skill.

Force Staff (DX/H)
Default: DX-6, Force Sword-4 or Staff-3.
This skill covers weapons that consist of a single hilt, often about 12 to 18 inches long, with energy blades that extend from both ends. Note that a critical failure with such a weapon tends to messily injure the wielder.

At the GM's discretion, a successful roll on the Force Staff Art skill can add a bonus to Intimidation equal to one-half the margin of success.

(Author's note: The pricing of the skill as a DX/H skill comes from in-universe comments about the "twin blades being harder to master." The Intimidation bonus comes from in-universe comments about "making enemies stampede in retreat.")

New Techniques

Deflect Blasters
Default: Parry Missile Weapons Parry-5.
Prerequisites: Parry Missile Weapons, Enhanced Time Sense or Precognitive Parry. Cannot exceed Parry Missile Weapons Parry.
This is the technique used by lightsaber wielders to parry and deflect blaster bolts harmlessly into the ground or the air. The ability to use the Force is not a prerequisite, as those who use the (illegal and addictive) highly-refined form of andris spice to increase their own perceptions, or naturally possess the Enhanced Time Sense advantage in their racial package are able to learn it.

Reflect Blasters
Default: Deflect Blasters–3.
Prerequisites: Parry Missile Weapons, Enhanced Time Sense or Precognitive Parry. Cannot exceed Deflect Blasters.
An advanced version of the above Deflect Blasters technique, this technique is used to reflect the blaster bolt back to its source. Once per turn, should a successful Parry roll be made when deflecting blasters, the lightsaber wielder can make an Attack roll at the lower of his Force Sword, Force Staff, or Parry Missile Weapons skill to strike the original attack with his blaster bolt. The original attacker can only dodge, and has a penalty to his Dodge roll equal to the deflector's margin of success due to not being ready. This is definitely a cinematic technique.

Form I: Shii-Cho
3 points
Shii-Cho is the simplest of the lightsaber forms taught in the Jedi Order, built upon the ancient swordfighting styles of the past. Because of this simplicity, it is one of the first styles taught to Padawans as an introduction to the weapon before progressing to one of the more advanced forms.

The form focuses on attacking certain target areas in order to bring the fight to a quick and decisive end with a minimum of violence. The target areas taught - in order of lethality - are the weapon, the hand, the arm, the leg, and the neck; sometimes, a killing stroke is necessary, but is held by Jedi to be a last resort. A Shii-Cho practitioner will Evaluate his opponent for a round or two, then Feint before finally Attacking; particularly daring stylists will combine the latter two into an All-Out Attack.

In Shii-Cho, the lightsaber is commonly wielded two-handed. One-handed use is also taught, freeing the other hand up for the occasional unarmed grapple or strike. The form does not rely on the use of the Force; because of this, those few who have obtained a lightsaber without being Force users can learn this style. Force users are often trained to be hyper-aware of their opponents at all times, as well as being taught to focus their mind.

Skills: Force Sword; Force Sword Art.
Techniques: Close Combat (Force Sword); Disarming (Force Sword); Targeted Attack (Force Sword Swing/Arm)); Targeted Attack (Force Sword Swing/Hand); Targeted Attack (Force Sword Swing/Leg); Targeted Attack (Force Sword Swing/Neck); Targeted Attack (Force Sword Swing/Weapon).
Cinematic Skills: Mental Strength; Sensitivity.
Cinematic Techniques: Grand Disarm (Force Sword).
Perks: Grip Mastery (Lightsaber); Off-Hand Weapon Training (Force Sword); Style Adaptation (Any Lightsaber Style).

Optional Traits:
Advantages: Enhanced Parry (Force Sword).
Skills: Fast-Draw (Force Sword); Judo; Karate; Meditation; Philosophy (Jedi); Force Staff; Tactics.

Form II: Makashi
3 points
Makashi is a lightsaber style derived from ancient fencing styles, designed specifically for lightsaber dueling. It is an elegant form, being at the same time perfectly suited for its role as well as artistic in execution. In Makashi, the lightsaber is normally wielded one-handed; the other hand is often used for balance. The style focuses on parries and counterattacks; especially skilled Makashi stylists will utilize the Riposte.

Makashi stylists often design their sabers with a curved hilt for easier use with the style. This essentially means the lightsaber is designed to use the Force Saber fencing skill rather than the Force Sword skill.

In practice, Makashi stylists will begin on the defensive, utilizing Evaluate, Wait, and Defensive Attacks, until the opponent leaves an opening. Once the stylist observes an opening, he switches to Attack or Committed Attack, often with Rapid Strikes, to end the fight; All-Out Attacks are rare, as proponents of the style never lower their defenses completely. More aggressive Makashi stylists will use Feints and Deceptive Attacks in order to make openings in their opponents' defenses. Masterful stylists can utilize the Tip Slash to inflict painful yet small wounds which disable their opponents without causing permanent crippling injuries.

Makashi stylists who use the Force are often able to anticipate their opponents; many are taught to duel without actually seeing their opponents.

If Makashi has a weakness, it is that the style does not teach how to deflect blaster fire with the lightsaber. Makashi stylists also tend to be somewhat arrogant, believing their form to be inherently superior to the other lightsaber forms. This form excels at lightsaber dueling - something most Jedi would not encounter but which would be of utmost importance to a Dark Jedi or Sith.

Skills: Force Saber; Force Saber Art.
Techniques: Bind Weapon (Force Saber); Close Combat (Force Saber); Counterattack (Force Saber); Disarming (Force Saber); Feint (Force Saber); Retain Weapon (Force Saber).
Cinematic Skills: Blind Fighting; Sensitivity.
Cinematic Techniques: Initial Carving (Force Saber).
Perks: Grip Mastery (Lightsaber).

Optional Traits:
Secondary Characteristics: Improved Basic Speed.
Advantages: Enhanced Parry (Force Saber); Perfect Balance.
Disadvantages: Delusion ("My style is inherently superior to all others."); Overconfidence.
Skills: Fast-Draw (Force Sword); Force Sword.

Form III: Soresu
3 points
Soresu is a lightsaber style designed with ultimate defense in mind. A skilled Soresu stylist can stand in the middle of a firefight and deflect every blaster bolt directed at him; the most highly skilled can even reflect the blaster fire back at his opponents. Normally, a stylist will wield his lightsaber two-handed for maintaining total control over his weapon.

As can be expected of such a style, All-Out Defense and Wait are common maneuvers, reserving the various Attack manuevers for when the opportunity presents itself. Defensive Attacks are common; Committed Attacks and All-Out Attacks are almost unheard of.

Soresu's main weakness is that a pure stylist rarely takes the offensive; this can lead to extraordinarily long combats that can tire out the stylist. Masters of the style commonly add in elements of one or more of the other styles to supplement it.

While listed below as an "Optional" trait, Enhanced Parry is essential to truly master the form.

Skills: Force Sword; Parry Missile Weapons.
Techniques: Close Combat (Force Sword); Counterattack (Force Sword); Disarming (Force Sword); Retain Weapon (Force Sword).
Cinematic Skills: Blind Fighting; Precognitive Parry; Sensitivity.
Cinematic Techniques: Deflect Blasters; Reflect Blasters; Timed Defense.
Perks: Style Adaptation (Any Lightsaber Styles); Sure-Footed.

Optional Traits:
Secondary Characteristics: Improved Bastic Speed; Improved FP.
Advantages: Enhanced Dodge; Enhanced Parry (Force Sword).
Skills: Fast-Draw (Force Sword); Karate; Force Staff.
Techniques: Jam (Karate)