Wednesday Knights Blog

I finally picked up a copy of the new Star Wars Saga Edition. I have not played it yet. However, I have read through it. Based upon my reading of it and my understanding (through various sources) that this version is a preview of 4th Edition, I can’t say that I am thrilled with all of the changes that have been made. Some of the changes I like a lot. This includes the changes to the force abilities. Other changes, I am not particularly thrilled about.

Below, in no particular order, I address some of the changes in the system. The system is quite similar to the d20 system. The comments below generally deal with the differences between the d20 system and the Saga Edition.

Size/Shape: I know that this has nothing to do with the actual system itself, however, if you have not yet seen the book, it is square, like a coffee table book rather than a normal gaming book. There is nothing about its size/shape that makes it more or less difficult to use. On the other hand, I have several shelves full of books that are all basically the same size and shape. Why make this one oddball book? I really just don’t get it.

Non Proficiency: A change that I just don’t understand is that they have changed the penalty for using a weapon that you are not proficient with from -4 to -5. Why? It’s not as though there is a significant difference between the two penalties. Plus we have spent the last 7 years working under the old modifier. Why change this?

Skills: I will admit up front that I am a fan of skills. I think that skills are one mechanical (as in game mechanics) way in which players can easily differentiate their characters and figure out what their character’s strengths and weaknesses are.

This edition changes skills significantly from before. Instead of buying ranks in a skill, you either are trained in a skill or you are not trained in a skill. If you are trained in a skill, you get a +5 to your skill check roll. If you are not trained, you do not. Also, you do not get more skills as you advance in levels. The only way that you add additional skills to your repertoire is by taking the Skill Training Feat. The only way to improve a skill is to take the Skill Focus feat, which allows you to add an additional +5.

A skill check roll is 1d20+ 1/2 your character level + ability modifier + 5 (if trained) + any miscellaneous modifiers.

Like with d20, the different classes receive differing numbers of skills. For example, a scout gets to choose 5 skills (plus intelligence modifier), while a soldier receives 3 (plus intelligence modifier).

One thing I do like about the skills is that the skill list has been shortened. There are now only 19 skills. Things that before were separate skills, such as spot, listen, and search, are now one skill: Perception. Stealth includes what was move silently, hide, and sleight of hand. All in all, I like this change.

One other significant skill change is that initiative is now a skill. I am not sure how I feel about this. One thing that is likely for sure is that this change will result in higher initiative rolls for most people (especially those who are trained in it). Given that initiative is now a skill, armor check penalties apply to it. Also, however, you can take 10.

I think I have rambled enough for now. In the next installment I will talk about the changes to the combat system.