The Force - An Energy Field Created by All Living Things
The Force isn't magic - it's the fundamental energy that binds the galaxy together. In the Star Wars Roleplaying Game, using the Force is like learning to conduct a symphony orchestra where every instrument is a living being, every note is an emotion, and every measure is a moment of connection with something greater than yourself. It's not about memorizing spells; it's about understanding your relationship with the universe itself.
The River Analogy
Think of the Force like a vast, flowing river. A Force-sensitive person can sense the river's presence, but using Force powers is like learning to navigate its currents. You can fight against the current (dark side - quick but exhausting), flow with it (light side - sustainable and harmonious), or try to dam it up (suppressing your abilities - ultimately futile and dangerous). Your Force rating determines how much of the river's power you can channel at once.
Force Rating - Your Connection to the Force
Understanding Force Dice
Force dice are unlike any other dice in the game. They don't represent skill or training - they represent your moment-to-moment connection to the living Force. Sometimes the Force flows through you like a raging torrent, sometimes it's a gentle stream, and sometimes it feels absent entirely. This variability is intentional and reflects the mystical, unpredictable nature of the Force itself.
The rules are short. Your Force rating is the number of Force dice (white d12s) you roll when you activate a power; Force and Destiny careers start at Force rating 1, and Force Rating talents raise it. Some effects let you commit Force dice to keep them running; while dice are committed, your Force rating is reduced by that many. Each Force die shows light or dark pips, never a blank: 6 faces have a single dark pip, 1 face has two dark pips, 2 faces have a single light pip and 3 faces have two light pips. A light-side character spends light pips as Force points to fuel the power. To use dark pips instead, they must flip one of the group's light-side Destiny Points to dark and suffer 1 strain per dark pip, and in Force and Destiny they also gain 1 Conflict per dark pip. One Force die shows light pips on only 5 faces in 12 (41.7%), which is exactly why the dark side is tempting.
Light Side vs Dark Side - The Fundamental Choice
Every time you use the Force, you face a choice that defines who you are. Light side points flow naturally and harmoniously, requiring patience and wisdom. Dark side points come easily but exact a price - they're like borrowing power from your future self, and the debt always comes due.
The Morality Spectrum - Your Force Journey
Force Powers - Tools of the Force-Sensitive
Basic Power Structure
Force powers aren't spells you memorize - they're techniques for focusing your connection to the Force. Each power starts with a basic ability and grows through additional upgrades, like learning to play a musical instrument. You start with simple melodies and gradually master complex compositions.
Anatomy of a Force Power: Move
Basic Power: move one small object at short range
├── Roll Force dice equal to your Force rating
├── Spend 1 Force point (a light pip, for a light-side user)
└── Effect: move 1 object of Silhouette 0
Strength upgrades: bigger objects
├── Each one lets you spend an extra Force point
├── ...to raise the largest Silhouette you can move by 1
└── Silhouette 1 is person-sized; 2 a speeder; 3 a starfighter
Range upgrades: farther away
└── Spend Force points to push the range out band by band
Magnitude upgrades: more objects at once
└── Spend Force points to affect additional objects
Control upgrades: new uses
└── e.g. hurling objects as an attack, or fine manipulation
Each upgrade is bought with XP on the power's tree;
the tree itself lists the costs and limits.Core Force Powers
Influence - The Jedi Mind Trick
Theme: Affecting thoughts and emotions
Basic Use: Stress an engaged target's mind, inflicting strain
Advanced Applications:
- Plant suggestions in minds
- Read surface thoughts
- Manipulate emotions
- Control actions temporarily
Iconic Moment: "These aren't the droids you're looking for"
Move - Telekinesis
Theme: Manipulating objects with your mind
Basic Use: Pull your lightsaber to your hand
Advanced Applications:
- Lift massive objects
- Hurl multiple items as weapons
- Create barriers of debris
- Manipulate controls remotely
Iconic Moment: Yoda lifting the X-wing from the swamp
Sense - Perception Beyond Sight
Theme: Perceiving through the Force
Basic Use: Sense nearby living beings
Advanced Applications:
- See through Force illusions
- Predict immediate future
- Sense emotional states
- Detect Force-sensitives
Iconic Moment: Luke sensing his friends' pain on Cloud City
Enhance - Surpassing Mortal Limits
Theme: Augmenting physical capabilities
Basic Use: Roll Force dice with Athletics checks; spend Force points for extra Success or Advantage
Advanced Applications:
- Superhuman leaps
- Enhanced reflexes
- Increased resilience
- Force-assisted piloting
Iconic Moment: Luke's impossible Death Star shot
Advanced and Specialized Powers
No power on that map is "light" or "dark" in itself. What darkens a Force user is spending dark pips and doing cruel things with the powers (Harm and Unleash simply make that easier to do). The career sourcebooks add further powers on top of these.
Power Combinations and Creative Applications
Example: The Cantina Confrontation
Situation: Ponda Baba threatens Luke. Obi-Wan needs to defuse the situation.
Traditional Approach: Draw lightsaber, intimidate with weapon
Force-Enhanced Approach:
- Sense: Read Ponda Baba's emotional state and intentions
- Influence: Project calm, reduce aggression
- Move: Subtly shift objects to create distractions
- Charm or Negotiation: Plain talking, no Force needed, often works best
If Combat Becomes Necessary:
- Enhanced reflexes: Draw and ignite lightsaber with supernatural speed
- Precise strike: Disable rather than kill
- Influence aftermath: Calm other patrons, prevent panic
Lightsaber Combat - The Elegant Weapon
More Than a Sword
A lightsaber isn't just a weapon - it's a meditation focus, a symbol of commitment, and a reflection of its wielder's soul. The crystal chooses the Jedi, the components tell a story, and the construction process is a rite of passage that bonds wielder and weapon forever.
Building Your Lightsaber
Crystal Properties and Blade Colors
Blade Colours in the Lore
These associations come from the films, the animated series and older Legends stories. Nothing in the rules ties a colour to a career or a side; pick what fits your character.
- Blue Crystals: Associated with Jedi Guardians, combat focus
- Green Crystals: Favored by Jedi Consulars, wisdom and peace
- Yellow Crystals: Temple Guards and Jedi Sentinels
- Purple Crystals: Rare, balanced between light and dark
- White Crystals: Purified from dark side corruption
- Red Crystals: Kyber "bled" by a dark side user (older Legends stories used synthetic crystals instead)
- Black Blades: Extremely rare; the Darksaber is the famous example
Crystal Mechanical Effects
In the rules, a lightsaber is a hilt plus a crystal, and the crystal supplies most of the blade's profile: its base damage, its Critical rating and qualities such as Breach and Sunder. Different crystals (and later modifications) change those numbers. Take the exact values from the Force and Destiny core rulebook or the sourcebook that lists the crystal rather than from memory; every crystal has its own entry.
Lightsaber Combat Forms
Each lightsaber form represents a different philosophy of combat, like different martial arts styles. A form isn't just a fighting technique - it's a way of understanding conflict, the Force, and your place in the galaxy.
Form Philosophy and Application
Form III - Soresu (Obi-Wan's Mastery)
Philosophy: "Survive first, then find the opportunity to end the conflict peacefully"
Strengths: Unparalleled defense against blasters and lightsabers
Weaknesses: Can be passive, struggles against multiple opponents
Famous Practitioners: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luminara Unduli
Mechanical Benefits: Lightsaber checks with Intellect, plus defensive talents such as Parry and Reflect (suffer strain to reduce incoming damage)
Form V - Djem So (Anakin's Power)
Philosophy: "The best defense is a crushing offense"
Strengths: Powerful attacks, turn defense into counter-attacks
Weaknesses: Aggressive nature can lead to dark side temptation
Famous Practitioners: Anakin Skywalker, Luke Skywalker
Mechanical Benefits: Counter-attacking talents that turn a parried or reflected attack back on the attacker
Form VII - Vaapad (Mace Windu's Edge)
Philosophy: "Channel darkness without being consumed by it"
Strengths: Incredible power, feeds on opponent's aggression
Weaknesses: Extremely dangerous, requires perfect emotional control
Famous Practitioners: Mace Windu (its best-known master)
Mechanical Benefits: No form lets you use dark pips for free; a Vaapad-style fighter still flips a Destiny Point, suffers strain and gains Conflict for every dark pip. Play it as a constant temptation.
What a Form Actually Does to Your Dice
The forms above are presented as philosophies, which is how the fiction treats them. Mechanically they do something far more concrete, and it is the real reason a player picks one: a form's signature talent changes which characteristic you roll Lightsaber checks with.
By default a lightsaber is a Brawn weapon — you swing it with your body. Learning a form lets you swap that for the characteristic your philosophy actually trains, so your fighting style and your character concept stop being separate things.
| Form | Rolls with | The character it suits |
|---|---|---|
| I — Shii-Cho | Brawn | The straightforward guardian. No swap needed — the default, done well. |
| II — Makashi | Presence | The duellist whose force of personality is the weapon. Elegant, personal, built for one-on-one. |
| III — Soresu | Intellect | The analyst who wins by outlasting. Defence as a thinking exercise. |
| IV — Ataru | Agility | The acrobat. Fast, mobile, and fragile if the fight runs long. |
| V — Shien / Djem So | Cunning / Brawn | The counter-attacker, turning incoming fire back on its source. |
| VI — Niman | Willpower | The balanced practitioner splitting attention between blade and Force powers. |
| VII — Juyo | See its specialization | The ferocious form — powerful, and entangled with Conflict by design. |
Why This Matters More Than It Looks
Characteristics are the most expensive thing on a character sheet, and almost nobody can afford two high ones. So your form quietly determines where your entire build points:
- A Soresu defender invests in Intellect — which also buys Computers, Mechanics and Medicine. They end up being the party's technician.
- A Makashi duellist invests in Presence — so they are also the party's negotiator. Their combat style and their social role come from the same purchase.
- An Ataru striker invests in Agility — shared with Piloting, Stealth and ranged weapons. Frequently the best pilot in the group.
That is the design payoff: choosing a form is not really a combat decision, it is a decision about who your character is outside of fights. Pick the form whose characteristic you wanted anyway, and the concept assembles itself.
A Practical Warning
The swap comes from a talent bought inside a specialization, so it is neither free nor immediate — a starting character may spend a while swinging on plain Brawn before their chosen form comes online. Plan the route rather than assuming the label grants the ability. Character Creation covers how specializations and talents are purchased, and Running Force Users covers the Conflict that Form VII invites.
Force Traditions Beyond Jedi and Sith
The Galaxy's Hidden Force Users
The Force flows through many traditions across the galaxy. While Jedi and Sith are the most famous, countless other groups have developed their own understanding of this mystical energy. Each tradition offers a different perspective on the Force's nature and proper use.
Guardians of the Whills
Philosophy: The Force as part of a cosmic balance
Methods: Martial arts, meditation, ancient prayers
Example: Chirrut ÃŽmwe's blind faith and combat skills
Unique Aspect: Faith-based Force use without traditional training
Nightsisters of Dathomir
Philosophy: The Force as "magick" to be commanded
Methods: Rituals, totems, group casting
Example: Mother Talzin's reality-altering abilities
Unique Aspect: Collective Force use and spirit magic
Baran Do Sages
Philosophy: The Force as a tool for weather prediction
Methods: Scientific observation enhanced by Force sensitivity
Example: Kel Dor weather seers
Unique Aspect: Blending science and Force use
Jensaarai
Philosophy: Balance between light and dark teachings
Methods: Cortosis armor, defensive lightsaber techniques
Example: Hidden enclave of balanced Force users
Unique Aspect: Synthesis of Jedi and Sith knowledge
The Dark Side - Power and Corruption
Understanding the Temptation
The dark side isn't evil for evil's sake - it's a shortcut that always comes with a price. It's like taking performance-enhancing drugs: immediate power at the cost of long-term health and integrity. Every dark side choice makes the next one easier and the way back harder.
Dark Side Powers and Consequences
Signature Dark Side Abilities
- Force Lightning: Channel pure hatred into electrical energy
- Drain Life: Steal vitality from living beings
- Rage: Fuel power with anger, but lose control
- Terror: Project fear to paralyze opponents
- Domination: Override another's will completely
In the rules most of these are dark uses or upgrades of the standard powers (Unleash for lightning, Harm for draining life, Influence for terror and domination). The power itself does not darken a character; the dark pips and the cruelty earn the Conflict.
The Price of Dark Power
- Physical Corruption: Pale skin, yellow eyes, premature aging
- Mental Changes: Paranoia, anger, loss of empathy
- Social Isolation: Relationships become tools or obstacles
- Spiritual Degradation: Connection to living Force withers
- Addiction Cycle: Harder to resist each time
Force Powers in Action - Scenario Walkthroughs
Scenario: Infiltrating an Imperial Facility
The Mission: Rescue Senator Mothma
Setup: Your Jedi character needs to infiltrate an Imperial detention center to rescue Mon Mothma. The facility is heavily guarded, and violence would alert the entire base.
Phase 1: Approach and Entry
- Sense: Detect guard positions and patrol patterns
- Influence: Talk your way past the checkpoint guard
- Move: Subtly trigger distractions (dropping objects, opening doors)
- Misdirect: Create illusions to hide your true appearance
Phase 2: Finding the Prisoner
- Sense: Feel for living minds in the cell block to find hers
- Enhance: Roll Force dice with Athletics to climb and leap past patrols
- Move: Open locks without keys or noise
- Influence: Calm or confuse security droids
Phase 3: Extraction
- Heal: Treat any injuries Mon Mothma has sustained
- Protect: Shield her from incoming fire on the way out
- Foresee: Predict guard movements to avoid detection
- Move: Create barriers or clear escape routes
If Things Go Wrong:
- Lightsaber Defense: Deflect blaster bolts to protect both of you
- Move (Combat): Hurl objects as weapons or shields
- Influence (Fear): Terrify attackers into fleeing
- Enhance (Escape): Superhuman leaps and speed
Scenario: Lightsaber Duel with a Dark Jedi
The Confrontation: Facing Your Former Master
Setup: Your master has fallen to the dark side and now serves the Empire. This isn't just a physical battle - it's a conflict of philosophies and a test of your own commitment to the light.
Opening Moves:
- Sense: Read your opponent's emotional state and intentions
- Defensive Stance: Form III techniques to weather the initial assault
- Verbal Combat: Try to reach the person they once were
Mid-Fight Dynamics:
- Form Switching: Adapt to your opponent's style
- Environmental Use: Move objects to create advantages
- Influence Attempts: Project calm against their rage
- Dark Side Temptation: Resist using opponent's anger against them
Resolution Options:
- Redemption: Successfully reach their buried light side
- Defeat: Disable without killing, showing mercy
- Stalemate: Both withdraw to fight another day
- Sacrifice: Your apparent defeat saves others
Force-Sensitive Career Paths
Beyond the Traditional Jedi
Not every Force-sensitive becomes a robed monk with a lightsaber. The Force manifests differently in different people, and the galaxy offers many paths for those who hear its call. In Force and Destiny that variety is built into the six careers, each with its own specializations; Jedi Knight, Sith Lord or Gray Jedi are things your character becomes in the story, not careers on the sheet.
Try It at the Table
Activity One: Force Power Application
Design creative solutions using basic Force powers:
- Infiltration Challenge: How would you use Move, Influence, and Sense to sneak past guards?
- Social Encounter: Apply Force powers to a tense negotiation without being obvious
- Environmental Puzzle: Use telekinesis creatively to solve a mechanical problem
- Combat Scenario: Plan a lightsaber duel incorporating Force powers tactically
Activity Two: Lightsaber Construction
Design your character's lightsaber:
- Choose crystal type and justify based on character background
- Describe the construction process and where components were found
- Explain how the saber's appearance reflects your character's personality
- Determine which lightsaber form suits your fighting philosophy
Activity Three: Morality Scenario Planning
Create moral dilemmas that test Force users:
- A situation where dark side power could save innocent lives
- A conflict between Jedi Code and personal relationships
- A choice between revealing Force abilities or letting injustice occur
- A temptation where good intentions lead toward dark methods
Activity Four: Alternative Force Tradition
Design your own Force tradition:
- What philosophy guides their understanding of the Force?
- What unique techniques or approaches do they use?
- How do they differ from mainstream Jedi and Sith?
- What role do they play in galactic society?
Advanced Force Concepts
Force Bonds and Connections
Some Force users develop special connections that transcend normal understanding. These bonds can be sources of great strength or dangerous vulnerability, representing the deepest mysteries of Force interaction.
The Living Force vs The Cosmic Force
Understanding the two aspects of the Force helps explain different approaches to its use. The Living Force deals with immediate, personal connections, while the Cosmic Force encompasses destiny, prophecy, and the grand design of the galaxy.
Force Vergences and Sacred Sites
Certain locations in the galaxy are strong in the Force, offering enhanced power but also unique challenges. These sites often become focal points for important events and character development.
Where to Go Next
The Force is a long road. Further along it:
- Running Force Users: Power trees, upgrades and how a Force user actually develops over a campaign.
- Character Creation: Building a Force-sensitive from scratch, including the costs of doing so.
- Combat & Conflict: How duels sit inside the ordinary combat rules.
- NPCs & Villains: Dark side antagonists, and why the good ones are tempting rather than merely evil.
- Visions, Time & the World Between Worlds: Force visions and the World Between Worlds, if your campaign goes somewhere stranger.