F A R H O R IZ O N S

O n t h e f a r e d g e s o f c iv iliz e d s p a c e , b r a v e a n d
d e t e r m i n e d C O L O N IS T S b e h o ld t h e h o r iz o n s o f n e w
w o r ld s . B e y o n d t h e E m p i r e ’s r e a c h , t h e y s t r u g g l e
to b u ild new liv e s fo r th e m s e lv e s and th e ir
fa m ilie s .

Together they m ust b a ttle hostile crea tu res ,

vicious storms, and m e rc ile ss p ira te m ara u d ers.
Failure will see the ruins of th e ir h o m es b uried by
the sands of tim e . B u t if th e s e s e ttle r s s u c c e e d ,
they can build brave n e w w o rld s on t h e O u te r
Rim ....
 CREDITS
LEAD DEVELOPER COVER ART
Sam Stewart David Kegg and Mark Molnar

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EDITING A N D PROOFREADING Molnar, Wibben, and the Lucasfilm art archives
Mark Pollard and Paul Poppleton
PRODUCTION M ANAG EM ENT
M ANAG ING RPG PRODUCER Eric Knight
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
 t had been a long day already. The dead body just
I made it longer. “You’re not going to hang him, Solk!” I shouted.

"I want that no-good ghhhk-oil salesman strung up Horgon and his hired hands responded with a volley
for the murder of my boy!” Solk Horgon shouted. of blaster fire that lit up the night sky, blew in the rest
of the windows, and set the door on fire.
I leaned against the doorframe of the marshal’s office.
“Solk, you may be king nerf baron ‘round here, but we’ve "You missed!" I hollered, and sent a shot through the
got law and order in this town, same as any other.” window into the darkened street. Malisan crouched in
the corner of the office. He had returned to spend
“ I didn’t see no ‘law and order’ when they found my time with Alchibi, and, like me, was trapped when
Seth behind the theater with his neck broke!” Horgon Horgon and his crew returned for some mob justice.
snarled. “ Now you hang that Chevin, or step aside
and let me.” From his cell, Alchibi shook his head somberly.
“ Marshal Sterne. The situation seems dire. I would
I none too subtly tapped my hands on the holsters of rather surrender than see you and Malisan dead.”
my twin pistols. “Alchibi’ll stand trial, and if he’s guilty,
he hangs. Not before. Now get on back to your ranch.” I opened my mouth to tell him not to be an idiot,
but Mali beat me to it. “ No, you can’t!” He stared at
Horgon’s face got even darker. “You haven’t heard me, fear and guilt running across his face. "Marshal,
the last of this, Marshal!" He turned on his heels and you can’t let him do that.”
stormed down the street.
I looked at Mali for a long moment, then groaned.
I sighed and walked back inside my office. From "Ah, hell. Alchi, you were meeting with Mali at the the­
the containment cell in the far corner, my prisoner ater last night, weren’t you?”
watched me soberly.
Mali looked guilty, but also relieved. "He was going
"I appreciate you not ’stringing me up,’ Marshal to buy out my indenture contract from Horgon. Spon­
Sterne," Alchibi Des said in his booming, rumbling voice. sor my dancing. But he didn’t kill Seth.”
"Day’s not over yet, Alchi.” I plopped down at my “ No,” I shook my head. "I’m guessing you did that."
desk, calling up the crime scene holos. Seth Horgon
stared up blindly from the alley dirt, his neck snapped Mali looked sick. "Seth told Alchi he wouldn’t sell my
cleanly. “You still haven’t given me an alibi for last contract. He said I’d be stuck herding nerfs all my life. He
night, and you’re plenty strong enough to do the said he liked seeing an indenture ‘in his proper place.’ He,
deed. Plus you and the Horgons haven’t been on the he laughed. I just...snapped. I didn’t mean to hurt him.”
best of terms.” The three of us sat there; looking at each other for
“ It is compelling, though circumstantial,” Alchibi a long moment. Then another blaster bolt punched
replied. “ But I was in a confidential meeting.” through the wall. "Send him out, Sterne,” Horgon bel­
lowed. “Or we’ll burn you out!”
“You stick with that story, you might as well tighten
the noose yourself,” I grumbled. "Listen, Alichi—” "Oh, to hell with it.” I scrambled across the floor, hit­
ting the containment cell’s control panel. The energy
“ Hi Marshal! Hi Alchi!” A young, well-built Twi’lek barrier flickered out as I kicked my desk away from
popped in through the door. the trap door hidden beneath it. Alchibi and Malisan
I grunted. “What are you doing here, Mali?” stared at me.
Malisan held up a basket of food. “ Brought Alchi "Well, what are you two waiting for?” I snarled. "It
lunch from the ranch. Better than the reheated leads out of town.” I punched in the combination to
Imperial Army rations you eat, Marshal.” the office safe, and pulled out the thermal detonator
I’d confiscated from the spice runners three months
A Chevin’s face wasn’t built for smiling, but Alchibi
ago. "I just need to cover our tracks.”
brightened slightly. “Malisan. You are too kind. But you
should be spending your break practicing your dance
performance, not bringing me food. Besides, if Horgon A half hour later, we stood on the hill outside town
catches one of his indentures bringing me lunch—” and watched the townsfolk putting out the last of the
fire that consumed my office. That was good; I really
“Oh, nonsense,” Malisan sat the basket on my desk
hadn’t wanted to burn down all of Main Street.
and started pulling roasted nerf and tubers out of it.
After a moment, he looked up at me--and the crime Alchibi snuffled. “ I am sorry about this, Marshal.”
holos. I saw the worry behind his cheerful demeanor. Malisan nodded silently.
“They’re not going to hang him, are they?” “Oh, Horgon was a jerk anyway, and his son was
no good trash,” I grinned wryly. “On the other hand,
“ Not if he’s innocent, Mali,” I replied, and wished I
looks like I’m out a job. If you’re still going off-planet,
believed it.
can I tag along?”
COLONIZING THE EDGE
olonists are the galaxy’s movers and shakers, from be Colonists, it also adds three new specializations—
C true world-builders in the wilds of outer space to
social masters that use their influence and personal
the Entrepreneur, Marshal, and Performer—along with
their requisite talent trees. All Colonist specializations
charisma to advance their own agendas. Far H orizons gain the benefit of two new Signature Abilities, boost­
expands on the Colonist career presented in the Edge ing Colonists who use them to an elite status.
of the Empire Core Rulebook, offering new ideas and
Chapter II: Law and Ordnance introduces new
details for existing specializations while expanding the
weapons, a substantial amount of new gear, and a
career with three new specializations. Whether strug­
selection of new vehicles preferred by Colonists.
gling against krayt dragons and Tusken Raiders on the
windswept dunes of Tatooine or running a space sta­ Chapter III: New Horizons Await provides advice
tion on the darkest edges of Wild Space, players using for creating Colonist-based adventures, ideas con­
this book will find something useful for everyone. cerning how to integrate Colonists in the story, and
ways to build and highlight social encounters. The
Chapter I: Building Better Worlds focuses on the
chapter includes advice for CM and player collabo­
Colonist career itself. It discusses and adds new Col­
ration on Colonist storylines. Chapter III also covers
onist-specific backgrounds, Motivations, and Obliga­
Colonist campaigns, rewards, and advice for Came
tions. It introduces the Arcona, Chevin, and Gran—three
Masters wishing to successfully integrate Colonist
new playable species that are especially well suited to
characters into a story.

COLONISTS IN THE GALAXY

or millennia, colonists have provided spacefaring the Core Worlds into the Colonies region, many thou­
F societies with the manpower and drive to expand
across the galaxy. The ever-growing Republic, Empire,
sands of years ago. The Colonies became an extension
of Core World attitudes, power, and ambition. These
and other civilizations create a perpetual need for were true colonies—permanent settlements intended
resources, living space, and political separation, so to expand the reach and resources of the homeworld.
colonization of new worlds continues to this day. While Eventually, distance and politics would divide many
some periods of galactic history have witnessed a colonies from their home governments.
sharp decrease in colonization, there have always been
As colonization efforts developed, other worlds
beings with reasons to stake their claims on new worlds.
became little more than chunks of resources ripe for
Although anyone can become a colonist, the best are exploitation. This was especially true in the Expansion
typically smart, ambitious, tough, and willing to brave Region, where corporations raced to grab prime star
the unknown. They represent many fields of study or systems before the region became officially open to
expertise, and often prefer non-combat roles. Colonist Republic colonization efforts. These colonists were less
leaders are typically highly charismatic. Moreover, iso­ adventurous explorers and settlers, and more entre­
lation from the galaxy at large drives a need for Colo­ preneurial or exploited workers drawn to company-
nists to be intelligent, leading most to focus on their held planets where they found it difficult to leave.
own area of expertise, such as leadership, healing, and
In current times, colonization attempts usually
legitimate commerce. Some seek more personal goals,
delve beyond the fringes of Known Space. These mis­
such as achieving celebrity. Others strive to bring order
sions attempt to push back the boundaries of Wild
and civil protection to far-flung settlements.
Space by either filling in poorly explored areas within
Known Space or expanding at the fringes of the Outer
TRUE COLONISTS Rim. Few attempts to colonize the Unknown Regions
succeed. The hyperspace tangle at the borders of the
The ancient Republic’s expansion outward from the Unknown Regions makes even successful colonies iso­
Core Worlds relied on massive colonization efforts. lated and difficult to reach. However, even in these
While many early missions grew out of land and popu­ times, only a fraction of the stars in the galaxy have
lation constraints, later efforts were corporate driven, been visited and explored. A new colony can happen
often the product of a land rush to claim new resources. in any place, at any time.
The first galactic-scale colonization effort grew from
 TH E ALLURE OF A N E W W O RLD COLONIZATION VERSUS EXPLORATION
It is often difficult for the non-colonist to understand
olonization of a new world naturally necessi­
the desire to establish a settlement on a new world in
remote areas and under dangerous conditions. With
C tates some exploration. Flowever, there are
many critical differences between the colonist
tens of thousands of civilized planets to choose from,
and the explorer. The most obvious is that the
what exactly is the draw for forging ahead with yet
colonist arrives on a new world expecting to
another settlement on what is likely to be an unre­
make it his permanent home. The explorer, on
markable or inhospitable world? The reality is that
the other hand, is more interested in discover­
age-old reasons still apply—breaking with current
ing new places or civilizations, reporting them
society or government, seeking to establish a civiliza­
back to the galaxy at large or to his employer,
tion based on specific ideals, and exploiting resources.
and then moving to the next system.
With the rise of the Galactic Empire, more and more
Though the circumstances vary, a colonist typi­
colonists have sought to escape the authoritarian prac­
cally arrives at a predetermined colonization
tices of Emperor Palpatine. Enslaved species have fled
site. While a few colony ships are sent blindly
to worlds beyond the boundaries of the Empire, trying
into deep space to find their own path and
to escape while they still can. Followers of the Force—
destination, it is far more common that they
those few remaining individuals who follow the Jedi
aim for a specific, well studied target. Though
Order or other, lesser known traditions—have escaped
no world is completely known before colonists
Vader’s attempts to purge them from the galaxy. No
make it a permanent home, the planet in ques­
matter the reason, most of these types of colonies seek
tion is usually vetted and assessed for livability,
isolation and secrecy to avoid Imperial pursuit. They
cosmic hazards, health threats, native popula­
may number anywhere from a few dozen Force users
tions, and the harshness of the environment.
to several hundred or thousand species fleeing enslave­
ment. Even the Rebel Alliance establishes the occa­ Colonists typically do not have the same level
sional secret colony in the form of safe worlds, hiding of wanderlust that drives dedicated explorers.
friends, families, and facilities far from Imperial reach. Colonists are usually out to improve their own
lives and that of their families, as determined
by their personal desires and causes. Many
A LITTLE CIVILIZATION explorers actually prefer the isolation of deep
What separates a colony from the wild frontier is more space and the freedom of movement without
than simply the presence of the colonists themselves, government, familial, or social interference.
it is what the colonists bring with them: civilization.
The most successful colonies have a system of gover­ ficult than it would be otherwise. Some Core Worlds
nance, law and order, and at least a semblance of a societies are happy to get rid of their malcontents by
functioning economy. After a few generations, some sending them to a colony world, but for every enlight­
colonies become indistinguishable from the Core ened schism on good terms there is an unscrupulous
Worlds from which they sprang. explorer, bureaucrat, or corporation happy to exploit
the desires of ideological colonists for a quick credit.
Civilization doesn’t happen by accident. It’s hard
work, and requires coordination on the part of the Flowever, not all colonial civilizations are the result
colonists—in fact, it arguably consists exclusively of of planning. In some cases, the transition from wild
coordination between the colonists. Some colonists frontier to colony happens organically and the result­
set out to recreate the society of their homeworld, ing civilization is improvised and often extremely het­
importing the traditions and systems of government erogeneous. In these cases, the nature of the resulting
wholesale to their new planet. These colonists have at civilization is shaped by the men and women who find
least the advantage of a template from which to work, themselves in the position to create it. A single char­
and many successful colonies have flourished along ismatic town leader or a justice-loving marshal can
these lines. Others, however, resolve to build a more transform the lawless frontier into a true colony by
perfect society than the one they left behind. These bringing a little civilization.
optimists tend to gather into ideological groups before
they set out into the frontier, and it’s an unfortunate
truth that colonies founded for such ideological rea­
THE LIGHT OF KNOWLEDGE
sons are often done so in the least hospitable condi­ The fruits of civilization are many, but arguably its
tions and with inadequate supplies and support. Ideo­ most important benefit is education and learning.
logical colonists often wish to leave their homeworld Scholars may also claim, biased as they are, that it is
because they are an oppressed or ignored underclass, education that supports civilization, rather than the
and that status brings with it certain economic hard­ other way around.
ships that make establishing a colony even more dif-
 In any case, colonies can benefit greatly from a few
learned individuals. Doctors, teachers, and skilled
A COLONIST'S LIFE
technicians are always in short supply outside of the Other careers may be better suited to keeping the
Core Worlds, and their presence or absence in a col­ peace, but the Colonist is best suited to enjoying it.
ony can make a profound difference to that colony’s Some Colonists may be a part of a small community,
health and quality of life. Some accomplished special­ helping to lead it toward growth and prosperity. Oth­
ists take on a semi-nomadic existence, traveling from ers might be more interested in escaping civilization
colony to colony to spread the benefits of their exper­ altogether. These brave Colonists stay far afield of the
tise as widely as possible. Others find communities nearest settlements, living off the land and going into
springing up wherever they choose to settle, as local town only a few times per year. However, the majority
colonists are more successful with access to the spe­ of new arrivals to a colony buy or build a shop tied
cialist’s expertise. to their trade and as close to a popular cantina as
Given the high demand, there’s also a certain free­ possible. Other Colonists may perform house calls, or
dom to colony life for specialists. A struggling colony work out of their homes or a local trading post.
cannot afford to turn away a doctor who may not Despite their best intentions, not all Colonists live
have exactly finished medical school, or one whose out their lives on their adopted homeworld. Some
medical license may have been revoked by the eth­ become swept up in events and find themselves
ics board of his homeworld. Capabilities matter caught in interplanetary adventures. On other back­
more than credentials in the colonies, and an expert water worlds, the Colonist is able to quickly adapt and
sawbones, scholar, or spanner-monkey can shine fit in, presuming the climate and culture aren’t too
free of the stifling bureaucracy and requirements of different from what he is accustomed to. Most colo­
the Core Worlds. nies share enough similarities that Colonists can make
themselves at home quickly. However, on ecumeno-
BUILDING A LIFE, polis worlds like Denon or Coruscant, or extreme
environments that are complete opposites of their
BUILDING A NAME home colonies, the Colonist tends to come off as a
Life on the edge of the galaxy is more free than life in wide-eyed tourist at best, and an easy target or igno­
the Core, and it’s easier to get a start in a wide vari­ rant hayseed at worst. Fortunately, earnest farm-boy
ety of trades or lifestyles. Colonies can’t afford to turn innocence goes a long way to charm even the most
away skilled help, and there’s also less competition cynical city-dweller, and most trespasses are forgiven.
crowding out those who might not make the cut in the
Core Worlds.
For some would-be business owners, performers,
or tradespeople, the colonies represent a chance
to make a name for themselves. A musical act that
couldn’t find booking on Coruscant might be the only
show in town in a remote colony, and for some people
being a big mynock in a small cave is preferable to
total anonymity. Others treat the colonies as a step­
ping stone, using the opportunities there to get the
experience and the credibility to bring their skills
closer and closer to the Core Worlds.
Of course, the small-town feel of the edge
can cut both ways. One bad performance
or bungled job can haunt a colonist for
years as word of mouth spreads. The
unlimited potential of the frontier
doesn’t always translate to success. A
chance is just a chance, after all.
BUILDING BETTER
WORLDS
"Our operation Is small enough not to be noticed—
which is advantageous tor everyone."
-Baron-Administrator Lando Calrissian

he galaxy is a big place, and getting bigger all the to galactic-scale corporations. They may also work for
T time. Every time a habitable planet is discovered,
some intrepid souls volunteer to leave behind every­
these businesses as clerks, researchers, bookkeepers
and accountants, public relations personnel, and even
thing they know in favor of the new world. These brave private security. Colonists also include most beings in
individuals are called Colonists. The Colonist is gen­ arts or entertainment, food production, raw material
erally educated or skilled in a particular trade and collection, and healthcare. In addition to making up
travels to a sparsely populated world on the fringe of the bulk of the private sector, Colonists account for
the galaxy to start over. Some Colonists are motivated many government employees, including administra­
by greed, others want to forge a legacy on the new tors, executives, lawyers, educators, and even some
world, and some seek an escape from their meaning­ members of the military and law enforcement.
less lives. Many settlers have only ever lived on the
Generally speaking, most pioneers were born some­
frontier, born generations after the original colony
where in the Core Worlds, and for various reasons—
ship landed. Some of these restless souls look toward
often economic or political—they chose to leave
the Core with dreams of escaping their rustic backwa­
everything behind and travel to the Outer Rim to start
ter world, never truly understanding what made their
a new life. These beings can be anyone, from the most
ancestors flee in the first place.
destitute and homeless who leave in search of work,
The galaxy turns on the prevalence of Colonists, to retiring politicians or election night losers looking
as they make up much of the galaxy’s labor force. to start fresh or field test new ideas in government.
Colonists are the cogs that keep the galaxy spinning, In between, there are physicians unable to procure
and they account for an overwhelming majority of the residencies and researchers seeking to study frontier
galactic economy. In the private sector, these individu­ life or new species of flora and fauna. There are law
als represent most business owners, from local shops enforcement officers weary of high-risk spice busts
who want to retire to a life of tracking down shaak Someone who sought life as a humble farmer could
tippers, and artists looking for inspiration by the find himself elected mayor. A former biology stu­
unspoiled, grand vistas of an untamed world. There dent might be forced to replace the colony doctor,
are criminals under new aliases, trying to escape their or asked to use his expertise to feed the entire com­
crimes and start over, and there are respectable busi­ munity. When populations are small, social pressure
nesspeople, launching new ventures far away from the can be intense for those even marginally qualified to
corporate-dominated markets of the Core. perform skilled work. Everyone has a responsibility to
Still, no matter what plans someone might make the well-being of all, or else the colony isn’t likely to
on his way to a colony, everything changes dirtside. survive long after initial supplies run dry.

A GALAXY TO SETTLE
hapter I: Building Better Worlds presents a professional lifestyles, there are always exceptions. In
C wealth of options and advice for players and GMs
regarding the creation and advancement of Colonist
any case, these species are excellent choices for play­
ers creating a Colonist character.
characters. This chapter offers expanded backgrounds,
The chapter also contains three new Colonist spe­
Obligations, and Motivations for Colonist characters.
cializations. The Entrepreneur is a credits-obsessed
Chapter I also offers three new species to players character with a nose for opportunity. The Marshal
at character creation. The Gran, Chevin, and Arcona can track a suspect through every cantina and bolt­
are naturally suited to the socially focused work of hole on the planet, and is a quick hand with a blaster.
Colonists, but can succeed in any career. The noto­ Performers are used to having their way, and can
riously social and communal Gran have established charm or distract the opposition equally well.
a number of successful colonies on worlds like Hok
Additionally, two Colonist signature ability trees add
and Malastare, not to mention their contributions
powerful new abilities for any Colonist character. Each
to countless others. The selfless “we" mentality of
advance taken on the tree improves the effectiveness of
Arconan society has given them a reputation as easily
the already-powerful signature ability. For a knowledge­
duped rubes when off Cona, but their willingness to
able professional, Insightful Revelation allows a Player
work toward what is best for the group makes them
Character to learn or realize a valuable piece of informa­
valued additions to any colony ship. The Chevin have
tion that would have otherwise gone unnoticed at a criti­
an earned reputation as slavers across the galaxy, a
cal time. Some call it adrenaline, or being in the “zone”
practice not all Chevin off Vinsoth approve of or par­
or a “flow-state.” Others liken it to divine intervention.
ticipate in. However, Chevin are hard-nosed, competi­
Meanwhile, Unmatched Expertise allows a Player Char­
tive traders, no matter what commodity they might
acter to function as a master of his chosen field, putting
trade. While these three species are all associated
on a skillful display of his trade long enough to overcome
with peaceful and
challenges that would normally be beyond the party.

COLONIST
BACKGROUNDS
olonists can come from almost any walk of life,
C as there are as many reasons a colonist might
decide to move to a new world as there are colo­
nies in the known galaxy. Anything from the lure
of open spaces and fresh air to desiring to escape
the Empire or the law can drive a Colonist to vol­
unteer for a one-way trip to the Outer Rim, Wild
Space, or even the Unknown Regions. Still, what
a Colonist’s life was before boarding the colony
ship and what it becomes when he makes plan-
etfall can often be two very different things. It is impor­ a bureaucrat offworld might send in new leadership
tant to take all of this into consideration to create a that has minimal experience. Opportunists are, at
Colonist character who is multifaceted and interesting. their core, enthusiastic and willing to take any risk,
but often lack a key understanding of the beings they
The romanticized image of the Colonist might be
intend to influence. In truth, this understanding can
that of Core World aristocrats and tradespeople
only come with time.
unloading supplies from a colony ship, but not every
Colonist books passage on the very first ship to a new Doctors may be some of the most welcome oppor­
world. Many join more established colonies, some tunists since their skills are so vital to a colony’s suc­
settled centuries or even millennia before. Even long­ cess. A doctor might be a naive youngster moving out
standing, successful colonies are usually in need of to a colony to make his fortune and gain vital experi­
skilled professionals in the fields of medicine and edu­ ence before returning to the Core, or an older physi­
cation. Freighter pilots usually pass the word along the cian with a modest skill set who figures he might be
hyperlanes, though colonies sometimes hunt skilled able to make more money in a place where demand
individuals through professional recruiting services. for doctors outweighs supply. In either case, their cal­
Qualified professionals answering the call of those in low attitude or eccentricities may be tolerated by
need often arrive to a grateful town willing to provide their new neighbors, who are just happy to have a
a home, a place of business, and an almost endless doctor join the settlement.
supply of hot meals and courtship opportunities.
On the other hand, Entrepreneurs are seldom wel­
While the backgrounds for some Colonist charac­ come in a colony. Many Entrepreneurs see some aspect
ters might detail their lives just before boarding a of a colony’s success—a profitable mine, a good loca­
colony ship, many colonist families have lived several tion for trade, or a local product that could generate
generations without ever leaving the colonized world. off-world demand—as their chance to get rich quickly.
Tatooine has been settled multiple times over thou­ Since Entrepreneurs work in the world of finance,
sands of years, but because life on the desert world investments, and asset acquisition, most locals have a
is so difficult, the population has struggled to grow hard time following what they do and distrust them as a
beyond a loose collection of settlements. Of the thou­ result. That many Entrepreneurs don’t have the locals’
sand-thousand worlds, many still fit this description. best interests at heart doesn’t help the situation.
Those born on these perpetual backwaters still live
Performers generally earn a cautious welcome
the hardscrabble life of the Colonist, and while that
from the colonies they visit. The Performer gives the
life can be tough and unforgiving, they seek to make
locals an entertaining evening to brighten their drab
life just a little bit easier for the next generation.
lives. Flowever, a Performer can easily outstay his wel­
During character creation, players should spend come. The locals tend to see Performers the same
some time thinking about how their characters got to way that they see boisterous relatives: fun for a few
the starting point in their campaigns. Everyone comes days, but increasingly tiresome during long visits.
from somewhere, and a being that ends up living on
A Politico may be sent to a new colony as a repre­
a rustic backwater when he was born in a Core World
sentative of a larger political or commercial interest.
commercial high rise might well have an origin story
Many colonies are founded by established govern­
more captivating than most. The following are various
ments or corporations, and those governments and
concepts for the background history of a Colonist in
corporations tend to want to ensure the colony stays
Edge of the E mpire . These are meant to be starting
loyal and profitable. Thus, they often pack the colo­
points for character creation, and only represent a
nial administration with their own appointees. These
small facet of who a character is and what matters
appointees may be receiving the task as a reward for
to him. In order to create layered, three-dimensional
loyalty or previous services rendered, or as the next
characters, players may seek to shape their choices
step in a promising career. Generally, however, they
in skills, equipment, and Obligations based upon a
are chosen from outside the colony they will be run­
background narrative such as those provided here.
ning. Most colonists react to these off-world adminis­
trators with suspicion and resentment, seeing them as
TH E O P P O R T U N IS T outside overlords sent to keep them in line.
Founding a colony is hard work, but a generation or Marshals who end up as opportunists may be in
two later, when the hardest work is done but opportu­ a similar position to that of the Politico. A Marshal
nity still abounds, the opportunist moves in with fresh who arrives in a colony may be sent by a larger law
resources. These characters are often looked down enforcement agency to bring law and order to a wild
upon by already established families, especially those frontier. In that case, the locals are likely to respond
opportunists seeking a leadership position before the with mistrust and resentment. Flowever, sometimes
landing ramp is even fully extended. There are also a Marshal is brought in by some local community
colonies with corporate or Imperial interests, where members who want to hire a professional to keep the
peace in their settlement. In this case, the Marshal future can quickly turn sour as children succumb to
can at least count on the backing of some prominent exotic diseases or local wildlife, leaving some settlers
individuals, but may also feel beholden to them. stranded with nothing to live for. The grizzled settler
Scholars may become opportunists when they has lived through the worst the planet has to offer,
travel to a settlement as part of their research. They and if asked, takes a pessimistic view of any enter­
may be studying some local phenomenon, or even prise—if he does more than spit in response.
studying the colony itself. In any case, their reception A Politico may have started out as a young and
may depend entirely on their demeanor. A polite or idealistic leader of a colony. In the past, he honestly
deferential Scholar may earn the amused tolerance or believed he could build a new utopia in this new world,
even respect of the locals, while an arrogant or supe­ free from the corruption and graft of established plan­
rior Scholar probably breeds resentment and hostility. ets. Eventually, however, he saw his world succumb to
the same problems he thought he left behind, leaving
T H E G R IZ Z L E D SE TTLE R him with an embittered view of his situation.

This character usually began as a young idealist, per­ Years of watching patients succumb to local illness,
haps newly married. He decided the best opportuni­ accidents, and even violence could leave a Doc­
ties for his family were in starting over somewhere tor with a grizzled and bitter outlook. He could be
new. where the sweat off his back could build some­ especially frustrated because he knows many of his
thing lasting. Unfortunately, life patients would have survived had he possessed bet­
on the frontier is hard, ter tools and medicines than
and what starts as could be found on a backwa­
a dream for the ter colony.
Likewise, a Marshal
may have spent his
entire career fight-
ing against lawlessness and banditry, only to eventu­ an unwilling colonist as he traveled from one poorly
ally realize that his fellow citizens didn’t appreciate paying gig to another. Finally he settled down as the
his efforts. Perhaps he watched his town descend permanent entertainment of a local cantina. Now
into violence over some sort of feud, or the colony he spends his nights performing for the same, unap­
lynched one of his prisoners before the prisoner could preciative crowd while knowing in his heart that he
be put on trial. In any case, this left the Marshal with could have been a star given half a chance.
a pessimistic view of his fellows, and the depressing
A Scholar may be a colonist with a deep love of
realization that his life’s work may have been in vain.
learning and knowledge. However, given his finances
Entrepreneurs may have become colonists hoping and resources, a proper education and career in aca­
to establish thriving businesses (or even full corpo­ demia was always out of reach. Thus he became a
rations) “from the ground up" in a new colony. They self-taught researcher or historian, but without the
spent countless credits on their enterprise, only to credentials that establish him as a “ proper” Scholar in
see it fail due to disasters and ruinous cost overruns the eyes of the larger galaxy.
beyond their control. Now they’re left with nothing,
stranded in a colony they’ve come to loathe. THE FUGITIVE
For every entertainer who
The galaxy is full of those on the run from something
makes it big, there are
or someone. Some people may be pursued by
thousands who can
bounty hunters, while others may be
barely scrape by
in the galaxy. A
Performer could
have ended up
fleeing local governments, corporations, or even the doing what they can to keep their community running
Empire. Many of these people are guilty of their smoothly. Beyond the obvious occupations characters
accused crimes, while others are innocent victims of a with Colonist specializations could have occupied in a
miscarriage of justice. In either case, colonies provide small community, here are some further possibilities.
a safe haven where a person can hide, reinvent them­
Most colonies put their children to work on farms
selves, and start over in life.
and ranches at an early age, but colonies with hopes
An Entrepreneur may be a fugitive after engineer­ of expanding their little town into something resem­
ing a major scam or fraud in some of the large galactic bling the civilization of the Core benefit greatly from a
markets. He could have made millions of credits before schoolmaster. A Scholar may have served the educa­
the authorities discovered his crimes. His accounts fro­ tional needs of the youth in a community or collection
zen, his assets stripped, he fled to the furthest colony of far-flung hamlets.
he could find before he could be arrested.
Religion can be a powerful motivating force in a
A Politico or a Performer could be a dissident. colony, where people find faith a comfort in the face
Perhaps they stood up for what they believed in, and of hardship. A Politico may start life as a preacher
that put them in opposition to the Empire. They may for one of the galaxy’s many faiths. He might be from
have used their status as a known public persona to the bantha-worshipping Dim-U monks, the trendy,
spread a message of defiance. Now they’re on the run, female-empowering Zealots of Psusan, the frontier-
marked for arrest (or even execution) by the Imperial minded Children of Mani, the serious Order of the
authorities. Since they may have been a prominent Ffib, or one of the chaste Priests of Ninn. Whatever
figure in their previous life, their defiance is even more his beliefs, however, he must serve as a shepherd for
galling to the Empire. his flock, and often must deal with more secular prob­
lems than spiritual ones.
A Scholar could have been a respected researcher
for a corporation, until he made a terrible discovery Many frontier colonies rely on livestock to survive,
in the course of his work. He realized that his inven­ and use animals as means of transport and beasts of
tion or research could cause terrible harm, and he burden. Some colonists keep animals as faithful and
doubted his employer could resist the temptation of useful companions. In these cases, a Doctor may
using it. His only recourse was to flee, vanishing from have gotten his start as a veterinarian. Tending to the
galactic society as best he could. In this case, the cor­ health of the animals in a community may have even
poration doesn’t just want the Scholar, they want the led to practicing medicine on the actual colonists, if
highly valuable knowledge he possesses. the need was great enough.
Sadly, not all Doctors are motivated by idealism and An Entrepreneur may have developed his love for
the desire to help others. Some are disturbed, quacks, wealth and desire for quick riches as a prospector.
or even amateur researchers who view their patients Precious metals and gems are always in demand, as
as little more than the subjects of their "experiments.’’ are any number of gases and liquids used in industrial
Such an individual could have become a wanted man in processes for creating ships, droids, weapons, and
many star systems, and decided to flee to a minor col­ machinery. Finding a rich pocket of Tibanna gas or
ony. There he could avoid bounty hunters and resume a lode of Corusca gems is a surefire way to amass
his experimentation with a new batch of subjects. enough wealth to buy a retirement island on a resort
world. Perhaps the character managed to make some
In a similar vein, a Marshal could have been
initial money, and has now used it to invest in his con­
a crooked cop in his prior life. Accepting bribes,
demanding “protection” money, or using his position tinued success and prosperity.
to eliminate anyone in his way could have led a law­ The Marshal could have gotten his start as the
man down a dark road. Forced to flee or face justice foreperson of a mine or ranch. In this position, he
for his actions, he now finds himself with a new start, would have to direct and lead his employees, investi­
and a stark choice. Does he resume his old habits, or gate problems amongst the workforce, and even keep
attempt to rise above them? the mine or ranch safe from bandits or marauding wild­
life. In this case, the character would have to be tough,
THE LOCAL LEADER resourceful, and able to command fear and respect.
Frontier justice can often be as much theater as
Many colonies, especially the smaller ones, contain a
legal precedent, and for those reasons, a Performer
core cadre of prominent individuals. These business-
might have served as the town’s barrister or advocate.
people, ranchers, professionals, and other citizens
Where modern investigative techniques are hard to
in good standing have a strong influence on a local
come by and vigilante justice is a constant threat,
community. A small colony might lack an established
defending a client often relies on the advocate’s abil­
political system or authoritative central government.
ity to sway the crowd to his point of view, rather than
Instead, these local leaders step in to fill the void,
prove innocence with facts.
 TH E IDEALIST ment. A Marshal might well venture into the Outer
Rim in the hopes of protecting the weak and punish­
Many Colonists are exiles from more populous worlds, ing the guilty without the constraining laws and regu­
fleeing armed foes or haunting memories. Other Colo­ lations that might bind the actions of an individual
nists, though, leave the Core Worlds not out of neces­ in the Core Worlds. The Empire’s rule often puts the
sity or fear, but with more selfless intentions. The Outer law and justice at odds with one another, and when
Rim is home to countless settlements of sentients, faced with the choice between the two, many people
and many of them are plagued by political instability, choose to reject an unjust society and find their own
impoverished, or oppressed by local powers. From min­ path. Few inhabitants of the Outer Rim are likely to
ing colonies threatened by pirates to worlds wracked care much about whether a helpful stranger had to
by plagues brought by careless travelers, the points of break a few rules written by corrupt bureaucrats on a
light in the vast darkness of untamed space are threat­ far-away world to bring justice to the wicked.
ened by many problems unknown in the Core.
Scholars often make their way into unexplored
Most natives of the Core Worlds would not consider regions of space in the hopes of learning and cata­
anything as radical as leaving the comfort of their every­ loguing new information, often to then educate oth­
day routines to aid individuals they have never laid ers on the subject of the worlds, societies, and phe­
eyes on before. Apart from the discomfort of leaving nomena that they discover. While it can be extremely
familiar surroundings, the Outer Rim can be extremely dangerous to plunge into unknown space, it can also
dangerous. Still, some individuals feel the inexorable lead to academic discoveries that would never have
pull of empathy urging them to leave their homes and occurred otherwise. Even a sparsely inhabited desert
routines to help their fellow sentients, while others see world might contain incredible biodiversity, with new
rendering such aid as a matter of duty, a personal debt species of flora and fauna whose unique properties
to society that must be repaid to those less fortunate can unlock the cures to dozens of currently untreat-
than themselves. Each individual has unique motives, able diseases or be home to sentients whose particu­
but it is certain that there are many idealists to be lar technological innovations can overcome problems
found amongst those who strike out beyond the Core. long thought to be intractable. An idealist Scholar in
Doctors (or at least those with valid certifications) the Outer Rim knows the power of education, and
often receive their training in the Core Worlds—even hopes to discover new knowledge that can help the
Doctors who themselves originate from the Outer Rim galactic community at large.
or other, equally far-flung locales. However, many of Politicos, particularly firebrands with an unrelenting
those Doctors who leave the remote edges of society desire for justice across the galaxy, often find them­
to pursue an education later return to their old homes selves in the Outer Rim seeking to bring attention to
to help their communities overcome problems they the problems that its inhabitants face—problems that
could not solve before. A Doctor might return to a col­ the galaxy at large would often like to ignore or for­
ony to research a vaccine for a local disease that took a get about. A Politico might approach members of an
loved one long ago, help a mining community institute isolated mining town and urge them to join a galactic
safer purification practices of dangerous chemicals, or union to fight for better wages, or seek to organize
simply provide a town with the sort of general medical protests that raise awareness of the cruelties of local
care it would be hard-pressed to get otherwise. governments and the Empire alike. Some might even
Entrepreneurs might at first glance seem an unlikely openly stoke the fires of revolution, seeking to lead
sort to have truly altruistic motives, but the truth is that oppressed populations up against whatever regimes
helping people and making money can go hand in hand, hold them under their bootheels.
provided one keeps an open mind. An idealist Entre­ Performers almost invariably believe in the intrin­
preneur might see an economically depressed settle­ sic worth of their craft—after all, if they did not believe
ment not as an unfortunate inevitability, but rather as that their art served some purpose in society, even if
an opportunity for investment nobody else has identi­ that purpose was merely to lighten the cares of oth­
fied yet. For instance, while taking a stake in a failing ers, they would not pursue mastery so fervently. Fur­
space station by installing new air recyclers might seem ther, many are not just entertainers, but keepers of
like a waste of money to some, a keen Entrepreneur cultural history in the form of dance, song, or story.
with foresight could easily help an impoverished com­ These Performers often travel the Outer Rim to pro­
munity become a hub for local hyperlane traffic—and, mote awareness of their art and help others share
by opening up shop there, share in the profits that the in it and learn about their culture. In the age of the
flow of passing travelers brings in. Empire and its monolithic oppression, Performers not
Marshals can have many different driving motives, only lift the spirits of the downtrodden, but are also
and while some try to uphold the law at all costs, oth­ frequently the last protectors of precious ideas and
ers are more concerned with the pursuit of justice, for art that the Empire would see erased forever.
which laws can be both an instrument and an impedi­
COLONIST OBLIGATIONS
olonists have a unique relationship Not many sentients born in the Core grow up want­
C with Obligation when compared to
other careers, because they may have
ing to eschew modern convenience for the hardscrab­
ble life of the Colonist, and it is a decision each being
lived a long and complex life before comes to differently. Consider that even the most
becoming a Colonist. Their life in the famous Colonists in history were probably financial
Core is something most Colo­ and social failures in the Core, prompting them to
nists have simply given up, board a colony ship for a one-way trip to nowhere.
but for others, it is some­ Many might have past debts and transgressions that
thing they are trying to they will go to great lengths to avoid facing.
escape. Connections from
Obligations help to define a character and his back­
that old life can some­
ground while also threatening to complicate matters
times spill over onto the
during the campaign. The hard existence of Rim life
frontier. Beyond that, many
is one in which entire populations are just one heat­
colonies are small, and the
wave away from starvation, one equipment failure
tight-knit interdependence
away from heat stroke, or one outbreak away from
of those founding settlers
planetary extinction. As such, it no place for further
means every Colonist
complications from a life long abandoned. Remember
has an obligation to
that Player Characters can take additional Obligation
help his neighbors. If
at character creation. This grants them additional
one Colonist fails, so
experience or credits, but also places the Player Char­
might the colony.
acters at greater risk.
Players may replace Table 2-1 in the Edge of the
E mpire Core Rulebook with Table 1 -1 : Colonist
Obligations. Players may choose to roll randomly on
the table or select an Obligation based on their back­
ground. Each character starts play with a value of
Obligation based on the size of the character’s group
and whether or not the character takes on additional
Obligation to gain access to extra starting XP
or starting credits for gear.
TABLE 1-1: COLONIST OBLIGATIONS
d100 roll Obligation Type
Disgraced: The Colonist did something shameful, often some social taboo that isn't quite illegal. The shame
and sideways glances from peers have forced the Colonist to seek a new life where he can start over free of
01-08 embarrassment. The isolation of some colonies and cultures makes for some strange taboos not observed by the
rest o f the galaxy. Thus the taboo can be something terrible, or som ething as benign as drinking from a public
fountain or showing a bare but innocuous body part.

Philanderer Colonies tend to be small places, and if a being gets around, word about it has a tendency to follow
close behind This Colonist has no shortage of scorned lovers still furious over his or her never com mitting. Former
9-16 flames have a habit of showing up at the worst moment, or causing delays when the chrono is ticking The worst is
when two or more flings team up to make life miserable for a serial seducer, or when spouses find out and decide
the Colonist is deserving of punishment. Nothing is off limits, as all is fair in love and war

Exiled Going up against politically connected members of the Galactic Empire is a good way to become exiled
from the most civilized of the Core Worlds. The Colonist is not allowed to set foot in the Core, or on any Imperial-
17-24 controlled worlds, but is desperate to remove the stain on his reputation While possible, the smallest misstep can
be disastrous, setting progress back months o r even years. There is also the trouble of bureaucracy and last minute
filing deadlines that can draw the character away.

Contracted The Colonist has entered into a long-term contract with a corporation or government related to his
work at a colony. In many cases, these contracts are how colonists pay their passage to the new world—a form of
25-32
indentured servitude Colonists might be contracted to provide bookkeeping, labor, or any other number of services.
Failure to live up to a contract can result in financial penalties, imprisonment, deportation, or earning a bounty.

Bounty This is a variant on the standard Bounty Obligation. The bounty may only be issued locally, w ithout the
weight of the Empire behind it. These bounties are technically illegal, and attract ruthlessly com petent hunters
33-40 independent of any guild or government. By changing their identity and hiding out in some obscure backwater colony
world, Colonists with this Obligation can avoid detection for years. Flowever, the level of violence these individuals can
bring upon their town when the truly skilled bounty hunters finally track them down can endanger the whole colony

Debt Aside from the running debt most Colonists have at the local cantina, unforeseen financial setbacks are a
regular part of life on a newly colonized world. All the expensive lessons for dealing with restless natives, flora,
41-48
fauna, or environmental conditions on that particular planet have yet to be learned Most times, the only way to
stay afloat is by going to the deepest pockets in town and begging for a loan.

Favor A colony often begins life as a small com m unity of a few thousand or even just a few hundred individuals.
When the only sentient life on an entire planet is that sparse, everyone depends on each other and favors are as
49-56 valuable as credits. Thirty fellow Colonists might have helped to build a school in town for a Scholar for nothing
more than a hot meal, some warm caf, and a favor. This might mean helping get the herd in the pen before a storm,
loaning credits, or any number o f other odd jobs.

Family Colonists often book passage to a colony world to start life anew for themselves and their families. For
these individuals, making certain their family is safe, healthy, and provided for trum ps all other concerns. A comm
57-64 from home is just as likely to inspire as it is to devastate a Colonist riding herd away from the homestead Some
Colonists have already lost members of their family, and instead are beholden to a final promise, be it to keep the
ranch going or take on the role of fam ily protector.

Responsibility Colonists, especially those founding a new colony, each have a responsibility to the rest of their
fellow settlers. A character who is the only doctor on an entire planet cannot simply leave. Even going away for a
65-72 month could result in dozens of preventable deaths. A moisture farmer's nephew might have a responsibility to
keep condensers in the South Range operating, and runaway droids or not. if the units aren't working by midday,
there will be hell to pay. The colony only has a chance of survival if everyone does his part.

Witness Protection Some Colonists never would have chosen life on a distant backwater, but authorities have deemed
it necessary to hide them in the witness protection program The Colonist is being hunted by the Hutt Cartels, Black Sun,
73 -80
the Tenloss Syndicate, or some other galactic-scale criminal organization as a material witness. The Colonist was given a
new identity and sent to an obscure planet to safely await trial, but the syndicate won't stop looking for him.

Pacifist This Colonist abhors violence, either out of a sense of m orality or cowardice. Witnessing a violent act can
incense or fluster a character so much that he is unable to think straight or control his shaking hands, or simply
disgust him to the point that he can’t interact with his fellows. If this obligation triggers and the PC participates in a
81-88
violent act, the GM may add ■ to any skill checks he makes for the remainder of the session (This may be avoided
through good roleplaying on the player's part, such as having his character always try to talk his way out of a fight,
and if he's forced to do battle, only use weapons that stun or incapacitate his opponents).

Frontier Justice Life on the frontier is harsh, cruel, and unfair Bandits and outlaws can get away with murder
and more if the local sheriff is too weak to stop them. Some people are able to let that go and move past it. When
89 -96 the dead are loved ones, however, some can't just move on. The need to get even is so strong it dominates the
Colonist's thoughts and dreams, causing him to obsess about the moment of exacted vengeance. The Colonist
gladly betrays, abandons, or hurts anyone if it brings him closer to settling the score.

Roll twice on this chart. Starting Obligation is split into two different origins (this does not increase the O bligation’s
97-00
magnitude; divide the starting Obligation into two equal parts, each with a different type)
NEW SPECIES
ar H orizons introduces three new species to Edge
F of the Em pir e : the family-oriented Arcona, the
profit-loving Chevin, and the voluble Gran. While each
of these species is quite different, each brings unique
strengths to social encounters. This makes them par­
ticularly good choices for Colonists, and they offer
interesting angles for other careers as well.
ALIEN OUTCASTS
An Arcona’s Vigilance gives him an extra boost as
an Entrepreneur or Marshal, and his Willpower is use­
ful as a Politico. Of course, a curious Arconan might There are many reasons why a member of a spe­
find himself forced into an unexpected role when cies might find himself cast out from his home-
traveling somewhere unfamiliar like the fringe. While world. And I’d like to point out, although you hu­
an Arconan Hired Gun is less likely than an Arconan mans ever so quaintly consider yourselves “citizens
Colonist, by coming up with a convincing background, of the galaxy," this applies to you just as much as it
a player can create an unusual and distinctive char­ applies to a Chevin like myself.
acter. Regardless of career choice, the Mood Read­
ers ability gives the Arcona an added edge in social In either case, an individual might accidentally
encounters. This makes them a good option to play break some law or taboo on his homeworld and
the social “face” of a group, if not to lead it. be cast out. He might even voluntarily throw in his
As a Chevin, a Player Character can be a savvy lot with criminals who operate in the shadows of
negotiator during social encounters, while still society. He may even chafe under the restrictions
being strong enough to hold his own in a fight. of his home planet, and strike out for the galactic
Chevin often travel seeking credits, and accumu­ fringe to make his fortune.
late enough of these to make life easier. A typical
The details of an individual’s exile often vary de­
Chevin is naturally suited to the role of Entrepre­
pending on their species. For example, the Arcona
neur. Chevin Traders are a common sight in many
sectors, so this is an appropriate specialization value family and community above all else. An Ar-
for them, and their strength and resilience allow conan who does not share these values may find
them to become dangerous Marauders. The choice himself ostracized, or set out alone in order to find
depends on the type of game the party intends to a different way of life. Some Gran inherit a reces­
play, solving problems by negotiating or by fighting sive gene that mutates their hands and feet, a de­
it out. Whichever role a Chevin takes, he prefers to formity other Gran detest. An afflicted Gran may
lead rather than follow. feel pressure to escape the pity or ridicule of his
The Gran are one of the most social species in the neighbors. Or, a Chevin who does not agree with
galaxy, and a versatile one to play. They make a great the policies of slavery enforced on his homeworld,
“face” for the group in social situations, and their high or who finds his peers too aggressive or set in
Presence is beneficial to many Colonist specializa­ their ways, might speak out against his society. If
tions. Gran are a familiar sight throughout the galaxy
his efforts are frustrated, he may leave in the hope
and sometimes shirk their passive nature, so a wealth
of careers are available to them. A Gran Trader with of creating a new and better home elsewhere.
the Smooth Talker talent capitalizes on the species' And yes, now that you mention it, it does sound like
characteristics and allows the PC to talk the hind legs I speak from experience, doesn't it?
off a bantha. Alternatively, a Scoundrel is a grittier
choice—more combat-ready but still taking advan­ - Alchibi Mors
tage of the Gran’s innate Charm.
Overall, these three species fit many different char­
acter concepts. They have obvious strengths in social
situations, but using them with combat-focused spe­
cializations creates interesting, multifaceted characters.
ARCONA beings. The Arcona smell via their tongues, which is
why they often expose this slender appendage to the
The Arcona are slim-framed reptilian humanoids with air in a flicking gesture that some other species might
clawed hands and feet. They have compound eyes, find annoying or even insulting. Working in concert,
which are large, green, and luminous. Their hairless, these senses are exact enough to discern moods and
scaleless skin has a wood-like texture, and green, emotions in other species.
brown, or near-black in color. The Arconan head-shape The atmosphere on Cona contains high concentra­
is distinctive, akin to an inverted triangle, and tapers tions of ammonia vapor. Ammonia produces enzymes
into the neck, giving them a snakelike appearance. in the Arconan body that are necessary for their sur­
The Arcona rely on ammonia supplements while away vival. As a result, the Arcona are dependent upon the
from their homeworld of Cona, they have poor eyesight, presence of ammonia, and when traveling offworld
and their claws developed for digging rather than com­ must take ammonia supplements. These supple­
bat. However, they are hardier than they appear. Cona ments must be ingested in roughly the same quanti­
is a dangerous world, so the Arcona are used to surviv­ ties as a human may need vitamin supplements, and
ing against the odds. Their vigilance and adaptability an Arconan can survive for long periods without them
compensate for any physical weakness. They are strong- (though this can have long term health effects).
willed, effective team players, and always alert for danger. Society: The Arcona have a sense of community so
Family is of the utmost importance to the Arcona, strong that they think of themselves in the collective
and they have a strong sense of community. They sense. They consider raising a family to be both a duty
often travel in groups, and their wanderlust takes and a privilege. The Arcona expect each member of
these groups all over the galaxy. A peaceful and com­ society to put the good of his community before his
posed species, the Arcona are welcome residents on own, and in most cases he does so. On their home-
many worlds. Their powers of observation combined world, the Arcona live in family-orientated nests, clus­
with their natural community spirit facilitate social tered around a Grand Nest where the Nest Leader
interactions with other species. oversees communal decisions. In families, the males are
the primary caregivers, since the females of the species
Physiology: The Arcona come from the hot, dry are, by Arconan standards, too flighty and unreliable.
planet of Cona, where the blistering temperatures
stretch from pole to pole and remain unchanged Any Arcona who travels alone, for whatever reason,
throughout the year. While they do survive in cooler faces a period of adjustment as he adapts to life away
climates, they show a preference for a temperature from his hive-like community. Fortunately, the Arcona
similar to that of their homeworld. are ready and able to adapt to survive, as they have
proven time and again.
The protuberance between an Arcona’s eyes is an
incredibly sensitive infrared sensory organ, able to Homeworld: The Arconan homeworld of Cona lies
detect minute changes in the heat signatures of other within the Inner Rim. As it orbits a blue star, Teke Ro,

SALT ADDICTION

n general, Arcona count restraint among their This is a risky business, as salt traders caught on
I virtues, but sodium chloride brings out the worst
in them. Often referred to simply as “salt,” this
Cona lose more than just their cargo. Arcona who
are not already addicts often react vehemently if
compound is the one weakness of an otherwise offered salt, as this hated substance has caused
strong-willed species. The biology of the Arcona so much trouble on their homeworld.
predisposes them to crave it. Salt consumption
Salt only affects an Arcona if the salt is relatively
causes vibrant hallucinations as well as irreparable
pure, so an Arcona can consume salted foods
damage to the addict’s body, and is ultimately fatal.
by mistake and not risk any ill effects. If he con­
The Arconan weakness for salt is common knowl­ sumes at least two to three grams of pure salt,
edge. The golden eyes and unruly behavior of he is disoriented for the remainder of the current
addicts makes them easy to identify. Their addiction encounter, and the following encounter. He must
makes them easy to manipulate, and ruthless crime also make a Hard ( O O O ) Discipline check If
lords employ addicts as expendable underlings. he fails, he gains 2 Addiction Obligation, if he did
not already have an Addiction Obligation.
For an Arcona, salt is more potent than any spice,
and an addict requires up to 25 grams daily to An addicted Arcona’s eyes change to a reflec­
avoid withdrawal. Since salt is common through­ tive, golden hue. If the Arcona loses his Addiction
out much of the galaxy, trading in salt is only lucra­ Obligation, his eyes return to their natural green.
tive for smugglers willing to deal illegally on Cona.
Cona is as hot and dry as any desert planet. It is abun­ also struggle sometimes with personal pronouns, using
dant in vegetation that leaches oxygen and ammonia "we" rather than “ I.” This reflects their community-
from the surrounding environment, breaking it down to based outlook, rather than grammatical inaccuracy.
create water. This phenomenon is essential to the sur­
Life on the Fringe: The Arcona travel extensively,
vival of the Arcona. The atmosphere of Cona consists
driven by an innate curiosity and love of discovery.
of nitrogen, hydrogen, and high levels of ammonia.
They have spread across the galaxy, often traveling
Most species require a breathing aid to visit the sur­
in large family groups. However, since the trouble
face, and even then the stink of ammonia is prevalent.
caused by traders visiting Cona, they have become
Cona is also rich in minerals and metals, which more wary of other species and fearful of exploitation.
has been a mixed blessing for its inhabitants. These
resources attracted prospectors and traders who origi­
nally exchanged water for mining rights, but then dis­
covered the Arconan susceptibility to sodium chloride
addiction. This compound acts as a hallucinogen to
the Arcona, and addiction is ultimately fatal. Unfor­ • Wound Threshold: 10 + Brawn
tunately, traders found it easier and cheaper to trans­ • Strain Threshold: 10 + Willpower
port than water, so they imported it, putting the whole
• Starting Experience: 100 XP
of Arconan society at risk. Swift intervention by the
Republic and the Arconan government became neces­ • Special Abilities: Arcona begin the game with one
sary to prevent a complete breakdown of society. rank in Vigilance. They still may not train Vigilance
above rank 2 during character creation. When mak­
Language: The Arcona are more practical than proud.
Offworld, many teach their children Basic first, even ing skill checks, Arcona may remove ■ imposed
due to arid or hot environmental conditions.
before their own language of Arconese. While most
adult Arcona speak both fluently, their snake-like • Mood Readers: Arcona add O to any Charm or
tongues add a hissing resonance to their speech. They Negotiation checks they make.
CHEVIN CHEVIN AND SLAVERY
The Chevin are solidly built and hard to overlook, here are two sentient species on Vinsoth, the
being taller than humans and nearly twice as wide.
They have large, leathery faces and long, prominent
T Chevin and the Chevs, and the former keep
the latter as slaves. The Chevin used their skills
snouts. Their impervious gray skin stretches over as hunters to enslave the Chevs, and it is still the
thick, muscular limbs, and their sense of smell is threat of violence that keeps them subjugated
refined enough to identify a case of colored water in a Most Chevin are content with this arrangement,
shipment of booster blue. Once a species of hunters, considering slavery necessary and their treat
Chevin are now renowned for hunting credits, a task ment fair. There has occasionally been pressure
for which they are uniquely skilled. from extremist Chevin to liberate the Chevs.
Trade is an important activity for Chevin, whether Flowever, this is often because they consider the
among themselves or on an interplanetary scale. They situation detrimental to the development of the
pride themselves on their business acumen, and con­ Chevin. rather than for moral reasons.
sider wealth tantamount to prestige. Their main exports Some of the Chevin who do disapprove of the
are slaves and slave-related technology, the only tech­ slavery speak out, with little effect, while oth­
nology they have developed themselves. The Empire is ers leave Vinsoth behind and make their homes
the main customer for the latter. For this reason most elsewhere. Reputedly, a few have even joined
Chevin consider the Empire good for business, and so the Rebel Alliance in an effort to make changes
accept and support Palpatine’s New Order. not only to their homeworld, but to the whole
Chevin have developed a reputation for ruthless­ of the Empire.
ness among other species. They drive a hard bargain,
and their opportunist natures mean they capitalize on Chevin, being more aggressive and hardier fighters,
those in need. By Chevin standards, if a colony is will­ long ago conquered and enslaved their near-human
ing to pay more than foodstuffs are worth to avoid neighbors. Chevin were once hunter-gatherers, but as
starvation, the merchant should charge more. If the slavers they have come to rely on the Chevs. Their slaves
captain of a starship needs a spare part immediately manufacture and farm for them, while the Chevin have
or risks capture by Imperials, to ask a less than extor­ become expert traders and delegators who like to be in
tionate price makes no business sense. Chevin eti­ charge. Chevin demand respect and thrive in positions
quette demands honesty, not mercy. of dominance, making them well suited to leadership
In a culture so obsessed by commerce, honesty roles. They have a knack for sensing the potential in
plays a vital role. After all, honesty is an essential other individuals and putting it to good use.
component of trust. Without trust, the trading and A migratory species, the Chevin live in moving vil­
exchanging between Chevin villages would break lages, using vehicles called “lodges” to transport their
down. As a result, the Chevin moral code requires families and goods while their slaves walk alongside.
them to be scrupulously honest, and so Chevin never Although Chevin dictators never leave the planet’s
fail to keep their side of a bargain. On the other hand, capital cities, Chevin villages rarely stay in the same
they expect the same values to be upheld by other place for long. It is therefore is no surprise that Chevin
species they deal with, and when double-crossed, are happy to leave their homeworld to trade, making
they prove violent and unrelenting in seeking revenge. their home wherever they happen to be.
Physiology: Chevin are strong and tough, with thick It is telling of Chevin society that the more aggressive
hides that are both insulating and insensitive. They of them tend to rise higher and do better, becoming
absorb damage, and it takes a lot to injure a Chevin the leaders in politics and business. Flowever, a Chevin
or even cause him pain. Few humanoid species could would counter that this tends to be true wherever he
successfully tackle a Chevin with anything less than finds himself. The galaxy is a dangerous and unforgiv­
a blaster. Fortunately, though they are by nature ing place, and so the Chevin must be strong and ruth­
aggressive, given the choice Chevin are more likely to less to survive. This grim outlook is a typical Chevin
negotiate than fight. They earn more credits that way. trait, and means that the majority of their relationships
The double-lidded eyes of the Chevin allow them to with other species are business relationships.
see in sandstorms or blizzards. They once used their long Homeworld: The Chevin homeworld of Vinsoth is in
snouts to track prey, and so their sense of smell is highly the Outer Rim. The terrain varies widely across the
developed. Now they are more likely to use it to check planet, from ice caps at the poles to deserts, moun­
the quality of goods than to follow a backshin’s trail. tains, and prairies. Though the Chevin can live almost
Society: On Vinsoth, the Chevin evolved alongside the anywhere thanks to their strong constitution, on Vin­
Chevs, the other sentient species on the planet. The soth they tend to roam on the vast grassy plains.
Language: The official language of Vinsoth is Chevin. and open or cunning and manipulative, they boast
Most Chevin also learn to speak Basic for the benefit well-honed social skills. They have a knack for learning
of trade and travel. They also ensure that their slaves information that their source does not mean to give.
speak both Chevin and Basic. At some point, most travelers have been the victim of
Life on the Fringe: The pursuit of credits takes Chevin a Gran’s friendly barrage of questioning.
all over the galaxy, and involves them in a multitude The Gran have a strong community spirit and work
of different enterprises and projects. Some travel with cooperatively for the good of all. They have evolved
slaves, depending on their outlook and prestige. They from peaceful herbivores; on their homeworld of
go to great lengths to realize opportunities, traveling Kinyen they were once the hunted rather than hunter,
vast distances to inhospitable and remote planets to living in large groups for protection. However, the
reach desperate customers, or navigating war zones Gran have adapted since they took to the stars, some­
to smuggle illegal goods. It helps that their physiology times even becoming hunters themselves, taking work
equips them to survive and thrive in even the rough­ as hired guns or bounty hunters.
est environment. Chevin are practical and do what
There are colonies of Gran in many different sectors,
they have to in order to make a profit, be it smuggle,
as the species has dispersed throughout the galaxy
gamble, trade, slave, or fight for credits.
quickly and enthusiastically. The most significant of
Chevin have an uncanny ability to find gaps in the their colonies are those on Hok and Malastare, where
market, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to fill the local Gran regard themselves as natives. The Gran
them, legal or otherwise. As a result, they often operate of these colonies have developed different social codes
outside the reach of Imperial law. There are even rumors and practices to those still on Kinyen, who consider
of Chevin among the Rebels, though these Chevin invite them only genetically similar. Colonies of Gran away
the disapproval of their kin at home. The Chevin make from their homeworld are unlikely to remain a micro­
strong, resilient fighters, and some take jobs as mer­ cosm of Kinyen for long, even if they begin that way.
cenaries. Notably, Jabba the Hutt employs a Chevin,
Physiology: The Gran have a keen sense of sight and
Ephant Mon, as head of security. When encountering
can see beyond the spectrum of most sighted species,
Chevin anywhere, travelers should remember that they
including infrared. They can also detect minute physio-
are better to work with than against.

GRAN OF MALASTARE

lthough the Gran species originated on

•
•
Wound Threshold: 11 + Brawn
Strain Threshold: 11 + Willpower
n Kinyen, there are now many Gran who think
of Malastare as their homeworld. Their history
is quite different, and more turbulent, than
• Starting Experience: 80 XP that of their relatives on Kinyen.
• Special Abilities: Chevin begin the game with Once Malastare became part of the Hydian Way,
one rank in Negotiation. They still may not it became a key planet for trading and attracted
train Negotiation above rank 2 during character many visitors, including some Gran colonists. For
creation. these Gran, Malastare was a bustlingand lucrative
• Advanced Olfaction: Though it originally devel­ planet where they could make a living and meet
oped to track prey, a Chevin’s keen sense of smell many spacefaring species without even leaving
can be valuable in many situations. Add □ to Per­ their new home. However, until their arrival, the
ception checks involving the sense of smell. sole sentient native species of Malastare had
been the Dugs. The Dugs did not take kindly to
• Thick Hide: A Chevin’s hide is thick and tough what they saw as an invasion. Unfortunately for
enough to absorb some damage, so they start the them, the Gran settlers had the support of the
game with one rank in the Durable talent. Republic, while the Dugs did not. War ensued,
from which the Gran emerged the victors.
GRAN Eventually the Gran population on Malastare
exceeded that of the Dugs, who became sub­
The humanoid, three-eyed Gran are a familiar sight
servient to their conquerors. The principles of
throughout the galaxy. Frequenting trade routes and
Gran on Kinyen meant they could not approve
spaceports, traveling in groups as merchants or tour­
of the apparent slavery of the Dugs, or the war
ists, the Gran seem to be everywhere. While they can
that had been necessary for the colonists. They
hold their own if forced to fight, these self-proclaimed
consider the Gran of Malastare to be almost a
pacifists are natural talkers. Whether Gran are friendly
different species.
logical changes among their own kind that reveal emo­ travel the stars by choice, and many of them do, often
tions. Gran have two stomachs and digest food slowly, do very well for themselves. Their amiable natures
allowing them to go without eating for days if need be. allow them to live easily alongside other species, and
Society: As a species, Gran are socialists and staunch their positive outlook can make even the most barren
pacifists, but not all individual Gran practice what their of rocks seem like home. Some Gran even travel alone,
society preaches. Gran have a strong sense of commu­ but are only content to do so as long as they meet
nity, and on Kinyen they raise their children for spe­ plenty of other sentient beings along the way.
cific careers in order to benefit the community as a Gran from Kinyen, who are generally peaceful, fight
whole. This means that while the Gran are not unintel­ when necessary to protect themselves. On the fringe,
ligent, their education can be somewhat limited. The where their lives and circumstances are very differ­
Gran once lived in herds, relying on their numbers for ent, violent Gran are not uncommon. Some Gran do
safety. Now, Gran depend on their kin emotionally not travel by choice, but exile compels them to do
and hate solitude. In fact, loneliness can drive them so. These mutants and criminals of their homeworld
insane, often criminally so. The harshest punishment often turn to drink or spice to forget their troubles,
for a Gran is exile, since having to leave his family and and to crime to fund these vices.
friends forever is a fate worse than death.
While most Gran accept the practicalities of their
educational system, there are always exceptions. The
occasional Gran may find the structure too rigid, and
want to leave the planet to do something other than • Wound Threshold: 10 + Brawn
the role assigned to him.
• Strain Threshold: 9 + Willpower
Homeworld: The Gran homeworld of Kinyen is in the
Expansion Region. It is located on the Corellian Trade • Starting Experience: 100 XP
Spine, which is one reason the Gran have spread so far • Special Abilities: Gran begin the game with one
through the galaxy. Many Gran still live in the color­ rank in Charm or Negotiation. They still may not
ful cities of their homeworld, which delight their keen train Charm or Negotiation above rank 2 in char­
sense of sight. The planet boasts lush forests as well as acter creation.
large plains of goatgrass, a favorite food of the Gran.
• Enhanced Vision: When making ranged combat
For some Gran, Malastare is their homeworld and or Perception checks, Gran remove up to ■ ■
their origins on Kinyen merely history. A center of imposed due to environmental
trade and podracing, this high-gravity planet owes its conditions or concealment
diversity to the influx of species, sentient and other­ (but not defense).
wise, arriving via the Hydian Way.
Language: All Gran speak Gran and almost cer­
tainly Basic, since they love to talk to every­
one. When necessary, Gran learn the lan­
guages of other species too, rather than
miss any chances of conversation.
Life on the Fringe: While not as prevalent
as humans, Gran are almost as versatile.
Their ability to adapt and make homes and
lives for themselves wherever they end up
makes them successful colonists. Gran who
NEW SPECIALIZATIONS
he Colonist is already a versatile character to play, strength in combat situations. Lastly, the Performer
T but Far H orizons introduces three new specializa­
tions. The Entrepreneur is motivated by profit and
uses his unique abilities to disrupt and distract, accom­
plishing his goals via subtlety and misdirection.
reliant on bribes and payouts to get things done. The Each career in Edge of the Empire includes three spe­
Marshal, a dedicated law cializations, which may be selected at character creation
officer, is prepared to
as the character’s starting specialization. The three spe­
do what it takes to cializations presented in Far H orizons are also Colonist
defend his brand of specializations. This means these specializations may
justice. Whether he’s
be selected as a character’s first specialization at char­
a good cop or bad, acter creation or may be purchased as an additional
this character allows specialization later on (following all the rules for pur­
the Colonist some chasing additional specialization as detailed on
page 93 of the Edge of the Empire Core Rule­
book). As with the specializations in the Edge
of the Empire Core Rulebook, characters in
other careers can spend experience points
to acquire any of these specializations dur­
ing their campaign as non-career specializa-
tions following the rules also found on page
93 of the Core Rulebook.

OBTAINING NEW
SPECIALIZATIONS
Acquiring a new specialization is a major event in a
character’s life, and should represent more than spend­
ing the required experience points. A second or third
specialization represents a shift in a character’s focus,
and the development of a new set of skills and abili­
ties. Obtaining a new specialization is a great oppor­
tunity for roleplaying, and the choice to acquire a new
specialization may be because of events that happen
within the ongoing narrative of the game.
Mechanically, purchasing a
new specialization happens
during one specific moment within a game. Once he
spends the XP, the player has added the new spe­
cialization to his character. Narratively, however,
adding an additional specialization can happen
over a long period of time. A character can
gradually become interested in a new
set of skills that fits into his new
specialization, and over the
course of an adventure,
grow into his new abilities.
Eventually the character may evolve
into a new role (changing from a
research-focused Scholar into a ruth­
less Entrepreneur who sells the fruits
of his previous research for cash), or
adopt a role that is a hybrid of his multi­
ple specializations (an aspiring Politico who
becomes the elected Marshal of a small
town, combining his leadership and law enforcement option if the group is weak on combat capability,
abilities to rally his community and clean up corrup­ since this specialization offers a tougher Colonist than
tion). It’s even possible that a new specialization sim­ most. His very presence can boost the social checks of
ply adds an additional facet to an already existing an ally and he is vigilant and hard to fool. If the group
character concept (a Trader takes on the Entrepre­ needs information, he gets it one way or another.
neur specialization to further represent his business
The Marshal is the sort of character who goes
acumen and success at commerce).
where the need is greatest, and he thrives on a chal­
In either case, the player and the CM should discuss lenge. The fringe is on the edge of civilization, where
how the character adopts this new specialization, and civilized laws mean the least. It is the perfect place
how this may change how the character acts narratively for him to make a difference. Wherever he ends up,
and plays mechanically. These changes may happen in the Marshal is likely to find trouble. He just can’t
play as the story progresses, or may happen as part of help himself. A Marshal probably gets involved in
narrative “down time” between sessions. situations involving injustice or corruption, and likely
drags the rest of his group along.
SELECTING A N O T JUST A PRETTY FACE
SPECIALIZATION
Using skills gained as a dancer, singer, or other cen­
Selecting a specialization can represent a major ter of attention, the Performer uses distraction tactics
investment in a character; both in XP spent and other in both social and combat situations. The Performer
opportunities lost. After all, each specialization the is not very tough, but is agile and athletic enough
character acquires makes the next specialization that to avoid damage in a fight. He works best in a party
much more expensive in spent experience points. where there is at least one other PC with a bit of fire­
Therefore, selecting a new specialization can be a big power, and helps the group as a whole by distracting
decision for a player. and taunting the enemy.
Presented here are brief overviews of the three spe­ Performers go anywhere there are clients to pay them
cializations this book adds to the Colonist career, and and audiences to appreciate them. Settlers on the Outer
some of the benefits and abilities each can offer to a Rim value entertainment as highly as anyone else in the
player’s character. galaxy, though their tastes may not be the most refined.
The life tends to be somewhat rougher than working
IN IT FOR TH E CREDITS closer to the Core. However, if a Performer needs a fresh
start for any reason, or is unable to find work elsewhere,
The Entrepreneur’s motivations and strengths are
he might well end up in some seedy cantina or working
both monetary. A player must be prepared to play
for an up-and-coming crime lord on the fringe.
a little ruthlessly to gain credits, but also spread the
wealth since this character won’t do his own dirty The Performer could be on the run with the Criminal
work. What he lacks in combat skills, he makes up for Obligation, or he might be working to pay off a debt.
in contacts, knowledge, and the ability to buy himself Perhaps he is just obsessed with obtaining success in
out of trouble. There are many opportunities out on his chosen art form, and the fringe offers him an audi­
the fringe and the Entrepreneur willingly has a finger ence that’s starved for entertainment.
in every pie, though he often risks losing his whole arm
to do so. He brings wealth to the group, along with all NARRATIVE BOOST
the resources and shortcuts that credits can buy. The
Entrepreneur also has a unique attitude towards Obli­ The GM can use the three new specializations to cre­
gation, since he has unique talents for dealing with it. ate new and exciting plot lines within a game. The
Entrepreneur is a risk-taker, likely to owe lots of money
An Entrepreneur cannot resist traveling to the far and get in over his head. He may find it necessary to
side of the galaxy if he perceives an opportunity there. gather other adventurers around him for protection,
Perhaps he has heard that it is easier to make a quick or to help obtain the credits needed to pay off his
credit out on the Outer Rim. The lawlessness, while debts. The Marshal might need a party to help keep
adding to the danger, can also suit him if his business the peace or restore order in a particularly trouble­
ventures are less than legal. Or he might make his liv­ some colony. The Performer might be on the run from
ing surreptitiously among the Core Worlds, employing a creditor or troublesome fans, and looking for an
the likes of scoundrels and thieves to line his pockets. escort or bodyguard. By writing adventures for these
characters as PCs, or even using them as inspiration
LAW A B ID IN G for NPCs, the GM can open up a game and give it
plenty of potential for non-combat-based encounters.
Out on the edge of the galaxy, some people do what­
ever it takes to keep order. The Marshal is a good
 ENTREPENEUR
ntrepreneurs know that there is only one thing Every group can benefit from counting an Entre­
E worth investing in—the future. Entrepreneurs are
not unlike explorers in the world of business; they
preneur among its number. Their ability to negotiate
a favorable deal in any number of circumstances, and
want to be the first to open up new markets, to revo­ the resources at their disposal, make Entrepreneurs
lutionize industrial practices, or to create new service invaluable members of the team. They make excellent
industries people hadn’t realized they needed, but leaders, and any party who allows an Entrepreneur to
once sampled, cannot live without. negotiate on its behalf will be pleased with the results.
The Entrepreneur can also act as team quartermas­
THE BURDEN O F VISION ter, outfitting the group with specialized, hard-to-find
equipment with little notice, and both his pool of con­
Entrepreneurs receive Discipline, Knowledge (Edu­ tacts and credit pouch are deep enough to keep the
cation), Knowledge (Underworld), and Negotia­ party informed on
tion as additional career skills. If this is the charac­ almost any subject.
ter’s starting specialization, he gains one free rank
in each of two of these skills of his choice, without
spending experience. While the Entrepreneur is will­
ing to bully, charm, or mislead others to achieve his
ends, he prefers to rely on negotiations, bringing to
bear facts, graphs, and projections for the future. In
this way the Entrepreneur is similar to the Scholar.
However, unlike Scholars, the Entrepreneur operates
under the assumption that every problem can be
overcome with a big enough credit stick.
Entrepreneurs may be free with their money, but
they are never wasteful, and they are always looking
for ways to cut costs, even if it skirts regulations. Most
savvy businesspeople know that if one only plays
by the rules, then one can only ever be as success
ful as the rules allow. Since the rules are usu­
ally written by the established corporations
the Entrepreneur competes against,
he believes the rules exist solely
as a means to restrict prog­
ress, stifle innovation, and
suppress competition. In
short, rules were made to
be broken. Even the most
upstanding businessperson
occasionally contracts oper­
atives for industrial espionage
or corporate intelligence gather­
ing, and even if he morally objects to
that behavior, he needs to know how to
defend against it.
It is said that a sucker is born every sec­
ond, and the Entrepreneur takes great pains
to make certain he is never one of them. In all
of his dealings, the Entrepreneur must remain
vigilant against conversational traps laid by
opponents during delicate negotiations. Pre­
paredness is always a part of the plan, so that
risk is mitigated and no circumstances result
in absolute failure.
Colonist: Entrepreneur Talent Tree
Career Skills: Charm, Deception, Knowledge (Core Worlds), Knowledge (Education), Knowledge (Lore), Leadership,
Negotiation, Streetwise
Entrepreneur Bonus Career Skills: Discipline, Knowledge (Education), Knowledge (Underworld), Negotiation

When recovering strain af­ Cain + 1 strain threshold.

At the start of each session, Remove ■ per rank of ter an encounter, recover 1
gain 100 credits for each Plausible Deniability from additional strain per rank
rank of Sound Investments. Coercion and Deception of Rapid Recovery.
checks.

When recovering strain af­ When selling goods legally, When selling goods legally,
ter an encounter, recover 1 gain 10% more credits per At the start of each session, gain 10% more credits per
additional strain per rank rank of Wheel and Deal. gain 100 credits for each rank of Wheel and Deal.
of Rapid Recovery. rank of Sound Investments.

Before making a social Instead of making a Knowl­

check, may spend up to 50 At beginning of session, edge check, may take a At the start of each session,
credits per rank of Creased spend 100 credits to ignore Bought Info action; spend gain 100 credits for each
Palms to upgrade the abili­ strain threshold penalty credits equal to 50 times rank of Sound Investments.
ty of the check once for ev­ due to triggered Obligation. the difficulty of the check to
ery 50 spent pass with one #

Cain + 2 wound threshold. When buying or selling Once per session, when
At the start of each session, goods, or paying off or attempting to purchase a
gain 100 credits for each taking Obligation, may legally available item, re­
rank of Sound Investments. suffer 2 strain to sell for duce its rarity by 1 per
25% more, buy for 25% rank of Know Somebody.
less, pay off I more Obli­
gation, or take 1 less.

Perform an Intense Focus Cain + 1 to a single charac­

Once per session, may re­ maneuver; suffer 1 strain teristic. This cannot bring a At the start of each session,
roll any 1 Streetwise or and upgrade the ability of characteristic above 6. gain 100 credits for each
Negotiation check. the next skill check once. rank of Sound Investments.
 MARSHAL
riminals might run and criminals might hide, but the
C Marshal won’t rest until he drags them back to town
in binders. The presence of a strong Marshal is often
shal is equally adept at talking criminals into a pair of
binders or blasting them into oblivion.

the only thing keeping a colony from plunging into

chaos. The Marshal has a
THE BURDEN OF PEACE
gift for extracting infor­ Marshals receive Coercion, Knowledge (Under­
mation from world), Ranged (Light), and Vigilance as addi­
witnesses and tional career skills. If this is the character’s starting
co nfe ssion s specialization, he gains one free rank in each of two
from crimi­ of these skills of his choice, without spending experi­
nals, and separating ence. Where most Colonists are forced to rely on talk­
lies and irrelevant infor­ ing their way out of trouble, the Marshal finds that
mation from the truth. his blaster speaks almost as well as he does. Most
Should suspects turn law officers know that holding the weight of the
violent, the Mar- J law over a potential witness is the quickest way
to modify his attitude. Marshals can throw the
weight of their authority around to get answers.
There is little government oversight on the
fringe, and often a Marshal’s word is the law.
Equally as important is the Marshal’s
knowledge of crime and criminal ele­
ments, especially those operating within
his jurisdiction. A Marshal who doesn’t
\ take the time to familiarize himself with
the local malcontents isn’t going to
be very good at his job. And when it
comes time to go toe to toe with those
criminals, the Marshal is ready. Most
Marshals know how to use the blast­
ers at their hips.
The Marshal makes for a great
leader in combat-oriented groups, or
can provide some muscle to non-com­
bat groups while still participating in
social and investigative encounters.
Marshals strike a great balance
between social skills and combat,
allowing them to speak on behalf
of combat-oriented parties with­
out being a liability when blaster
bolts start flying. Their ability to
sort fact from fiction makes them
l difficult to manipulate, and their
gritty determination can carry
an entire group that would
have otherwise given up hope
of success.
Colonist: Marshal Talent Tree
Career Skills: Charm, Deception, Knowledge (Core Worlds), Knowledge (Education), Knowledge (Lore), Leadership,
Negotiation, Streetwise
Marshal Bonus Career Skills: Coercion, Knowledge (Underworld), Ranged (Light), Uigilance

When staggered or disori­ Cain + 1 strain threshold. Remove ■ per rank of Gain + 2 wound threshold.
ented, perform the Hard Street Smarts from Street­
Headed action; make a wise or Knowledge (Under­
Daunting Dis­ world) checks.
cipline check to remove
status. Difficulty reduced
per rank of Hard Headed.

May reduce any Critical Inju­ May spend O O from a May spend O from a Once per round, draw or
ry suffered by 10 per rank of Charm or Negotiation Deception or Coercion holster a weapon or acces­
Durable to a minimum of 1. check to upgrade ability of check to upgrade ability of a sible item as an incidental.
a single ally’s subsequent single ally’s subsequent So­
Social Interaction check cial Interaction check against
against the target a number the target a number of times
of times equal to ranks in equal to ranks in Bad Cop.
Good Cop.

When staggered or disori­ Gain + 1 strain threshold. May spend O O from a Add 1 damage per rank of
ented, perform the Hard Charm or Negotiation Point Blank to damage of
Headed action; make a check to upgrade ability of one hit of successful attack
Daunting ( ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ) Dis­ a single ally’s subsequent using Ranged (Heavy) or
cipline check to remove Social Interaction check Ranged (Light) skills at
status. Difficulty reduced against the target a number close range or engaged.
per rank of Hard Headed. of times equal to ranks in
Good Coo

May reduce any Critical Inju­ May spend O from a Add 1 damage per rank of
ry suffered by 10 per rank of When targeted by a Decep­ Deception or Coercion Point Blank to damage of
Durable to a minimum of 1. tion check, the character check to upgrade ability of a one hit of successful attack
automatically adds T to single ally’s subsequent So­ using Ranged (Heavy) or
the check equal to ranks in cial Interaction check against Ranged (Light) skills at
Vigilance. the target a number of times close range or engaged.
equal to ranks in Bad Cop.

Gain + 1 to a single charac­

When incapacitated due teristic. This cannot bring a Once per session, may re­
to strain exceeding thresh­ When targeted by a Decep­ characteristic above 6. roll any 1 Ranged (Light)
old, may take a more dif­ tion check that fails, may or Ranged (Heavy) check.
ficult Hard Headed action spend 1 Destiny Point to
to reduce strain to 1 be­ add ^ to results.
low threshold.
 he Performer must always be the center of atten­ right lies to get whatever he wants from whomever he
T tion, and if all eyes aren't on the Performer, he has
ways to make them shift their focus. For them, all the
wants. He draws on the best lines from the greatest
works of literature, theater, and holo from millennia
world is a stage, and the Performer is always putting past, and always has a unique, flattering compliment
on a show. They can lie with more sincerity than even for any being from whom he might want something.
the Politico, and do so as easily as if they were run­
Other Performers may rely on different tactics in
ning lines for a one-man showing of the Kallea Cycle.
their interactions. A cutting comedian or brilliant
They can be as charming as a diplomat, and leave their
actor can hurl a litany of insults that cut to the core
targets enchanted and completely manipulatable. And
of most beings, making them question their worth
far too many people underestimate
and their right to deny the Performer what he wants.
the strength many Performers must
Unfortunately, these almost psychotic breaks are just
possess for acrobatics, athletics,
as likely to be directed against their closest allies and
and even live theater.
assistants as enemies. The Performer knows how to
use this to his advantage, though, and can create a
scene to distract a bouncer while his friends sneak
into a club that would otherwise never have granted
them access.
However, there is often more to a Performer than
just words. Performers may include dancers, acro­
bats, jugglers, and other individuals who must pos­
sess impressive coordination and be at peak physi­
cal condition. Their acrobatic abilities can give
some Performers an unexpected edge in a
fight. In addition, many have been trained
in martial arts and the use of stage weap­
onry for roles in theater or holovids. The
agility and overall fitness required to per­
form on stage means they are often in
great shape, and as such, it is not uncom­
mon for the Performer to be the last one
standing when the dust settles.
Whether the character is a galaxy-famous
magician or merely the member of a traveling
troupe of acrobats, the players can build their entire
party around a Performer. Performers need an agent,
THE bodyguards, assistants, technicians for their perfor­
mance, a pilot, perhaps a personal physician, and cer­
BURDEN tain friends or family for their entourage. Performers
OF ART are able to take the lead in social situations and pro­
vide support during combat, but can also take a back
Performers receive seat to a diplomatic leader able to wrangle him. The
Charm. Coordina­ only downside to including a Performer in the
tion, Deception, party is that whatever his specialty, he makes
and Melee as addi­ his living through some sort of acting. Once
tional career skills. If this is can never be sure what a Performer thinks
the character's starting specializa­ about everyone else.
tion, he gains one free rank in each
of two of these skills of his choice,
without spending experience. The
Performer often leans on pouts,
winks, warm smiles, and well timed
physical contact mixed with o u t ­
Colonist: Performer Talent Tree
Career Skills: Charm, Deception, Knowledge (Core Worlds), Knowledge (Education), Knowledge (Lore), Leadership,
Negotiation, Streetwise
Performer Bonus Career Skills: Charm, Coordination, Deception, Melee

When first acquired, choose

1 skill; Charm, Coercion. Remove ■ per rank of Kill Make a Distracting Behav­ Remove ■ per rank of
Deception, or Negotiation. with Kindness from ior maneuver and suffer Convincing Demeanor
When making checks with Charm and Leadership strain no greater than ranks from Deception or Skul­
that skill, spend (J) to gain checks. in Cunning. Until beginning duggery checks.
additional # equal to ranks of next turn, equal number
in Smooth Talker. of NPCs suffer <§> on
checks. Range increases
with additional ranks.

May suffer a number of When targeted by combat Once per round, may stand
Make a Distracting Behav­ strain to downgrade difficul­ check, may perform a from seated or prone as an
ior maneuver and suffer ty of Charm or Negotiation Dodge incidental to suffer a incidental.
strain no greater than ranks checks or upgrade difficulty number of strain no greater
in Cunning. Until beginning when targeted by Charm or than ranks of Dodge, then
of next turn, equal number Negotiation checks, by an upgrade the difficulty of the
of NPCs suffer {§> on equal number. Strain suf­ check by that number.
checks. Range increases fered this way cannot ex­
with additional ranks. ceed ranks in Congenial.

Spend I Destiny Point to Once per encounter, may

Make a Distracting Behav­ recover strain equal to Once per session, may re­ use Second Wind inciden­
ior maneuver and suffer Presence rating. roll any 1 Athletics or Co­ tal to recover strain equal
strain no greater than ranks ordination check. to ranks in Second Wind.
in Cunning. Until beginning
of next turn, equal number
of NPCs suffer <§> on
checks. Range increases
with additional ranks.

When first acquired, choose Gain + 1 strain threshold. Gain + 2 wound threshold.
1 skill; Charm, Coercion,
Deception, or Negotiation. The Distracting Behavior
When making checks with maneuver inflicts <§> '§> on
that skill, spend <£ to gain NPCs’ checks when NPCs
additional # equal to ranks target character's allies.
in Smooth Talker.

Once per session, may take Once per session, may Gain + 1 to a single charac­
a Biggest Fan action; make a make Deceptive Taunt ac­ When targeted by a com­ teristic. This cannot bring a
Hard ^ Charm tion. Make opposed De­ bat check, may spend I characteristic above 6.
check to turn one NPC into ception check. If success­ Destiny Point to add T
the character's biggest fan. ful, one adversary must equal to ranks in Coordina­
attack the character dur­ tion to check.
ing adversary’s next turn.
NEW TALENTS
elow is a description for each of the new talents fan.” The exact effects of this vary depending on the
B added in Far H orizons . Every entry includes the
information required for gameplay (see page 128 of
NPC and the situation. They can include drastically
decreasing the difficulty of Social Interaction skill
the Edce of the Empire Core Rulebook). checks the character makes targeting his biggest fan,
the fan being willing to perform minor or even signifi­
BAD COP
cant favors for the character, or the character even
Activation: Passive
becoming a reoccurring ally in the narrative.
Ranked: Yes
Trees: Marshal At the CM’s discretion, this talent may not be able
The character may spend O O from a Deception or to target certain NPCs whose adversarial nature is
Coercion check to upgrade the ability of a single ally’s vital to the plot, or NPCs who would be unable to
subsequent Social Interaction skill check against the appreciate the character’s work such as non-sentient
same target in the same encounter. Upgrade the abil­ creatures, labor droids, and Imperial Stormtroopers.
ity a number of times equal to the character’s ranks
BOUGHT INFO
in Bad Cop. A single check may only benefit from one
Activation: Active (Action)
use of Bad Cop.
Ranked: No
BIGGEST FAN Trees: Entrepreneur
Activation: Active (Action) When required to make a Knowledge skill check, the
Ranked: No character can instead make a Bought Info action. He
Trees: Performer spends a number of credits equal to 50 times the dif­
Once per session, the character may take a Biggest ficulty of the check and counts as succeeding on the
Fan action to make a Hard ( ♦ ♦ ♦ > Charm check If check with one uncanceled & . At the CM’s discretion,
successful, one NPC of the character’s the character may not be able to use this ability if
choice in the current encoun­ the information sought is particularly esoteric or hard
ter turns out to be the to find, of if the character is in a situation where he
character’s self-pro- could not purchase information (such as marooned
claimed "biggest on a planet with no access to the HoloNet).
CONGENIAL
Activation: Active (Incidental, Out of Turn)
Ranked: Yes
Trees: Performer
When attempting a Charm or Negotiation check, the
character may suffer a number of strain to downgrade
the difficulty of the check a number of times equal to
the strain suffered. This number cannot exceed his
ranks in Congenial. When the character is the target of
a Charm or Negotiation check, the character may suf­
fer a number of strain to upgrade the difficulty of the
check a number of times equal to the strain suffered.
This number cannot exceed his ranks in Congenial.
COORDINATION DODGE
Activation: Active (Incidental, Out of Turn)
Ranked: No
Trees: Performer
When targeted by a combat check, the character
may spend one Destiny Point to add Y equal to
his ranks in Coordination to the check.
DISTRACTING BEHAVIOR
Activation: Active (Maneuver)
Ranked: Yes
Trees: Performer
The character may make a Distracting
Behavior maneuver and suffer a number
of strain no greater than his ranks in
Cunning. If he does so, an equal number of adversaries the same target in the same encounter. Upgrade the
or NPCs he is engaged with suffer <§> on checks they ability a number of times equal to the character’s
make until the beginning of the character’s next turn. ranks in Good Cop. A single check may only benefit
The range of this maneuver increases by one band per from one use of Good Cop.
rank of Distracting Behavior.
NATURAL ATHLETE
The character selects who is affected by Distracting Activation: Active (Incidental)
Behavior and can choose to have this talent not affect Ranked: No
NPC allies. It may be that he explains his tactics to the Trees: Performer
NPCs beforehand, or that they know him well enough Once per game session, the character may reroll any
to be used to his antics. one Athletics or Coordination check.
DISTRACTING BEHAVIOR (IMPROVED) NATURAL MERCHANT
Activation: Passive Activation: Active (Incidental)
Ranked: No Ranked: No
Trees: Performer Trees: Entrepreneur
When affected by Distracting Behavior, NPCs suffer Once per game session, the character may reroll any
<§> <§> when making checks targeting the character’s one Streetwise or Negotiation check.
allies, instead of <§>,
SOUND INVESTMENTS
DECEPTIVE TAUNT Activation: Passive
Activation: Active Ranked: Yes
Ranked: No Trees: Entrepreneur
Trees: Performer At the beginning of each game session, the character
Once per session, the character may make a Deceptive gains credits equal to his ranks in Sound Investments
Taunt action. The character makes an opposed Decep­ times 100. How this money is earned is up to the
tion check targeting one NPC within medium range. If player and the GM, and could be actual investments,
he succeeds, the NPC must attack him during its next business dealings, or even a small legal or illegal side
turn. If the NPC cannot do so, it must spend all subse­ business. The GM can also decide that the current
quent turns maneuvering into position until it can make events of the adventure may make these funds tem­
a melee or ranged attack against the character. Once it porarily unavailable.
has made a melee or ranged attack against the charac­
ter, the NPC is no longer affected by Deceptive Taunt. If THRO W ING CREDITS
the character is incapacitated or leaves the encounter, Activation: Active
the NPC is no longer affected by Deceptive Taunt. Ranked: No
Trees: Entrepreneur
If used outside of combat, at the CM’s discretion At the beginning of the session (after the GM has
the NPC can choose to perform a non-lethal attack if rolled to trigger Obligation), the character may
the situation warrants it. If the encounter takes place choose to spend 100 credits. If he does so, he ignores
at a party, for example, the NPC may choose to punch any penalties to his strain threshold due to Obligation
the character rather than using a knife or blaster. being triggered (if his own Obligation is triggered, it
GREASED PALMS may still have plot complications, but he ignores the
Activation: Active (Maneuver) mechanical penalty). This may represent the charac­
Ranked: Yes ter temporarily dealing with the Obligation via a few
Trees: Entrepreneur credits, or simply indulging in some sort of diversion
Before making a Social Interaction check, the character that takes his mind off his problems.
may perform a Greased Palms maneuver and spend up UNRELENTING SKEPTIC
to 50 credits per rank of Greased Palms. For every 50 Activation: Passive
credits spent, the character upgrades the ability of the Ranked: No
skill check once. How the money accomplishes this can Trees: Marshal
be up to the player and GM, but could take the form of When targeted by a Deception check, the character
bribes, buying gifts, or even purchasing information that automatically adds Y to the check equal to his ranks
gives the character an advantage in the interaction. in Vigilance.
GOOD COP UNRELENTING SKEPTIC (IMPROVED)
Activation: Passive Activation: Active (Incidental, Out of Turn)
Ranked: Yes Ranked: No
Trees: Marshal Trees: Marshal
The character may spend O O from a Charm or When targeted by a Deception check that fails, the
Negotiation check to upgrade the ability of a single character may spend one Destiny Point to retroac­
ally’s subsequent Social Interaction skill check against tively add ^ to the pool results.
COLONIST MOTIVATIONS
urvival is always the first thing on every Colonist’s foremost seeks to create a peaceful environment for
S mind—self-preservation, of course, but also survival
of the colony. Even the most independent and self-
his fellow Colonists to pursue their creative efforts.
The following chart (Table 1 -2 : Random Colonist
sufficient Colonists need to be able to go into town for
Motivations) can be used to replace the one in the Core
replacement parts. However, beyond those immediate
Rulebook, incorporating the new Creation Motivation.
concerns, there are often deeper-seeded motivations,
things that could explain why a Colonist left what might TABLE 1-2: RANDOM COLONIST MOTIVATIONS
have been a comfortable life on a Core world.
dlO Roll Motivation Result
The truth is that life in the Core is regulated. The most
1-2 A m bition
available jobs are in lower management, desk-riding,
or menial labor. There are few jobs that allow for much 3-4 Cause
sense of expression or accomplishment. The wide open
spaces of the Rim are different. Life is harder, but a Colo­ 5-6 Relationship
nist can create something new for himself and his fellows.
7-9 Creation
At their hearts, most Colonists are creative. The
10 Roll once on each of any two categories
Entrepreneur, Politico, and Performer are especially
creative, incorporating art and creativity into their
daily lives. Many Scholars use scientific research and The next chart, Table 1- 3 : Specific Creations, gives
their knowledge of the past to dream up bright new the specific results for the Creation Motivation; if a
futures they hope to help create. Doctors, like Entre­ player rolls the Creation category at random, or selects
preneurs, are forced to be creative in their problem it, he may then roll a random specific Creation-driven
solving, trying to keep everyone healthy with minimal result, or select the one that best suits his Colonist idea:
supplies or come up with new ways to treat maladies.
In order to help players make the most out of these
The Marshal, as an individual, can have just as big a
new Motivations, here are some further explanations
creative drive as anyone, but in his work, he first and
and ideas for each specific result.
TABLE 1-3: SPECIFIC CREATIONS
d100 Creation
Society: Many Colonists don't just seek a new life for themselves, they seek to help create an entirely new form of civilization.
1-12 These characters are always looking for that moment when they can influence the way a government interacts with its citizens,
be it at a town hall or parliamentary building. What kind of society they want to create varies from one being to the next

Homestead: Independence and self-sustainability are the quiet goals of those who seek to create their own homestead.
13-24 These Colonists aren’t interested in making a fortune. For the homesteader, it is enough to know that his success or
failure is dependent on nothing but his own hard work. He desires to build his own home, and run it as he sees fit.

Legacy: Most species in the galaxy are acutely aware of their own mortality. Some come to grips with this by creating a lasting
legacy that lives on long after their passing. On a new world, where there are new challenges to rise up against and the planet's
25 -36
early history is in the process of being written, there is a much greater chance of creating or doing something that will live on.
Characters with the Legacy motivation jump at any chance to do something that helps their name and deeds outlive them

Family: Many Colonists come to a new world as eligible single people, eager to learn a trade and attract a mate so they
37 -48 can settle down and have children This is a humble m otivation when compared to most, but fitting for many characters
who find it hard to care about events beyond their life on a simple backwater world.

A rt: A rtists are inspired and influenced by their surroundings, and what inspiration could be better than a newly
discovered planet? The open horizons, clear skies, and undiscovered species of flora and fauna can spark the creative
49 -60
impulse in anyone. Some of those on the frontier may seek to bring some art and culture into the new world Others
might seek to support the creation of art by acting as a patron

Cure: Far from the cutting edge medicine of the Core, the fringe can seem an unhealthy place to live. But many seemingly
61-72 worthless worlds may hold the key to wiping out deadly diseases. This might be the entire reason a character has chosen
to be a Colonist; to save a colony, a planet, or sim ply a friend or loved one from disease.

Understanding: Many Colonists take an interest in their adopted world, seeking to gain a greater knowledge of their
73-84 new home Characters who seek to create a better understanding of the world have an insatiable curiosity about anything
pertaining to the planet. This motivation can also refer to creating a peace between settlers, or between settlers and indigenes.

Business: Creating a new business to serve an untapped market is a dream shared by many Colonists. Most of those traveling
85 -00 to a new world hope only to open up a shop where they can ply their trade, but some think bigger A business started on a
small colony may eventually grow to be an enterprise that rivals Kuat Drive Yards or Corellian Engineering Corporation.
COLONIST SIGNATURE ABILITIES
n addition to the specializations that a character UPGRADES
I can choose from within a given career, he also has
access to that career’s signature abilities. These abili­ After the character has purchased the basic form of the
ties are special, elite talents only experienced charac­ signature ability, he can further customize the ability by
ters of the specified career have access to. They are purchasing upgrades. Upgrades, much like talents, are
feats only possible through the character’s skill and purchased with experience points, and each upgrade
ability gained over a long and successful career. may only be purchased if it connects to the basic form
of the ability or a previously purchased upgrade. The
experience cost of each upgrade is listed in its box.
SIGNATURE ABILITY
BREAKDOWN ACQUIRING SIGNATURE
Signature abilities are composed of three elements: ABILITIES
the nodes linking it to a talent tree, the ability’s basic
form, and a series of upgrades that augment the ability. Before a character can purchase a signature ability or
any of its upgrades, the character must “attach” that
NODES ability to the bottom of one of his current in-career tal­
ent trees. Once a signature ability has been attached to
Each signature ability has four nodes lined up across its a tree, no other signature abilities may be attached to
top. These four nodes match up with the four talents on that tree, and the attached ability cannot be removed
the bottom row of a talent tree. Each node can either or switched to a different tree. A character can only
be active, showing a bracket facing upward, or inactive, acquire a signature ability from his career, and can only
remaining blank. To be able to attach a signature ability attach that ability to in-career talent trees.
to a tree, the character must own all of the talents along
To attach a signature ability to one of his talent
the bottom row of the destination talent tree that match
trees, the character must own all of the talents along
up with the active nodes on the signature ability.
the bottom row of the destination talent tree that
match up with the active nodes on the signature abil­
A B IL IT Y BASIC FORM ity. Then, once a signature ability has been attached
to a talent tree, the character may purchase the abil­
When a character acquires a signature ability, he must
ity’s basic form and its upgrades using experience,
first purchase the basic form of the ability. This takes
just as if they were talents.
up the entire first row of the signature ability tree, and
is purchased with experience points. The experience
cost of each upgrade is listed in its box. COLONIST SIGNATURE
ABILITIES
NARRATIVE ABILITIES The Colonist career has access to two signature abili­
ties: Insightful Revelation and Unmatched Expertise.
any signature abilities (such as the Colonist’s

m Insightful Revelation) have primarily narra­

tive effects, allowing the character to instantly
overcome a challenge in his path. These abilities
IN SIG H TFU L REVELATION

Many fringers may scoff at the highly educated indi­

are powerful tools that allow the players and CM vidual, mocking him as an ivory tower academic with
to work together to tell a more collaborative, no experience in the real world. What most people
cinematic story. However, they can also pose a don’t realize is just how effective the academic can
challenge to the GM as the character circum­ be when he applies his formidable intellect and
vents sections of his planned narrative. lengthy education to the task at hand. When con­
fronted with an impossible quandary, the Colonist
Because of these potential challenges, when a
can use his vast store of knowledge to analyze the
player wishes to use a signature ability with a
problem and arrive at a solution nobody else could
narrative effect, he must first consult with the
have even begun to figure out.
CM Together, the player and GM decide on
the effect the ability should have, fitting it into BASE ABILITY
the narrative of the game. However, as with
Once per game session, the character may spend two
all things, the GM is the final arbiter as to the
Destiny Points to perform the Insightful Revelation
effect of the ability.
action. If he does so, he makes a Hard ( ♦ ♦ ♦ ) Knowl­
edge (Education) check. If he succeeds, he learns some
 valuable information that he did not previously possess Duration: The character may perform the Insightful
pertaining to his current situation. What he learns is up Revelation action one additional time per game session.
to the GM, but it must be valuable to the player in over­
Additional Skills: When making the Insightful Rev­
coming his immediate encounter or situation, and the
elation action, the character may replace Knowledge
information cannot be obtainable by any other immedi­
(Education) with any other Knowledge skill.
ately available means.
When making the skill check to activate Insightful Reve­ UNMATCHED EXPERTISE
lation, the GM can add □ or ■ for any situational effects
that might cause the test to be more easy or difficult. A combination of education and hard-earned life experi­
ences can make Colonists far more capable individuals
UPGRADES than they appear. When the time is right, they can put
Insightful Revelation has several upgrades that can their vast experience to good use, making challenging
improve its effects and make it easier to use. Any tasks look easy, and the impossible merely difficult.
upgrades that appear in Insightful Revelation’s tree
BASE A B ILITY
multiple times have their effects stack.
Once per game session as an action, the character
Reduce Setback: When making the skill check to acti­
may spend two Destiny Points to reduce the difficulty
vate Insightful Revelation, the character removes ■
of all career skill checks he makes by one, to a mini­
Add Boost: When making the skill check to activate mum of Easy, for the remainder of the encounter.
Insightful Revelation, the character adds Q
UPGRADES
Destiny: To activate Insightful Revelation, the charac­
Unmatched Expertise has several upgrades that can
ter only needs to spend one Destiny Point instead of
improve its effects and make it easier to use. Any
the normal two.
upgrades that appear in Unmatched Expertise’s tree
Reduce Difficulty: The skill check to activate Insightful multiple times have their effects stack.
Revelation is Average ( ♦ ♦ ) instead of Hard < ♦ ♦ ♦ )
Reduce Setback: When making the skill check to acti­
Increase Effect: The character may spend gen­ vate Unmatched Expertise, the character removes ■ .
erated on a successful Insightful Revelation check to
Reduce Difficulty: Unmatched Expertise reduces
gain one additional piece of information. The informa­
the difficulty of subsequent career skill checks by two
tion must be as useful as the original information.
instead of one.

Colonist Signature Ability Tree: Insightful Revelation

Once per game session, the character may perform an Insightful Revelation action and spend 2 Destiny points to make a Hard ( ♦ ♦ ♦ > Knowledge
(Education) check If he succeeds, he learns some valuable information that he did not previously possess pertaining to his current situation What he
learns is up to the GM, but it must be valuable to the player overcoming his immediate encounter or situation, and the information cannot be obtain­
able by any other immediately available means.

When making the Insightful

Revelation action, the char­
acter may replace Knowl­
edge (Education) with any
other Knowledge skill.

If the check is successful, the The character may perform

character may spend 0 to the Insightful Revelation ac­
gain one additional piece of tion one additional time per
equally useful information game session.
 Reduce Difficulty: Unmatched
Expertise reduces the diffi­
culty of subsequent career skill
checks to a minimum of Simple
instead of Easy.
Activation: Unmatched Exper­
tise becomes a maneuver, instead
of an action.
Activation: Unmatched Exper­
tise becomes an incidental that
may be triggered out of turn,
instead of an action.
Destiny: To activate Unmatched
Expertise, the character only
needs to spend one Destiny
Point instead of the normal two.
Superior Reduction: Once
per session, once the charac­
ter has activated Unmatched
Expertise, he may also use it to
reduce the difficulty of one non­
career skill check he makes.
This follows the same rules as
using Unmatched Expertise to
reduce the difficulty of career skills.

Colonist Signature Ability Tree: Unmatched Expertise

Once per game session as an action, the character may spend two Destiny Points to reduce the difficulty of all career skill checks he makes by one to a minimum
of Easy for the remainder of the encounter.

Remove ■ from career skill Activate Unmatched Exper­ Activate Unmatched Exper­ Remove ■ from career skill
checks made while Un­ tise as a maneuver instead of tise as a maneuver instead of checks made while Un­
matched Expertise is acti­ as an action. as an action. matched Expertise is acti­
vated. vated.

Reduce the difficulty of career Unmatched Expertise costs The difficulty of all career
skill checks by 2 instead of Once per session while Un­ 1 Destiny Point to activate skill checks is reduced to a
matched Expertise is acti­ instead of 2. minimum of Simple instead
vated, may reduce the diffi­ of Easy.
culty of one non-career skill.
 LAW AND
ORDNANCE
“In my experience, law and justice are rarely the same.'
-Marshal Jacobi Sterne

ypically, Colonists are the characters least likely to instruments. Doctors require a great deal of surgical
T embrace violence when other means may suffice.
However, it would be a mistake to assume Colonists
equipment and medical supplies. Even Politicos need
access to information, and Traders and Entrepreneurs
have no need of arms, armor, and other sundry equip­ need business aids. And of course, on the fringe of the
ment. In fact, due to their somewhat specialized pro­ galaxy, violence (and the need to protect against it) is
fessions. most Colonists may desire very specific items all too commonplace.
to complement their skills. Marshals need access to a
This chapter presents a wide array of equipment
wide variety of weapons, many of which are designed
appropriate for Colonists of all specializations, includ­
for riot suppression or non-lethal takedowns. Per­
ing those presented in Chapter I.
formers must have all manner of amplifiers,.props, or

WEAPONS AND ARMOR

he galaxy is a dangerous and unforgiving place, ufacturers. In addition. Colonists need to be able to
T and no one knows that fact better than the hardy
individuals who make their living taming the edge of
obtain clothing that can protect against the hazards
of their professions as well as the occasional blaster
the Outer Rim territories. To assist these brave souls bolt The list of weapons and armor starting on page
in their work, numerous weapons specifically tailored 40 is only a small sample of the wide array of per­
to their needs are available from all major arms man­ sonal arms available to the Colonist.
NEW WEAPONS
I n the Outer Rim, many issues are settled not
through lengthy negotiation but through the nec­
essary and violent expedient of the blaster. The fol­
possesses an integral rechargeable power pack that
provides more stopping power and a higher cyclic
rate of fire than other holdouts. The trade-off for this
lowing weapons are designed with the needs of the extra power is the fact that the power pack must be
Colonist in mind. recharged instead of easily replaced (a process that
takes ten minutes), as well as the weapon’s dismal
ENERGY WEAPONS performance at anything farther than short range.
Add ■ to a character’s Perception checks when
A good blaster is worth its weight in gold out among attempting to find a Q4 Quickfire on a person’s body.
the Outer Rim territories. The following are a selec­ If this weapon runs out of ammo due to a ^ result, it
tion of common energy and blaster weapons carried may not be reloaded by Extra Reloads, the Spare Clip
by the rugged men and women colonizing the edge of talent, or other means.
the known galaxy.
S W E /2 SONIC RIFLE
12 DEFENDER
Known primarily for their finely designed skiffs and
Described as a “ micro blaster” in advertising litera­ robust security systems, Telex-Delcor also produces
ture, the 12 Defender holdout blaster by Gee-Tech is a line of reliable and easy-to-use non-lethal riot con­
a weapon of dubious quality and legality. Touted as trol devices. One of their more unique offerings is
"the smallest, most reliable self-defense blaster for the SWE/2 Sonic Rifle. A refinement of the SWE/1
sale in the galaxy,” this tiny pistol is a light, easily con- Sonic Suppressor released during the Clone Wars, the
cealable, low-powered holdout blaster marketed to SWE/2 is a long-barrelled firearm designed to inca­
wealthy individuals such as merchants, entertainers, pacitate even the toughest, most persistent malcon­
and politicians. In theory, the 12 Defender is perfect tent. Using a powerful acoustic generator, the SWE/2
for those who need a bit of personal protection but fires a concentrated beam of sound waves similar in
have no need or desire to carry a larger blaster pis­ power and performance to the particle beam packets
tol. In practice, however, this tiny pistol is a cheaply fired by blasters. When used on sentient beings, this
made, largely disposable weapon of questionable weapon affects the targets’ hearing and sense of bal­
reliability. Produced in the millions and possessing ance, staggering the targets and shorting out their fine
no distinguishing markings (not even a serial number) motor centers. Similar to its Clone Wars-era predeces­
these weapons feature a ceraplas frame coated with a sor, the sonic blast generated by the SWE/2 cannot
non-reactive polymer case, which makes them incred­ be parried or disrupted by a lightsaber; a very attrac­
ibly light and nearly invisible to weapon detection tive feature during the end of the Clone Wars, but of
systems. They carry only two shots in their integral limited usefulness today.
power pack, and, once fired, cannot be recharged and
retain only a small amount of scrap value.
OTHER WEAPONS
While the 12 Defender certainly does offer a fair
amount of protection for the price, its shoddy con­ Many specialty weapons are produced by the likes of
struction and lack of versatility limits its usefulness to Czerka Arms and Merr-Sonn for use as anti-riot weap­
the average galactic citizen. However, due to its ease ons. These weapons fire ammunition ranging from
of concealment, ability to elude scanners, untraceable rubber bullets, to stunning sprays of tiny pellets, to
components, and disposable nature, this tiny pistol has rapidly expanding nets.
found an avid following among the criminal classes.
Add ■ ■ to a character’s Computers and Perception R -88 SUPPRESSOR R IO T RIFLE
checks when attempting to find a 12 Defender on a per­
Produced by the non-lethal weapons division of Merr-
son’s body. The A 12 Defender may not be reloaded.
Sonn Munitions, the R-88 is one of the most com­
mon riot control weapons in the galaxy. First released
M O DEL Q 4 QUICKFIRE decades before the Clone Wars, the R-88 is similar in
HO LDO UT BLASTER design and operation to the rare and expensive Stokhli
Spray Stick. These long arms resemble bulky blaster
Touted as a revolution in light blaster design, Merr-
rifles with two large cylinders slung beneath the bar­
Sonn’s Q4 Quickfire is one of the more unique hold­
rel. The cylinders are loaded with a highly effective
out blasters on the market today. Instead of the typi­
liquid nerve agent called Brix-C Stun Fluid, which is
cal gas chamber and energy cell power supply, the Q4
TABLE 2-1: RANGED WEAPONS
Name Skill □am Crit Range Encum HP Price Rarity Special
Energy W eapons

12 Defender Ranged (Light) 5 5 Short i 0 25 4 Inferior, Limited Ammo 2

Quickfire Ranged (Light) 5 5 Short i 0 25 0 4 Stun Setting

Concussive 1, Slow-
Sonic Rifle Ranged (Heavy) 8 6 Long 4 3 1,200 6
Firing 1, Stun Damage
_____________

O th e r W eapons

Accurate 2. Ensnare 4,
Spray Stick Ranged (Heavy) 0 - Long 4 0 2,5 0 0 8
Slow-Firing 1, Stun 8

Blast 5, Disorient 3,
Suppressor Ranged (Heavy) 8 Medium 4 2 2 ,0 0 0 5 Stun Damage
~

Tangle Cun Ranged (Heavy) 1 4 Short 2 1 50 0 5 Ensnare 3

synthesized by Merr-Sonn. When fired, the Suppres­ by the Stokhli to hunt the large, incredibly aggressive
sor shoots a high velocity, concentrated stream of megafauna of their homeworld, the Spray Stick is a
Brix-C that quickly aerosolizes as it travels. Effective meter long metal rod with a tightly focused spray
at short and medium ranges, the stun fluid deals its nozzle at one end and a stun pad equipped b utt­
damage either through inhalation or skin contact and stock at the other. Fired from the shoulder like a
causes nausea, impaired vision, difficulty breathing, blaster rifle, these weapons shoot a highly concen­
burning pain, and unconsciousness. trated spraynet mist. The mist condenses into a liq­
While highly effective against sudden riots or other uid, then into a solid web while in flight, enveloping
disturbances, the stun fluid is easily countered by and immobilizing its target. In addition, as the net
breath masks and heavy clothing. This makes it less envelops its target, it delivers a powerful electrical
effective against determined, well organized targets charge. Extremely rare and finely made, each Stokhli
expecting such weapons. At the CM’s discretion, char­ Spray Stick comes equipped with an accurate range
acters wearing breathing gear or sealed armor may take finder and a fine aerosol control system that allows
no damage or suffer no effects from the Suppressor. the user to more easily hit targets at long range.
Despite their rarity and steep price, Stokhli Spray
Sticks are always in demand.
STOKHLI SPRAY STICK
When using the stun pad on the butt-stock, the
Designed ages ago by the Stokhli, a non-human Stokhli Spray Stick can be used as a melee weapon with
nomadic race from the Inner Rim world of Manress, the following profile (Skill Melee; Damage + 2; Critical
these long-range non-lethal weapons are perfect for Range [Engaged]; Inaccurate 1, Stun Damage)
crowd control and riot suppression. Used primarily
T A B L E 2-2: M E L E E W E A P O N S

Name Skill □am Crit Range Encum HP Price Rarity Special

B raw l W eapons

Backhand Concussive 1. Stun

Brawl + i 3 Engaged 0 2 2 ,0 00 4
Shock Gloves Damage, Slow-Firing 1

M e le e W eapons

Molecular
Melee +0 2 Engaged i 1 50 0 5 Pierce 5, Vicious 1
Stiletto

Cumbersome 3,
Riot Shield Melee +0 6 Engaged 5 1 300 4 Defensive 2. Deflection
2, Disorient 1

Stun Baton Melee +2 6 Engaged 2 2 200 4 Disorient 2, Stun Damage

Concussive 1,
Thunderbolt Melee 5 3 Engaged 2 2 875 6
Stun Damage

TANGLE GUN 7 This weapon has the Slow-Firing 1 rule, meaning it

can only be used once every other round. This means
Another non-lethal offering from Merr-Sonn, the Tangle that while a character may still make Brawl attacks
Gun 7 is the latest word in crowd control weaponry. when this weapon is “ recharging" he does so without
The Tangle Gun 7 is a carbine-sized rifle with a short, any benefits from the weapon—he simply makes an
wide-mouthed barrel and polycarbonate furniture that unarmed melee attack.
is light and easy to handle. The weapon fires a small
pellet of naorstrachem, a sticky and extremely flex­
ible atmosphere-reactive synthetic memory material.
MELEE WEAPONS
Encased in a shell that falls away once the pellet is fired, While some combatants prefer an up close and per­
the pellet explosively expands into a broad, fast moving sonal fight, many, especially law enforcement offi­
net upon contact with atmosphere. Once the net makes cers, often find themselves in close-quarters combat
contact with a target, the being’s body heat causes the against their will. In these cases, a stout truncheon, a
net to quickly contract, immobilizing him completely. well-built riot shield, or a well-honed blade often can
Once entangled, the target must be cut from the web­ make the difference between life and death.
bing. While the Tangle Gun 7 is advertised as non-lethal,
occasionally the net tightens so quickly and with such A C T IW 1 R IO T SHIELD
force that it causes lasting harm.
Carried throughout the galaxy by law enforcement offi­
BRAWL WEAPONS cers responding to riots and violent protests, riot shields
are a symbol of faceless authority and, occasionally,
A tense situation can escalate quickly in the rough- oppression. The Activvl by Drearian Defense is one of
and-tumble colonies of the Outer Rim, and sometimes the most common models available in the Outer Rim.
individuals need to rely on his feet and hands to defend Worn strapped to an officer’s non-dominant forearm,
himself. In these cases, a bit of insurance in the form of a riot shield averages around a meter long and nearly
well-made shock gloves comes in handy. as wide, providing almost complete cover for a kneel­
ing or crouching officer. They are constructed from a
BACKHAND SHOCK GLOVES variety of materials. The shields are typically shaped in
such a way as to help deflect incoming thrown objects
Produced by Corellian Personal Defense and marketed and stand up to sustained fire from nearly any sidearm,
toward bodyguards, security forces, and law enforce­ although anything more powerful than a heavy blaster
ment, the Backhand series is one of the most powerful makes short work of a riot shield and the officer behind
types of shock glove on the market. Using an advanced it. In addition to their obvious protective qualities, riot
kinetic energy reclamation system to power its high- shields can be used as improvised, somewhat awkward
output circuitry, a pair of Backhand shock gloves melee weapons, allowing an officer to push and bash
gives an individual the power and versatility of a stun his way through a crowd if need be.
baton in a wearable glove. However, due to their power
Riot shields require one hand to wield, and so can
requirements and the nature of their charging system
only be used with pistols and one-handed melee weap­
(which uses the movements of their wearer to charge
ons. Some riot shields incorporate a slot or mag-lock
powerful capacitors), these gloves are slow to recharge.
to allow the user to support a Ranged (Heavy) weapon
with the shield itself (firing the weapon one-handed
while wielding the riot shield in the other hand). A riot
shield with this feature costs an additional 100 cred­
its and has no hard points. Firing a rifle locked to the
shield in this way is somewhat cumbersome, and adds
■ to combat checks with both weapons.

TH U N D ER B O LT SHOCK PROD

A particularly brutal weapon used to herd thick

skinned creatures and, on occasion, sentient beings,
the Thunderbolt Shock Prod produced by SoroSuub is
a weapon with a mixed reputation throughout the gal­
axy. At once the symbol of bucolic agricultural life and
brutally oppressive regimes, the Thunderbolt consists
of a solid alloy staff nearly two meters long. At one
end is a heavily insulated, two-handed grip and at the
other is a series of sharp prongs. The prongs aren’t
the main threat posed by these weapons, however.
Rather, it is the powerful electrical shock generated
by them. Able to produce an electrical arc powerful
enough to tame a krayt dragon, the Thunderbolt is
popular among planetary security forces and slavers,
and judicious use of these weapons by riot police can
disperse a violent crowd in minutes. The effects of the
noise and the crippling pain from the shock quickly
incapacitate even the most determined rioters, and
these weapons are infamous throughout the galaxy.
Z2 STUN BATON
M S W -9 MOLECULAR STILETTO Resembling a typical police truncheon, the Z2 by Merr-
Sonn packs an extra, often completely unexpected
Produced by Xana Exotic Arms, the MSW-9 is a small, punch in the form of a concentrated stun blast. Carried
easily concealable blade popular among profession­ by riot police and criminal enforcers alike on countless
als, politicians, and entertainers. Built to resemble a planets, the Z2 is a one-handed blunt weapon built
datapad stylus, the MSW-9 is light, inconspicuous, from heavily reinforced polymers with conductive alloy
and easily overlooked by even the most zealous and striking surfaces. When used against organic beings, the
dedicated search. Z2 releases a burst of stun energy that can quickly and
Due to their inherent fragility, any combat check effectively reduce a malcontent to unconsciousness.
made while wielding one of these blades that generates While not commonly used by the Empire, who prefer a
either <§> <§> or ^ damages the weapon by one step as more direct and punitive form of policing, stun batons
if struck by a weapon with the Sunder quality. Add ■ to are common in the Outer Rim where law enforcement
a character’s Perception check when attempting to find officers prefer non-lethal methods of dealing with the
a molecular stiletto on a person’s body. people they serve and protect.

NEW ARMOR
espite its popularity, body armor is occasionally wear stylish, subtly armored clothing and expensive
D considered outmoded by some military thinkers
in the current era of high-intensity blasters and dev­
designer armor jackets. Most colonists rely on tough
clothing and environmental gear to protect them­
astating micro-explosives. However, armor is still as selves on untamed planets.
effective today at saving lives and reducing mortal
The following is a selection of common types of
wounds as it ever has been. Law enforcement officers
armor worn by colonists and the people who support
don specially designed riot armor when dealing with
and protect them and their livelihoods.
unruly crowds. Merchants and popular entertainers
TABLE Z-3: ARMOR
Type Defense Soak Price Encum Hard Points Rarity
Creshaldyne Riot A rm or i i (R) 1,850 3 i 6

Kamperdine Armored Jackets 0 2 6 ,2 00 1 0 7

Reinforced Environment Gear 0 1 850 2 2 4

CRESHALDYNE M K .IV R IO T A R M O R tary and government officials, and various other flavors
of galactic VIP. A custom Kamperdine jacket makes an
The Mk.IV Riot Armor is one of Creshaldyne Indus­ incredible first impression, and is a sign that its wearer
tries’ most popular offerings. Sold almost exclusively is an individual of impeccable taste. Kamperdine jackets
to governmental and law enforcement agencies, this are rarely found on the open market, and most individu­
sophisticated riot armor is advertised as the final word als who purchase one go to their graves in them. They
in protection for law enforcement officers. Worn over a must be ordered directly from Kamperdine months in
smartmesh body glove woven with foil-fiber reinforce­ advance of their desired delivery date.
ment, the armor is composed of a lightweight clamshell
Kamperdine Armored Jackets are each tailored to a
to protect the torso and a number of flexible contoured
specific wearer. When worn by that wearer, they add
plates to protect the legs, groin, arms, and shoulders.
O to any successful Charm, Deception, or Negotia­
A blast helmet with a removable, polarized face shield
tion checks the character makes (the CM may decide
and integrated breath mask completes the ensemble.
that the bonus does not apply in certain situations,
This armor includes a breath mask that allows the such as dealings over a comlink).
user to filter out and ignore airborne toxins and gases
(but not breathe in atmospheres without the charac­
ter’s required atmosphere mix). In addition, when stag­
gered or disoriented, the wearer reduces the duration
of the effect by one round, to a minimum of one round.

REINFORCED E N V IR O N M E N T GEAR

Produced by a number of companies, such as Pre-

tormin Environmental and Candorthral Atmospherics,
reinforced environment gear is essentially improved
adverse environment gear. These suits are especially
popular among colonists, who not only must brave
strange and hazardous planetary conditions, but who
are also more prone to injury from falls or unstable
environmental formations.
The reinforced environment suits allows a wearer to
ignore ■ imposed by environmental conditions, and
also reduces Critical Injuries suffered from falling by 20.
The suit also includes a filter, granting □ to Resilience
checks to resist toxic atmospheres or airborne toxins.

K A M P E R D IN E CUSTOM TAILORED
A R M O R ED JACKETS

Kamperdine Clothing Specialists is a small boutique

manufacturer of custom clothing items based out of the
Core Worlds region. Specializing in the use of fine and
exotic beast hides, Kamperdine can produce a stylish
and rugged piece of clothing from the skin of nearly any
known creature in the galaxy. Their line of custom tai­
lored armored jackets are their most popular and most
expensive product. Tailored to each customer’s exact
specifications, no two of these highly sought-after jackets
are alike. Kamperdine can create a jacket to perfectly fit
nearly any sentient species that wears clothes, and their
client list is a who’s who of politicians, entertainers, mili­
GEAR LOCKER
t seems that every occupation in the galaxy requires routing information through millions of hyperwave
I a plethora of specialized, highly advanced tools. The
Marshal’s forensics kit and surveillance programs, the
transceivers and routers, the Empire enjoys a peerless
means of communication.
Performer’s sophisticated multimedia entertainment
HoloNet relays, however, are ruinously expensive,
suite, and the Entrepreneur’s custom light freighter are
and many planets on the Rim must do without. In
just a few examples of what is needed to succeed in the
addition, the Empire regulates the HoloNet and has
galaxy. The following personal gear is designed to assist
reserved much of it for military use. However, for those
the various types of Colonist in their day to day lives.
who can afford it, a portable HoloNet relay is one of
the few ways a colony can obtain instantaneous com­
COMMUNICATIONS munication with the rest of the galaxy.

Communications can be one of the most important The X-500 Portable HoloNet Relay allows the user to
challenges a colony faces. Being able to contact the communicate with the HoloNet (although at the GM’s
rest of the galaxy in the event of a serious problem discretion, the signal may be interrupted by jamming,
can often be the difference between a successful col­ environmental factors, or Imperial interference).
ony and a dead world.
HERZFALL COMMUNICATIONS COLLAR-AMP
CHEDAK C O M M U N IC A TIO N S X -5 0 0
The Collar-Amp is a deceptively simple and
PORTABLE HO LO NET RELAY
useful device that is essentially an unob­
The HoloNet is one of the crowning trusive and very small amplifier. It can
achievements of galactic civilization; be mounted on the user’s collar or the
a nearly front of his clothing, where it looks like
in s ta n ta n e o u s r an innocuous silver button. There, the
galaxy-wide Collar-Amp detects the user’s voice and
communications amplifies it, filtering out ambient noise.
network. By Politicians and law enforcement officials
often use the Collar-Amp to address
large crowds, while some entertainers
hook the device into a larger sound
system for concerts or performances
at large venues.
The Collar-Amp can boost
the wearer’s voice so
that he can be heard
up to long or extreme
range (this depends
on terrain, environ-
nental conditions,
and even the
weather). For an
extra 100 cred­
its, the user
can purchase
a model that
hooks into a
sound system
or entertain­
ment system,
which improves
sound quality.
SECURITY magnacuffs use tiny, powerful magnetic held genera­
tors to stay locked tight around an individual’s wrists,
Keeping the citizens of Outer Rim colonies safe is a dan­ and are locked by thumbprint readers or keypad locks.
gerous, thankless, and wearing job. The constant threat Magnacuffs can be adjusted to fit most known sentient
from pirates, criminal scum, and hostile native flora and species, and are popular among frontier law enforce­
fauna can grind the spirit of even the most hopeful and ment agencies, bounty hunters, and slavers.
honest law enforcement officer into dust. To help keep A character may only escape magnacuffs with a
law and order in the wild fringes of the galaxy, numer­ successful Formidable ( ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ) Coordination
ous companies produce powerful tools to assist the law check (the bindings on the cuffs are too strong to
enforcement officer in his day to day work. break with brute force).

BIOTECH "BAG A N D TAG" FORENSICS

IN VESTIG ATIO N KIT
SURVIVAL
The pressures of galactic population growth and the
Essentially a specialized tool kit for crime scene inves­
unquenchable need for food and natural resources are
tigations, forensic investigation kits are produced by a
incredibly powerful, and even the most desolate, far-
number of security companies for use by law enforce­
flung world can be ripe for colonization under the right
ment agencies. Whatever their origin, these kits
conditions. It is when a world’s environment doesn’t
typically contain a number of medical instruments,
quite line up with the physical needs of organic beings
evidence collection containers, chemical swabs, mag­
that terraforming equipment shows its worth. The fol­
nifiers, scanners, multi-spectrum light emitters, mark­
lowing are a selection of complex machines designed
ing tools, and different kinds of solvents, adhesives,
to exert control over a hostile planetary environment.
and specialty chemicals.
When used during the investigation of a crime, a ELYSIUM M ODEL 2
forensic investigation kit adds automatic & to all Per­ ATM OSPHERIC PROCESSOR
ception checks made by the user to spot and gather
evidence. It may also count as the right tools for the Gandorthral Atmospherics is a leading provider of
job when making checks to analyze the evidence gath­ atmospheric engineering systems, producing every­
ered (see page 171 of the Edce of the Empire Core thing from breath masks and hostile environment suits
Rulebook). At the CM’s discretion, this item can also be to massive, city-sized terraforming installations. The
used for related purposes such as archeological digs. smallest of these latter items is the highly respected
Elysium Model 2 Atmospheric Processor. Powered by a
M C I-100 MAGNACUFFS planet’s natural subsurface heat and energy, the Model
2 resembles a massive ziggurat: a stepped, flat-topped
Produced by Locris Syndicated Securities, MCI-100 pyramid full of systems designed to produce breath­
magnacuffs are a type of heavy-duty binders designed able atmospheres, clean water, and even weather pat­
to restrain unusually powerful or dangerous individu­ terns from the raw materials at hand. Roughly the size
als. Generally built of reinforced durasteel, magnacuffs of a star cruiser, the Elysium Model 2 requires a crew
consist of two full wrist restraints connected by a semi­ of at least one hundred engineers and technicians, not
rigid rod. Instead of crude mechanical locking systems, to mention numerous droids to work in areas unfit for
TABLE Z-4: GEAR AND EQUIPMENT effect of the use of moisture vaporators is the growth
of lush native plants and fungi that tend to spring up
Item Price Encum Rarity in the constantly irrigated ground directly surrounding
Communications the machine. These small rings, referred to as “vapora-
tor gardens,” are good places to collect edible plants.
Collar-Amp 50 0 i
Depending on the moisture levels in the air, a vapo-
HoloNet Relay 7 5 .0 0 0 15 7 rator can typically produce one to three liters of water
in a standard day.
Survival

Biome Generator 9 ,0 0 0 45 4 FASCLEAN ATMOSPHERIC

REACTIVE DAM PER
Elysium Atmospheric 10,000 (not
4,500,000 7
Processor assembled)
Typically found on heavily populated, highly advanced
FasClean Atmospheric worlds such as Coruscant, the FasClean Atmospheric
2 0 0 ,0 0 0 500 5
Reactive Damper Reactive Damper (ARD) produced by Gandorthral
Atmospherics is one of the most important environmen­
GX-8 W ater Vaporator 2 ,0 00 12 2
tal engineering devices produced. Using a multitude of
Security systems, FasClean dampers are deployed in the upper
atmosphere in large groups where they scrub excess
Forensic Kit 45 0 4 4 carbon dioxide from a planet’s atmosphere. This pre­
M C I-100 Magnacuffs 100 1 4
vents populous, heavily industrial worlds from succumb­
ing to catastrophic planetary climate change caused by
Tools massive amounts of C02 in the air. ARDs are also used
in planetary colonization, especially on worlds with a
Mercantiler Datapad 25 0 1 3
high percentage of volcanic or geothermal activity.
Musical Instrument
50-100 1-5 2
(Common) A 9 9 CUSTOM B IO M E GENERATOR
Musical Instrument
500-1,500 1-5 4 Tri-Planetary Atmospherics (TPA) is a small atmospheric
(High Quality)
research and engineering firm based in the Outer Rim
Musical Instrument territories. Specializing in atmospheric synthesis tech­
2 0 ,0 0 0 + 1-5 10
(Legendary) nologies, TPA is the go-to company for custom tailored
environments. Their most popular product is the A99
Thunderhead PES 2 ,5 00 10 4
Custom Biome Generator, a relatively small, sophisti­
their organic colleagues. When deployed to a new col­ cated device used to create specialty environments in
ony, these processors commonly form the core of the starships, space stations, and buildings. Equipped with
initial settlement, and many a sprawling city through­ powerful chemical analyzers and synthesizers, the A99
can produce comfortable, safe environments for even the
out the Outer Rim has a decommissioned or repur­
most stringent biological requirements. When installed,
posed Model 2 somewhere in its borders.
they are commonly integrated into existing ventilation
and temperature regulation systems, allowing the A99
GX-8 W ATER VAPORATOR
to replicate nearly any biome in the universe.
The most popular and well regarded moisture vapora-
tor on the galactic market, Pretormin Environmental’s TOOLS
GX-8 has provided fresh, safe water to planetary pio­
neers for generations. These delicate looking, spindly Every tool, datapad, and esoteric piece of equipment
constructs consist of a five meter tall tower containing a carried by a Colonist represents an additional edge
low-powered ion generator and a powerful cooling sys­ that individual has over his environment and his com­
tem. The GX-8 rapidly cools the air around it, causing petitors. The following is a selection of specialty gear
heavy condensation that is collected and purified by commonly used by Colonists.
the systems at the vaporator’s base. Once conditioned,
the fresh water is typically collected in subterranean TH U N D ER H EA D PORTABLE
holding tanks for use in private, public, commercial, E N TE R TA IN M E N T SYSTEM
and industrial applications. Typically used on hot, arid
worlds such as Tatooine, vaporators are organized in The Thunderhead Portable Entertainment System
sprawling farms, or “water orchards,” where their com­ (PES) is a full suite of tools and equipment for use in the
bined condensing and filtration systems can provide a entertainment industry. Custom built to each custom­
steady supply of water for a settlement. A curious side er’s specifications by Audio Performance Incorporated,
each Thunderhead system is unique. That being said, assembled than purchased. The most that can be said
each system does have a number of common compo­ for them is that they are both cheap and loud.
nents to help the working entertainer. Each system typ­
Kloo horn: Double-reeded wind instruments, kloo
ically includes an assortment of amplifiers, speakers,
horns are commonly used by jatz musicians and cre­
monitors, sound mixing boards, display screens, light
ate that music’s distinctive higher notes.
emitters, smoke machines, cables, power generators,
data storage units, and other, more esoteric pieces of
M D D -1 2 "M ERCANTILER" DATAPAD
electronic equipment. The type and amount of equip­
ment varies by customer, but each PES is designed to Produced by MerenData to meet strong customer
fit into a single (albeit large) crate with padding and demand, the MDD-l 2 is a less powerful and less ver­
reinforcement satile version of the onboard Mercantiler computer
system equipped in MerenData’s Exchequer series
MUSICAL IN S TR U M E N TS commerce droids. This incredibly useful datapad is
programmed with region-specific business information,
The number of different musical traditions across the
including currency and credit conversion tables, base
galaxy is truly staggering. From the haunting throat
value listings for a wide variety of traded goods, and a
singing of the Tusken Raiders to the cool and sophis­
data uplink connected to a region’s stock markets and
ticated wail clubs of Coruscant, every sentient species
trading houses that grants the user up-to-the-minute
that has ever existed has made music of one kind or
information on all goods bought and sold therein.
another. Along with musical traditions comes musical
instruments. Musical instruments are made in a dizzy­ When used within the region for which it is pro­
ing array of styles, and the list of specific instruments grammed—Core Worlds, Inner Rim, Mid Rim, or spe­
is far too vast to include here (although some common cific Outer Rim territories—the Mercantiler datapad
instruments are included to provide guidance), but a grants □ to any Negotiation skill checks made to buy
character needing to purchase an instrument or instru­ or sell goods. These datapads grant no bonuses out­
ment accessory (strings, reeds, sticks, etc.) can usually side of their specific region.
find what he’s looking for with little effort on any mar­
ginally civilized world. The exact price and availability
of a specific instrument not found here is left to the
discretion of the Game Master, and the acquisition or
theft of a rare musical instrument can easily lay the
foundation for a complex and exciting adventure.
Anklet-chimes: These small, clear-toned chimes are
secured to the performer’s ankles with a length
of string or chain, tinkling softly as the performer
moves. To properly “play” these chimes, one must
be able to control his own movements with the
care and precision of an acrobat. Thus, they are often
used to accompany dances.
Bandfill: Bandfills are complicated wail instruments,
featuring several horn bells. Playing one is difficult, and
the best bandfill players can obtain galactic renown.
Chin-harp: Developed by the Weequay, the chin-
harp creates music by striking notes with a smal
chord hammer.
Common Instruments: Most cultures invent
some form of horns, drums, and reed instru­
ments as part of their development. While price
and rarity may vary depending on the specific
instrument, they typically tend to be within an
affordable price range, and local substitutes for
common musical instruments can be found
throughout the galaxy.
Floonorp: Scratch-built musical instru­
ments made out of spare Podracer
parts, floonorps are more likely to be
TABLE 2-5: DROIDS Talents: Nobody’s Fool 1 (the difficulty of any Charm,
Coercion, or Deception checks made against the
Droid Type Price Rarity droid are upgraded once).
AC Series LE Droid (R) 9 .6 0 0 5 Abilities: None.
Equipment: Stun baton (Melee: Damage 5; Critical
DZ-70 Fugitive Tracker (R) 9 ,8 0 0 4 6; Range [Engaged); Disorient 2, Stun Damage), riot
Gyrowheel 1 4 2 .08 6 ,5 00 4
shield (Melee; Damage 3; Critical 6; Range [Engaged];
Cumbersome 3, Defensive 2, Deflection 2, Disorient
Mini-Med 900 3 1), binders, built-in comlink.
SDMN Session Droid 4 ,0 0 0 5
D Z -70 FUGITIVE TRACKER D R O ID (RIVAL)

DROIDS The DZ-70 by Arakyd Industries is one of the most

popular tracking droids on the market today. Used
In the Outer Rim, perhaps even more so than in other by militaries and law enforcement agencies through­
areas of the galaxy, droids are essential to the day-to- out the galaxy, these small droids are not particularly
day functions of civil society. In a region where so many bright but are expert trackers and are incredibly per­
systems remain uncharted and unknown dangers can sistent in the pursuit of a target. Around two meters
reside in even the most welcoming paradise, droids help across, the DZ-70 is a small, spherical droid equipped
make life easier and safer for their organic masters, col­ with a powerful repulsorlift system that provides
leagues, and friends. The following are a sampling of excellent agility and overland speed. The droid’s hull
specialty droids common in the Outer Rim. is studded with photoreceptors and assorted sen­
sors that give it an unrestricted, 360 degree view of
AC LAW ENFO RCEM ENT D R O ID [RIVAL] its surroundings. Two powerful, retractable claws are
housed in covered bays along the droid’s bottom, and
The Rim Securities AC Law Enforcement Droids are it carries a blaster pistol and ion blaster as standard
a relatively new entry to the field of police autom­ armament. While quite competent despite its low
ata, envisioned as direct competitors to both Cybot intelligence, a DZ-70’s natural zeal and tenaciousness
Galactica’s HXZ-1 series and SoroSuub’s recently may occasionally lead to the development of an “at all
released 501-Z series LEO droid. Nearly two meters costs” mentality if the droid isn’t given proper mainte­
tall, these broad shouldered humanoid droids are of nance and regular memory wipes. This means that the
average intelligence and possessed of a stern, impos­ droid does everything in its power, including the use
ing disposition. Programmed for both standard polic­ of lethal force, to bring a fugitive to justice.
ing as well as fast response riot control duties, AC
series droids are covered in imposing plate armor.
Their heads have a single horizontal red band for a
photoreceptor and they have only the merest hint of
other facial features. Their personality matrix seems
to have been programmed with the essence of every
hard-nosed, uncompromising, “strike first and ask
questions later" law officer in history. They are loud, Skills: Ranged (Light) 2, Stealth 2, Survival 3, Vigilance 2.
brash, and skilled at physical intimidation. Their grat­ Talents: Adversary 1 (upgrade all combat checks target­
ing manner and their tendency to use overwhelming ing this character once), Expert Tracker 2 (Remove ■
force in inappropriate situations has led to numerous ■ from checks to find or follow tracks. Survival checks
complaints against both the droids and Rim Securi­ made to track targets take 50% less time than normal).
ties. While civilians may despise the AC series droids, Abilities: None.
law enforcement agencies throughout the Outer Rim Equipment: Blaster Pistol (Ranged [Light]; Damage 6;
love them for their brutal efficiency, and they are Critical 3; Range [Medium]; Stun Setting), Ionization
slowly cornering the market for police droids at the Blaster (Ranged [Light]; Damage 10; Critical 5; Range
edge of the galaxy. [Short]; Disorient 5, Stun Damage [Droid Only]).

MEDTECH M IN I-M E D (M IN IO N )

The Mini-Med is less a droid and more of a skilled set

of surgeon’s tools. Designed specifically to aid sapient
doctors, the Mini-Med is a small, spherical droid with
five spindly legs that can double as manipulators. It
Skills: Coercion 2, Discipline 2, Melee 2, Piloting cannot perform any sort of operations on its own, but
(Planetary) 2, Streetwise 3, Vigilance 3. when working under the direction of a talented doc-
tor, a team of Mini-Meds can greatly enhance his abili­
ties. However, their almost spider-like appearance has
guaranteed they've not caught on in galactic society.
Even pragmatic doctors tend to use them only when
the patient is anesthetized.

Skills: Athletics, Coordination (Group Only).

Talents: None.
Abilities: None.
Equipment: Cleaning devices, grabber claws.
Skills: None.
S D M N SERIES SESSION D RO ID [RIVAL]
Talents: None.
Abilities: Surgeon's Aid (When a minion group of one The SDMN "Side Man” series entertainment droids
or more Mini-Meds performs the Assist maneuver to were designed by Cybot Galactica to be the ultimate
help a character with a Medicine check, that charac­ entertainer’s sidekick. Designed by focus group and
ter counts as having + 1 rank in the Surgeon talent committee, the Side Man droids are built to be as
per Mini-Med in the group.) Silhouette 0. inoffensive and engaging as droid technology allows.
Equipment: None. They can be ordered from the factory with a num­
ber of add-ons and special programs tailored to their
GYROW HEEL 1 .4 2 .08-SERIES owner’s particular needs, from an illusionist’s assis­
RECYCLING D R O ID (M IN IO N ) tant to a wail band’s percussionist. A Side Man has
an obsequious, eager to please personality that pro­
A relatively common sight aboard colony ships and in
fessional entertainers tend to find incredibly irritating.
the streets and alleys of countless settlements, Veril
As such, most SDMN droids working throughout the
Line Systems' Gyrowheel series recycling droid is, in
galaxy, especially those owned by musicians, have
its way, perhaps the most useful and important droid
been reprogrammed to be both more enjoyable to
a colony can possess. Using a powerful cocktail of
be around and better suited to operating in the often
natural and artificial enzymes contained within their
seedy, disreputable trenches of the galactic enter­
bodies, these droids turn garbage, food scraps, and
tainment industry. Despite their built-in personality
other organic refuse into a nourishing nutrient sludge
flaws. Side Men are quite competent and are in high
that can make up the large part of many a colonist’s
demand by professional and aspiring entertainers.
daily caloric intake.
Standing around two meters high, these hard
working droids consist of a broad, round body like a
high-walled serving platter around 2.5 meters across
covered by a retractable clamshell cover. Dexterous
manipulator arms ring the droid’s body, and a dull red
photoreceptor constantly scans its surroundings for
Skills: Charm 2, Cool 2, Computers 2, Coordination
trash. The droid’s body is perched on a single hard
2, Deception 2.
rubber wheel and is kept balanced by a sophisti­
Talents: Plausible Deniability 1 (remove ■ from all
cated gyro-stabilization system. More a remote than
Coercion and Deception checks made by the charac­
an actual sentient droid, these extremely dim-witted
ter), Smooth Talker (Charm) 2 (character may spend
constructs are devoid of individual personality beyond
($ to gain & & to any Charm check).
a desire to hunt trash. They operate in packs, scouring
Abilities: Backup Entertainer (When a SDMN Session
their surroundings for organic refuse under the com­
Droid performs the Assist maneuver to help a char­
mand of a central monitoring computer system.
acter make a check as part of a performance, that
character adds automatic O O to the results instead
of the usual benefits).
Equipment: None.
EXPANDED VEHICLES
t is a commonly held belief that the various worlds and even as cargo lifters if need be. Many colonies
I of the Outer Rim is where old vehicles go to die.
Indeed, throughout the region many speeders and
possess at least one of these vehicles, using them as
all-purpose heavy-duty utility airspeeders.
groundcars can be found running smoothly and kept
Maulers are tall, long, narrow bodied airspeeders with
alive with love, ingenuity, and improvised parts long blunt noses and tapered rear hulls that bear a passing
after they would have been scrapped in the more civi­
resemblance to the Imperial Navy’s TIE/ln starfighter. A
lized, affluent areas of the galaxy. hexagonal viewport of reinforced transparisteel protects
No amount of preparation, innate skill, or specialty the pilot and gunner and affords them an expansive
equipment can make a difference in an endeavor if view of their surroundings. A large hatch is located on
an individual and his equipment can’t get where they each side of the Mauler for loading and unloading of
need to go. Starships, speeders, and walkers are crew and passengers, and a drop-down ramp at the rear
every bit as important to galactic colonization as the of the vehicle allows all passengers to disembark quickly
colonists themselves. The following section contains a in combat or emergency situations. Although Maulers
variety of ships and vehicles tailored to the needs of are neither as heavily armored nor as heavily armed
the hardy colonists of the Outer Rim. as their military forebears, they still have a respectable
amount of armor and a pair of blaster cannons.
AIRSPEEDERS
Many Colonists find airspeeders extremely useful—
especially those involved in law enforcement. A patrol
officer in an airspeeder can cover wide swaths of ter­
ritory, which is a particular advantage in rural or wil­ Vehicle Type/Model: Airspeeder/Mauler TR.
derness areas. In addition, most airspeeders have the Manufacturer: Sienar Fleet Systems.
speed to chase down even the fastest malcontents. Maximum Altitude: 200 kilometers.
Sensor Range: Short.
MAULER TACTICAL RESPONDER Crew: One pilot, one co-pilot/gunner.
Encumbrance Capacity: 12.
Sienar Fleet Systems' Mauler airspeeder is a fast, Passenger Capacity: 24.
lightweight troop carrier and gunship marketed to law Price/Rarity: 76,000 credits/(R)6.
enforcement agencies and private security com­ Customization Hard Points: 2.
panies. Based on the design of the rugged Weapons: Two Forward Turret Mounted Light Blaster
Republic Police Gunship, itself a stripped Cannons (Fire Arc Forward and Port or Forward and
down version of Rothana Heavy Engi­ Starboard; Damage 5; Critical 3; Range [Close]).
neering's LAAT/i Attack Gunship, the
Mauler is designed to carry two squads
of law enforcement officers or an equiv­
alent amount of cargo into a conflict
then retreat to altitude and provide
air support to officers on the ground.
Maulers are popular in the Outer
Rim. In addition to law enforcement,
they are also used as search and
rescue vehicles, heavy pursuit,
LANDSPEEDERS board sides of the SuperHaul II are small, low powered
magnetic cargo lifters, similar in operation to tractor
As common in the Outer Rim territories as they are in beams, that are controlled from the operator’s station.
more civilized places, landspeeders are perhaps the These cargo lifters allow a single individual to load,
hardest working, most versatile vehicles in the gal­ organize, and unload cargo without additional help,
axy. From heavy hauling to cargo shuttling to chasing thus streamlining and speeding up work flows.
down lawbreakers, landspeeders are nearly always Lifting power is provided by a UB-911 Sampson
the answer to the question, “ How do we get there?" Heavy Cargo Lift repulsor drive powered by a high-
output power generator. The SuperHaul M’s maneu­
V -3 5 COURIER LANDSPEEDER verability, such as it is, is provided by a number of
small, variable vector maneuvering thrusters scat­
The sleek and angular V-35 Courier is one of Soro-
tered about the hull, along with two stabilizers located
Suub’s more popular landspeeders. This small, coupe-
at the aft of the vehicle. Along with a respectable
styled speeder seats three in relative comfort in a
cargo capacity and a reputation for solid construc­
sealed, well-appointed cockpit. The forward hull is a
tion, the SuperHaul II is also easily modified to better
sharply tapering, wedge-shaped compartment domi­
cope with local planetary conditions. Foreign object
nated by a seven section, auto-tinting transparisteel
filters for air intakes, rain shields, light armor, environ­
canopy that offers outstanding visibility for both
mentally sealed decks, and light mounted weapons
driver and passengers. The rear of the vehicle houses
are all offered as options directly from Ubrikkian or
one of SoroSuub’s SS80 Dynamo power generators
from numerous aftermarket suppliers.
driving a MagLift repulsorlift engine. Forward thrust
is provided by three Mk.4 LoFlow cluster turbines
mounted in dorsal nacelles at the very rear.
Despite its aggressive styling, which takes its cues
both from starfighter design and the design of Soro­
Suub’s racing landspeeders, the Courier is not a high- Vehicle Type/Model: Cargo Skiff/SuperHaul II.
performance vehicle. In fact, underneath all of the Manufacturer: Ubrikkian Industries.
knife-edge body panels and glossy paint is a staid, reli­ Maximum Altitude: 50 meters.
able vehicle with respectable but not outstanding per­ Sensor Range: Close.
formance that is perfect for a small family or business. Crew: One pilot.
Encumbrance Capacity: 80.
Passenger Capacity: 8 (without cargo).
Price/Rarity: 8,000 credits/3.
Customization Hard Points: 2.
Weapons: None.
Vehicle Type/Model: Landspeeder/V-35 Courier.
Manufacturer: SoroSuub. PANTHER POLICE INTERCEPTOR
Maximum Altitude: 1 meter
Sensor Range: Close. Perhaps the most popular and iconic police vehicle
Crew: One pilot. in the galaxy, the Panther Police Interceptor is one
Encumbrance Capacity: 20. of SoroSuub’s best selling vehicles. Derived from the
Passenger Capacity: 3. civilian market P71 Sport Speeder, the Panther is a
Price/Rarity: 7,500 credits/2. dedicated law enforcement speeder featuring more
Customization Hard Points: 3. powerful engines, a higher output power generator,
Weapons: None. and improved handling and sensors. Sold in bulk lots
to police forces throughout the galaxy, the Panther
SUPERHAUL M O D EL II CARGO SKIFF is a common sight both in teeming mega cities and
backwater Outer Rim colony worlds.
Used in numerous commercial and industrial applica­
The vehicle itself is a small, wedge-shaped speeder
tions, Ubrikkian Industries’ SuperHaul II is a sturdy and
with twin side by side bubble canopies covering the
reliable workhorse of a vehicle. An extremely simple
pilot’s and co-pilot’s compartments. Behind the crew,
vehicle to operate and maintain, the SuperHaul II is a
separated by a thick wall of transparisteel, is a pas­
common sight in spaceports and warehouses all across
senger compartment that can hold two human-sized
the galaxy. The SuperHaul II has a single, open-topped
prisoners cuffed to a thick durasteel restraining bar.
deck surrounded by a stout safety rail and equipped
At the rear of the vehicle, in external side-mounted
with a number of tie-down points, cam locks, and mag­
nacelles, are a quartet of powerful drive thrusters
netic fastening plates for securing different types of
that give the Panther incredible straight-line speed,
cargo. Mounted in small nacelles on the port and star­
a useful feature in a speeder chase. Panthers carry
no mounted weapon systems, but are equipped with at all. In addition to the droid operator, a small crew of
good sensors, a pod-mounted searchlight, long-range engineers and technicians are assigned to each vehicle,
comlinks, and integrated datapads permanently keeping an eye on the simpler propulsion, power, and
synced to the police force’s criminal database. A few control systems while the droid does the heavy intel­
of these capable speeders find their way into the civil­ lectual lifting and actual construction.
ian used speeder market where they are instantly
snapped up by commercial transportation compa­ I-C2 C IVIL-INDUSTRIAL DRO ID
nies, taxi services, and hot-rodders. PROFILE [RIVAL]

Skills: Computers 2, Knowledge (Education) 3, Knowl­

Vehicle Type/Model: Landspeeder/Panther.
edge (Civil Engineering) 3, Piloting (Planetary) 2.
Manufacturer: SoroSuub Corporation.
Talents: None.
Maximum Altitude: 10 meters.
Abilities: None.
Sensor Range: Short.
Crew: One pilot.
I-C2 CIVIL-IN D U STR IA L VEHICLE PROFILE
Encumbrance Capacity: 20.
Passenger Capacity: One passenger, two suspects.
Price/Rarity: 11,000 credits/(R) 4.
Customization Hard Points: 3.
Weapons: None.

WHEELED AND Vehicle Type/Model: Droid Operated Civil Engineer­

ing Vehicle/I-C2.
TRACKED VEHICLES Manufacturer: Veril Line Systems.
Sensor Range: Close.
As slugthrowers are to blasters, so wheeled and
Crew: None (droid operated).
tracked vehicles are to repulsorlift vehicles. Sturdy,
Encumbrance Capacity: 200.
simple, and cheap to maintain, these primitive
Passenger Capacity: Six engineers.
machines are often found in the Outer Rim where
Price/Rarity: 1,700,000 credits/6.
landspeeders can’t survive due to parts scarcity, gen­
Customization Hard Points: 1.
eral poverty, or adverse environmental conditions.
Weapons: None.
I-C2 C IVIL-IN D U STR IA L D R O ID
WALKERS
Produced by Veril Line Systems for use in the construc­
tion and civil engineering fields, the I-C2 is the latest in A highly effective compromise between landspeed­
a long line of autonomous construction and fabrication ers and vehicles with more primitive drivetrains like
droids. Designed to replace the towering, dim-witted groundcars and tracked tanks, walkers are incredibly
but reliable EVS construction droid, the I-C2 is a mas­ versatile vehicles used in nearly every occupation
sive, slow moving vehicle similar in size and shape to from exploration to construction to combat.
the ancient CMC Digger-Crawlers. Commonly found
building far flung Outer Rim colonies or performing ALL TERRAIN RIO T CONTROL TRANSPORT
massive construction projects on heavily populated
worlds, these droids are long, stoutly built, slab-sided First introduced in 19 BBY, the AT-RCT is a small, two-
affairs propelled by massive independently suspended man, open-topped walker used by Imperial police
tread arrays. They are equipped with a versatile fab­ forces as a crowd control and anti-riot vehicle. Twice
ricating furnace that can produce finished building as tall as a man, the AT-RCT is a fast, heavily armored
materials from raw materials, and countless retractable walker based on the AT-RT reconnaissance walker used
building, lifting, and fabricating appendages. The droid by the Grand Army of the Republic. These agile all-ter­
brain that controls the majority of the l-C2’s systems rain walkers can maneuver quickly and easily through
is highly intelligent and analytical, programmed for urban environments and thanks to a specially designed
engineering and construction expertise with powerful gyro-stabilization system, they can traverse broken
analysis and problem solving sub-routines. In terms of ground and barricades with remarkable ease. The
personality, I-C2 droids tend to be slow and methodi­ light durasteel armor that protects the walkers’ deli­
cal individuals who speak in an impenetrable mix of cate inner workings is designed with numerous slopes
technical lingo and jargon, when they bother to speak and complex angles to deflect incoming ordnance
and blaster fire. These walkers mount a twin linked wide array of tools such as plasma cutters, saws, weld­
blaster cannon in the front of the hull, and two sets of ers, drills, compressed air guns, and small, dextrous
twin linked suppression cannons on articulated arms manipulators for fine work. Two powerful floodlights
mounted to the port and starboard sides. Although flank the viewport, and the walker is equipped with a
they are mainly used by Imperial police forces, many multi-spectrum sensor suite that contains a thermal
planetary and system governments field a handful of imager, passive night vision, ultrasound transceiv­
these powerful walkers to keep their citizens in line. ers, surface penetrating radar, and a number of other
sophisticated sensors to assist an engineer in his work.

Vehicle Type/Model: Walker/AT-RCT.

Manufacturer: Kuat Drive Yards. Vehicle Type/Model: Walker/AII Terrain Construc­
Sensor Range: Close. tion Transport.
Crew: One pilot, one co-pilot/gunner. Manufacturer: Kuat Drive Yards.
Encumbrance Capacity: 10. Sensor Range: Close.
Passenger Capacity: None. Crew: One pilot, one co-pilot/engineer.
Price/Rarity: 35,000 credits/(R)7. Encumbrance Capacity: 12.
Customization Hard Points: 2. Passenger Capacity: None.
Weapons: Forward Mounted Twin Light Blaster Can­ Price/Rarity: 28,000 credits/4.
nons (Fire Arc Forward; Damage 4; Critical 4; Range Customization Hard Points: 3.
(Close]; Linked 1). Weapons: One Forward Mounted Medium Tractor
One Port and One Starboard Turret Mounted Twin Beam Emitter (Fire Arc Forward; Damage - ; Critical - ;
Light Suppression Cannons—these weapons’ entire Range [Short]; Tractor 4).
profiles use personal scale, not planetary scale. (Fire
Arc All; Damage 10; Critical NA; Range [Close]; Blast
5, Disorient 4, Linked 1, Stun Damage).

HUNCHBACK CONSTRUCTION STRIDER

The Flunchback is a lightweight utility walker designed

for construction and civil engineering work.
Similar to the Republic’s AT-PT,
the Hunchback is a bipedal
walker with a sturdy, lightly
armored, slab-sided rect­
angular command pod
perched atop a pair of
powerful reverse-artic­
ulated legs. That’s
where the similari­
ties end, however.
The Hunchback
carries no offen­
sive weapons.
Instead, a pair
of articulated
utility arms are
mounted on
each side of the
cockpit. The
arms carry a
STARFIGHTERS AND M O N IT O R D R O ID PROFILE [RIVAL]

PATROL BOATS
These small, quick vessels, typically loaded with pow­
erful weapon systems and sensor suites, are perfect
for the kind of skirmish and interdiction action typical Skills: Cool 2, Gunnery 2, Piloting (Space) 3, Vigilance 2.
in the Outer Rim. Talents: None.
Abilities: Multi-tasking Control (on its turn, the Moni­
Y Q -4 0 0 M ONITOR-CLASS SYSTEM tor Droid may perform one Pilot-only maneuver and
PATROL SHIP one Pilot-only action, then perform a number of addi­
tional actions needed to fire each of its functioning
The Monitor-class system patrol ship is a droid oper­ weapons once).
ated vessel marketed to planetary and system govern­
mental bodies for patrolling shipping lanes and hyper­ Y Q -4 0 0 SH IP PROFILE
space entry points. Roughly the size of a small freighter
or large shuttlecraft, the YQ-400 is a curious looking
vessel whose design shares little in common with other
Corellian Engineering Corporation products. The ves­
sel’s largest hull section consists of a single, high-perfor­
mance ion turbine that looks as if it would be more at
home on an Imperial cruiser. This is shrouded in three Hull Type/Model: Droid Operated Patrol Vessel/
thin, angular hull plates, one mounted dorsally and Monitor-class.
two mounted low on the port and starboard sides, that Manufacturer: The Nerfworks.
protect the power generators and secondary thrusters. Hyperdrive: None.
It has a blunt, rounded bow section dominated by a Navicomputer: None.
single, massive, deep blue photoreceptor four meters Sensor Range: Long.
across. This section houses the droid brain that runs the Ship’s Complement: None, droid operated.
ship, as well as all of its communications, avionics, and Encumbrance Capacity: None.
sensor systems. While they are well armed with laser Passenger Capacity: None.
cannons and ion weaponry, and are no slouch in a fight, Consumables: Three Months.
Monitor-class droid ships are programmed to never fire Price/Rarity: 200,000 credits/8.
on another vessel unprovoked. Customization Hard Points: 0
Weapons: Dorsal Turret Mounted Twin Linked
The droids that control the YQ-400s have a suspi­
Medium Laser Cannon (Fire Arc All; Damage 6; Criti­
cious, officious personality and are possessed of near
cal 3; Range [Close]; Linked 1).
endless amounts of low cunning. Those individuals
Forward Mounted Twin Linked Heavy Ion Can­
who work with them state that the droids are obses­
nons (Fire Arc Forward; Damage 7; Critical 4; Range
sive, worry about inconsequential details while often
[Medium]; Ion, Linked 1, Slow-firing 1).
missing a larger picture, and have a tendency to speak
and act like a peevish middle manager rather than a
REGULATOR-CLASS PATROL VESSEL
vigilant watcher. When in service, these vessels typi­
cally patrol a pre-determined route using only passive Sienar Fleet Systems’ Regulator-class patrol vessels
sensors to monitor space traffic, and are under orders have been a staple of intersystem law enforcement
to follow any suspicious vessel and report its where­ across the galaxy for decades. First introduced during
abouts to system traffic control officers immediately. the Clone Wars, the Regulator-class was designed as a
These unique ships were conceived and built by the high-performance pursuit craft and heavy interceptor
Nerfworks, a semi-secret projects laboratory jointly with an eye toward policing and customs enforcement.
funded by both Corellian Engineering Corporation and Regulator-class ships are small for patrol boats, with an
the Loronar Corporation. Located at CEC-L Shipyard aggressively styled hull, oversized engines, and weap­
Lab 6671 -x42, Nerfworks combines the shipbuilding ons systems slightly out of scale for such a small craft.
expertise of CEC with the talented programmers and Dedicated in-system craft, the short-legged Regulators
neural engineers of the Loronar Corporation. Largely have no hyperdrives and carry little in the way of provi­
ignored by higher ups of both companies and given sions. Their interiors are incredibly cramped, with most
free rein with company expense accounts, Nerfworks of the space given over to the power, drive, flight, and
is tasked with making breakthroughs in droid/star- weapon systems. Aside from the bare minimum facili­
ship interfaces. However, it is unlikely CEC will back ties required to support their two man crew, Regulators
a major droid-controlled shipbuilding program in the also have a prisoner lockup that can hold up to six indi­
near future. viduals in safety if not in comfort.
 more familiar with them, however, they reported a
number of serious shortcomings. While the hull and
power distribution systems were designed to allow the
types of modification and hot-rodding that CEC ships
are famous for, the ships’ primary power generator was
woefully underpowered. In addition, thanks to these
Hull Type/Model: Patrol Boat/Regulator-class.
power shortcomings and the choice of Koensayr’s
Manufacturer: Sienar Fleet Systems.
single-tube ion drive as its primary drive, the HT-2200
Hyperdrive: None.
proved slow and sluggish with poor acceleration and
Navicomputer: None.
even poorer maneuverability. This, along with its sur­
Sensor Range: Medium.
prisingly light weapons loadout, made the freighters
Ship’s Complement: One pilot, one co-pilot/engineer.
easy pickings for pirates. Despite all of their inherent
Encumbrance Capacity: 18
flaws, HT-2200s remain in limited production, thanks
Passenger Capacity: Six prisoners.
to their advanced cargo systems and sturdy hull.
Consumables: Seven days.
Price/Rarity: 110,000 credits/6.
Customization Hard Points: 2.
Weapons: Forward Mounted Twin Linked Light Ion
Cannons (Fire Arc Forward; Damage 5; Critical 4;
Range [Close]; Ion, Linked 1)
Dorsal Turret Mounted Quad Laser Cannon (Fire Hull Type/Model: Freighter/HT-2200.
Arc All; Damage 5; Critical 3; Range [Close]; Accu­ Manufacturer: Corellian Engineering Corporation.
rate, Linked 3). Hyperdrive: Primary: Class 3, Backup: Class 15
Navicomputer: Yes.
Sensor Range: Short.
FREIGHTERS AND Ship’s Complement: One pilot, one co-pilot, one
TRANSPORTS engineer, one loadmaster.
Encumbrance Capacity: 800.
Pioneered by the great minds at Corellian Engineer­ Passenger Capacity: 8 .
ing Corporation, the ubiquitous modular light freighter Consumables: Three months.
was built for work in the Outer Rim territories. So com­ Price/Rarity: 140,000 credits/5.
mon are freighters and transports in the Rim territories, Customization Hard Points: 5.
shuttling colonists, laborers, tools, and machinery, that Weapons: One Dorsal and One Ventral Turret
hardly anyone gives these hardy vessels a second look. Mounted Medium Laser Cannon (Fire Arc All; Dam­
age 6; Critical 3; Range [Close]).
H T -2 2 0 0 M E D IU M FREIGHTER
H W K -290 LIGHT FREIGHTER
Corellian Engineering Corporation’s FIT-2200 is a lum­
bering, slab-sided medium freighter initially designed First designed decades before the Battle of Naboo,
to capitalize on the success of CEC’s wildly popular YT- these tough little freighters were Corellian Engineering
series of light freighters. Solidly built and packed with Corporation’s first attempt to break into the rapidly
state of the art avionics and cargo handling systems, expanding “executive light freighter” market. Unlike
these massive vessels are shaped like a tuning fork with the relatively staid and workmanlike YT-series, which
the crew, weapons, and engineering sections in the cen­ was marketed toward smaller profile traders and
tral hull and four airtight cargo holds in the port and tramp freighter operators, the HWK-290 was targeted
starboard booms. The trademark CEC conical cockpit is at wealthy, high-profile clients such as powerful inter­
located amidships between the booms, giving the pilot stellar shipping conglomerates and planetary govern­
and co-pilot a nearly 180 degree view of their surround­ ments. While they enjoyed modest success, and were
ings. The ship’s primary selling point, aside from its vast highly praised for their performance and ease of opera­
cargo capacity for a ship of its size, is the design of its tion, the Hawk-290s never reached the sales numbers
holds. Each of the four holds is shielded, reinforced, and of the more popular YT-series, and the entire line was
contains a number of modular cargo systems that allow discontinued during the Clone Wars to free up produc­
them to be configured for different types of cargo. In tion lines for military use.
addition, each hold has its own environmental systems,
The Hawk-290 is a light, fast, agile craft designed for
allowing the crew to adjust the temperature, atmo­
speed and comfort rather than heavy lifting. They are
spheric makeup, and gravity of each hold separately.
handsome vessels with lean, angular hulls and narrow,
Initial reviews were favorable, and orders steadily deeply tinted viewports that make them look fast and
came in from large shipping concerns in the mid and aggressive, even when parked in a hangar. While they
Outer Rim territories. As pilots and crews became were never designed to carry much cargo, the HWK-
seriesstill
has a respect­
able lift capacity
for vessels of their size, and
are well suited for courier work and the
transportation of small, highly valuable cargoes. They
have light armor and were originally designed with no
weapon systems, relying instead on raw speed and
maneuverability for protection. Of course, being CEC ular design features and reliable ship sys­
products, they are incredibly versatile and modular, tems. Improvements on the older ship’s design
and most Hawks still plying the spacelanes are so included an offset, side-mounted cockpit, more power­
heavily modified as to be nearly unrecognizable. ful engines, better sensors, and a more efficient cargo
handling system. Unfortunately, as is the case with
many sophomore efforts, the YT-1200 fell well short of
its predecessor in a number of important areas.
In a clear-cut case of trying too hard, CEC designers
set out not to build a well-built freighter, but to build
Hull Type/Model: Freighter/HWK-290.
“the next YT-1000.” They looked at market analysis
Manufacturer: Corellian Engineering Corporation.
and customer feedback, identified what they believed
Hyperdrive: Primary: Class 2, Backup: None.
made the YT-1000 so successful, and designed the
Navicomputer: Yes.
new ship to simply do what the YT-1000 did in the
Sensor Range: Short.
hopes of another wild success. Initial sales were very
Ship’s Complement: One pilot, one co-pilot.
good, but as customers became more familiar with
Encumbrance Capacity: 75.
these new ships, complaints came pouring in. The
Passenger Capacity: 2.
YT-1 200 was seen as not enough of its own ship to
Consumables: Three months.
be really distinguished from the YT-1000. Customers
Price/Rarity: 70,000 credits/7.
also reported the engines weren’t powerful enough,
Customization Hard Points: 5.
the internal systems were buggy, and the stock power
Weapons: None.
generators were prone to power surges and short cir­
cuits. Sales fell off sharply, and CEC eventually can­
Y T -1 2 0 0 LIGHT FREIGHTER celed production of the YT-1200 and retrofitted the
Built to replace Corellian Engineering Corporation’s remaining stock with better systems, releasing those
revolutionary YT-1000 modular light freighter, the refit ships as the YT-1210 and the YT-1250. Despite
YT-1200 was supposed to redefine the light freighter their dismal commercial failure and lingering bad
reputations, the YT-1 200 series freighters can still be
concept. It featured the iconic saucer-shaped hull of
its predecessor, along with the trademark CEC mod­ found on the used ship market.
 Passenger Capacity: 8 .
Consumables: Two months.
Price/Rarity: 80,000 credits/5.
Customization Hard Points: 5.
Weapons: Dorsal Turret Mounted Light Laser Cannon
(Fire Arc All; Damage 5; Critical 3; Range (Close)).
Hull Type/Model: Freighter/YT-1 200.
Manufacturer: Corellian Engineering Corporation.
LUXURIOUS-CLASS YACHT
Hyperdrive: Primary: Class 3, Backup. Class 15.
Navicomputer: Yes. Relatively unknown and vastly under-appreciated, the
Sensor Range: Medium. Luxurious-class was Ghtroc Industries’ only entry into
Ship’s Complement: One pilot, one co-pilot. the luxury yacht market. Smaller and faster than Soro-
Encumbrance Capacity: 150. Suub’s more popular Luxury 3000, the Luxurious-class
Passenger Capacity: 6 . ships were marketed toward aficionados of exclusivity
Consumables: Two months. and high performance. They possessed the singular,
Price/Rarity: 90,000 credits/5. quirky charm common to Ghtroc products, and were, in
Customization Hard Points: 5. their time, among the fastest and most finely appointed
Weapons: One Ventral Turret Mounted Twin Light yachts in the galaxy. Each yacht was hand built from
Laser Cannon (Fire Arc All; Damage 5; Critical 3; the keel up to the specifications of each owner. Ghtroc
Range [Close]; Linked 1). offered a dizzying array of options, allowing a buyer to
hand pick everything from the ship’s power systems to
Y T -1 7 6 0 SMALL TR A N SPO R T the fixtures in the captain’s head. Luxurious-class yachts
were especially popular among media moguls, profes­
Released roughly thirty years before the Battle of
sional ship racers, and sports stars. Even Raith Sienar
Yavin, the YT-1760 is a small, fast, and agile light
himself owned one of these ships, a vessel rumored to
freighter in the vein of the older FIWK-series. CEC’s
be quicker than a TIE fighter and nearly indestructible.
designers packed the new vessel with more power­
ful engines, upgraded maneuvering thrusters, and a Like other custom built starships, no two Luxurious-
sophisticated avionics package. Unfortunately, in their class are alike. That said, they do share a number of
zeal, the 1760’s designers went a little too far with superficial similarities. Their hulls are relatively short
their upgrades and produced a ship that, while fast and and broad in the beam, and from above they resemble
agile, was also high-maintenance, difficult to fly, fragile, an oversized Y-wing starfighter. The forward half of the
and had a vastly reduced cargo capacity. central hull is dominated by a half-domed, four decked,
transparisteel fronted section that contains the com­
Never a company to let a few niggling problems
mand deck and bridge, staterooms, common area, and
hold them back, CEC put the YT-1 760 into production
observation deck. Engineering and crew accommoda­
despite its obvious shortcomings and poor focus test­
tions are located abaft the passenger decks in a spar­
ing. Initially, sales were quite robust. Its speed and small
tan, utilitarian section, and the ship’s powerful engines
size attracted many small time shipping concerns and
are housed in sleek port and starboard sponsons. While
budget-minded planetary governments who used it as
each ship has some of the best systems and accommo­
a courier, VIP shuttle, or for transporting small, delicate
dations to be found in a civilian vessel, they possess no
cargoes. Eventually, however, many owners discovered
combat capabilities and are relatively thin skinned.
that the amount of time and money needed to keep the
fragile little ship in space was more than the ship itself
was worth, and sales dropped off dramatically. The
introduction of the YT-1300 sounded the death knell
for the 1760, and within five years, production of the
1760 was shut down.
Hull Type/Model: Yacht/Luxurious-class.
Manufacturer: Ghtroc Industries.
Hyperdrive: Primary: Class 2, Backup: Class 12.
Navicomputer: Yes.
Sensor Range: Short.
Ship’s Complement: One pilot, one co-pilot/engi-
Hull Type/Model: Small Transport/YT-1 760.
neer, one steward.
Manufacturer: Corellian Engineering Corporation.
Encumbrance Capacity: 80.
Hyperdrive: Primary: Class 1, Backup: Class 15.
Passenger Capacity: 12.
Navicomputer: Yes.
Consumables: Six Months.
Sensor Range: Short.
Price/Rarity: 210,000 credits/6.
Ship’s Complement: One pilot, one co-pilot.
Customization Hard Points: 4
Encumbrance Capacity: 70.
Weapons: None.
CAPITAL SHIPS experience, no expense was spared in their building
and fitting out, and each ship is brimming with rare and
Many ships big enough to be considered capital ships exotic materials, all tailored to exceed each passenger’s
operating in the Outer Rim are not military vessels, but requirements. The Indulgent-class vessels are a limited
cruise liners, industrial ships, or scientific vessels. production run sold exclusively to large cruise lines. They
are a common sight in the more well traveled Outer Rim
A R M O S M O D U LA R TR A N S P O R T spacelanes, where they cruise a number of scenic areas
and stop in the more civilized ports for resupply and a lit­
The Armos Modular Transport has made inroads in tle slumming shore leave for passengers and crew. While
the Outer Rim transport market due to its wide array they are susceptible to attack, these ships are not com­
of customization options. Their blunt, wedged-shaped pletely helpless. They mount sophisticated electronic
hulls stretch aft to connect to a vertical trio of power­ countermeasures and a number of weapons to deal with
ful engines. The keels taper to a point, while expand­ all but the most persistent pirates.
ing outwards on higher decks to provide room for cargo
and passengers. SoroSuub designed each deck
to be modular, allowing the ship’s crew
to retrofit it to transport
cargo, move passen­
gers, serve as a
tanker vessel,
or even carry
livestock. In
addition, Soro­
Suub equipped
the Armos with
reasonably powerful
engines, a decent hyper
drive, and potent multi-band
scanners. Combined with the
modular layout, the company pro­
vided clients with a ship that can be
retrofitted for almost any need.

Hull Type/Model: Transport/Armos.

Manufacturer: SoroSuub.
Hyperdrive: Primary: Class 2, Backup: Class 15.
Navicomputer: Yes.
Sensor Range: Extreme.
Ship’s Complement: 150 officers and crew.
Encumbrance Capacity: 10,000
Passenger Capacity: 1,000 (without cargo). Hull Type/Model: StarWnedIndulgent-class.
Consumables: Four months. Manufacturer: Leonore Luxury Liners Incorporated.
Price/Rarity: 780,000 credits/8. Hyperdrive: Primary: Class 5, Backup: Class 12.
Customization Hard Points: 4 Navicomputer: Yes.
Weapons: None. Sensor Range: Long.
Ship’s Complement: 850 officers and crew.
INDULGENT-CLASS LUXURY STARLINER Encumbrance Capacity: 5,200.
Passenger Capacity: 1,500 passengers.
Some of the largest, most exclusive, most flamboy­ Consumables: Six months.
antly luxurious luxury liners in production, the ships of Price/Rarity: 25,500,000 credits/7.
Leonore Luxury Liners Incorporated’s Indulgent-class are Customization Hard Points: 1
spacegoing monuments to wealth and flagrant excess. Weapons: Two Dorsal and Two Ventral Turret Mounted
Huge, slow-moving vessels the size of a heavy cruiser, Twin Heavy Ion Cannons (Fire Arc All; Damage 7; Criti­
these liners set the standard for luxury accommoda­ cal 4; Range [Medium]; Ion, Linked 1, Slow-Firing 1).
tions. Designed to provide the ultimate space travel
 NEW HORIZONS
AWAIT
Out here, if a man tells you he got rich from a whole
lot of hard work, you ask him 'Whose?'"
-Aver Lane, Kelsh Miner

he Colonist career covers a wide range of leaders This chapter also focuses on specific elements of
T and scholars. Colonists are found throughout the
political specLrum. They fill the halls of learning. They
the game that Colonists thrive on, and discusses
how to make social encounters fun and interesting. It
heal the sick and wounded. They do business on both includes recommendations on how to use important
sides of the law, as conniving con men and dedicated bits of information in combination with skill check
law enforcement officers. Many Colonists perform for results. Specific encounter ideas, adventure sugges­
a living, whether they are entertaining professionally tions, and campaign starters are also included. These
or putting on a show to further their own goals in pub­ Colonist-centric storylines are engaging to a variety
lic or private life. of careers, but give the Colonist the opportunity to
lead the way.
Colonists might actually be pioneers and settlers
of remote worlds. However, most are simply trying Rounding out the chapter are recommendations
to make their way in the galaxy, sometimes for their for granting Colonists XP and other rewards, as well
own personal goals and desires and other times for as a discussion on combining the Colonist with other
the good of society as a whole. Most Colonists are careers. It provides specific advice on granting XP for
dedicated to their own personal cause, for better activities Colonists may perform on their adventures.
or for worse, for themselves, their companions, and Players can also find useful Lips for fine-tuning their
galactic civilization. characters by combining the Colonist with specializa­
This chapter focuses on the adventures of Colonist tions from other careers, creating variations on the
characters. It discusses integrating the different types themes already provided in this book and the Edge of
the E mpire Core Rulebook.
of Colonist characters into the adventuring party and
gives advice for creating and adapting adventures and
campaigns especially for Colonists.
INTEGRATING COLONIST CHARACTERS
olonist characters in Edge of the Empire embody questionable crew. In addition, Colonists as a group
C a variety of social and supporting roles. This isn’t
to say that Colonists are solely supporting characters
tend to have higher social standing than many other
careers. With this in mind, the Colonist player should
when the blaster fire begins, but that their standout develop a backstory that addresses how he arrived
skills are often away from the battlefield. In fact, it is in his current situation. If he once held a higher office
the Colonist character that can often diffuse a dete­ or position, what happened to it? If he was always at
riorating situation to prevent fighting from occurring this social level, how does he fit in? What role does
in the first place. Of course, other Colonist characters he fill, and how did he get into his current situation?
are adept at cleaning up the mess, such as Doctors. See the Professional vs. Adventurer section on the
Integrating Colonist characters into the adventuring opposite page for a closer look at specific Colonist
group is simple when they fall into a natural role that specializations and their possible backgrounds.
is commonly needed. Healers and leaders from most See Colonist Backgrounds on page 10 for more
any background can find a place in the adventuring universal backstories that can apply to most any Col­
party. More difficult to explain can be the presence of a onist specialization, or even non-Colonist careers. The
Scholar, Performer, or even the Marshal specialization. CM can encourage the players to use some of these
However, adventuring parties with a diverse makeup backgrounds to help give their party a common point
or mismatched characters can make for great adven­ of reference or use them to establish a related goal.
tures and inspire creative backgrounds to explain the The GM can also look to these backgrounds for inspi­
characters’ association with one another. This section ration when creating important or even just common
discusses Colonists from a social and story idea basis. NPCs. Some backgrounds, like the Baron, naturally
The Dealing with Specialized Roles section on page involve characters far beyond a single PC or NPC.
65 addresses each specialization in detail.
LIFE AT T H IS SOCIAL LEVEL
W HY ARE THEY HERE? If the Colonist is living at a different social level than he
Colonists are perhaps the career least likely to natu­ is used to, the player should consider how the char­
rally fall into an adventuring lifestyle. With a couple of acter views the change. Does he feel lucky simply to
notable exceptions, most Colonists are more suited have survived his downfall or rapid ascendency? Is he
to professional pursuits, rather than hopping planets depressed over the loss of reputation, wealth, power,
throughout the galaxy on a battered starship with a or family? Does he feel vastly superior or inferior to
his new companions, and is that attitude apparent
in his words and deeds? Is he driven to return to his
UP AND DOWN THE SOCIAL LADDER former station, content to have grown beyond it, or
relieved to have avoided a worse situation?
he following table provides the player and
T Game Master with possible reasons for a
Colonist's change in social position.
Does the character still interact with those he knew
in his former level of society? If so, how do they react
to the character? Do they shun him, belittle him, or
TABLE 3-1: SOCIAL POSITION CHANGES take pity on him? If the character rose to a higher
level in society, are they jealous of his success?
Ascending Descending
The Game Master should use these feelings and
Heroic action.
Accused of being a Rebel interactions as a building block for his campaign.
agent or operative.
They give the GM the opportunity to engage the
Imperial gratitude or Accused of being a Rebel Player Character at a level fundamental to his char­
earning favor. sympathizer. acter’s background. It can and should influence the
interaction between the Player Character and the
Convicted o r accused
Im portant publication. Non-Player Characters.
criminal.
Changes in social level are great story drivers that
Political popularity. Damaged reputation.
could interact with a character's Motivation and Obli­
Public recognition. Infamous scandal. gation. Ascending characters might owe somebody
a favor for promoting them to the position. Almost
Successful business or any Colonist might be the target of blackmail, and
Loss of wealth.
performance.
escaping it or rooting it out might be the source of
Sudden windfall. Being fired from a job. his adventuring motivations. On the other hand, even
the most successful or popular public figure can be
knocked down to the lowest levels of society by an
COLONISTS AND THE FORCE
addiction See the Up and Down the Social Ladder
orce using Colonists face the same chal­
sidebar on the previous page for additional ideas.
F lenges and difficulties as any other Force
user, in that there is no easy way to train their
PROFESSIONAL VS. A D VEN TU R ER
abilities in the era of the Empire. Colonists may
The life of a professional means a life of some stature, prefer nonviolent uses of the Force. Healing
reputation, and economic benefit. When such charac­ powers would be most easily concealed by
ters become adventurers, they may or may not carry medical personnel, while negotiators and other
some or all of that previous life with them. Just because individuals who bargain and discuss political
a Colonist is involved in an adventure or campaign, it or economic deals find powers that influence
doesn’t mean he has left his past life completely behind. their oppositions' minds particularly useful. Of
This section looks at each specialization and the interac­ course, how far the Colonist uses such a power
tion between the professional and the adventurer. greatly depends on their own moral code and
their immediate situation.
Of course, not all Colonists hold formal training or
education, nor is it always necessary to do so. How­ If much of the Colonist's Force use is outside of
ever, some specialized fields, such as doctors and combat, dark side transgressions might be more
medical personnel, should have some form of train­ nuanced. Likewise, the character might suffer
ing in their background to justify their knowledge and fewer obvious temptations in regards to the dark
abilities. There are far more natural leaders and per­ side than those who rely on it in combat. As very
formers than self-taught healers or researchers. few, if any, opportunities exist to formally train
their abilities, these characters are left to their
Most Colonist character backgrounds benefit from
own devices to determine right from wrong. The
the player and CM thinking about and answering the
character should be rewarded for making the
following questions:
right decision through story advancement Mak­
• Who is the character’s most recent employer? Does ing the wrong decision might lead them down the
the character still work for him? If not, why? path of the dark side, and the GM should take
advantage of the opportunity to introduce more
• What position does or did the character hold?
drama to the character's ongoing storyline.
What are the character’s responsibilities?
• How much tolerance does the character’s
Alternatively, not all doctors are as ethical as one
employer have to disruptions caused by the char­
would hope. The PC might currently be running a scam,
acter’s activities?
might be running from a con gone wrong, or might even
DOCTOR: IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE? be trying to reform himself after a run-in with the law or
after irritating the wrong underworld figure.
Doctors, medics, and other medical practitioners
typically need years of training and experience in ENTREPRENEUR: PROJECT CONNECTIONS
highly formalized settings to become competent in
Entrepreneurs come from virtually any walk of life.
their field. However, not every Colonist Doctor needs
They are the least likely to need extensive training in
to actually be medically trained. A character might
their field, and the most likely to be self-starters able
be better suited to be a combat medic, emergency
to learn on the job. They make connections through
response medic, nurse, nurse practitioner, or any
their business contacts that can be utilized in many
other profession along the scale of medical knowledge
adventures or campaigns. Entrepreneurs also have
and practice. Given that most Player Characters start
talents that enable them to receive regular credits
at a low level of competency, it is quite likely that their
and payments thanks to past ventures. The player
ultimate focus is determined by how long their adven­
should give thought to where that money comes from
turing career is, and what they pursue along the way.
and why the character receives it.
Player Characters who wish for their adventuring
Becoming involved in an adventure is less of an
career to be a sideline from their main medical pro­
issue for the Entrepreneur than for other professions.
fession need to come up with story ideas to balance
The adventure itself might be part of the Entrepre­
the two. In the right adventure, perhaps the doctor
neur’s most recent business. The entire party might
is considered to be on a sabbatical or carrying out
be working for or with the Entrepreneur on his grand
charitable works. This works well with rescue or mis­
scheme. The Entrepreneur might also be looking for
sionary style adventures. The idea is that the doctor
the next big thing to invest in or start, looking for
returns to normal duty for long stretches at a time.
partners or areas in need of a particular service. The
Campaigns with a lot of story-related downtime can
effects of past successes or failures tend to follow or
easily accommodate this kind of storyline.
catch up with the Entrepreneur over time.
MARSHAL: ALWAYS ON THE JOB the Marshal at odds with some or all of the other PCs.
Marshal characters usually have a present or past inter­ The GM should try to determine whether the players
est in keeping the peace and protecting the public from would like that gaming experience before proceeding.
the scum of the galaxy. In civilized areas, they receive PERFORMER: ALL THE UNIVERSE IS A STAGE
intense training ranging from tactics to public relations
to interrogations. In wilder regions of the galaxy, they No matter their style of entertainment, Performers
might receive much less training and more on-the-job need an audience. Typically, Performers work individual
experience. There are few true self-made law enforcers, projects, lasting days, weeks, or months. As the work
and those that try often end up as vigilantes or private ebbs and flows, Performers often relocate to take on
investigators. Law enforcement is as much attitude as it a new project and find new opportunities. A Performer
is position. Marshal characters might be strictly by-the- with a current job might be reluctant or unable to
book, following laws to the letter, or they might take a take part in a typical adventure at a moment’s notice.
broader view, seeking their own version of justice that On the other hand, Performers who live and work as
may not always align with every local law. part of a traveling show or some other kind of roving
entertainment might find it easier to accommodate an
Adventuring Marshals must first decide if they are adventuring lifestyle. Prosperous colonies may be will­
still currently employed as law enforcement officers, ing to pay well for a rare opportunity to see live enter­
or if they are operating on their own. If they are still tainment, whereas desperate colonies may still be will­
employed, they’ll need to consider factors such as ing to chip in some money just as a change of pace.
jurisdiction when moving about the galaxy. Generally,
a Marshal’s jurisdiction is limited to a specific loca­ PC Performers may be seeking their next opportu­
tion. This may be a sector, a sub-sector, a planet, or nity when falling in with the other characters. They
even a continent or city. What this location is can be might also hire their companions to help run a travel­
determined by the player and GM at character cre­ ing show. In fact, the entire group could be a band or
ation, based on the character concept. However, it is show, with other careers such as the Smuggler provid­
almost never galaxy-wide. The only galactic governing ing transport (and possibly trick shooting), an athletic
body is the Empire, and it enforces its laws through its Assassin using his agile grace in dance routines, or a
own powerful military forces. Technician making music on his own, custom designed
instrument. In this case, the Performer may be the
One thing players and GMs should keep in mind, lead singer or dancer for the group. Performers soon
however, is the issue of reciprocity. While a law enforce­ find new uses for their natural ability and performance
ment official may not be able to officially operate out­ skills when taking up the life of the typical Edge of
side his jurisdiction, many local governments happily the E mpire adventuring party. Acting, in particular, is
offer him a certain amount of latitude and flexibility a useful skill to get the character and the party out of
when he operates in their territory. Provided the Mar­ all kinds of difficult and inconvenient situations. That’s
shal respects local laws, informs local law enforcement not to say that Performers are always lying, but that a
about who he’s going after, and avoids causing too performance emphasizing or exaggerating the current
much of a mess, many local governments see aiding situation can speed things along.
outside law enforcement as a cheap and easy way to
get rid of undesirables. On the other hand, however, a In addition, Performers often work with people from
Marshal may run afoul of the pride and egos of local throughout the galaxy. As a production is staged, it
law enforcement, who may take umbrage in someone includes anywhere from a few beings to hundreds
else trying to do their job for them. In the end, how a or thousands of individuals to pull it off. Therefore,
certain locality reacts to jurisdictional and reciprocity the Performer often runs into a familiar face or name
issues is up the Game Master. when traveling the galaxy, especially in popular ven­
ues of the Performer’s area of expertise. Such con­
A Marshal’s adventuring should be tied into his nections are always useful to the GM for sources of
position and investigations. Undercover work often information, help, and credits. However, personalities
ties well into adventuring. However, the character is and personal rivalries might also come into play, add­
still subject to orders from above, and should some­ ing drama and intensity to an otherwise mundane
times receive assignments to new cases. Generally, exchange of information.
the Marshal’s investigations should either be tied into
the ongoing story (maybe he’s working to arrest one of POLITICO: A LEADER IN A N Y ARENA
the group’s criminal adversaries), or should be some­ The Politico character often finds it easier to adapt to
thing he can investigate as part of a side mission. his new situation than others of the Colonist career. As
One alternative is for the Marshal to operate under­ leaders, Politicos naturally gravitate toward trying to
cover, so that the party doesn’t know his true position. control or manipulate the situation. They have all the
He might even be investigating the party. This sort of skills and expertise needed to step forward and take
story can be exciting and dramatic, but obviously puts charge in any situation; although whether or not they
can actually use these skills properly depends on the Adventuring Scholars might be attached to a group
Politico in question. Some may learn on the job, while due to professional needs or simple curiosity, or, as is
others make rookie mistakes or unrecoverable gaffes, often the case in Edge of the Empire , they might be on
putting their companions in danger. Of course, some the run. Their previous positions may have turned intol­
are able to talk their way out of their own messes, fur­ erable because the character was banned or otherwise
thering whatever cause they have fallen into. disallowed by an institution of learning. They may have
Adventuring Politicos come from a variety of govern­ inadvertently angered Imperial officials, backed Rebel
ment, corporate, and social backgrounds. They might sympathizers, or made an unrecoverable social or inter­
nal political gaffe. The Scholar may have even chosen
be former government officials or employees that were
fired, removed, quit, or failed to win elected positions. the group as the focus of their research project, which
Though they might have made a few enemies, they’re could lead to some interesting and even hilarious party
less likely than some to have old enemies pursuing interactions. Scholars provide an adventuring group
them. Depending on their former post, they might have with unusual forms of knowledge and information that
extensive connections to other individuals in similar can provide new avenues of action. However, most
roles in their region of operations. Scholars are probably not a great source of interstellar
connections outside of their specific areas of study.
It is uncommon for Politicos to continue their profes­
sional career while adventuring. While a few might be
able to represent specific governments or companies
DEALING WITH
for a short time when the adventure is compatible with SPECIALIZED ROLES
their goals, Politicos soon find that the political diffi­
culties generated by many adventures can overwhelm Creating exciting and interesting encounters for Colo­
their career. However, a few Politicos might be able to nists can be more challenging for CMs than straightfor­
sustain such a path by working for a non-government ward action or combat encounters. This section looks
organization that has goals requiring a semi-indepen­ at encounters suitable for each specialization, and ways
dent operative. to reward characters for their skill and talent choices.
Each entry in this section looks at general ways to focus
SCHOLAR: EDUCATION NEVER ENDS encounters or parts of encounters on the Colonist, then
By his nature, the Scholar pursues education and knowl­ provides a specific example illustrating one or more or
edge. Research can take a great many forms, and not those elements. The Making Social Encounters Inter­
all of them require a purely intellectual pursuit. Schools, esting section on page 72 focuses on creating good
governments, corporations, and think tanks all commis­ social encounters, so that sub­
sion very specific forms of study. The Scholar charac­ ject is only lightly touched on
ter might officially be attached to such an institution, in this section.
but be allowed to research his effort on his own terms.
Eventually, he must produce a report or conclusion to
his research, which might be difficult to achieve when
he is in the midst of other adventures.
 DOCTOR: APPLIED PRESSURE When operating (perhaps literally) in a highly danger­
ous situation, the Doctor can be required to make a
Players who select Doctor as their characters’ spe­ check to keep his composure before attempting his first
cialization usually want to be the group’s healer and Medicine check. Given that Doctors are typically trained
often love to patch up their allies and get them and for high pressure situations, the GM may decide a check
back on their feet. Some may wish to pursue research simply isn’t warranted. However, if the stakes are par­
or specialized forms of healing, such as cybernetics. ticularly high or the danger is unusual and extreme, the
While all of these elements are covered by the Medi­ GM can ask for an Average Cool or Discipline
cine skill and related talents, they often occur after check. The difficulty may be upgraded or increased for
the encounter’s excitement has died down and the more extreme situations. If the PC fails the Cool check,
risks are relatively low. GMs can increase the pres­ for each Y the GM should add ■ to the subsequent
sure on the Doctor by raising the stakes. The following Medicine check, and the PC should suffer one strain for
examples use location, time, increasing the level of each ® On a ^ result, upgrade the difficulty of the
detail, and life-or-death situations to achieve this. subsequent Medicine check once.
DANGEROUS LOCATIONS Examples of dangerous locations include:
One of the easiest ways to increase the pressure is • Areas of intense crossfire.
to put the Doctor PC in personal danger while trying
• Rooms or compartments that are on fire or have
to aid his allies and companions. For some kinds of
another mobile, dangerous hazard such as poi­
Doctors, such as emergency medical technicians or
sonous gas or smoke.
field medics, this might be a regular occurrence. For
shipboard doctors or practicing physicians, it might • Rampaging or dangerous creatures in the imme­
occur only occasionally. diate vicinity.
• Threat of collapsing structures, or other items
falling from above.
• On board, or in the path of, a crash­
ing starship or vehicle.
SHORT ON T IM E
Being short on time is similar to
being in a dangerous location,
as both force the character to
hurry. The character must finish
the healing attempt, surgery, or
other aid before something else
happens to the character or the
patient. For this to add pressure
to the scene, there must be an
unwanted result of failure. Usu­
ally, it is effective enough to
simply add one or more ■ to
the character’s skill checks. In
extreme circumstances, the
GM may call for a Cool check,
with the difficulty set based
on the seriousness of the cir­
cumstances (the default can
be Average ^ ) , but a
Hard ( ♦ ♦ ♦ ) check may be
warranted). If the PC fails the
check, increase the difficulty
of subsequent Medicine checks
by one. On a ^ result, upgrade
the difficulty of subsequent Med­
icine checks once. This penalty
should persist for the encounter.
The PC may be able to eliminate
this penalty if he spends a (£> from a
subsequent Medicine check.
 OUTSIDE INCOME

olding a position outside of the adventuring are plenty of places on any world or in any sys­
H group normally provides a source of income tem that don’t have access. Income is typically a
for the Player Character. While much of this extra set amount of credits that are deposited at con­
income could be consumed by the character’s sistent and predictable times.
everyday needs, such as rent and other ser­
Beyond the credits themselves, the characters
vices on his world of employment, easy credits
must also be concerned with making it back to
can derail deliberately credit-starved campaigns
work on time, or otherwise maintaining their pro­
without some planning.
fessional career. Edge of the Empire storylines
Before play begins, the player and CM should typically deal with unsavory characters and situa­
discuss how the outside income might work with tions that, if made public, might be looked down
the campaign. Additionally, the GM should review upon by employers, administrators, and possibly
the Entrepreneur talents and try to avoid granting the public. The CM should consider what might
characters of other Careers any benefits through happen if stories about the Player Character’s
story means that would diminish the Entrepre­ exploits get back to his employer. Would he be
neur character’s advantages and talent choices. fired or reprimanded? If the character comes
Of course, another thing to consider is that the from a highly civilized planet, is there a board of
Entrepreneur character can take on outside work ethics or similar organization that could call the
in addition to his Sound Investments talents; thus character in to justify his actions? These threats
gaining the added benefits of his XP investment to the character’s livelihood make good opportu­
while still allowing all of the PCs to earn an income. nities for new adventures. Long absences or sur­
prise disruptions to the character’s normal work
Income is usually deposited directly into the
schedule should negatively impact him, from a
character’s bank account. While such accounts
reduction in pay to a loss of a job.
are typically available in civilized space, there

EMERGENCY TRIAGE INCREASING THE LEVEL OF DETAIL

Nothing adds to the pressure of treating the wounded In this instance, performing a Medicine check
like having multiple critically injured patients to diag­ becomes the heart of a major encounter for the Doc­
nose and treat at the same time. The adventuring party tor. Instead of making a single Medicine check to heal
might sustain multiple Critical Injuries as part of a vehi­ an important character, the Doctor might need to
cle or ship crash, combat, or industrial accident. The make several for different stages of an operation or
PCs might need to treat multiple NPCs for similar rea­ extended treatment. To increase the engagement of
sons. When treating two or more patients with Critical this kind of encounter, the CM should give the Doctor
Injuries, the Doctor may make a Daunting ( ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ) a variety of treatment options, using the outcome of
Medicine check to assess a number of patients equal the skill check to lead to the next option. The options
to his rank in the Medicine skill in a single round. The should have an obvious risk versus reward element to
results of the check have the following effects; them, usually pitting speed of treatment or healing
time against safety.
• For each # , the Doctor adds □ to one Medicine
check made to one patient. To account for leaps of logic or aid from sources
• If the check fails, the Doctor adds ■ to his next beyond medical skill and practice, the CM may have
the PC make Knowledge skill checks. For example,
Medicine check.
when treating a species unfamiliar, or at least less
• Each <§> immediately inflicts one strain on one familiar, to the Doctor, the PC might make a Knowl­
patient, and each O immediately heals one strain edge (Xenology) check for insight into the proper
on one patient, representing the Doctor’s minimal treatment. Success might upgrade the ability of the
treatment during the assessment process. Doctor’s Medicine skill for one roll, whereas failure
• On a ^ result, one patient selected by the CM might upgrade the difficulty of the roll. O or <§>
must make a Hard ( ♦ ♦ ♦ ) Resistance check might add □ or ■ , respectively. A successful check
or suffer one Critical Injury. <§> and O are ignored might also allow the Doctor to attem pt to heal one
for the Resistance check. Critical Injury and one wound for each Knowl­
edge (Education) and Knowledge (Lore) are also
• On a the Doctor may upgrade the ability of useful skills in some situations. Occasionally, even
all of his subsequent Medicine checks once dur­ Knowledge (Core Worlds) and Knowledge (Outer
ing the encounter, or may immediately heal one Rim) may add insight.
Critical Injury on one patient.
 ENTREPRENEUR: CASHING IN ate on his own, which is often the case even in heavily
populated regions of the galaxy.
The Entrepreneur specialization features a combination
of toughness, the ability to bounce back from psycho­ Assuming that the Marshal character is still a law
logical stress and strain, access to funds, and unique enforcement officer, private investigator, or works for
ways to spend them. The Entrepreneur is typically a semi-official legal entity, the player probably expects
no combat expert, but greatly aids the party in many to get an opportunity to investigate criminal activity
other areas of need. With a regular source of income and capture criminals at large. In some respects, the
combined with ways to buy himself out of problem sit­ Marshal is similar to the Bounty Hunter when tracking
uations or buy critical information with ease, the Entre­ down criminals on the run. The differences lie in the
preneur is a great enabler when the party needs help. weight of the Marshal's legal authority (if any), access
to allies in the legal profession, and a need to follow
Encounters highlighting the Entrepreneur should the law in carrying out his duties.
feature opportunities to make use of his readily avail­
able source of credits—the Sound Investments talent. INVESTIGATOR
These include opportunities for negotiating deals, The Marshal is adept at many stages of investigation,
selling goods legally, and paying his way to social thanks to the specialization’s range of talents. The
encounter success by spending his credits. Encoun­ Marshal can increase physical and mental toughness,
ters that inflict strain on the character are countered making him better able to soak up damage and shake
by the Rapid Recovery talent. off debilitating statuses compared to some other
CASHING OUT characters and Colonists. The Good Cop and Bad Cop
talents help his allies question suspects or any other
Because the Sound Investments talent grants credits individual. The Marshal might also take enough tal­
to the Entrepreneur in each game session (as opposed ents to become a quick and deadly shot, setting him
to each major chapter or adventure), the character further apart from most Colonists.
may be entitled to credits at unusual times of the nar­
rative. In many cases, this isn’t an issue. The credits Whether it is a true criminal investigation or simply
simply arrive in the character’s bank account while a search for information commonly required in adven­
he is off adventuring, and he can access the credits tures, the GM should take the Marshal’s abilities
via a specialized account. However, when the charac­ into account. Criminals and other targets of pursuit
ter is in an isolated location, both the player and the can inflict a fair amount of damage on the Marshal,
CM might need to come up with creative ways for the and he’s tough enough to take it. From a roleplaying
character to receive the credits, or some sort of equiv­ standpoint, the GM should be prepared for the good
alent value. Tapping into the character’s backstory or cop/bad cop routine, and think about how the NPC
current events are great ways to better engage the responds under the pressure of questioning. When
character in the story. There are occasions where the preparing an investigation, the GM needs to map it
PC simply isn’t able to receive the funds, so the GM out and consider the following points:
should note those times and be prepared to grant the • Establish exactly how the crime or event occurred.
credits when the PC's situation changes. The credits
• Determine what clues were left behind. Be pre­
accumulate for use in future sessions.
pared to carefully add clues if the PCs come up
WHEELING AND DEALING with ideas that might have logically occurred.
Thanks to the career and bonus career skills, the • Determine which PCs or NPCs have helpful infor­
Entrepreneur is likely to be the negotiator in the mation, and who is willing to share it (and why or
party, with secondary support in Knowledge skills. why not).
With the Entrepreneur front and center, it enables • When the PCs use the good cop/bad cop routine
him to use his social skills to creatively deal with during questioning, the GM should determine how
allies and enemies alike. GMs can prepare by thinking the NPC reacts, and to whom. Some NPCs might
about the NPCs’ approach to negotiation, and making cave immediately to a bad cop, while others tough
some notes about their likely positions and how they it out, only to respond to the good cop. The CM
respond to the PC’s dealings and skill checks. should also prompt the PCs to discuss ahead of
time which approach they think will succeed.
MARSHAL: EDGE OF THE LAW
• Is there a cover up? If there is, who’s behind it?
The Marshal uses a combination of investigative tal­ Local law enforcement is an obvious choice, but
ents and pure toughness to keep the peace and take corporate interests, government authorities, or
down the bad guys. He fits a variety of overlapping even celebrities could be behind the cover up.
roles—sometimes as a leader, other times as an inves­ • Is the investigated crime one of many similar
tigator, and often as a combatant. He is able to oper­ events, or is it one-time action?
 • Who are the criminal’s
allies and how far would
they go to help him?
• For an unexpected tw is t-
are there Force users
involved? A Force user might
snarl a typical investigation
by using a Force power to do
something otherwise inexpli­
cable. Given that Force users
are very rare, it might take a
while for the thought to
occur to the inves­
tigator and the
player, so the
GM should
shroud the truth
in other possibilities that
can be peeled away during
the investigation.
• What are the consequences
if the suspect is caught,
killed, or escapes? These
should be viewed as
personal to the Mar­
shal, and from a larger
story standpoint. Will
the suspect’s allies
seek revenge? rank expands its range, so while at first it only affects
opponents engaged with the PC, it soon affects greater
PERFORMER: ENTER STAGE LEFT numbers at longer distances. While it applies only one
or two <§> to the enemy’s combat related checks against
The Performer specialization offers a range of skills any target, it decreases the likelihood of the target acti­
and talents that can be interpreted to build a variety vating Critical Flits through spending O . or granting
of performer types. Using the Smooth Talker talent as benefits to the target’s allies in the form of Q
an example (see page 31), an actor might select Charm
to make the audience like him, while a stage magician Plowever, it is important to remember just how
might take Deception to help him misdirect the audi­ important this ability can be outside of combat, as
ence’s attention. All Performers exemplify their ability well. Distracting Behavior affects all checks, not just
to distract, captivate, or (in the case of a comedian or combat checks. This could easily be a Performer tell­
actor) even annoy individuals through Distracting Behav­ ing an engaging story in the midst of negotiations (or
ior. Physical performers like dancers, daredevils, or acro­ flirting with the rival negotiator) to throw an opponent
bats translate their abilities into faster recovery and off and get them to agree to something without think­
second chances via Second Wind and Natural Athlete. ing about it. Likewise, a competent actor could play
the role of a dangerous psychopath during an interro­
The Performer has among the most active talents of gation to rattle the suspect, allowing the interrogator
any specialization’s talent tree, with very few passive to learn valuable information.
talents available. This means that the Performer that
invests in talents is always on a lookout to use them. Over time, these tactics can have serious effects
The GM should note which talents the character has on the impact of NPCs. The GM can somewhat limit
and prepare accordingly. For example, the player may the talent’s use by encouraging the PC to spend the
have better skill check results due to Smooth Talker. maneuver on other activities—such as moving out
of harm’s way. Some creatures are immune to the
A W AY W ITH WORDS effects—particularly those without intelligence. While
The Distracting Behavior talent can be one of the more language barriers are purposefully reduced in Edge
of the E m pire , there are individuals who won’t under­
disruptive combat-related talents, especially as the
character takes on additional ranks of the talent and the stand the PC, and it may take extra time or effort to
Improved Distracting Behavior talent. Each additional get the point across to them. The effect might also
simply become less impactful when used time after
time—the target gets used to the insults or PC actions top of that, the dense gas also inflicts a ■ or more
and begins to ignore them. This might happen after to all ranged attacks, as well as on subsequent Resis­
only a few rounds. tance checks once a PC fails the check. Now when
PCs that suffer a lot of strain are also less likely to the Politico uses his Rhetoric related talents, the
risk more loss using the talent. From a roleplaying party gets a big boost.
viewpoint, the player should be encouraged to develop THE ART OF BERATING THE ENEMY
an array of insults that can be bantered about. If they
become too repetitive, mood-breaking, or are simply The Politico talent Improved Scathing Tirade com­
not very good, the player can forego the description. bined with a high Coercion skill can be particularly
devastating to enemies within close proximity to the
PC. ■ can really disrupt an enemy’s chances of suc­
POLITICO: TALKING PO IN TS
cess, especially if inflicted over multiple rounds. This
The Politico lives and dies—sometimes literally—by action is equally likely to take place during combat and
his ability to talk his way out of trouble or manipulate affect combat skills as it is to take place during negotia­
a social situation to get his own way. Any encounter tion or other social interactions, possibly derailing the
dominated by negotiation, investigation, or discus­ opponent in the process. However, while an angry NPC
sion is an opening for the Politico to influence events. usually strikes back with an attack while in combat, cir­
Often, the player recognizes that his character likely cumstances change when used in other situations.
has the best chance of succeeding from a game A PC unleashing a Scathing Tirade against an oppo­
mechanics standpoint and naturally speaks up and nent naturally draws attention to both. If the Scathing
takes the lead. Whether or not the Politico is an actual Tirade occurs in a public place or delicate negotiation,
leader of the adventuring group is left up to the play­ there may be roleplaying consequences as others in
ers and the story. However, the GM should look for the area respond to the disruption. The opponent
opportunities for the Politico to play the leadership may suddenly have friends step up to help, or draw
role, if only for a short time. the attention of good Samaritans willing to break up
On the other hand, the Politico may not be the best any problems before they progress too far.
choice for every situation. The GM should challenge If a PC relies too heavily on Improved Scathing
the party by introducing NPCs that are either less Tirade, certain tactics can help bring its use back
keen on dealing with the character or naturally seek under control. The CM can have opponents engage
out other character types—such as a technician who the PC to the point that the PC has other things he
needs to speak to another technically-minded per­ must use his action on, rather than this talent. Melee
son about very specific and important details. While attacks can do this, but so can environmental hazards
the Politico might not take the lead, he can still offer that force the PC to spend his actions to save his own
advice and other avenues of discussion or negotiation. life. Sometimes, the target is simply unimpressed or
RHETORICAL SET-UP becomes disinterested and inured to the PC’s shout­
ing and taunts after a few rounds. This may be rep­
When a Politico character has selected the Inspiring resented by upgrading the difficulty of subsequent
Rhetoric and Improved Inspiring Rhetoric talents, the checks, or eventually making the NPC immune.
GM can set up encounters to give him opportunities
to maximize these talents. First, the encounter must SCHOLAR: IN FO R M A TIO N FROM
inflict strain on the Politico’s allies. Ideally, much of EVERYWHERE
this strain affects several PCs over the course of a
round or two, and to the point that remaining con­ Many adventures rely on information discovery as
scious might be a real concern. The strain can also much as blasting away at enemies. The Scholar is
be quickly generated by suffering <§> on most any adept at revealing key information in a short amount
skill check. The PCs should also be suffering from a of time. A competent Scholar can accelerate the par­
■ or two. When the Politico uses Inspiring Rhetoric ty ’s investigations and dig out difficult to find informa­
and Improved Inspiring Rhetoric simultaneously, it tion from high class resources that may not otherwise
aids his allies on both counts by restoring strain and be open to the PCs.
granting □ .
Scholars living on their own at the edges of society or
For example, the PCs are battling a collection of the galaxy naturally take on different areas of expertise
Trandoshan thugs deep in a decrepit factory com­ than their initial studies might have suggested. Some
plex. The wind suddenly shifts, sending a waft of pick up leadership skills or use their information and
thick, brown poisonous gas across the area. The knowledge as a major advantage in certain negotiations,
gas causes the PCs to make one or more Resilience deceptions, and other social situations. In fact, some iso­
checks. Those that fail suffer significant strain, and lated colonies or settlements might welcome the broad
those that succeed still suffer a lesser amount. On range of knowledge a Scholar brings, and even pay the
individual well to figure out long standing problems or TABLE 3-2: INSTITUTIONAL
mysteries of their locale or social group. DIFFICULTY LEVELS
AVENUES OF LEARNING Institution Type Difficulty Level
Scholars with the Respected Scholar talent (see page Secondary education, local ad hoc
67 of the Edge of the Empire Core Rulebook) decrease Easy (4 )
research group
the difficulty of interacting with institutes of learning.
Low level university, low level think
The CM must be prepared for the Scholar character Average ( 4 4 )
tank, startup research group
to seek out such organizations regularly when he is
researching problems for the party. As these sorts of Average university, mid level think
H ard ( 4 4 4 )
events are not commonly singled out in adventures, tank, corporate research group
the CM must be flexible enough to make up some­
Elite university, high level think tank,
thing on the fly. Not every settlement or city has top-level corporate research group Daunting ( 4 4 4 4 )
such a location, but every major city and world
has one or more. engage the institute for story reasons and so that the
Each institute should have an evident Scholar’s advantage becomes more evident. Some
institutional personality, even when the example institutions and difficulty settings are on
PC visits only for a short time. The Tables 3 -2 : Institutional Difficulty Levels and 3 -3 :
institute also needs a difficulty level Institutional Personality and Situation Modifiers
associated with it, which is applied The CM should use the type to find the base difficulty,
to the PC’s social skill checks then modify it based on the institutional personality
when dealing with beings at and situation. While usually only one institutional per­
the facility. To get the most sonality should be used, they can be combined with
out of the talent, the dif­ one or more situational modifiers. Other factors may
ficulty should be high also come into play, such as the Scholar’s reputation.
enough for the talent’s Once a Scholar has access to an institute of learn­
offset to be effective. ing, he may be able to gain access to a variety of
PCs other than the the organization’s resources and departments. The
Scholar should Scholar may be able to persuade or otherwise manip­
also need to ulate the situation to gain the access he needs. Per­
haps a teaching hospital or medical program might
provide needed aid. Research labs might help solve
a mystery or illness, or be manipulated to analyze or
produce something the PCs need. Some schools may
have a machine shop or advanced electronics lab.
The Scholar can provide the party with a new source
of resources through schools, universities, corporate
labs, think tanks, and more.
DROID SUPPORT
One Scholar talent that players might overlook is
Speaks Binary (see page 67 in the Edge of the
Empire Core Rulebook). This talent grants
a ■ per rank of Speaks Binary on
checks to direct droids. While this
might most naturally occur with
research-related droids, there
is no limitation on the type
of droid under the Schol­
ar’s command. This
gives the PC an advan­
tage when working
with most any droid,
including droid pilots,
gunners, and battle
droids. For a party with a medical droid, the scholar’s TABLE 3-3: INSTITUTIONAL PERSONALITY
direction can be a nice boost on any healing check.
ANO SITUATION MODIFIERS
The CM should remember a few points about
Institutional Personality Situation Modifier
Speaks Binary. One, it only works on NPC charac­
ter droids, not PCs. Two, while simply pointing to the A rro g a n t U pgrade d iffic u lty tw ice
droid and saying “do this thing for me" is technically
Egotistical Add ■
enough to activate the talent, the CM should encour­
age the player to be specific and say something spe­ Frighte ned Add ■
cial about the direction to improve the roleplaying
and creativity of the situation. Since Speaks Binary Desperate Add □

is passive and doesn't require an action, any such G ro und ed AddD

direction shouldn’t interfere with the Scholar’s normal
actions in combat rounds. Threatened Upgrade difficulty once

MAKING SOCIAL ENCOUNTERS

INTERESTING
ocial encounters occur in virtually every Edge of the have no role outside of combat, just as talents that
S Empire game session. They are the basis for discover­
ing new information as the player characters search for
specify “after an encounter" are not to be used in the
middle of an encounter. Other talents may fall into a
clues and ideas about their current mission or other pur­ gray area in which the talent could be used outside
suits. They are fantastic roleplaying opportunities that of combat, but doing so wouldn’t provide any clear
can add plenty of fun to a game session while providing advantage. Talents that convert one type of action
memorable moments from an adventure or campaign. into another (such as a maneuver to an incidental
However, without careful planning, poor Came Mas­ action) are an example of these.
ter responses can turn any conversational scene into The GM should remember that an encounter is any
a dull information dump. Most social encounters are specific set of events within a short time frame, not
handled on the fly, but major scenes benefit from just combat. Talents that define actions or effects by
planning. This minimizes pauses in the scene and encounter operate the same in a non-combat encoun­
breaks in the action, usually caused by the CM tries ter as a combat encounter. When using a talent that is
to work out the many facts the NPC characters might activated by a specific action—such as using a maneu­
know while negotiating or discussing information with ver to perform the Intense Focus talent (see page 137
the PCs. This section explores ways to make social of the Edce of the Empire Core Rulebook)—the CM may
encounters more interesting for everyone. Some sug­ limit the number of uses if the player is abusing the
gestions involve game mechanics, while others speak spirit of the talent. Talents that use maneuvers may be
to the story and characters involved in a given scene. used once before each check, whereas talents that use
actions might be used once per non-combat encounter.
USING TALENTS IN SOCIAL
ENCOUNTERS DON’T FORGET THE SETBACK DICE!
Most PC talents are designed and worded to be used
any talents grant a benefit that removes
in combat or structured play encounters. However,
talents can also be used outside of combat, in social
and other situations. This section provides additional
M one or more □ from a skill check. How­
ever, since □ are not normally automatically
included in the dice pool for a given check or
guidance for using talents in non-combat situations,
and how to adapt and translate the terms when the task, it is up to the CM to add them in. CMs
restrictions of the combat round are not in play. should develop a habit of regularly applying (or
at least considering adding) □ to skill checks,
USING TALENTS O UTSIDE COMBAT so it does not become a game of applying a
penalty simply to let the character take it away.
When a player wants to use a talent in a non-combat While some checks automatically add Q this
context, the CM should first assess if it should work tends to happen less often in social encounters
outside of combat. Combat-specific talents usually than it does in combat or piloting.
 For example, in the case of Intense Focus, suffering
one strain in exchange for upgrading the ability of a skill EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL STRAIN
check might be used once on every check a PC makes,
because he finds the loss of a few points of strain to be Ms should not be afraid of inflicting strain
a minimal hindrance. In combat, giving up maneuvers
or strain is riskier and more limiting to the character’s
C on the PCs in a social encounter. Living up
to a certain standard, acting a certain role,
actions than when outside of combat. Outside of com­ or negotiating for one’s livelihood (or even
bat, the CM might allow a reasonable number of uses, life) are stressful activities. As the pressure
perhaps equal to the character’s Intellect rank. Such mounts, so should the stress, which equates
limitations should only be required if a player is abus­ to strain in Edge of the E m p ir e . Even if the
ing the lack of limitations on a given talent. PCs are able to remove the strain quickly, they
don’t always know that the encounter will end
TALENT T IM IN G IN SOCIAL ENCOUNTERS at the end of a discussion or negotiation.
Plenty of such interactions jump from talking
Some talents impose time limits or award effects based to shooting in one bad turn of phrase. In addi­
on a certain amount of time during a combat round. tion, some PCs have talents that restore strain
Outside of combat, these talents function in a simi­ to themselves or others, and it is always good
lar fashion, though they might not occur as rapidly as to reward their talent choices with opportuni­
within the combat round. For example, the Distracting ties to use them.
Behavior talent (see page 32) specifies that a num­
ber of enemies suffer <§> until the beginning of the next
• Can use certain talents such as Hard Headed,
turn on combat checks. If used outside of the combat
with the CM’s approval.
round, the talent functions for as long as the character
wishes to keep it active, or until the character starts
using skills or activities that take more concentration CONTROLLING THE FLOW
or time to use effectively. Alternatively, the CM might OF INFORMATION
rule that the talent affects the next check of up to three
NPCs. The key is to find the balance between keeping One key to encouraging interesting conversations in
the game fun but not abusing a rule or a CM’s ruling. social encounters is the flow of information. Reveal­
ing key points, surprises, and offers at just the right
EXCEEDING STRAIN time can make negotiation much more interesting.
While the GM controls the way information is con­
THRESHOLDS IN SOCIAL veyed to the PCs, the PCs control the revelation of
ENCOUNTERS their own information and terms. In some ways, the
CM can encourage the exchange of critical informa­
Some talents cause the target or user to suffer strain, tion for a scene by controlling what information is
potentially sending him beyond his strain threshold. given and when. Published adventures usually cover
When in the midst of a social encounter, it may not this in broad strokes, giving specific opportunities for
make narrative sense for a character to pass out from the PCs to learn specific points along the way. This
exceeding his strain threshold. Instead, if a target section discusses how to fine-tune this approach for
exceeds his strain threshold, he is overwhelmed by specific scenes and encounters. Of course, no amount
the situation or is badgered into submission. Fie gives of staging and encouragement can really predict how
into his opponent’s demands and is otherwise ineffec­ the PCs will carry out a discussion, and the characters
tive for the rest of the encounter. will surprise the CM regularly. Adapting and adjusting
on the fly is key, and part of the fun for the CM.
When that happens, the affected character:
• Cannot perform actions, and can only perform FEEDING THE PCS
basic maneuvers or incidentals such as moving or
pulling out a cigarra and puffing on it angrily. During any negotiation or social encounter in which
the Player Characters are attempting to advance the
• Cannot aid others.
story and learn something new, they must have infor­
• Can talk and make his feelings known, but they mation to work with. The PCs may generate their side
are ineffective or ignored. This is primarily true of the story completely on their own. The GM may
when the character is a PC interacting with NPCs; also feed them information along the way. Usually,
although if groups want to roleplay their PCs social encounters are a combination of the two.
being petulant, angry, or frustrated and the other
In free-form games where the storyline is pushed
PCs are ignoring him, that is perfectly acceptable.
along by the PCs more than a set plot generated by
• Can move around without affecting his opponent. the CM or published adventure, it is up to the PCs to
create and relay any tidbits of information that they the others what they’ve learned. In these cases, the
might find useful. The CM can guide the way a bit, CM should write the information down as a note that
with leading questions from the NPCs involved. The can be passed around as needed.
GM can also shake up the conversation with unex­
As writing separate notes takes time away from the
pected questions, accusatory statements, and genu­
encounter and forces a pause in the game, the CM
ine threats from the NPCs. Dropping unexpected bits
should consider writing a few notes ahead of time that
of information or critical secrets into the discussion
can easily be picked up and passed out as needed. The
can ramp up the drama in a hurry.
CM can scribble a few minor changes if needed before
In published or preplanned encounters, the CM has handing notes out at the table. Notes should be short
a set amount of information to dole out. Naturally, and to the point; typically a few sentences can convey
not every piece of information is always conveyed, the information. If the PC needs more details, he can
particularly if the characters pursue a different line either ask verbally or via a return note.
of questioning or discussion. The CM can sometimes
One advantage to using notes is that it enables the
bring the conversation back around to points he might
GM to tailor a specific response to the PC involved. It
wish to make, but it can be a challenge to do this in a
might include information of which the other PCs are
casual, free-flowing fashion.
unaware, making it more interesting for the PC with the
However, the information exchange may occur in ways note to decide whether he wants to reveal it. In Edge
beyond simple conversation. During the encounter, the of the Empire , the diverse PC backgrounds often hold
GM may have characters make various Knowledge or secrets and inconvenient topics that PCs may not want
other skill checks upon learning new details during the revealed to the party.
conversation. The CM might verbally tell the
Tailoring notes and information has other
characters the results, which is fine if all
advantages.
of the characters logically could know or
If the CM
see the information for themselves. How­
ever, it is more likely that only one or
a few characters might stumble on
to an important realization dur­
ing the encounter, and that
they can’t quickly tell
 EXAMPLE OF PLAY

elow is a brief example of inserting new infor­ The CM has the PCs make a Knowledge (Under­
B mation into a scene during the course of an
encounter. Sometimes the CM has the PC make a
world) check to recognize the bounty hunter.
Herol succeeds well enough to gain a fair amount
skill check. At other times the CM hands over the of information. The CM hands Herol’s player a
information if the PC should be able to work it out note with the bounty hunter’s name, Kinn, as well
on his own, or simply to keep the scene moving and as the fact that the hunter used to go by the alias
interesting. This example features the GM and four Triar. Triar used to work against Sharune, and
players. One of the players has a character named Herol already knows the circumstances from an
Herol, a Colonist with the Politico specialization. earlier game session.
CM: “You're taken before Sharune the Hutt. He’s Herol: “Sharune, I can’t believe you fell for this
obviously angry and sneers upon seeing you. guy’s con game. Don't you recognize our old
An armored human stands next to him. Sharune friend Triar? Wonder what he did to your best
says, ‘tell me why I shouldn't hand you over to lieutenant last year. Co ahead Triar, take off that
this bounty hunter for the credits you owe me. mask and tell us where you took him.”
Clearly you’ve angered someone else even more
GM: “ The Hutt looks surprised, then signals his
than me. Impressive, but also profitable for me,
guards to move into position..."
unless you have a better deal?'”

releases the notes in a specific order, he can help PCs know him by. For a more significant reveal, the
guide the conversation. This essentially gives the NPC might reveal a PCs actual name to his unaware
player a heads-up as to the direction the encounter companions. However, the GM should maximize the
could go, with each revelation pushing the negotiation drama with multiple consequences for the name's rev­
or the discussion in a particular direction. This can elation, especially if the player (and PC) are hiding it
increase a scene’s drama considerably. for a good story reason.
Connection Revealed: Someone’s family, business,
IN F O R M A T IO N TYPES or economic relationship is revealed or hinted at dur­
Here are presented some examples of bits of infor­ ing the conversation. The PC might be able to use the
mation that can be inserted into an ongoing discus­ connection as leverage.
sion, illustrating ways that well-timed revelations Fraud Revealed: One of the parties makes a notice­
might alter the conversation or push it in a certain able blunder when posing as a person in a position
direction. PCs might also learn or deduce some that he doesn’t truly hold. Essentially, the individual
of this information through skill checks during the makes a mistake that no person knowledgeable or
negotiation or conversation. experienced in a specific field or circumstance would
Though the information may be revealed in conver­ ever make. The mistake may not be noticeable to all
sation, the CM should not overlook the opportunity to parties, just those with enough experience or back­
use non-verbal cues for added drama and subtlety. An ground knowledge to realize it.
NPCs words might say one thing, while his furrowed Love and Romance: The NPC might suddenly reveal
brow or reddening face imply something else. There love and affection toward a PC, which may be real or
are also opportunities for cross-species confusion or just a ploy to gain an advantage. Alternatively, the PC
missed cultural cues that can add to a scene. A human might realize that the character has a crush or is oth­
with little experience dealing with a Gand might com­ erwise attracted to the PC or one of the PC’s allies,
pletely miss useful cues, while the human’s better trav­ then take advantage of it. Of course, there might
eled companion might clue him in, or use the knowl­ be a genuine attraction between the two, which can
edge to take a more important role in the scene. quickly complicate the situation in unexpected ways.
Anger Management: The PC notices that the oppos­ Offer Terms: The NPC might give specific offers, and
ing character’s level of anger and frustration rises and the players may not know if it is a good offer or not,
falls depending on the subject matter and possibly but their character should. The CM should convey
who is talking during the conversation. The PC may be enough information about the positives and negatives
able to figure out what the character’s trigger points of the offer that the character should know in order to
are, and manipulate them to his advantage. give the player a chance to respond accordingly.
Blown Cover: Someone’s real name or alias is sud­ Technical Data: A character can make use of detailed
denly revealed during the conversation. An NPC might knowledge of a piece of technical data, device, vehi­
call an ally by his real name instead of the one the cle, or starship that is discussed during the encounter.
Unexpected/Unintended Insult: Either the PC or NPC tion looks at ways to increase the drama of a discus­
accidentally or unknowingly insults the other party. The sion, negotiation, or similar encounter.
insult might come in the form of a slight against one
The drama of a situation is naturally increased when
of the negotiator’s associates or an offhand comment
both sides have something important to lose or gain
that might not offend someone of the same political or
by the outcome. Striking a balance between some­
cultural persuasion, but definitely insults one or more
thing that is important enough to add drama, but not
of the people involved in the conversation. Not every
quite enough to start a fight over, can be challenging.
PC may pick up or be offended by the insult, causing a
What is important to one character in one situation
range of reactions across the characters.
may not be important to another character or even
the same character in a different situation.
BEWARE THE INFORMATION DUMP! Prior to the scene, the GM should determine what the
PCs involved might find important. It could be an item,
iven the nature of roleplaying games, there
G are often times when a PC should know much
more about a given situation or subject than the
a person, a vehicle, a culture, or an ideal. Once selected,
the GM then works out how the NPC might view the
same thing. Even if the NPC isn’t particularly interested
player knows or could learn by playing out a in the selected subject, he might become interested to
scene. There is a natural temptation for the CM challenge, thwart, or simply irritate the PCs.
to simply explain the situation or describe the
Once the scene begins, the GM should encourage a
details for the character’s use. Unfortunately,
serious tone to the conversation and actions. Humor
this can lead to long narratives that leave the
isn’t banned, and in fact can add to the drama and
characters with little to do other than listen. A
tension when used well (see Using Humor in Social
better way is to divide up the information, so
Encounters on the next page). However, the NPCs
the characters can learn it from several sources,
should return to a serious tone after any attempts at
or refer to it over the course of the adventure.
humor. The more critical or important the situation,
This allows them to learn the information closer
the more serious the NPCs should act, and the more
to when they need it. Details that are described
responsive they should be.
too far from their point of usage often get lost
in a longer adventure or campaign. During the scene, the NPCs emotions should
usually be apparent.
Unless the characters
USING DRAMA happen to already be
established as unemo­
IN SOCIAL tional, they should show
ENCOUNTERS their feelings on their sleeves
to help communicate their
While any encounter might responses. Emotional characters
include drama, specifically are generally more interesting
designing an encounter and give the PCs more oppor­
to be dramatic without tunities to react and inter­
resorting to combat * act appropriately.
or violence can take
some work. While
a dramatic social
encounter certainly
could lead to fight-
ing, and often does,
there is plenty of
excitement to be
hod without blaster
fire and light sad km M
( lashes This sec-
 CONFLICT IS DRAMA Some extend beyond the social encounter and into
encounter design in general.
rama is derived from conflict. When setting
D up a social encounter, the CM should keep
in mind that most involve some sort of under­
Droids: Droids are traditional and natural sources
of humor in Star Wars. Droids are created and pro­
grammed to succeed at specific tasks. Any situation in
lying conflict. It might be as minor as drawing which they are attempting a task they are ill suited or
information out of a reluctant informant, but not programmed for means they are likely to struggle
sometimes, the two parties are bitter enemies and make mistakes. Droids with unexpected clever­
with little reason to trust each other, let alone ness, such as R2-D2, also ramp up the humor as they
talk something out. CMs should determine the turn their limitations into unexpected assets. Mal­
underlying reasons why there is conflict in a functioning droids also add to the humor, as they do
given scene or discussion, and use that under­ unexpected things or expected actions very poorly.
current to help drive NPC motivations and reac­ Some examples of droids providing humor are pre­
tions to PC negotiating tactics and attitudes. sented here:
• Malfunctioning translator—perhaps the droid
USING HUMOR IN SOCIAL speaks every few words in an obscure, unknown
ENCOUNTERS language, suddenly forgets a language, uses the
wrong dialect, or gets stuck on an unbearable
Humor is among Star Wars' greatest traits. When used accent—or even switches between accents.
effectively, it adds great entertainment value at the • Personalities—Droids with over the top personali­
gaming table. A lot of humor occurs naturally, with ties or personalities counter to their function, size,
players and characters exchanging quips or barbs at or abilities are often amusing. Examples include
each other's expense, or at the situation in general. arrogant protocol droids, medical droids afraid
Interaction between the CM and the players can have to conduct surgery, and overly aggressive mouse
equally amusing moments as their characters antago­ droids. Such personalities can go too far, so the
nize each other and build on each others’ comments. CM should be ready to rein them if it begins to
Creating a scene with a mix of humor and drama wear on players’ nerves.
requires careful pacing. This can be hard to achieve Malfunctions and other disruptions: A sudden
when the CM doesn't control every character in the mechanical malfunction at just the wrong moment can
encounter, unlike a movie scene or written story. How­ interject humor into many social encounters. While
ever, it is possible to plan some shifts between drama these can cause a variety of emotions and conditions,
and humor through pre-generated read aloud text, malfunctions that turn a bad situation into something
or for the CM to trigger certain events or comments impossibly worse are often good fun. Cascading mal­
based on predetermined actions and expected dis­ functions—where one thing after another goes bad in
cussion points. Two common scenarios are: some related fashion—can ratchet up the humor and
• Build tension, build tension, build tension, drama of a situation at the same time. Continually
introduce unexpected humor, then suddenly failing lights or power, quirky computers, and glitchy
increase tension! holographic projectors are easy targets for creating
small moments of amusement and frustration.
• Build tension, build tension, then break tension
(with humor). Humorous species: Though bumbling Cungans are
not the norm for their species, any species’ physical
The CM should also determine when not to inten­ or cultural quirks can become the source of humor
tionally use humor. While he cannot keep the PCs from when combined with the need for negotiation and
interjecting their idea of fun into an encounter, dra­ discussion. Imagine an enormous Camorrean, famous
matic moments are usually best used without laugh for their dim-wittedness, trying to navigate the oddi­
out loud humor. Some villains in the Star Wars movies ties of buying items from a quick witted Toydar-
share in the occasional amusing moment at their own ian with questionable goods. Jawas provide humor
expense, but most major villains do not—especially through their deeds (taking apart whatever they can
those using the dark side of the Force. Darth Vader get their hands on at any moment) and their nego­
never laughs. When the Emperor laughs, it is strictly at tiations (when their trade goods suddenly fail or fall
his own cleverness and superiority, never at himself or apart at just the wrong moment). This pits extreme
at his own expense. Everyone else should be terrified differences of personality, cunning, culture, size, and
at the thing he finds so amusing. more against each other.
Creating situations for humor to blossom is very
challenging, as comedians or amusing storytellers can
attest. Below are a few suggestions that might help.
COLONIST CONTRACTS
nlike other careers, which have criminal or military Part 3: The PCs must return to the Chevin with the list
U backgrounds, Colonists contextualize their world
through civilian and corporate culture. As such, their
of demands and negotiate on the miners’ behalf. The
Chevin is shrewd and stingy, and sees no reason he
work is usually outlined in a written or verbal con­ shouldn’t stick with his slave labor. After convincing
tract. Colonists prefer contracts that create recurring the Chevin to make some concessions, the PCs must
payments and repeat business, but such work is rare take the counter-offer back to the miners. If all their
and the bidding for them is fierce. Most Colonists are demands are met, only a Simple Negotiation check is
forced to take side jobs performing a wide variety of required. For each demand not met, increase the diffi­
tasks to stay solvent. culty of the check one step. If the negotiations fail, the
This section presents potential contracts and jobs miners resolve to take down the Chevin by force, and
for Colonists. A contract usually covers the time period if that fails, destroy the mine. The PCs must choose
of an entire adventure, though multiple smaller jobs whether to help the miners, the Chevin, or bow out
might take place within larger adventures. While these and let the two sides destroy each other.
contracts are designed for Colonists, other characters Twist: The mine itself is rich with a unique mate­
may take supporting roles or participate as equals, rial used exclusively by an organization the party
depending on their backgrounds and goals. opposes, perhaps a metal unique to the Empire like
an element of quadanium steel, or an explosive used
PICKING AT SCABS by the Rebellion such as baradium. This means that at
least one person in the party should want to see the
The PCs are hired by a Chevin mining tycoon to mediate mine collapsed or otherwise shut down.
a settlement with his disgruntled employees. The min­
ers went on strike, and when the Chevin replaced them SPLITTING HEIRS
with independent labor, the miners turned violent and
barricaded themselves inside the mine. The miners are The Party is hired to locate a missing teenaged heir
threatening to collapse the mine if their demands aren’t to House Demici on Serenno. The boy’s recently wid­
met The PCs must enter the mine and hear the workers owed father suspects his rivals, House Nalju, though
out to reach a settlement. he tends to suspect them of everything. During their
Part 1: The PCs are visiting or operating in the area investigation in Nalju territory, the party is captured
when they are contacted by a desperate wife of the and accused of espionage, but learn House Nalju is
mine foreman. She has taken up a collection from all not responsible for the boy’s disappearance. A raid by
the miners’ families, and hopes the PCs can talk sense Noble Guards wearing House Demici colors ends with
into her spouse and the owner. While she knows it the abduction of the heir to House Nalju, leaving the
isn’t much, she suggests the Chevin owner should at PCs to figure out what is going on and put a stop to it.
least match her offer. Once the PCs finalize their con­ Part 1: The PCs are contacted by the leader of House
tract with the Chevin as independent mediators, they Demici to locate his missing son and only heir. After
can go to the mine. negotiating their compensation, the PCs can search
Part 2: The mine shaft is bored directly into the side the boy’s chambers and talk to his educators, chefs,
of a mountain. Next to the mountain is an abandoned and servants to gain perspective on the missing boy
staging area littered with heavy machinery and even a and his possible whereabouts. The party learns he
couple bodies of miners and strikebreakers. Evidence set out to hunt split-tail dorsalope with a dozen of his
of a bloody, close-fought battle is all over the site; Noble Guard. The path leads toward House Nalju ter­
blood-soaked picks, shovels, and drills lay next to the ritory, which confirms Count Demici’s suspicions.
corpses. The main entrance is guarded by a pair of min­ Part 2: While following the trail, the party is captured
ers sporting blaster rifles, and the turbolift is disabled and brought to a House Nalju encampment. The
at the bottom of the shaft. The PCs must convince the camp is led by the teenaged heir of Count Nalju. He
guards to call the lift, then meet with the leader of the claims to be investigating a sighting of House Demici
strike-turned-lock-in, and hear his demands. The min­ Noble Guard, but has yet to find anything. Young
ers are demanding better pay, fewer hours, better job Nalju says he would gladly escort the young lord
security, better working conditions, better protective home if he found him, in order to avoid war between
gear, and pardons for the accidental death of any of their houses. Depending on the actions of the party,
the scab workers who tried to take over the work site. Nalju tells the PCs they are to be taken to his father
They also oppose the use of slave labor, which is where for questioning or escorted back to Demici territory
the Chevin got his replacement workforce. in the morning. Either way, in the middle of the night,
the camp is attacked by House Demici Noble Guards­ is a potential suspect except the PCs. The sheriff and
men. In the ensuing battle, the party witnesses the governor lock down the mansion and ask the party
heir to House Nalju being stunned and dragged off to lead the investigation.
into the forest.
Part 1: The PCs are contacted by the campaign
Part 3: The PCs must sneak after the manager Vil Kargaims to put on a performance dur­
kidnappers. They can follow the ing a re-election campaign rally at the governor’s
trail several days on foot to a can­ mansion during Fete Week. After negotiating a fee
yon. Inside, guards from both and any other concessions, the PCs are given early
houses are working together. access to the grounds to rehearse. At the mansion,
The party can surrender, fight, the party meets several influential members of the
or sneak past the guards. Once colony, including the Governor, his top aides, the sher­
inside, they discover the two iff, rancher barons, and other influential locals. They
heirs have allied to drive their also meet a supporter the campaign staffers call "Big
houses to war. They plan to kill Bantha," thanks to his massive campaign donations
their fathers during the confu­ in past elections. He is a die-hard fan of any Perform­
sion and take over their respec­ ers in the party, and Kargaims hopes to impress him
tive houses. After a brief arms enough that he donates big credits this year. The per­
race, the two young heirs could formance can be heard throughout the building, but is
unite their houses and interrupted by sounds of blaster fire. Moments later,
dominate Serenno. the party learns that Vil Kargaims was just murdered.
Part 2: The mansion is immediately locked down by
private security under direction of the sheriff. Unfor­
tunately, the sheriff can’t account for her whereabouts
during the murder, claiming she was in the refresher.
Since everyone was able to hear the rehearsal at the
time of the murder, only the PCs are above suspi­
The PCs can
cion. With the sheriff recused from the investigation
try to convince
because she is a potential suspect, the governor dep­
the boys to sur­
utizes the party to carry out the investigation. Ques­
render, fight them to
tioning all the potential witnesses eventually leads the
a standoff, or simply
party to discover the following information:
escape to get word to
their fathers. How­ • The governor had an affair with a junior aide,
ever, convincing the which Kargaims discovered.
Counts of their sons’ • Kargaims was a notoriously bad sabacc player,
treachery should prove and owed credits all over town, including a large
difficult without indisput­ sum to a rancher.
able evidence.
• When not on the campaign, Kargaims was a
Twist: Count Demici is in barrister, and recently condemned a woman to
possession of an item or abil­ death over a speeder crash fatality. The woman's
ity to help alleviate the Obliga­ husband is on the catering staff.
tion of a party member.
• “ Big Bantha” is a friend and supporter of the
governor, but a deeper look reveals that many
POLITICAL of the policies the governor is currently pushing
PARTY jeopardize “ Big Bantha’s” stranglehold over the
local markets. Chief among these plans is a trade
The PCs are hired by a senior politi­ agreement with a neighboring system.
cal aide named Vil Kargaims to per­
Part 3: The PCs must go over their evidence and
form at a Fete Week celebration. The
decide who is responsible for Kargaims’ murder. The
event doubles as a re-election cam­
conclusion the PCs are most encouraged to reach
paign for the leader of a small colony
is to blame the condemned woman’s husband, who
world, and as such includes dozens of
then claims the governor put him up to it to cover up
campaign staff and supporters during
his affair. The truth is that “Big Bantha" conspired to
the planning. There is an unnamed air
have the husband take the fall so the governor will
of tension to the preparations that
lose the election. His opponent is against the trade
comes to a head when Vil Kargaims is
agreement. “ Big Bantha” promised the husband that
murdered. Everyone on the property
the new governor would pardon him and his wife. The try to bluff, bully, or negotiate their way to an audience
PCs must decide how much discretion to exercise, as with their leader. The party should try to convince the
evidence of the affair has a good chance of dashing bikers to move on, but they seem itching for a fight.
the governor’s re-election hopes as completely as Fortunately, the gang seems unaware of the potential
allegations of a murder conspiracy. fortune in gems and minerals within the caves.
Twist: A party member owes obligation or has some Part 2: Depending on how the PCs dealt with the
sort of background tie to “Big Bantha." He uses lever­ gang, they either have control of the homestead
age on the party member to make sure the bereaved or are forced to sneak past the bikers to the caves.
husband and the governor's affair with his intern are Either way, exploration of the cave system is danger­
both discovered and tied to the slain campaign man­ ous; Scholars and Doctors should recognize some
ager as motives. hazards, including deadly spores, sinkholes, and
insect life. Navigation of the cave system is likewise
FRONTIER CLAIM complicated, requiring spelunking equipment or
repulsorpack assistance. Despite the dangers, if the
One of the PCs is granted a parcel of land for a reason PCs press on, they should be allowed to discover a
that makes sense within the context of the campaign. lode of rich minerals or gemstones they can sample
The land includes a cave system supposedly rich with to have tested in town a few hundred kilometers away.
minerals and gems, though its location carries some Part 3: Upon exiting the caves, the PCs run into the
inherent dangers. Unfortunately, upon arrival, the swoop gang, this time with a more aggressive leader.
party discovers the land and the buildings on it have The swoop gang followed the PCs after their previous
been overrun by a squatting swoop gang. encounter. If the party destroyed the gang with no sur­
Part 1: The PCs receive a message about their inheri­ vivors, then it is instead a rival gang. The bikers seem
tance. Upon their arrival at the inherited parcel of land, intent on eliminating the party and claiming the gems
the party finds well over two dozen swoop bikers and a for themselves, and are unlikely to allow much negotia­
dozen hangers-on scattered across the property. They tion. The gems are quite valuable, worth tens of thou­
have broken in and ransacked the buildings, and have sands of credits (or able to pay off 5-10 Obligation).
been squatting there for weeks, turning the rustic home­ Twist: The swoop gang leader is somehow related to
stead into something closely resembling the scene of the character who inherited the homestead, or at least
a high-speed podracing crash. Upon discovery of the to the person who bequeathed it. He would seem to
party, the gang members turn hostile, but the PCs can have a legitimate, almost equal claim to the property.
COLONIST CAMPAIGNS
his section contains ideas and advice for conduct­ ries, workshops, power generators, water treatment
T ing socially focused campaigns for Colonists. Unlike
campaigns centered on other careers, Colonist cam­
facilities, and a chow hall that is part cafeteria and
part lounge. As the homesteads grow, children and
paigns favor social challenges over the heavy use of favored hands are often granted small parcels of land
combat or other skill types. These campaigns might to tend as their own. These families may even pur­
depend on the party to direct a colonization effort, chase the land outright, forming homesteads of their
help a struggling colony, or follow the story of a par­ own. Eventually, this may create a true community.
ticular group of settlers. PCs can even build their own
The second key component to successful colonies is
homestead from scratch, then watch it grow in size
a business. Once several homesteads have grown large
and complexity until its influence rivals that of any
or close enough to form a community, businesses crop
land baron in the sector.
up to meet their needs. These businesses tend to be
small and self-sufficient; with the first tending to a broad
COLONIST BASE OF spectrum of customer needs (general stores) and later
OPERATIONS RULES businesses focusing on a particular area of commerce.

A key component to early colonization efforts of any CREATING A HOMESTEAD OR BUSINESS

planet is the homestead; it is an independent colony
in miniature, operated by a hardy group of individuals In Colonist campaigns, there is a good chance that
living communally. Homesteads are often owned and the majority of the campaign takes place on a single
operated by large families or clans, though it is not planet, limiting the utility of a party starship. In lieu
uncommon for homesteaders to hire on additional of a ship, players may wish to establish a business in
hands, particularly for harvest and auction seasons. town, or to create their own homestead. These loca­
tions can be used as a headquarters for the party, ful­
Despite countless variations to account for functional filling a similar role to the party starship. If the party
environmental needs and individual aesthetics, most begins play with a homestead or business instead of
homesteads have a similar design. There is always a a party starship, all costs are waived.
main house around which the rest of the homestead is
arranged, known as the main campus. The main house First, the party should determine whether their base
functions as home to either owners or the entire clan. of operations is a homestead or a business. Once the
This is often the largest building on the main campus, party has selected a headquarters type, the next step
and doubles as an administrative and meeting space. is to determine the focus. For homesteads, the party
must choose an animal to ranch, a crop to farm, or a
Homesteads also have several support buildings resource to mine (this might even be something like
near the main campus. These often include dormito­ asteroid mining with a private space station). Busi-

DARKLIGHTER ESTATE

uff Darklighter, father of rebel hero Biggs Dark- and even nomadic bands of Tusken Raiders and
H lighter, manages the most powerful homestead
on Tatooine. the Darklighter Estate. Sprawling
Jawas long before they arrive. That no disaster
has arrived unannounced has been the differ­
across over a thousand square kilometers and ence between zero losses and financial ruin more
located just southwest of Anchorhead, the home­ than once for the Darklighters.
stead primarily deals in hydroponic farming. The
Like many homesteads on Tatooine, most of the
estate also includes dozens of moisture farms run
Darklighter Estate is underground, with a large,
by sharecroppers, which allows the Darklighters to
open-air courtyard. There are upwards of four
acquire water for their hydroponic farms at cost.
dozen hands and family members on the estate
Huff is always looking to expand his operations,
at any given time, and including sharecroppers,
and currently has his eyes on the Lars Homestead,
Huff has well over one hundred able-bodied
which borders his territory.
beings under his care. The Darklighter patriarch
One of the biggest advantages the Darklighter takes pride in his reputation for throwing lavish
Estate holds over other homesteads on Tatoo­ feasts, where all his hands leave full and con­
ine is its ownership of a weather satellite dedi­ tented. It is a saying amongst moisture farmers
cated to monitoring its region. This orbital assis­ that on Tatooine, only Jabba’s rancor eats better
tant allows Huff to detect incoming sandstorms than those on the Darklighter Estate.
 BASE OF OPERATIONS OBLIGATION THE COLONIST BASE OF
he Obligation earned when improving a
OPERATIONS
T base of operations is group Obligation,
which means it is Obligation belonging to all
When the base of operations is first purchased, the
party gains the basic base of operations. The base of
the Player Characters in the party. This means operations also has a series of upgrades the party can
that when this Obligation triggers, each PC suf­ purchase for additional credits or Obligation. Each
fers the effects of his Obligation triggering. additional Obligation increases the magnitude of the
Generally, when the base of operations Obli­ original Obligation taken to pay for the base of opera­
gation triggers, the narrative events should tions, instead of becoming a “ new” Obligation.
relate to the base of operations. This could be The upgrades are presented on Table 3 -4 :
as simple as unexpected bills or an afternoon Homestead Upgrades and Table 3 -5 : Business
of repairing moisture vaporators on the South Upgrades. Each upgrade has a description of the
Ridge. Alternatively, it could involve a rampag­ upgrade, and a cost in credits or Obligation (the play­
ing gundark breaking into the pastureland or a ers select how they would like to pay for the upgrade
rival mining baron deciding to execute a hos­ when they select it). These upgrades may be pur­
tile takeover of the PCs’ land. The GM is free chased in any order at the beginning of any session,
to make the narrative effects of the Obligation as long as the GM says the purchase makes narra­
triggering minimally invasive, if it would dis­ tive sense (purchasing a new garage while the party
tract from an important ongoing plotline, or an is in the midst of a protracted combat with bandits
unexpected and major issue for the PCs to deal wouldn’t make sense, for example, since the garage
with immediately and personally. may take a week or two of uninterrupted work to
One possibility the GM can keep in mind is that build). If it makes sense that the upgrade would take
a prominent upgrade for a base of operations time to install, or involve adding a new NPC to the
is profits for the PCs. If the base of operation’s base of operation, the GM handles this narratively.
Obligations triggers (and particularly if it rolls
doubles), the GM might decrease the amount HOMESTEAD
of money the PCs make off their base of opera­
tions that month due to the unexpected costs To start a homestead, the party chooses the location
or slumping profits. where they would like the build the homestead and a
core function they would like to serve: ranching, farm­
ing, mining, or something similar. Ranches focus on rais­
nesses instead select an entertainment venue, a retail
ing animals for pets, food, or labor. Farms grow crops
store, ora service shop. In both cases, the chosen focus
for food or industrial purposes. Mines extract natural
determines a specific skill that becomes a career skill
resources from the environment. The particular animal,
for all party members (representing their familiarity
crop, or resource can be determined by the players and
with the type of work the homestead focuses on). The
the GM. The party might have a nerf ranch on Delaya, a
party can then spend credits or undertake additional
hydroponic farm on Tatooine, or a tibanna gas mine on
group Obligation to improve their base of operations.
Bespin. It is also possible to use the homestead rules to
The various abilities can provide a steady stream of
represent a small commercial space station run by the
credits for players, or make new resources or services
party. In this case, the station usually sells consumables,
available to the party between adventures.
repairs, and entertainment to passing ships (although
The headquarters can be more than just a mechani­ this could also be considered a business, its self-suffi­
cal benefit to the party. Many improvements add an ciency makes the homestead rules more appropriate).
NPC to the base of operations that the party can get
Basic Homestead: The basic homestead includes a
to know between adventures. These NPCs can then
main house, kitchen, power generator, water well, and
be used to help kickstart new adventures and encoun­
a living quarters. It also attracts one NPC employee
ters. Perhaps the children of the homestead’s mining
per party member, and includes an area up to ten
foreman have gone missing, and the PCs must form a
square kilometers that is suitable for the selected
search party to locate them. A regular customer at the
focus of the homestead. In the case of a space sta­
party’s cantina was mugged after leaving the previous
tion, it includes a hangar bay as well as quarters for
evening, and it is up to the party to investigate and
the crew, and instead of ten square kilometers, it has
make sure their patrons are safe. A customer brings
accommodations for ten visitors and two docking
in a blasted-up droid into the party’s droid shop, but
tubes that can connect to visiting spacecraft.
during repairs, the party discovers the details of a plan
to begin spice refining and distribution near town. Basic Homestead Cost: 50,000 credits and 5 Obli­
gation. These costs are waived if the homestead is
selected in lieu of a ship at character creation.
TABLE 3 -4: HOMESTEAD UPG RAD ES

Upgrade Type ' Upgrade Description Upgrade Cost 1

The size and scope of the homestead grows, increasing the scale of operations and the
profits for those invested in it. If the homestead is a ranch or farm, the land area may
increase, mines may dig additional tunnels, and a space station may expand in size.
Increase Core Alternatively, the homestead may hire more employees or invest in be tter technology 2 ,5 00 credits or
Focus and infrastructure. Once a month, each PC in the party receives 100 credits in profits + 2 Obligation
from the homestead.
This upgrade may be taken up to four additional times, each time increasing the profits
received by 100 credits.

The hom estead’s security improves, better protecting the people within. When this
upgrade is purchased, select one of the following:

• All buildings (or doors within the space station) gain electronic locks that can only
be broken with a H ard ( ^ ^ ^ ) C o m p u te rs check
• The homestead gains a security droid (See E d g e of the E m p ir e Core Rulebook page 412). 10,000 credits or
Improve Security
+ 2 Obligation
• The homestead gains reinforced fences around the main buildings, o r if it is a space
station, it gains shields granting it defense 1.

• The homestead gains security cameras that can be accessed from a central control room.
This upgrade may be purchased two additional times, each tim e selecting a different
option.

The homestead includes an NPC ally who can help the party with certain tasks. This may
be an employee of the party, or a wandering merchant or doctor who decides to settle at
the homestead for a time. When this upgrade is selected, choose one of the following:

• A NPC merchant who can obtain items (some of dubious legal value) for the party.
The merchant has a Presence of 3, Cunning of 3, 2 ranks in Negotiation, and 2
ranks in Streetwise. He can obtain and sell any legal or Restricted item with a m odi­
fied rarity of 5 or lower to the party.
• An NPC doctor who can heal characters on the homestead and treat ailments. The
doctor has an Intellect of 3 and 2 ranks in Medicine. He has medical supplies allow­
ing him to perform Medicine checks w ithout penalty.
2 ,0 0 0 credits or
NPC Ally • An NPC mechanic who can repair items, droids, and starships and vehicles. The +1 Obligation
mechanic has an Intellect of 3, 2 ranks in Mechanics, and 2 ranks in Computers. He
has a tool kit allowing him to perform Mechanics checks without penalty.
• An NPC pilot who can pilot ground or space vehicles for the party. The pilot has an
A gility of 3. an Intellect of 2 and 2 ranks in Piloting (Planetary), 2 ranks in Piloting
(Space), and 2 ranks in Astrogation.
If the CM needs a full profile for these NPCs, he should assume they have a 2 in all other
characteristics, 1 rank in the party career skill determined by the homestead (unless it
would be higher due to their selected profile), and no ranks in any additional skills.
This upgrade may be taken three additional times, with a different NPC being chosen
each time.

The homestead includes an infirmary, stocked to handle any major accidents or

outbreaks of disease.
5 ,0 0 0 credits or
Infirmary The infirm ary includes beds for several patients, medical supplies (allowing characters
+ 3 Obligation
to perform Medicine checks w ithout penalty), and a bacta tank with a supply of bacta.
This upgrade can only be taken once.

The homestead includes a garage where mechanics can make repairs on vehicles
and droids. The garage includes a full set of mechanic’s tools (allowing characters to
perform Mechanics checks to heal droids or repair starships w ithout penalty), and an 5 ,0 0 0 credits or
Mechanic's Garage oil bath for droids. When used to repair starships or vehicles, the character repairs 2 + 3 Obligation
additional hull trauma or 2 additional system strain on a successful check.
This upgrade can only be taken once.

The homestead includes a landing bay able to hold starships or vehicles. This may be
an open landing bay, an enclosed hanger, or a pressured docking bay with a mag-con
field for a space station.
The landing bay holds a num ber of vehicles with a com bined silhouette of 15, with no 3 ,0 0 0 credits or
Landing Bay
single vehicle larger than silhouette 5. +1 Obligation
This upgrade may be taken up to two additional times. If taken additional times, this
can either represent additional landing bays, or increase the com bined silhouette lim it
of the original bay by 15 (although the maximum vehicle size remains at silhouette 5).
 Party Career Skill: The party must select
one homestead focus. The focus determines
the career skill granted to the entire party:
Farm (Resilience), Ranch (Survival), Mine (Ath­
letics), Space Station (Piloting [Space]). Each
character in the party counts this skill as a
career skill.

BUSINESS

Not all campaigns work thematically with the

isolated and insular nature of a homestead. An
alternative is to open a business in town, where
the party can regroup between adventures
and be a part of a larger community. To create
a business, the party chooses both a location and a
focus for it. The different business focuses are enter­
tainment, retail, and service. Entertainment venues
include cantinas, nightclubs, casinos, and restaurants.
Retail shops stock and sell a single category of gear,
such as ranged weapons, melee weapons, armor,
communications, detection devices, medical, cyber­
netics, recreational entertainment, security, survival,
tools, droids, ground vehicles, airspeeders, or star-
ships. Service businesses might include a repair shop,
medical clinic, gym, adventure travel firm, consult­
ing firm, a taxi stand, or countless others.
Basic Business: The basic business includes a
main floor for customers, a back room for stor­
age, and either an upstairs or basement the party
can use as a living area. It contains the basic
equipment needed to operate the business
(a medical clinic might include cots and
basic medical supplies, a repair shop may
include lifts and repair tools, and a retail
shop would include shelves and basic retail
stock). It also includes one employee or
droid per party member.
Basic Business Cost: 50,000 credits and 5
Obligation. The costs are waived if selected in
lieu of a ship at party creation.
Party Career Skill: The party must select
one business focus. The focus determines
the career skill granted to the entire party:
Entertainment (Charm), Retail (Negotiation),
Service (choose either Mechanics, Computers,
or a single applicable Knowledge skill for the
entire party). Each character in the party counts
this skill as a career skill.
TABLE 3-5: BUSINESS UPGRADES
Upgrade Type ' Upgrade Description Upgrade Cost
The size and scope of the business grows, increasing the scale of operations and the
profits for those invested in it. The size of the building may increase, the business may
hire more employees, or it may make investments in infrastructure and technology.
Increase Core 2 ,5 0 0 credits or
Focus Once per month, each PC in the party receives 2 0 0 credits in profits from the business. + 2 Obligation
This upgrade may be taken up to four additional times, each time increasing the profits
received by 20 0 credits.

The business's security improves, be tter protecting the people within. When this
upgrade is purchased, select one of the following:

• The business’s doors, windows, and outbuildings gain electronic locks that can only
be broken with an Hard Computers check
• The business gains a security droid (See E d g e of th e E m p ir e Core Rulebook page 412).
10,000 credits or
Improve Security
• The business’s main buildings are constructed of heavily reinforced materials, giv­ + 2 Obligation
ing it an arm or value of 2 (weapons unable to do more than 2 planetary scale dam ­
age cannot damage the buildings).
• The business gains security cameras that can be accessed from a central control room.
This upgrade may be purchased three additional times, each tim e selecting a
different option.

The business increases its ability to obtain hard to find items relating to the business’s focus.
When attem pting to find an item that relates to the business (how this applies exactly 2,0 0 0 credits or
Special Orders
is up to the GM), the item ’s rarity decreases by 2 (in addition to other modifiers). + 1 Obligation
This upgrade can only be purchased once.

The business gains the ab ility to purchase items in bulk with a discount.
When purchasing bulk orders of legal items tha t have a modified rarity of 4 or lower,
the total price decreases by 10 percent. The am ount constituting a "bulk order” is up 1.000 credits or
Wholesale Prices
to the GM, but should be at least 10 large items such as speeder bikes or portable +1 Obligation
entertainm ent systems, or 100 small items such as pre-packaged meals or comlinks.
This upgrade can only be purchased once.

The business gains a specialized license, allowing it to conduct activity that may
norm ally be restricted, licensed, or illegal. The nature of this license depends on the
Specialized 2 ,5 0 0 credits or
business and the world the business is located on (as not all worlds find the same
License + 2 Obligation
activities illegal), but it could include selling Restricted items, weapons, or armor,
running a casino, or operating a private security force or mercenary o u tfit

COLONIST CAMPAIGN for civilians, particularly those caught in the crossfire,

and intends to produce a public relations campaign
IDEAS around the wounded to assist in fundraising across
the galaxy. The PCs must come up with creative solu­
The following sections contain campaign ideas that tions for dealing with the supply shortages, attempts
GMs may adapt and expand upon for their own to commandeer the hospital, and any unexpected
games. Each section addresses a different take on repercussions their actions might create.
Colonists, their group size, and their specializations.
While the main players are described, the GM must Possible Location: The suggested location is a small
create their stats or use similar stats from the Edge of city in the Rim at war with the Empire, or any location
the E mpire Core Rulebook. This allows the GM to fully with victims of natural disaster or internal strife. Some
customize the scenario to the difficulty level appropri­ suggestions would include cities on Begeren, Jabiim,
ate for the PCs, whether they are starting new or are Ord Biniir, Sullust, or any world within Bothan Space.
heavily experienced. Employer: Refugee Relief Movement, an organization
formed three decades prior that once helped to relo­
NEUTRAL PRACTICES cate and care for the victims of natural disasters and
those caught in the middle of the Clone Wars. The RRM
The PCs are hired by the Refugee Relief Movement to
still operates in much the same way, but goes to great
reopen a hospital within an active war zone between
lengths to make certain they are not seen as Rebel
local factions. The hospital has been looted, but sur­
sympathizers through a policy of strict neutrality.
vived air strikes intact. The RRM hopes to provide care
Enemy Forces: The enemy forces are mostly looters, violate the RRM’s neutrality rule, but would provide
disgruntled patients, and both warring factions, be it much needed help to wounded civilians.
the Empire and Rebellion or two local factions.
Episode III: The PCs next need to help staff the hos­
Starting amount for payment negotiation: The pital with medical personnel, as word is spreading and
RRM realizes the inherent danger of this effort, and the work load is getting too large for the party to han­
there are very few beings with the desired skills will­ dle the patients alone. If the PCs helped the Imperials
ing to go. The price starts at 20,000 per PC upon in the last episode, they could contact the officer and
completion of the contract, though PCs can negotiate ask if any Imperial surgeons and medics might volun­
for up to 25,000, with 5,000 up front, or for some teer to pull some shifts. Otherwise, the Chief of Public
additional supplies. The RRM also provides food and Relations can speak with the mayor about any doc­
supplies for the three month job. tors, surgeons, nurses, or medical droids that might
Campaign Objectives: The primary objective is to still be in the area. A trek through the city, with some
get the city hospital back to operational status, and luck and good investigation, can yield a number of
to provide civilians with shelter from the fighting. The medical droids (including the mayor’s own), a former
hospital needs an emergency room, a clean room for military doctor in the planetary militia, and a cosmetic
surgery, a long term care ward, a cafeteria, and a refu­ surgeon. The party must also choose between setting
gee shelter. Each of these locations requires power up a clean room for surgery, which would increase sur­
and staffing. The RRM has also given strict instruc­ vivability and reduce the rate of infection during sur­
tions to keep the hospital neutral, fearful the Empire geries, or shelter for displaced civilians, which could
might label them rebellious. prevent future injuries and deaths, but put undue
strain on food and water supplies.
Episode I: An RRM missionary contacts the PCs and
offers them the job. Their first task is to shuttle to the Episode IV: Supplies have begun to run low, and
planet and establish an operations center at the hos­ unless the party has repaired the landing pad, the PCs
pital. The RRM has secured an Imperial escort from must meet the supply ship several kilometers outside
the landing site to the hospital, and players can meet of the city. Also, a wounded Imperial agent named
the Imperial Commander (or Imperial-allied side) and Galway stumbles into the supply exchange. Agent
learn about the conflict. Galway claims he is not with the military, and is inves­
tigating rumors of slave traders taking advantage of
Upon arriving at the hospital, the PCs need to clear displaced civilians. While talking with Galway, a band
out any squatters and get the supplies inside and of brigands that allegedly wounded him attack the
secured before they are raided. Members of the party supply exchange or hospital proper. There are many
should be designated various positions, including the patients whose lives depend on the supplies getting
Director of Hospital Services (potentially for Politicos), back to the hospital, and the PCs should prioritize
Chief of Medicine (a good position for Doctors), Chief of protecting the crates.
Medical Research (a potential Scholar position), Chief
of Security (possibly for Marshals), Chief of Logistics Also, the party must choose between putting
(potentially for Entrepreneurs), and Chief of Public Out­ resources into building a cafeteria or a communica­
reach (a reasonable position for Performers). Each of tions array. The cafeteria can improve morale and
these department heads can also have assistants, with feed refugees. Alternatively, the long-range commu­
medical professionals being the most valued commod­ nications array can send images and data back to the
ity. The party also has to set up an emergency room RRM to begin their PR campaign, which makes addi­
and put out feelers to recruit personnel with medical tional supplies available in the next episode.
training to assist. Note that the party only has the Episode V: With the fighting over, the Imperial agent
labor and resources to set up one ward per episode. asks the party to be his temporary deputies to help
Episode II: The next job is for the party to spread the him track down and put a stop to the slaving activ­
word that the hospital re-opened under the neutral ity. He accompanies the party as they talk to half a
protection of the RRM. The Chief of Medical Research dozen or more locals who tell stories of others being
discovers that the limb-loss injuries are the biggest abducted and never seen again. Eventually they track
single issue. These patients require more than just the slavers to their lair, and the party realizes, after
emergency care, meaning a long term care ward is a watching for a moment, that it is actually a Rebel
priority. Alternatively, the party can repair the rooftop recruiting and resistance operation, not a slaver oper­
shuttle landing pad, saving a trip to the edge of town ation. The missing people were new recruits being
for resupply, though stores are currently full. Amidst sent offworld. The party must decide what to do with
this effort, an Imperial officer enters the hospital this information, and whom to side with. The party
with a squad of walking-wounded troopers shuffling can also select any hospital improvement they passed
behind him. If his men are given immediate treat­ on in a previous episode to add this time. After return­
ment, the Commander promises to get some medi­ ing to the hospital, the RRM delegate that hired the
cal supplies diverted to the PCs. This would clearly party arrives with the next crew, evaluates the PCs’
performance, and gives them the remainder of their fence. Later (in Episode II), the PCs may be employed
payment, if any. by a Black Sun underboss.
IM PERIAL AGENT GALWAY Enemy Forces: Only the ones the party makes along
the way.
Agent Galway is an Imperial special agent in charge
of rooting out illegal enslavement of sentient beings Starting amount for payment negotiation: 100
according to Imperial law. More often than not, Agent credits per party member, negotiable up to 150,
Galway finds himself protecting enslaved humans. He though each job is worth progressively more.
is young, idealistic, and believes all of mankind should Campaign Objectives: Turn disaster into destiny
be free. Of course, he hasn’t given much thought to and grow a dying shadowport into a thriving center of
the slavery of non-humans. However, he is a hero to trade, illicit or otherwise.
many freed former slaves on the fringes of Imperial
Space, and both a gifted investigator and combatant. Episode I: The PCs arrive on Gandanta Station to
Agent Galway is not ready to consider the hypocrisy meet with a Toydarian fence named Flummot, only
of Imperial-sponsored enslavement of the Mon Cala- to discover their planet of origin recently reported
mari, Wookiees, and others, and confronting him on an outbreak of Sangi Fever. The quarantine protocols
this issue pushes him to anger. require immediate isolation and testing of the PCs
and a decontamination sweep of their ship. However,
IM P R O V IN G STATION when the PCs return from medical, they find the ship
has been stolen. Flummot arrives in the docking bay,
The PCs travel to Gandanta Station, an obscure shad- takes pity on the PCs, and offers them a job. Flummot
owport and home to thousands, to meet with a Toy- needs some stolen artwork validated before he buys
darian fence to sell a recently acquired item. Unfor­ it, as well as some extra muscle for the transaction.
tunately, the PCs' ship is stolen almost immediately, The PCs negotiate the terms of the job, and Flummot
leaving them stranded. The PCs are forced to do odd gives them a general rundown of the station and a
jobs for the Toydarian until they get back on their brief tour. The deal is with some Black Sun agents,
feet. The work presents opportunities for the PCs to who allegedly “acquired” the
make contacts within Black Sun, which eventually co­ artwork from the Tion
opts the party into taking over the station in its name. Hegem ony.
Of course, being a Black Sun asset comes with its own
problems. The PCs must decide if they want to stay
with Black Sun, ally with the Hutt Cartels, go indepen­
dent, or turn legit.
Possible Location: Any large space station can
work, but the Phaseera System in the Lantil-
lian Sector provides an ideal location.
Employer: Flummot, a Toydarian
Moments after the PCs verify the authenticity of the revealing their true motives to avoid a cantina brawl.
art, a gang of Hutt thugs interrupt the meeting, and Eventually, the PCs discover that there is a homing
Flummot is wounded. The PCs must get Flummot and beacon in Flummot’s chance cube.
the paintings to safety, while the Black Sun agents
Episode III: The underboss wants to use the chance
engage the bulk of the enemy.
cube as a trap. He has the PCs spread word that
Episode II: Impressed with the PCs’ skills and grate­ Flummot is making a paradigm-shifting deal later that
ful for saving his life, Flummot offers to introduce night. That evening, the PCs don breathers and mag
the PCs to the Black Sun underboss—a Trandoshan boots and carry the chance cube from Flummot's to a
named Raken—assigned to oversee Candanta Station small hangar bay where they hide. When Hutt forces
operations. Fie wants the party to work with Black storm the hangar, a Black Sun agent is supposed to
Sun to oppose Hutt Cartel rule over the station. Their slice the hangar door, sucking the enemy out into
first mission is to discover the identity of their the void. However, as the hangar fills with enemies, it
ambushers and their source of information. becomes clear that something has gone wrong on the
The PCs have to skulk through multiple Black Sun agent’s end. One of the PCs must get to the
cantinas and Hutt fronts without controls and slice the door.
Episode IV: With the Hutt’s security detail in sham­
bles, the underboss offers to install the PCs as the
new leaders of Gandanta to run day-to-day operations
for Black Sun. This first requires going directly to the
Hutt in his throne room and convincing him to leave
the station. The Hutt is obstinate, but without many
thugs left, he can be intimidated. The PCs can also
be reminded that the Hutt was in charge when their
ship was stolen or impounded, and this is a chance for
them to reclaim their ship and its contents. With the
Hutt ousted, the party now runs the station for Black closer to the indigenes, the mayor moves toward a
Sun, and has a small contingent of Black Sun thugs to violent resolution to the dispute, with the PCs caught
help keep order. in the middle.
Episode V: Black Sun has begun using Candanta as Possible Location: Any planet that is host to both
a major interchange for moving arms and spice. They colonists and a prim itive or semi-sentient species
have also strong-armed some local systems to use the works, but planets like Dandelo, Dantooine, Gigor,
station for their legit shipment needs, to provide more Maridun, Malastare, Nelvaan, or Sluudren are all
cover for the increased activity. Additionally, the Hutt fine examples.
Cartels have sent a young upstart to negotiate rights Employer: Imperial Xenodetic Survey Department
to use the station for some of their smuggling efforts.
(Formerly the Republic Bureau of Xenology)
Finally, Black Sun agents report that a pair of Sec­
tor Rangers have recently come onboard and begun Enemy Forces: Colonists and local wildlife.
nosing about the station in response to the increased Starting amount for payment negotiation: 3,000
activity. The PCs must find a way to get rid of both the credits per PC, negotiable up to 4,000 credits per PC.
Hutt presence and the Sector Rangers, preferably by
setting them against each other. Campaign Objectives: To determine the level of sen­
tience of the native species the colonists have discov­
Episode VI: It has become clear to the PCs that they ered, and determine their ability to incorporate into
are an expendable resource to Black Sun, and they galactic society.
should break ties with the vast organization. Any
attempt the party might make to board their ship is Episode I: An Imperial Xenodetic Survey Depart­
met with resistance from Black Sun agents, and they ment (XSD) spokesman contacts the PCs and offers
find that they are as much prisoners as rulers on Can­ them the job. Once the PCs negotiate terms, they
danta. The party can hatch their own escape plan, or, are shuttled to the settlement that discovered the
if they want to maintain control of the station, they new species. Governor Danisher greets the party
have a few other options. They can contact the Sector and discusses what he knows of the natives, why
Rangers and exchange their testimony in exchange they weren’t spotted during initial surveys, and their
for pardons and a life in witness protection. They can current location. The PCs have time to tour the set­
turn to the Hutt Cartels, who would favor neutral lead­ tlement, gather supplies, and hire a guide to escort
ership of Gandanta over Black Sun cronies, though them to native territory.
that would likely incur additional Obligation. They can Episode II: The party is guided through the brush and
also try to hire mercenaries or recruit an army of local learns about the local flora and fauna, which might
thugs and scum to oppose the Black Sun presence provide insight into the native culture and lifestyle.
and take over the station for themselves. The guide’s way of teaching the PCs to survive should
contrast later with the aboriginal way. The guide has
UNDERBOSS RAKEN
a low opinion of the indigenes as ruthless savages,
While it is unclear just which Vigo Black Sun under­ citing many stories and a few personal encounters.
boss Raken works for, no one questions his affiliation After a few days’ ride, the PCs clear a hill overlook­
or his prowess. A hulking Trandoshan, Raken has a ing the native village. If the PCs lack a protocol droid,
calm, quiet menace that sets him apart from most the guide speaks some basic words in their language,
of his species. He is brilliant, cunning, and ruthless in but his limited vocabulary adds ■ to any social skill
the execution of his master’s orders, and completely checks he translates. The PCs must convince the war­
amoral. He is also a vicious combatant, and has been riors that ride out to challenge them that they are
trained by some of the best unarmed combat instruc­ peaceful, and should meet with their leader. If suc­
tors and marksmen credits can buy. cessful, the guide departs, and the PCs are brought to
the tribal leader, who has an aide that speaks broken
GOING NATIVE Basic. The PCs must convince the chieftain and his
advisors that the party is not a threat, and to get per­
The PCs are sent to study a recently discovered mission to stay and observe them in their daily lives.
aboriginal species to determine if they deserve full
rights as sentient beings by the Imperial Xenodetic Episode III: The PCs spend a week observing the
Survey Department. While primitive, the natives natives, recording notes, and conducting some sen­
understand some aspects of sentient life, and the tience tests provided by the XSD. By this time, all
PCs find themselves relating to the primitives more party members can make an Average Knowl­
than the colonists that discovered them. However, edge (Education) check or an Easy (^ ) Knowledge
the colony has a vested interest in the natives being (Xenology) check to see if they have learned the
classified as semi-sentient so they can exploit rich native tongue. Those that have not, suffer ■ to ■ ■
aurodium deposits on native land. As the PCs grow ■ when making any social skill checks without a dedi­
cated translator, but are still capable of basic conver­ Employer: Imperial Colonization Board.
sation. The party is invited to join some natives on a
Enemy Forces: Local wildlife.
hunt. The creature can be giant and fierce, stealthy
and cunning, or just skittish game, but the hunt proves Starting amount for payment negotiation: 5,000
difficult for the party. PCs successful in the hunt feel credits per PC, negotiable up to 6,000 credits per PC.
a stronger connection to the people and their way of Campaign Objectives: Place the colony back on the
life afterward. road to survival and growth.
Episode IV: The party bids the tribe farewell and Episode I: An Imperial Colonization Board (ICB) rep­
returns to the colony to report their findings. Over a resentative contacts the PCs and offers them the job.
formal dinner, Governor Danisher asks the PCs about Once the players negotiate terms, they are placed
their experience. He then reveals he has recently dis­ on a shuttle bound for the ailing colony. The party
covered rich deposits of aurodium on native land. He arrives to empty streets and silent storefronts. The
intends to strip-mine the region, and the PCs must colony doctor died of renal failure, and most colonists
convince him to negotiate a settlement first. Mean­ are suffering from disease brought on by starvation.
while, Danisher tries to convince the party to classify The PCs come across a boy named Jek who is in bet­
the natives as semi-sentient. Appealing to his better ter shape than most, and he explains that the crops
nature is unlikely to have any impact, but playing to never took root, and then the plague hit. The PCs have
his greed or personal interests can be effective. been given a fresh batch of supplies by the ICB, which
Episode V: Depending on the outcome of the last makes addressing the plague the top concern. If the
episode, Governor Danisher and his army of colo­ party has a Doctor or Scholar, this is the moment for
nists are either racing the party back to the village them to take center stage with a series of checks that
or camped a few kilometers away, awaiting the party. require a gathering of samples from settlers and local
When the party returns to the natives’ village, whose wildlife to synthesize a serum or vaccine.
scouts have already seen the colonist army, they are Episode II: Within a week, most of the colonists
looked upon as traitors. The PCs must convince the have regained their strength, and are pleading with
chieftain and his advisors that it is in their best inter­ the party to call in an evacuation ship to take them
ests to either flee or to work out some kind of deal back home. It is up to the PCs to inspire the frontiers­
with the mayor to let him mine the aurodium. The men to conquer their fear and solve the food short­
chieftain sees wisdom in this, but his council of elders age together. This again requires the PCs to gather
believes it can defeat the colonists. It is up to the PCs samples of the seeds that wouldn’t take root, but
to avoid a war that is likely to wipe out the natives. even with the help of all the settlers, no seeds can be
GOVERNOR FILLEN DANISHER found. It turns out there is a colony of ant-like insects
that have been stealing and eating the seeds. The PCs
A ruthless veteran of previous corporate colonial can come up with a geographical, chemical, or physi­
efforts, Fillen Danisher was given his Imperial gover­ cal solution, or perhaps an animal tested in Episode I
norship thanks to the patronage of Grand Admiral is effective at rooting out and eating the ants. Regard­
Grant. Danisher served under the Grand Admiral as less of the method, a week after the solution is found,
his liaison to the Imperial Army before a brief stint the new crop begins sprouting.
as a project lead for the Imperial Mining Corpora­
tion. There he led coordinated efforts to strip-mine Episode III: With the settlement approaching sustain­
resource rich worlds across the galaxy. He is cunning, ability, the colonists have begun to have hope for the
intelligent, unflinching, and doesn’t think twice about future again. Still, without a steady flow of merchant
killing innocents to achieve his goals. traffic, the colony has little hope for long-term sur­
vival. The PCs must identify what resources the world
H O W TH E REST W AS W O N has that are unique to the sector, and help the Colo­
nists set up the enterprise. If successful, the party can
The PCs are hired by the Imperial Colonization Board contact the ICB to spread word about the commodi­
(ICB) to evaluate a failing colony and get it back on ties available for trade at the colony. The PCs’ mission
track. Colonists have reported the land isn’t arable, is considered a success when the first merchants land.
people are starving and succumbing to illness, and
without anything to trade, merchant traffic has yet to
arrive. The PCs are given a month to turn the strug­
gling settlement around, otherwise the ICB must evac­
uate the colony.
Possible Location: Any newly established colony
world in Wild Space or the Unknown Regions works.
COLONIST JOBS
any Colonists have some experience holding
OTHER REWARDS
M down a full time job, and in some games, they
may still have the opportunity to work while partici­
During the course of a job, Colonists may be loaned
pating in adventures. Most Colonist jobs are sala­ tools and equipment. In most cases, these materi­
ried or contracted in advance, providing the Colonist als belong to the employer, and are to be returned
more job security than most. The more remote the upon project completion. However, should the Colo­
colony, the more an employer prefers to pay partially nist break borrowed equipment, the cost is typically
in goods or services, but the contract’s value should deducted from his salary over several installments.
remain competitive. Most freelancers are expected to supply their own
When negotiating a labor contract, use Table 3 -6 : tools, and ill-preparedness on the part of a Colonist is
Colonist Pay Scale, which presents a broad range often reflected in his pay.
of jobs undertaken by Colonists and their range of Expensive equipment the Colonist can’t realistically
pay. CMs should feel free to adjust costs as needed, pay for can be handled via additional Obligation. The
taking into consideration variables like environmen­ Marshal serving as town sheriff is given access to a jail,
tal hazards, employee reliability, and the employer’s armory, and speeder pool. While these resources are his
resources. Remember, these are simply guidelines to deploy at his discretion, he is obligated to use them
to help CMs set reasonable pay rates. Also keep in to protect the town. The Dutybound or Responsibility
mind that even though these are themed towards Obligations in an amount consistent with the resources
Colonists, any PC can take on one of these jobs if the granted work well in these instances. The same could
ongoing narrative allows for it. be said of a Politico moving into the Mayor’s estate, the
Some of these jobs have a pay rate based on com­ Scholar taking over the town library, or the Doctor put in
pletion of the job, while others have a monthly or charge of the town hospital and its assets.
daily pay rate. In both cases, the CM should keep Many colonies are poor in credits, but rich in other
in mind that the PC needs to spend a significant resources, particularly land. New colonies may try to
amount of time working to earn this money. If the
pay rate is a monthly salary, the PC should have
been working most of the month to make the sal­
ary. If the pay rate is based on performing a specific CORE WORLDS, THE OUTER
task (negotiating a contract or performing a surgical RIM, AND COST OF LIVING
operation), the PC must complete that task to cer­
tain agreed upon specifications. he pay rates set in Table 3 - 6 are kept
Of course, full time work does not make a very T broad and simple for ease of use. However,
some groups may want to modify those pay
interesting game. Therefore, if the PCs decide they
want to hold down full time jobs, the CM can take rates based on other factors. For example, jobs
one of the following approaches. He can determine on the Core Worlds tend to pay more, but jobs
that the PCs work at their full time job during cam­ on the Outer Rim planets tend to offer more
paign “down-time,” and have the actual game ses­ autonomy Another issue PCs and the GM
sions represent a few days out of every month. In should consider is cost of living. Realistically,
this case, the PCs can be assumed to be working a some of the money PCs earn in their jobs has to
regular job in the interim. go towards food, shelter, and other expenses.

On the other hand, the GM can weave the PCs’ If the CM wants to account for location when
jobs into the ongoing narrative. This may not work determining pay rates, he should increase the
for some jobs, however other jobs lend themselves to pay rate for jobs on a Core World by 20 per­
entertaining and interesting plots. For example, if the cent and can decrease the pay rate for jobs on
PCs are working as the mayor, sheriff, and doctor of a an Outer Rim (or other uncivilized planet) by
20 percent.
small town, they could have plenty of adventures just
keeping the small town prosperous and safe; fighting If the CM wants to account for living expenses,
off bandit attacks, surviving dangerous storms, nego­ he can also deduct 25 percent of the PCs’ pay
tiating with the local Imperial garrison, and driving rate to go toward food, living quarters, and so
off local predators. Plenty of police procedurals, doc­ forth. This is easier than trying to track individual
tor dramas, and other episodic television shows use expenses, although if the PC in question is liv­
the formula of the characters being confronted with ing particularly frugally or extravagantly, the CM
extraordinary circumstances in their everyday jobs. can adjust this percentage as he sees fit.
TABLE 3-6: COLONIST PAY SCALE
Job lob Description Duration Pay in Credits
Small Town
A lawman who protects a small town with a handful of deputies. M onthly salary 2 ,0 0 0 -3 ,0 0 0
Sheriff

Police A lawman who protects a small city, with dozens to hundreds of men
M onthly salary 3 ,0 0 0 -5 ,0 0 0
Commissioner working underneath him.

Deputy A low-ranking deputy in either a small town or a larger city. M onthly salary 7 5 0 -1 ,2 0 0

Detective A detective serving in a public constabulary o r police departm ent. M onthly salary 2 ,0 0 0 -2 ,5 0 0

A private investigator working on a single case, generally a non-criminal

Private Eye situation. Private investigators are often hired to investigate marital Daily salary 7 5 -2 0 0
infidelity, corporate espionage, or potential political scandals.

Mechanic A mechanic working in a small repair business for vehicles and items M onthly salary 1,0 00-2,00 0

Town Doctor A doctor providing treatm ent of injuries or illness to a small town. House call 100-300

Licensed W orking in a hospital o r other professional treatm ent facility. Typically

M onthly salary 2 ,0 0 0 -4 ,0 0 0
Physician characters must have at least 3 ranks in Medicine to earn this salary.

Performing a single complicated surgery at a hospital, such as a cybernetic Single 5 ,0 0 0 (not

Surgery Team replacement or operation to repair major trauma. Typically the group must operation, including
have at least 4 ranks in Medicine amongst them to earn this salary. group rate materials)

Single Live entertainm ent for a single evening by jugglers, acrobats, artists, Single event,
5 0 0 -7 5 0
Performance musicians, puppeteers, actors, or comedians. group rate

Weekly salary,
Cantina Band Live mood music for a cantina or restaurant, with a long term contract. 1,0 00-1,50 0
group rate

Live original music for an evening performed by a touring band. Pay

is based alm ost entirely on fame and demand, but skill is also a
Touring Band or Single event,
factor. (This category can also be used for other types of high profile 2 ,0 0 0 -2 5 ,0 0 0
Entertainment group rate
performance.) Typically, the group must have at least 5 ranks in Charm
and/or Cool amongst them to earn this salary.

Street Tips earned by jugglers, acrobats, artists, musicians, puppeteers, actors, One day's
25 -75
Performer or comedians. worth of tips

Lecturer Teaching students a particular topic in an institute of higher learning. M onthly salary 1,5 00-3,00 0

Working as an expert witness, consultant, data compiler, or other subject-

Subject-Matter
m atter expert on a per-job basis. Typically, characters must have 3 ranks Single Job 7 5 0 -5 ,0 0 0
Expert
in a specified Knowledge skill to serve as a subject-matter expert.

Researching a specific topic or developing a new design or item.

Research could range from pure knowledge at a university to
Researcher M onthly salary 2 ,0 0 0 -8 ,0 0 0
developing a new product in a corporate lab. Typically, characters must
have 3 ranks in a specified Knowledge skill to serve as a researcher.

M ediating disputes and legally arbitrating disagreements between two

individuals or corporations. Such arbitration can take days, or even
M ediator Single dispute 2 .0 0 0 -5 ,0 0 0
weeks, and must be accepted by both parties. Typically, characters
must have 2 ranks in Negotiation to work as a m ediator

Mediating major disagreements or even hostilities between large

Negotiation corporations or even governments. Such arbitration can take weeks or
Single dispute 4 ,0 0 0 -2 0 ,0 0 0
Team even months, and must be accepted by both parties. Typically, the group
must have 3 ranks in Negotiation amongst them to earn this salary.

M ayor or The political leader of a small town or community. The mayor can be
M onthly salary 2 ,0 0 0 -3 ,0 0 0
Councilor expected to handle any num ber of administrative tasks.

Clerk An office laborer or retail clerk. M onthly salary 1,0 00-1,50 0

Miner Experienced mining laborer. M onthly salary 1,0 00-2,00 0

A ranch hand skilled in herding or shepherding livestock. Typically,

Ranch Hand M onthly salary 1,5 00-2,00 0
characters must have 2 ranks in Survival to serve as a ranch hand.

Unskilled Labor Basic manual labor. M onthly salary 5 0 0 -7 5 0

bargain land in lieu of payment in hard currency. The textiles, foodstuffs, and native artwork, which they
land costs the colony nothing to give, so the work can sell for a healthy profit elsewhere.
is obtained essentially for free. Further, owning the
When dealing with each other, Colonists often trade
land often convinces the professional or business
services, sometimes on credit. Helping a rancher
to stay to develop the property. This improves the
falsely accused of murder win his case might not pay
colony’s local economy and skilled-labor resources,
any credits, but his lawyer can expect to feast for
all at no cost.
free on the largest shaak the rancher has during Fete
Colonies are also fond of trading goods. To those Week, or at the very least find his house has a freshly
just passing through, colonies offer alternative pay­ painted fence. In this way, a Colonist might accumu­
ment in a locally sourced commodity. Many inde­ late and trade favors and services that integrate him
pendent merchants make planetfall carrying repulsor tightly into the community, proving the wealth of a
and droid parts, datapads, medicine, and colony is in its populace, not its vaults.
holovids, then leave with a hold full of ore,

CREATING DIFFERENT TYPES

OF COLONISTS
olonists, more than any other career, represent
C a wide variety of backgrounds across the galaxy.
Therefore, when creating a character, players should
feel free to draw on multiple specializations to create
a PC with a specific job or background. By mixing and
matching different specializations (not all of which are
from the Colonist career), a creative player can cre­
ate any number of archetypes for his character. A few
possibilities are presented here.
Note, these are simply different themes of charac­
ters that a player can create by combining different
specializations. There are no specific rules associ­
ated with these types of Colonists, but play­
ers may treat their characters differently
(and choose different backgrounds, M oti­
vations, and Obligations based on their
character’s type).
Lawyer: The Lawyer is tasked with
researching and arguing legal cases and
can be found in one-judge towns on the
fringe and the highest justice spires
of the Core. Lawyers should begin
with Politico, focusing on the
Kill with Kindness and Plau­
sible Deniability abilities
before adding Scholar
to gain the Resolve and
Researcher talents.
Chop Doc: Some doctors specialize in surgically Laboratory Researcher: Chemists, physicists,
installing and repairing cybernetic limbs. Chop Docs biologists, and metallurgists all spend countless
should begin with Doctor, focusing on the Master hours researching and testing in their labs, making
Doctor and Natural Doctor abilities before adding breakthroughs that might shower them with credits
Outlaw Tech to gain the Tinkerer and Inventor talents. or places in history. Laboratory Researchers should
Engineer: Engineers create new technologies and begin with Scholar, focusing on the Knowledge Spe­
improve on existing ones, but do most of their work cialization, Respected Scholar, and Researcher abili­
on a datapad rather than in a workshop. Engineers ties before adding Slicer to gain the Technical Apti­
should begin with Scholar, focusing on the Knowledge tude and Natural Programmer talents.
Specialization, Respected Scholar, and Researcher Magician: Misdirection, sleight of hand, and show­
abilities before adding Outlaw Tech to gain Tinkerer manship are what make for a legendary stage magi­
and Inventor talents. cian. Magicians should begin with Performer, focusing
Field Scientist: Not all science can be done in the on the Smooth Talker and Natural Athlete abilities
lab, and many scientists operate in the wild, where before adding Scoundrel to gain the Hidden Storage,
they test real-world results instead of laboratory ide­ Natural Charmer, and Convincing Demeanor talents.
als or datawork hypotheticals. Field Scientists should Sheriff: Sheriffs exercise their authority to deputize
begin with Scholar, focusing on the Researcher, others to keep the small towns of the frontier safe.
Knowledge Specialization, and Brace abilities before Sheriffs should begin with Marshal, focusing on the
adding Survivalist to gain the Forager, Expert Tracker, Good Cop, Quick Draw, and Unrelenting Skeptic
and Outdoorsman talents. abilities before adding Mercenary Soldier to gain the
Private Investigator: Private Investigators are dedi­ Command and Field Commander talents.
cated to using their unique talents to solve crimes Sector Ranger: Avatars of justice with almost lim­
and support the rule of law. Private Investigators itless jurisdiction, the Sector Ranger can track law­
should begin with Marshal, focusing on the Bad breakers from the Core to Wild Space and beyond.
Cop, Street Smarts, and Unrelenting Skeptic abilities Rangers should begin with Marshal, focusing on the
before adding Thief to gain the Bypass Security and Street Smarts, Good Cop, and Quick Draw abilities
Stalker talents. before adding Scout to gain the Disorient, Shortcut,
Intelligence Agent: Information obtained through and Quick Strike talents.
stealth and subterfuge is the province of the Intelli­ Tribal Chieftain: Before urban civilizations rise,
gence Agent. Intelligence Agents should begin with and after they fall, sentients usually exist in tribal
Scholar, focusing on the Brace and Well Rounded communities. These groups demand a combination
abilities before adding Thief to gain the Bypass Secu­ of intelligence and strength from their leadership.
rity, Indistinguishable, and Master of Shadows talents. Tribal Chieftains should begin with Politico, focusing
Intelligence Analyst: Corporate and military ana­ on the Kill with Kindness, Inspiring Rhetoric, and
lysts comb through data to recognize trends and pre­ Improved Inspiring Rhetoric abilities before adding
dict future outcomes in markets and military actions Mercenary Soldier to gain the Command and Field
alike. Intelligence Analysts should begin with Scholar, Commander talents.
focusing on the Natural Scholar and Researcher abili­
ties before adding Slicer to gain the Bypass Security,
Codebreaker, and Technical Aptitude talents.
 A long tim e ago in a galaxy far, far away....

On the edges of the goloxy, limitless possibilities unfold. With the vistas of new
horizons reflected in their eyes. Colonists set out to create societies through hope,
perseverance, and hard work. However, even on the fringe galactic turmoil can
upend their new lives, forcing Colonists to put their shills to different uses..
Forge new civilizations amongst the wilds of the Outer Run with Far H orizons
This rulebook expands upon the Edge of the Empire R oleplayinc G a m e , adding
new content for Colonist characters as well as any other characters interested
in building new lives for themselves. Construct a personal base of operations,
become the hottest name in galactic entertainment, or enforce justice with a
cool eye and steady hand.
This supplemental rulebook includes:
• Expanded character options including Motivations, Obligations, species
and specializations.
• New signature abilities that allow Colonists to excel in their chosen profession
• Equipment arid vehicles, valuable for nearly any venture.
• Useful guidance for CMs looking to challenge their players with interesting
social encounters and to integrate Colonist characters into larger campaigns.