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[BFEL]

Why in the fuck do you have such high dexterity? WHY DID YOU FOCUS ON THE DUMP STAT? MY MIND IS BOGGLED!

[Teneb]

Why in the fuck do you have such high dexterity? WHY DID YOU FOCUS ON THE DUMP STAT? MY MIND IS BOGGLED!

Dexterity is used for hitting and dodging, if I recall. Anyway, this game is actually pretty easy except for Malak, and I know how to cheese him (kiting (and dodging) + throw lightsaber (yes, really)). Besides, the entire party will be massively overpowered by the end, especially since I'm leaning towards making Carth into a ranged killing machine and Juhani as his melee counterpart.

I think you gave me an idea for what I'll call the next update, or at least write in the spoiler title.

[Akura]

Not hitting. That's Strength, even for lightsabers. Your Dexterity bonus does increase your AC, but limited by your armor. Dexterity is only used for hitting with a gun. I don't recall if it's in this one of just the sequel, but there is a feat called Weapon Finess(which also exists in 3.5th Edition D&D), which allows you to use your Dexterity bonus if it's higher than strength.

(Fun fact, if your armor's max Dex-bonus-to-AC is +8, such as naked, clothing, or simple Jedi robes or the like, there's no limit according to tests with a save editor.)

[hector13]

I'm sure there's a build out there that focuses only on Dexterity with a Scoundrel, and uses the dual-wielding pistols thing to basically get through the game.

Might even be an LP of it somewhere...

[BFEL]

Not hitting. That's Strength, even for lightsabers. Your Dexterity bonus does increase your AC, but limited by your armor. Dexterity is only used for hitting with a gun. I don't recall if it's in this one of just the sequel, but there is a feat called Weapon Finess(which also exists in 3.5th Edition D&D), which allows you to use your Dexterity bonus if it's higher than strength.

(Fun fact, if your armor's max Dex-bonus-to-AC is +8, such as naked, clothing, or simple Jedi robes or the like, there's no limit according to tests with a save editor.)

This. And the feat is only in the second one, so Teneb has irrevocably soiled his character with...like THE WORST stats. Just looking at it gives me an aneurism.

Oh, and if you wanna fall back on "but it helps me dodge" it helps you dodge by your bonus. So with 18 you get +4. "Well that doesn't sound so bad" you might say, EXCEPT EVERY ARMOR IN THE GAME IS BETTER THEN THAT, AND 90% OF IT IS MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE WITH THAT +4!
EDIT: going back and checking, yes the armor you have on RIGHT NOW only lets you use half that bonus. So you are right now wasting 4 design points you could have put somewhere useful. Actually the way it works that's MORE then 4 design points because its all weird and logarithmic or something.

So yeah, you might as well just restart now

[Harry Baldman]

Dexterity can be helpful if you want to be a robe-wearing Jedi addicted to Speed, since armor removes the possibility for Speed (unlike in the second one, where they had a bunch of armors that let you keep powers and be armored). Though it's not like those few extra points of Defense really even matter in that case. And there's just something really cool about a Jedi wearing power armor.

Inspired by this LP, I did a neutral playthrough myself. My god, playing as a guardian lightsaber master is broken as shit when you compare it to the crappy gunslinger Jedi I tended to gravitate toward in my first few efforts.

Spoiler: On the endgame (click to show/hide)

Carved straight through Bastila like she wasn't even there (1 turn per phase). Having power armor and no relevant powers that I could use did mean I needed to beat down Malak the full 8 times, however, which was a slightly trickier prospect. Far less tricky than messing him up with a skill monkey gunslinger Jedi, however, and much more enjoyable now that my MC wasn't absolute shit at fighting people who can deflect blaster bolts.

Started the sequel, and I am happy to say that the same strategy works just as well there, too. Except now you can put on special armor and use Speed + Flurry + Double-Bladed Lightsaber + Outrageous Crafting.

[BFEL]

Started the sequel, and I am happy to say that the same strategy works just as well there, too. Except now you can put on special armor and use Speed + Flurry + Double-Bladed Lightsaber + Outrageous Crafting.

Note that in the sequel if you want maximum melee murder you should go dark side. Prestige classes man. They fuck shit up.
Oh and DOUBLE BLADED? THE FUCK AGAIN. That's half as many crafting slots for absolutely no benefit over two saber style. Well, except maybe aesthetics if you're into that.

[Akura]

Started the sequel, and I am happy to say that the same strategy works just as well there, too. Except now you can put on special armor and use Speed + Flurry + Double-Bladed Lightsaber + Outrageous Crafting.

Note that in the sequel if you want maximum melee murder you should go dark side. Prestige classes man. They fuck shit up.
Oh and DOUBLE BLADED? THE FUCK AGAIN. That's half as many crafting slots for absolutely no benefit over two saber style. Well, except maybe aesthetics if you're into that.

Pretty sure wielding two lightsabers gives you a fairly significant penalty to attacks, reduced by three progressively stronger feats. Not sure if lightsabers can be made balanced(which reduces the penalty it receives if it's the off-hand weapon). I think with all three feats and a balanced off-hand weapon, it's still a minor penalty of 0/-2, meaning you have no penalty on your primary weapon's attack, but a -2 on your off-hand weapon's. By the time you can get all three feats, the penalty is probably insignificant anyway.

Then again, I never used double-bladed lightsabers, so I don't know if those count as two weapons(ie two attacks).

[BFEL]

Started the sequel, and I am happy to say that the same strategy works just as well there, too. Except now you can put on special armor and use Speed + Flurry + Double-Bladed Lightsaber + Outrageous Crafting.

Note that in the sequel if you want maximum melee murder you should go dark side. Prestige classes man. They fuck shit up.
Oh and DOUBLE BLADED? THE FUCK AGAIN. That's half as many crafting slots for absolutely no benefit over two saber style. Well, except maybe aesthetics if you're into that.

Pretty sure wielding two lightsabers gives you a fairly significant penalty to attacks, reduced by three progressively stronger feats. Not sure if lightsabers can be made balanced(which reduces the penalty it receives if it's the off-hand weapon). I think with all three feats and a balanced off-hand weapon, it's still a minor penalty of 0/-2, meaning you have no penalty on your primary weapon's attack, but a -2 on your off-hand weapon's. By the time you can get all three feats, the penalty is probably insignificant anyway.

Then again, I never used double-bladed lightsabers, so I don't know if those count as two weapons(ie two attacks).

Yes, the issue I'm bringing up is that double bladed sabers have exactly those same drawbacks with half the slots to put extra min/max into.
Also, one of the Prestige class feats in the second game (for the combat focused ones, which are actually the only ones really worth looking at) is "Superior Two-Handed fighting, which takes those three progressively stronger feats and runs with them to the point where dual wielding gives you a full on BONUS to attack.

[Teneb]

Wow, I lose access to B12 for about 24 hours, and suddenly there are more posts in a day than I usually get in a week.

On the dump stat thing, I will just repeat myself: this game is actually very easy. Seriously. I could dump all the stat points from now until the endgame into dexterity or even charisma/intelligence and still be viable for the endgame.

Of course, just to troll BFEL, I will dump ALL points into dexterity (assuming the game lets me). Time to become a (neutral!) speed addict!

[TheBiggerFish]

Noo.  Lightsabers.  More lightsabers.  MOAR LIGHTSABER WHACKING POTENTIAL.

[Harry Baldman]

Spoiler: The Continuing Adventures of Max and Min (click to show/hide)

Note that in the sequel if you want maximum melee murder you should go dark side. Prestige classes man. They fuck shit up.
Oh and DOUBLE BLADED? THE FUCK AGAIN. That's half as many crafting slots for absolutely no benefit over two saber style. Well, except maybe aesthetics if you're into that.

There is one important benefit, which is that you only need half as many upgrade items. For instance, applying Mantle of the Force, the Solari crystal and what have you to both of your lightsaber attacks. Granted, the sequel has a lot of crystals that increase your stats (something that doesn't make much sense to me, but all right, sure), so that is a legitimate loss of minmaxing potential there.

In my defense as well, short lightsabers are shoehorned in as well as pretty dumb-looking, and a regular lightsaber isn't a balanced weapon.

Yes, the issue I'm bringing up is that double bladed sabers have exactly those same drawbacks with half the slots to put extra min/max into.
Also, one of the Prestige class feats in the second game (for the combat focused ones, which are actually the only ones really worth looking at) is "Superior Two-Handed fighting, which takes those three progressively stronger feats and runs with them to the point where dual wielding gives you a full on BONUS to attack.

I did get to the prestige classes in 2, but I have to say I was violently unimpressed with the Jedi Weapon Master's superior two weapon fighting thing. It's just +1 to one of your weapons at each level. That is legitimately measurably worse than Weapon Focus (which, if I recall correctly, also gets an expansion for the lightsaber whacker prestige classes). Does that set of feats get an improvement for the Marauder? Moreover, is it worth the general stupidity of a dark side run?

And yes, both games are ultimately easy. To the point where a gun-Jedi and two droids, each using two pistols each, can still beat virtually everything. And that's an empirically tested claim, mind you.

[BFEL]

Spoiler: The Continuing Adventures of Max and Min (click to show/hide)

Note that in the sequel if you want maximum melee murder you should go dark side. Prestige classes man. They fuck shit up.
Oh and DOUBLE BLADED? THE FUCK AGAIN. That's half as many crafting slots for absolutely no benefit over two saber style. Well, except maybe aesthetics if you're into that.

There is one important benefit, which is that you only need half as many upgrade items. For instance, applying Mantle of the Force, the Solari crystal and what have you to both of your lightsaber attacks. Granted, the sequel has a lot of crystals that increase your stats (something that doesn't make much sense to me, but all right, sure), so that is a legitimate loss of minmaxing potential there.

In my defense as well, short lightsabers are shoehorned in as well as pretty dumb-looking, and a regular lightsaber isn't a balanced weapon.

Yes, the issue I'm bringing up is that double bladed sabers have exactly those same drawbacks with half the slots to put extra min/max into.
Also, one of the Prestige class feats in the second game (for the combat focused ones, which are actually the only ones really worth looking at) is "Superior Two-Handed fighting, which takes those three progressively stronger feats and runs with them to the point where dual wielding gives you a full on BONUS to attack.

I did get to the prestige classes in 2, but I have to say I was violently unimpressed with the Jedi Weapon Master's superior two weapon fighting thing. It's just +1 to one of your weapons at each level. That is legitimately measurably worse than Weapon Focus (which, if I recall correctly, also gets an expansion for the lightsaber whacker prestige classes). Does that set of feats get an improvement for the Marauder? Moreover, is it worth the general stupidity of a dark side run?

And yes, both games are ultimately easy. To the point where a gun-Jedi and two droids, each using two pistols each, can still beat virtually everything. And that's an empirically tested claim, mind you.

Spoiler: Max and Min Make a Porno (click to show/hide)

Yeah, I just brought it up cuz someone brought up the regular two weapon fighting feats.
And as for Marauder they not only get access to that and the Superior Weapon Focus tree, they also get a auto-unlock feat chain that gives them a straight up bonus to ALL DAMAGE ALL THE TIME, as well as an auto unlock chain that gives them DAMAGE REDUCTION (I.E. first level takes 1 damage off the top of anything that hurts you, after the percent resistances apply)
ANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNND
It also gets a auto unlock active ability chain that lets you GO BERSERK and trade defense for hilarious destructive potential.

The Jedi Weapon Master, by comparison gets extra blaster deflection instead of berserk, and his damage bonus only applies to melee (which I still don't know if this means only SWORDS or if it means all melee weapons I.E. including lightsabers. If it DOESN'T include lightsabers it's very much inferior)

Compare all this to the other Prestige Classes and it becomes clear the Guardian/Combat focused ones are really the only ones worth using.

[Teneb]

Apologies for the delay, but I am pretty busy these days. Still, manage to cobble together an update over this last month.

Spoiler: 170 credits (click to show/hide)

PART 26 – Space Monkey’s Revenge

Kashyyyk Shadowlands

Where we last left off, the Glorious Leader of the People’s Republic of Kashyyyk Edean sent us on a mission to kill a dissident while keeping Zaalbar hostage. Now we descend onto the Shadowlands to continue our mission and maybe find a Star Map while we’re at it.





Oh hey, looks who’s here.


Calo Nord: You got Lucky on Taris; the Sith attack saved you from a quick and gruesome death. But I promise you, the Sith won’t be getting in my way this time!
: You travelled a long way just to die, Calo!
Calo Nord: Let’s go, boys... it’s show time!

Calo will always attack you on the first planet after Dantooine, and always with a group of goons. I don’t know if it is always natives of the planet in question since I’ve always done Kashyyyk or Tatooine first.



Like the last time, he deals a ton of damage, but is fragile. Unlike last time, he has no Davik to tank for him. You can tell by the above picture, where you can see his body.




He has some nice loot.

This fight is also the trigger for Juhani’s next conversation. I guess killing Calo was a bonding moment.


: Well… I suppose I have not talked very much about the Jedi I met back home. They, all of them, were so… invigorating.
: Invigorating?
: They were so very alive? So full of hope and energy and zeal. In retrospect I can see it was a little bit tragic…
: What do you mean?
: These Jedi were going to fight the Mandalorians just after they had invaded. Many of those Jedi perished in the fighting. But to us, they seemed invincible, especially their leader, who they talked about all the time. Paragons of light and justice, sweeping away all iniquity before them. It was like looking at gods…
: If that was the case, they seem to be misrepresenting themselves.
: I was merely using poetic licence.

Our hero doesn’t have enough intelligence (or anything other than speed really) to understand such matters.

: Those Jedi… They were enthralling… Everyone wanted to just touch them. Some people thought it would bring them luck. Not that the peace they brought lasted very long…
: Did they leave?
: Of course they left! They had a war to go fight, so that we would not all be killed by those psychotic Mandalorians! The Jedi left. The people grew complacent. Those who had been wronged saw their chance at revenge… and so the cycle continues. The oppressed became the new generation of oppressors. The human oppressed, that is… The non-humans were never treated well in any case… We felt the brunt of both administrations…
: Was it that bad?
: Of course it was! They took their frustrations and hates out on us because the people they wanted had already fled or were too well proctected! But no one looks out for the injustices we suffered! Oh, no! But… I am sorry, I should not have outbursts like that.
: It is alright.
: No, it is not. Anger can lead to the dark side and I must be ever careful that I do not fall back into those ways. I… I thank you for your support. My outburst was uncalled for, but you did not lash back at me. You are a much better Jedi than I, it would seem. But let us not speak more of this now. We should continue on our journey. Perhaps later we will talk again.

There wasn’t much commentary to be done there, really.

On the other hand, new enemy!


Also these things:

You can’t see them well here because they are a bastard to get close to, but are passive. Look a bit like monkeys. Space monkeys. Thing is, though: they make some really annoying noises, and they are loud. So the whole time you are in the start of the Shadowlands, you’ll have to deal with not being able to hear anything else until you move onwards.

Once you move a little bit further…

Action!

Jedi!

Excitement!

Animal murder!

Baldness!


: What, do I have to fight you as well now?

You can probably notice that I switched to Jedi robes from the armour. I probably won’t be equipping armour anymore, with perhaps a few notable exceptions.

: I’m Jolee. Jolee Bindo. Follow me to my camp and we’ll talk a bit.
: You use a lightsaber in battle. Are you a Jedi?
: Ah, don’t start fawning just yet, I’m too old for it.

Jolee is the best senile Jedi not-Jedi.

: *Sigh* I… I know a few things, but we can talk about it at my camp. Keep close. It’s nearby, under a log. Yeah, I live lime some burrowing rodent. I fought the Sith… now look at me. Hmph!

You should keep pace with him, because it is actually easy to lose him and end up having to search the whole area for his camp. But I was too preoccupied with getting a decent picture of…

Space monkey!

Anyway, it turns out I more or less remembered where he was.


: No offense, but I don’t have much time.
: You’ll have nothing but time if you don’t take what help you can. I’ve been here for many years. I know things. Remember that. My days of glory are behind me, but… perhaps there is something I can do for you. You must have questions.

You know me too well.

: I need information about problems on Kashyyyk.
: Yes, among the Wookiees. Intriguing creatures. I like that they have little patience for bureaucrats. But of course, even here there are hidden things that manipulate.
: Do you know a missing Wookiee called Rorworr?
: It is a very unfortunate matter. It will end in shame and sorrow. You will find Rorworr down here. And more. I have witnessed a number of happenings, but I have left them for others to sort out.
: You aren’t being very helpful.
: I wasn’t aware I had to be.

If you don’t love Jolee yet, then get out of my LP.

: Look, events like these reveal much about the people involved. I’m well past that introspective tripe. I’m not saying that outside help isn’t needed. I just… well… I didn’t want to make anyone mad while I didn’t have a way off the planet. We’ll talk more about that momentarily.
: What do you know of Chuundar?
: Czerka Corporation was smart to put him in power. He’s as good at destroying Wookiee culture as dropping corpses full of Ardroxian Flu.

Thank you, wiki. I really needed to know the carpet village we just left has the moronic name of Rwookrrorro. Simultaneously, I am surprised there isn’t a whole monograph on the topic.

: Will you work for him or against him, I wonder? I will be interested to see.

He is like Yoda if Yoda was an (still awesome) asshole.

: Have you seen a crazed Wookiee in the Shadowlands?
: Maddened with grief, perhaps, but not crazed. I helped him pass to the lower forests where only a Wookiee could follow. Some other matters will determine if you can follow. There is a barrier that… well, we’ll talk of that more in a moment.
: I want to ask about you.
: Ah, what is there to tell? Jolee Bindo is the crazy old man in the dangerous woods. I’m content with the impression I give.
: You muttered something about fighting Sith?
: Did I? You have annoyingly good ears. It doesn’t matter. Those days are gone. Leave them in their graves. I’ve seen my share of the dark and the light. And frankly, both extremes annoy me.

That’s right, dear reader! He is neutral!

: Of course… I have felt the rumblings of change…
: I do not feel the taint of the dark side within you, old man. I sense you are a servant of the light, whether you will admit it or not.

Damn it, don’t ruin him for me!

: Well, I assure you, I see more grey than dark or light. I’m just a stubborn old man, tired of the foolishness of others.
: Have you any knowledge of Star Maps?
: Now why would you be asking about that, hmm? Don’t answer. I knew that had to be why you were here. The problems of a few Wookiees don’t amount to anything before the concerns of the Jedi. No, you are here for the map.
: Get to the point, old man.
: Kashyyyk is an interesting place, more so than anyone suspects. If Czerka Corporation knew, heh, the planet would be a strip mine. The Wookiees have their legends that they were not always here, but it is more than that. The trees themselves are strangers.
: I don’t understand. Can you be more specific?
: What I’m saying is that there are literally walls in your way, and you won’t find what you need without my help… and my help has a price. You must do a task for me, and then allow me to join with you. I will then remove certain barriers in your path.
: Can’t  I just pay you? I hate jumping hoops.
: Oh, save it. I know this sounds absurd, but I’m old and entitled to work you around a bit. Besides, the test is simple. Since they began expanding in the Shadowlands, the Czerka have left me alone, for the most part. Until recently, anyway. A group of them set up camp not far from here. Poachers is all they are. I’d like them removed from this place.
: Why would you want to join up with me?
: You presumably have a ship. I’ve seen all I wish to here. Isn’t that enough? I mean, I’m really sick of the trees. And perhaps your destiny might show me something new. You never know.
: Where are they? How many men?
: They are not that far northeast of here. There is usually five in the area, as far as I can see. The Captain of the lot is  the one that earned my ire. Mishandle my garden, will he? Hmph!

Is this how Jedi say “Get off my lawn!”?

: I will look into it.
Jolee: Good. Return to me here and we will see how you have done. Shoo. Shoo!


It’s really hard to see, but there is a dead Wookiee behind the katarn.

This datapad card contains a contract to trade weapons for slaves, and a manifest of goods already delivered. It would seem that Rorworr had sold a number of Wookiees previously, and intended to do so again.

Looks like the murder case has been taken care of.


These are the poachers who messed up Jolee’s garden.
 

Dern: I don’t make deals and I don’t persuade easily, so go back topside. Mess with my profits and I’ll see you dead.
: I paid the docking fee. Who cares where I go?
Dern: So you’re playing tourist? That isn’t smart. The Shadowlands are all business. Mess around and you’ll end up dead. That said, if you want to make some credits while you’re looking to die, I might have a job for you.

Tell me more. Unfortunately, working for this scumbag actually doesn’t give dark side points.

: I might be interested in some work.
Dern: I could use an extra hand. A couple of men have gone missing. If I lose many more I’ll have to close up shop. We are hunting the little simians, the tach. They have a gland that acts as a stimulant when powdered. I figure I’ve got two or three wealthy years to butcher the lot of them. You want in before I make them extinct?
: What does the job pay?
Dern: I really can’t quote a price. Depends on the market. I give fair value for each one, rest assured. That promise will have to do.
: I want the job. How do I hunt these tach?
Dern: All right then, I’ll set you up. First you need to be able to draw them out. It’s easy. I’ll spray you with this scent… it drives them crazy. They can’t help but attack you, even if it’s a hopeless fight. Then you just carve them up. There’s a big fleshy bulb in their brains that you want to scoop out. You can’t miss it. I’d feel guilty if the money wasn’t so good. Come back when you’ve got the glands and I’ll pay you.

The journal update for this mentions that “Jolee won’t be happy” about this little deal, but he actually never says anything about that.

: I’m leaving.
Dern: Good. I’m not down here to direct traffic.


The real reason I’m doing this? No more annoying noises from these stupid space monkeys.

While hunting, I find something interesting.


This is actually fully voiced!

Droid: Playback: “I don’t get it. That merchant said there was salvage down here. We need Matton to work the sensors.”

Playback: “When he gets back we’ll… wait… I’m getting something. Oh, it’s Eli. Good. Maybe he’ll point us in the right direction.”

Playback: “Eli! What the…! But you got your money, you doublecrossing snake! We had a deal (blaster sounds)”

Asking the droid what happened will just have it replay what I just transcribed. In case you forgot, Eli was the merchant back at the Czerka base.

: I’ll scrap you and take what I can.
Droid: Shutting down… primary systems… failing…
: [You start with the droid’s head, removing it and placing it in your pack. An energy discharge flows through the remaining parts.]


And finally, in the last part of this zone…



[This is obviously one of the barriers to your progress that Jolee was speaking of. If he was here, he would allow you to pass it.]

Turns out those barriers are actual barriers.

Anyway, time to cash in on all the simian murder.

: I’ve got a tach gland to sell you.
Dern: I’ll take whatever you have. Keep it up and we’ll both be rich. At least until we bleed this planet dry, hahaha!

He gives us 170 credits. For all the glands. This is horrible.


Dern: Is that old hermit Jolee trying to talk you into doing his dirty work? We’ve spent too much on setting up just to walk away. As long as the sonic emitters keep the preds[sic] away and I’ve got bodies to guard the perimeter, we’re staying right here. I mean, if I can put up with my own worthless guards complaining about this place, Jolee whining through you is nothing.
: You’re just a Czerka slaver. Nothing special.
Dern: I don’t need this kind of garbage from you. Watch your mouth. I’m the only law there is down here. If you’ve got something to say, get on with it. Otherwise, leave me alone. I’ve credits to earn.

We could tamper with the emitters to make him go away, but not only we need the dark side points, but 170 credits!

: I should just kill you. No one will ever know.
Dern: All right, I’m done talking with you. You’ve got under my skin one too many times! I’ll bury you down here!

170 CREDITS!

At any rate, we’ve thoroughly explored this section of the shadowlands, so all that is left is returning to Jolee… which will be left for next update.

[ATHATH]

Jolee is the best. It is a little bit unfortunate that he can't use that Good-only +Wisdom item you find down here, though.