Non-saber Combat

[ Jedi ]

Some weapons, such as Blasters, Rocket launchers, Grenades and the likes function at range. These weapons may be used by Jedi as actions to gain advantage in saber combat - those rules are found in Direct Combat Actions. However, some opponents, especially non-force users, use these weapons to the exclusion of a lightsaber.

When using these weapons, you generally use the Trained Combatant Style. Additionally, you only attack on one ring.

Armour and shielding, common for footsoldiers, may provide bonuses to defences, but these items generally do not work against lightsabers. They may be effective against non-saber weapons however.

The rings of attack that can be used be a combatant are limited by the weapon the combatant uses (unless special cases apply, such as a combat style explicitly allowing a wider attack). So, for example, a Jedi using a blaster will be limited to a single ring, unless he knows a combat style that specifically states otherwise.

Most weapons are basically of the same power level, and we ignore the difference between a low-quality blaster and a high-end sniper rifle. In the end, both are ranged weapons and their qualitative differences have little impact on the combat, except for circumstantial things like waterproofing. Only extremely rare equipment of custom make can offer bonuses. In most combats, the combatants don't get high combat ratings through custom gear, but through combat styles, DCAs, terrain actions and special manoeuvres – specialized weapons are difficult to come by.

All non-saber weapons, and all armour, is classified into one of the following categories:

Weapon Category	Damage Type	Notes
Explosives	slashing	Thermal grenades, bombs; These weapons can sometimes be used at range, and are capable of hitting multiple combatants
Blades	cutting	Katana, Commando knife, Vibroblade; Usually melee (thrown knifes are Projectile Weapons)
Projectile Weapons	piercing	Blaster, sniper rifles, bows; These weapons can usually be used at range
Unarmed Combat	see text	Kicks, punches, sweeps
Armour	blocking	Stormtrooper armor, kevlar vest; Usually used in armies, offers melee protection, never works against lightsabers
Shields	deflecting	Deflector shield, Droideka shields; Usually used in armies, too heavy for personal equipment, never works against lightsabers

Note: there is a special page for Lightsabers.

Basically what the list says. Grenades, bombs, and such. Explosives attack the outer ring.

What the list says. Note that this is the only normal weapon against which personal defensive equipment is available (in the form of armour). Blades attack the middle ring.

Projectile weapons are everything from simple blasters to bowcasters to high-end sniper rifles and even normal hand bows. An example of a custom made weapon could be a Nightsister bow. Projectile weapons attack the inner ring.

Armour protects the wearer against blades, jagged rocks and other inconveniences. Armour does not offer protection against blasters, grenades or lightsabers. We view armour mostly as a style statement, and we take a “helmets are optional” approach. Armour defends the middle ring.

Note: As normal armour gives a bonus of - / +0 / -, it is basically the same as not wearing armour; but circumstantial bonuses may apply.

Shields protect against blaster shots and other projectiles. Note that shields are usually used in the context of an army, as they are too unwieldly to use as personal equipment. Shields are used in droids, vehicles and as deployable cover. As with armour, shields do not protect against anything other than projectiles. Custom made shields might offer limited protection against explosives (or at least the shrapnel they projectile outward), but shields will never protect against a lightsaber. Shields give cover and hypothetically, if worn, would defend the inner ring.

Even when unarmed, Jedi are formidable foes in combat. Jedi (and other combatants) can engage in unarmed combat without knowing specialized combat styles. In that case, they will use the Trained Combatant Style, but knowing a specialized unarmed combat style allows you to excel in these engagements.

See Trained Combatant Style for further information on unarmed combat.