Form # dicipline of combat?

I have a question and this seemed like the right place to ask, since I need to know for my RPG.

In starwars.com's official bio of Master Mace Windu, it says:

"In his day, Mace was one of the best lightsaber fighters of the Jedi order. Only the most skilled of the Jedi could master the Form VII discipline of combat, for its aggressive nature treaded dangerously upon dark side practices."

I'm wondering. Does anyone have a list of the diciplines of combat? Does anyone know what exactly the Form VII (or any other form) of combat is?

 

I believe these are all covered in the NEW Essential Guide to Characters... I don't have it though...

OPPM. Darn it.

 

Well we came up with our own for our freeform RPG

Here's what me and Antar came up with along with a guy on the literature forums

OOC: After reading Charlemagne's post, I contacted him and we proceeded to work out a complete list of fighting styles, both official and RPG based. The following is what we came up with. Please include your character's fighting skill in your next bio posting.

Form I
Basic introductory lightsaber skill. Focuses on learning the zones of combat and the most basic strikes and blocks. Akin to kendo and basic fencing. Taught to all Jedi as basic familiarisation with their weapon, it's an average blend of attack and defence with no complex moves like spins or flips. Effective on all opponents armed or unarmed, though not overly strong.

Form II
Highly specialised form of fencing-like duelling. Incredibly fast and agile, it is hideously effective against lightsaber-wielding opponents. Requires extreme dexterity and speed, the actions of this form are swift, fluid and devastating to a foe untrained to defend them. It maximises one-handed fighting and often special lightsaber hilts must be employed to properly use this technique.

Form III
Combat form based on defence. The most effective lightsaber form for deflecting bolts from energy weapons, it epitomes maximum emphasis being placed on blocking. While not as strong in attack as other combat forms, it is the Jedi's best form of defence against both lightsaber using foes and projectile weapon users. Attack power is slightly below average.

Form IV
Lightsaber skill most effective against other lightsabers. Excellent attack and power rating and defence capabilities are commendable against sabers but poorer against blaster fire. Concentrates on twirling moves and spins but speed is forsaken for power. However, it is very good against multiple foes using sabers. Moderate damage, average speed.

Form V
Style involving acrobatic and speed - a combination of forms II, III and IV but with far more agility involved. Whilst not the strongest of forms, it is by far one of the more fluid and speedy. The majority of the moves involve flips, rolls, jumping attacks and using the environment to gain an advantage. Deadly versus slow or bulky opponent or non-saber wielders. Often employs a reversed-grip style for additional moves.

Form VI
Alternative lightsaber usage - most often this form is taught when the user will use more than one saber (dual sabers). Because of it's extreme difficulty, it is usually reserved only for the most adept of swordsmen. Focus is on using lightsabers in one hand with the strength, speed and defence of a two-handed stance. Rarely used, but devastating in combat.

Form VII
The strongest form of lightsaber combat, it is also the hardest to learn and master. It involves immensely powerful sweeping strokes that are incredibly fast and agile. Coupled with a blocking system that is almost unbreakable, it is applicable to all combat situations. Because of its aggressive basis, it is borderline Dark Side and only used by the most gifted Jedi.

Form VIII
This combat technique is referred in modern times as a "Battle meld" by the members of the New Jedi Order. Masters of this technique are able to coordinate movements and tactics of a group as though those involved were a single entity. When used properly, a group using this technique can manouver an oponant or group of oponants into carefully orchestrated traps. Groups using this form of combat can plan ahead, accounting for the planned strikes of members of the group and can easily manipulate and defeat their foes.

Form IX
A combat type perfected by the Dark Jedi Exar Cun, Form IX is specifically meant for the use of double bladed lightsabers or quarterstaffs. Combined with a highly tuned Force sence, a master of Form IX combat can manouver a double bladed lightsaber around their body with immence precision and skill, making it difficult for an opponant to find an angle of attack. This form of fighting was proven in the waning days of the Old R

 

Updated, definative information on the seven forms of lightsaber combat from insider 62.

ALL CANON:

Form I
Millennia before the Clone Wars, advanced technology replaced metal swords with energy beam lightsabers. In this transition the first From was born. Jedi Masters created From I from ancient sword-fighting traditions, since the principles of blade combat remained much the same. The basics of attack, parry, body target zones, and the practice drills called velocities are all here.

Note: Young Jedi still begin their training by learning Form I

Form II
The ultimate refinement of lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat became Form II, advancing the precision of blade manipulation to its finest possible degree and producing the greatest dueling master the galaxy has ever seen. To Form II is an archaism studied by almost no one in the Jedi Order, because it is not relevant to current tactical situations, in which Jedi enemies rarely fight with lightsabers. Even with the resurgence of the Sith, confrontation of an enemy with a lightsaber is an exceedingly rare prospect for a Jedi, so they continue to focus on more practical Forms. Sith expecting to battle lightsaber-wielding Jedi, however, find Form II a powerful technique.

Note: Form II is the chosen discipline of the Machiavellian Separatist Count Dooku, who wields it to devastating effect. His utterly precise moves overwhelm Jedi who are not accustomed to the special requirements of lightsaber dueling with Form II. Dooku holds his own even against master Yoda.

Form III
The third great lightsaber discipline was first developed in response to the advancement of blaster technology in the galaxy. As these weapons spread widely into the hands of evil-doers, the Jedi had to develop unique means of defending themselves. Form III thus arose from "laserblast" deflection training. Over the centuries it has transcended this origin to become a highly refined expression of non-aggressive Jedi philosophy. Form III maximizes defensive protection in a style characterized by tight, efficient movements that expose minimal target area compared to the relatively open style of some of the other forms.
Obi Wan Kenobi takes up a dedication to Form III after the death of Qui-Gon Jinn (who favored form IV), since it was apparent to Kenobi that Jinn's defense was insufficient against the Sith techniques of Darth Maul. True Form III masters are considered invincible. Even in his elder years, Kenobi remains a formidable From III practitioner.

Form IV
Form IV is the most acrobatic Form, heavily emphasizing Jedi abilities to run, jump, and spin in phenomenal ways by using the Force. Masters of Form IV incorporate all of the ways in which the Force helps them go beyond what is physically possible. Their lightsaber combat is astonishing to watch, filled with elaborate moves in the center of which a Jedi may be all but a blur. Yoda, with his deep emphasis on the Force in all things, is a Form IV master. Form IV was also the chosen discipline of Qui Gon J9nn and the early choice of his apprentice, Obi Wan Kenobi.

Note: Obi Wan Kenobi and Qui Gon Jinn employ acrobatic Form IV work during their battle against Darth Maul in The Phantom Menace

Form V
During an era when Jedi and Sith were called upon to more actively maintain the peace in the galaxy maintain the peace in the galaxy, Form V arose alongside Form IV to address a need for greater power among the Jedi. Jedi Master who felt that Form III could be too passive developed Form V. A Form III master might be undefeatable, but neither could he necessarily overcome his enemy. Form V focuses on strength and lightsaber attack moves. This From exploits the ability of the lightsaber to block a blaster bolt and turns this defensive move into an offensive attack by deflecting the bolt deliberately towards an opponent. A dedication to the power and strength necessary to defeat and enemy characterizes the philosophy of Form V, which some Jedi refer to by the maxim "peace through superior firepower" To some Jedi Knights, Form

 

I want someone to come up with a good way to utilize these in the d20 RPG, I'd be fantastic. Someone should post a concept. I would love to use it.

 

I was hoping Power of the Jedi would do this but appearntly they didn't. Oh well. Maybe one day.

 

I, too, hoped PotJ would give game mechanics for the different forms. I dunno...I'll run it by my current GM and if he approves such mechanics being used in his game, I'll post whatever he allows here. Otherwise, I have enough to do right now. LOL


Warmest regards,
Maj-Odo Taji

 

perhaps the different forms of combat can be thought of as force skills with bonuses applied that match the discription of the form. just a suggestion.

 

I think the forms were spelled out as an explanation of why Yoda was jumping around like crazy in the AOTC duel, and why the lightsaber combat in ANH and TESB was less acrobatic.

 

Darth_Kevin,

Good idea...never quite thought of it that way. Too bad the lightsaber duels weren't more dramatic in the Holy Trilogy (aka "Original Trilogy").

All-in-all, just something about Luke smashing his 'saber against Vader's repeatedly and then finally hacking through his arm that still gives me chills. Good acting, too. Luke really looked like he was skirting the Dark Side, letting the aggression and fear of protecting his sister come through during that last volley of blows.


All excited now,
Maj-Odo Taji

 

fantastic, JM. i would probably want to add Improved Critical to Form II, and maybe some Force Feats that make sense (like Burst of Speed for Form IV), but overall pretty fantastic.

do the Feats on the list match up well with the NPC stats for the associated characters? does Vader have a lot of Form V Feats and such?

 

Personally, I think a couple of mistakes were made in the stat block of Yoda: he doesn't have Weapon Finesse, or any ranks in Tumble or Battlemind

i don't think stats can describe the unholy ass-whupping Yoda unleashed on Dooku in AOTC

maybe we should consider adding the whole slew of Dodge/Mobility/Spring Attack to Form IV since it seems to fit there, and the Two-Weapon Fighting oriented ones to Form V since 1) it's a very aggressive stance and 2) Anakin uses it (even if he doesn't have the Feat) (in the Marvel comics Luke uses two sabers also)

is Throw Lightsaber still a Feat in the new edition? if so, i think it goes in Form V since it's aggressive and Vader uses it...

 

Jedi Merkurian, that is some excellent work. Good job.
I agree that Yoda should have some ranks in Tumble, as he was certainly moving through a space occupied by an opponent in the AOTC duel, but I think that the inclusion of Enhance Ability to get his DEX bonus up makes up for the lack of Battlemind.


No, the Throw Lightsaber feat has been removed from the game. No big loss.

 

I've been working on this progject for quite a while, and here it is, the Lightsaber Combat forms for the Star Wars Roleplaying Game d20 edition. This version is a straight text version, but as soon as I can get it on my server I will have it in Microsoft Word format. If you wish to contact me about this article, you may e-mail me at jaimie@protemussolutions.com, thank you for downloading my e-sourcebook and thanks for reading.

Lightsaber Combat Forms

An Introduction to the Concept of Lightsaber Combat Forms
The concept of combat forms in not a new idea in the real world, a good example of different forms are the many martial arts, such as Karate, Tae Kwan Do, Tai?Chi, and Judo. As with anything there are different ways of doing things, including lightsabers. In the New Essential Guide to Characters Del Rey and Lucasbooks introduced a new method of explaining techniques. This has been a hot discussion point on RPG boards as to how it would be implemented. The following is my interpretation of the lightsaber combat methods.

The Standard Lightsaber Combat Forms

Form I
Quick Summary: Form I am the most basic form of lightsaber combat and am representative of anyone with the Exotic Weapon Proficiency (lightsaber) feat.
Description: Basic introductory lightsaber skill. Focuses on learning the zones of combat and the most basic strikes and blocks. Akin to kendo and basic fencing, it is taught to all Jedi as basic familiarization with their weapon, it's an average blend of attack and defense with no complex moves like spins or flips. Effective on all opponents armed or unarmed, though not overly strong.
Requirements: Exotic Weapon Proficiency (lightsaber).
Game Effects: None
Lightsaber Specialties: None

Form II
Quick Summary: Form II is a very special form of combat emphasized by swift movements.
Description: Highly specialized form of fencing-like dueling. Incredibly fast and agile, it is hideously effective against lightsaber-wielding opponents. Requires extreme dexterity and speed, the actions of this form are swift, fluid and devastating to a foe untrained to defend them. It maximizes one-handed fighting and often-special lightsaber hilts must be employed to properly use this technique.
Requirements: Exotic Weapon Proficiency (lightsaber), Dexterity 13+ or Weapon Finesse (lightsaber).
Game Effects: Form II is used when fighting one handed and the requirements of this form are met. When using Form II, add your dexterity modifier to your damage roll.
Lightsaber Specialties: Curved lightsaber hilt.


Form IIIa and Form IIIb
Quick Summary: Form IIIa is based on defense, and most effective at blocking bolts from energy weapons. Form IIIb concentrates on deflecting bolts back in addition to defense.
Description: Combat form based on defense. Form III is the most effective lightsaber form for deflecting bolts from energy weapons, it epitomes maximum emphasis being placed on blocking. While not as strong in attack as other combat forms, it is the Jedi's best form of defense against both lightsaber using foes and projectile weapon users. Attack power is slightly below average. Form IIIa concentrates solely on keeping one safe from attacks. Form IIIb concentrates on deflecting attacks.
Requirements (Form IIIa): Exotic Weapon Proficiency (lightsaber), Deflect (Defense) special quality.
Game Effects (Form IIIa): Form IIIa may be used if the user goes into total defense. The character receives a ?2 penalty on all attack rolls made with the lightsaber, and receives an additional +1 dodge bonus to defense. These effects last for two rounds. (The +4 dodge bonus from total defense expires after one round, you may use total defense again during the second round to continue to keep the bonuses.)
Requirements (Form IIIb): Exotic Weapon Proficiency (lightsaber), Deflect (Attack) special quality.
Game Effects (Form IIIb): Form IIIb may be used if the user is fighting defensively. The character?s penalty to deflect (attack), that is associated with the redirected attack is lessened by one. This effect may

 

Double Post, sorry

 

Bravo t_p! Thanks a lot! Great job! Can I print it up to use with my game?

-Jacen13

 

Bravo t_p! Thanks a lot! Great job! Can I print it up to use with my game?

-Jacen13

Sure, feel free to use it in your games any time, that is what it was intended for. However, do not copy and sell it, and do not post it online at any website without first asking permission. You also may want to wait until Friday when the .doc file is uploaded to the 'net.

Thanks,
the_podracer

 

Yokey dokey, I was just gonna print it up and use it for my games. Thanks.

 

Which is why I think he should've had Weapon finesse-lightsaber

I agree with that point.

the_podracer, your system seems to give Jedi even more of an advantage in combat than they already have. I agree with the idea of having, a set list of feats and skills in order for a Jedi to use a specific form, but the advantages of that form should just come from the use of those skills and feats in combat. Additional bonuses to hit and defense only risks unbalancing the game, and maintaining game balance is already tricky enough where mid-high level Jedi are involved.

 

Valin_Horn developed forms 1-7 for the most part though we've since replaced the info for our games with the near (accent) identica info from Insider 52#

 

I have revised my combat forms and posted my complete document at SWRPGNetwork's Holonet Forums

 

personally I have a few problems with most of the Jedi form systems I've seen on the net. Primaryly they tend to make the Jedi very more powerful then they already are (too much), don't have different levels of mastery just one or they are just "flavor" so I made up my own systems. Please tell me what you think. Here are the first 3.

Form 1 - basically all Jedi learn this on level 1 (only form a Jedi CAN learn on level one). Basically represents the exotic weapon feat and deflect.

Form 2
Feats - Weapons Finese (lightsaber or Sith Sword), Quickdraw, Dodge, Improved Initiative, Combat Reflexs, Lightsaber defense.
Skills - Bluff, Sleigh of Hand , Battle mind.

Form 2 Level 1
Feats - Any two form 2 feats (so that not every form2 Jedi is excatly the same)
Skills - Bluff 7 ranks, Sleigh of Hand 7 ranks, Battle mind 6 ranks
Mastery - The Jedi gains +4 to bluff checks then feinting against a ligthsaber or sith sword

Form 2 Level 2
Feats - Any 4 form 2 feats (two additional)
Skills - Bluff 10 ranks, Sleigh of Hand 10 ranks, Battle mind - 8 ranks.
Mastery - The Jedi's deflect defense and attack bouns now apply to his defense against ligthsaber attacks. This is INSTEAD of deflect bouns (the Jedi does not get BOTH).
ie - a level 7 Jedi guarden would have no deflect bounces but +2 to AC againt ligthsabers (+1 for the +1 defense and +1 for the -4 attack). If the Jedi switchs styles any new deflect bouns start from scratch as if the Jedi was gaining the bouns for the first time.

Form 2 Level 3
Feats - All form 2 feats
Skills - Bluff 14 ranks, Sleigh of Hand 14 ranks, Battle mind `12 ranks
Mastery - When in melee combat (against any weapon) the Jedi can make a Sleigh of Hand check. The check sets the DC for the taget's Reflex check. If t he reflex check fails the target loses his dex bouns against the Jedi (and only the Jedi) for the round.

Form 3
Feats - Dodge, Combat Expertise, Improved Disarm, Lightsaber Defense, Knight Defense, Master Defense.
Skills - Balance, Tumble, Force Defense

Form 3 Level 1
Feats - Any 2 form 3 feats
Skills - Balance 8 ranks, Tumble 8 ranks, Force Defense 8 ranks
Mastery - At the start of an enouncter the Jedi can make a balance check to gain a bouns to his deflect defensive bouns. If the Jedi does he limits himself to only one attack per round at his highest BAB for the rest of the encounter.
check bouns
1-14 +1
15-24 +2
25-34 +3
35+ +4

Form 3 level 2
Feats - Any 4 form 3 feats (2 more feats then level1)
Skills - Balance 13 ranks, Tumble 13 ranks, Force Defense 11 ranks
Mastery - At the start of an ecnounter the Jedi can make a tumble check to gain a bouns to his deflect attack bouns. If the Jedi does he limits himself to only one attack per round at his second highest BAB for the rest of the encounter. This special ability cannot be used at the same time as the level 1 mastery. The Jedi can switch (a full round action and new check) but then cannot switch back.

check bouns
1-24 +1
25-36 +2
37+ +3

Form 3 level 3
Feats - All form 3 feats
Skills - Balance 16 ranks, Tumble 16 ranks, Force Defense 13 ranks
Mastery - deflect does not cost the Jedi a move action the next round

More to come.