(split out from original discussion)
As we discovered last session, Use the Force has some problems when it gets used against PCs – especially with Move Object. (10+d6 damage? Ouch).
What gets me is the weird scaling of these powers. Trained/Skill Focused UTF (which is what any decent Jedi should have) and a 16 Cha goes from +13 at 1st level to +23 at 20th level.
Meanwhile, a soldier with a 16 Dex and Weapon Focused goes from +5 at 1st level to +24 at 20th level.
I suggest for all Force Powers that roll vs. Defenses that we change the numbers to Base Attack + Charisma modifier (+1 for Skill Focus). That’ll put Greg’s Force Attack abilities on a par with the other PCs (and will be how 4e does it, incidentally).
We might want to fiddle with Move Object’s damage as well, although I’d like to keep it as better than a blaster rifle, as it’s a 1/encounter power. (mostly).
Any thoughts from our esteemed DM and Force Users (that last means you in particular, Greg!)
One drawback will mean fiddling with an extra number for NPC Force Users, although I rather hope there aren’t that many of them to worry about!
One thing you might consider as a house rule (and one I endorse) is putting a prerequisite on Skill Focus so that you cannot take it until 9th level. It’s about 12th level where skills are overtaken by Defenses anyways.
Interesting. Thanks for the tip, Rodney. 🙂
Interesting idea – I had hit a similar problem in our game. Though I don’t think the skill foci I have in my noble skills are that bad, UTF does seem a bit extreme with it, and I’d be okay shuffling what order I take feats in to make things less silly.
Though it feels weird to just directly nerf another player, but it’s better than the player going ‘Are you about to cheat?’ when the jedi reaches for his force power cards.