Raspar Ojen posted Mon at 12:00
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Author: Raspar, BioWare, Darth Maul, EA, Electronic Arts, Force Reflection, LucasArts, Palpatine, role-play, Roleplay, RP, Star Wars, Star Wars The Old Republic, SWTOR, SWTOR-RP, The Old Republic, TOR, Zabrak
In movies, comics, books, and plays, it is usually very easy to tell who the "bad guy" is from the get go. Some are plain old evil, while others or more ambiguously evil. No matter the particular flavor of evil though, we can usually identify said evil very quickly. But does your character know or think he or she is evil? How do you roleplay a character who is truly "evil" versus a character whose evilness could be debated?
When a Star Wars fan needs to adequately describe a quintessentially evil character, Darth Maul is a perfect fit for the bill. He looks evil, he talks evil, and he acts evil. He's one dimensional in that sense. The moment he appears on screen, you think, "That is one evil Zabrak" (or horn guy if the word Zabrak escaped you). Even so, did he think he was a bad guy? Or did he think he was doing what needed to be done for the "good" of the galaxy? Palpatine wanted to control the galaxy, but he acted as if it was the best thing for it. He must have felt as the most powerful being, he was doing right by the galaxy, right? Has any evil being, real or fake, ever actually thought of themselves as evil?
Right and wrong and good and evil are not always as easy to identify as we would like. But there are beings that do evil things and could be defined by those actions as being evil. But as a group of (hopefully) non-evil people, how do we roleplay evil characters? Are they classically evil, or do they live in a perpetually grey sector of morals? Do they know what they do is wrong and simply not care, or do they think they are doing good in a unconventional manner? Well, let us know in the comments below!
Sebaya Keto posted Jan 18, 12
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Agent, Atreiyu, Author: Sebaya Keto, Balkus, BioWare, Blizzard, Chiss, Darth Maul, Dromund Kaas, Dungeons and Dragons, Kaemrys, Kerri Knight, Khem Val, MacButt, Mai Cash, Mishka kalrook, Obran, role-play, Roleplay, RP, Sriin Knorei, Star Wars Galaxies, Star Wars The Old Republic, SWTOR, SWTOR-RP, Talos Drelik, Tatooine, The Darker Side of Life, The Old Republic, TOR, Vette, World of Warcraft
Hello everyone and welcome to another edition of The Darker Side of Life; the SWTOR-RP weekly column where we discuss the prevailing RP issues of the day and take your opinions on them. For the past several months, I've taken your suggestions on topics from a wide variety of categories. Some of them are fairly static, others like our discussion on companions in roleplay were predictions, done before the launch of The Old Republic, based on what we knew about the game at that time. In this week's article, we're going to revisit several old topics with fresh opinions, both from old members who may have read the originals when they were first published, and fresh faces who have joined us recently, all to answer one question: how has the launch of The Old Republic changed your opinion on roleplay?
Companions aren't the only thing we'll be discussing though. Server communities was another hot topic we touched on. Many players voiced their opinions on separate servers for timezones, or RP-PvP, or even keeping everyone together. Now we'll look into how things have turned out in the first month of the game. Combat solutions, the classic dice, duel, and the emote debate can never truly be settled, but it varies by game depending on how the players feel about the options a developer provides. Lastly, we'll touch on a more recent topic, being our discussion of RP hotspots and how players are using or abusing them. Join me in this very special edition of The Darker Side of Life as we take a trip back and look at how getting to play The Old Republic has changed your thoughts on roleplay topics, if at all.
Sebaya Keto posted Dec 9, 11
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Author: Sebaya Keto, BioWare, Class Progression, Darth Maul, Sith Assassin, Sith Empire, Sith Inquisitor, Sith Sorcerer, Star Wars The Old Republic, SWTOR, The Old Republic, TOR, Video
BioWare has finally released the last of the Character Progression videos – Sith Inquisitor. If you're still hesitant about the class, this is a good peek into what it can do in The Old Republic. Sith Inquisitors are the masters of the dark side of the Force, the polar opposite of the Jedi Consular. Through channeling their emotions, Inquisitors have access to unlimited power, much more then their saber waving cousins.
Do you like lightning? How about close to a dozen different types of it? If that gets you excited then Sith Sorcerer might just be the class for you. In the video we see the Inquisitor use several different types of lightning attacks to stun and kill their foes, ending with the massive AOE Force storm. Although the video doesn't show it, Sorcerers are also the Empire's primary healing class as well. Read on for more.
Ganden posted Nov 23, 11
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Anakin Skywalker, Ashla, Author: Ganden, BioWare, Count Dooku, Darth Maul, EA, Electronic Arts, Jedi, Jedi Consular, Jedi Council, Jedi Knight, Jedi Order, Jedi Padawan, Knighting Ceremony, Lightsaber, Lightsaber Combat, LucasArts, Obi-Wan Kenobi, role-play, Roleplay, RP, Star Wars, Star Wars The Old Republic, SWTOR, SWTOR-RP, The Jedi Path, The Old Republic, TOR, Tython, Yoda
Do you ever wonder how it is that the Jedi are so ruthless and precise with their strikes, parries, and blows whilst using the unforgiving lightsaber? Not only do the Jedi have access to the almighty Force to anticipate the attack and defence strategies of their foes, but they also have access to the knowledge contained within the forms of lightsaber combat which have been studies for centuries. In Part III of this article miniseries based on the book, The Jedi Path, we take you through the lightsaber forms used by both the Jedi and the Sith, as well as touching on sense abilities. We will then conclude the Padawan chapter of the book written for students of the Jedi by taking you through the Jedi Trials – the tests that determine whether a Padawan can be deemed ready for Knighthood within the Jedi Order.
For those of you still getting familiar with Jedi lore, there are six forms of lightsaber combat, each with their own style. Form I, also known as the Determination Form or Way of the Sarlacc, is the first style of lightsaber combat taught to the Jedi Initiates and Padawan learners of the Jedi Order. As previously stated in Part I of The Jedi Path: Teachings of the Jedi Order, Form I aims at the major strike zones of the body, consisting of the right and left sides of the body, as well as the head and legs. Disarming or temporarily incapacitating an enemy is the main aim of Form I. It is when we move onto Form II, also known as Makashi, and the Contention Form or Way of the Ysalamiri, that we begin to move onto the more stylised forms of lightsaber combat. Makashi was predominantly used for lightsaber-on-lightsaber combat. It is the most elegant of the six forms, using light and precise strikes at its opponents. The stance of Makashi consists of having one foot in front of the other in a line, moving forward and back upon this line. Disarming strikes with spins and twirls of the lightsaber are the more natural movements of this form.
Ganden posted Nov 22, 11
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Author: Ganden, BioWare, Count Dooku, Daniel Wallace, Darth Maul, EA, Electronic Arts, Galactic Republic, Ilum, Jedi, Jedi Consular, Jedi Initiate, Jedi Knight, Jedi Master, Jedi Order, Jedi Padawan, Jedi Service Corps, Lightsaber, LucasArts, Padawan, Republic, role-play, Roleplay, RP, Sith, Sith Inquisitor, Star Wars, Star Wars The Old Republic, SWTOR, SWTOR-RP, The Jedi Path, The Old Republic, Togruta, TOR, Yoda
Welcome to the second edition of The Jedi Path: Teachings of the Jedi Order. In this article mini-series, we leech onto the knowledge and lore contained with Daniel Wallace's book, The Jedi Path. In Part I, we focused briefly on the Jedi Code, but we went into detail with some of the lore surrounding the teachings and day-to-day activities of a Jedi Initiate. In Part II, we take you through the lessons and requirements of a Jedi taken as a Padawan by a Jedi Knight or Jedi Master. The path is difficult, and it requires much patience. However, a successful apprenticeship will eventually take a Jedi Padawan to the Jedi Trials where the title of Jedi Knight could be had. Let's not get ahead of ourselves though. Let's take a look at what being a Jedi Padawan is all about.
Most Jedi Initiates will be deemed ready for an apprenticeship at around the humanoid age of twelve to fourteen standard years. After passing the Initiate Trials which was outlined in Part I of the miniseries, Jedi Initiates can increase their chances of being chosen by a Jedi Knight or Jedi Master for an apprenticeship by participating in the Apprentice Tournament. The tournament consists of lightsaber contests which are viewed by the Knights and Masters of the Order as they scope out potential Padawan learners. At times, the tournament consists of free-for-all contests, as well as battles in a zero-g chamber.
AstralEcho posted Nov 12, 11
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Austin Peckenpaugh, Author: AstralEcho, BioWare, Cameron Winston, Charles Boyd, Choose Your Side, Commander Cody, Coruscant, Daniel Erickson, Darth Maul, EA, Electronic Arts, Inquisitor, It's A Trap!, LucasArts, Michael Bay, Sith Inquisitor, Star Wars, Star Wars The Old Republic, SWTOR, The Old Republic, TOR, Trooper, Twitter
In the newest installment of the Choose Your Side series of videos, the Republic Trooper and Sith Inquisitor are sized up by members of the BioWare team. Writer Charles Boyd and Combat Designer Cameron Winston favor the big guns, while the more subtle Inquisitor is championed by Writing Director Daniel Erickson and Combat Designer Austin Peckenpaugh. Watch the video below and see for yourself as they discuss their favorite elements of each class and the hows and whys of who would win in a fight between Commander Cody and Darth Maul.
There's certainly some juicy tidbits in there for roleplayers as well, as the trooper is described as a "shoot first, ask questions later" sort of character who carries the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. Meanwhile the inquisitor is "always thinking, always calculating," and can dish out enough lightning to power the entirety of Coruscant. Whether you plan on playing a one-man Michael Bay film or plotting elaborate schemes in the hopes of hearing your favorite Mon Calamari catchphrase, the clips shown should help make the wait just a little less bearable.
While the trooper in this installment appears to be a commando, the general theme of guns and ammo should suit anyone looking to take up a role in the Republic Military. Fans of the sorcerer may find themselves disappointed however, as this inquisitor seems to have taken the route of stealth and the double-bladed lightsaber. Still, there's plenty of lightning to go around and the developers spend a good deal of time discussing the importance (or unimportance!) of range between the two classes.
Take a look at the video and let us know where you're placing your bets in the comments below! BioWare is also encouraging players to shout out their favorites over Twitter with either the #CYSInquisitor or #CYSTrooper hashtags.
Ganden posted Apr 21, 11
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Author: Ganden, Darth Maul, Darth Vader, Force Reflection, Galen Marek, Jedi, Lightsaber, Luke Skywalker, Sith, Star Wars, Star Wars The Old Republic, Starkiller, SWTOR, The Force Unleashed, The Old Republic, The Phantom Menace, TOR
Lightsaber combat in Star Wars can be quite complex. There are a number of different lightsaber forms that Jedi and Sith can choose to master, with forms I through to VI as viable options during the era of The Old Republic. Whether you prefer smooth and precise lightsaber combat, or remaining on the offensive with your acrobatic prowess, there is a lightsaber form to suit you. In addition to the selection of a lightsaber form, there is also a choice that the Jedi and Sith have to make, as will players of force-using characters in The Old Republic -- lightsaber blade type.
In the Star Wars sequels, we see Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader using single bladed lightsabers. When we turn our eyes to the prequels and Expanded Universe, we see a number of different styles of lightsaber blades begin to pop up. We have the standard single blade, used by most Jedi and Sith throughout Star Wars history. There is the double bladed lightsaber used by Darth Maul in The Phantom Menace. Finally, we have the twin blades used by Galen Marek (or Starkiller) in The Force Unleashed II. The question we pose to you in this edition of Force Reflection is this: What type of lightsaber blade to you intend to use in The Old Republic and why? Post your answers in the comments section.
Ganden posted Sep 1, 10
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Aayla Secura, Adi Gallia, Aksoka Tano, Asajj Ventress, Ataru, Author: Ganden, Barriss Offee, BioWare, Cay Qel-Droma, Cin Drallig, Count Dooku, Darth Bane, Darth Maul, Darth Vader, Darth Zannah, Exar Kun, Fohargh, Form I, Form II, Form III, Form IV, Form V, Form VI, General Grievous, Hawk-Bat, Jax Pavan, Jedi, Kas'im, Kavar, Kento Marek, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Kit Fisto, Knights of the Old Republic, KOTOR, Krayt Dragon, Lucien Draay, Luke Skywalker, Luminara Undili, Mace Windu, Makashi, Mynock, Niman, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, Quinlan Vos, Rancor, Revenge of the Sith, Roleplay, Sarlaac, Shaak Ti, Shien, Shii-Cho, Sith, Soresu, Star Wars, Star Wars The Old Republic, SWTOR, SWTOR-RP, The Force Unleashed, The Old Republic, Theed Palace, TOR, Vandar, Vapaad, Vrook Lamar, Yoda, Ysalamiri, Zez-Kai Ell
Swing. Block. Spin. Parry. Counterattack. Force leap over enemy. Swing. Block. Force push. If you are of the dark side of the force, perhaps some force lightning would be more fitting at the end of that combative combination. If you were a practitioner of a lightsaber form other than the acrobatic form, Ataru, then perhaps you would rather a more defensive style, such as Soresu. During the period of the Old Republic, the time in which The Old Republic takes place, six forms of lightsaber combat existed, adopted by both the Jedi and the Sith. Each form specialises in different aspects of movement, ranging from the fundamentals of all forms and basic attacks, to lightsaber versus lightsaber focus, tight and defensive movements, and acrobatics. The Jedi and Sith decide which form to utilise for a number of reasons, ranging from personal preference, stature, emotion, and a form which will perform well against the current enemy of either side. Lightsaber forms are not simply a matter of choosing and practicing. Other forms of lightsaber combat were introduced over the thousands of years in which the Jedi and Sith existed. Some of these forms were merged, some were adopted by existing forms, and others became independant. Additionally, movements, or "Marks of Contact", form the basis of lightsaber combat and are utilised across the board. The six forms of lightsaber combat which existed during The Old Republic are as follows: - Form I: Shii-Cho
- Form II: Makashi
- Form III: Soresu
- Form IV: Ataru
- Form V: Shien
- Form VI: Niman
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