Announcement; I have received some questions about how Force Tier works in this fic and the range of ability Force Devour. Firstly, force tier is best described as one raw power in the use of the Force. This affects the gamer uniquely by giving him a ceiling on how strong he is at any given moment. I mentioned that Tier 3 of this Force Tier is shared by the likes of Yoda and Palpatine and Vitiate. Now, as you know, all these characters have feats that the others couldn't or didn't reproduce, and that will apply the gamer as well. For example, Vitiate drained an entire world in a sith ritual, which increased his power and prolonged his life. That act isn't the same as Force devour as the gamer uses it, Force devours more comparable to the Darth Nihilus's ability. As far as what mean when I say city or ship scale for the battle meditation ability, the max effective range is 1,600 meter or the length of a star destroyer. If you have any more inquiries on game mechanics, ask in a review, and I'll post a response in the next chapter. Enjoy the chapter!
I stood in the middle of the main hold as still as a statue with my arms crossed. "T3, how long before the Corona is within communication range?"
T3 replied with a series of beeps, followed by a wooo.
"Only 2 hours? I was hoping for more time, but we will make do with what we got."
Question: Are we going to engage some meatbags master?
Statement: I am most eager to engage in some unadulterated violence. At your command, of course, my master.
I motioned for HK to follow me into the cargo hold. "You'll get your chance HK. Actually, I wouldn't mind hearing your recommendation on how to handle this situation."
Question: What are the mission objectives and parameters master?
I navigated my menu and pulled up the quest log, and reviewed the quest I received earlier.
Quest Added:?
Main Objective:?
Bonus Objective:?
Bonus Objective:?
Come on, the game, quests are literally the only way I receive XP, why do you have to troll me with potential XP but not define how I can get said XP.
I could feel my consciousness slip; something was pulling me out of thought. Visions of the future attacked my mind, a countless number of potential outcomes of the near future. In one scenario, HK was standing menacingly over the body of Hondo. In another Hondo was restrained in the medical bay shouting curses at HK as he loomed over him. In the last scenario, I was shaking hands with Hondo, and he was giving me a look like he just convinced me to sell my soul to him. My consciousness comes back to the present, and I got two new notifications.
[Force Ability Created: Force Vision]
[Quest Updated]
I checked my character sheet on the menu, the description of the ability that I just gained.
Force Vision [Tier I]
This ability reveals the details of quest objectives. At this Tier, visions are sporadic, and the user cannot choose what information is revealed and can only be used once weekly.
Force Vision is now at the top of the list of force powers that I need to upgrade. I should check out that quest update while I'm on the menu.
Quest Added: Pirates of the Outer Rim
Primary Objective: Capture, Kill, or convince Hondo to be your Ally.
Bonus Objective:?
Bonus Objective:?
"Set mission objective to boarding and capturing the captain of the vessel and give me your recommendation."
Calculating Statement: With available armaments, the success probability is 33%. The size of the vessel would indicate a maximum crew of 64. Given we had more time and better armaments master, I could efficiently complete this mission with only a 1% chance of failure.
Recommendation: Boarding the vessel would be easy enough. If the mission objective was to eliminate the crew, with armaments and your assistance master, we have a success probability of 90%.
"I get the feeling that you just want the opportunity to use the Gatling cannon."
Excited Response: Oh, yes, master! The amount of carnage I could cause with the Gatling cannon would be marvelous.
I couldn't help but chuckle, "I think a less direct approach is better suited for the situation." I walked over to the workbench, and a menu came up.
[Create Items]
Commlink: 5 Machine Parts
Blaster Pistol: 10 Machine Parts
Computer Spike: 2 Machine Parts
After using the remaining 5 machine parts, I had to create a comlink. I placed the sith mask on the table, and another menu came up.
Sith Mask Used during the days of the Jedi Civil War by some Sith to block outside influences and allow the user to focus without distraction. Immunity: Mind Reading
Modification Available Commlink
I selected the commlink option under available modifications, and my hands were guided in the process of installing the comlink it the mask. I put the mask on and was met with a notification.
[Enable Party Chat]
[Yes]
[No]
Mentally, I selected the [Yes] option
"HK, can you read me?"
Answer: Affirmative master connection is established.
T3 beeps rapidly at me, "You can't find my frequency?"
That's odd, and perhaps party chat is only available to my companions? Something to ponder on then, wonder what the range is on this? "Don't worry, T3. You'll need to stay and watch the ship; I'll need you to be ready if we have to make a quick getaway." At that moment, I heard the ship alert as we were being hailed.
Question: Should I answer the hail master?
"No, don't answer them. I have a feeling that their greed and curiosity will get the better of them. This ship would go for a good price in any auction I would wager, and from their perspective who's to stop them from killing the current owners and claiming the ship for themselves, this is the outer rim after all." I walked over to the crates of thermal detonators and breaching charges that HK had loaded before we left Korriban, "Here, take these just in case it's best to be prepared." HK flashed his red eyes at me in response and took the gear I handed him." As I studied his current equipment, I noticed not seeing the vibroblade I had given him earlier. "Where is the vibroblade I gave you earlier?" He extended his arm to the side, and the vibroblade extended from his forearm.
Answer: I determined that it would be better suited to be concealed. I took the time to install it back on Korriban. My chassis has another such hidden compartment on the opposing forearm, but I am currently at my limit for equipable armaments. Any more weapons and my processor simply would be overwhelmed with all the potential ways I could exterminate squishy meatbags.
"Fair enough," at that moment, I could feel as the Fury was caught in the Corona's tractor beam. "Seems like we will have company soon. T3, go to the bridge and wipe the camera feed and lock the Nav-computer as well. When you are done, come back to the cargo hold and find cover behind a supply crate."
Analysis: An ambush, how creative my master!
Query: Shall I replace this blaster rifle with the Gatling cannon?
I smirked at HK and responded, "You are like a child who has gotten a new toy. Just can't wait to get it home and play with it."
Objection: That is an unfair comparison master. I don't see the correlation between me wanting to rain death and destruction and a tiny meatbag wanting to entertain themselves with a new toy.
Shaking my head, I watched as HK replace the sith blaster rifle and grabbed the Gatling cannon. "Just find some cover and wait for my signal. HK flashed his eyes in response and found a section of cargo to hide behind. T3 came rolling back into the cargo bay beeping that he has done as I said and rolled behind some cargo crates in the back of the hold. I could feel as the Fury settled into the Corona, and a few seconds later, I heard the boarding ramp with the following sound of several steps. I found cover for myself and closed my eyes, and focused on my sense of hearing, to see if I could pick out Hondo's unique accent.
"For a ship that's 10,000 years old, she looks as good as new." "Do you know how many ships like this go in the black market? This is a pre ruusan reformation armament and tech. We could live as kings for the rest of our lives back on Florrum."
"Will you idiots be quiet!"
There you are Hondo, I knew the possibility of quick credits was too much for you to pass by.
The cargo bay door opened, and I looked at were HK was hidden and gave a hidden gesture to wait with my hand and came out of cover. There were seven pirates in total counting Hondo and immediately, as I made myself known to them, they aimed their blasters at me. Hondo stepped forward confidently,
"This is a nice ship you have here. I think we will take it off your hands."
I stepped forward slowly with my hands up. "You should have killed me as soon as you had the chance." As the words left my mouth, I activated [Force Focus] he was quick to draw his blaster to attempt to shoot me, but I was much faster. I pulled him towards me with [Force Pull] and activated my lightsaber and cut his blaster in half when he reached me.
"Now, HK!"
HK turned the corner and came forward, filling the area with heated plasma rounds and mowed down remaining pirates, only taking a single grazing blow in response.
Hondo struggled in the air against the invisible Force I was holding him with. "Damn, Jedi! I thought your lot was a bunch of meditating monks."
I lowered him to the ground and grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and pushed him towards the boarding ramp.
"I am no Jedi, and if you speak unless spoken to or attempt to escape, I will separate your head from your body without a second thought. Do you understand?" Hondo only nodded in response. I walked down the boarding ramp with HK on my heels. "Don't fire unless fired upon HK."
Answer: As you command master.
As we reached the bottom of the boarding ramp, the interior of the Corona came into view. The hanger was arranged in a large circular in fashion. There were several vehicles spawled about the hanger and 2 rotary ceilings turbolaser that I could see. A dozen or so pirates were also waiting for us, weapons all aimed at us, but they were hesitant to fire, seeing me with my red lightsaber ignited and pushing Hondo by his neck down the ramp. "I have your captain! If anyone tries to enter my ship, I'll kill him. In thirty minutes, you will send one person unarmed to the boarding ramp. My droid will lead you to me, and we will discuss terms of exchange! Understood!"
One of the pirates came forward with his blaster pistol holstered and arms up. "We agree to your terms Jedi, and we will not attempt to enter the ship; you have our word."
I turned and pushed Hondo back up the ramp and into the ship and looked at HK. "Wait here, If they try anything, give them a verbal warning. If they try anything again after that begin firing, I'll be in the medical bay."
I lead Hondo back into the ship and to the medical bay. I turned him around, letting go of his neck and pushed him to sit on the medical table, and he did so reluctantly.
He grinned at me, "I haven't had a physical in years, doctor, disregard the discoloration in my lower regions I swear it's not nearly as bad as it looks."
I turned off my lightsaber and crossed and lowered it to my side. "I don't have time for your jokes Hondo, you're going to tell me what you're doing here, or I'm going to start cutting off fingers.
Hondo held up his hands, apologetically, "No need for that I'll tell you what you want to know. We picked up your ship's energy signal as we were heading this way and decided to umm investigate."
"You already tried to steal my ship earlier, no use in playing coy now."
"Ahh, yes, I must have forgotten that much, must be suffering from short term memory loss."
I stepped forward and put the lightsaber emitter against his kneecap, "You better have a miracle recovery, or you're going to be adding a peg leg to your captain uniform."
I could see panic behind Hondo's eyes, but he didn't attempt to move most likely afraid to set me off. "Ask whatever you want, whatever you want is yours. I have credits or spice I'll give you whatever you want."
"Where were you heading and answer carefully Hondo I'll know if you are lying."
There was only a slight hesitation before Hondo answered, "There is an auction taking place in the Drazkel system, Xev Xrexus is hosting, I was invited to attend."
I pressed the emitter sharply against his kneecap, "Keep talking."
Hondo replied quickly, "There are many interesting things for sale drugs, illegal weapons, and even some Droidekas, but what was most interesting is that rumor has it that there will be a Jedi Padawan up for sale." I took the lightsaber away from his kneecap and stepped back,
"A Jedi Padawan, now that is fascinating. I can understand the appeal."
It was at that moment I got a notification.
[Bonus Objective: Completed]
I took a second to gather my thoughts, and then when Hondo relaxed, I stuck him on the back of the head, knocking him out. I deactivated [Force Focus] and picked up his legs and put them onto the medical table and strapped wrists and ankles into place and left the medical bay, and went to the main hold and waited.
When the allotted time I had given the pirates had passed HK ushered in the weequay pirate, "Where is the captain I want to see him before any deals are made."
I looked at the weequay, "Did you hear him screaming?"
"No," he responded.
"Then he is alive, that much I can promise."
The pirate hesitates to respond, "What do you want."
I walked closer to him just a foot away from his face, "500,000 credits, and I want a copy of your nav computer data."
His mouth was agape, "500,000 credits are you insane?"
"I know where you are heading, so just be happy I didn't ask for more. Your ship alone is worth three million credits at least, and no one goes to an auction without money to spend."
The weequay ground his teeth, "Fine, you'll have your credits Jedi, and your nav data give me 30 minutes to copy the files to an external drive and to gather the credits, then we'll make the exchange."
"You have 10 minutes, or I'll start cutting off your captain's appendages." I looked to HK, "Show this one out and wait by the boarding ramp." HK flashed his eyes to indicate that he had received my orders. Once the pirate left the ship to gather what I asked for, I went to the cargo hold and yelled for T3.
The astromech came out from hiding and rolled up to me, making a series of beeps and woos.
"I think things are going well all things considered. I need you at the bridge we are going to be leaving soon. The weequay is going to be returning with updated navigation data. Once it's uploaded, I want you to compare the old and new. There is planetary data that is in the old data that shouldn't be present in the data we are about to receive. Account for all variables and then set a course for Dromund Kaas."
T3 responded with low pitched woo.
"Yes, I am aware of the risks, but there could be resources there that could be vital to the success of my future plans." T3 rolled out of the cargo bay beeping as he went. I sighed, "I swear HK, and you were programmed to have as much sass as you do, it can't be just an accident." I walked back through the ship to the boarding ramp and approached HK, who was on guard wielding the Gatling laser and scanning the hanger. "Update HK, have they made any attempts to take the ship."
Answer: No master, their numbers have been growing. I assume they are just waiting for the command to attack.
"What's the probability of success if they do?"
Calculated Answer: If they simply rush us, their chance of success is 50%. If they use the ceiling turbo laser to destroy the ship, they increase their success to 90%.
I crossed my arms and waited, "Only 90% why not 100%?"
Answer: The 10% success for us is due to you being in the equation master.
I smirked behind my mask, "I didn't know you were a charmer HK."
Commentary: Oohh, master, I am so disappointed in you right now. No, don't look at me.
I shook my head at HK's attitude and noticed the weequay who I spoke to earlier coming to the ship with two of his other crewmates carrying a large crate of what I assumed to be the credits. "Here are your credits, and here is the nav data you requested now hand over the captain."
I gestured for them to load it onto the ship and saw them share a look with the weequay who was overseeing the negotiation. He motioned them to load the crate, and they moved up the boarding ramp, and a couple of minutes later, they came back. I reached out my hand and pulled the nav data out of his hand and into mine. Before he could protest, I said, "I'll bring your captain to you; wait here." I walked back into the Fury, making a detour to the bridge. T3 was waiting there for me, and I handed him the nav data so he could do as I told him earlier.
I exited the bridge and went into the med bay, Hondo was awake now and looking rightly pissed. "I assume you've got what you want. Now, will you let me go."
I waved my hand and unlocked his restraints, and he got up from the medical table. "Don't try anything Hondo, and remember I can make you a cripple before you can say Jabba The Hutt."
As we reached the boarding ramp, I decided to be extra cautious and activate [Force Focus] the whole time having my lightsaber emitter on Hondo's spine. "Your captain is alive and well, now if you would be so kind as to open the hangar doors, I'll send him over."
The weequay responded, "Send the captain over first, and then we will open the doors."
"Don't test me, pirate." I saw the pirate look to Hondo for permission, and I dug the emitter just a little deeper to remind him to do as I wanted. Hondo nodded, and the pirate gave the order for the hanger doors to open. I took a step back away from Hondo and allowed him to walk down the boarding ramp.
That's when I felt a warning through the Force, and as Hondo reached his crew he reached out and grabbed a blaster from one of the pirates, "Kill them!" he yelled as he fired at me only for me to ignite my lightsaber and redirect the bolt at one of the pirates close to him. HK filled the hangar with plasma rounds, and I deflected any bolt that got too close as we moved slowly back into the ship.
Once the boarding ramp was closed, I ran into the bridge and yelled, "T3 get us out of here now!" The ship jerked as we left the hangar floor, and the landing gear was raised.
Advisement: I suggest we vacate the premises before we are destroyed.
The ship jerked again as the Fury took a hit to the shields from the interior turbo lasers on our way out of the Corona.
"T3 get us into hyperspace before this is the shortest escape in galactic history!" I heard the hyperdrive fire up and braced myself with the co-pilot chair as support, and a moment later, we were in hyperspace. I sighed, "Ace piloting T3, how did our shields hold up during all that?"
T3 beeped in response, "Shields held at 90%, the Rusaan Reformation must have affected space weaponry more than I initially thought." I gathered my composure and stashed my lightsaber away, "When we get close to Dromund Kaas let me know T3," he beeped at me in confirmation. "HK, follow me to the cargo hold we need to check our haul out and make sure there aren't any trackers amongst the credits." HK and I went to the cargo hold, and as we got closer, HK put a hand up in front of me to stop me.
Caution: Master, you should allow me to investigate the cargo for any traps.
HK approached the crate and began scanning it with his sensors, then he knelt and started tinkering with something that I didn't recognize.
Statement: The pirates rigged the crate to explode upon the opening master. Good thing you have someone as intelligent as I or your meatbag body would have been splattered all over the cargo hold.
"You ever refer to me as a meatbag again, HK, and I'll install a pacifist package and drop you off some remote world at a kindergarten."
Apology: I am so very sorry, master. Please don't joke about things like that.
"You find anything else other than a rigged explosive?"
Answer: No master, the contents of the crate are 457,000 credits exactly.
"Of course they shorted us some credits, I am not even surprised honesty."
Question: Is there anything else I can do for you until we arrive at Dromund Kaas master?
"No, HK, your time is yours till we reach the planet. If I need anything, I'll use the commlink to summon you." HK flashed his eyes at me, and I turned on my heels and left the cargo hold and went to the captain's quarters. I walked into my room and climbed onto my bed and sat cross-legged, and released a heavy sigh. I closed my eyes and pulled up the quest log in the menu.
Quest Added: Pirates of the Outer Rim
Main Objective: Capture, Kill or convince Hondo to be your Ally. [Completed]
Bonus Objective: Discover the location of the black market auction. [250xp]
Bonus Objective:?
Sweet, 250xp closer to my next level up, now what to do till we reach Dromund Kaas. I have a theory I want to test out; logic says that if I can manifest quests by thought, then maybe I can manifest force powers somewhat the same way. I brought my hands together in front of me and focused on drawing force energy to them to create an electrical current.
[Force Power Created: Force Lightning]
I couldn't help but let a grin come across my face as I saw the electricity passed between my fingers. Unlimited Power! Somewhere on Coruscant Palpatine is probably is sneezing after that thought, let's try another. I grabbed my lightsaber and ignited it in my hand tossed it and used the Force to manipulate around my body then back into my hand
[Force Power Created: Throw Lightsaber]
Honestly, now that I know I can create force powers by having a rough idea of how they should work, this opens up to many potential options to even wrap my mind around. I'll have to be sure not to waste any force upgrade points on abilities that aren't very useful. I know Jedi can heal their allies through the Force, but that doesn't work on droids, and since I don't have any biological companions yet, that's not a priority when I can heal myself with Force devour if I get desperate. I uncrossed my legs and laid down on my bed. You know what I think I have earned some sleep, I've not been alive in this world a full day and I could have died more times then I care to count, I think I've earned a few hours of shut-eye.
The Gamer
Species: Sith
Level 2 550xp
Increased Force Tier upon creation
Dark Side symbiosis. Dark side corruption does not affect this species (+2 Wisdom)
Gender: Male
Class: Force Novice
Starts at Force Tier 1
Novice levels of Force abilities Push, Pull, Jump and Mind Trick
Attributes:
Strength 8 (-1) - Determines physical appearance and the total weight of inventory
Dexterity 15 (+2) - Determines reflexes and reaction time
Constitution 10 (0) - Determines physical endurance and the ability to resist physical elements
Intelligence 12 (+1) - Determines the number of skill points gained per level [+2 per modifier]
Wisdom 12 + 2 = 14 (+2) - Determines the amount of Force Points available.
Charisma 12 (+1) - Determines Ally and Companion's influence points given.
Skills:
Lightsaber Combat Form VII Juyo: 15
Melee Weapons: 0
Awareness: 10
Computer Use: 0
Demolitions: 0
[Tier I] Persuade: 37 - At this Tier, the user can have a companion.
Repair: 5
Stealth: 2
Treat Injury: 0
Feats:
Inspiring Leader - All companion classes and influence increased by 1 tier point. +25 to persuade.
Toughness - +5 Hp per level. Applies on level taken and every level after.
Force Tier [III] - This Tier of force power is shared by the likes of Yoda, Luke Skywalker, Darth Sidious, and Vitiate.
Unique Abilities
[Force Manifested]
Increased Force tier and selection of age and planet to be placed upon creation.
[Force Devour (Tier III)]
A force power that allows the user to sap the Force from another to regenerate health and force points. Potency increases with force tier.
At Tier 3, the user can devour entire cities for their sustenance. Multiple uses before cooldown can lead to unforeseeable consequences.
[Battle Meditation (Tier III)]
A force power that considerably boosts the morale, stamina, and overall battle prowess of an individual's allies while simultaneously reducing the opposition's combat-effectiveness by eroding their will to fight. It requires intense concentration and requires focus to maintain. Potency increases with force tier.
At this Tier, the user can influence an entire city or vessel at one time.
Force Powers
[Force Push (Tier I)] - A telekinetic ability of the Force that was used in an offensive or defensive manner.
[Force Pull (Tier I)] - A telekinetic ability of the Force that was used in an offensive or defensive manner.
[Force Jump (Tier I)] - Uses the Force to augment the user's natural leaping ability.
[Mind Trick (Tier I)] - It allows the practitioner to influence the thoughts of the affected, generally to the user's advantage.
[Force Focus (Tier III)] - Allows the practitioner to increase his Dex stat by 2 at the cost of force points.
At this Tier, Dex is increased by six, and force cost is quartered.
[Force Vision (Tier 1)]
This ability reveals the details of quest objectives. At this Tier, visions are sporadic, and the user cannot choose what information is revealed and can only be used on a weekly basis.
[Force Lightning (Tier )] - An offensive technique that involves a discharge of electrical energy from the practitioner's hands. Affect's one target.
[Lightsaber Throw (Tier 1)] - An ability to manipulate the user's lightsaber in both offensive and defensive manner. Affects one target.
Inventory:
Sith Mask - Used during the days of the Jedi Civil War by some Sith to block outside influences and allow the user to focus without distraction. [Immunity: Mind Reading]
Sith Acolyte Armor - Used mostly for frontline Sith combatants, and this armor offers extra protection while also allowing the user to access force powers. Two weapon slots available
Equipped Weapons Sith Lightsaber
Miscellaneous Computer Spikes: 10 Machine Parts: 0 Credits: 457,000
Name: HK-47
Level 2 550xp
Species: Droid
Force Points are disabled.
+4 Intelligence
Gender: N/A
Companion Influence [Tier IV] -At this Tier, the companion will never betray you or your will.
Class: Assassin Droid [Tier II]
It starts at Tier I in Ranged Weapons and Melee weapons.
At Tier II, HK has unlocked the knowledge of how to handle explosive +25 to Demolitions skill.
Attributes:
Strength 14 (+2) - Determines physical appearance and the total weight of inventory
Dexterity 12(+1) - Determines reflexes and reaction time
Constitution 10 (0) - Determines physical endurance and the ability to resist physical elements
Intelligence 16 (+3) - Determines the number of skill points gained per level [+2 per modifier]
Wisdom 10 - Determines the amount of Force Points available.
Charisma 8 (-1) - Determines Ally and Companion's influence points given.
Skills:
[Tier I] Melee Weapons: 25 - Dueling Tier 1 Unlocked
[Tier I] Ranged Weapons: 25 - Heavy Weapons can be used proficiently
Awareness: 0
Computer Use: 0
[Tier I]Demolitions: 25 - It can now use explosive charges to blast through some walls and doors.
Persuade: 0
Repair: 0
Stealth: 23
Treat Injury: 0
Dueling [Tier I] - This level of proficiency is associated with the average padawan or someone who is just getting accustomed to swinging a blade.
Inventory:
HK Chassis Four weapon slots available Sith Blaster Rifle
Equipped Weapons [Heavy Blaster Pistol] [Heavy Blaster Pistol]
[Heavy Gatling Laser] [Vibroblade]
Miscellaneous 5 Thermal Detonators 3 Detonation Packs