"Q: What are the odds of unlocking a Force Sensitive character slot? For example, out of 100 people, how many will unlock the slot after 3 months of casual play? A: After three months of casual play? Zero." Raph, Feb 2003
Again the rarity of the situation.
"I’ll state that I believe that there will be a ‘recipe’ that any character can follow that will probably guarantee that you unlock the slot. But with average play times per week, the recipe should take approximately a year." Raph, Feb 2003
Interesting quote that explains itself.
"That slot will have permadeath regardless of what the character in that slot is doing." Raph, Feb 2003
Even if you chose not to follow the path of a Jedi, you still are permadeath with that slot.
"You’re only attackable by non-enemies for a few minutes after you use a Jedi power. The life of a Jedi during this time period is definitely one of living in hiding, and choosing the right moment to use your powers. If you attract too much attention, you’ll not only risk attacks by other players (that should be the LEAST of your worries—a Jedi Knight can pretty much take out a whole group of players) but by NPCs that Darth Vader sends against you. And THOSE will definitely be a challenge. Let me know how you do against Mara Jade in one on one combat." Raph, Feb 2003
Your TEF is only a few minutes long. You can attract attacks from people such as Mara Jade, Boba Fett, and more as far as NPC are concerned. Player Characters will be of little worry as a Jedi Knight will be able to handle a group of players with ease.
"Correct. But I'd also say that there are aspects of the game that you have to play in certain ways to get to. There are some experiences the game has that are PvP only. There are some that are nonPvP only too. There's other blockages; Jedi for example calls for a particular playstyle, and not everyone will experience that part of the game unless they adapt their playstyle (and we are in fact counting on the fact that they won't be able to)." Raph, Sep 2001
Odd post hinting that people who don’t like to PvP might need too to obtain certain aspects of the Jedi role. They are counting on the fact that some people don’t like to PvP cause they want to keep Jedi rare.
"Some stuff related to Jedi. Just a few last ends to tie up. This system has been pretty well-hammered out for months now" Haden, July 2001
Quote explains itself.
"The lightsaber is just an example of a rare and special item. But, not being able to insure it does make sense. A Jedi needs to build his or her own lightsaber. Being able to retrieve it by simply cashing in your insurance doesn't seem to capture the sense that this is the Jedi's own personal and special weapon." Haden, Aug 2001
You will be unable to insure your Light Saber. This makes sense, but I am sure you won’t die will ya. –grin-
"Just because we are classifying Jedi as a profession from the game perspective doesn't mean it is as simple to pursue as other professions. The classification really means that the Jedi skills are part of the larger skill system, meaning that Jedi may need to give up other skills if they want to completely focus on Jedi ones." Q-3P0, Sep 2002
The Jedi Skill tree might be like the BH skill tree, where it requires a large, if not the whole, portion of one’s skill points.
"So, while I don't think characters in SWG should suddenly ‘become’ Force sensitive, I do think it's appropriate for characters to ‘become aware’ of their connection to the Force." Haden, Sep 2001
This hints that their might be a “sign” system where you are pointed in the direction appropriate for you to become Force-Sensitive. Similar to reading the description on the Jedi Holocron Splinters and it stating that it seems familiar to you. Or certain NPCs commenting on the force and what not.
"We have a good sense of the steps needed to become force-sensitive and then Jedi." Raph, Nov 2001
Do share with us then… please… -grin-
"I think we've already said that the Jedi system utilizes the skill system mechanics. The skill system doesn't influence how you become Force sensitive, however - the Jedi disciplines are only available once you've reached that point" Haden, March 2002
Skill system doesn’t influence how you become FS. Therefore the theories on becoming FS has to deal with a random choice of you skill tree upon starting the game is poofed. The Jedi Disciplines however are effected.
"If we described a road map to becoming Force Sensitive, everyone would soon be a Jedi." Haden, March 2002
Quote explains itself.
"Well, the principle reason for the unlocked slot is to adhere to our design goal to make Jedi rare." Q-3P0, Feb 2003
Quote explains itself.
"We are currently planning to have holocrons in the game--we see them as a way of transmitting Jedi knowledge." Raph, March 2001
Quote explains itself.
"I would guess that it will take most players months just to get a Force sensitive character, and after that, several months to succeed at getting to Jedi Knight—assuming they don’t die on the way." Raph, Feb 2003
A time frame from Raph concerning FS and Jedi.
"Before you can become a Dark Jedi, you need to first work your way up to a certain place in the ‘regular Jedi’ ranks, so it should be some time before the first players are even eligible for this dubious honor." Haden, Feb 2003
This quote makes it sound as if you don’t “fall” as a Dark Jedi, but work you way up to it. Another assumption is that you work from Padawan Learner to Jedi Knight/Dark Knight, then on to Jedi Master/Dark Initiate. Or, something along those lines. That the skill tree branches at a certain point.
"They [Dark Jedi] won't be there at launch, but truthfully, we'll likely still be testing the Jedi system at launch." Haden, Feb 2003
Dark Jedi are now currently (October 2003) in game.
“I will say that the game mechanics the team has devised are designed to make becoming a Jedi difficult (but not impossible). And because of the mechanics, the Jedi population should fluctuate over time, but will organically remain relatively small.” Haden, Dec 2000
Again with the rarity.
“Yes, it's been difficult to devise a Jedi system that really works, but it's been worth the effort.” Haden, Dec 2000
Quote explains itself.
“Only Jedi can manufacture lightsabers. A Jedi needs to turn inward and draw upon the Force in order to assemble the weapon; those without the proper training and a strong connection to the Force simply can't build lightsabers. By this rule alone, we limit the manufacture of lightsabers to Jedi only.” Haden, Dec 2000
This leads one to believe that the Jedi will be able to build certain things, lightsaber included, that only Jedi can build. This might also include their robes and other Jedi-like items. I am also thinking the way to fix or rebuild the Holocrons might hold key to this also.
“Acquiring the necessary components to build a personal lightsaber is a daunting task, and drawing upon the Force in order to actually construct the weapon is equally difficult.” Haden, Dec 2000
Drawing on the force might open you for TEF and to build your saber might require you to be in certain public places, therefore making this task extremely difficult yet rewarding.
“We're assuming that, in general, the Empire has a negative view towards any and all Force wielders. Aside from a few special lackeys (Mara Jade, for example), the Emperor and Vader likely view other Dark Jedi as potential rivals or unpredictable wild cards to be eliminated.” Haden, Jan 2001
Again, you will be hunted.
“We've already stated that it will be very hard to become a Jedi. We don't plan to randomly choose Jedis or put in a hard cap thereby making it impossible for some to ever get there. We do intend for it to be really really hard. Not necessarily ‘hardcore’ though, meaning a more casual player can still become a Jedi.” Raph, Jan 2001
Balancing is key. Both sides of the spectrum, hardcore and softcore, can get Jedi.
“We have to limit Jedi in order to remain faithful to the setting. I understand your concerns though. Our goal is that casual players can become Jedi--in other words, being hardcore is not our selection mechanism. That said, Jedi will be rare.” Raph, Jan 2001
Again, balancing is key.
“You will be able to deactivate your lightsaber, but carrying the hilt around might still attract attention.” Haden, Jan 2001
This sounds as if even carrying the hilt will cause you to get a TEF.
“We're recognizing, in the game, that Jedi often build their lightsabers as part of training. In more recent sources published since the release of the SWE, it is suggested that Padawans *must* build a lightsaber at some point in order to pass on to Jedi Knight status.” Haden, Jan 2001
Sounds as if one of the requirements they are putting in to become a Jedi Knight is going to be the construction of a light saber.
“We don't want to make building a lightsaber a terrible ordeal that takes hours and hours of your (real) life, but we do want to make you feel like you've achieved something special when the lightsaber is complete. That'll be a fun balancing task for us” Haden, Jan 2001
Won’t be as hard as getting a Force Slot open? Heh heh.
“The false assumption is that time is a limiting factor in becoming a Jedi. Or rather, that it is THE limiting factor. There are other things we can and will use as limiting factors.” Raph, Feb 2001
Time plays no role in the factors to becoming a Jedi.
“The Jedi system, as we envision it, will lead to role-playing, which is also important to us.” Haden, Feb 2001
Interesting quote. It sounds as if you must play your role, in hiding etc.
“You need to seriously role-play to become a Jedi. Totally untrue. We can't really track it, as I've noted, so we can't use it as a determining factor in whether or not your character becomes a Jedi. I will reveal that becoming a Jedi will involve different things for different players: Some players might find that role-playing was a significant factor, others will feel that exploration was the key, still others might not know exactly what they did to become a Jedi. Let's all say it together: *It will be a different experience for everyone.* Those things that are required of everyone to become and remain a Jedi will make sense within the context of what a Jedi represents in the game, but they will never involve ‘chatting’ as a Jedi.” Haden, Feb 2001
Roleplaying is not trackable therefore not a factor. Some players may find that role-playing was a significant factor (sounds as if we might need to start thinking like a Jedi) or that exploration was key (sounds as if we must visit multiple POI).
“That the Jedi system, or the game as a whole, will enforce role-playing. That's not what I said, and it's not our intention. Once you become a Jedi, certain actions may cause you to slip toward the dark side, but this doesn't involve chatting in any way and we won't prevent you from doing what you want.” Haden, Feb 2001
Quote explains itself.
“Well During this time period the Jedi are hunted by the Empire. So if you flaunt your Jedi power, we will send Boba Fett, Mara Jade or even Mara Jade after you.” Raph, E3 2002
Once again, we will be hunted.
Undated quotes; from 2002 forward
"Jedi are a tough nut to crack, that’s for sure. They’re iconic to Star Wars. Everyone wants to be one. They are only special if they’re rare and powerful. Whoops, sort of a Catch-22 on that one. Our policy all along has been to say that they will be very very very rare, and not to explain how you become one." Raph
Quote explains itself.
"Do you define maxing out as having spent all your skill boxes? Well, that doesn’t include Jedihood, and it doesn’t include the other 9/10ths of the game. Let’s assume you mean 'time to max out a single character, spending all skill points and achieving an elite profession.' .... We’re looking for around 3 months there. Of course, if you want to REALLY max out and cover all the ground in the game, you’re talking about ten times that."
"There are things that are similar between our system and the Hardcore of Diablo 2, but there are also a lot of things that are not comparable. My question to you is although the leader boards show a lot of players over 90th level, what is the relative percentage of those compared to all the people who bought Diablo 2. I think even though a lot of people achieved over 90th level, it is still in a small minority of the total number of players." Q3P0
Showing that even if you’re the elite of elite it may hold no relevance over becoming a Jedi. This quote also sounds as if becoming a Master Elite Whatever won’t be a factor in the equation.
"You may have a misapprehension. You're not going to get to blue glowy. It's too hard." Raph
Ouch…
"Our solution was to devise a system that would allow any player the opportunity to work towards this particular goal but at the same time make it challenging enough that only those who are serious about playing the character type would succeed. Jedi are potentially more powerful than other character types and with that extra power comes extra risk." Q-3P0
Again they emphasize on the power of the Jedi.
"Given how often we think Jedi slot characters will die, we don’t see it as that big an issue." (Raph, re: whether or not the FS slot cirvumvents SCS)
Quote explains itself.
"Point blank answer: No hints on unlocking the force sensitive slot." Q, response to "Point blank question"
Quote explains itself.
Haden Blackman (Oct 2003): We've yet to see any Jedi in the game, though there are some players that are close to unlocking that Force-sensitive slot. The path to becoming a Jedi is extremely difficult. But we've seen in the game -- as in the Star Wars expanded universe -- that adventurers have located ancient historical artifacts known as Jedi holocrons in certain corners the galaxy. These extremely rare devices are a repository of the knowledge and teachings of the ancient Jedi Order. They may eventually be useful in illuminating the arduous journey of both mind and body that is becoming a Jedi.
This I believe to be just a message stating that they did indeed add holocrons. It does not state or even hint at it being FSCS related or specific to Jedi. The world may never know.
------====== Delvahart Greystone ======------
::::::::::::::::::::::::The Jedi Code:::::::::::::::::::::: There is no emotion, there is peace There is no ignorance, there is knowledge There is no passion, there is serenity There is no death, there is the Force
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