The last two games have used point-based character creation, so I thought I'd go with something more structured like a level-based model, and my current obsession in that arena is Star Wars Saga Edition from Wizards of the Coast. This third edition of their licensed Star Wars RPG was a phenomenal step forward, introducing just about every element I actually like in their eventual fourth edition of Dungeons & Dragons.
Like most D20 games, Star Wars characters start by generating ability scores. The rulebook includes options for random generation or planned generation, and of course I prefer planned, which is essentially the one point-buy element in the game.
For this character, I think I'm going to try a concept that's been kicking around in my head a few days, a Rodian Jedi Sentinel. Sentinels are Jedi dedicated to eradicating the dark side, especially Dark Jedi, and the bounty hunter-flavored Rodians seem like a good fit there, although their racial ability modifiers make for poor Jedi. So, working with my skill package I set my ability scores (after racial modifiers) at Str 13, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 12 -- not too great but above average, and it gives a lot of room to grow.
Next is class, which I've already determined in my concept (Jedi). Looking at the class, I see I get the Force Sensitive feat and Weapon Proficiency with lightsabers and simple weapons. I also get one talent from the Jedi-specific talent trees or any of the Force talent trees in the Force chapter. As a Jedi Sentinel, I want a talent from that tree, and Dark Side Sense is the best choice there as it opens up two of the best talents in the tree for later. As a Jedi, I get two trained skills from the class list, and I choose Perception and Use the Force, getting a bonus of +6 with both.
Finally, I also get one feat as a 1st-level character. I'm tempted to neglect the Force and go with Improved Defenses because of my low ability scores, but I can't bring myself to do it. Instead, I choose Force Training, giving me two Force powers of my choice. I take rebuke off the bat. I like the look of sever force, but I don't have a high enough Use the Force check to get much use out of it, so I leave it for higher levels. Instead, I choose force slam, a nice, solid area attack.
The last thing I need is equipment. All jedi get a lightsaber at 1st level, plus 3d4x100 credits (average is 750, so I'll go with that). I take a utility belt, an all-temperature cloak, a concealed holster for my lightsaber, and a basic datapad.
What I end up with is a rather unexceptional Jedi Sentinel with room for growth. He is dedicated to rooting out the Dark Side wherever it dwells. For a name, I look at the sample names for Rodians and choose Neesh.
Neesh, Jedi Sentinel
Medium Rodian Jedi 1
Init +1; Senses low-light vision (ignore concealment from darkness); Perception +6
Languages Basic, Rodese
Defense Ref 13 (flat-footed 12), Fort 13, Will 13
hp 31; Threshold 13
Speed 6 squares
Melee lightsaber +2 (2d8+1)
Base Atk +1; Grp +2
Force Powers Known (Use the Force +6): force slam, rebuke
Abilities Str 13, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 12
Talents Dark Side Sense
Feats Force Sensitivity, Force Training, Weapon Proficiency (lightsabers, simple weapons)
Skills Perception +6, Use the Force +6
Possessions all-temperature cloak, concealed holster, lighsaber, utility belt
