Mara Jade Skywalker, Jedi Master

[bountyhunter9]

I haven't posted in Stat Creation in a while, so I thought I'd post one of the character from my upcoming set, History of Hatred. I could also use some feedback in helping me make this a better piece, as I am not as knowledgeable as some other members when it comes to NR characters. And, Mara is always a difficult custom to make because of the presence of MJJ. So suggestions on how to make sure both pieces both have their uses would be appreciated. But anyway, onto the custom:

Mara Jade Skywalker, Jedi Master

Cost: 52
Hit Points: 120
Defense: 20
Attack: +13
Damage: 20

Special Abilities:
Unique
Melee Attack
Double Attack
Ambush
Cunning Attack +20
Protective +10 (+10 damage while a wounded ally whose name contains Skywalker is within 6 squares)
Stealth

Force Powers:
Force 2
Force Renewal 1
Force Burst (Force 2, replaces turn: 10 damage to all other characters within 6 squares)
Lightsaber Block
Lightsaber Throw

***Design Notes***
The cost is tentative, I just kind of threw a number up there to get us started. Base stats are taken from MJJ, with slight increases because this version is a melee character and not a shooter.

Cunning +20 is an upgrade over MJJ's Cunning, and gives this version some significant punch if played correctly. Stealth is there for defense and provides great synergy with two of her Force powers.

I gave her built-in Renewal as another advantage over MJJ, and this version also has LS Block, to provide a near-complete defense when used with General Wedge for Evade. Force Burst is, ultimately, what the piece was based around (combining it with Stealth). It's not a great Force power, but a lot of fun against swarms, which play-testing showed. Lightsaber Throw gives her a good ranged attack option.

Suggestions?

[saber1]

Looks like a good start. As you said, MJJ will make any NR Mara difficult to make. Which LS Throw will you be using? I think that will make or break the piece as currently built. Personally, I'd love to see LST5 on another character and it fits her assissin's "strike from anywhere" nature. Also, any thought to dropping to the standard Cunning and upping to Triple Attack? It would make her more versatile while maintaining similar damage output. Its just a thought, but I figure she is a master at this point who also happens to have significant combat training.

[bountyhunter9]

Thanks for the feedback. It's just the basic LS Throw 1, from Darth Bane (that's its name, but we haven't seen it since CotF so I'll write out the definition). LS Throw 5 would be pretty cool, but I'm not even sure how proficient she was in projecting her lightsaber, so I wouldn't want to go that high, though I was originally considering to give her LS Throw 2. Do you think that would be better than leaving it at level one?

I never actually considered Triple Attack, as Double seems about the right power level for Mara, though you bring up an interesting idea. I thought Cunning +20 was good (I like to use that over normal Cunning if it fits the situation), but it would be easier to get in a more powerful LS Throw with normal Cunning. Hmm. I think I'll stick with Cunning +20 for now, just because it gives her better board range and greater power with LS Throw. Thanks for the feedback, though; any suggestions are welcome.

[saber1]

During the Legacy of the Force series, Mara was depicted as very protective of her family. She hunted Jason, largely due to what he did to Ben, and had great hostility towards Lumiya for her history with Luke. To that end, what about the following:

Protective +20 (+20 Damage while a wounded ally whose name Skywalker is within 6 squares)

This accomplishes a couple of things. First, it provides synergy with Luke and a future Ben. It also affects one Leia and Cade, which simply adds to the piece's flexability. Second, it gives Mara the ability to up her damage output, but keeps it situational which should mitigate her overall cost and maintain balance.

You can go a couple of different routes here. Cunning & Protective +20 or Cunning +20 and Protective +10. Either way gives her a possible damage output of 100 during her turn. Potent, yet different enough from MJJ to give her a unique spot in the faction. This is especially true with LST and FB force powers.

[Darth Chaos]

Jan 11, 2010 20:51:26 GMT -5 saber1 said:

During the Legacy of the Force series, Mara was depicted as very protective of her family. She hunted Jason, largely due to what he did to Ben, and had great hostility towards Lumiya for her history with Luke. To that end, what about the following:

Protective +20 (+20 Damage while a wounded ally whose name Skywalker is within 6 squares)

This accomplishes a couple of things. First, it provides synergy with Luke and a future Ben. It also affects one Leia and Cade, which simply adds to the piece's flexability. Second, it gives Mara the ability to up her damage output, but keeps it situational which should mitigate her overall cost and maintain balance.

You can go a couple of different routes here. Cunning & Protective +20 or Cunning +20 and Protective +10. Either way gives her a possible damage output of 100 during her turn. Potent, yet different enough from MJJ to give her a unique spot in the faction. This is especially true with LST and FB force powers.

I really like the idea of Protective. It might be better to go with Protective +10 and Cunning +10. Though her doing 40 damage per attack is a bit too much, imo.

Here's an interesting ability that might fit, especially if this is the Mara who went after Jacen:

Ambush (This character can move and then make all its attacks against 1 enemy who has not activated this round)

You could ignore Cunning and go with Protective +20. Maybe even add Loner.

Another interesting ability would be:

Impulsive Jedi Hunter (If a Unique allied character is defeated, for the remainder of the skirmish this character has Jedi Hunter)

I assume you're going to up the cost WAY up? With her current stats she's easily in the high 50's.

[saber1]

Hmm, both Ambush and Impulsive Jedi Hunter are good ideas. While it wasn't the death of anyone in particular that sent Mara after Jacen, that may be enough of a technicality that it can be fudged for gameplay purposes. If I may...

Mara Jade Skywalker, Jedi Master

Cost: ?
Hit Points: 120
Defense: 20
Attack: +13
Damage: 20

Special Abilities:
Unique, Melee Attack
Ambush
Double Attack
Cunning Attack +20
Protective +10 (Skywalker)
Stealth

Force Powers:
Force 2
Force Renewal 1
Lightsaber Block
Force Burst (Force 2, replaces turn: 10 damage to all other characters within 6 squares)
Lightsaber Throw

Hmmm, position with Stealth. Base an unactivated enemy using Ambush and pop twice for 40 damage a hit, 50 if a wounded Skywalker is within 6. Ooo, I just realized you can wound your own Skywalker with Force Burst. What a brutal and synergistic figure. I like!

[bountyhunter9]

Very nice ideas! I like the changes you made, saber. Protective and Ambush are excellent ideas. This wasn't originally designed as the Mara that hunted Jacen, but that's an interesting direction to go. If we go that route, we could give her a much more interesting name (though I have no ideas). I'll update the OP. Any ideas for the cost? I'm thinking low 50s, about 52.

[saber1]

Low 50's sounds appropriate when compared to KKJBM.

I'm glad you like the input as I am happy to help.

I'm not sure on a different subtitle.

Mara Jade Skywalker, Mighty Averger ;-P
Mara Jade Skywalker, Vengeful Protector
Mara Jade Skywalker, Fearsome Protector
etc.

None sound good.

[bountyhunter9]

Okay, I'll put her at 52 for now.

Yeah, there aren't many good subtitles. We'll stick with Jedi Master, unless we can come up with something good.

[Darth Chaos]

Mara Jade Skywalker, Scary Biotch!