[SWSE] The 'sense force user' aspect of Use the Force

[Samaritan]

So, we have a player who likes to have his Jedi walk around with the 'sense Force user' power turned 'on'.

We couldn't find it explicitly in the rules, but can a Jedi do that? Wouldn't they incur some kind of penalty in doing so?

[The Grey Elf]

Originally Posted by Samaritan

So, we have a player who likes to have his Jedi walk around with the 'sense Force user' power turned 'on'.

We couldn't find it explicitly in the rules, but can a Jedi do that? Wouldn't they incur some kind of penalty in doing so?

No, he has to decide to make a Use the Force check when he wants to sense another Force user...unless that Force user is of the opposite bent (a Jedi sensing a Dark Sider, for example), in which case sensing is automatic and manifests as a "disturbance" in the Force. And even then he has to willingly try to determine how many/where/if he's met the person before.

[Kiero]

As above on the rules side. Wouldn't doing so also make that character a shining beacon to anyone else doing the same thing?

[Samaritan]

Originally Posted by The Grey Elf

No, he has to decide to make a Use the Force check when he wants to sense another Force user...unless that Force user is of the opposite bent (a Jedi sensing a Dark Sider, for example), in which case sensing is automatic and manifests as a "disturbance" in the Force. And even then he has to willingly try to determine how many/where/if he's met the person before.

On that count, I thought it was "You can try to detect a Force User (any kind), OR specifically a Dark Sider, but not both on the same roll", with disturbances being another check but made automatically (ie, the GM asks for the roll, the player doesn't need to declare they're doing it)... whether they're trained is either another roll or 'good enough' roll, I can't recall.

As for the shining beacon bit, it's KOTOR era, so it's less of a concern from a persecution bit... they were hunting for a missing Jedi.

I was thinking more of a mechanical thing- if he's doing it, and doing something else other than walking around slowly, are there penalties (or can that even be done)?

[Andrew Tatro]

Originally Posted by The Grey Elf

No, he has to decide to make a Use the Force check when he wants to sense another Force user...unless that Force user is of the opposite bent (a Jedi sensing a Dark Sider, for example), in which case sensing is automatic and manifests as a "disturbance" in the Force. And even then he has to willingly try to determine how many/where/if he's met the person before.

This is not correct. He still has to make a check against a static DC no matter the Dark Side Score of the target. If the target does not wish to be included in the list of Force users sensed, she can roll her own Use the Force check to contest the original check, but she does not negate the entire attempt, only her own presence.

If the check to sense Force users is successful and there are Force users within the range of effect, the following information is provided: number of valid targets, general location of each, and whether or not the sensing character and the targets have met before.

[Kaiu Keiichi]

I'm running a Clone Wars campaign currently. As Jedi are always mindful, I usually make a roll for the PC to see if they sense a disturbance in the Force. Jedi in my games can't actively "ping" for Dark Siders unless they use Search Your Feelings instead. I assume that Force using PCs are always open to the Force and my private roll represents whether or not they pick up anything amidst the constant flow of life, emotions and so on that all Force Users feel. I see The Force as a constantly shifting sea of life and emotions that the character is immersed in - the motion of nearby beings causes ripples. Force Users, being stronger in the water, so to speak, make stronger ripples, especially when they are doing stuff and thrashing around (using Force powers.) Folks who are just floating or treading water (Force users who are calm and at peace) are harder to sense. Also, folks who swim carefully and don't thrash around (non-Dark Side Force users) are harder to feel. Folks who run motorboats or who swim violently (Dark Siders) can be easily sensed. Also, a fight in the water (combat with Force powers) can be easily sensed.

I adjust the resisted roll for things like personal relationships, the type of Force powers used, and so on.

[Samaritan]

I guess I should clarify, too, what I'm asking: can a Jedi just walk around in that state, with the ability 'turned on'?

Is there a limit to how many times they can do it? What can they do while they're sensing?

[The Grey Elf]

The book is exceptionally clear that sensing disturbances in the Force is automatic and does not require a roll.

[Samaritan]

Originally Posted by The Grey Elf

The book is exceptionally clear that sensing disturbances in the Force is automatic and does not require a roll.

But a Force User in and of themselves don't qualify as a disturbance. Exceptional dark siders (or events) are, but I'm talking more about a Jedi who wants to walk around trying to ID all Force Sensitives aboard, say, a ship.

[Andrew Tatro]

Originally Posted by Samaritan

But a Force User in and of themselves don't qualify as a disturbance. Exceptional dark siders (or events) are, but I'm talking more about a Jedi who wants to walk around trying to ID all Force Sensitives aboard, say, a ship.

Right. When they say "sensing disturbances in the Force is automatic" what they are saying is "hey GMs, here's a way for you to throw plot at Force Sensitive characters." It's how you sense Alderaan blowing up.