Pistoleer

Pistoleer

The Pistoleer, or the "Deadeye Art", is one of the more exotic, and rare fighting styles found in distant corners of the known galaxy.

This style is devoted to the martial style of fighting with a ranged weapon, such as a blaster, bow, or throwing weapon. A common about this particular style of fighting is that it is focused on honing a person's skill at the infamous 'fast draw'. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Anyone can learn to draw fast. Some people have a natural talent for it. But it doesn't matter if it's on Chalcedon, Nar Shaddaa, or Fondor... the one who wins a duel is the one who took their time. Everyone else is just blaster fanning, putting enough energy in the air to try and hit at least something.

— Jangir Toth

The Deadeye's Art has to do with more than just speed. It is precision, accuracy, then speed. A true Pistoleer strives to perfect the first two, then the latter. It is rumored there are true master Pistoleers that have honed their skills to the point that almost any ranged weapon is deadly in their hands.

A common assumption is that most Pistoleers are smugglers, pirates, law keepers, or bounty hunters. In reality, this style is found more often among starfighter pilots than most any other professions.

Game Mechanics

Advanced Skill

Attribute: Dexterity
Difficulty: Moderate(14)

To use Pistoleer, a character rolls once at the start of the combat. If the character succeeds, the skill stays "up" for 2 x die code of Pistoleer. While the skill is "up", it does not count toward skill use after initiation for determining the die code penalties.

If the character fails the roll to initiate the form or the combat has lasted longer than 2 x the die code of Pistoleer, that character will need to leave the combat ( not go into cover but actually leave the combat ) for 30 seconds, or 6 rounds of combat in order to regain their focus to try and initiate the form.

Effect

Note that the Pistoleer must declare if they are using one of the following effects in combat.

"Disarming Shot" : Add Half Search (round down) to Blaster when firing to disarm an opponent by shooting their weapon out of commission but not harming them. Damage dealt is done directly to the opponent's weapon. Opponent may only use Dodge to defend against a Disarming Shot

"Ace in the Hole" : Pistoleers are able to fire at a target into melee, at extreme long range with no penalty. The target takes a -2 to their Dodge or other defense skill.

"Backbiter" : Add Half Mathematics (round down) to Blaster to attempt to bounce a shot off a nearby surface to shoot an opponent from the side or behind with no penalty.

"Sidewinder" : Add Half Opponent's Dodge (round up) to Blaster to fire at an opponent that is almost out of sight such as out of the corner of the Pistoleer's vision.

"Hyperload" : If the blaster malfunctions, or has a depleated power pack, the Pistoleer may roll to clear the malfunction or swap power packs with Blaster Repair and still fire in their same action.

"Maverick's Draw" : The Pistoleer may roll Blaster vs their opponent's Willpower (the Force power Force of Will may not be used) to startle their opponent. If the Pistoleer's opponent fails, they must drop their weapon and dive for the nearest location of full cover. Note that the Pistoleer may not fire that combat initiative if they attempt a Maverick's Draw.

Prerequisite skills

Because this is an Advanced Skill, to learn Pistoleer, a character needs to have an instructor or another reliable information source to demonstrate the techniques and the following basic skills:

Dexterity

4D in Blaster (or approved ranged weapon)
4D in Dodge

Perception

4D Search

Knowledge

2D Scholar (Mathematics)

Strength

3D in Stamina

Technical

3D in Blaster (or approved ranged weapon) Repair