Like most of you, a lot of my presents were Geek Goodies, notably games. My son gave me The Force Awakens Beginner Box, the latest BB in FFG’s SWRPG line. Unlike the other BBs, this is a standalone, not the companion/predecessor to a new core book. The basic components are the same as the other boxes: narrative dice set, heavy cardboard tokens (Destiny, character, adversary), maps, adventure book, abridged rulebook, and 4 PC folios. Cost is US$30.
**Very minor spoilers for the module.**
Like the movie, TFA BB’s module starts on Jakku. The PCs are asked to help a local tribe that has discovered a salvageable ship to deal with a gang that also wants whatever prizes it holds. By the end of the module, your players will have dealt with the gang (one way or another), located a valuable MacGuffin, and headed for space–and a chance to fight a fan-favorite TFA villain!
The module is structured like the three previous BB ones, gradually introducing simplified FFGSW mechanics, with plenty of GM how-to and tip sidebars. PCs are also simplified. Partway through there is an opportunity to gain and spend experience. Unlike some earlier modules, the experience award of 20 for the whole thing, seems about right as a base.
The PCs are a mixed group of AoR and EotE careers–Colonist (Doctor), Soldier, Explorer, and Ace–so all your players should be able to find one they like. Bonus–the Doctor is Abednedo, and if you’re experienced with the system, it is easy to reverse-engineer unofficial species stats from his. I loved the character artwork on the folios. The portraits had just a touch of steampunk in the clothing and gear details, but not enough that it looked like crossover artwork. It looked right, even though I am not a big fan of steampunk. There are no additional PCs for download, alas, but if you have a larger group, or want to expand the choices, create a few more, or search FFG or this site. For example, Jon Stevens has a few TFA pregens here.
There are 3 maps, presented on a double-sided poster. One side has the galactic map, the other is split between a wrecked cruiser and a landing bay on a First Order vessel. If you use maps for combat, the cruiser is a little under scale for the included tokens or for miniatures, but is doable for general positioning. The hangar bay is way too small a scale to work well even for that, in my opinion. For the hangar, or if your group prefers more tactical combat, I suggest Christopher West’s Maps of Mastery.
Finally, the rulebook contains the abridged FFG SW mechanics–dice and dice pools, checks, combat, skill and talent descriptions. There are also some weapons, gear, and adversaries. much of it not in other sourcebooks.
Is the TFA BB worth it, if you are already familiar with the FFG SW system? Yes! Another module is always welcome for when you don’t have much prep time or you have the GM version of writer’s block. It is also not as railroad-y as some I have come across. And you can use the full rules if your group is familiar with the game. If someone in your group isn’t familiar with the system, but you are, hand that player the rule booklet as a quick reference. (Just caution them not to follow the healing rules, if you are using the full mechanics.)
This is the only source for official TFA character statblocks, including Resistance Officer, First Order Stormtrooper and Specialist Trooper, Jakku locals, and Guavian and Kanjiklub gang members. Oh yes, and everyone’s new favorite monster, the Rathtar! Weapons are also unique to this set. In addition to rules, the rulebook has several pages of post-Return of the Jedi history that I hadn’t come across before. So you will want this if you are interested in running in the TFA era.
The scenario, while it has a strong TFA flavor, is also suitable for default-era EotE and AoR games, with only the most minor of changes. Off the top of my head, you would just need to swap out Special Guest Star NPC & Co., who is interested in the MacGuffin, and the planet. (Jakku wasn’t a ship graveyard until post-RoTJ.)
I am looking forward to running this, either for my regular group or as a pickup game.
Linda Whitson
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