I have a question: Say if I'm rolling a Jedi Knight and a Jedi Counsilor, and for both I decided to go with these skills at any one time: Archeology Artifice Treasure Hunting Will my missions be exactly the same across the class and will the loot gathered be the same/similar, or is each crew mission geared towards the class specialisation with unique mission quests? (I ask this because I'm under the impression that crew skills can also open-up story missions, or have I understood this wrong?)

Dear fellow Smugglers, I'm sure a major reason why many of us are playing the smuggler class is because of our desire to play out the Han Solo fantasy (well, it certainly is for me in PvE). However, what I thought would be a relatively straight forward selection of "Scoundrel" advanced class has not turned out that way and has left me agonising literally for hours umming and ahhing by the trainer at the Republic fleet over which advanced class and which tech-tree to pursue! When I think of Han Solo (in terms of my idealised MMO gameplay mechanic), I'd imagine him to a medium ranged DPS, employing cover whenever possible, but also going on a charge now and again (as the Gunslinger trailer paid homage to when he runs into a room full of troopers and runs back out again) with some good melee if and when the need arose. Obviously, the story is not an issue here, I can play to my heart's content charming and sweet talking my way through the galaxy. I'm speaking in terms of a true gameplay mechanic. I'm sure many fans are rolling toons who are based on their archetypal favourite characters, e.g. Darth Vadar as Sith Warrior Juggernaut, Darth Maul as Sith Inquisitor Assassin, that sort of thing. But my question is, what exactly can Han Solo be narrowed down to in the smuggler classes? How would Han fight? GEAR & LOOK In the character progression trailer, it's undeniable that aesthetically, the Scoundrel most resembles Han. Note the jacket and single blaster in profile and publicity shots. While the Gunslinger looks more like a space cowboy, with duster and dual pistols. But I have a question: Can you play a gunslinger who looks like Han, rather than space cowboy (I.E. a Gunslinger with Scoundrel jacket and dual wielding the blasters found in the Scoundrel section of the progression trailer) - and if so, at what level should I expect to get that sort of gear, or is it strictly limited to Scoundrel only? ADVANCED CLASS & SUB-CLASS CHOICE: Obviously, both Scoundrel and Gunslinger have Han Solo tendencies because they belong to Smuggler classes, but I'm really looking for class gameplay mechanics to reflect this Star Wars character as close to possible in my roleplaying of the class. Therefore, I'm trying to work through which advanced classes most resemble Captain Solo: The Scoundrel Scoundrel (Pros for playing like Han): + Single Blaster + Default jackets and pants look very much like something Han would wear + The name "Scoundrel". Leia liked him because he was a scoundrel, least not forget. Scoundrel (Things that aren't Solo-ish) - Correct me if I'm wrong but to my knowledge (from the movies) Han never carried a "Scattergun" or shotgun type weapon. - Stealth is not something Solo would philosophically agree with, quote "I'd prefer a straight fight to all this sneaking around", Star Wars: A New Hope, and only resorts to sneaking around when he has no other options left. Scoundrel Tech Tree Choices: - Scrapper: Despite a scattergun and extreme focus on stealth gameplay not being Han Solo's forte, the emphasis on "get in quick and get out" with the Scoundrel is something that is very "Solo". Could this be the best of Han Solo match when playing as Scoundrel, or is it too brawler and melee focused? - Sawbones: I think for the purpose of this roleplaying, this sub-class can be discounted. Han Solo isn't a medic and from all his dialogue in the movies, he didn't seem particularly concerned about helping the Rebels with medical supplies, or healing companions with stimpacks, etc. - Dirty Fighter: This "balanced" sub-class is something that intrigues me because it it's a sub-class that both Scoundrel & Gunslinger share - but can anyone shed more light on the specifics and whether this feels like something Han would play? The Gunslinger Gunslinger (Similarities to Han) + Gameplay focus on cover? (Ok, not something truly Han Solo-ish, but certainly is an interesting mechanic of the Smuggler class in general) + Emphasis on aggression over stealth gameplay. Gunslinger (Things that aren't like Han) - The look. The Space Cowboy with duster and hat are not something that can be associated with Captain Solo - The dual blasters. I think Han is a one blaster kind of guy. Maybe blaster rifle (at a stretch) if he'd disguised as a Stormtrooper. Gunslinger Tech Tree Choices: Saboteur: The emphasis here seems to be on explosives and tech, which aren't Solo's defining characteristics - however, some abilities like slicing and security have struck me as something Han would probably have an insight into. On a more personal note, I kind of like thermal detonator spamming (but that's just me). Sharpshooter: This seems like the class to take the cover mechanic all the way to it's full potential. A kind of sniping sub-class with lots of cover buffs - but as good as that sounds, it's not really the way Han Solo would fight. I think he'd like to get a little closer than that. Dirty Fighter: see "Scoundrel" above. So.. does this mean Han Solo is either a Gunslinger Saboteur or Scoundrel Scrapper? Or not any of these, but in fact a "Dirty Fighter"?! MISC. Obviously, Han Solo's companion of choice is the Wookie, Bowdarr. CREW SKILLS I think crew skills will depend on the choice of sub-class, but in general for Han Solo smuggler: Gathering Skills: Slicing or Scavenging Crafting skills: Armstech Missions Skills Treasure Hunting (well, OK, less Han Solo, more Indiana Jones here), or Underworld Trading Even after writing this, I'm still uncertain what to roll for my Han Solo inspired gameplay. This is agony! I suppose it all comes down to personal interpretation of the character, but still, I think that there are some choices that are obviously more Han Solo than others and it's those I'd like to play in the smuggler class. If you have any suggestions, inclduing suggestions on abilities and tech tree paths, please post them here! Not to mention obviously the sweet loot to customise the look of a Han Solo inspired toon.

Hey guys, chalk me up as one of the December crew! I think we're a lot more easier going in here because we're resigned to our fates for the tail-end of the Early Game Access. I'm quietly optimistic we'll be playing on Friday night, if not Saturday (if Stephen Reid's update post concerning e-mail invites is anything to go by). That'll still leave us a long weekend of EGA before official release - and I know I'm looking forward to it! So, hang in there!