TheSagaContinues

Since I don't know enough about the EU and I'm not that good at creating peculiar and interesting characters, I thought about giving it a shot from the optimization side, being quite the min-maxer.

So here, as my entry, I present Mandalore the Optimized or how one can reach the top of the Mando'ade with careful choices in his training.

I'll provide a description and building explanations for each point of his long career, I hope you enjoy it.

Spoiler: Picture (hover to show)

Creation notes
This is by no means the very best armored-guy-with-rifle build, but I think it's pretty solid. Some choices were made to fit the style of a soldier improving his military expertise and to have a complete character at each step. Regarding the crunch I tried to incorporate most of the Mandalorian traits as provided in the manuals, but with little knowledge about the EU I preferred to use the Fetts as my paragons.
The build main feature is the Armored Mandalorian talent. I went for the Gunslinger/Elite Trooper/Officer chassis and kept the multiclassing at minimum.
I used PB 28, Human, avoided weapon specific feats and tried to stick to passive bonuses for the most part to make it easy to play, easy to use as NPC and highly customizable, expecially at the highest levels. 16 is the peak (12'd have been fine too) to mimic CLs of the Fetts and Mandalorian Supercommando.

Spoiler: Level 1 snapshot: Solus (hover to show)

Medium Human scout 1
Force 5
Init +7; Senses low-light vision; Perception +6
Languages Basic, Mando'a, Military Sign^RECG

Defenses Ref 21 (flat-footed 19), Fort 17, Will 13; Evasion
hp 26; second wind +14/13; Threshold 17

Speed 6 squares, fly 6 squares (jetpack)
Melee unarmed +1 (1d4+1)
Ranged blaster carbine +2 (3d8) or
Ranged blaster carbine -3 (3d8) with autofire
Base Atk +0; Grp +2
Atk Options autofire (blaster carbine)
Special Actions Shake it Off

Abilities Str 12, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 12, Cha 10
Talents Evasion
Feats Armor Proficiency (light), Improved Defenses, Shake it Off, Weapon Proficiency (pistols, rifles, simple weapons)
Primary Skills Endurance +7, Initiative +7, Knowledge (tactics) +7, Mechanics +7, Perception +6, Pilot +7, Stealth +7, Survival +6

At the start of his military life he's just an average soldier not quite durable as his companions (less hp than a lvl 1 soldier), but recovers faster from injuries (Shake it Off) and has received special training (many primary skills).
I chose Armor Profiency to wear armor since the very beginning and Improved Defenses over Point Blank Shot because it's a static bonus and Evasion will help him survive the random grenade that usually kills mooks.

Spoiler: Level 4 snapshot: Cuir (hover to show)

Medium Human scout 1/soldier 3
Force 7
Init +9; Senses low-light vision; Perception +8
Languages Basic, Mando'a, Military Sign^RECG

Defenses Ref 22 (flat-footed 20), Fort 21, Will 16; Evasion
hp 62; second wind +15/31; Threshold 21

Speed 6 squares, fly 6 squares (jetpack)
Melee unarmed +4 (1d4+3)
Ranged blaster carbine +5 (3d8+2) or
Ranged blaster carbine +0 (3d8+2) with autofire
Base Atk +3; Grp +5
Atk Options autofire (blaster carbine), Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot
Special Actions Shake it Off

Abilities Str 13, Dex 14, Con 15, Int 14, Wis 12, Cha 10
Talents Armored Defense, Evasion, Improved Armor Defense
Feats Armor Proficiency (light, medium), Improved Defenses, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Shake it Off, Weapon Proficiency (pistols, rifles, simple weapons)
Primary Skills Endurance +9, Initiative +9, Knowledge (tactics) +9, Mechanics +9, Perception +8, Pilot +9, Stealth +9, Survival +8

He's getting accustomed to spend his life inside his armor (Armored Defense and Improved Armored Defense) and his aim is better expecially when operating in groups (Point Blank Shot and Precise Shot). He still has a lot to learn though.

Spoiler: Level 8 snapshot: Sh’ehn (hover to show)

Medium Human scout 3/soldier 4/gunslinger 1
Force 10
Init +11; Senses low-light vision; Perception +10
Languages Basic, Mando'a, Military Sign^RECG

Defenses Ref 28 (flat-footed 26), Fort 26, Will 24; Evasion
hp 112; second wind +28/56; Threshold 26

Speed 6 squares, fly 6 squares (jetpack)
Melee unarmed +8 (1d4+5)
Ranged blaster carbine +9 (3d8+4) or
Ranged blaster carbine +4 (3d8+4) with autofire or
Ranged blaster carbine +9 (4d8+4) with Rapid Shot
Base Atk +7; Grp +9
Atk Options autofire (blaster carbine), Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Trigger Work
Special Actions Quick Draw, Shake it Off

Abilities Str 13, Dex 15, Con 16, Int 14, Wis 12, Cha 10
Talents Armored Defense, Deep-Space Gambit^KOTORCG, Evasion, Improved Armor Defense, Trigger Work
Feats Armor Proficiency (light, medium), Grand Army of the Republic Training^CWCG, Improved Defenses, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Quick Draw, Rapid Shot, Shake it Off, Weapon Proficiency (pistols, rifles, simple weapons)
Primary Skills Endurance +12, Initiative +11, Knowledge (tactics) +11, Mechanics +11, Perception +10, Pilot +11, Stealth +11, Survival +10

At this point he's an elite shooter (Rapid Shot+Trigger Work) and Deep-Space Gambit helped him survive more than one unlucky situation where usually the nonheroic characters get killed, letting him continue his adventuring. (crits negated). While Grand Army of the Republic Training might not sound very Mandalorian it states that you know how to turn even bulky armor into an asset which seems very appropriate for someone that spends his life inside his armor.

Spoiler: Level 12 snapshot: Verd (hover to show)

Medium Human scout 3/soldier 4/gunslinger 1/elite trooper 3/officer 1
Force 12
Init +14; Senses low-light vision; Perception +12
Languages Basic, Mando'a, Military Sign^RECG

Defenses Ref 34 (flat-footed 30), Fort 32, Will 30; Evasion
hp 168; second wind +42/84, 2 per day; DR 1; Threshold 32

Speed 6 squares, fly 6 squares (jetpack)
Melee unarmed +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged blaster carbine +14 (3d8+6) or
Ranged blaster carbine +9 (3d8+6) with autofire or
Ranged blaster carbine +14 (4d8+6) with Rapid Shot
Base Atk +11; Grp +14
Atk Options autofire (blaster carbine), Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Trigger Work
Special Actions Indomitable, Quick Draw, Shake it Off, Tough as Nails

Abilities Str 13, Dex 16, Con 17, Int 14, Wis 12, Cha 10
Special Qualities delay damage
Talents Armored Defense, Deep-Space Gambit^KOTORCG, Evasion, Exotic Weapon Mastery, Improved Armor Defense, Indomitable, Tough as Nails, Trigger Work
Feats Armor Proficiency (light, medium), Grand Army of the Republic Training^CWCG, Improved Defenses, Martial Arts I, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Quick Draw, Rapid Shot, Shake it Off, Weapon Proficiency (heavy weapons, pistols, rifles, simple weapons)
Primary Skills Endurance +14, Initiative +14, Knowledge (tactics) +13, Mechanics +13, Perception +12, Pilot +14, Stealth +14, Survival +12

Tempered by battles (Though as Nails) has got out from numerous desperate situations (Indomitable). He can now operate in a commando unit and has gained proficiency with countless of different weapons (heavy and exotic) expanding his lethal arsenal.
The Officer level represents also the fact that he has been capable of leading small commando units.

Spoiler: Level 16 snapshot: Ori'ramikad (hover to show)

Medium Human scout 3/soldier 4/gunslinger 1/elite trooper 7/officer 1
Force 14
Init +16; Senses low-light vision; Perception +14
Languages Basic, Mando'a, Military Sign^RECG

Defenses Ref 38 (flat-footed 34), Fort 37, Will 34; Evasion, Vehicular Combat
hp 244; second wind +61/122, 2 per day; DR 5; Threshold 37

Speed 6 squares, fly 6 squares (jetpack)
Melee unarmed +16 (1d6+9)
Ranged blaster carbine +18 (3d8+8) or
Ranged blaster carbine +13 (3d8+8) with autofire or
Ranged blaster carbine +18 (4d8+8) with Rapid Shot
Base Atk +15; Grp +18
Atk Options autofire (blaster carbine), Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Trigger Work
Special Actions Indomitable, Quick Draw, Shake it Off, Tough as Nails

Abilities Str 13, Dex 16, Con 18, Int 14, Wis 13, Cha 10
Special Qualities delay damage
Talents Armored Defense, Armored Mandalorian^KOTORCG, Deep-Space Gambit^KOTORCG, Evasion, Exotic Weapon Mastery, Improved Armor Defense, Indomitable, Mandalorian Glory^KOTORCG, Tough as Nails, Trigger Work
Feats Armor Proficiency (light, medium), Grand Army of the Republic Training^CWCG, Improved Defenses, Martial Arts I, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Quick Draw, Rapid Shot, Shake it Off, Vehicular Combat, Weapon Proficiency (heavy weapons, pistols, rifles, simple weapons)
Primary Skills Endurance +17, Initiative +16, Knowledge (tactics) +15, Mechanics +15, Perception +14, Pilot +16, Stealth +16, Survival +14

Having gathered some starship combat experience (Vehicular Combat) now he's a feared supercommando, has earned on the field his true Mandalorian armor and has unparalleled endurance in battle (increased DR).
Now the build would be complete and in it's ideal spot.

Spoiler: Level 20 snapshot: Mand'alor (hover to show)

Medium Human scout 3/soldier 4/gunslinger 1/elite trooper 10/officer 2
Force 16
Init +18; Senses low-light vision; Perception +17
Languages Basic, Mando'a, Military Sign^RECG

Defenses Ref 42 (flat-footed 38), Fort 41, Will 39; Evasion, Vehicular Combat
hp 304; second wind +76/152, 2 per day; DR 7; Threshold 41

Speed 6 squares, fly 6 squares (jetpack)
Melee unarmed +21 (1d6+12)
Ranged blaster carbine +22 (3d8+10) or
Ranged blaster carbine +17 (3d8+10) with autofire or
Ranged blaster carbine +22 (4d8+10) with Rapid Shot
Base Atk +19; Grp +22
Atk Options autofire (blaster carbine), Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Trigger Work
Special Actions Indomitable, Quick Draw, Shake it Off, Tough as Nails

Abilities Str 14, Dex 16, Con 18, Int 14, Wis 14, Cha 10
Special Qualities Bad Feeling, command cover +1, delay damage, share talent (Indomitable)
Talents Armored Defense, Armored Mandalorian^KOTORCG, Battle Analysis, Deep-Space Gambit^KOTORCG, Evasion, Exotic Weapon Mastery, Improved Armor Defense, Indomitable, Mandalorian Glory^KOTORCG, Tough as Nails, Trigger Work
Feats Armor Proficiency (light, medium), Bad Feeling^TFUCG, Grand Army of the Republic Training^CWCG, Improved Defenses, Martial Arts I, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Quick Draw, Rapid Shot, Shake it Off, Vehicular Combat, Weapon Proficiency (heavy weapons, pistols, rifles, simple weapons)
Primary Skills Endurance +19, Initiative +18, Knowledge (tactics) +17, Mechanics +17, Perception +17, Pilot +18, Stealth +18, Survival +17

After a long life of battles he's finally ascended to the highest rank among his people and has been wary enough to avoid assassination attempts and questionable decisions like the ones made by his predecessors (Bad Feeling).
I felt that, expecially if used as a playable character, the last levels were not that important, I maxed Elite Trooper levels since one of the primary focus was the DR and gave him Battle Analysis and another Officer level to represent increased leadership capabilities.

Gear Overview
Basic possessions since level 1 are: blaster carbine, Mandalorian armor (as any of the +6/+2 light armors with helmet package and jetpack), utility belt. At level 16 he gets his proper Mandalorian armor with DR that applies to lightsabers

The above is more than enough for presenting the build, but I'll list some additional personalization (most rules are in S&V).
The ideal weapon would be a sporting blaster carbine with stun setting stripped plus rapid recyler and improved energy cell upgrades.
The ideal armor would be a Mandalorian version of radtrooper armor (+6/+4) with anything that increases its equipment bonus that'd add to his DR.
Armor upgrading is an ever changing process between battles, here I'll just suggest a couple of weapons that might have been added at some point by using integrated equipment upgrade, miniaturize, dual gear, attachment and tech specialist: grenade launcher, missile launcher, shock stick, flamethrower, stun pistol, whipcord, blaster gauntlet, dart launcher, melee weapon (the S-5 heavy blaster pistol has 3-4 of them combined into one weapon).

As a closing note I left out any starship he might have (instert Slave shameless copy) because I didn't want to add further gear or rule stuff and wanted the focus to be on the character itself.

I posted while still having to fill some of the spoilers. Should be finished now and seems to work. Please tell me if you still see spoilers empty as it took me hours to type and double check everything.

Every well done Legion, great build overall. Like when people due progression in their build.

Here is a Mandalorian gunslinger, Vilia.

Spoiler: Picture (hover to show)

Spoiler: Solus (lv1) (hover to show)

Vilia                                         CL 1
 
Medium Human soldier 1
Destiny 1; Force 5
Init +7; Senses Perception +6
Languages Basic, Mando'a
 
Defenses Ref 19 (flat-footed 17), Fort 16, Will 12
hp 31; second wind +12/15; Threshold 16
 
Speed  6 squares, fly 6 squares
Melee  by weapon +3
Ranged S-5 heavy blaster pistol (ascension gun) +3 (3d8) or
Ranged S-5 heavy blaster pistol (ascension gun) -2 (3d8) and Model 434 "DeathHammer" blaster pistol -2 (3d8) or
Ranged Model 434 "DeathHammer" blaster pistol +3 (3d8)
Base Atk +1; Grp +3
Atk Options Devastating Attack (pistols), Dual Weapon Mastery
Special Actions Quick Draw
 
Abilities Str 14, Dex 15, Con 12, Int 13, Wis 12, Cha 10
Talents Devastating Attack (pistols)
Feats Armor Proficiency (light, medium), Dual Weapon Mastery I, Quick Draw, Weapon Proficiency (pistols, rifles, simple weapons)
Primary Skills Endurance +6, Initiative +7, Jump +7, Perception +6, Pilot +7
Possessions Model 434 "DeathHammer" blaster pistol, Neo-Crusader light armor (+6 armor, +2 equipment), S-5 heavy blaster pistol (ascension gun)

Vilia began as a raw recruit with much promise and a love for pistols.

Spoiler: Adiik (lv8) (hover to show)

Vilia                                         CL 8
 
Medium Human soldier 7/scoundrel 1
Destiny 1; Force 9
Init +12; Senses Perception +10
Languages Basic, Huttese, Mando'a
 
Defenses Ref 27 (flat-footed 23), Fort 26, Will 20
hp 84; second wind +21/42; Threshold 24
 
Speed  6 squares, fly 6 squares
Melee  by weapon +9
Ranged S-5 heavy blaster pistol +12 (3d8+4) or
Ranged S-5 heavy blaster pistol +10 (4d8+4) with Rapid Shot or
Ranged Model 434 blaster pistol +11 (3d8+7) or
Ranged S-5 heavy blaster pistol +7 (3d8+4) and Model 434 blaster pistol +6 (3d8+7)
Base Atk +7; Grp +10
Atk Options Devastating Attack (pistols), Dual Weapon Mastery, Lightning Draw, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot
Special Actions Personalized Modifications, Quick Draw
 
Abilities Str 15, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 12, Cha 10
Special Qualities Lightning Draw
Talents Armored Defense, Devastating Attack (pistols), Improved Armor Defense, Juggernaut, Personalized Modifications
Feats Armor Proficiency (light, medium), Dual Weapon Mastery I, Lightning Draw, Martial Arts I, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Quick Draw, Rapid Shot, Weapon Focus (pistols), Weapon Proficiency (pistols, rifles, simple weapons)
Primary Skills Acrobatics +12, Endurance +10, Initiative +12, Jump +11, Perception +10, Pilot +12
Possessions Model 434 "DeathHammer" blaster pistol (tech specialist mod; +2 damage) with Improved energy cell, Radtrooper armor (+6 armor, +4 equipment bonus to Fortitude) with Beskar’gam, S-5 heavy blaster pistol (ascension gun) (tech specialist mod; +1 attack) with Hair trigger

Her training as a Mandalorian warrior focused on making her the best at using her pistols and armour to make her into a killing machine.

Spoiler: Ad'eta (lv20) (hover to show)

Vilia                                         CL 20
 
Medium Human soldier 7/scoundrel 1/elite trooper 9/gunslinger 3
Destiny 1; Force 16
Init +20; Senses Perception +16
Languages Basic, Huttese, Mando'a
 
Defenses Ref 41 (flat-footed 37), Fort 41, Will 39
hp 195; second wind +48/97; DR 10; Threshold 39
 
Speed  6 squares, fly 6 squares
Melee  by weapon +23
Ranged S-5 heavy blaster pistol +28 (4d8+13) and Model 434 blaster pistol +26 (4d8+19) with Rapid Shot
Base Atk +19; Grp +24
Atk Options Devastating Attack (pistols), Dual Weapon Mastery, Greater Devastating Attack (pistols), Lightning Draw, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Trigger Work, Twin Shot, Zero Range
Special Actions Mandalorian Advance, Personalized Modifications, Quick Draw
 
Abilities Str 18, Dex 20, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 12, Cha 10
Special Qualities delay damage, Lightning Draw, trusty sidearm +1
Talents Armored Defense, Armored Mandalorian, Devastating Attack (pistols), Greater Devastating Attack (pistols), Greater Weapon Focus (pistols), Improved Armor Defense, Juggernaut, Mandalorian Advance, Mandalorian Glory, Personalized Modifications, Trigger Work, Twin Shot
Feats Armor Proficiency (light, medium), Dual Weapon Mastery I, Dual Weapon Mastery II, Dual Weapon Mastery III, Grand Army of the Republic Training, Lightning Draw, Martial Arts I, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Quick Draw, Rapid Shot, Weapon Focus (pistols), Weapon Proficiency (pistols, rifles, simple weapons), Zero Range
Primary Skills Acrobatics +20, Endurance +16, Initiative +20, Jump +19, Perception +16, Pilot +20
 Possessions Model 434 "DeathHammer" blaster pistol with Improved energy cell, Radtrooper armor (+6 armor, +4 equipment bonus to Fortitude; tech specialist mod: +2 Fortitude Defense) with Beskar’gam, S-5 heavy blaster pistol (ascension gun) with Hair trigger

On completing her training, Vilia has steadily worked on improving herself to be the best and most deadly mercenary possible. 
 
With her Personalized Modifications, Vilia gets a further +1 attack and +2 damage, and Zero Range means she gets another +1 attack and extra die of damage when she gets up close and personal.  Combined with Greater Devastating Attack, her opponents will feel the hurt, while her high defense and DR 10 (which applies against lightsabers as well) should keep her going (not to mention her high hp).[/size][/font]

Great builds guys! Love the progression.

Pre Visla                                              CL 9
 
Medium Human soldier 6/scoundrel 1/Jedi 1/elite trooper 1
Destiny 1; Force 10
Init +17; Senses Perception +9
Languages Basic, Mando'a
 
Defenses Ref 28 (flat-footed 24), Fort 27, Will 20
hp 92; second wind +24/46; Threshold 27
 
Speed  6 squares, fly 6 squares
Melee Darksaber +13 (2d8+14) with both hands or
Ranged WESTAR-35 +11 (3d6+4) and WESTAR-35 +11 (3d6+4) or
Ranged WESTAR-35 +12 (3d6+4)
Base Atk +8; Grp +12
Atk Options Bantha Rush, Dual Weapon Mastery, Point Blank Shot
Special Actions Mobile Combatant, Trick Step
 
Abilities Str 18, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 12
Special Qualities delay damage
Talents Armored Defense, Improved Armor Defense, Jet Pack Training, Mandalorian Glory, Mobile Combatant, Trick Step
Feats Armor Proficiency (light, medium), Bantha Rush, Dual Weapon Mastery I, Dual Weapon Mastery II, Martial Arts I, Point Blank Shot, Skill Focus (Initiative), Skill Training (Acrobatics), Weapon Focus (lightsabers, pistols), Weapon Proficiency (lightsabers, pistols, rifles, simple weapons)
Primary Skills Acrobatics +12, Deception +10, Initiative +17, Perception +9, Pilot +12, Treat Injury +9
Possessions 2 x WESTAR-35 blaster pistol (tech specialist mod; +1 attack) with Spring-loaded, JT-12 jet pack, Darksaber (tech specialist mod; +2 damage) with Spring-loaded, Mandalorian Iron light beskar'gam (+6 armor, +3 equipment; tech specialist mod: +1 Reflex Defense)




This is my take on Pre Visla, leader of the Death Watch during the Clone Wars era.  The Darksaber is just a lightsaber with Heart of the Guardian and improved damage, to reflect its use against many Jedi over the years.  The WESTAR-35 blaster pistols are just blaster pistols with improved accuracy.  Pre Visla was very mobile in his fighting style, as shown by his training in Acrobatics, Bantha Rush, and Mobile Combatant.  Trick Step is meant to show his somewhat dirty fighting style, and explain how he thinks he can go toe-to-toe with Jedi (and Sith).  The Deception skill (Int increase at level 4) is a must, given how he led a double life for many years.


*note: thank-you to StevenO for pointing out a mistake I had made in the original build.

Well, it seems you guys two extra days almost to post, even though last post was made two weeks ago.


As such... Submissions are closed. You have until May 25th at 11:59pm PDT to vote on your favorite of the following:


Legion's Mandalore the Optimized
xargot's Vilia, Pre Visla, or Neo-Crusader


As always, winner is decided by total votes for the member. The top voted build will go into the UDB Hall of Fame.