I'm not a fan of the idea of changing a core game mechanic (if this change could be classified as such), but that doesn't make it a bad idea - just one that doesn't appeal to me personally. I think that would definitely help with making melee pieces (and Jedi in particular) better. But, I think it also has the potential to complicate the game unnecessarily. Overall, I think I'd prefer different options for boosting Jedi, but that's just my humble opinion

As much as it would help, I don't think it's possible to mess around with fundamental mechanics like that - it's more radical than something like banning tempo control pieces IMO. It would do stuff that the v-sets have been trying to avoid - confusing returning players etc.

You could introduce it as a SA - more +4 defense for every 6 squares away or something.

I think things are already in place towards making melee stronger. V-set 10 has a few pieces and V-set 11 is working hard on making melee better. I think anything like sweeping changes to rules or more bans/errata's at this point is a bit unfair to the V-sets, because I think people will be pleased with the impact they will make on the meta. Take Obi/Ani for instance. Ranged Defense Expert is an ability that really makes Jedi good, because in all the playtests that I did with obi/ani, it was almost a waste of time trying to shoot at them from range. That +4 to saves against non-adjacent shots is a big deterrent and is a very balanced ability at the same time. I am really glad that we have something like Ranged Defense Expert in the game rather than handing out Survival Expert or an effect similar to it (looking at you Yun Ne'Shel Priest and your Avoid Defeats on 7's). The change to Ysalmiri is going to be big also, since it makes a couple of the top squads not nearly as good against jedi squads. It's still really good, don't get me wrong, but it at least makes jedi able to survive approaching the bubble but using their defense abilities. I think we really need to as a community wait and see how these changes affect the game, and not jump towards nerfing shooters in haphazard ways.

I have a couple of thoughts on this. First, as others have said, I'm reluctant to see a core game mechanic changed. Second, melee pieces's stats (specifically defense) have generally been designed with the ratings of ranged attacks in mind, so you're basically inflicting a double penalty. Second part 2, rather than a penalty to the shooter's attack, it seems an easier change (though maybe just semantics) to give a defensive bonus to the target. Third, I suspect one of the reasons this works in IA is that they have pretty small boards (from what I've seen, a couple of tiles, at most). So it's pretty easy to eyeball distance and apply the penalty. I fear adding more counting to our game will only slow things down.

That doesn't mean it can't be done.. Just my initial reactions.

I like the concept, but I don't know how applicable it would be this late into the game's development. I agreed that I don't like counting squares so if there were some way to change this without counting squares I would be open to trying. That seems to be what the next few V-Sets are focused around. I'd like to first see what these are trying.

I think if someone wants to test this as a house rule it would be worth trying and then reporting after so many trials.

Not really pertinent but, scientifically speaking I'm not sure if the ranges represented by a minis board are long enough for a laser to lose its energy. Not really an expert on laser munitions but kinda a curious way to look at it. Also Jedi can be overwhelmed by large masses of shooters (Order 66) or skilled assassins (Mandalorians). But yes I understand the concern for what are considered higher Jedi. Sorry, kinda technicalities, but hey, the science behind Star Wars is interesting to me although not really applicable to SWMinis.

Thank you all for the calm and calculated approach to this discussion. It is much better than some others I have witnessed recently dealing with revolutionary rule suggestions.

Holocron
Faction OR
Cost 5
10 HPs
11 Def
+0 Atk
0 Dmg

Special abilities
Affinity Republic, New Republic
Emplacement
Training Program - Melee Force Users gain +4 defense against non-melee attacks from farther than 6 squares away.

We should add this to the randomizer!
12 would be better, the base rules revolve around 6/12.

I'd be all for this. OR needs it.

I fear that too many designers fall into the trap of giving things like this to factions that don't need it.

"Hey - Republic has a bunch of Jedi, and also my favorite to play - lets give this mechanic to my favorite Jedi". - bad idea

All for it in the OR

Lol, you all act like giving out +4 defense against ranged attacks more than 6 away is some broken mechanic. Lol, it's minimal at best.

At 5 pts it is pretty awesome. Virtual auto-include.

Could be implemented into the republic as a CE on a more expensive jedi.

Point is that OR needs more help