IGLC FAQ
Why do some items seem to contradict each other?
This was intentional. The Empire has a vague and difficult legal code which can be loosely interpreted by whomever is using it at a particular time. This allows the Empire to deliver as much latitude to their judges as possible, facilitating massive sentences and debilitating fines to those who either are certainly rebels or appear to be rebels. If there is a person which can be charged and tried two or even three different ways for the same crime, pick the way that seems most appropriate and go with that.
Why do items listed on the "Restricted Items List" have two names?
To use an example, when somone is caught with a blaster rifle, they are held for a period of time (usually hours) to determine what to do with that person. During that holding time, that person is known to be "held under Category G." When that person is charged formally, they are listed as being charged with "Category G: [enter rifle type here]," or for instance, Category G: Blastech A280. On the person's permanent record, he is shown to have been brought up on charges and/or sentenced for "Category G: Rifle," so that someone who is reading that record who may not be familiar with the legal code will understand what the charge is for. This system worked great for me, but if it sounds screwy to you, change it around and simplify it.
What the hell is bioware and cyberware?
Many GMs have added items from other games to Star Wars to increase depth, realism and options. I myself incorporated many things from Shadowrun (which I've never actually played) and although these items aren't listed on the website, they will be soon. In light of that, they are included in the legal code for two reasons. First, when I post the bioware and cyberware stuff, they'll have their place in the code already. The bigger reason is to have a place where other GMs can plug their own additions of these type into the code and make it work for them. Just switch the equipment listed under the various bio- and cyberware categories with your own stuff you use, and voila!
Where's all the stuff for smuggling?
Smuggling is not included in here, and is covered in several of the game books. This code is only to govern land-based issues.
How can I implement this on Outer Rim worlds where the law is lax?
For worlds that have a lot of crime, I generally only enforced this code within, say, 20 kilometers of any Imperial-class starport or capitol of a planet. That should be a good guideline to interface this in your Outer Rim Territories legal free-for-alls.
So how does it all work?
Ok, say your PC is caught with several illegal weapons and explosives (no! couldn't be!). The local magistrate tallies up the damage while the PCs shake and quiver in a cell downtown - let's see - 2 DL-44 heavy blaster pistols, a couple of thermal detonators, two knives and big blaster rifle with a grenade launcher on it....
| 2 DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistols | 2 Category F (Pistol, Heavy), possession |
2 Category F Infractions = 2,400... |
| 2 Thermal Det. | 2 Category J (High Explosive) or 2 Category L (Military Applications), possession |
2 Category J Infractions = 60,000 or 2 Category L Infractions = 200,000! |
| 2 Knives, large blade | 2 Category B (Large Bladed Weapon), possession | 2 Category B Infractions = 80 |
| 1 Blaster Rifle with Viper PGL | 1 Category G (Rifle) and 1 Category I (Heavy Wpn.), possession |
1 Category G Infraction = 2,000 and 1 Category I Infraction = 12,500. |
| Total Weapons = 7 | Total Infractions = 8 | Total of 8 fines = 76,980 to 216,980cr! |
So either the character pays that, posts a bond and returns later to defend himself in court and get out of it, or can't pay the fines or the bond and gets the fines commuted to imprisonment to the tune of one day for every thousand credits (217 days), or whatever...ya see the possibilities here?! :)
This is an original work by Tim "Nealos" Salam and was originally posted at the Star Wars Supplemental Resource Center. An archived version of the site can be found here. What we have posted here has been modified for Vast Empire use and is not intended to replace the original source material for any outside users.
