Step-By-Step Factions

Many factions span the galaxy, from lowly gangs inhabiting a single city to governments controlling the majority of known planets. While many characters will find a faction they want to join—for instance, a Jedi will most likely want to climb the ranks of the Jedi Order—many characters will prefer to build their own.

Before you dive into step 1 below, thinking about whether or not establishing your own faction is the correct route, and what your faction will do that is not already done better by others. You might want to create your own bounty hunter organization and try to take on the greatest bounties the galaxy has to offer. Maybe you want to start your own government and break away from the known powers. Perhaps you want to start your own faction of Force-wielders, separate from the Jedi and the Sith. Or maybe you just want to create your own chain of casino resorts, with pazaak and companions.

Once you have a faction in mind, follow these steps in order, making decisions that reflect the faction you want. Your conception of your faction might evolve with each choice you make. What's important is that your faction helps you realize a character you're excited to play.

Throughout this section, we use the term faction sheet to mean whatever you use to track your faction, whether it's a formal sheet (like the ones at the end of these rules), some sort of digital record, or a piece of notebook paper. The official SW5e sheets are a fine place to start until you know what information you need and how you use it during the game.

Building the Mandalorians

Each step of faction creation includes an example of that step, with a player building the iconic faction the Mandalorians.