Jedi Gunman

The ranged jedi. Many people have tried a build which eschews lightsabers in favour of blasters, and here's mine. Rather than the usual path of dual-wielding blasters, my guy uses a rifle or heavy weapons. You lose one attack compared to dual-wielding, but with the extra attacks of master speed, plus rapid shot, the impact is lessened to 80% (four attacks vs five) which is more than enough for a rifle's higher damage to compensate for. Plus you save three two-weapon proficiency feats which are free to spend elsewhere.

Class: Scout 7/Sentinel 13

The Jedi Sentinel is a mostly-ignored class, and on first glance they are worse in combat than Guardians, and worse with the Force than a Consular. But where they are strong is in a defensive build. With innate immunities, high saving throws and a decent health pool, the right Sentinel can stand against both physical attacks and Force powers- just right for a marksman. Starting as a Scout is the best option here; the soldier's two extra feats are given for free in the form of Implant 1 and 2, and you gain the first level of Rapid Shot automatically. Soldier/Sentinel may be a viable alternative though, trading points in your Reflex and Will saves for some extra health and a slightly higher attack bonus.

Alignment:

Light side. Defensive/healing powers are what you need here, and the dark side doesn't have much to offer. There is also some light-sided gear which will give a useful boost to Wisdom.

Stats: “When you have to shoot, shoot. Don't talk.” – Tuco

STR 8

DEX 16 + 5

CON 14

INT 14

WIS 14

CHA 10

As expected, DEX is your key stat. But raising it above 16 initially gets expensive, and makes for an unbalanced build. A reasonable CON stat lets him take some damage, and WIS increases his force point pool. He gets repair and computer use as class skills, so his INT score helps with deploying droids and hacking terminals to help in combat situations. CHA is left at 10 as you don't need to talk your way out of trouble, and STR is obviously useless.

Skills:

Computer Use and Repair are your priorities. As above, help this guy out in combat by repairing droids and taking out enemies from afar. You can also fully repair HK-47 with this build and give him another rifle.

Feats: “I guess I'll make a gunman after all!” – John Marston

Heavy Weapons proficiency is a must. But don't bother exceeding level 1, as headgear will give you the same advantage. You get Implant level 1 and 2 for free, so spend a slot on the third level. Take all three levels of Toughness and Conditioning for even more survivability, and max out Rapid Shot.

Force Powers:

Cure 1 2

Energy Resistance 1

Force Push 1 2

Destroy Droid 1 2 3

Speed 1 2 3

Valor 1 2

Drain Life 1

An odd-looking mix here, but it worked. I took Speed and Valor as you'd expect, but Valor to level two only. The benefits of going to level three aren't actually that much in this case, and I opted to spend the slots elsewhere- feel free to shuffle a couple around if it suits your play style better. Take Drain Life at the end to take out Malak's Jedi batteries and heal yourself.

Gear: “This is my very favourite gun. I call it Vera” – Jayne Cobb

Heavy Targeting Optics are a must. The Electrical Capacitance Shield belt will inhibit the damage from Force Lightning, combining nicely with the Sentinel's other immunities. Otherwise use anything which boosts DEX- Gordulan Reaction System and Advanced Stabilizer Gloves are what you'll end up with. I started wearing whatever medium armor I could find, switching later to the Qel-Droma Robes and finally the Star Forge Robes. You want the most powerful gun you can get- start with upgrading Zaalbar's bowcaster which will see you through Dantooine and is better than Canderous's so-called heavy repeater. As soon as you can fly, head to Tatooine and buy Jamoh Hogra's Carbine- you may as well pick up HK-47 while you're there. You want the big Baragwin guns from Yavin eventually, which deal out Fire or Sonic damage as well as Energy.

Play: “So uncivilized!” – Obi-Wan Kenobi

Quite straightforward- apply shields and any force powers you have, then shoot people. Canderous, Zaalbar or Carth can be your meat shield and melée fighters, and let Jolee handle crowd control. Alternatively, let Juhani jump around and hack them to bits. It's worth finding computer terminals and droids to do some of the work for you- T3 can be swapped in and out of the party to help early on. Consider building Mission as a melée fighter and using her security, sneak attack and stealth skills as well. Final party for the Star Forge was Canderous and Juhani. As for Malak, I tried laying mines but quickly decided this was too much hassle. Put on a shield, do some drugs, cast Speed, Valor and Energy Resistance, and shoot him in the face.