Form I: Shii-Cho
In combat, Form I lightsaber combat was wild and raw, relying on deliberate tactics and being primarily aimed towards disarming rather than injuring foes, in keeping with Jedi philosophy. Basic initiates in the style demonstrated rather clumsy performance, though in the hands of a master, Shii-Cho was fluid but highly randomized and unpredictable.
Form I: Shii-Cho: Sneaky or Clever (-1 Refresh)
+2 bonus to Sneaky or Clever (choose one when this Form is selected) rolls to Create an Advantage based on disorientation, distraction, or unbalancing opponents.
Form II: Makashi
Makashi was described as elegant and focused, and was based on balance and footwork to outmaneuver opponents. Fluidity and economy of motion were relied on, rather than strength, with Form II bladework heavily utilizing jabs and light cuts rather than hack and slash movements. However, Makashi was not without its weaknesses, being ineffective against multiple opponents and failing to address the issue of blast-deflection. It would eventually be supplanted by Form III: Soresu, the most defensive of the seven forms.
Form II: Makashi: Clecer or Careful (-1 Refresh)
Use Clever or Careful (choose one when this Form is selected) +1 to determine turn order instead of Quick in combat.
Form III: Soresu
Like Makashi, Soresu relied on economy of motion and energy efficiency, keeping up constant blade-movement to build up momentum and minimize energy-expenditure. Form III focused on strong defensive technique to essentially outlast an opponent, waiting until he began making mistakes due to frustration or fatigue, before taking advantage of these lapses and countering. A master of Soresu was considered invincible, and the focus on long-term survival allowed such duelists to take stock of and control of their situation, choosing to kill, disarm, or even reason with enemies. However, despite its effectiveness, Soresu would receive heavy criticism due to its lack of offensive capabilities, as it merely facilitated survival rather than victory. As an answer to these weaknesses, the highly aggressive Ataru and Shien forms would be developed side-by-side.
Form III: Soresu: Careful or Clever (-1 Refresh)
When you succeed on a Create Advantage roll with Careful or Clever (choose one when this Form is selected) to create a Defensive-type of aspect, you gain an additional free invocation of that advantage.
Form IV: Ataru
An aggressive style, Form IV was fast-paced and effective against single opponents, though weaker in prolonged combat and confined spaces. Also, it was not recommended for use against opponents wielding blasters. Ataru was characterized by Force-assisted acrobatics, such as somersaults and leaping strikes, both for attack and defense. Another characteristic of the form was its fast, powerful strikes from multiple directions.
Form IV: Ataru: Flashy or Quick (-1 Refresh)
Gain a +2 bonus on Create Advantage using Flashy or Quick (choose one when this Form is selected) while using a lightsaber.
Form V: Shien/Djem-So
Shien, considered the classical Form V, was more adept at blocking blaster bolts, whereas Djem-So was developed later and intended for lightsaber combat. Both Shien and Djem So were designed to use an opponent’s attack against them, as evidenced by Shien’s focus on returning blaster bolts to their origin and Djem So’s emphasis on immediately striking back after a blow.
Form V: Shien/Djem-So: Careful or Sneaky (-1 Refresh)
When you Succeed With Style on a defense roll using Careful or Sneaky (choose one when this Form is selected) , you may choose to inflict a 2-shift hit on your opponent instead of gaining a Boost.
Form VI: Niman
Form VI, also called “The Way of the Rancor,” is a synthesis of elements from the five previous forms. It is especially popular among Jedi who do not focus on combat training, as it is easy to master and execute — for this reason, however, Jedi who have mastered other forms may view it as inferior.
The basis of Form VI is combining lightsaber combat with other Force techniques. For example, a Jedi may use telekinesis to push away enemies, allowing her to better manage a group of fighters by facing them one at a time. Form VI is the primary fighting style of Jedi who dual-wield lightsabers.
Form VI: Niman: Clever or Forceful (-1 Refresh)
Gain a +3 bonus instead of the normal +2 to Clever or Forceful (choose one when this Form is selected) to Attack while invoking an advantage or aspect created by the Force.
Form VII: Juyo
In use millennia prior to the Battle of Yavin, the Juyo incarnation of Form VII was described as the most vicious form of lightsaber combat and was said to involve significant internal focus on the part of the user.
Form VII: Juyo: Forceful or Flashy (-1 Refresh)
When invoking a situation aspect or environment-based advantage in a Forceful or Flashy (choose one when this Form is selected) attack, gain a +3 to the roll instead of +2.
Vapaad
Vaapad was explained as being a state of mind rather than just a fighting style, allowing the wielder to channel his own inner darkness into the duel, and accept the fury of the opponent.
Vapaad: Forceful or Quick (-1 Refresh)
Gain a second free invoke of a consequence you placed on an opponent while using Forceful or Quick (choose one when this Form is selected).
Jar'Kai
Jar’Kai was originally a style of swordplay that utilized dual blades, developed by the Yovshin Swordsmen. Known Jar’Kai techniques and maneuvers include the “Rising Whirlwind”, which consisted of a duelist swinging his blades about his body, creating a “whirlwind” of deadly attacks, and the “Twin Strike”, in which both blades were swung in an arc towards the opponent in a deadly power attack.
Jar'Kai: Flashy or Quick (-1 Refresh)
When attacking or defending with dual blades using Flashy or Quick (choose one when this Form is selected) add +1 to attack roll and +1 to any Defense roll made.