i know there is another thread devoted to force powers, but i was using palpy in a match and the issue came up now the card says " 30 damage to 1 target and UP TO 2 adjacent targets." this implies that you get to choose the number of targets. because if not, then doesn't that mean that with tarkins CE you MUST activate 3 units?

Yes you could technically select less then 2 adjacent targets.

I've yet to read anything that states otherwise.

No, you must do damage to two adjacent characters if there is any (including the Lightning wielder). This is in the FAQ.

yeah, what Sithborg said, if there are two adjacent targets you must hit them with lightning also, even if they are allied to palpy.

And Tarkin can choose to let up to three activate, so that is as few as one and as many as three

Don't you also have to fry yourself if Palps is adjacent? I've been playing it that way or a long time....

I believe so, yes.

If only 1 or no other character is adjacent, then yes.

and paply can let you fry up to 2 additional, so if you are required to fry 2 then wouldn't tarkin be required to activate 3, the wording is exactly the same so logically, IF one Then the other.

if you look at the wording of palpys lightning and the wording of VA unleashed's lightning, they are worded differently, VA requires the attacks, paply says UP TO.

This is why you read the rulebook.

"Force Lightning [#]: (Force; 2 Force points) Instead of making its normal attack or attacks,
a character using this Force power deals [#] points of damage to one target enemy and
two characters adjacent to that target, if any (enemies and allies alike, including the
acting character if there aren’t enough others). The first enemy must be a legal target (for
example, you can target an enemy with cover only if it is the nearest) and must be within
6 squares, but the adjacent characters don’t need to be. Using Force Lightning is not an
attack and does not require an attack roll."

Force lightning got reworded a long time ago and works as others are describing. The reason the VSA has different wording is he reflects the fix to the previous wording that was confusing. Tarkin works the way you have described.

A good suggestion, is to always consult the rulebook (glossary usually) before posting rule issues. Its relatively up to date now, so its a great resource.

The logic works anyways. The wording of 'up to' in the early Force Lightning was simply to say that it would hit the target, and two adjacent charcters, IF there were any there. The wording 'up to' placed a limit on it different from 'adjacent characters' or 'all adjacent characters'.

But Bill is right. Consulting the most recent rulebook solves all the headaches.

The Rulebook and/or the FAQs on the WotC boards is always a good thing.