Races: (
List of sentient races and species - Wookieepedia, the Star Wars Wiki)
The races of the galaxy are vast and fairly equal in most senses. I believe there is a basic trade language and so that enables them to all converse without much trouble.
Lightsabers:
Weapons of the Jedi and Sith, this is what distinguished them from normal people. However, normal people have, on occasion, used these weapons despite their history. More information here:
Lightsaber - Wookieepedia, the Star Wars Wiki
The Force and Force powers:
The force is the primary asset that sets apart Sith and Jedi from those like ourselves. The ability to sense, channel, and wield this object of boundless quantity and immense power was what allows the use of force abilities and other innate things which seem present in Jedi and Sith and not other sentient beings. More indepth delving of powers that may or may not be available can be found here
Force powers - Wookieepedia, the Star Wars Wiki
There are three sections of training within the force and it is likely these affect the ability to use it to certain extents. The three disciplines are Alter, Sense, and Control. Each one seems to extend towards certain powers in question by their design and would affect you. I will do more reading on this for when I evaluate characters and their actions in game.