History, Beliefs, and Hierarchy

[Star Wars Legacies (OLD)]

New Jedi Order
History, Beliefs, and Hierarchy​

Hello, young Padawan, and welcome to the Jedi Archives onboard the JOV Galactic Evolution. The High Council has put together this briefing to help you learn more about the New Jedi Order and the way of the Jedi. To do this, we have complied four basic learning scrolls for you. These scrolls contain:

• History of the New Jedi Order

• Jedi Philosophy

• Jedi Hierarchy

• The Eightfold Path

Learn these well, young one. They are a crucial and fundamental part of the life of all Jedi. Once you begin your training, you may learn more about these in-depth, and your master will expect you to understand all of it.

 

[Star Wars Legacies (OLD)]

New Jedi Order
Order History​

A New Order​

It was nearly eleven years after the battle of Yavin did Luke Skywalker begun training students in the ways of the Jedi. Until then Luke never felt ready to take on apprentices, believing he could not restore the former glory of the Jedi Order. Instead, Luke Skywalker decided to reinvent the Jedi Order and thus creating the New Jedi Order.

After receiving permission to reestablish the Jedi from Chief of State Mon Mothma, Luke moved the Jedi to a Praxeum on Yavin IV where the former Rebel Alliance Base was once located. The group consisted of nineteen individuals of all species, ages, and walks of life who looked to discover more about the path of the Jedi and the Force. The Jedi were immediately confronted with many unpredictable events at the Praxeum. Even though some believed the Praxeum served as a sanctuary from the Dark Side, it certainly did not exclude them from it as they encountered dark spirits and fell vulnerable to attacks by the Empire Reborn. Through the obstacles they faced, the Jedi grew both in the Force and in numbers as more and more came to learn about the Force.

The Order had expanded quickly and eventually established the Master’s Council similar to that of the High Council in the old Jedi Order. The Praxeum, however, faced it’s destruction in 26 ABY during the Yuuzhan Vong War, forcing the Jedi to reestablish on the world of Ossus. The Yuuzhan Vong War would further destabilize the Jedi with anti Jedi sentiment and their division of views to how to fight the war. Eventually differences were placed aside and the Jedi were united, enabling them to defeat the Yuuzhan Vong, but at a great cost.

Luke Skywalker took the official title of Grand Master after the Yuuzhan Vong war and once more Jedi influence had spread; a temple was erected on Coruscant and several enclaves were built throughout the galaxy. Peace would only be held for a short time before the Jedi were involved with the Swarm War and the Second Galactic Civil War.

Jedi hero, Jacen Solo, had fallen to the Dark Side, taking on the title of Darth Caedus and took control of the Alliance. The Jedi Order, who after the Yuuzhan Vong War decided to stay neutral in their political alliances, found themselves realigned with the Alliance not controlled by Darth Caedus. The aftermath of the war left the Jedi in a bind, though successful, it was met with consequences. Natasi Daala rose to Chief of State and her anti Jedi sentiment spread quickly through the galaxy.

As a result to the new leadership, Luke Skywalker was forced into exile after being accused of Jacen Solo’s fall and rampage. During his exile, Skywalker set out to investigate what caused his nephew’s fall and stumbled upon the dark side entity of Abeloth and the Lost Tribe of the Sith. However, during Luke’s exile, the Jedi were finding themselves constrained, the Chief of State had ordered Alliance representatives to follow Jedi during their affairs and hired the Mandalorians to stop resistance that was building within the Order. Luke Skywalker returned to the Jedi in order to overthrow Daala and to defeat the entity, Abeloth.

In 127ABY the One Sith engaged the Jedi in open warfare with the aid of the new Galactic Empire. Losing ground against foe, the Jedi suffered a massive loss at the temple of Ossus, losing over half their Order. Battered by the defeat, the Jedi went into hiding, pursued by bounty hunters and Sith alike. Cade Skywalker, was amongst the Jedi turn turned from the path, and even turned in one of his fellow Jedi. With members of its Order either killed, captured, in hiding, or falling in with the Galactic Alliance Remnant, the Jedi found an ally within the Imperial Knights.

Darth Krayt was killed in the successful execution of an assassination plan put together by Cade Skywalker, leading to many Jedi coming out from hiding, and joining the fight against Krayt's Empire. With the final defeat of Krayt's Empire at the Battle of Coruscant, the Jedi were able to resume their place as galactic peacekeepers as they helped to rebuild the galaxy.

Star Wars Legacies
1,011 A.B.Y.​

Prelude​

The times were turning dire with the NJO, the Sith begun more aggressive campaigns, pushing for control along boarder worlds. The Jedi encountered their first skirmish with the Sith on the agriculture world of Tanaab. The Chapterhouse fell under seize and was quickly dominated by the dark forces of the Sith, exterminating the Jedi who stood to defend it. The defeat was hard for the Jedi and the Council continued to grow wearisome of war edging the horizon as rumors of genocide and oppression from the Imperium were reaching the ears of Galactic Alliance civilians.

The seeds of doubt were beginning to sprout, a council, lead by Jedi Daisuke Fuyu, approached the High Council with a vote of no confidence, backed by many Jedi in the Order. Aggravated by the lack of assurance the Order held in the council, Grand Master Beric Kanasur stepped down. High Council members, newly elected Prime Envoy, Bacilla Kane, and Battlemaster Augustus Leonus also resigned from their positions. The council was left with Lore Master Lecchamennon and Sage Master Jhon Cordatus, the latter of the two also serving as the Galactic Alliance Chief of State interim.

The Council voted in Lecchamennon as their new Grand Master, as well as three new members including Daisuke who originally lead the vote of no confidence. The confidence within the Council renewed only to be met with grief as a covert attack on the Will of the Force destroyed the Jedi Flagship. The Sith denied involvement but the Galactic Alliance and Jedi believed otherwise. It was enough to prompt a declaration of war on the Sith Imperium by the Chief of State Interim, Jhon Cordatus, and with nearly full support of the Congress, the Alliance and Jedi found themselves at war.

The Outbreak of War​

The first major campaign sent Jedi Generals and the Alliance Army to Saleucami, an important world controlling several hyperspace routes. It was there the Jedi and Alliance saw they were not ready; their forces were no match for the military might of the Imperium. Hundreds of Alliance soldiers and civilians were either captured or killed in battle. The Jedi were unable to find time to recover as tragedy hit the Coruscant Temple.

While holding a council meeting with the once missing Jedi Knight, now turned Imperial Knight, Aÿisha Remy, it was unknown to the Imperial Knight Commander and the Jedi Council what her true intentions were. After excusing herself from the unproductive gathering, she activated the bomb hidden inside the lightsaber left behind. The explosive annihilated the Jedi Temple, leaving no survivors including the Imperial Knight Commander and Councilors Fuyu, Leafskipper, and Axgar. The Order was breaking.

Grand Master Lecchamennon could no longer handle the burden of his failure to protect the Order and passed on the title of Grand Master to Jhon Cordatus. The new council was revealed after the memorial to those who perished in the Temple Bombing. Masters Zsaekriel Dtoahfre’Vuun, Bektar Vor Tulon, Ebberla Daw and Adalii Jenarian joined Jhon and once more the Order moved back on track to healing as they prepared themselves for the future.

The Sith would move their focus to the Mandalorians, driving them from their territories and into Galactic Alliance Space. Grand Master Cordatus met with the Mandalore and representatives from the Galactic Alliance to agree on territories for them to take refuge. However, ill feelings about the Mandalorian exodus were strong in the clans and the Alliance and Jedi would see a dilemma in their action as the clans spread across the galaxy. To keep war from breaking on multiple fronts, the Alliance agreed with the move and watched as a Mandalorian Civil War broke out amongst the clans. The Jedi and Alliance both agreed it was best for the two of them to not intervene.

News would break with the death of Grand Master Cordatus by the hand of the Sith Emperor. The Council, unable to properly fill the Grand Master seat, had several Grand Master Interims in Order to fulfill image. During the next few months it was revealed to the Council that Jhon Cordatus was still alive, his death faked in order to protect the Skywalker bloodline. It sparked a new hope within the Council, they left with a new sense of purpose and determination to keep the Order together and thriving.

There was an unease of quiet that fell on the galaxy, the Sith had not shown their faces since former Grand Master Cordatus’ death. Taking advantage of the calm, the Order returned to more neutral tasks. Jedi were assigned on artifact recovery missions to Tanaab and Ossus, but were quick to find, the Sith were lurking, killing and capturing the Jedi explorers.

In 1012 ABY, Sigur Vainikainen would ascend to the title of Grand Master as the Sith were able to make their way into the core to attack the Empress Teta Temple. Though the Jedi were successful in defeating the Sith and protecting their temple, it raised several questions to how such a deadly force could get so deep into the core. Their question was quickly answered by a holonet broadcast made by a Sith Lord admitting his plan of attack and eventually revealing his face as the former Jedi Grand Master, Jhon Cordatus. A stunned Order watched the betrayal unaware of the doppelganger, including the new council under the leadership of Vaininkainen.

The Order continued to face persistent challenges. Not too long after the revelation of the Sith Conspiracy to kill the Mandalore, the Jedi and Alliance would be suctioned into the Madalorian Crisis. After intercepting and destroying a Mandalorian War Fleet, tensions soared as the Alliance and Jedi prepared for a war on a second front.

The Mandalorian Crisis​

Chief of State, Nathaneau Bastele was on his way to a diplomatic peace summit with the Mandalorians when his ship disappeared. Cyeon Hunebar and other delegates were greeted by the Mandalore who instead of explaining the war fleet was not associated with Mandalore decided to leave prematurely. Outraged by the act, Representative Hunebar threatened for no more peace talks and declared war on the Mandalorians. It was later revealed the Mandalorians had kidnapped the Chief of State and were using him as a bargaining chip to go back to Imperial Space.

The Prime Envoy Gracelyn Maier, serving in Bastele’s stead, Representative Keller of the Armed Services, and Grand Master Sigur Vainikainen met to discuss how to approach the situation. Fearing for the war on the second front as tensions grew with the Chiss also, the three agreed, allowing for the Mandalorians to return to their territories in Imperial space. Though in this time, the Chiss Ascendency would declare war on the Alliance, forcing the Alliance to prepare for assault on their western front of the galaxy.

Vainikainen, Keller, and Maier would all meet with Bastele after his release; infuriated by the lack of wisdom of the Jedi Order, the Chief of State ordered for a representative to sit on the Jedi Council also. Not enthused by this decision, the Grand Master reluctantly agreed, having recalled the Daala’s regime the last time there was a representative who sat on the Jedi Council.

The Mandalorian & Imperium Invasion​

The Order would receive another crippling blow to the best of their leaders as many didn’t return to the deadly assault at the Boonta system in an attempt to gain control of the Sector once more. Vainikainen was growing worn of the war as he watched the Order slowly beginning to crumble and rumors of Jedi separatists were spreading; the last thing the Order needed was a civil war. The Order would once more come across Jhon Cordatus; believing him to be Darth Vitium, the Grand Master ordered for a Jedi task team in capturing the Sith. Much to their surprise, the former Jedi had surrendered and with an interview by the Grand Master, it was revealed the real Jhon was not a Darth.

Things would turn for the worst, in 1013 ABY, while the Chiss attacked Endor from the South, a surprise attack on Brentaal IV would turn the Alliance and the Jedi to their own core. The Mandalorian lead assault on the core was devastating, behind them came the Imperium as their forces bled into Alliance space. The Order began evacuation of the Jedi Temples, shipping off valuable artifacts and those too young or too old to fight into safer parts of the galaxy. The Order as well as their only allies, the Alliance, was collapsing and all that the Grand Master would fear had come.

The assault on Alsakan allowed the Sith to move to the Jedi home world of Tython. The battle desecrated the planet as the Sith moved to cripple the planet for ages to come. In their massacre, the Sith released a deadly poison into the Tythonian Gnarls. The rich water system was easily infected, spreading quickly and deadly throughout the wild lands of Tython. The devastation forced all Jedi to evacuate, many fleeing to Coruscant for one last stand against the Imperium and their cohorts.

The Light of the Force moved out of the core, on a course heading to Triton. It was intercepted by Imperial ships, critically damaging the Jedi Flagship. It would be the last time the Order would hear from their mobile temple as it searched for a safe refuge in the outer regions of the galaxy. On Coruscant the Jedi Council would met for the last time. Inviting Chief of State Nathaneau Bastele, the Grand Master announced the Order’s withdraw from the war itself prompting the Chief of State to charge the Grand Master of the Order with treason and arrest him.

The news spread quickly about the Grand Master’s arrest, prompting an angry outcry by the citizens of the Alliance, but they were quickly silenced as the Sith Imperium reached Coruscant and unleashed everything they had to destroy the Jedi and the Alliance. The Jedi remaining fought for everything they had left, but the Sith and their armies were quick to overwhelm, proving no match for the Jedi Order.

As Sith forces reached the Galactic Congress Hall, the Chief of State had released the Grand Master in a final effort for the elder Jedi to prove himself one last time. Grand Master Vainikainen took on the Dark Lord of the Sith inside the Congress Hall, but as he proved he wasn’t a duelist, the Grand Master was easily conquered by the Dark Lord. His death was broadcasted for all across the galaxy to see as the Sith would shatter the New Jedi Order, leaving the light sided warriors directionless and broken.

Exile​

The occupation of the core pushed the Jedi to find refuge elsewhere. While some Jedi exiles stayed behind to fight, others hung up their lightsabers, leaving behind their Jedi heritage and taking new identities as they searched to start a new life. Many more grouped with other fleeing Jedi, wishing to preserve what they had left of the Order and themselves. However, no matter what path the Jedi exiles chose, the Dark Side was growing stronger as the Sith relished in their conquest of not only worlds, but also the light side and its peacekeepers. Without order and direction, many sects fell into conflict; infighting grew as passions of power dominated the minds and wills of once respected leaders of the Order. Self-proclaimed Grand Masters of scattered sects gradually appeared, some more out spoken than others, but all succumbed to the same fate determined by the Sith Imperium or even by their own Jedi brethren. From these sects birthed the Dark Jedi cults, their radical views of absolutes turned into new tyrannies, aiding in the corruption of the Force as the galaxy continued to spiral into darkness.

In the growing darkness, many sects persevered, continuing with training and learning as they worked to elude the Sith. Three major sects included: Anoth, Cularin, and Arbra. The last of the Jedi temples, the Light of the Force, suffered extensive damage as it tried to escape from the core. Destined for Triton, Weapons Master, Juno Armstrong ordered for the Jedi Flagship to set a new course for Anoth, where it had originally undergone trials and refitting. Leaving the ship in dead orbit above the broken world, Master Armstrong worked extensively to circumvent the Sith. On the isolated world of Cularin resided the hidden enclave where the Jedi Council had sent younglings and the sick during the initial siege of the core. Established by Jedi Knight Sebastian Solbourne and later supervised by Twi’lek Jedi Master Aswedu’den, the Cularin enclave continued to serve as a refuge for Jedi and opened their doors to any and all Jedi. However, their halls quickly filled, leading to Master Aswedu’den to turn many away.

Lastly the Arbran sect was lead by Jedi Master Larik Novan, who rescued many Jedi from the Battle of Coruscant and settled for a short time on Naboo before discovering the isolated world of Arbra. Master Novan and his Jedi rediscovered underground caverns and tunnels once used by the Rebel Alliance during the Great Galactic Civil War. Though it served as an ideal hideaway, the Jedi were not alone as they shared their new home with the native sentient species, the Hoojibs. Other sects of Jedi settled across the galaxy, most of the far from the reaches of the Imperium and the core, others more in plain sight as they continued to push against the oppression of the Sith Imperium.

The Darkest of Days​

In 1016 ABY, Jedi Watchman Ebberla Daw and Master Juno Armstrong worked together in order to track down the other Jedi sects in an attempt to reunite the scattered Order. Several Jedi teams were dispatched in search and though successful in locating Jedi, the task teams returned with news of how wide spread the Dark Jedi cults have become. Within a year, the Anoth Jedi were successful in locating several Jedi sects, word had spread quickly from Jedi to Jedi, but it would also spread to the Dark Jedi who anxiously awaited any opportunity to destroy the Jedi. Though aware of the Dark Jedi and their aggressive nature, many sects chose to avoid confrontation with the cults as they tried to maintain order and direction for their own groups.

The Dark Jedi had their opportunity in 1017 ABY when Master Daw called for a Master’s Council to discuss the current state of the Order and the galaxy as a whole. Meeting in the new reestablished base on Anoth, many Dark Jedi and their followers had infiltrated the Jedi, taking part in the Master’s Council. The meeting had quickly grew aggressive, the Dark Jedi instigated argument, influencing dissension among the Jedi leaders. As quickly as it lost control, it quickly turned into open combat as the Dark Siders revealed themselves, easily cutting down the unsuspecting Jedi as they pushed to take control of the Order. Not every Master fell in the massacre as several Jedi stood against the Dark Jedi, exhausting their cohorts until they could no longer threaten the Light Siders.

The Jedi knew the Dark Jedi would be back, but the damage they had caused was greater than imagined. The attacked boiled distrust and paranoia, and further divided the Jedi groups with finger pointing and spite. The infighting rippled through the Force, inciting the Sith to take a more aggressive measures to flush out and destroy the remaining Jedi. The Imperium flooded the holonet with anti-Jedi propaganda, tainting the image of Peacekeepers to maniacal monsters of ill intention. The galaxy’s citizens were also often reminded of the late Grand Master Sigur Vaininkainen’s treachery and abandonment of the Galactic Alliance, a wound of the Jedi and former Alliance that had yet to heal.

The Imperium’s infamous spy network, the Ubiqtorate, shifted through piles of corrupted archive data and created a Jedi dossier. The database was released to the public, the names and faces of once respected members of the Order quickly turned into the galaxy’s most wanted criminals. It quickly fed the Sith leads on Jedi members, Jedi Hunters were dispatched to clear false trails, but many lead to the capture or death of members of the Order. The Dark Jedi delighted in the chaos and darkness, using the Sith to fuel their own campaigns as their cults grew and expanded. The galaxy rejected the Jedi as paranoia and fear took hold; the Sith Imperium’s crusade against the lightside was proving victorious.

The aggressive anti-Jedi campaign caused many Jedi sects to dissolve, many fearful of being discovered and killed. The Anoth Sect faced a close call of their own, the Sith nearly discovered the location of the Light of the Force, forcing Master Juno Armstrong to change tactics in her safety operations, however, it prompted Master Daw to push again to reunite the Order. The Master’s Council massacre was still fresh in Jedi minds, many afterwards had cut their ties with one another, furthering the disease of isolation. Meanwhile, Jedi Knight Arikka-Mar returned to the Light of the Force; having been assigned to infiltrate the Ona’bak Retrade by Master Daw shortly before the fall of the Core, the news she returned with was less than desirable. The Jedi Knight had watched from the inside as the Hutts consolidated their power, as they used the Retrade as front to expand its underground across the galaxy. Even with the aid of all the Jedi sects in the galaxy, the fractured Order could not take on the entire Hutt Cartel and instead the Jedi decided they would resort to other tactics to interfere with Hutt plans.

The Protection of Shadows​

While Jedi task teams searched again for scattered members of the Order, Master Daw sought out fellow Watchman Larik Novan of the Arbran Jedi and expressed her concerns about the current state of the Order and the Imperium. She proposed the restoration of the Jedi Shadow, to expand upon Master Armstrong’s spy network, Operation Tailwind, so all Jedi may benefit from the protection they had brought. Master Novan agreed, and together in 1019 ABY, they reinstated the Jedi Shadow and enlisted the help of the distinguished Antarian Rangers. The selected members of the Shadow trained in stealth and worked under secrecy. They infiltrated the Sith and the Hutts, while others were sent to hunt Dark Jedi Cults, keeping a watchful eye for any threats against the Order. With names and faces of Jedi covering the Holonet criminal database, the task proved to be more daunting than expect, but it was not impossible.

In 1020 ABY, the Jedi Hunters found the Cularin Enclave. Master Aswedu’den had believed isolation would keep him and his Jedi the safest; however, their isolation prevented the Cularin Jedi from receiving help and protection. The smoldering Enclave was broadcasted on the Holonet across systems as a reminder to the people of the galaxy that the Jedi were not to be trusted. A Jedi task team was ordered to investigate and to find any survivors, however, they returned empty handed and grim. The annihilation of the Cularin Enclave impacted the Jedi sects greatly and Master Daw saw the opportunity to persuade the Jedi sects to reconcile their differences and work together.

The Jedi Shadow was proving successful as they granted several Jedi sects the ability to stay ahead of Sith tactics and their Hunters. They returned with information about the forming rebellions in Imperial Space and the disheartening news about the Duros Genocide, Corellia, and the siege at Manaan. Though successfully hiding from the Sith, the Jedi fell into argument again, unable to agree on to either help or to stay out of the fighting. Many Jedi unable to come to an agreement left the Jedi and joined the Rebellion. However, as many did leave, there were also many Jedi lost after the Battle of Coruscant who found a home among the hidden Jedi sects once again.

A New Beginning​

By 1021 ABY, the Jedi were safely hiding from the Jedi Hunters and the Sith Imperium, and allowed the Jedi to focus on rebuilding their Order. Master Daw’s influence and patience had spread quickly through the Jedi with her successful efforts to reunite the Jedi sects. She searched for ways for the Jedi sects to continue to co-exist and decided a new Council would be the best option. The Jedi sects were called together and agreed to reinstate a formal Order once more.

Jedi leaders from the different sects converged on Arbra, many thought dead or went missing such as Jedi Masters Skhai Baatch and Guhoo Armstorng also attended. The debate to who would sit on the Jedi Council was intense; heated emotions long before the start of the war surfaced quickly coupled with the resentment of the fall of the Order and the Alliance nearly a decade prior dominated the discussion. Many Masters attested their actions and beliefs in their reasoning for leading the Jedi, some quickly retracted their self appointments and placed their nominations behind the others. However, after days of deliberation and compromise the Jedi elected Skhai Baatch as Sage Master, Arikka-Mar as Watch Master, Larik Novan as the Shadow Keeper, Guhoo Armstrong as Battle Master, and lastly, Ebberla Daw as their new Grand Master.

A new era had begun for the reunited New Jedi Order. In 1022 ABY, reports from the Shadows returned news of Manaan and Hapes, as well as the unveiling of the Hutt involvement of the Bacta Crisis. Knowing the Order will eventually become involved someday, Grand Master Daw called for a Jedi Convocation on Bakura. Many Jedi, old and new, gathered at the Bakura Conclave, it was a welcoming site as the Jedi stood to listen to the Council’s message. The Grand Master refused to mince words as she discussed the current state of the galaxy, setting direction for the Order to reclaim their titles at Peacekeepers.

By 1023 ABY, the New Jedi Order was doing as such as they continued to thwart the Sith and anyone who promoted injustices on innocents.

 

[Star Wars Legacies (OLD)]

New Jedi Order
Jedi PhilosoPhy

Although many often covet the Jedi path, taking up the challenge of being a Jedi Knight is a hard and difficult life, requiring exclusive commitment and devotion on the sentient's part, as well as self-sacrifice, servitude, and rigid self-discipline. Consequently, the Jedi way of life was centered around three major philosophical and foundational core tenets, which governed the Jedi Knight's actions, behavior, and emotions, and in turn called upon the Jedi to exercise patience, humility, and benevolence; the Three Pillars of the Jedi. These Three Pillars covered three aspects of the Jedi path, encompassing the entirety of the Jedi's philosophical viewpoint and adherence.

The First Pillar, the Pillar of the Force, included the outlook on the aspects of the Unifying and Living Force, as well as the Light Side of the Force, and the dangers of the Dark Side of the Force. The Second Pillar, the Pillar of Knowledge, included the study of the Jedi Code, tenets, and archives, and emphasized that a Jedi could not fulfill their duties without diligent study and accumulation of knowledge and wisdom. The Third Pillar, the Pillar of Discipline, was the final of the Three Pillars, and included a Jedi's reflection on stringent self-defense and physical training.

The First Pillar
Pillar of the Force

For a Jedi to even begin down the Jedi Path, one must acknowledge and submit themselves to the will of the Force, allowing it to guide them and direct their lives and actions. This begins with understanding the nature of the Force and its ubiquitous relationship with all living things in the galaxy, binding them and in turn, allowing the Force to grant one purpose. In doing so, many Jedi often contemplate Jedi creeds, most especially the two most major Jedi aspects of the Force; the Unifying Force and the Living Force, studying the two viewpoints, their differences, and in whole, striving to understand the will of the Force. The Light Side of the Force was seen either as a sentient deity-esque entity or the essence of goodness manifested in sentient life, depending on whether the Jedi adhered to the Living Force or Unifying Force.

All Jedi were strict followers of the Light Side of the Force, and firmly shunned the practice of the Dark Side and its corrupting influence. Cultivated through joy, compassion, benevolence, mercy, love, self-sacrifice, hope and other positive emotions, a Jedi would pursue the Light Side for knowledge and wisdom, and with it, exercise generosity and healing. Harmony and solace were the forefront qualities a Lightsider would cultivate to meditate in the Light Side of the Force and resist the lure and temptation of the Dark Side. Although the Jedi were strong supporters of free will, they viewed themselves as servants of the will of the Force, although this stems from willful submission as opposed to tools of destiny. The Light Side of the Force was often simply referred to as The Force, due to the Jedi's belief that the Light was the natural side of the Force, and that the Dark Side was a corruption of it.

The Living Force was the more popular and most accepted aspect of the Force chosen by the Jedi, and decreed that because all life was connected to and by the Force, it was of the utmost importance that one would attune themselves to the Living Force, and ultimately heighten their sensitivity to all living beings around them. Adherents to the Living Force lived "in the moment", and while they did pay mind to the future and the far-felt consequences of their actions, relied heavily on their instincts, and gravitated their focus and energies on the present. The Living Force constituted that there existed both a good "Light" and evil "Dark" side to the Force, and thus a Jedi must be mindful at all time to elude temptation. Because of their deep connection to life around them and the connection of all life in the galaxy through the Force, followers of the Living Force are often able to retain their identities after physical death, and become Force Ghosts.

The Unifying Force was the less supported and popularized aspect of the Force in the Jedi Order, and was once summarized as binding the stars and planets in space and time. The Unifying Force held great emphasis on far-reaching effects, both in space, such as distance, and in the flow of time, such as future impacts. The concept of the Unifying Force saw the Force itself as a singular entity, virtually akin to a deity, that possessed neither a "Light" nor "Dark" side to it, instead that such good and evil stems from individuals. Because of their focus on patience, caution and future effects of their actions, followers of the Unifying Force forsook instinct and saw the "larger picture", opening their minds to many possible choices or paths, and focused on fulfilling ones destiny. Consequently, adherents to the Unifying Force were extremely sensitive and prone to Force Visions, which held great significance, and their omens of the future or past. Due to their adamant connection to the Force in that it bound all things, from the stars and planets to time itself, adherents to the Unifying Force could sometimes also reclaim their identities after physical death.

The Second Pillar
Pillar of Knowledge

The pursuit of knowledge for the sake of learning or to protect others was considered a fundamental of the Jedi path, as a Jedi must open their mind to knowledge and seek it constantly and continuously throughout their lives, regardless of whether they be a Padawan or a Master. To assist with the Jedi's philosophy of learning and teaching, the Jedi are very often encouraged to delve themselves into the fathomless and vast collection of history and knowledge accumulated by Jedi of the most ancient of times and current, called the Jedi Archives.

Jedi were tasked with attending formal classes and in addition, were also strongly encouraged to establish their own programs and sessions of personal study. In the New Jedi Order, significantly more so than in the Old Jedi Order, the Jedi Knights took a more on-hands stance on learning and teaching, preferring gaining wisdom and knowledge through real life experiences, which helped to keep the Jedi more connected with the sentients of the galaxy and their problems. Although their striving for knowledge and learning has remained identical throughout the history of the Jedi, many of the teachings of the Jedi would differ between ages and eras; such a difference exists between the New Jedi Order and the Old, and more closely echo the stances and practices of the Jedi during the Great Sith War.

Jedi, for example, are freely allowed to have families, marriages and relationships, and Jedi Masters were able to take on multiple apprentices. In addition, it is also fairly common for Jedi to compliment their arsenal with armor or blasters, with robes being a personal choice. Some Jedi even choose to dress casually. However, among the things that remain unchanging and central to the Jedi Order of any era is the Jedi Code, which only undergoes revisions or refinements. The Jedi Code was a creed of behavioral modes, established rules and guidelines, and codes of conduct for each and every Jedi representing the Order. Although the Jedi Code is an expansive collection of writings, the most common summation is the five-lined mantra revised by Jedi Master Odan-Urr:

"There is no Emotion; There is Peace
There is no Ignorance; There is Knowledge
There is no Passion; There is Serenity
There is no Chaos; There is Harmony
There is no Death; There is the Force"​

The first mantra emphasized that emotion was part of all life and living beings, with Jedi being no exception. However, the difference came with the Jedi's emotions being understood and explored so that they a Jedi can confront their innermost thoughts and feelings, and achieve peace; not denying them or suppressing them, but understanding and coping them. The second mantra does not relate that ignorance does not exist, but rather that one should constantly endeavor to seek knowledge and understanding, and that such wisdom can be achieved from anywhere and any place.

The third mantra is a stronger, more direct statement in relation to the first, and applies to times when a Jedi will inevitably feel extreme stress, strong emotion, great pain, and the like. While a Jedi may feel emotion and understand them, they must also be kept in check, lest a Jedi give way to brashness, recklessness, and passion, which could very well lead them to the Dark Side; thus even when feeling strong emotions, a Jedi must remain calm and prevent their minds and rationale from being clouded by unbridled passion.

The fourth mantra reflects the higher understanding a Jedi should possess in relation to the galaxy; where most sentients see the galaxy as chaotic and random, a Jedi sees the order and that all things are interconnected through the Force, and at the same time, perceive a balanced view of existence. The fifth and final mantra stresses that a Jedi must be neither in fear nor obsession of death, and remain aware that death is a cycle of life, not to be mourned, but accepted and even celebrated, as those who perish physically are one with the Force. This final mantra applied as much for the individual Jedi as it does for the Jedi's view of others. Sometime after the New Jedi Order had firmly established itself in the galaxy once more, the Jedi Code was again rewritten by Luke Skywalker, the Grand Master of his era, although it was later refined over the years:

"Jedi are the guardians of peace and justice throughout the galaxy.
Jedi use the Force only for the pursuit of knowledge, to defend, and to protect.
Jedi respect all life in the galaxy, in any form it may take.
Jedi to not rule others, but serve them for the welfare of the galaxy.
Jedi seek to improve themselves through knowledge, training, and self-discipline."​

Although the old Jedi Code is no longer in use or recognized an the official Jedi Code alongside the new, it is still highly regarded as it is also equally respected by all Jedi, both as the foremost creed of the Jedi, and as wise texts still relevant in the Order.

The Third Pillar
Pillar of Discipline

As guardians of peace, the Jedi practiced many forms of self-discipline, from physical unarmed combat to strenuously mastering the art of the lightsaber. Unknown to many, the foundations of the Third Pillar began with rigid sessions of meditation and self-reflection, and even these only occurred when realization and mastery of the two former pillars were achieved. The Jedi were ironically recognized by their tool of choice, the lightsaber; a device that contained a beam of pure mass-less energy in an electromagnetic containment field. With these, the Jedi practiced many forms of self-defense, the most famous being the seven classical lightsaber forms and the three new lightsaber styles.

Form I was called Shii-Cho and the Determination Form and Way of the Sarlacc, and was the most basic of the styles, and was taught to Jedi Initiates. Shii-Cho was learned by all Jedi Initiates as it was the sole form which laid the foundation for the six successive forms that followed, from basic strikes, parries, to body attack zones. Form II was called Makashi and the Contention Form and Way of the Ysalamir, and was the highest refinement of lightsaber-on-lightsaber dueling, and emphasized unique and sophisticated strikes and defenses. Form III was called Soresu and the Resilience Form and Way of the Mynock, and was the most defensive of the seven forms in response to the galaxy's ever-growing advancement of blaster technology, and characterized tight and passive movements. Form IV was called Ataru and the Agression Form and Way of the Hawk-Bat, and is by far the most dynamic of the forms, utilizing the bodily powers of the Force to enhance ones physiology to perform supernatural acrobatics.

Form V was a dual-variant form called Shien and Djem So, and known as the Perseverance Form and Way of the Krayt Dragon, was created as the more aggressive extension of Soresu and more power-oriented style of Makashi, focusing on strength and raw power. Form VI was called Niman and the Moderation Form and Way of the Rancor, and was an amalgamation of the five previous forms, creating a form of balance with no exploitable strengths or weaknesses. The final was Form VII, and also a dual form called Juyo and Vapaad, and known as the Ferocity Form and Way of the Vornskr, and was as much of a state of mind as it was a combative form, requiring extreme focus, kinetic movements and intensity of both mind and body. Unlike what outward appearances would assume, the seven forms represented not styles only, but more deeply, personal philosophies, which was distinct from the New Jedi Order's styles, which were pace-based and compatible with the forms.

Aurum was the first style, and was the intermediate ground between the latter two styles. Aurum focused on balancing power with speed, and was most often introduced to new Jedi as the initial style to train in as the other styles were based with Aurum as its foundation. Maintaining simple movements without sacrificing finesse, Aurum was a neutral style, equally effective in defensive situations as offensive. In methodology, Aurum's respectably balanced combative prowess and comparatively simplistic designs bear resemblances to the forms Shii-Cho and Niman. Caesitas was the second style, and consisted of short, rapid burst-like movement, and highly kinetic chained-strikes. Highly aggressive, Caesitas' opening stance is tight and close, and is extremely effective at defensive stances, particularly against blaster wielding foes and highly acrobatic movements.

Dependent on speed and fluid movements, Caesitas has a short range, as the lightsaber must always be kept close to the body, and uses many one-handed strikes. Because of this, Caesitas has the weakest raw offensive power in dueling other lightsaber wielders, and its defenses can be shattered by the more powerful strikes. The shorter range of Caesitas can also put an inexperienced wielder at a significant disadvantage against another lightsaber wielder. In methodology, Caesitas' rapid movements, acrobatics, and strong defensive stances against blasters bear resemblances to the forms Soresu, Ataru, and Shien. The final of these styles is Erythros, and is the strongest of the styles, focusing on unrivaled raw power and distinction to batter through an opponent's defenses, with inexperienced wielders willing to sacrifice speed for unmatched strength.

Erythros maintains a focus on powerful, often two-handed, kinetic movements, striking relentlessly and with a wide range. Highly damaging build-up swings and destructive blows characterizes the style, and the wide, sweeping movements make the style ineffective against blaster wielding opponents. While some masters of the style may compensate, many wielders are often at a disadvantage against faster duelists in melee combat. Defensive stances were very limited, as the opening stance for Erythros was with the blade held high for aggressive offensive combat. In methodology, with its focus on raw power, kinetic strength, precision, and sweeping range, Erythros bears resemblances to Djem So, Juyo and Makashi. For these reasons, many Jedi Knights were often trained in all three styles, to more evenly balance their capabilities and limit their potential disadvantages, and to maximize their own self-discipline.

 

[Star Wars Legacies (OLD)]

New Jedi Order
Jedi Hierarchy

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Since its earliest foundations, the Jedi Order has instructed its members in the ways of the Force and their moral and religious creed, known as the Jedi Code. Consequently, as each individual member progressed in their knowledge, ability, and maturity, they gradually progressed through four basic ranks. For the majority of this training process, a Jedi was placed as the student of an older and more experienced Jedi to learn from them.

Jedi Initiate

Jedi Initiates, often called Jedi Trainees and Jedi Hopefuls, were an unofficial Jedi rank in the Order, and referred to individuals that were prospecting Jedi training. During the era of the Old Jedi Order, the term Jedi Initiate had become virtually interchangeable with Jedi Youngling. However, as the New Jedi Order allowed child and adult Force Sensitives alike, this term had largely fell out of use.

Jedi Initiate typically have very little, if any, practical training in the Force, as they were undergoing the earliest stages of Jedi training. Jedi Initiates were generally selected and chosen by the specific Jedi Knights and Masters for training, under which circumstances, the Jedi Initiate would by default progress to the next rank and stage of training.

Jedi Padawan

Jedi Padawans, also called Padawan Learners and Jedi Apprentices, were the lowest official ranking Jedi in the Order. Jedi Padawans can be children, adolescents, or fully grown adults and fully respected the guidance from Masters in the Order. While Jedi Padawans may seek training under the tutelage of a Jedi Master or Jedi Knight, they also looked to expand their knowledge through training practices from Jedi who may not serve as their formal Master.

The Training process for Jedi Padawans often varied between eras and the teacher; some Jedi believed in formal and traditional training, such as sessions and lectures for a solid knowledge foundation, while other Jedi preferred the “learning by doing” method, more often taking their Padawans on missions for the Jedi Council to enhance the learning experience.

Typically, the goal for every Jedi Padawan was to study more deeply the ways of the Force, master the Jedi Arts, delve into the Jedi's history, become proficient in diplomacy, and more, all ultimately leading to a ceremonial event known as the Jedi Trials; a series of tests against their mind and body to determine the Jedi Padawan's eligibility to progress to the next rank.

Jedi Knight

By far the most common rank among the Jedi, Jedi Knights are the backbone of the Order, and are Jedi Padawans who have successfully completed their Jedi training under their master and passed the Jedi Trials. Jedi Knights fill the majority of the roles needed by the Order, and are frequently dispatched to serve as ambassadors, diplomats, peacekeepers, and whatever else the Jedi Council may require of them.

It is also at the rank of Jedi Knight that a Jedi may choose to select a Padawan learner of their own to teach in the ways of the Force and the Jedi, although this is optional to them. Despite the fact that Jedi Knights are fully fledged Jedi, many Jedi Knights continue to learn from the Jedi Masters, be it their own former teachers or another.

It is also at the rank of Jedi Knight that Jedi of the same category can possess vastly differing levels of ability; some Jedi Knights, such as those recently elevated from Padawan, may possess considerably inferior ability compared to a much older or seasoned Jedi Knight. Should a Jedi Knight become distinct enough in their capabilities and duties as a Jedi, they may become a candidate for the next rank in the Jedi Order; the rank of Jedi Master. After reaching Knighthood, Jedi may specialize in one of the three branches: the Jedi Guardians, the martial warriors of the Order; the Jedi Consulars, the philosophers and Jedi mediators; and the Jedi Sentinels, the balanced blend between the two former classes. Though many chose a specialization, it is not necessary, for a Jedi's path may often overlap as they come across obstacles.

Specializations​

Jedi Guardian​

Jedi Guardians are the paladins of the Jedi Order. Enforcers of justice where peaceful solutions fell short, Jedi Guardians focused on martial training and combative tactics, engaging in battle more often than not. Jedi Guardians were often seen as the paragon of the Jedi Order and of the Jedi's symbolic weapon; the lightsaber. In the era of the Old Jedi Order, Jedi Guardians traditionally wielded blue lightsaber crystals, although this was not a set-in-stone guideline, nor was this uniformity enforced.​

Jedi Consular​

The Jedi Consulars were the dedicated students of the Force, whose preference was the study of the Force over combat. For the Jedi Consular, drawing the lightsaber and engaging in conflict was considered a last resort. Jedi Consulars focused on mental reflection and perseverance, alongside vigorous meditation and delving into understanding the mysteries of the Force. As such, the Jedi Consulars were the masters of calling upon the Force as their ally, whether it be for the purpose of healing, strengthening others, or when necessary, utilizing it for subduing hostiles. Jedi Consulars traditionally utilized green crystals in their lightsabers in the Old Jedi Order, but this was not regulated.​

Jedi Sentinel​

The hybridization between the two former classes, the Jedi Sentinels strike a balance between the extremes of combat and meditation, and extend their abilities to knowledge of various Non-Force skills, be it demolitions, medicine, computers, fields of security, stealth techniques, and the like. Significantly fewer in number than the other Jedi branches, the Jedi Sentinels often took on less defined tasks for the Jedi Order, such as acting as spies, investigators, or even reconnaissance; regularly being displaced to the outer reaches of the galaxy. In the Old Jedi Order, the Jedi Sentinel's lightsaber crystal was traditionally yellow, although this was not a strict occurrence.​

Jedi Master

The highest official rank obtainable within the Jedi Order is that of the Jedi Master. Exceptional Jedi in all aspects, Jedi Masters represent the most elite the Jedi Order has to offer, with many Jedi often unable to attain the rank in their lifetimes. Jedi Masters were by far the least numerous of the Jedi, and the most powerful as well. Only Jedi Knights with considerable strengths and wisdom could attain the rank, no matter the method.

Achieving the rank of Jedi Master is obtainable via two primary methods. The first method is the one utilized most often, which is the training of one or more Jedi Padawans to Knighthood. Upon the Jedi Padawan's mastery of the teachings learned and passing the Jedi Trials, the Jedi Master is usually - albeit not always - elevated to the rank of Jedi Master. In alternative cases, a Jedi Knight may undergo an advanced and significantly more difficult series of Jedi Trials designed to measure their aptitude and worthiness to be granted the rank of Master. In the most seldom cases, Jedi Knights who display truly outstanding traits and merit may receive the rank of Master, without having trained a Padawan or undergone a new series of Jedi Trials, although this occurrence is extremely rare in comparison to the former methods.

Jedi Councilor

Technically not a rank, as Jedi Master is the final official rank among the Jedi Order, Jedi Councilors are typically the most senior and powerful Jedi Masters in the Order. Jedi Councilors do not stand equal among themselves, as the Jedi Council is very diverse to accumulate the greatest insight possible and judge and carry out their duties with the best proficiency possible. Consequently, the members of the Jedi Council are very often specialists; from swordsmen to chroniclers.

 

[GABA]

New Jedi Order

The Eightfold Path

Commonly seen as the emblem of the Empire, the eight point star was adopted from the ancient Bendu, their philosophies still used and borrowed commonly in several Force sensitive Sects, including the Jedi. Eight points of the center star signifying the eight steps in the awakening or enlightenment to the nature of the Force, each staff of the star are separated, but are linked together as one to create a whole. While each point is represented as their own, they are further categorized in one of the three forms: wisdom, conduct, and discipline. Each aspect is not to be understood as steps, where to start or where to end, but should be understood as an intertwining of principles, to which each have an effect on one another.

The relationships of these principles do not separate what is strictly light and strictly dark, they stand as the perceived notion that all in one is the same and that is the Force. It is our actions to which dictate and foster our attunements, light or dark, Sith or Jedi. One should be aware, mindful of their chosen path, stray too far, though their path may look familiar, it will warp over time. The eightfold path should be used as a guide to keep to the Way, not as rules to dictate or to follow by, leaving room for debate for better understanding.

Wisdom​

Right View​

Right view is to simply see and understand things as they truly are despite of one’s own ideology. Regardless of species, gender, or any other trait, each individual is subject to suffering and it can only end when one understands the true nature of things as well as understanding the laws of cause and effect. Right view is enhanced over time through self contemplation as well as the insight from others.

Right Intention​

Right Intention refers to the dedicated actions and commitments of wisdom. Broken down into three parts, the first part, the intention of renunciation is the resistance to the pull of a demanding desire. Giving into desires and to cling obsessively can lead to a warping of their true nature. Second, is the intention of good will, which refers to the ability to resist anger and to aversion. Though it is impossible to not feel anger or any other emotion at one point or another, one must understand why they feel this way and resist acting in their nature. Lastly, the intention of harmlessness, where one should avoid thinking or acting cruelly, violently or aggressively and instead develop compassion. It has always been a Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense, never for attack, nor to dominate the wills of others.

Conduct​

Right Speech​

The first ethical principle, Right Speech refers to verbal action; words can have a profound effect on any individual and therefore the context in which they are spoken is highly important. Master Sinuma Baatch explained a Jedi should abstain from false speech and speaking deceitfully; to abstain from slanderous speech and not use words maliciously against others; a Jedi should abstain from harsh words that can offend or hurt others; and lastly, a Jedi should abstain from idle chatter that lacks purpose or depth.

Right Action​

The second ethical principle, Right Action, refers to the physical action expressed in a given situation. A Jedi should abstain from harming sentient beings, taking what is not theirs, and refrain from sexual misconduct. As in accordance with the Jedi Code, Right Action can be easily recognized as Jedi shall respect all life in the galaxy, in any form it may take.

Right Livelihood​

The third ethical principle, Right Livelihood, a Jedi should live life in a righteous way in such beings are not harmed from the consequences of one’s work.

Discipline​

Right Effort​

Right Effort can be seen as a prerequisite for the other principles of the path. Without effort, nothing can be achieved, however misguided efforts distract the mind and confusion will be the consequences. Effort can occur in either wholesome or unwholesome states. The same energy that fuels desire, envy, aggression and violence, can also fuel self-discipline, honesty, benevolence, and kindness.

Right Mindfulness​

Right Mindfulness is the ability to see things as they are with a clear consciousness. Through mindfulness one can understand the truth of one’s desire for attachment; with awareness suffering can end. Right Mindfulness allows one to be aware of the process of conceptualization in a way we can actively observe and control the way one’s thoughts go. It then allows for clear perception and dissolves current bias without getting carried away.

Right Concentration​

Right Concentration is a state in which all mental processes are unified and directed to one particular object. It has been suggested through the Order’s history the best development in Right Concentration is through the practice of meditation. Allowing for clearer focus on the task or object, meditation acts as a self discipline allowing for one to practice sustained concentration on many levels.