Mind Games

[Firen]

Jedha Temple
*Open to any Padawans - This thread is meant as a place for Padawans to learn to use Telekinesis better in combat. I will probably close this off and some point and possibly split people up into small threads to practice to keep everything manageable.*​

Firen moved around the empty training arena, placing the differently colored beanbags in a large circle. Telekinesis had been one of the more consistent things he had been able to train as he had been traveling around with his Master.

He had come up with a game to help practice, that was more fun than listening to some Jedi Knight ramble on and on about theory. Playing with his Master was no fun, she was way better than him and the once or twice he had gotten lucky and won, he suspected she had let him win. She was weird like that.

When he found out he was going to spend some time on Jedha learning with other Padawans he was excited to test out his new game. Even if only one other person showed up, it would be fun but he hoped a bunch showed up. There were a lot of Padawans these days, and their number was growing. It took a long time to learn enough to become a Jedi Knight, and Firen hoped they would all grow a bit closer to that goal today.

He waited for others to join, tossing one of the bags up into the air at catching it, whistling to himself.

 

[Alexei Denkio]

Breath in and out, let the knowledge that the universe is with him. It was nervous he had accepted joining and becoming a Jedi and now he had arrived on Jedha hoping to do some training. Supposedly learners here worked together to help one another. Which wasn't all that different when he fought with the Rebels during the small little boot camp they had. Still he no longer had his armor that he had grown to consider like a second skin. Now he was just in a simple white tunic and earth brown pants, supposedly Jedi didn't wear all that much in the old stories, that he had recently been reading. It was his attempt at trying to catch up with all the lore of the Jedi since he was joining them.

But when he landed he felt that the world was more alive compared to every other world he had been on. It was strange, most likely it had to do with the Force and the number of people touched by the Force that lived on this world. The sensation of the world despite the intensity, was soothing. It was interesting, at least for him, who this was all still very new to all the wonders of the Force.

But despite all that he was nervous to see the other learners. How behind was he in learning the techniques that so many Jedi supposedly had? Still he focused on his breathing something that now was allowing him to focus and remain calm in spite of the way the galaxy was. As he walked into the arena he was first surprise it so empty.

He knew the Jedi were low in number but on the world supposedly for the Jedi it was shocking to find how few there actually was. The galaxy where trillions was considered only a small percentage having so few Jedi was hearting breaking. He had grown to see them as returning heroes in a way, a returning to a better galaxy. Yet with so few and the rebellion which required the Jedi to help them in their fight it was a wonder that the Jedi were still around at all.

Seeing the few bags scattered in a circle, Alexei continue to walk closer and only barely noticing a small creature also in the training arena. It was only two feet tall and looked more like a critter then a person. But it was wearing clothes so it had to be intelligent.

"Hello friend is this the place where the Jedi learners are suppose to met up?" He was hoping he didn't run into some other sort of religious order but the feeling in his heart told him that he was suppose to be here.

@Raydo

 

[Vardon Galland]

Another day on Jedha. In truth, it was really Vardon Galland's second day on the planet but at least he had got the chance to familiarize himself with the city a little. The Thyferran walked down the crowded streets littered by market stalls and people from all walks of life. He was clad in some simple white clothes with his puffy shirt just long enough to hide the lightsaber attached to his belt. The young man was also carrying a beige bag from a local vendor, containing a locally made bow which was awkwardly sticking out of the bag along with the accompanying arrows. Using the weapon against people hadn't crossed his mind, but it did seem like an interesting semi-useful souvenir.

Entering the temple, Vardon made the same observation as he was sure others had already made - their numbers seemed to be very low. Bar from the ones tending to the temple, he had barely seen any of them at all. Echo could be heard from the padawan's boots clicking against the floor as he ventured further down the halls, greeting whoever he encountered with a friendly smile and a nod. Navigating in the temple was a little more difficult than he imagined, but following his intuition, he eventually found one of the entrances to the training gronds. In his way stood a humble wooden door.

While most doors were opened automatically, this one seemed to be more primitive. The Thyferran approached the door and put his right palm on it's front "Wood on Jedha" he whispered while feeling the material underneath his hand. Finding wood to make a door on the planet couldn't have been an easy task, but then, it could just be imported too.

The door was interesting, for sure, but it could only keep his attention for so long. After a few moments, Galland opened the door and was greeted by the sight of a rather small creature, seemingly jovially, tossing a beanbag up in the air. Next to the furry being stood a much larger human. Vardon didn't recognize any of them, but considering the circumstances, he was glad to at least have two learners there with him.

The Thyferran just barely heard the question which the other human asked, which at least confirmed that the two of them were there for the same reasons. He walked up to them and bowed casually with his head "Padawan Vardon Galland" he said, introducing himself before continuing "I'd like to know the same thing" referring to the human's question.

@Raydo @Richie B.

 

[Calath Draykon]

It had been a while since Calath had been to Jedha. It felt like Deja Vu to the Padawan as he walked the streets as nothing had really changed. Well yes there has been changes. But everything is relatively the same, at least by landmarks that the teenager can still recognize. Coming back did bring about some bad memories that Calath had been trying to keep locked away at the back of his mind. As equally though it brought some good. It is the bad memories that made the teenager wonder if coming back was a good idea. Yet he felt the pull guiding him here, so perhaps it is time to face the past despite how badly he doesn't want to. Ah well. He is here now so all he can do is deal with it.

The young man slowly made his way towards the temple. Steadily so he can take everything in. Eventually though Calath reached the temple. He felt that this is where he is meant to be as the young man entered the temple. The Padawan looked around as he walked through the halls, noticing that there are very few here. It was so quiet that he could hear the footsteps of his boots on the floor as well as quiet whispers as some who are in the temple quietly talked among themselves. It felt more like he was walking to a funeral than some place that he may come across other Jedi at. Perhaps at some point in the past, when it was not over run by another fanatic religious group that terrorized what they labeled as Believers, it was bustling with activity. Maybe one day it will be that way again around here.

Approaching a heavy set of wooden doors, Calath took a deep breath as he pushed the doors open. Stepping through the teenager noted that there are two humans and.. some sort of rabbit standing in the middle of the training grounds. Looking to the other three the young man felt a wave of nervousness well up inside him. He does not know these people so it was a bit hard for him to feel that he can trust them. But in the end Calath smiled as he said, "I take it we are here for the same reason?"

@Raydo @Richie B. @Pyrenees

 

[Amelia Saltori]

Jedha was an entirely new experience for Amelia. Vast open stretches of desert were quite a shock to the system after she had spent her whole life trapped on an ecumenopolis and the sheer lack of... anything, was strange. The air tasted weird, but she could get used to that and it was so much more than nice to have a place where she belonged now.

She tentatively walked the corridors, her boots clacking against the stone floors and her steps echoing throughout the seemingly empty temple. Outside it had been madness in the market, buyers and sellers chatting loudly and music from all across the galaxy playing from everywhere. Every now and then someone dressed in robes similar to those she had been given upon arrival would walk by, usually with a smile on their face and greeted her happily. She liked it here already.

Amelia had been told to go to a room at the end of the long corridor, where she found a few others milling around, and beanbags littered on the floor. Slowly, she walked towards them, her left arm crossing her torso to hold onto her right arm. A million thoughts raced through her head: What if they don't like me?, What if I don't fit in here?

Shyly waving to them, Amelia made a weak smile and introduced herself, "Hey guys... I'm Amelia? I'm kinda new around here..."

 

[Firen]

He turned as the first person approached. He looked confused, in fact, they all looked confused as they entered. He thought the invitation had been clear enough. Humans were funny sometimes.

"Hi!" he said as they entered. "and you came to the right place...well" he said, putting a finger on his chin "I guess I don't know where you are supposed to be but you are certainly here!" he said warmly.

"I'm Firen! Its nice to meet you guys! he continued. Not used to leading things he paused. So..he said trailing off before catching himself "So! What we came here for!" he said with a snicker.

I wanted to do some practice with Telekinesis and just lifting rocks....boorrriing!" he said as he started tossing the bags to each of the newcomers. So to start, it seems we should start slow. I set some targets up over there." he said pointing to the targets on the side of the room. "Each person gets three bags, let's see who can hit the most targets only using the Force! he said as he gestured for one of them to step up.

*OOC Note: Read Dice thread HERE for further instructions before posting

@Richie B. @Pyrenees @Nommie @Stratus

 

[Alexei Denkio]

He was slightly happy to see that he wasn't the only one here. An all of them seemed to be in the same boat as him and apparently didn't read the fine print. Still with the set up he had a strong idea what was happening. So as they all came in, he was still surprise to find all the other Padawans were humans. With a galaxy wide and diverse the only thing species that wasn't human was the small rodent like thing that was in the room apparently leading this training session. Which he didn't mind just found sort of odd. Yet the worst part was he looked to be on the older end of the group, along with Padawan Vardon. An he looked like he knew what he was doing.

Having only sent a short time with Nikka his skills were no doubt far less honed in like his fellow Padawans. Still he felt that he could at least handle what the little man asked them to try doing. But despite only barely being able to accomplish Telekinesis in his own training a few times he felt nervous. Looking to the rest he felt maybe introducing himself would be a good idea. Especially since they were all part of the same order and might be sent on missions together.

"I'm Padawan Alexei by the way. I only just got into the order a few weeks ago." He wasn't sure he should have mentioned that last part, but in case things didn't work out for him then at least he had a reason for his lack of skills.

If this was a shooting contest he felt he would be able to do much better, but looking at the bags that were tossed to him. Like a grenade Alexei slowly picked it up and felt starting first to get it over with was the best idea. Stepping up and grabbing the three bags holding them all in his right hand. Trying his best to keep his nerves steady, reaching out with his left hand trying to remember what Nikka told him. To remain call and let his mind to become quiet so he could call upon the Force. slowly one of the bags lifted from his right hand, as his mind went blank. It shakily flow towards the target but without much speed it looked rather silly but Alexei's eyes were closed which he was thankful for. He didn't need the others smirking at him. Maybe his nerves was what broke his own concentration and having the bag drop just before hitting the target.

Letting out a heavy sigh, already starting to sweat as he was still new to the drain the Force can have. Just like with any training the body just needed some time adjusting. Still he wasn't going to stop trying to concentrate again this time the bag moved a bit faster as he got a bit more frustrated. Yet when he believed to hit the target his eyes still closed and as it flow close to the target, he didn't realize it was flying at a angle and barely missed the target.

Opening his eyes once again to find that he missed the target, he was nonetheless proud of every accomplishing in moving the bags with just his mind. This time he wasn't going to close his eyes, he understood at least now how to concentrate lifting a object, so moving his right hand in front of him, he placed his left hand just behind it with a open palm. Having watched others shove creatures with the Force he wanted to try himself. Taking some time to concentrate though already his mind was beginning to strain under the lack of practice he none the less was able to send a wave of energy out his left palm into the bag and have it land just besides the target.

Turning around with a few beads of sweat down his face and a smile he looked towards the group feeling just a small boulder lifted off his chest. He hadn't really tried using the Force this way before to accomplish a task and the fact he was close to succeeding was impressive to him on its own.

"I'm just happy to be able to lift the bags to be honest." He stepped back to allow another Padawan to try the test.

@Raydo @Stratus @Nommie @Pyrenees

 

[Vardon Galland]

Two more people had joined, both seemingly on the younger end of the scale. Vardon greeted each of them with a smile and a nod as they entered the room and then waited in silence until the small padawan decided that it was time to start. He was a slightly surprised to hear that both Amelia and Alexei were new, but then, they did fight for a good cause. After having let out a "It is a pleasure to meet you all" in response to Firen's greeting, the Thyferran went silent. It didn't take long until the little one started explaining his idea and the thoughts behind it, prompting Galland to listen attentively. He did agree with the speaking padawan, listening to lectures could get boring and practicing their skill in telekinesis by using it sounded like a good idea.

While standing with the others, the Thyferran watched as Alexei stepped forth to throw his bags. It didn't look like the man had too much practice in the use of telekinesis, which made sense considering that he just mentioned being new. Despite not hitting the targets, Vardon was still quite impressed that his fellow padawan had been able to not only make the bags levitate, but also throw them relatively close to the target whilst being so new. Giving the returnee a nod and pointed at the two bags by the target. "Not only did you manage to lift them, you got pretty close to the mark too" he said lightheartedly.

Taking a step forth, Galland stretched out his right hand in front of him, holding all three beanbags. He looked up for a brief moment whilst whispering "Let's see how it goes this time" to himself. Looking back towards the target, he relaxed and used the force to throw the first bag towards the target. It was a miss, flying slightly to the left of where it was supposed to go. As soon as the first bag hit the ground, the second one was immediately thrown, creating a thud upon impact with the target. The Thyferran didn't pause there and simply threw his last bag as the second one hit the ground. The last attempt was also a miss, landing to the left of where the goal was.

Walking back to the group, he let out a "Well, I suppose it can only go right from here." He was, naturally, referring to both of his misses landing to the left of the target and couldn't help but to make a satisfied smile at his own comment.

@Nommie @Stratus @Raydo @Richie B.

 

[Amelia Saltori]

Amelia listened carefully while the small Padawan explained the training exercise. Having only recieved a small amount of tuition on "finding the force", on arrival to the temple, she was noticably worried that she was going to embarrass herself infront of her new-found family. She took a deep breath and watches as the other students took their turns. It was seemingly random, whether the small bags hit the target, but of course things were never just random.

Eventually it was her turn, and she stepped up to the plate accordingly, sighting the small targets positioned at the other end of the room. She picked up a bag to feel it between her fingers, but was subtly reminded by their instructor with a small cough that this was a telekinetic exercise.

Clearing her mind, and focusing on the bag and only the bag, as she had been taught, Amelia moved it slowly, and then slightly quicker when she felt a little more confindent, and managed to strike the target dead centre. ... Wow. It actually worked?.

Brimming with confidence, she tried again, but this time fell short. Hmm. Not enough power. With her final bag, she tried to return to the state she was in to begin with. Calm, collected. Damn, struck wide The bag had gone wildly off course and had hit a light fitting, shattering it. "Oops... beginner's luck, I suppose...?"

 

[Calath Draykon]

Listening to the rabbit as the creature explained the exercise, it sounded simple enough. But it seemed that the idea of getting the bags to move. Well it was a bit complex to the teenager. How does one get these bags to move with just the force?

With the other three taking their turn with the exercise. It is now the teenager's turn. Naturally the young man felt a wave of nervousness rush through his veins as he stepped up to the plate. Well the others did or don't do that well on their first try. So if he didn't well then it should be too bothersome. He had not learned much about the force before his arrival so Calath is probably just as clueless as to what to expect as the bag in his hand is.

Feeling the object in his hand, the teenager focused on the bag. Steadying his breathing as he looked to the targets. When he was ready the young man managed to move the bag towards the target, it was not as quick as Amelia. But it hit the target at least. Well one down two more to go. The next will not even make it half way to the target before flopping onto the groumd. The third? Well let's say it smashed into a piece of pottery, "Do I get points for hitting that?" Calath asked jokingly as he stepped away from the plate.

 

[Firen]

He went first, cracking his knuckles as he stepped up to the bags. He closed his eyes and lifted one of the bags, feeling the weight in his mind and then seeing the target. He opened and let loose. He hit the first two, but he had been practicing as well. The last one was a bit off target. He was still pretty new to this whole thing, his stamina was still a little low.

He watched as each of the others went, he clapped, cheered and encouraged each one of them. "You all did so well! I couldn't even lift the bags at all when I first tried it he said with a snicker. "It will all come with practice. I think I heard one of the masters say that one time...seems like something they would say! he laughed.

"So now that we have had some time to warm up we will go to the next part! This is where it gets fun!" he said mischievous look on his face. He moved across the room and picked up some of the bags. "You are going to do the exact same you did before...but!" he said holding up a finger. "This time you are also going to have to dodge bags while I throw them at you!" he said getting in position.

"Whose up first!"

*OOC Note: Again, read to OOC for instructions on how to roll,*

 

[Amelia Saltori]

Eager to impress, Amelia stepped up first and positioned herself in line with the targets, with Firen in sight also. Tapping into that same energy she had felt before and slowly raised the first bag to waist height, and shot it toward the targets. To her right, Firen did similarly, but instead of aiming for the targets, aimed for her abdomen. Given it was the first try, she guessed he had taken it easy on her and gave her plenty of time to sidestep the small bag before it collided with her. Despite this, the young Jedi was still proud of the small feat and was smiling contently until she heard the bag she had fired fall to the ground below with a pathetic thud. Probably should’ve kept my focus.

Signalling with her hand, the second attempt begun, much to a similar fate for her projectile, narrowly missing the target and flopping. Only when she noticed Firen in her peripheral, did she remember about the dodging, but didn’t move in time, and with a frown added another bruise to her growing collection.

Taking a deep breath and clearing her mind, the third round began. Come on Amelia, pull yourself together, girl. She had a plan for this round, fire the bag quickly, so that she had enough time to dodge Firen’s. A solid plan in her mind, she willed the bag into motion with some force, but couldn’t keep her concentration on the target for as long as she would’ve liked, and the bag took a sharp turn toward the instructor as she turned her attention to the dodging which, to her surprise, managed to do quite well.

The bag whistled past the small, furry padawan’s head, but there was little she could do aside from put on an embarrassed face which, ultimately, wasn’t hard, given the situation; Amelia hadn’t managed to score any hits on the target and was thoroughly disappointed in herself after her previous performance. She sheepishly crawled to the back of the classroom to save herself from any displeased expressions from Firen.

@Raydo @Richie B. @Pyrenees @Nommie

 

[Vardon Galland]

Watching reflecting on his last performance whilst watching the others throw the three sand bags at the targets ended in one, very clear, conclusion - he needed to improve his accuracy. It seemed as if some of the participants were very new to handling the force, much more so than the Thyferran himself. He found himself quite impressed by how well the others performed despite the circumstances. Vardon, on the other hand, had hoped to perform better, seeing as he had been trained in the force and used it numerous times in the past.

After they had all had their go at throwing the sand bags, the Kushiban started introducing them to the next step with a mischievous look clearly displayed on his face. Galland cocked an eyebrow as he looked at the small padawan with an anticipatory suspicion. The alien eventually revealed that they would be facing distractions this time, making it that much harder compared to last time. Still, it seemed like an interesting challenge which he thought would be fun to partake in.

After having seen Amelia do the challenge and learning as much as he could from it, Vardon stepped forth and started pacing along the line along which they were supposed to stand. Whilst making his way along the line, the padawan focused on the target and fired off his first sand bag which hit the mark while Firen's bag flew past where he was one second ago. The Thyferran continued, doing the same thing the second time as he did the first and managed to score a strike this time too. But then, he could also feel the wind from the sand bag which his 'opponent' just threw as it flew past him.

With a strong desire to hit with the third and final bag too, Galland stopped pacing and turned to face the target. After a few moment of concentration, he used the force to hit the target and watched intensely as the sand bag flew towards its mark. Just as his bag hit the target, another bag hit him square in the chest. The padawan looked down at the beige bag as it fell down to the ground "huh, that's too bad." he noted before returning to the others. He was very happy with how he performed.

@Richie B. @Nommie @Raydo @Stratus