Open Yavin IV The Padawan Trials

[The Storyteller]

OOC Note: Additional guidelines can be found here. Open to all Jedi Padawans to participate in challenges, open to Knights+ to observe and react. Trials will be self-DM'd.

An expectant buzz had filled the Jedi temple on Yavin IV, ever since the Padawan Trials had been announced a week before. Rumors flew fast and thick- participating Padawans would be sent to recover Ajan Kloss, Grandmaster Voran would personally duel them, or that it was a no-holds-barred King of the Mountain match.

The excitement reached a crescendo on the day of, as Jedi Knight Zerath Eblon appraised the assembled participants in a hallway outside the holographic training chamber at the temple. Several he knew, either by face or by reputation, but others were strangers to him. The Mirulakan/Zabrak gave them one of his famous smiles, full of warmth and pride, before addressing them.

"Padawans, welcome to this year's Padawan Trials" he began, his bari-tenor voice carrying easily across the hallway. "The Jedi Order of old conducted formal trials for their Padawans in order to assess their readiness for Knighthood- while this is no longer a strict requirement, our service to the galaxy inevitably brings trials to bear that we, as Jedi, are tasked with facing." If the Jedi Knight had used his physical eyes, they would've rested upon each of the assembled Padawans for a brief moment. But since he wore a pure white blindfold and utilized Force Sight to perceive his surroundings, the effect was somewhat lost.

"Once you enter the holographic training center behind me" he continued, "you will face a unique trial meant to challenge you. Participants may enter to face their trial in pairs or alone." The holographic training center was hardly new technology for the Jedi Order- its use stretching back well before the Clone Wars- but Zerath knew that the one on Yavin IV was top-notch; capable of physically manifesting any terrain imaginable through a complex array of moving platforms and walls, and cloaking the temple's high-tech training droids in any number of disguises, from Darth Raze's fearsome battle armor to the Queen of Naboo's ceremonial dress.

"The Jedi of old recognized five distinct trials" Zerath said. "The Trial of Skill is meant to test your skill in battle, both with the Force and with your lightsaber." It was the simplest of the tests to administer, but simple did not mean easy. It was an unfortunate fact that the resurgence of the Sith made such a trial incredibly important.

"The Trial of Courage tests your fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds." This trial was often combined with the Trial of Skill, and might manifest itself by making the Padawans face an unending gauntlet of attackers, or a single entity- perhaps a droid on Grandmaster difficulty bearing the appearance of a notable Sith Lord- that dwarfed them in power and capabilities.

"The Trial of Spirit tests your mind" Zerath explained. Of all of the trials, this one was the most personal. Padawans who faced a trial of spirit today would face a significant scene from their past, or their potential future. "Jedi must face down their fears if they are to stand against the Dark side." Zerath disapproved of the Trial of Spirit, arguing that a Padawan's psyche was not something to be carelessly tested; but he couldn't deny that a padawan who successfully passed their trial of spirit emerged a wiser Jedi.

"The Trial of Flesh tests your capacity to endure pain." Another trial that Zerath disapproved of, he didn't see the point of pushing Padawans to endure needless pain. However, there were more humane ways of testing physical resiliency, such as numbing a limb or testing their stamina.

"Finally, the Trial of Insight measures your ability to discern truth from lies; to see through falsehoods and deceptions." This was one of Zerath's favorite tests; the search for truth and honesty- both within oneself and in one's surroundings- would be relevant on every mission, especially with the Jedi seeking to return to galactic prominence as peacekeepers and negotiators.

Zerath breathed deeply through his nostrils, and let his presence in the Light side of the Force shine brightly for the assembled Padawans; encouraging and supporting them as they approached the threshold of the holochamber, for once they faced their trials they would have to rely on themselves. "Remember that there is more to the trials than success of failure" he explained. "Regardless of the outcome, you will learn from your experiences."

The Jedi Knight completed his speech with the time-honored phrase of the Jedi Order.

"May the Force be with you."


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[Crix Aran]

Observing​

Before he had left for Dantooine, Crix had heard about this year's Padawan trials and he had said he would be there to observe. It felt like an obligation he wished he had never accepted now but he had made a promise to be there and so he would be there. He refused to just let it pass by unmarked just because of his personal failures and feelings - this trial was for the Padawans and they deserved to have their efforts observed and witnessed by Knights and Masters alike.

Standing up in the observation area to one side, he was able to look down and see the whole area and each of the assembled Padawans as they readied themselves. As Zerath explained the trials to them, Crix's mind was cast back to his own trials. It hadn't been a requirement to become a Knight in centuries but he had undertaken them regardless to make sure that he was actually ready for what it meant to be a Jedi Knight.

His conviction that he had been ready had been shaken recently but he was still here. He had been tested, he had been burned and yet he remained and he would do everything he could to emerge from the whole ordeal stronger than he had been before. Not that he was sure how he could do that just yet but it would come - in time. In the meantime he rested against the railing as he watched the Padawans.

He knew of a few of the Padawans on a personal level and he was intrigued...

"Five credits on Varyn Atrix." he declared to the other observers, "Who else is interested?"

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[Elidan]

Elidan was regretting having signed up for the Padawan Trials. When he talked about it with the Jedi Healer who was helping him deal with his insecurities and mutism, she said that it could be a good opportunity for him to meet other padawans and maybe even find a master. During their talk, he really recognized that it was a good idea. But now, while he waited outside of the holographic training center, the half-Sephi was starting to feel nervous. The other Jedi were going to watch, what if he fails in front of everyone?

While Jedi Knight Zerath Eblon explained what each trial would be, Elidan was trying to ignore his nervousness by paying attention to what the man was saying. When the trials were announced, the Padawan had become curious and decided to read anything that he could find about them. Of course, the half-Sephi would only know what he was going to face when he entered the training center, but reading about how other Padawans did it in the past was interesting.

When Eblon finished talking, Elidan and the other Padawans walked toward the entrance of the holochamber. While he approached it, the Padawan was starting to get nervous again. However, he felt the Knight's presence through the Force and it was recomforting. This made him remember what the Jedi Healer used to tell him during their talks, that he was capable like any other Padawan.

Taking a deep breath, Elidan started to calm himself. He focused on what Knight Eblon was saying, even if he fails in the trials it was going to be a good experience for him. He remembered a phrase that he read in a holobook, failures are also part of the learning process. Even if he wanted to keep the flaws to a minimum, at the moment that phrase gave him some comfort.

Now more calm, the Padawan was waiting with the others at the entrance of the holochamber for the beginning of trials. Even with all his insecurities, he was determined to give his best.


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[Ruzaan Kai]

Ruzaan waited as patiently as he could outside the holochamber, wondering which trial he was going to get. The Togruta had already faced something not unlike a Trial of Spirit on Tython, although he hadn't been alone then. Now, standing before the entrance to the holochamber, he tried to quell his nerves about facing that trial- or any trial- by himself. Dutifully, the Togruta handed over his training lightsaber to be inspected by the Jedi Knight; despite all appearances, this was a training exercise so all weapons had to be set to their nonlethal modes before entering.

Looking over the assembled Padawans, a now-familiar nervous ear twitch caught his eye and Ruzaan made his way over to where Elidan was standing; both to lend his fellow padawan some support as well as to take comfort in the presence of a friend.

"May the Force be with you" Ruzaan signed to the half-Sephi. "I have confidence in you."

"Ruzaan Kai!" called Zerath, beckoning him forward. Ruzaan had no doubt that his trial would take place concurrently with other Padawans' trials- such was the size and capabilities of the holographic training center- but still he had to wonder why his name was called first; the Jedi clearly weren't doing things in alphabetical order.

Swallowing his nerves and taking a calming breath, Ruzaan stepped forward into the room, the door clicking shut behind him as he began his trial.

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[Varyn Atrix]

Varyn was exceedingly nervous about what they were here to do. For a long time he had thought he was almost ready to confront the trials, but the close he got to it, the less he felt like he was actually ready to be a Jedi. He felt like... an imposter. Like everyone else knew what it was like to be a Jedi, they were sailing along as if they were meant to be, and he was just... drowning in attempts at "serenity."

He let out a deep breath as he headed listened, heading toward one of the holodoors and quietly humming to himself, not because he was excited but because it was one of many, many coping mechanisms for stress that he had developed over the years.

You got this. Confronting fear is the destiny of a Jedi. Confronting fear is the destiny of a Jedi. Confronting fear is the destiny of a Jedi. Confronting fear is the destiny of a Jedi. No matter how many times he repeated it in his head it didn't really do anything to make him less scared. He was definitely going to blunder in front of the entire Order. Everyone was going to realize he wasn't really Jedi material. Couldn't he just do his trials in a singular setting. One-on-one so he didn't have to look like an idiot in front of everyone watching.

This'll be great he whispered under his breath, pushing himself forward as he entered the holographic room. He shuffled over to a corner and was quickly informed he had gone to the "Trial of the Spirit" section of the room by a small display over one of the "doors" that had been projected. Great, he thought to himself. Not even something he could play beat down on a lightsaber with. Why could he never be the lucky one?

 

[Haldir Eressëa]

[Observing]​

Well-versed in silence, Haldir's lips remained sealed as he watched the proceedings before him.

He'd received word about this year's Padawan Trials, and while he already had a learner under his wing he didn't dare pass up on the opportunity to witness the might and prowess of the Padawans gathered here today. As per Knight Eblon's introduction and reminders, the Arkanian was curious on how the young ones would fare in the challenges they would soon have to face.

Given today's occasion, the Arkanian wasn't dressed in his usual Jedi garb. Instead Haldir came wearing the formal attire his clan typically required of its members to don, denoting their status as clan members. In lieu of a traditional katana, Haldir carried his vibrosword though it was only for show today. The lower half of his face was concealed by a black mask with gold lining, pale blue irises currently gold thanks to a pair of contact lenses. Red paint lined his eyelids and the bottom of each eye.

The Knight was quick to spot a few familiar faces including Elidan. A small smile tugged the corners of his lips upwards, silently wishing the half-Sephi good luck.

Golden gaze swept over to Crix as the half-Zabrak casually launched a betting pool. Smile turning a little wider, the Arkanian lifted a single hand and – uncaring if his fellow Knight saw or not – quickly spelled out two words in sign.

"Hard pass."

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[Severus Creed]

Severus arrived a little late but still came prepared with his trusty crossguard lightsaber and iron will. He had a very basic and general idea of what was going to happen in the trials and the announcer's comments didn't help much. But knowing about the challenge before hand wouldn't have made this as challenging as it was meant to be, so Severus wasn't upset. As an aspiring Jedi Knight, he needed to be prepared for anything that could come his way and this entire test was perfect proof of that.

The only trial Severus wasn't very excited for was the Trial of Spirit. His past no longer frightened and neither did the brands he bore across his body- Master Alym Marr had taught him how to deal with fear. He was afraid that he might allow the slumbering monster inside him to wake up. He didn't want to go through the intense temptation of using the Dark Side. Maybe Grandmaster Voran was right about the corrupted kyber crystal he kept hidden under his bed in a safe. It had tainted him a bit, and Severus had begin to find out how much harder it gets to repel those dark feelings the longer you sleep above the source of those vile thoughts.

Nonetheless, Severus ha chosen to participate in this event to prove to himself that he was capable. No one else. He looked at the other three Padawans that would be embarking on this endeavor with him; Varyn Atrix had stood up for Severus back on Chandrila and he wanted to repair the favor one day. Elidan had been a favorite of Severus for a while, given his meek and quiet nature was easy for Severus to be around. Ruzaan...Severus didn't know to well but knew his intentions usually aligned with doing good, so Severus couldn't argue or bicker about that.
Whatever was to happen to the four of them, it was going to be one hell of a learning experience.

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