Post by Kella on Feb 6, 2011 0:46:40 GMT -5
So, no one that's ever made a Jedi character would argue that the Jedi have a lot of odd ins-and-outs, policies and rules, ways and regulations. There really isn't a good way to get a feel for these, besides reading approved bios and trial and error. The purpose of this crash course is to provide a resource for curious members. :3 If I've linked you here in a bio review, please read through the whole thing. I'll do my best to make it interesting, and you just might learn something. ;D
Pre-Discovery:
Before being discovered by the order, a Jedi can come from pretty much any background. This section only needs what detail you want to give it.
The ONLY manifestation of Force Sensitivity at this age is slightly quickened reflexes, and perhaps some odd behavior. Other than that, the child appears completely normal.
Discovery:
A child is discovered when a Jedi senses their connection to the force, or when a routine Midichlorian count reveals that they are Force sensitive.
The Jedi will take a child to the temple as soon as the parents will let them. They have a dedicated nursery for very young children. However, they will allow parents to keep their children up until the sixth-birthday cut-off. After being taken as a youngling, a child is not allowed to have any contact with their parents, and often, the Jedi will not even tell the children who their parents are.
Youngling:
As a youngling, children do not have specific masters. It's a lot like boarding school. They have some free time and a clan/class they spend most of their time with. Most of their time is spent in classes, learning basic martial arts forms, basic swordsmanship, and basic sword skills. They also learn about science, history, math, and other important subjects that will help them in their careers as Jedi.
Younglings are not permitted to leave the temple, and are relatively well-supervised. Again, it's a lot like a boarding school.
Crucial Questions to Answer: Does the character show a preference for the force, for lightsaber combat, or a balance? What is their relationship with the other Younglings like? What is their relationship with their masters/teachers like? Does anything happen here that will affect them in the future?
Padawan vs Corps:
When younglings reach age 10, they are eligible to be chosen as a Padawan. Most are chosen around age 11 or 12. Younglings who are not chosen as Padawans, or who had disciplinary problems, are sent to the corps. In the corps, they are no longer trained in the Force, but use the skills they've learned so far to help the galaxy.
There are several ways for a Youngling to catch the attention of a master. A specific master might take interest in a youngling, or a youngling might be awarded with a master for performing well in a competition. More often than not, however, a youngling's teachers will present them as an acceptable candidate for Padawan, and either a master will chose them, or the council will assign a master to them.
Padawan:
For the first few years, Padawans only go on diplomatic missions, if they go on missions at all.
Young/inexperienced Padawans are more of a liability than an asset -- this is something to keep in mind.
This is the time in the bio to establish a character's personality, and show their change from child into adult. These are a person's formative years. What events happened that made them who they are 'today'?
It is during their time as a Padawan that a character will make their first lightsaber. Be sure to include this. Most Jedi make their sabers between the ages of 14 and 18, but each Jedi is unique.
Crucial Questions to Answer: What is the relationship between Padawan and Master like? What kind of missions did they go on together? How did the master's personality influence the Padawan, and vice versa? What was the Padawan's most challenging moment, and how did they overcome it (if they overcame it)? What are the most important things the Padawan learned?
The Trials:
The Trials are the Rite of Passage to Knighthood. They do not all have to happen at the same time, and to count towards the trials, events generally have to happen after age 18. The best and most interesting Trials are those that happen inadvertently while the Jedi is out in the field. However, most trials can be simulated at the temple. (Note: The Trial of Insight is under-developed, and won't be used for a few thousand years, so just ignore it. :3)
The trials do not have to be explicitly stated in the bio, as long as the Jedi is average. However, if the Jedi is exceptional or above-average in anything, the Trials should be individually mentioned. One event can count towards multiple trials. Finally, use them to reveal as much about your character's personality as you can -- that's the point.
A Jedi will become a Knight at age 22 -- never earlier, and rarely at age 23.
Knighthood:
This is the most diverse of Life Stages. Use it to showcase your creativity, and expand upon your character's personality.
Common Occupations:
Apprentice Watchman -- Wookieepedia Link, a Knight might aid and study under one of these Jedi.
Shadow -- Wookieepedia Link
Investigator -- The Jedi version of a detective. Investigators work with local law enforcement on high-profile or Dark Jedi-related cases.
Teaching Assistant -- The Jedi enclaves are home to the many teachers who have dedicated their lives to training the next generation, ranging from basic youngling education to advanced classes for knights and masters. A Knight might assist one of these teachers, especially in youngling or Padawan classes.
Archives Assistant -- Tending to the vast knowledge base of the Jedi archives.
Mediator -- Mediators are sent out to peacefully settle disagreements, be they between warring tribes on remote planets or private owners on Coruscant.
Force-Sensitive Child recruiter -- These Jedi travel civilized worlds, responding to reports of high Midi-Chlorian results or force-sensitive children.
Most Jedi do not fall into a specific occupation, rather, they balance their time between independent training/study at the temple and missions in the field. Many Jedi stay in touch with their former masters.
A Jedi may take a Padawan as soon as they are a Knight, but most wait a few years.
Knight to Master:
The minimum (and this is a site rule, mind you) age for a Knight to become a Master is 32. Not all Knights become Masters, and a Knight may turn down the promotion.
The most common way for a Knight to become a Master is to raise a Padawan to Knighthood. When the Padawan is Knighted, his teacher is given the rank of Master.
A Jedi may also take a second set of trials, resembling the Knighthood trails, in order to test their readiness to be a master. Bear in mind that this trial is extremely rigorous and difficult.
Alternatively, a Knight that shows exceptional performance and character -- in the field or in the temple -- can be promoted to Master. This is the rarest mode.
Master:
This is another very flexible life stage. Again, use it to showcase your creativity. Avoid the temptation to skim over ten years at a time. If there is any part of your character's personality that hasn't been addressed yet, address it here.
Masters are usually sent on the most dangerous and uncertain of missions. This means your Master will be both challenged and threatened. Make sure to include this.
Your Master's dedication to the light side will be tested during this phase. Be sure to include if/how they passed this test.
Few characters on the site are Masters, as they can be a challenge to create. However, it's a very rewarding experience. Oftentimes, making a master is the only way to get the high stats and abilities some people are after.
Common things for Masters to do: Kick Dark-Jedi butt, Have philosophical discussions, Teach youngling classes, Teach Knight classes, Take another Padawan, Contribute to the Archives, Become a Watchman.
Note: At the Master level, abilities start to Plateau. Consulars will not master more than 4 forms total, and usually only 3, with Guardians at 5 and 4, respectively, and Sentinels usually settling somewhere between.
Similarly, Guardians will not go above about two 'excceptional' Force Stats (7's, 8's, and 9's), Sentinels 3, and Consulars 4. Note that these are genral MAXIMUMS, not averages.
Lightsabers:
Where do Crystals come from? -- Most Jedi get their Crystals from Illum, a planet full of crystal caves. These crystals can be shades of blue, green, or yellow. Other crystals come from more obscure places -- see this page.
Can my Jedi use someone else's crystal? -- Only if that person is/was their master, or someone close to them. Crystals become attuned to each individual Jedi through the saber-building process, which prevents too much sharing.
Can my Jedi go look for a special crystal? -- No. Jedi are trained to be humble. A Jedi will be content with an Illum crystal, and therefore won't go looking for anything special. However, Jedi often happen upon such crystals in their travels, and this is perfectly acceptable.
How long does it take to make a Lightsaber? -- About a month. Don't ask me to make it make sense, it's canon. The actual construction/design of the metal components takes a week or two, and the Jedi spends the rest of the time meditating on the crystal to make it attuned to themselves. A lightsaber is literally an extension of the Jedi.
What about younglings/Padwans? -- Younglings use training sabers. They can be set to different levels, but won't do anything worse than burn. Before Padawans build their own sabers, they're given generic sabers, which are basically training sabers set to have more cutting power. A Padawan will not be given a full-power saber until they are responsible enough to handle one.
Possessions:
Can my Jedi keep X thing that Y person gave them before they were a Jedi? -- No, and there are no exceptions. A child is stripped of all personal possessions when they're brought to the temple. You may think this will traumatize them, but trust me. Kids get over it.
Can my Jedi have his own personal ship? -- No. Jedi can 'rent' ships, if they've been trained how to fly, or they can be assigned a particular ship for use/missions. However, it ultimately belongs to the Republic.
Can my Jedi keep a battle trophy? Like a Dark Jedi's saber? -- No. The Jedi don't keep battle trophies, it's not keeping with their philosophy.
What about gifts given by grateful people? -- It depends. If it's a lavish gift, the Jedi will be strongly encouraged to donate it to charity. Smaller things, however, are fine. Necklaces, blasters, baubles, lightsaber crystals, etc.
What can a Jedi own? -- Jewelry, blasters, knives, datapads, their warddrobe, small droids, etc. As long as it doesn't signify attachment to the past. Ultimately, all a Jedi has belongs to the Order, but that's not necessarily practical.
Can my Jedi have a pet? -- Yup. A small one. Nothing bigger than a medium-sized dog, and nothing that is explicitly stated as 'untameable' on the Wookiee. Great accessory for a Jedi skilled in bestial communication.
Does my Jedi have to wear the classic robes? -- Nope. Dress code isn't too strict in this era. However, keep in mind that Jedi tend to be simplistic and conservative. So, no mink coat and no bikini.
The Temple:
So where is the temple again? -- It's on Coruscant. :3
How big is the temple? -- Very large. Enough room to train, house, feed, and assemble a few thousand Jedi.
Can non-Jedi visit the temple? -- Nope. Jedi-only. Except, that is, for very high-ranking political officials. But other than that, nope.
Can my [insert rank here] leave the temple? -- Knights and Masters are free to come and go as they please. Padawans are not allowed to leave unsupervised, and younglings generally do not leave at all.
So, there was this dark Jedi, and he got into the temple...? -- Yeahno. The temple is very well guarded, by some of the most skilled and perceptive Jedi Masters. With good reason -- it's a prime terrorist target. So no, there's no way to sneak in -- no matter how sneaky you are.
So how do you get in/out of the temple? -- Through guarded gates, or through the hangar.
What are some places in the temple? -- Room of a Thousand Fountains, Council Chamber, Knighting Chamber, Medical Ward, Hangar, Mechanics/Equipment Maintenance, Archives, Cafeteria, Courtyards.
Other:
Does my Jedi have to be trained on Coruscant? -- Nope. There's also an enclave on Dantooine, and one on Mustafar. There are a few other tiny ones, which you can find on the Wookiee. As long as it exists in our time, and you can give a good reason for your Jedi being there, go for it.
Does the council let Jedi marry? -- Nope. It strictly forbids romance of any type -- between Jedi or with civilians. That shouldn't stop you from pursuing that plotline, however. :3 Just bear in mind that there are strict consequences for lovers, and the Jedi are usually pretty perceptive, so keeping secret is tricky.
Is the only way to leave the Order to fall? -- Nope. Some Jedi leave the Order on good terms -- they turn in their sabers, and are allowed to leave peacefully. Some greys will then go and make another saber, which is not forbidden. They will remain on good terms with the order until they do something to offend the Order. Some reasons for leaving include philosophical disagreements, disabling injury, and romance.
What if my Character was trained as a Dark Jedi or Sith but wants to be redeemed? -- The council cannot accept them, as they are too old, but remember those Greys on good terms with the Order? Such cases are sent there, where they can be trained in the light side, but do not run the risk of tainting or disrupting the Order.
This is by no means an exhaustive guide, but it should definitely get you started, and remedy the most common mistakes! Remember, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. :3
Have an FAQ you want added? Think there should be another category? Find yourself answering the same question over and over? If you have any ideas for additions/edits of this guide, please PM me! :)
Life Stages
Pre-Discovery:
Before being discovered by the order, a Jedi can come from pretty much any background. This section only needs what detail you want to give it.
The ONLY manifestation of Force Sensitivity at this age is slightly quickened reflexes, and perhaps some odd behavior. Other than that, the child appears completely normal.
Discovery:
A child is discovered when a Jedi senses their connection to the force, or when a routine Midichlorian count reveals that they are Force sensitive.
The Jedi will take a child to the temple as soon as the parents will let them. They have a dedicated nursery for very young children. However, they will allow parents to keep their children up until the sixth-birthday cut-off. After being taken as a youngling, a child is not allowed to have any contact with their parents, and often, the Jedi will not even tell the children who their parents are.
Youngling:
As a youngling, children do not have specific masters. It's a lot like boarding school. They have some free time and a clan/class they spend most of their time with. Most of their time is spent in classes, learning basic martial arts forms, basic swordsmanship, and basic sword skills. They also learn about science, history, math, and other important subjects that will help them in their careers as Jedi.
Younglings are not permitted to leave the temple, and are relatively well-supervised. Again, it's a lot like a boarding school.
Crucial Questions to Answer: Does the character show a preference for the force, for lightsaber combat, or a balance? What is their relationship with the other Younglings like? What is their relationship with their masters/teachers like? Does anything happen here that will affect them in the future?
Padawan vs Corps:
When younglings reach age 10, they are eligible to be chosen as a Padawan. Most are chosen around age 11 or 12. Younglings who are not chosen as Padawans, or who had disciplinary problems, are sent to the corps. In the corps, they are no longer trained in the Force, but use the skills they've learned so far to help the galaxy.
There are several ways for a Youngling to catch the attention of a master. A specific master might take interest in a youngling, or a youngling might be awarded with a master for performing well in a competition. More often than not, however, a youngling's teachers will present them as an acceptable candidate for Padawan, and either a master will chose them, or the council will assign a master to them.
Padawan:
For the first few years, Padawans only go on diplomatic missions, if they go on missions at all.
Young/inexperienced Padawans are more of a liability than an asset -- this is something to keep in mind.
This is the time in the bio to establish a character's personality, and show their change from child into adult. These are a person's formative years. What events happened that made them who they are 'today'?
It is during their time as a Padawan that a character will make their first lightsaber. Be sure to include this. Most Jedi make their sabers between the ages of 14 and 18, but each Jedi is unique.
Crucial Questions to Answer: What is the relationship between Padawan and Master like? What kind of missions did they go on together? How did the master's personality influence the Padawan, and vice versa? What was the Padawan's most challenging moment, and how did they overcome it (if they overcame it)? What are the most important things the Padawan learned?
The Trials:
The Trials are the Rite of Passage to Knighthood. They do not all have to happen at the same time, and to count towards the trials, events generally have to happen after age 18. The best and most interesting Trials are those that happen inadvertently while the Jedi is out in the field. However, most trials can be simulated at the temple. (Note: The Trial of Insight is under-developed, and won't be used for a few thousand years, so just ignore it. :3)
The trials do not have to be explicitly stated in the bio, as long as the Jedi is average. However, if the Jedi is exceptional or above-average in anything, the Trials should be individually mentioned. One event can count towards multiple trials. Finally, use them to reveal as much about your character's personality as you can -- that's the point.
A Jedi will become a Knight at age 22 -- never earlier, and rarely at age 23.
Knighthood:
This is the most diverse of Life Stages. Use it to showcase your creativity, and expand upon your character's personality.
Common Occupations:
Apprentice Watchman -- Wookieepedia Link, a Knight might aid and study under one of these Jedi.
Shadow -- Wookieepedia Link
Investigator -- The Jedi version of a detective. Investigators work with local law enforcement on high-profile or Dark Jedi-related cases.
Teaching Assistant -- The Jedi enclaves are home to the many teachers who have dedicated their lives to training the next generation, ranging from basic youngling education to advanced classes for knights and masters. A Knight might assist one of these teachers, especially in youngling or Padawan classes.
Archives Assistant -- Tending to the vast knowledge base of the Jedi archives.
Mediator -- Mediators are sent out to peacefully settle disagreements, be they between warring tribes on remote planets or private owners on Coruscant.
Force-Sensitive Child recruiter -- These Jedi travel civilized worlds, responding to reports of high Midi-Chlorian results or force-sensitive children.
Most Jedi do not fall into a specific occupation, rather, they balance their time between independent training/study at the temple and missions in the field. Many Jedi stay in touch with their former masters.
A Jedi may take a Padawan as soon as they are a Knight, but most wait a few years.
Knight to Master:
The minimum (and this is a site rule, mind you) age for a Knight to become a Master is 32. Not all Knights become Masters, and a Knight may turn down the promotion.
The most common way for a Knight to become a Master is to raise a Padawan to Knighthood. When the Padawan is Knighted, his teacher is given the rank of Master.
A Jedi may also take a second set of trials, resembling the Knighthood trails, in order to test their readiness to be a master. Bear in mind that this trial is extremely rigorous and difficult.
Alternatively, a Knight that shows exceptional performance and character -- in the field or in the temple -- can be promoted to Master. This is the rarest mode.
Master:
This is another very flexible life stage. Again, use it to showcase your creativity. Avoid the temptation to skim over ten years at a time. If there is any part of your character's personality that hasn't been addressed yet, address it here.
Masters are usually sent on the most dangerous and uncertain of missions. This means your Master will be both challenged and threatened. Make sure to include this.
Your Master's dedication to the light side will be tested during this phase. Be sure to include if/how they passed this test.
Few characters on the site are Masters, as they can be a challenge to create. However, it's a very rewarding experience. Oftentimes, making a master is the only way to get the high stats and abilities some people are after.
Common things for Masters to do: Kick Dark-Jedi butt, Have philosophical discussions, Teach youngling classes, Teach Knight classes, Take another Padawan, Contribute to the Archives, Become a Watchman.
Note: At the Master level, abilities start to Plateau. Consulars will not master more than 4 forms total, and usually only 3, with Guardians at 5 and 4, respectively, and Sentinels usually settling somewhere between.
Similarly, Guardians will not go above about two 'excceptional' Force Stats (7's, 8's, and 9's), Sentinels 3, and Consulars 4. Note that these are genral MAXIMUMS, not averages.
FAQs:
Lightsabers:
Where do Crystals come from? -- Most Jedi get their Crystals from Illum, a planet full of crystal caves. These crystals can be shades of blue, green, or yellow. Other crystals come from more obscure places -- see this page.
Can my Jedi use someone else's crystal? -- Only if that person is/was their master, or someone close to them. Crystals become attuned to each individual Jedi through the saber-building process, which prevents too much sharing.
Can my Jedi go look for a special crystal? -- No. Jedi are trained to be humble. A Jedi will be content with an Illum crystal, and therefore won't go looking for anything special. However, Jedi often happen upon such crystals in their travels, and this is perfectly acceptable.
How long does it take to make a Lightsaber? -- About a month. Don't ask me to make it make sense, it's canon. The actual construction/design of the metal components takes a week or two, and the Jedi spends the rest of the time meditating on the crystal to make it attuned to themselves. A lightsaber is literally an extension of the Jedi.
What about younglings/Padwans? -- Younglings use training sabers. They can be set to different levels, but won't do anything worse than burn. Before Padawans build their own sabers, they're given generic sabers, which are basically training sabers set to have more cutting power. A Padawan will not be given a full-power saber until they are responsible enough to handle one.
Possessions:
Can my Jedi keep X thing that Y person gave them before they were a Jedi? -- No, and there are no exceptions. A child is stripped of all personal possessions when they're brought to the temple. You may think this will traumatize them, but trust me. Kids get over it.
Can my Jedi have his own personal ship? -- No. Jedi can 'rent' ships, if they've been trained how to fly, or they can be assigned a particular ship for use/missions. However, it ultimately belongs to the Republic.
Can my Jedi keep a battle trophy? Like a Dark Jedi's saber? -- No. The Jedi don't keep battle trophies, it's not keeping with their philosophy.
What about gifts given by grateful people? -- It depends. If it's a lavish gift, the Jedi will be strongly encouraged to donate it to charity. Smaller things, however, are fine. Necklaces, blasters, baubles, lightsaber crystals, etc.
What can a Jedi own? -- Jewelry, blasters, knives, datapads, their warddrobe, small droids, etc. As long as it doesn't signify attachment to the past. Ultimately, all a Jedi has belongs to the Order, but that's not necessarily practical.
Can my Jedi have a pet? -- Yup. A small one. Nothing bigger than a medium-sized dog, and nothing that is explicitly stated as 'untameable' on the Wookiee. Great accessory for a Jedi skilled in bestial communication.
Does my Jedi have to wear the classic robes? -- Nope. Dress code isn't too strict in this era. However, keep in mind that Jedi tend to be simplistic and conservative. So, no mink coat and no bikini.
The Temple:
So where is the temple again? -- It's on Coruscant. :3
How big is the temple? -- Very large. Enough room to train, house, feed, and assemble a few thousand Jedi.
Can non-Jedi visit the temple? -- Nope. Jedi-only. Except, that is, for very high-ranking political officials. But other than that, nope.
Can my [insert rank here] leave the temple? -- Knights and Masters are free to come and go as they please. Padawans are not allowed to leave unsupervised, and younglings generally do not leave at all.
So, there was this dark Jedi, and he got into the temple...? -- Yeahno. The temple is very well guarded, by some of the most skilled and perceptive Jedi Masters. With good reason -- it's a prime terrorist target. So no, there's no way to sneak in -- no matter how sneaky you are.
So how do you get in/out of the temple? -- Through guarded gates, or through the hangar.
What are some places in the temple? -- Room of a Thousand Fountains, Council Chamber, Knighting Chamber, Medical Ward, Hangar, Mechanics/Equipment Maintenance, Archives, Cafeteria, Courtyards.
Other:
Does my Jedi have to be trained on Coruscant? -- Nope. There's also an enclave on Dantooine, and one on Mustafar. There are a few other tiny ones, which you can find on the Wookiee. As long as it exists in our time, and you can give a good reason for your Jedi being there, go for it.
Does the council let Jedi marry? -- Nope. It strictly forbids romance of any type -- between Jedi or with civilians. That shouldn't stop you from pursuing that plotline, however. :3 Just bear in mind that there are strict consequences for lovers, and the Jedi are usually pretty perceptive, so keeping secret is tricky.
Is the only way to leave the Order to fall? -- Nope. Some Jedi leave the Order on good terms -- they turn in their sabers, and are allowed to leave peacefully. Some greys will then go and make another saber, which is not forbidden. They will remain on good terms with the order until they do something to offend the Order. Some reasons for leaving include philosophical disagreements, disabling injury, and romance.
What if my Character was trained as a Dark Jedi or Sith but wants to be redeemed? -- The council cannot accept them, as they are too old, but remember those Greys on good terms with the Order? Such cases are sent there, where they can be trained in the light side, but do not run the risk of tainting or disrupting the Order.
This is by no means an exhaustive guide, but it should definitely get you started, and remedy the most common mistakes! Remember, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. :3
Have an FAQ you want added? Think there should be another category? Find yourself answering the same question over and over? If you have any ideas for additions/edits of this guide, please PM me! :)