Post by Prodigal on Jan 15, 2009 22:23:11 GMT -5
General Information
"Training to become a Jedi is not an easy challenge, and even if you succeed, it's a hard life."
~ Qui-Gon Jinn
Name: Krasis Varn
Race: Cathar
Age: 28
Height: 6'10
Weight: 280 lbs
Appearance: By no means my artwork, this picture of a Cathar suits perfectly, save for the fact that Krasis dresses in total utilitarian; he prefers freedom of movement for the most part and favors clothing more suitable to combat rather then the atypical robes of the Order at large. Not a dour individual by nature, his choice in color palette typically lays in blacks and deep chocolate browns and although he does indeed possess a cloak, he seldom wears it.
Personality Having given off a gruff demeanor ever since he passed his Trials, Krasis seems to have recently developed a soft spot for the younglings that has lowered his normally stern demeanor to more manageable levels. Despite this recent turn of events, his strict belief in things either being right or wrong hasn't wavered despite the well meaning attempts of others.... And much to their exasperation.
Birth place: Coruscant / The Works {click for information}
Faction: Jedi
Rank: Knight ~ Guardian
Light-saber: Curved hilt {dual phase}
Color: Emerald
Personal Quote: "You ask if I relish personal combat and I say to you that despite what one believes, there will always be those who impose their will upon others, just as there are those like me who will attempt to stop them from doing harm. Every herd has a protector.. So to with the Jedi.."
Biography
"You insult the Cathar, many great Jedi have come from our planet!"
~ Sylvar to Exar Kun
Parani and Faresh Varn were a mated pair of force-sensitive Cathar that had fled to Coruscant from their doomed colony in the outer rim, to avoid the despotic aspirations of a Bpfasshi warlord. Having conceived Krasis well before their flight, he was born shortly thereafter within the slums of Coruscant that were collectively known as The Works. Not hailing from influential stock and suffering from a severe lack of nutrition that only true poverty begets, it could have been considered a slight mercy when his parents submitted him for testing among-st the Jedi Order.
Having displayed a strong midichlorian count, it was determined that young Krasis would be tentatively accepted for novitiate {see: youngling} training despite the speculations that his weakened state would inevitably cause death by lack of nutrition or by one of the thousands of toxins he had been subjected to whilst living in Coruscant's slums. Luckily for him, his genealogy and perhaps sheer stubbornness enabled him to survive where other infants would have surely suffer a crib death..
Reared by the Medical facet of the Jedi Service Corps {See MedCorps}, his upbringing was somewhat stark if not loveless; his general needs were met, he had been by no means been abused, and yet the young Cathar's somewhat detached upbringing would mark his subconscious even as he passed the trials into Knighthood later on in life. As soon as he had reached the proper age, Krasis had been immediately placed into the Bergruutfa youngling clan, and began to follow an ideology that would mark him till the end of his days.
For the most part, he had been an atypical student with all the minor rebellions and dutiful answers one would expect from a youngling and yet the area in which he truly shined was the combative arts. Using both his races hereditary speed and strength to his benefit, it was a scarce thing to see him repeat a lesson or to be beaten during sparring drills. At first concerned that Krasis's exemplar skill demonstrated a need for conflict, his desire to master himself through the elaborate techniques soon put such ideas to rest. For him, it was the training that was important; the skill needed to manipulate such a exotic weapon provided him an outlet that would help him achieve a certain type of focus for the pent-up urges that were indicative of the Cathar as a species.
Throughout his time as a youngling, his most admirable trait was also his most frowned upon by those more prone toward leniency. Not seeing the multi-shades of gray that others would eventually come to understand, Karsis placed actions and ideals into two categories; right or wrong. The intent hardly mattered if the action caused others to suffer and it was this somewhat blind pragmatism that would cause him to eventually become somewhat of a social pariah in the years to come...
Ironically enough, when it came for Krasis to be chosen as a Padawan learner, the obvious path seemed to be the least traveled. Selected by a Jedi Consular known as Master Myn Tharen, many {Krasis included} saw it as a chance to temper the Cathar's more combative nature while others merely hid a smile; before Tharen had taken up the quill of a scholar, he had first wielded a saber as one of the more... Aggressive guardians that the Order had seen since the last great conflict. It was this subtle combination of both knowledge and combative training that would turn the tide for the more impulsive Krasis.
Throughout the years of his apprenticeship, two things seemed to stand out more then the rest; one was his Master's subtle guidance in the Force's application and the insistence that Djem-So was a style that had been meant for an individual like Krasis, while the other was his Master's trek to the planet Bunduki within the Pacanth Reach of the Outer Rim. A fervent scholar of other force-practitioners beliefs, Master Tharen had prepared several treatises on the subject at the behest of the Order and when offered the opportunity, he jumped at the chance of undertaking a six year study among-st the followers of Palawa with his padawan learner in tow.
Slowly gaining the trust of the governing body of elders, his only instruction to his padawan was simple; learn as much as you can from the planet's people and culture, which of course led Krasis directly toward a peculiar demonstration being held within what appeared to be a mockery of a Jedi sparring area. Watching for a long moment, as what could only be called the instructor performed a series of intricate movements, the young Cathar was enthralled with what later would be identified as Teräs Käsi, otherwise known as "steel hand". Speaking to one of the instructors, he was quickly chastised for his eagerness to learn by a simple rejoinder; learn why they trained and perhaps he would be given the opportunity to do so.
Crestfallen, the padawan learner eventually returned to his Master's side, slowly regaling him with the days events. When he had finally gotten around to mentioning his eagerness to train and the refusal, he was rewarded with laughter from his mentor.
While Master Tharen slowly explained the reasons as to why the followers of Palawa trained in such a manner, it dawned on Krasis that if he stood any chance of learning this art, he would soon have to comprehend the underlining philosophy behind it. So it was that young Krasis began to learn first at his Master's feet about the obligations that the followers of Palawa had placed upon themselves; no one was infallible, not men not women, not even Jedi and it was this basic concept that even Jedi could abuse their talents that drove the sentients of this planet to train.
Astonished at the heavy onus that these people had placed upon themselves and yet feeling that this series of beliefs intertwined with his stark vision of right and wrong, Krasis once again approached the training hall with his Master's blessing. Grilled for over three hours and having his Master's actions taken into account, the young padawan learner was permitted to train after a year of scholarly pursuits.
The next five years literally flew by as all of Krasis's time was quickly consumed between his obligations toward both his Master's teachings and the instruction he continued to receive from the practitioners of Teräs Käsi until eventually, with deep regret, both Master Tharen and himself prepared for their departure once the formers reports and observations had been completed... Krasis was now twenty years of age.
On route toward Coruscant after a six year absence from the body politic, the ship that both the Jedi had been traveling upon was waylaid by a band of would be conquerers seeking to carve out their own niche within the Outer Rim. Preparing for conflict and yet not eager to engage in outright violence, both Jedi Master and Padawan learner waited as the inevitable boarding commenced and then sprung into action.
Realizing that any attempt to negotiate was futile, the battle itself was short-lived and yet brutal on both sides. Having finally been forced {no pun intended} to take a life, Krasis soon felt the overwhelming burden of having blood on ones hands; a burden that he would never be able to enjoy despite whatever the Galaxy had in store for him. Upon their arrival at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, he quickly gave his report on the matter when asked to give his view on things and quietly retreated to the peace and quiet of his mendicant chambers.
After what had seemed a month of soul searching, Krasis finally came to terms with what had happened; not necessarily justifying the use of violence per-se but ultimately realizing that he had been given no other alternative. Being a paragon of justice and compassion in the Galaxy did not ever mean that one simply allowed others to threaten you with death or bodily harm.
For the next two years, Krasis's master had deemed it prudent for his charge to experience the world and the obligations that it placed upon the Jedi firsthand. To that effect, the young Cathar was left to his own devices when he received his first mission. A mission that would take him to Devaron.
Serving as a member of a Republic delegation was bad enough it would seem but serving as one when traveling to what was a matriarchal society proved much more taxing. Forcing himself to swallow his inherent pride and tolerate the snide comments about a tamed beast by the more effete members of the governing body, the virtue of humility was something that would be thrust upon him as a necessity.. Which in the end had been the whole point.
As the negotiations between delegates dwindled down into base accusations and heated discussion, it became apparent that these so-called talks would amount to nothing but more bad blood. Politely informed that all diplomatic concessions would no longer be in effect once two standard hours had passed, it was the que to leave. Returning to Republic space, it was with a heavy heart that Krasis returned to admit his supposed failure.
Once all pertinent facts had been discussed and deliberated upon by the Council, he was shocked to realize that as far as personal responsibility went, what he had achieved was in truth an accomplishment; none of the entourage had been hurt or held hostage, he hadn't allowed his pride to force his hand and had learned a valued lesson in humility.
Shocked at the revelation and more so after his Master began a discourse on his achievements, Krasis Varn was informed that he would be granted the rank of Jedi Knight due to the culmination of his actions save for one very important detail; he would now have to craft his own saber...
Astonished at their decree; Krasis quickly bowed to those gathered, gave a thankful glance toward his master, mentor and friend, and quickly made his way to the archives proper. Given access to certain technical readouts and data concerning the creation of light-saber variations, he stumbled upon a key point of interest. Despite commonly being used as a duelists weapon, a curved hilt would also aid a practitioner of Djem So, as it would minutely alter the path upon which the strikes would make contact. Intrigued by this revelation and eager to create a saber that would serve distinctly as his own, he continued to pour over the vast archives {the portions he was permitted to view mind you} as he augmented his learning by the subtle modifications made by practitioners past.
Just as he was to make his way toward the meditative chamber commonly used for such undertakings, he was stopped by Master Tharen who merely smiled as a small data-pad was pressed into his student's hand before departing down an adjoining hallway. Glancing down at the pad for a moment, Krasis's eyes widened; pouring over the information for a long moment, his mind reeled, dual-phased technology...
Despite all the assistance he had been offered, Krasis Varn took nearly a year to complete the tool that would accommodate him in his missions to come. Knowing that his Master had used a weapon of similar traits {in reference to the Dual-phased technology} he committed himself to incorporating this into his own, even at the cost of him taking longer then most others when it came to their first light-saber.
Finally accomplishing what he had set his mind and will upon, the
light-saber he had created sprang to life in a vibrant emerald hue. Smiling slightly in satisfaction, he allowed himself the indulgence of activating the Dual-phase function, thus extending the blade an additional meter then what was considered the norm within the Order. Proud but not allowing himself to be filled with pride, his subsequent Knighthood was among-st the happiest in his young life. Upon the day of his Knighthood, Krasis Varn was twenty-three.
During the next five years, Krasis would be utilized as a troubleshooter of sorts for the Order. By no means an illustrious position, it was one that constantly kept his abilities honed and his wits razor sharp. Whenever he had the opportunity {on average one month out of the year} to travel once more to the planet Bunduki, it was quickly taken up. Serving a two-fold purpose in acting as a sort of de-compression time between missions and a chance to test his abilities with different users of the Force, Krasis was soon considered among-st the leading practitioners of the art form... The few out-world practitioners any rate.
Only recently returned to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, several of the senior members of the Order have hinted rather strongly that now may be the best time for him to keep the home fires burning. Knowing a slight reprimand when he hears one, Krasis has lately contented himself with assisting in the training of the younglings which has proved to be beneficial to both sides; the younglings are taught new skills {if not new ideas} while Krasis finally allows a stream of laughter into his soul... Perhaps that was the intent of the Council after-all.
Practiced Light-saber Forms
"One of the ways the Jedi learn to know the Force, is to use the light-saber as an instrument of meditation. The light-saber is not only a weapon of defense—it is important for focusing the mind. A Jedi uses his lightsaber to assist his connection to the Force."
~ Master Thon
Shii-Cho: 5
Makashi: n/a
Soresu: n/a
Ataru: n/a
Shien / *Djem So: 5
>>Sub-form Backhanded: n/a
Niman: n/a
>>Sub-form Jar-kai, or Dual Wield: n/a
Juyo: n/a
Double Bladed Combat: n/a
*He's more inclined toward the Djem-So variant rather then Shien
Force-Sensitive Abilities or practices
"The Force is our power and our ally. The Force has always been with us. That is its nature. It surrounds us. And penetrates. It binds the universe together. Those who become sensitive to its presence can learn how to use it… for good or evil."
~ Jedi Master Ood Bnar
Telekinetic: 6
Telepathic: 4
Body: 8
Sense: 4
Protection: 6
Healing: 5
Destruction: 1
Specialized Skills:
Attributes
"Ha! Stimulants make a warrior out of even the weakest humans."
~ Canderous Ordo
Physical Strength: 8
Intelligence: 5
Speed: 7
Leadership: 4
Skills
"You think Yoda stops teaching, just because his student does not want to hear? A teacher Yoda is. Yoda teaches like drunkards drink, like killers kill."
~ Yoda
Unarmed: 8
Melee Weapons: 3
Ranged Weapons: 3
Force Attunement: +6
RP Sample
The first glimmering rays of the morning sun had slowly begun to creep upon the the spires of the Jedi Temple as he made his way to the sparring floor. Peering inside to find it empty, his eyes seemed to narrow in concentration as he began a complex series of hand to hand techniques that eventually began to form an almost stylized dance about the entirety of the training hall.
Moving with an economy of movement that seemed to shift rapidly from almost preternatural speed to overwhelming slowness, the concentration that had once been a staple when he had first learned the style, no longer seemed that much of a neccesity. Going through motions that years of training had hard-wired into his body, his mind no longer focused on perfecting the movements but rather focusing on nothing at all. Allowing his physical self to express it's frustrations and triumphs free from restraint, Krasis seemed to swerve from one movement to the next until an outstreched hand motioned towards the saber he had left along the perimeter of the training mats.
Springing into his grasp and just as quickly ignited, his movements seemed to vary between both Teräs Käsi and The Way of the Krayt Dragon in a complex dance of both give and take while his mind seemed to focus more on morality then combat Ten beings, ten lives that I had been forced to snuff out because there had been no alternative.. Was I right to do so, had there been any other choice? Continuing the series of exercises while the faces of those he had been unable to save from themselves bombarded him, his movements became all the more clinical and precise as he relived the moments via his own personal kai-kan They hadn't given me the opportunity to take them into custody, they had been hurting others Krasis and wouldn't have stopped... You had offered quarter but perhaps you should have offered it more then once... Finally extinguishing his saber, he made his way towards the sidelines of the training mats and adopted a meditative stance as he slowly went over past experiences...
Sitting in what could be called a Lotus Position, his breath was drawn in through the nose, and exhaled sharply via the mouth in increasingly smaller amounts while he opened himself to the Living will of the Force. Not neccesarily his most strongest of disciplines by any means, the comfort that it provided was usually more then enough to assuage his doubt You cannot keep berating yourself Krasis, what happened is in the past.. Do you not seek to prevent things from reaching a violent conclusion? Have you not constantly offered quarter to those who face you? Would you rather have died during this altercations... This doubt and guilt has long since overstayed it's welcome, that you did right is of no dispute so let this self-hatred go... It benefits no one. Opening his eyes to the world around him, the stress and burden that had rested on his shoulders for so long was slowly draining away, allowing his mercy and compassion a chance to grow rather then diminish. Gathering up his discarded cloak and attaching his saber to his belt, the young Cathar left with a faint smile upon his face.
{Italics within the roleplay example denote his inner thoughts in this case}
