Jedi behavior, Code and playing one

[Jëdî T¥]

The Jedi Code

Jedi are the guardians of peace in the galaxy.
Jedi use their powers to defend and protect, never to attack others.
Jedi respect all life, in any form.
Jedi serve others rather than ruling over them for the good of the galaxy.
Jedi seek to improve themselves through knowledge and training.

--- From the Jedi Code

The philosophy known as the Jedi code was created to keep young Jedi students from being drawn to the dark side. It was taught by the Jedi council to hundreds of thousands of Jedi throughout the ages; Obi-Wan Kenobi and Master Yoda taught parts of it to Luke Skywalker: and Luke Skywalker passon what he learned to his students at the Jedi Academy.

At its heart, the Jedi Code provides simple instructions for living in touch with the Force. A Jedi never uses the Force to gain wealth or personal power. Instead, a Jedi uses the Force to find knowledge and enlightenment. Anger, fear, aggression, and other negative emotions lead to the dark side, so Jedi are taught to act only when they are at peace with the Force.

Jedi are encouraged to find nonviolent solutions whenever possible. They should act from wisdom, using persuasion and counsel instead of Force powers and violence. When all else fails, or to save a life, a Jedi must sometimes resort to battle in order to resolve a particularly dangerous situation. Though combat may sometimes be the answer, it should never be the first option a Jedi explores.

Because of their connection to the Force, the Jedi sense its flow and draw upon its energy. While doing so, a Jedi sometimes perceives disturbances in the Force. These disturbances can be explained by the presence of powerful Force-users in the area, or intense emotions that cry out in the Force, such as when the life of the planet Alderaan was extinguished by the Death Star. There are even times when such disturbances result in feelings of urgency or premonitions that spur a Jedi to a place or situation where she is needed.


The Path within the Code
At its most basic level, the Jedi Code is a set of guidelines explaining what virtues to prize and what flaws to avoid. Jedi instructors ask their students to always keep these works in mind. The reason is simple: The Code provides instructions on how to become a Jedi Master.

Consider the first rule: "There is no emotion; there is peace. " It is plainly a contrast distinguishing the confusion of emotional considerations from the clear thinking of peaceful meditation obviously, a valuable quality.

But if that peace is rooted in simply being unaware of some factor that would otherwise cause a Jedi to feel an emotion reaction, then it is not so much peace as ignorance. This is why the Code contains the second rule: " There is no ignorance; there is knowledge."

This teaches Jedi to strive to understand all situations --- particularly before acting --- to avoid errors in judgement. But knowing a thing well can lead one to become engrossed in it. An obsessive focus leads to clouding of the mind. Thus, the third rule: "There is no passion; there is serenity." Knowing a thing objectively is knowing it as the Force knows it.

Still, students commonly argue that the only true objectivity is nonexistence --- death. For does one not affect a thing even by merely observing it? This is why there is the fourth rule: "There is no death; there is the Force." The Force knows all things objectively; it is serene, and it is not swayed by emotion.

Thus, the Jedi Code teaches that before undertaking any action, the Jedi should consider the will of the Force. Master Odan-Urr said: "With these other considerations aside, all that remains is the Force. " If a Jedi can act emotionlessly, knowledgeably, and serenly, then he or she is acting in accordance with the will of the Force.

Therefore, if a Jedi acts in all things without emotion, ignorance, or passion, then that Jedi is truly a master of the Force.

Interpreting the Code

While the Code is a straightforward map to mastery of the Force, it can sometimes be frustrating when put into practice. The galaxy has changed a great deal since the Jedi Code was first defined, and a great deal more since Master Odan-Urr attempted to clarify it. Although the secret to the Code is considering it thoroughly before acting, the universe often does not afford a Jedi the time to do so.

Still, a Jedi can think through a great many things in advance, to better maintain the principles of the Code when the rest of the universe is in a hurry. Over the millennia since the founding of the Order, Jedi Masters have recognized that there are ninc concepts a Jedi should embrace before situations are thrust upon him. A Jedi who understands these nine concepts will, when called upon to make a quick decision, already know the will of the Force.

Meditation

"Every Jedi should spend time meditating each day on the will of the Force. The reason for this is simple: If one has unwittingly acted contrary to the will of the Force, recognizing the mistake soon after may still gie one time to make amends." ~Master Odan-Urr

What Master Odan-Urr left unsaid was that by regularly examining one's own motivations, a Jedi could be certain that she was not allowing emotion, ignorance, or passion to entrude upon her clarity. A Jedi who has no time to meditate may more easily become lost. More to the point, a Jedi who refuses to meditate may already know that her motivations are not pure, and is thus lying to herself. As Master Yoda once said: "The Jedi who heeds not the counsel of the Force, to the dark side listens. "

Training

"A Jedi's training in the Force never ends." ~Master Vodo Siosk-Baas

A wise Jedi should strive to remember that there is always something more to learn about the Force. The Force reveals itself to those who have the desire, and knowledge to see it, and merely heeding the Force's will is much the same as looking at a bantha's toe and saying: " Now I understand banthas. " To continue to grow, a Jedi should train each day.

Loyalty

A Jedi can exist in this Universe because the Force exists. But the Jedi Order needs more: It requires loyalty. It goes without saying that Jedi should be loyal to one another. They should not squabble or fight. More important, though, each Jedi should be aware that he must act in accordanc with the wishes of the Jedi Council. This is not a question of seniority, but rather of understanding the will of the Force, and in this regard, the members of the Jedi council are the recognized experts.

Integrity

A Jedi's responsibility to the Force is to be honest with himself. So long as the Jedi does not act in his own interest and observes the Code, he is obeying the will of the Force.

Master Odan-Urr lamented the misperceptions of those who believed that Jedi should be morally superior: " Many feel that a Jedi should be scrupulously honest, never taking advantage and never withholding information. This is nonsense. "

A Jedi can and should offer advice to those who need it. From a certain point of view, a Jedi is not being dishonest if he allows people to believe what they wish to believe. It is not incumbent upon the Jedi to convince anyone to follow his advice.

When a Jedi is serving the Force, he may employ deception, subterfuge, misdirection, and even fraud, if he does so with a righteous aim. Although sentient beings have a distaste for such practices, the Force is without such emotions.

Do not confuse this with "moral flexibility." A Jedi does what needs to be done. But also remember a Jedi is not above the law.

Morality

The most dangerous --- and debated --- words ever uttered by a Jedi Master are: " A Jedi is not a creature of morals. " This statement has unfortunately been translated, often by Jedi, to mean what that a Jedi can do no wrong.

What it actually means is that Jedi are not enforcers of morality. While Jedi can bring or restore order and justice, they cannot themselves sit in judgement of others. There are two reasons for this.

First, the galaxy is a vast place, full of cultures that no one Jedi can completely understand. One famous story tells of how a Jedi learned that a companion had been devoured by the carnivorous Colicoids. When asked why the JEdi later bargained with the very same beings for starship components she responded: " Because eating the flesh of sentient beings is not forbidden by the Jedi Code --- but to the Colicoids, not eating the flesh of sentient beings is considered a sign of insanity. "

This Jedi recognized that punishing the Colicoids for following their nature would be acting out of emotion and ignorance. Similarly, not procuring a badly neded engine part would have been punishing herself out fo guilt.

Discretion

Though Master Odan-Urr believed in justice, he also understood that it was sometimes necessary for a Jedi to practice discretion. Some have seen this as a sign of Jedi partisanship. Others, particularly law enforcement agencies, believe that Jedi ignore small crimes in order to apprehend greater criminals. Obviously, neither of these assertions is true.

The truth is that Jedi Knights are suffered throughout the galaxy --- despite their facility with the Force. It is because they do not actively interfere witht he lives of the common people. Jedi stand for the order and justice, and these qualities do not begin with the misdeeds of the few. The goal of the Jedi should be to create and preserve an atmosphere where justice can flourish, rather than try to create justice themselves.

Master Yoda often said that, should the republic ever challenge the Jedi Order's right to exist, the support of the common citizen would see them through: " If fear us they do, help us they will not. IF hate us they do, hunt us they will. "

Bravery

" To be brave in battle proves nothing. Bravery itself proves nothing. A Jedi should be prepared to put aside fear, regret, and uncertainty and either fight, run, surrender, or die." ~Master Odan-Urr

Younger Jedi commonly and mistakenly define bravery as the opposite of fear. Since fear leads to the dark side, they reason, bravery is armor against the dark side. This isn't so, if a Jedi is mindful of the will of the Force, he will know whether it is best to stand his ground, or flee, or even to offer a truce. Remember that bravery itself is an emotion, and a Jedi should be at peace --- even in the midst of war.

Fighting
"If a Jedi ignites his lightsaber, he must be ready to take a life. If he is not so prepared, he must keep his weapon at his side." ~ Master Odan-Urr

Conflict is a fact of life in the galaxy for far too many beings, and no Jedi can hope to remain apart from it. But a Jedi need not embrace conflict. As Master Yoda teaches: " If a weapon you show, ' A warrior am I' you say.' " So, to avoid unnecessary fighting, a Jedi should not advertise his skill.
But when is it necessary to fight? The Force will show a Jedi when he has no other options, and a wise Jedi trusts the Force in this regard.

When fighting, is it necessary to use one's lightsaber? The answer is no. A lightsaber is an intimidating weapon it is not a tool for intimidation. This is what Odan-Urr meant. Do not use a lightsaber to create fear in an opponent. Use it to end the fight as quickly and mercifully as possible. If this means destroying a foe, so be it. But if a Jedic an end a fight without killing an opponent, so much the better. The best Jedi can avert injury altogether, with only a word.

In the past, some Jedi have taken this to mean that they should carry a second, less deadly weapon. There is no such thing: If a weapon cannot kill, itis not truly a weapon. While a blaster can let a Jedi attack from a distance, it is not as effective --- and more in keeping with the Jedi Code to use the Force instead.


Dependence
" Do not come to rely on the Force to detriment of your other senses and abilities. " ~Master Odan-Urr

While not part of Odan-Urr's Jedi Code commentary, this bit of wisdom from the Jedi Master is oftena dded to any instruction using his words and methods. It warns Jedi students to develop their other talents and abilities, to not rely solely on the Force.

To use the Force to accomplish every mundane task is to trivialize it. Using the Force isn't the only solution to every problem: sometimes it isn't even the best solution. That's where a Jedi's other skills and talents come in. Jedi trainingc onsists of many excerises: mastering the Force is only a part of that training. The student also learns to run, jump, climb, fight, swim and think. These excercises could be made easier by using the Force, but this would be to the detriment of the Jedi's overall experience. A Jedi needs to learn his capabilites without the Force so that he could truly know himself and also understand what those without the Force are capable of accomplishing.

Using the Force because it's convenient, even when other methods might be more sensible, falls dangerously close to the dark side. It's only one step removed from using the Force to achieve personal wealth and power, that's definetely a corruption of the Force.



Rules for Jedi Behavior

Being a Jedi is all about being a hero, which is the core of the Star Wars Roleplaying Game. A Jedi is a at her best when she is brave, selfless, and responsible, and puts the will of the Force before her own personal wants and needs. A Jedi also serves as an icon of socially acceptable behavior and positive influence. Being a Jedi is about much more than defeating the enemy and overcomnig the darkside. The Jedi must earn the acceptance of the common citizens, of the galaxy and uphold the tenets of the Jedi Order as well.

Following the Code


"A Jedi Master always said this to each of his students before their first lesson; " Cross an unfamiliar river without first discerning its depths and shallows, and you will drown in its currents without reaching your goal." Being a Jedi is no different. Identify the pitfalls and learn the proper path, or you fail the Order and sacrifice yourself to no good purpose."
~Master Odan-Urr

Self-Discipline
-Conquer Arrogance
-Conquer Overconfidence
-Conquer Defeatism
-Conquer Stubborness
-Conquer Recklessness
-Conquer Curiosity
-Conquer Aggression
-Conquer External Loyalties
-Conquer Materialism

Responsibility
-Practice Honesty
-Honor Your Promises
-Honor Your Padawan
-Honor Your Master
-Honor the Jedi Council
-Honor the Jedi Order
-Honor the Law
-Honor Life

Public Service
-Duty to the Republic
-Render Aid
-Defend the Weak
-Provide Support

[SW RPG, Power of the Jedi pgs.30-31]

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Playing Jedi

Playing a Jedi hero is more than just playing an individual with an ancient weapon and a hokey religion. It involves commitment within the character and a devotion to higher ideals. While a diplomat may choose the lesser of two evils, or a scoundrel the more profitable of the two, a Jedi is held to a higher standard, and with his greater abilities come increased responsibilities.

The Jedi Code summarizes the goals and ideals of the Jedi order. It delineates that which the Jedi should aspire to. It has been expanded upon over the centuries and millennia by numerous knowledgeable commentators, and refined to produce an ethical code by which the Jedi guard themselves.

There is no emotion; there is peace.
There is no ignorance; there is knowledge.
There is no passion; there is serenity.
There is no death; there is the Force.
~from the Jedi Code

The Goal of Peace
The Jedi work first for peace, acting without consideration of cost to themselves or with an eye toward personal power or gain. Peace is not the result of a strong emotional drive [for emotions cloud the correct use of the Force] but rather a clear, dispassionate goal for the Jedi. Peace born of anger is no peace at all, and cannot last.

Individual Jedi strive for the goal of peace without emotion both within and without. The Jedi works toward his goal with unflinching devotion, untroubled by strong emotions. As a result, powerful Jedi have a cool, detached demeanor that some mistake for apathy.

Situations that challenge the Jedi often involve combat, particularly mindless combat for no clear purpose. For a Jedi, peace is much more than just cessation of war. For a Jedi to meet his goal, he must look to root causes and complaints, and deal with basic conflicts between the participants. A Jedi who wins the battle but sacrifices the ability to judge dispassionately has lost his own personal war.

The Goal of Knowledge
Ignorance kills as surely as anger. A little knowledge miight be dangerous, but a lack of knowledge is deadly. Ignorance of others, ignorance of facts, and ignorance of truth sets individuals apart and leads to contention and violence. A Jedi spreads knowledge that unifies, binding peoples and worlds together.

This knowledge begins with the Jedi knowing their own capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses. Pride can cloud the mind and make them blind to their own flaws, which might be exploited by others. Failure causes doubt, which causes the Jedi to be less capable of realizing their own strengths.

Jedi continually test themselves to see where the limits fo their abilities lie, not as a goal in itself, but as a means to the goal of better understanding themselves.

Within a Jedi campaign, challenging the Jedi's knowledge may be as simple as unravelling a mystery or as deep as forcing Jedi to understand their own limitations. Those who oppose the Jedi and their beliefs move in the shadows and fear revelation in the light. By the same token, the Jedi must always be vigilant of their own nature, seeking out weaknesses in the soul and spirit to overcome them.

The Goal of Serenity
In striving for serenity, the Jedi seeks more than just remaining levelheaded in a crisis. He finds a calm peace within, and then projects that inner peace outward to affect others by word and deed. This serenity grants the Jedi a firm resolve.

The center of serenity is moderation in all things. Excessive emotions, whether positive or negative, upset a Jedi's touch with the Force and create an imbalance within the self, similiar to an imbalance within the Force.

Challenging a Jedi's erenity is easy in a Jedi campaign. The forces of the dark side always encourage the Jedi to give in to hate, anger and rage, facilitate those feelings by giving the Jedi good reason to feel those emotions. Those close to the Jedi might be targets of attacks, or the ideals of the Jedi themselves might be sullied. The seduction of the dark side is more insidious, because less powerful or less positive emotions might be harnessed to provoke rash action. Concern, affection, and eevn love can upset the balance of a Jedi's serenity and force the Jedi to choose between personal desires and the good of the Order.

The Unity of the Force
The Jedi Code represents the embodiment of the universal nature of the Force. The Jedi see themselves as the guardians of society, holding themselves to a high moral standard. They are cosmic role models, leading by example. The Jedi do not desire to rule, but rather wish to instruct so that society as a whole acts with greater justice and equality.

The Force is not inherently good or evil. It has its light side and its dark side. It is a tool, and like any other tool it can be misused or even broken. Ignorance leads to improper use of the Force; the unwise use the Force emotionally. Incorrect use of the Force can lead to death and destruction. Only through proper training can the Force be justly applied.

In addition, the Force is a living entity, generating life. The Force is a necessary and vital part of the universe, when running a Jedi campaign, think of the Force more than merely the means by which the characters gain extreme powers. It is a metaphor for the universal nature of life itself, vibrant, dynamic, and dangerous. All Jedi are permeated by the Force, just as all beings are, but the Jedi are most aware of it. Events in one region might affect another, as if the galaxy were one interconnected being with the Force as its blood and life.

The Internal Journey
A Jedi grows in power as he experiences the world, gaining more proficiency in combat and in applying the Force. In turn, the Jedi affects the world around him, spreading the doctrine of the Jedi Code and making the galaxy a better place for all.

This external growth and effect reflects an internal growth of the individual Jedi. As a person becomes more attuned to the Force, he is challenged to fully embrace the tenets of the Jedi order. Every Jedi from the humblest student to the greatest Jedi Master has room to grow and develop. The nature of the universe is such that new challenges continually arise to test a Jedi, as he questions old assumptions and deals with new situations.

When running a Jedi campaign, stress the internal development of Jedi heroes. Often a Jedi may have to sacrifice personal desires or goals for the good of the greater number. Jedi must deal with their own self-denial for the good of others. A Gamemaster can tempt Jedi with their personal desires, but force them to choose between doing what is good for themselves or good for the galaxy.

The Challenge of Temptation
Temptation poses the greatest threat to a Jedi, and the fall of a Jedi Knight often begins with one rationalized decision or errant choice. In a Jedi campaign, the nature of temptation provides a continual challenge for Jedi characters.

Temptation takes myriad forms. The simplest urges the Jedi provide an easy answer to a complex question. The answer might be immediately satisfying but creates long term problems. The arrest of a crimelord, for example, might be immediately fulfilling, but unlesss the crime lord's empire is also shut down, the arrest merely creates a situation in which another being will assum the crime lord's role.

Another form of temptation comes form the power of adulation and the threat of success itself. Accepting personal rewards is dangerous for a Jedi, for it inspires belife in his own abilities that might exceed the truth. In effect, the Jedi comes to believe in his own hype. Within the campaign setting, the GM can tempt the Jedi with adulation from the masses, to set the Jedi up for a hard fall when he eventually fails. The Jedi learns that true satisfaction comes from the sense of well-being within, not from the approval of others.

A third form of temptation is the nature of power itself. The Jedi have been established as a force of good, which keeps them from using their abilities to rule the masses. This is an extrenely powerful temptation, because Jedi often face ignorance and folly in their daily lives. The Jedi can be tempted to deal with such folly [bureaucracy is particularly rife with it], yet once that kind of interference starts, it soon escalates to a point where a Jedi encourages the very ignorance he fought against, in the name of ruling others " for their own best interest."

Temptation starts small---using the Affect Mind skill to deal with a petty bureaucrat, losing your temper when making a point, taking pleasure in battle. From these small belmishes the corruption grows. The GM can make it possible and even preferable for Jedi to take the "easy route." The GM should never coerce a Jedi character into wrong actions, but rather lay traps to see whether the Jedi stumbles into them. There might be situations where the Jedi has a choice of equally unpalatable options, yet such situations haev grown out on earlier decisions, and now, the Jedi must live with the consequences of his or her actions.

Rising from the Ashes
Would-be Jedi must understand that failure should never be the end., The Jedi Code places a heavy load on a Jedi, requriing almost superhuman abilities for them to accomplish all of its demands. In large and small ways, all Jedi eventually fail the challenges posed by the code in some way. They might feel anger or succumb to temptation. They might work against the balance of the Force, even with the best of intentions. They will fall from the high ideals they hold.

True failure of a Jedi is not stumbling or failing to live up to the ideals of the Order. The true failure occurs if, once havingf allen, the Jedi fails to rise again. Many Jedi who have failed in oen of their tasks consider themselves beyond redemption or forgiveness, and in doing so open themselves to the dark side.

Jedi strive to live up to the Jedi Code and the teachings of their Masters. When [not if, but when] a Jedi fails to attain these goals, the only choices are to let the failure dominate his life, or to rise from the ashes of that defeat and strive to make peace with himself through the Force.

That is the way of the Jedi.

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Jedi Through the Eras

Before the Rise of the Empire Era (End of a Golden Age)[/u]

When the Republic was at its height, so was the Jedi Order. The Jedi helped keep the peace in the galaxy for centuries and served as shining beacons of loyalty and nobility. They were the strong arms of justice for the Old Republic. Their involvement in the Republic's business inspired respect in the hearts of the righteous, and fear in those who disdained the rule of law.

However, like the Republic itself, the Jedi Order planted the seeds of its own destruction. The Jedi Council became hidebound and conservative, unwilling to accept new ideas or recognize new challenges. It had maintained the peace for long years by following the old ways. It believed that the forces of darkness, in particular the Sith, had been eliminated. In reality, the Sith were moving through the shadows and influencing the Republic without the Jedi Order's knowledge.

Most citizens of the Republic in this era regard the Jedi heroes and legends, part sage and part superhero. Capable of incredibl feats of combat and legerdemain, they have the wisdom of the ancients at their disposal. This reputation is in part due to the population's voracious appetite for heroes and adventure.

While this high regard makes it easy for Jedi to work within the Republic, that popularity creates its own problems. They are expected to live up to their reputation from the legendary tales and holographic entertainments, which often start with the legends of the greatest of the Order then elaborate upon them. Jedi are required to appaer as swift, strong, and wise as the legendary Jedi, and those expectations can be a heavy load to bear. Disappointed supporters and disillusioned followers become regular hazards for Jedi of this period.

Such adulation might also convince an individual Jedi to believe in his own hype, leading to overweening pride, one of the temptations of the dark side of the Force. Some fallen Jedi's first steps toward darkness begin with the belief that they can do everything expected of them, and they succumb to anger or despair when they fail.

Also, while the masses tend to think well of the Jedi, individuals often envy and fear them. Some see the Jedi as judgemental interlopers who arrive on a planet, stir up trouble, and then depart, leaving others to handle problems left behind in their wake. Corrupt officials and crime lords do not welcome Jedi, of course, but even otherwise loyal planetary officials might wince at the thought of a visit from a member of the Order. As corruption spreads through all levels of galactic government, more and more officials have something to hide.

Beyond the borders of the Republic, the Jedi face suspicion and distrust. Some believe their legends to be nothing more than Republic propaganda, while others see them as spies and agents of the Republic itself. Where Jedi go, trouble seems to follow. In these areas, the Jedi are greeted with hostility as often as with praise.

For all these reasons, most effective Jedi during this era tend to be neither showy nor dramatic with their appearance, and they do not announce they are Jedi unless they must. They use their abilitise without hesitation when necessary, but do not flaunt their abilities without cause. The simple declaration of a Jedi's imminent arrival might be enough to dissuade would-be criminals. Jedi as often, such an announcement allows those who traffic with the dark side to prepare themselves for the confrontation to come.

Jedi have a number of advantages in this era, the greatest of which is strength in numbers, Jedi schools and training acadamies recruit those strong in the Force at a young age and use their powers for benefit of the Republic. Jedi have readily available resources ranging from safe passage between planets to contracts in various governments. Such connections come with a price. Jedi of this era are expected to follow the directives of the Council and to go where the Jedi bureaucracy feels they are needed, regardless of their own opinions. Even so, a Jedi knows to rely on his own abilities rather than depend on backup that might be out of reach.

Finally, the Jedi of this era, even those on the Council, believe themselves beyond manipulation. This certainty makes them vulnerable to the machinations of those who seek to use the Order as pawns in their own galactic games. These players work subtly from the deepest shadows and through layers of minions to influence the Jedi for their own fell purposes.

The Rebellion Era (Rise of the Empire RP) [/u]

During the Rebellion Era (the one we're in), the Jedi are considered no more than an extinct religious order. Cynicism runs high while the Empire rules supreme and the citizens of the galaxy find themselves in increasingly dire circumstances. As a result, anyone claiming the mantle of the Jedi is first met with disbelief, if not outright hostility.
The great Jedi schools no longer exist, and the power of the Jedi Council has been smashed beneath the fist of the Emperor. Remaining Jedi hide in such remote locations as Dagobah (Yoda) and Tatooine (Obi-Wan), far from the bright lights of the galactic center.

Without an organized Jedi presence to lend stability to the galaxy, the need for the Jedi is great. In addition to the peril posed by the Empire itse'f, numerous "wild talents" appear through the galaxy. Lacking the guidance and control taught by the Jedi Order, these undisciplined Force adepts are vulnerable to both the predatory natrue of the Empire and the temptation of the dark side. Those Jedi who still survive are heirs to the Republic, carrying out its virtuous intentions in a galaxy that has fallen into darkness.

Jedi in the Rebellion era lack the resources of their predecessors. Most people believe the Jedi to be myths or Old Republic propaganda at best, whose reputation exceeds any real abilities [indeed,if they were so powerful, how did they fall in the first place?]. Those who still believe in the power of the Force prove even more dangerous to the Jedi during this period. These include dabblers in the dark side, avaricious Force-users, and agents of the Empire itself. Those who invested with knowledge of the dark side know that the Sith survived for centures while reduced to a mere shadow of their former power, and that for the Jedi to truly be crushed, every member of that hated order must be eliminated. Those strong in the Force (and weak in will) look to the Jedi as a source of power that they can steal or manipulate to their own ends. While the Empire itself does not support the Jedi, the Emperor has his own designs on Force-users and seeks to recruit and corrupt them to the dark side of the Force.

Others remember the power of the Jedi in years past and see their downfall as an opportunity to gain personal vengeance. Long-lived species such as the Hutts hoard memories of running afoul of the Jedi, while clan-organized species might have family tales of the Jedi who brought ruin and dishonor to their plans. Now that the Jedi have been broken, it is a time for revenge. In some regions Jedi find themselves hunted, and an accusation of being a Jedi is a prelude to a lynching.

Surviving Jedi do not have the access and resources they had in the Old Republic. They cannot merely invoke the power of their position to gain safe passage or direct costs to a far-off Council. Instead, they are forced to survive by their wits, traveling light and using their abilities only when most needed.

Jedi of this period make extensive use of non-Jedi allies. Some are Force adepts whhom they hope to teach the way of the Jedi, but most are valued compatriots who share the same ideals, whether that involves a return to the justice of the past or merely an escape from the tyranny of the Empire.

[Jëdî T¥]

Core powers/techniques and styles all Jedi learn and know (begin with)

Starting Force powers: Telepathy, Telekinesis (includes Force Pull/Push and Force Jump/Leap), Burst of Speed, See Force, Force Empathy and Force Trance.

Martial Arts Styles
Jedi Budo: A basic martial arts/unarmed self-defense style taught to all Jedi as younglings and padawans.

Lightsaber Forms
Form l; Shii-Cho [Taught to all 'younglings' before they ever become a padawan: This includes Form Zero and all marks of contact]

All the above is learned during their time as a Padawan. In addition to these they gain extra depending on their teachers/Masters.

Step 1 to being a Jedi: The Padawan
From the ages of 13 for the next 10 to 15 years they are considered Padawan's under the tutelage of a Master. They have all the above listed abilities plus the following depending on their Jedi Occupation. Automatically all Jedi Padawan regardless of Occupation are considered 'Practitioners' of Form I: Shii-Cho.
Padawans have yet to create their own lightsaber so until that point they are 'assigned' a lightsaber according to their occupation (see below).
Green is for Consulars, Yellow is Sentinels and Blue is Guardians this blade is given by their Masters and later when they become a Knight they can customize their own.

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The three Jedi types

Jedi Consular
Jedi Consulars use the Force for knowledge and negotiation, seeking the most peaceful solutions to every problem. As Force-users trained in Jedi tradition, Consulars concentrate on more diplomatic, scholarly pursuits, and the spiritual side of the Force than on more physical activities. Healers and researchers seek to better understand the nature of the Force and their connection to it. Mentors and teachers hope to instruct others and pass on what they have learned. Negotiatorss and medaitors are skilled at bargaining and striking compromises. Consulars train themselves to be versatile, able to handle many situations without reaching for a weapon.

Their skills range from diplomatic areas, research, social talents, knowledges of all kinds, literacy and understanding of many cultures, languages and the Force as well as usually being very adept as healers.

Their padawan starting lightsaber is green they get to choose 2 specialties one which must be Force involved (which can be swapped out for a Force Power) and 2 Force powers of choice from Light and Universal with an additional one being granted by their Master's teachings.

Jedi Guardian

Jedi Guardians combine physical training with mastery of the Force. Jedi guardians concentrate on battle prowess, defense, lighsaber training, and physical activities. If Jedi consulars are the ambassadors of the Jedi Order, guardians are defenders, protecting the Republic from all dangers. Few are strong enough in the Force and have the devotion to walk the Jedi's path, but those few are awarded with a powerful ally.They walk in a larger world than those who neither feel nor heed the Force.

Their skills center on the physical, very little in diplomatic or social areas and their knowledge of the Force works on a different wave-length then that of Consulars. They excel in Lightsaber combat, physical activities and use of the Force through combat and defensive purposes.

Their padawan starting lightsaber is blue they get to choose 2 specialties one which must be physical trait, combat oriented, another Lightsaber form or technique (such as dual-sabers). Along with the Core powers taught to all Jedi they also get to choose 1 more from Light or Universal and get another trained to them by their Master.

Jedi Sentinel

The Jedi sentinel uses stealth and subterfuge to accomplish the will of the Force, seeking out evil in the very shadows it calls home. This archetype strikes a balance between the Jedi consular (focusing on diplomacy and a mastery of the Force) and the Jedi guardian (focusing on physical abilities and mastery of the lightsaber) while being oriented more toward infiltration skills. Jedi sentinels are most common during the Sith Wars (4,000+ years before A New Hope) and in the millennium leading up to the Battle of Ruusan (1,000 years before A New Hope) because of the permeating and insidious influence of the Sith throughout the galaxy in these eras. However, they are almost unknown in the Jedi Order by the time of Palpatine's rise to Supreme Chancellor.

Their skills run the gamut some of them even considered unsavory to the other Jedi Occupations delving into such talents as infiltration, espionage, stealth, disguise and deceit. They tend to lack the outright Force knowledge and ability of a Consular yet at the same time are not as combat oriented as a Guardian. Many tend to be 'jack of all trades'.

Their padawan starting lightsaber is yellow they get to choose 3 specialties. Along with the Core powers taught to all Jedi they also get to choose 1 more from Light or Universal and get another trained to them by their Master.

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The below types are Jedi who never became Jedi. Though for a short period of time it is not uncommon (most Masters make it a part of their training) for youngling clans to spend time around these 'factions' of the Jedi Order. All aimed towards assisting in their learning of the Jedi way and how they operate.

The following are all types of Jedi who were never chosen as Padawans or early in their Padawan lives lost their Masters or were released and sent away instead of being taken on by another.

AgriCorps Worker

Young Jedi students learn the ways of the Force in the Jedi Agricultural Corps. The AgriCorps teaches children with Jedi potential about the nature of living things and the importance of balance. These crucial lessons impart an appreciation for and an understanding of the natural world, without which Jedu can be a danger to themselves and others. The Agricultural Corps teaches would-be Jedi the patience of waiting for a result, the forbearance that goes with letting things find their own way, and the restraint of exhausting all other options before pruning a plant that threatens others. All these ideas provide the framework for student's training to become a Jedi Knight.
The Agricultural Corps supports the Republic's own Agricultural Administration, which oversees food production and processing within the boundaries of the Republic. While most young Jedi in the AgriCorps serve on or near Coruscant, the Republic sometimes asks Jedi to send students to other worlds to assist with farming operations. Agricorps students use their Force talents to tend plants and animals, though more complex uses of the Force are generally beyond them at this stage. Meanwhile, their Jedi supervisors can observe students in their natural enviroment, providing valuable insights into each studen'ts behavior and motivations.
At any given time, the Agricultural Corps supports about 1,500 students. Human students range from six years to as old as forty, though the majority are about sixteen years old. A number of AgriCorps students never show enough talent or focus to become Padawans. Some find that they vastly prefer holding a gardening tool trowel to wielding a lightsaber. These individuals become lifetime members of the corps, serving as its leaders and burearucrats. Lower end Jedi who are part of the AgriCorps tend to become team leaders, higher up lean towards rural planning for entire planets or sectors. Most never blossom into full Jedi; either lacking the ability to do so, the focus or simply the desire. Once a youngling is sent away to AgriCorps the chances of them ever becoming a Jedi Knight or even Jedi Padawan are ended.

ExplorCorps Worker

The Jedi Exploration Corps is more than an expiditionary organization - it's also a traveling Jedi acacemy. It's usefulness decilned after the loss of its flagship at Dathomir almost three hundred years before the Battle of Naboo. Despite this, the ExplorCorps still sends young students out to train among the stars. Hundreds of Jedi Masters and hopeful students board starships every year to see the galaxy firsthand, rather than studying it from some vastly overpopulated cityplanet such as Coruscant.
Voyages beyond the walls of a Jedi Temple give students the opportunity to experience cultural diversity and to face the unknown. Students encounter species they have never heard of on worlds they had never imagined. Most soon learn that, despite their differences, all species have smiliar needs, desires and dreams. Comprehending this concept teaches a student perspective, sucha s how right and wrong varies from culture to culture. No matter where the student travels, the Force is always present, always subtly guiding --- even when the student cannot grasp a culture's internal morality.
Most memebrs of the Jedi Exploration Corps are already Padawans, though a significant number are pulled from their duties with Agricultural Corps to join the ExplorCorps' travels. The main membership of ExplorCorps rotates according to availability.
Students vary widely in age. Young children in the corps may be journeying to the Jedi Temple for the first time after their Force talents were uncovered. Padawans on the verge of becoming Jedi can find opportunitues for discovery on each new world. A handful of Jedi Masters supervise each voyage.
The ExplorCorps boasts a fleet of a dozen space transports. Most are converted passenger frieghters either donated by the office of the Supreme Chancellor or co-opted with actual explorers funded by universities. Explorers are usually delighted to have a ship full of Jedi along when traveling into uncharted space.

MedCorps Worker

The Jedi Medical Corps applies the same logic as the Agricultural Corps to the treatment of the sick and infirm. A Force-user can learn valuable lessons about the frailty of human life from working in a medcenter. Service in the MedCorps teaches young Force-users that living beings can become ill and die with no rhyme or reason except for the will of the Force. For students who have never thought about such philopsphical concepts. In exchange, students make use of their natural talents to ease the suffering of others or provide insightful company to those less fortunate than themselves.
Students in the MedCorps attain a perspective on life they don't get from AgriCorps service. Unlike Jedi who tend plants or animals, students learning medicine can talk with patients, who frequently have some deep insights on the impermanent nature of life and the eemingly random nature of death. Such lessons can be valuable to a student who might have a difficult time coping with a personal loss during his early training. Knowing that the Force has not singled him out for suffering helps the student comprehend that much of it is self-inflicted. Understanding that might be the last hurdle a student needs to overcome before undergoing Jedi training.
In comprison to the AgriCorps, the Jedi MedCorps is tiny, with only a few dozen students and a handful of instructors. The MedCorps is headquartred in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, connected via a dedicated transport tube to the gargantuan Galactic City Medical Center. While the Jedi MedCorp is sometimes called off-planet to assist in disaster relief efforts, most of it's duties are carrid out in the inirmary wing of the temple.

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Rogue Jedi and Exiles

The path of the Jedi is a narrow and demanding one. Not all Jedi who travel it remain on course throughout their lives. Some have other obligations to families, homeworlds, or planets they feel might supersede the demands of the Council. Others might take issue witha Council decision or action, feeling that the Jedi have abandoned their ideals. A Jedi might feel that the Order has become isolated, lacking experiences with the real world, or she might feel a crisis of her personal faith and confidence, along witha need to find out where her true path lies. These people usually become rogue Jedi, Force-useers who work outside the organized strictures of the Jedi Order.
The Jedi rarely cast out members of their Order, though some leave of their own volition. Often these departures are temporary. Most rogue Jedi eventually return to the Order, made wiser and more capable through experiences in the greater galaxy. In this way, Jedi not only encourage their followers to seek out thir own path, but also enrich the Jedi Order with their collective experience.
Rogue Jedi follow a treacherous path. Without the support of the Order and fellow students, the Jedi might wander from the path of light. The heat of the moment or the slippery nature of a current situation could press the wandering Jedi to make hasty or unwise decisions. The temptation of the dark side lurks continually, as a result the Jedi tend to draw more of the Dark to them rather quickly. Some return to their teachers, but others utterly reject the Jedi Code. A few even fall to the clutches of the Dark Side.