How long do you usually write?
Several paragraphs
Do you enjoy writing collaborative posts for things like conversations, combat, etc.?
Yes
Is grammar and depth of writing important to you?
Yes
Are there any writing subjects you particularly enjoy exploring?
Ethics, morality, and other deep, philosophical topics
Is there anything you really dislike and want to avoid like the plague?
Glossing over important issues solely for the sake of advancing the plot.
Also; while I don't dislike it, I would prefer to keep this character out of combat. Part of the reason I intend for him to be a powerful combatant to discourage others from trying to attack him.
Is there something you are uncomfortable with happening to your character?
Nothing that should come up.
Do you have any short-term or long-term goals with this character?
I would like to see his views and beliefs challenged by others, from all areas. In the long term, I would like to see his personal morality-specifically his ability to live up to it, or failure to live up to it-put to the test by the situations he lives through.
Several paragraphs
Do you enjoy writing collaborative posts for things like conversations, combat, etc.?
Yes
Is grammar and depth of writing important to you?
Yes
Are there any writing subjects you particularly enjoy exploring?
Ethics, morality, and other deep, philosophical topics
Is there anything you really dislike and want to avoid like the plague?
Glossing over important issues solely for the sake of advancing the plot.
Also; while I don't dislike it, I would prefer to keep this character out of combat. Part of the reason I intend for him to be a powerful combatant to discourage others from trying to attack him.
Is there something you are uncomfortable with happening to your character?
Nothing that should come up.
Do you have any short-term or long-term goals with this character?
I would like to see his views and beliefs challenged by others, from all areas. In the long term, I would like to see his personal morality-specifically his ability to live up to it, or failure to live up to it-put to the test by the situations he lives through.
Name: Arrgrr; Pronounced 'Ar' by non-wookies
Species: Wookie
Homeworld: Kashyyyk
Age: 176 standard years
Gender: Male
Rank: Knight
Master: N/A
Former master(s): Jedi Knight Davox; Deceased
Apprentice(s): Jedi Padawan Kharr/ Jedi Master Breena (former)
Species: Wookie
Homeworld: Kashyyyk
Age: 176 standard years
Gender: Male
Rank: Knight
Master: N/A
Former master(s): Jedi Knight Davox; Deceased
Apprentice(s): Jedi Padawan Kharr/ Jedi Master Breena (former)
Detailed appearance. Imagery insufficient.
Ar is large, even by the standards of his own species. Standing at a staggering 2.6 meters in height, he has broad shoulders and powerful limbs to match. Through constant exercise and conditioning, he has managed to keep his weight to just 150 kilograms, which he feels is ideal. More notable, though, is his fur. While most wookies are shades of earth tones, Ar was born with pure white fur. As he's gotten older, his fur has grown darker in color, ultimately resulting in a moderately light-gray. His eyes are an almost sapphire blue, which are very noticeable amid all his neutral-colored fur.
Being a wookie, his fingers end in retractable claws. Likewise, his teeth are very sharp, and quite white as he takes great care to keep them clean. His nose is slightly larger than normal, but in a way only his own species would really notice. Apart from his size and fur color, Ar is actually quite an average looking member of his race.
Unlike many of his race, Ar chooses to wear clothing. For a casual setting, such as at the Jedi temple, he is generally seen wearing a very simple robe. It is in keeping with the usual style, with a shirt and pants of a light tan color, under a cloak of a darker brown color. The only accessory is the traditional black belt where he hangs his lightsaber. Apart from that, the only unique aspect of his robe is that he had the hood of the cloak removed.
While on missions, things are different. Generally, he goes without his robe, dressing more in keeping with others of his race. On the battlefield, he normally wears armor in the form of bracers, shin guards, and a breast plate. All this is held in place by simple straps, generally connecting to a harness which also holds several small pouches.
Report on natural ability with the Force, as well as all known Force Techniques and the skill level.
Submitted by Master Breena, to update official records:
- Force Speed: Master Training
- Telekenisis/force throw: Basic training
- Telekinetic Defence: Expert training
- *Force Sight(Basic/Advanced): Grandmaster
- Force Sense: Basic training
- Precognition: Basic training
- Mind Trick: Novice training
- Force Jump: Master training
- Tutaminis: Basic training
- ** Force healing: Intermediate training
- Detoxifying poison: Intermediate training
- Force Bellow: Basic training
- *Force Empathy: Expert training
- Breath Control: Intermediate training
- Hibernation Trance: Intermediate training
- Tapas: Basic training
- *Crucitorn: Expert training
- **Revitalize: Intermediate training
- *Force Stealth: Intermediate training
*-This technique was either discovered or improved upon during his twenty year long isolation. Further notes on each are attached below.
**-Knight Ar is known for having greater expertise for abilities used upon himself; These abilities reflect that. When used on others, they are closer to a basic training level, but used on himself he should be considered to have expert training.
1.)Force Sight: It is no secret that knight Ar has always had a powerful talent with this ability. Even before his retreat, he was considered a master. The goal of his retreat was ultimately to hone this talent to the maximum it could reach, and he has achieved that goal. In addition to viewing the world through the force, he has finally linked all of his senses to the force in this way. He has also discovered new ways to combine this ability with other techniques, creating almost entirely new techniques.
2.)Force Empathy: Learning this technique was a natural extension of reaching his current level of expertise with Force Sight. He had been learning to control the influx of emotion before he left, and having returned, has proven he can now control it.
3.)Crucitorn: Knight Ar originally learned this technique to aid in his study of Force Sight. His goal was, ultimately, to learn to use it to cut off his sense from the world around him so he could view it entirely through the force. Making use of this technique was a very large part of his training, and in that time he has reached the level where he can completely combine the two techniques.
4.)Force Stealth: This is the only ability knight Ar did not possess before leaving. He claims to have discovered it as part of his training to master Force Sight. While he has a very firm grasp of the technique, it is hard to judge his actual skill level. When taught, this technique is meant to hide the user's presence, and a disconnection to the Force is considered an unfortunate side effect. In knight Ar's case, however, he learned this technique as a means of cutting himself off from the force. I'm not entirely sure he even realizes using it would mask his presence. His goal, as I understand it, was to learn what parts of himself were and were not the effects of the force within him. It makes a certain degree of sense that he would have difficulty distinguishing the two, as all records I can find say the same thing: He uses the force to experience the reality around him as naturally as he does with his eyes, ears, fingers, and nose.
2.)Force Empathy: Learning this technique was a natural extension of reaching his current level of expertise with Force Sight. He had been learning to control the influx of emotion before he left, and having returned, has proven he can now control it.
3.)Crucitorn: Knight Ar originally learned this technique to aid in his study of Force Sight. His goal was, ultimately, to learn to use it to cut off his sense from the world around him so he could view it entirely through the force. Making use of this technique was a very large part of his training, and in that time he has reached the level where he can completely combine the two techniques.
4.)Force Stealth: This is the only ability knight Ar did not possess before leaving. He claims to have discovered it as part of his training to master Force Sight. While he has a very firm grasp of the technique, it is hard to judge his actual skill level. When taught, this technique is meant to hide the user's presence, and a disconnection to the Force is considered an unfortunate side effect. In knight Ar's case, however, he learned this technique as a means of cutting himself off from the force. I'm not entirely sure he even realizes using it would mask his presence. His goal, as I understand it, was to learn what parts of himself were and were not the effects of the force within him. It makes a certain degree of sense that he would have difficulty distinguishing the two, as all records I can find say the same thing: He uses the force to experience the reality around him as naturally as he does with his eyes, ears, fingers, and nose.
Report on skills not directly rooted in the Force, including level of skill
- Piloting: Ar is a skilled and practiced pilot, with many years of experience to draw upon. His heightened awareness of his surroundings through the force naturally enhances this ability. That said, he prefers lighter and more agile crafts, and does not see firepower as a priority in selecting a vessel.
- Hunting/Tracking: Ar has been known to follow trails that are days or even weeks old as if they were new. Being from a family of woodsmen, he was taught very early how to hunt. His original master, knight Davox, believed this was an important skill and expanded on it in his training as a padawan. This allowed Ar to obtain experience tracking across every environment, all of which he mastered. Though it has gone largely unnoticed, Ar does consider urban environments-especially heavily populated cities-the most difficult to track in.
- Teaching: While communication can often prove a barrier, Ar considers it his duty as a Jedi to educate others around him. As such, he has accumulated many years worth of experience as a teacher. This extends beyond members of the Jedi order, and has included members of nobility as well as beggars. He has even been known to point out flaws in their form to Sith mid-combat. However, very few have received his criticism positively.
- Biology: While he has never received official training as a medic, Ar has gone out of his way to learn as much as he can about the biology of the many species of the galaxy. To the extent that he has given a number of lectures-with the aid of a translator-on the topic of biology at various colleges throughout his life. This is not due to the level of expertise he has on any single species; Simply put, the breadth of his knowledge allows him to speak on obscure topics which would otherwise require excessive sums of money to book a specialist for.
- Dietitian: Ar imposes upon himself a meat-free diet. As such, he has had to learn a very great deal about his species own dietary requirements. Notably, this extends beyond the foods normally available on his home world; His need for essential proteins, vitamins, and sugars within his diet have lead him to research a very wide selection of foods the galaxy over so that he can be sure he always has options anywhere he travels.
Report on known combat experience, training and lightsaber training.
Compiled from submitted reports, recordings, and other documentation of known exploits.
Combat experiance:
- Born to a family of hunters.
- Padawan to Jedi Knight Guardian
- Attributed major victories:7
- Attributed major losses:2
- Attributed victories of note:97
- Attributed losses of note:48
- Confirmed enemy wounded:>1000
- Confirmed enemies terminated:3
submitted by Jedi Master Breena:
- Shii-Cho: Master Level; Personalized form (see attached notes)
- Makashi: Expert Level; Used for teaching
- Soresu: Master Level; Pure form
- Ataru: Intermediate Level; Sufficient to teach
- Shien: Expert Level; Preferred Battlefield Style
- Djem Sho: Intermediate Level; Sufficient to teach
- Niman: Basic Level: Sufficient to teach introductory methods
- Juyo: No Training; Refuses to learn
1.)Modified trakata strike: Knight Ar has created a modified version of this technique, where instead of turning off his saber, he changes its length setting. This allows him to keep up some defense, while also making use of the technique. His precision with it is such that he can singe robes without burning the flesh underneath. He has only been known to use it during advanced combat training, generally as a Makashi technique meant to demoralize his opponent.
2.)Shii-cho: Knight Ar perfected this technique as part of his training during his twenty year retreat. He has discovered a technique where in he focuses the entirety of his force sight on his opponent, while giving his own form over entirely to the direction of the force. Though I am unsure of how well it would work on the battlefield, in one-on-one combat I do not think it can be defeated.
2.)Shii-cho: Knight Ar perfected this technique as part of his training during his twenty year retreat. He has discovered a technique where in he focuses the entirety of his force sight on his opponent, while giving his own form over entirely to the direction of the force. Though I am unsure of how well it would work on the battlefield, in one-on-one combat I do not think it can be defeated.
Detailed notes on political influence and associates.
Political Influence: Strictly speaking, Ar has no political influence. At least, none that he wields himself. To invite Ar to act as a neutral third party during a negotiation is tantamount to an accusation of nefarious intent. His presence is most often used as a deterrent against assassination attempts of every variety. As such, the council will often send him when they have especially strong reason to suspect foul play. That said, an actual invitation is a strong enough power play within political circles to deliver the message. In general, Ar does not receive the invitations sent to him in time to act upon them.
Associates: Given his age and his aptitude for teaching, Ar is well known to many other Jedi on a first-name basis. Beyond that, his reputation and habit to travel for research and missions means that he is known quite well across most of the galaxy by those of influence. Likewise, he is well known among the many worlds of the Republic as a goodwill ambassador for the Jedi, as well as a keeper of peace and spreader of prosperity.
Detailed notes on known rivals and enemies, outside and within the Order and Republic.
Rivals: Though he would say he has none, many see themselves as a rival to Jedi Knight Ar. Past students who have grown to be his equal in rank, wanting to prove their equality on the battlefield as well; Sith warriors who have fought him to a stalemate across multiple battles, believing his defeat to be their next step on their own path; Even a few bounty hunters, who have lost paydays to his superior tracking skills.
Enemies: Ar's enemies are as numerous as his friends. He has made stands against corruption and villainy at every social and economic level possible, and he shoulders the consequences of his actions. Thanks to him; bounty hunters have lost bounties; the schemes of crime lords have been thwarted; raiders and marauders have been deterred; dishonest politicians have been brought into the light; powerful Sith have been forced to retreat in humiliation. Just about every large organization in the galaxy contains someone whose evil actions Ar has disrupted, and he has made himself a target for his troubles.
List and description of other known associates, including intimates.
- Padawan Kharr: A young male Cathar, Kharr is Ar's current padawan and good friend. Though they have been together just short of a standard year, Kharr has learned to speak Ar's native language-though with a notable accent-and for the first time in many years Ar has found someone he can hold a deep conversation with, without the need for a translator. Kharr, meanwhile, has found in Ar a teacher who understands him much more than others he's had in the past. Where many have tried to curb or suppress the natural instincts he feels-a need to hunt, a strong desire for meat, even simple issues with his strong sense of smell-Ar understands these impulses and has spent much time helping Kharr learn to control them.
- Translator droid G19-B12: A standard issue droid that has been assigned to Ar, for the purpose of translation. While Ar himself has very little difficulty understanding those around him, his natural inability to speak the majority of languages often requires a translator to accompany him. G19-B12 is an older model, whose original purpose was teaching basic to younglings. As the Jedi order grew, the number of teachers able to speak the various languages of the galaxy grew with it, and G19-B12 fell out of use. Some time later, it was brought out of storage and brought back online for Ar to use, as it only ever needed to translator his words for others. Being such an old model, its personality is very simple, and utterly bland.
- Jedi Master Breena: An Echani weapons master, Breena has been assigned as Ar's 'spiritual councilor.' After returning from his long reprieve, several members of the council were worried about his interest in certain force techniques, and some of his new 'theories' concerning the force. At one time, Breena had been one of Ar's students. Given the familiarity, the council felt she would be the best choice to determine if he was beginning to stray towards the dark side. She accepted, and while it was never told to him directly, she has become his unofficial superior so she can keep an eye on him.
List of all known ownerships, including vessels, (non-standard) equipment, and locations.
- The Sheewok: A slightly modified defender light corvette, the Sheewok does not technically belong to Ar. It is the property of the Jedi order, and anyone who has it issued to them can pilot it. However, its modifications are to allow for larger individuals-specifically, those Ar's size-to pilot it comfortably. As such, it is generally assumed that he will be the one piloting it.
- Multiphase Greatsaber: Ar's lightsaber is, as expected, quite large. It was designed specifically for a two-handed grip, and is just over two feet in length. When activated, the blade created is just six and a half feet in length. However, a small switch located inside the blade can pivot the crystals inside, shortening the blade to only four feet in length. To counter its large size, the metal used is lighter than traditional, though it is still much heavier than a standard lightsaber.
- Armor: Very crude in design, Ar's armor only incorporates minimal protection. Essentially, it's a series of metal plates that connect to a leather harness he wears in battle. It consists of a chest piece, bracers, and shin guards. Apart from that, it includes a thick belt that holds several pouches, and which he attaches his sword when not in use.
- Weapons: Ar owns a large number of weapons which he keeps locked in a safe at the temple. He has collected them as gifts over the years, and practices with them frequently enough to remember the training they require. His collection includes: Bowstaffs; spears; javelins; battle axes; battle hammers; long swords; short swords; kukri; rapiers; sai; long bows; short bows; cross bows; pistols; rifles; shotguns; sickles; glaives; daggers; throwing stars; throwing axes; and blueprints for a catapult. He never takes them into battle, but he keeps them to practice with. In the past, he has passed his training on to non-jedi, to help them protect themselves against aggressors. In his own (translated) words: "A Jedi cannot always be present to defend people. Sometimes, people must defend themselves. It is better this training come from a Jedi, who will teach them control, than a mercenary who will teach them only what they pay for."
Psychological evaluation of Jedi Order member.
Submitted by Jedi Master Breena, at request of the Council
In accordance with my duties to the Council, I have performed an in-depth evaluation of the mental state of Jedi Knight Arrgrr. My findings are as follows;
- Foremost, I have discovered no evidence of the dark side within him. He is, as ever, completely dedicated to the code of our order.
- He is as rigid in adherence to his own personal code as he has ever been. That code has simply changed, or 'evolved' as he puts it.
- The noted increase in his desire for conversation, so far as I could discover, is a byproduct of his long separation from society.
- His interest in learning about controlled force techniques is based on discoveries he made in his own studies. I highly recommend allowing him access, to ensure his learning is pointed in a positive direction.
My study of Ar and his new habits was made over the course of nearly a month. During this time, we frequently spoke, sparred together, and took part in the same social settings. While he has changed somewhat from when he was my teacher, the change itself seems to be a natural part of his forward movement along his own path.
Normally, the increased connection to the force I have seen within him would be cause for me to suggest his advancement to the position of master. However, it is with deep regret that I must suggest knight Ar never be promoted to such a position. The light I have found within him is nearly blinding in its intensity, and his connection with the force is one of the strongest I have ever encountered. All of this is, with no doubt, purely a product of the path he chose to walk towards personal betterment.
With that said, I fear his promotion to the rank of master would prompt others to follow his path. Regardless of his own advancement, the line he has walked is razor thin. That he has emerged from such a path not only unscathed, but truly stronger for having walked it, stands as the ultimate marker for his dedication to the light side. However, I have no doubts that others attempting this same path would lead to disaster for our order. As such, Knight Ar must never advance beyond his current position.
Normally, the increased connection to the force I have seen within him would be cause for me to suggest his advancement to the position of master. However, it is with deep regret that I must suggest knight Ar never be promoted to such a position. The light I have found within him is nearly blinding in its intensity, and his connection with the force is one of the strongest I have ever encountered. All of this is, with no doubt, purely a product of the path he chose to walk towards personal betterment.
With that said, I fear his promotion to the rank of master would prompt others to follow his path. Regardless of his own advancement, the line he has walked is razor thin. That he has emerged from such a path not only unscathed, but truly stronger for having walked it, stands as the ultimate marker for his dedication to the light side. However, I have no doubts that others attempting this same path would lead to disaster for our order. As such, Knight Ar must never advance beyond his current position.
List and description of known and suspected flaws. To be put into restricted database.
- Communication: As a wookie, Ar has difficulty communicating with the majority of sentient species without the aid of a translator. While he himself understands a great many languages, he is capable of speaking very few. Without someone to translate, his ability to communicate is heavily restricted.
- (In)Famous: As a result of his age, level of skill, and unique appearance, Ar is extremely well known. Before his retreat, this served as protection. His reputation dissuaded very many from attempting to move against him. Since his return, however, it has drawn a great deal of attention to him. Bounty hunters, Sith, Emperial soldiers, and many others now wish to challenge him. It can be to claim an old bounty, to win personal glory, or even just to remove a possible threat.
- Force Specialization: While he only has an in-born talent for the Force Sight technique, he is considered to have an innate talent for any technique that effects or alters him personally. However, while he has proven capable of performing most basic techniques with minimal skill, anything outside of himself he has very little power over. As an example, he has never been documented lifting more than five pounds of weight with telekinesis. This is not a secret, and is in fact a widely known blind spot of his.
- The Retreat: Ar spent twenty years completed isolated from civilization, as part of his training to perfect his Force Sight technique. It has only been two years since his return. By extension, there is a very large gap in his knowledge concerning most recent events. Equally, though he is a well known figure throughout most of known space, his knowledge of other well known figures is roughly twenty years out of date. Many people of note during his time are now dead, or have otherwise changed their position in life. As well, he is very unaware of the newer infamous figures around the galaxy.
- Honor Code: Ar holds himself to a personal code, that expands further on the code of the Jedi. He holds himself to this code incredibly fiercely, to the point where his connection to the force has been known to get disrupted when he inadvertently breaks it. Not because the force itself imposes this code upon him, but because his mental state is so greatly disarrayed by it. Important points of this code include: 1.)Never killing, 2.)Never leaving an ally behind, 3.)Never lying, and 4.)making an honest attempt to convert Sith to the light side whenever possible.
Known interests of the force-user.
- Diary: Knight Ar is known to keep a dairy. He originally began the practice as a padawan, under the direction of his master, knight Davox. In general, the diary is updated on a daily basis. This was interrupted by his twenty-year retreat, but continued on his arrival. Past journals are kept in open record in the Jedi Temple public archives, and their contents open information to anyone who cares to read them. Very few people have, as Knight Ar's journals are in a paper-and-pen format, and are written in his original, local dialect of Shyriiwook.Entry 50;Di-Loash/The Trials
The trial began. The mission was to be simple. Master discovered a Sith. Took us to the lair. Master told me I would demonstrate Skill. We arrived. Three warriors joined us. One was born a merchant. One claimed to understand Shyriiwook. Two did not understand Shyriiwook. Three did not understand Shyriiwook. I spoke to Master. I spoke to One. I could be understood. The hunt began. Master told me to track the Sith. The Sith had a strong scent. Tracking was easy. Tracking the Sith was too easy. I should have realized the tracking was too easy. I did not realize. The Sith tricked us. Five enemies ambushed us. Master deflected their attacks. I rushed forward to assault them. The warriors rushed to cover. Master was attacked by the Sith. The Sith took Master's legs. Two and Three attacked the Sith with blasters. One went to Master. I ordered them to retreat. One told the warrios I gave the order to run. I deflected the enemies' attacks. One yelled they had found a cave. I retreated to the cave. I ordered the warriors to take defensive positions. One told the I gave the order to hide. Master had entered Great Sleep. The cave was small. I used Master's knowledge. I defended the cave. The Sith attacked. The enemies attacked. I defended the cave. The enemies began attacking as three. Three enemies attacked. I defended the cave from blaster fire. Two enemies attacked with the Sith. I began to tire. I defended the cave. The sun set. One gave me food. I defended the cave. I slept on my feet. The enemies attacked. I defended the cave. The sun rose. The Sith attacked. I grew weaker. I called on Strength. Strength let me defend the cave. Enemies attacked. The Sith attacked. The sun set. Strength overtook me. I defended the cave. One brought me food. I told the warriors to take up defenses. One told them I said to hide. The enemies attacked. I was tired. I defended the cave. My body became weak. The Strength left me. I did not know how to hold it. The Sith attacked. I defended the cave. The sun came up. One told me Master awoke. His Great Sleep was over. The enemies attacked. My body began to fail. I was tired. The Sith attacked. I knew defeat came for me. Master ordered me to defend the cave. I felt my body regain strength. I defended the cave. The enemy retreated. The Sith attacked. Master ordered me to defend the cave. My body continued to move. I defended the cave. The sun set. The enemy attacked. The Sith attacked. One said Master had become weak. I did not see his weakness. I could hear Master's Strength. My body continued standing. I defended the cave. The sun rose. Master passed. I felt his Light fail. My body began to fail again. The enemy attacked. The Sith attacked. I fell. The warriors attacked. I began the Great Sleep. I woke up. The sun had risen five times. I was back at the Temple. The Masters told me I had passed. The trial of Skill was passed. The trial of Courage was passed. The trial of Flesh was passed. The Masters told me I was to face two trials. I was taken to a tall room. I was told to meditate. Master Shei'lek would guide me. I entered myself. The Master told me to search for my Darkness. I searched. I found my happiness. I saw my Master. I found my sadness. I saw my Master pass. I found my anger. The Sith took my Master's legs. I found my Darkness. I saw myself falter. I saw myself fail. I felt my Master's Strength. I remembered my Master's words. I found my Light. I would become strong. I felt Strength.
I left my mind. My eyes opened. I saw darkness. There was no light. There was no sound. There was no scent. Master Shei'lek was not there. I feared this darkness in the past. I feared it no more. My Light guided me. The Masters appeared from the darkness. Master Shei'lek spoke. Master Shei'lek said I had passed. I was now a Knight.
There is no death, there is the Force.My Light guides me. My Strength will guide othersEntry 31,274;Alreth/The Loss
Times have changed. I have changed. The Strength shows me more than it ever has. Still it can show me more.
Loss is not easy to accept. Failure comes to me with ease. From failure I gain knowledge. From loss I gained only shame. There is knowledge in loss. The knowledge does not outweigh the sacrifice.
My ship landed near our camp. We had defeated the Imperial ship a month before. There had been no sightings of additional forces. I ordered patrols to be made anyway. As soon as the doors opened I knew there had been an attack. The scent of death was too great for anything else. We quickly entered the building. I heard blaster fire. I ordered my men to take up position and move down. The enemy had fortified themselves. I took the lead while Binkman brought up the rear. We descended the first set of stairs. The enemy was beneath us then. I could see the murderous intent. The smell of fear grew stronger as we went down. They must have entered from the basement.
When I entered the room I could see what was happening. The enemy had attacked while my team was on patrol. When we had engaged the enemy vessel a month before they had fired wildly at the base. We had assumed it was a desperate attempt to inflict any amount of damage before their defeat. They had actually created a massive hole that must have gone under our base. The collapsed floor suggested the use of explosives to cave the first floor down onto the basement.
Looking down from the stairwell I could see the bodies of fifty of my allies. I could no longer see their Light. The smell of fear hung to so many of them. I could hear the echoes of their cries for help. My eyes fixed on the only three in the room that were walking. They were dressed as Imperial soldiers. I could only watch as they fired on the last living Republic soldier in the room. It finally made sense to me why fear hung so heavily in the room. They had been executing everyone that had been trapped when the floor collapsed. So many of them had survived the original attack. It had been a meal break. The majority of those present were not even soldiers. They were civilians that had worked as maintenance staff for the Republic base. Over half of our force had been out on scouting duty. They had been out on my order.
These three men had killed my allies. My friends smelled of only fear because of their actions. My own aura blinded my sight as I attacked them. Their screams and the sounds of their blaster fire led me to them. I smelled their fear as I struck them down. A single stroke had left each split in half.
I had never killed a sentient before. When their light was extinguished I could not see it through my own aura. I felt it instead. The Strength shook within me. My very being bulked at the sensation of Light snuffed by my hand. As their bodies fell so did mine. My allies came down and lifted me. Reports were coming in from those still scouting. Another enemy ship had come into orbit. The fallen base left a blind spot in our defenses. I was taken out of the base and loaded into our scouting vessel. The order was given by the acting superior to retreat. I was unable to give the order myself.
There is no chaos, there is harmony. Every life has a Light. It is not my place to darken that Light.Entry 51,857;Jedi Temple/Sparring
Master Breena came to speak with me again today. It is still odd to call an old student 'Master.' She is good company so I do not mind. Her aura has had a strange scent ever since my return. From the intensity I would think it has been there a long time. Her Light has darkened since I left. With age comes the weight of experience. It is good to hear serenity in her voice. Whatever has darkened her Light has made her stronger.
We spoke for some time. I had just finished a loaf of cinnamon bread. When we had ended our talk the entire loaf was gone. I will have to make another. I could feel the joy it gave her.
She asked to spar with me again. We have sparred any times since my return. Sparring with Master Breena is like a long debate. Often I leave the room feeling like I have lost the debate. Her aura always tells me that she would have preferred a more complete victory. From the determination I heard in her breath I knew she intended to have that victory this time.
We entered the room. She warned me that this time she would not hold back. She took a stance I have never before seen. As she did I watched as her aura began to darken. The anger came off her in waves that made my nose numb. I have never heard an intent to kill with more clarity than she presented it. I choose to take it as a sign of respect for my skill. She believes that I am capable of facing such an overwhelming foe without risk to my well being.
Her faith in me may one day kill me. I was left with no choice but to take up my Shii-cho stance. I have not used it since my return from the retreat. It had been my hope I would not need to again for some years. Breena always did enjoy pushing me to my absolute limits. As in the past I could not show how much it would take from me. Even as a Master of the Order she has room to improve her skill. If none besides me can show her this it is my responsibility to shoulder that burden.
When I took my stance her aura became more intense. It was only then I realized that she was using Juyo. I could smell the anger I had caused within her. Each word she spoke echoed in my ears the many times I had humbled her as a student. Luckily I had a surprise to match hers.
My eyes closed. My Strength took all sensation from my body. All of my perception focused entirely on her. I could smell only her feelings. I could hear only her intent. All I could see was her aura. Her entire being was before me as clearly as the view of the forest from the top of the mountain ridge. As I had known every path there so did I know every part of her being. Learning Juyo had been such a burden on her. Calling on that knowledge simply to challenge herself upon me was painful for her Light.
We began. I became a spectator to the combat. My Strength took control of my forms. I could see the pace of the combat only through her. Her forward assault launched into dozens of strikes landing within the first minute. Each strike was deflected by my blade. Had it not been I would have been cleaved in two. As quickly as her strikes came at me I must have been moving at incredible speeds. Certainly faster than I had ever compelled my own body to move. From how frequently she dodged away I must have been delivering counter stroke. The motions of her wrists and hips suggested parried blows. With my senses disconnected I had to trust that she would halt if I received severe damage. While she disengaged then relaunched the attack several times she was never injured. I could not hear pain within her. She also did not smell of shame.
There was no indication of time. With my senses suppressed I could only judge time based on Breena. With how quickly I know she can move it was nearly impossible to gauge. Only when she halted did I allow myself to return. The smell of her disappointment was beginning to fill my nose.
When my sensation returned I was mid swing to the final strike. With all my will I forced my trakata strike. As the smell of burnt cloth filled my nose I became aware of what had happened. She had taken a single moment to change stances thinking she was outside of my range. My grip had adjusted on my lightsaber to allow for the length needed to reach her. She must have assumed a feint before the strike landed. Before the strike would have drawn across her chest. For the first time in many years she thanked me for the lesson. Then she left. Wounded pride always had an acrid smell.
Once she left the room I collapsed. I entered the Great Sleep for the rest of the day. I woke up the next morning in my room with the initiate I had been teaching Shyriiwook. He had come for his lesson and found me in my sparring room. I informed him where I hid the chocolate chip cookies. I had eaten half a loaf of bread saturated with sugar before the sparring match. I spent nearly ten hours in the Great Sleep afterwards. When I awoke I felt like I was starving. After eating all of the cookies save the three the initiate ate I went to relieve myself. I discovered after that I had lost two kilograms of body fat as a result of the match. As it had back in the forest my technique had sapped every once of energy I could give it to direct my body as the Strength demanded. Hopefully Master Breena will not request a rematch within the next few days. I go now to take dinner with the initiate. Though he has a distinct accent he is learning Shyriiwook well. Perhaps I should take him as a Padawan if he passes his trials.
There is no ignorance, there is knowledge. Knowledge can be the ultimate weapon. If I am to impart such knowledge then first my student must know its weight. - Cooking: Knight Ar is known to enjoy cooking. Specifically, he is an accomplished baker, and has been known to prepare large quantities of cookies, pies, sweet breads, and other, similar baked goods. While he has been objectively judged by more refined pallets as being of a mediocre skill level, the breadth of his skill is of note, as he is in the habit of collecting recipes from every planet he visits. Also of note, knight Ar has an uncanny ability to detect what foods a given person is craving. Naturally, the combination of these attributes leads many to appraise his skills more favorably than most critiques have. Of course, this also makes him very popular among younglings.
- Reading: Knight Ar is an avid reader, and can be found with a hard-copy book at almost all times when within the Jedi Temple. He prefers novel-style fiction, though has been known to read almost anything. As such, he is a well known sight within the Jedi Temple library.
Notes on skillset specialization, if applicable.
Jedi Guardian: While Knight Ar is not recognized officially as any one specialization of the Guardian path, he has notably gone out of his way to acquire training and experience in each of the roles associated with Guardians.
Major achievements on record.
In order of accomplishment:
- Victory at Di-Loash
- Advancement to Jedi Knight
- Defense of Kyroh
- Victory at Yarvile Pass
- Victory at Mook'tar Peak
- Invasion of Alreth
- Interception of Imperial Flagship to Alreth
- Defense of Republic station Zed-9/9-Beta
- Recognition of Mastery:Force Sight
Major failures on record. Confidential.
In order:
- Trial of Spirit: First Attempt
- Defeat at Alreth
- Defeat at Relsh
Personal biography, as detailed by the candidate for use in Jedi archives. Acquired shortly after last achievement of note.
Personal Biography of Jedi Knight Ar; Collected by Jedi Master Breena after Official Recognition of Mastery of Technique: Force Sight
A full account of Jedi Knight Ar's early life can be found in detail within the Jedi Archives. However, I will provide a short summary here, as a note of reference; Little is known about knight Ar's life before his arrival at the temple. He was brought to the Jedi by his parents. While the wookiee home world is located in Imperial controlled space, their species' long lives and low production of force sensitives has reportedly left them mostly unmolested by Sith looking to recruit for their academy. While it is Imperial law that discovered force sensitives become trained as Sith, Ar's parents rightly believed it best that he be given to the Jedi Temple for training. Being hunters living in a very remote part of their home world, they managed to make it off planet and into Republic space without being discovered. No additional contact has been made with them since their departure to return home.
Knight Ar came to the temple at an age older than would traditionally be preferred. He was reportedly eleven standard years of age when his parents brought him to the Temple, with all available knowledge of wookiee physiology supporting this claim. While initiates are generally younger when they come to the Temple, knight Ar's training was not greatly impacted by his age. His natural gifts with the force site technique had prompted his parents to begin training him to hunt at an early age-which provided an acceptable beginning for combat training-while also instilling in him a respect for life and a natural balance in nature. This philosophy proved compatible with Jedi teachings, and served as a stable foundation to build upon. Similar teaching by his parents proved true for survival skills, basic medical skills, and a simple understanding of speeder flight. As such, he quickly caught up to his peers, and was able to begin padawan training at age fifteen. His padawan trials were each passed without issue. Only his trial of insight is worthy of note; He was instructed to mediate for a minor land ownership dispute. During mediation he discovered that the two parties involved had been unable to produce significant proof of ownership because the land was actually owned by a third party, deceased the previous year. The deceased's next of kin was thus informed.
Knight Ar received training from Knight Davox-now deceased. Records concerning their time together are scarce-Knight Davox was known to be adverse to providing proper documentation-though it is known that Knight Davox was asked by Ar's instructor to take him on as Padawan. Knight Davox was a lasat specializing in exotic weapons' training. He is notable for being one of few Jedi who have shown a talent for the advanced Force Sight technique while maintaining his traditional sight. He was also known for being an expert tracker and hunter, and would often undertake missions to locate Sith hiding in Republic space. During his training, Ar acquired these skills.
Among Knight Ar's many accomplishments, to the older Jedi of the order, his victory at Di-Loash stands as the most impressive. As a result of this one victory, he was declared to have passed the trials of skill, courage, and flesh. Over a period of four consecutive days, then-Padawan Ar managed to fend off a Sith and five mercenaries wielding traditional blasters. He held ground at the entrance of a cave, and used Soresu to defend himself, his heavily-injured master, and three local law enforcement officers. While existing interviews would suggest that he completed this with neither rest nor food, Ar himself has stated that he took brief rest on several occasions, and sustained himself on nutrient bars. It is believed that he also employed the Force Revitalize technique to further sustain himself, which his master had been a known expert practitioner of. While he did not defeat the opposing group, his stand allowed time for reinforcements to arrive and the battle to ultimately be one. Unfortunately, the injuries sustained by his master proved too severe, and Knight Davox passed part way through the third day.
His trials of spirit and insight were performed upon his return. He has been recorded to have passed both on his first attempt, and upon the same day. While details on the trials are scarce, it is known that an elaborate illusion was constructed while he meditated for his trial of spirit. When the trial of spirit ended, Ar was subjected immediately to the illusion, which he was able to recognize as such.
His trials of spirit and insight were performed upon his return. He has been recorded to have passed both on his first attempt, and upon the same day. While details on the trials are scarce, it is known that an elaborate illusion was constructed while he meditated for his trial of spirit. When the trial of spirit ended, Ar was subjected immediately to the illusion, which he was able to recognize as such.
Knight Ar has led a long life, during which time he has steadfastly served the Jedi Temple and the Republic. His adherence to the Jedi Code has been equally unfaltering, to the point he has created a personal code of honor to which he holds himself accountable. This code expands on the existing strictures of the Jedi Code, though he has never presented it fully to any fellow Jedi. That is not to say it is hidden; The code, and its variations, can be found written at the beginning of each of his journals, available in the Jedi public record. These journals, in addition to the many reports he has filed on the matter, provide a complete record of his life as a Knight. Any further research upon Knight Ar should be sought there.
Over twenty standard years ago, Knight Ar requested an extended leave of absence from active service. This request did not state how long he would be gone, though it did include detailed instructions on how to find him should he be needed. The purpose of this retreat was to disconnect from outside influence, allowing him a chance to more completely attune himself to the force. Specifically, he wished to take the final step to complete mastery of the Force Sight technique. Having interviewed Ar upon his return, I have discovered the following concerning this absence;
Upon his return, he was welcomed by the current council and returned to his life as a Knight Guardian. His mastery of the Force Sight technique was officially recognized, and he soon took on a Padawan. Those who knew him before the retreat have noted a marked increase in his general disposition, as well as an overall desire to take part in society which he had previously not displayed. This was determined to be a side effect of his long absence from society, and not influence by the dark side.
During this retreat, Knight Ar isolated himself completely from society. He sought a world rich in flora and fauna, and created for himself a simple shelter upon arrival. The only items he brought with him were his lightsaber, and a supply of materials he intended to use for training. For the first five years, he used his supplies to isolate his traditional senses, to rely solely upon his perception through the Force. During this time, he claims to have honed his technique, as well as learned to better control techniques associated with advanced Force Sight. The three years following consist of a combination of training that involved using the Crucitorn technique to restrict his senses as he had done previously with physical supplies, learning to focus the entirety of his perception through the Force on a single object, and practice of basic Shii-Cho forms. After this time, he found himself uncertain as to how to proceed, and spent the following two years conforming to a traditional training regimen, as well as spending a great deal of time in deep meditation. During this time, he considered possible steps to progressing in his training, until he settled on the idea of trying to perceive the world without the influence of the Force. Over the next five years, he spent his time consistently training to learn to perform a variation of the Force Stealth technique. The result, though his variant is highly impractical for the technique's general use, enabled him to accomplish his goal. After spending one full day under this effect, he claims to have had an epiphany. By seeing the world without the influence of the force, he was better able to see how the force influenced his perception. He then proceeded to prepare himself for the next step in his training, spending six months training until he felt ready. Then, he proceeded to spend two entire years completely separated from the influence of the force. During this time, he learned to live as someone unaware of the force would. This, by his account, gave him great insight into the nature of the Force, and how its effects alter our perception. Near the end of this training, he found it difficult to reconnect with the force, taking an additional two months to 'find it' again. The remainder of his time during the retreat was spent compiling everything he had discovered, internalizing it, and readjusting himself to life connected to the Force. For reasons that should be self-evident, I strongly urge the Council to never make this knowledge public.
Upon his return, he was welcomed by the current council and returned to his life as a Knight Guardian. His mastery of the Force Sight technique was officially recognized, and he soon took on a Padawan. Those who knew him before the retreat have noted a marked increase in his general disposition, as well as an overall desire to take part in society which he had previously not displayed. This was determined to be a side effect of his long absence from society, and not influence by the dark side.
