The Jedi Order

The Jedi’s legacy spans millennia, tracing back to the ancient Je’daii of Tython and evolving into a disciplined Order committed to the light side of the Force. Their history is a tapestry of triumphs, trials, and an ongoing quest to balance their peacekeeping duties with the allure of power.

Birth on Tython The Jedi trace their lineage to Tython, a Force-rich world where the Je’daii Order emerged before 25,000 BTR (Before Treaty of Ruusan). These mystics revered the Force’s dual nature—Ashla (light) and Bogan (dark)—living in balance atop great Tho Yor pyramids. The Force Wars, sparked by a rift over the dark side’s dangers, shattered this harmony. Survivors who rejected Bogan’s chaos founded the Jedi Order, vowing to wield the Force for good. Master Garon Jard, an early visionary, inscribed their purpose:

“The Force is a river—guide it gently, lest it flood and destroy.”

The Jedi Code and Beyond

The Jedi Code, penned by Master Odan-Urr after studying ancient holocrons, became their bedrock:

“There is no emotion, there is peace. There is no ignorance, there is knowledge. There is no passion, there is serenity. There is no chaos, there is harmony. There is no death, there is the Force.”

Beyond the Code, the Jedi embrace the Living Force—a belief in its immediate presence in all life—and the Unifying Force, a cosmic perspective on destiny. Master Yoda, Grand Master in 981 RSY, teaches:

“Feel the Force around you—here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere.”

This duality shapes the Jedi's meditation and foresight, setting them apart from secular powers.

Ranks of Enlightenment

• Younglings: Identified via midi-chlorian tests, they train in clans like the Katarn Clan, mastering basic Force techniques and lightsaber forms.
• Padawans: Chosen by a mentor, they wear a braid symbolizing apprenticeship, learning through trials like the Gathering on Ilum to claim a kyber crystal.
• Jedi Knights: Proven through the Trials of Knighthood, they serve as the Order’s backbone, wielding self-crafted lightsabers.
  • Jedi Guardians: Warriors excelling in combat, favoring forms like Ataru.
  • Jedi Consulars: Scholars and diplomats, adept in Niman and Force lore.
  • Jedi Sentinels: Blending combat and stealth, Sentinels serve as scouts, spies, and urban operatives, often wielding rare yellow lightsabers.
• Jedi Investigators: A subset of Sentinels, these sleuths root out corruption and dark side influence, wielding keen perception and subtle Force skills.
• Jedi Masters: Wise and skilled, they guide the Order’s future, often joining the Jedi Council.
• Master of the Order: Second to the Grand Master, this Master oversees daily operations and discipline. In 981 RSY, Mace Windu holds this role, his stern resolve a counterpoint to Yoda’s mysticism.
• Grand Master: Yoda, a centuries-old sage, leads with unparalleled insight.

The Jedi Council Housed in the Temple’s Council Tower, the 12-member Jedi Council governs the Order. Masters like Mace Windu, a master of Vaapad combat, and Plo Koon, a sage of empathy, balance tradition with adaptability. Dissenters like Qui-Gon Jinn, who defied orders to follow the Force’s will, show that not all Jedi see eye to eye.

Lightsabers, forged with kyber crystals from Ilum, are a Jedi’s soul made manifest. The Order teaches six primary forms of lightsaber combat, each with distinct strengths and philosophies:

Form I: Shii-Cho – The Way of the Sarlacc

The foundational form, Shii-Cho is taught to all Younglings as the default style. Simple yet versatile, it emphasizes broad, sweeping strikes and disarming techniques, ideal for facing multiple foes or blaster fire. Master Kit Fisto, a Nautolan adept, showcased its fluidity in battle. Yoda instructs:

“Shii-Cho is the root—wild, untamed, but strong.”

Form II: Makashi – The Way of the Ysalamiri

A refined, elegant form, Makashi excels in lightsaber duels with precise, controlled movements. Favored by Jedi Investigators like Taryn Soll for its finesse, it counters single opponents with grace. Count Dooku, a Master in 981 RSY, wields Makashi with unmatched skill, saying:

“Precision is power; elegance, its proof.”

Form III: Soresu – The Way of the Mynock

The ultimate defensive form, Soresu creates an impenetrable shield against blasters and blades. Jedi Sentinels and Obi-Wan Kenobi, a rising Knight, rely on its tight, efficient parries to outlast foes. Kenobi reflects:

“Soresu turns survival into victory.”

Form IV: Ataru – The Way of the Hawk-Bat

An aggressive, acrobatic form, Ataru leverages flips and leaps for dynamic offense. Guardians like Qui-Gon Jinn use it to overwhelm enemies, though its energy demands caution. Yoda, despite his size, masters Ataru, noting:

“Swift you must be, but reckless you must not.”

Form V: Djem So – The Way of the Krayt Dragon

A powerful, assertive form, Djem So blends defense with crushing counterattacks. Guardians favor its strength, and Mace Windu adapts it into his Vaapad variant, channeling aggression safely. Windu warns:

“Djem So demands control—lose it, and you lose yourself.”

Form VI: Niman – The Way of the Rancor

A balanced, versatile form, Niman integrates Force abilities with moderate bladework. Consulars like Korrin Thra use it for diplomacy-turned-defense, though it lacks specialization. Master Jocasta Nu praised:

“Niman is the bridge—mind and blade as one.”

The Gathering on Ilum sees Padawans claim kyber crystals, while the Jedi Funeral—a pyre burning as the Force reclaims the fallen—affirms their transcendence. Sentinels and Investigators often adapt these rites, favoring practicality over ceremony.

The Sith Wars

• The Hundred-Year Darkness (7,000 BTR): Jedi exiles became Sith; the Order prevailed at Takodana.
• The Great Sith War (4,000 BTR): Exar Kun’s betrayal led to the Sacking of Ossus, a grim lesson.
• The Jedi Civil War (3,960 BTR): Revan’s redemption rebuilt the Order from ruin.
• Ruusan Reformation (1,000 BTR): The Seventh Battle of Ruusan ended the Sith, reshaping the Jedi.

The Jedi in the Age of Renewal (0 RSY - 981 RSY)

After Ruusan, the Jedi embraced peace over war. Master Satele Shan’s lineage bolstered their libraries on Ossus.

• The Shroud of Dantooine (300 RSY): Sentinel Lirra Tey thwarted a dark cult.
• The Alenya Trask Sting (720 RSY): Investigator Joren Kade exposed Senator Alenya Trask of treachery.
• The Kessel Veil (910 RSY): Master Dooku, with Sentinel aid, unraveled a spice-dark side nexus.