Star Wars: The Jedi Civil War OOC

[Epyon]

Introduction: The bloody Mandalorian wars are finally over, thanks largely in part to the actions of a brash and battle-eager Jedi Knight named Revan. However, the Old Republic and the Jedi Order will not be able to rest just yet. Revan, and his friend Alek, have discovered the Star Forge, a massive station capable of producing fleets of warships and have founded their own Sith empire. Now, The Dark Lord of the Sith Darth Revan and his apprentice Alek, now known as Darth Malak are leading their Sith army, with Mandalorian veterans from the recent conflict are now inbound to Republic space with conquest on their minds. The first shots were fired in the Battle of Foerost where the Sith fleet dealt a surprise attack to the system and captured the Republic ships still at drydock on Foerost, they then take more systems as they push into Republic space.

 

The Galactic Republic and the Jedi Order respond by deploying their forces to the desert world Seslore to combat the Sith who have landed.

 

Rules:

All DC Forum rules apply.

Swearing within reason is permitted.

All attacks are attempts, no autohits. No godmods. No "perfect" characters. No Power plays

This RP will have Jedi and Sith. As a result, those characters will be stronger than say a regular soldier, but they still have limitations. Bear that in mind when you make your sheets.

Responses should be at least five sentences long.

 

Character sheet.

[b]Username:[/b]
[b]Name:[/b]
[b]Age:[/b] 
[b]Species:[/b]
[b]Eye color:[/b] (Siths will always have Yellow Eyes. Not sure what I mean? Reference the eyes of Anakin Skywalker in Revenge of the Sith.)
[b]Fighting style/form:[/b] (Can be a mix of two or more, or simply stick with one if you wish)
[b]Alighment:[/b] (Jedi, Dark Jedi, Sith, Grey Jedi)
[b]Lightsaber color and type:[/b] (What color is your lightsaber? What kind of hilt? Again, Sith have red sabers, but you can play around with how intense the color is. No pink blades.)
[b]Other:[/b] (Miscellaneous information)

 

Couple side notes here:

Depending on your Alignment, I will PM you the applicable code.

While Grey Jedi's are on here, I will restrict how many people can be Grey Jedi. It's not going to be at all fun if there's only 1 or 2 Jedi and Sith while everyone else are Grey Jedi or regular soldiers. Yes the Force users are center stage in this RP but they still need blaster wielding soldiers. If you choose to be a regular soldier, simply put N/A for Alignment.

Edited February 4, 2017 by Epyon

[Epyon]

There are Seven Forms to Lightsaber combat. Of course, this is excluding the weapon specific forms, which we'll get to later.

 

Form I: Shii-Cho

As the most ancient style of lightsaber combat, Shii-Cho was developed during the transition period from swords to lightsabers. Lightsabers were wielded in a manner similar to swords, so many of the maneuvers, such as attacks or parries, remained unchanged, as the key principles of the old sword-fighting methods continued to be incorporated. Shii-Cho swordplay was simplistic and raw. In the hands of a master, the bladework was described as "like watching water flow over the falls." However, less adept practitioners displayed much more basic and somewhat clumsy performance. In combat, Form I encouraged deliberate tactics, calling for continuous, step-by-step advancement while cutting off the opponent's angles. Shii-Cho was specialized towards engaging multiple opponents, the wide, sweeping motions being ideally suited towards attacking numerous adversaries. However, Form I was not as useful against single opponents, as such enemies had complete mobility and could find a weakness in Shii-Cho's comparatively clumsy bladework. Shii-Cho fostered an emotionally-heated mindset, which resulted in the considerable temptation to execute combat with lethal intent, requiring great restraint to exercise the form without going too far. Despite the pull to kill, the style was designed for the purpose of disarming without seriously injuring.

 

Form II: Makashi

Makashi was the most dueling-centric of the seven forms, developed during an era where engagements with Darksiders and rogue Jedi became an almost routine activity. Form II's primary purpose was to serve as a counter to the first form; Shii-Cho. Makashi relied on precision swordplay to counter the sweeping movements demonstrated by Shii-Cho, and a heavy focus on protecting one's weapon to avoid being disarmed, the primary goal of Form I. Form II emphasized fluid motion and anticipation of a weapon being swung at its target, and so required very fluid movements of both the blade and the body. Timing, accuracy, and skill, rather than strength, were relied-upon to defeat one's opponent. With a skilled practitioner, the results were deadly. Makashi users were often elegant, precise, calm, confident to the point of arrogance (as befit Dooku's personality). Form II users were supremely confident in their chances for victory, and often looked so relaxed when they were fighting they even appeared to be dancing. Makashi duelists also trained themselves to avoid enslavement to form, as such enslavement opened the practitioner to be defeated by predictability and the unforeseen.

Due to Form II's emphasis on blade manipulation, and its many fluid one-handed moves, Makashi practitioners often wielded lightsabers that were specialized for such use. The most prominent weapon for this purpose was the curved-hilted lightsaber. These weapons were used because the curved hilt fit better into the palm, granting better blade control and allowing for greater precision and strength. In addition to this, wielders often created highly decorated weapons, and occasionally included blade-guards, as shown with Dooku's lightsaber. The other, considerably rarer, weapon type was the Lightfoil, a specialized type of lightsaber used by the Mecrosa Order. Original lightfoils were built with small handles for exclusively one-handed usage, and were much better balanced than typical lightsabers, allowing for greater precision.

 

Form III: Soresu

The original purpose of the Soresu form was to counter blaster-wielding opponents, as the previous combat styles focused on lightsaber dueling. Becoming the most defensive of the seven forms, Soresu utilized tight moves, subtle dodges and short sweeps designed to provide maximum defensive coverage, leaving the duelist less exposed to ranged fire. Over time, Form III came to transcend this basic origin and become an expression of non-aggressive Jedi philosophy. Soresu utilized motions that occurred very close to the body, in an attempt to achieve near-total protection and expend as little energy as possible while executing moves. Form III stressed quick reflexes and fast positional transition, in order to overcome the rapidity with which a blaster could be fired. This technique minimized the body's exposure, making a well-trained practitioner nearly invincible. Form III involved preparation for prolonged battles where the user observed and learned as much as possible about their opponent's or opponents' technique while engaged in combat. Also, by being more capable in lengthy battles, a Soresu user had the ability to gain control of a combat situation, creating multiple options for the Jedi employing the form. A Form III user could choose to kill, disarm, or even reason with their opponent. Truly focused masters of Soresu were very formidable due to their strong defense technique. However, Form III merely facilitated survival rather than victory. Form III initiates were more than capable of defending themselves from attack, but they needed a large amount of experience to learn how to effectively counter-attack and entrap opponents. Masters had to maintain an incredibly strong focus on the center of the combat circle, since the defensive tactics of the form included guards and parries engaged very close to the body. Jedi who left small lapses in their otherwise strong defense left little room to avoid injury.

 

Form IV: Ataru

Ataru was an aggressive combat form relying on a combination of power, strength, and speed. Practitioners of Ataru were always on the offensive, attacking with wide, fast, and powerful swings, constantly calling upon the Force to aid in their movements and attacks. By allowing the Force to flow throughout their body, they could overcome their physical limitations (including old age, as was the case with Master Yoda) and perform amazing feats of acrobatics, such as somersaults and backflips, not only for attack, but also to evade the attacks and strikes of their opponents. The standard components of Form IV focused on application of and smooth transition between the three axes of rotation in a three-dimensional space; the su ma. Specifically, the jung su ma (spinning), ton su ma (somersaults), and en su ma (cartwheels). Those who used Form IV could move at high speeds and could rain strong blows, jumping and attacking through the air. Powerful and quick spinning attacks could be utilized from all angles, either from ground or air. A master in Ataru combat could appear like a blur to their opponents, attacking from all directions—from the front, the sides, overhead, or behind. The Force not only allowed them to perform athletic feats not possible otherwise, but it also helped guide their actions and movements in combat. Obi-Wan Kenobi's backflip upon being kicked in the head is a perfect example of a Form IV recovery, redirecting the kinetic energy.

 

Form V: Shien / Djem So

Form V was created by Form III masters who desired a more offensive style, since the defensive nature of Form III could lead to prolonged combat, sometimes dangerously so. It evolved into an accepted style by combining the defensive maneuvers of Form III with the more aggressive philosophy and tactics of Form II. Form V also required a higher level of physical strength than the other lightsaber forms, due to its focus on complete domination of opponents. The form was developed alongside Form IV at a time when the Jedi were increasingly called upon to actively keep the peace. Form V had two distinct variations: Shien and Djem So.

 

Classic Form V, Shien was developed first. Known as the "Perseverance Form", Shien was designed to protect against enemy blaster fire and strikes without compromising one's ability to launch powerful counterattacks. With its focus against blaster fire, Shien kept in mind that Jedi were often outnumbered by their opponents and needed to defend themselves while retaining offensive capability. However, it lacked effectiveness against single opponents. Shien practitioners were known to favor, or at least regularly utilize, reversed grips.

 

Whereas Shien specialized in blast-deflection, the more advanced Djem So focused on lightsaber dueling. Utilizing a combination of blocks and parries, a Djem So user maintained a proper foundation in terms of defense against both ranged and melee attacks, but rather than counter only when necessary as per Soresu training regimens, Djem So actively pressed the offense. Djem So placed a heavy focus on brute strength, utilizing wide, powerful strikes and parries. Power attacks from a Djem So user could even knock an opponent back just through sheer kinetic force, throwing them off balance and leaving them vulnerable to further brute force strikes and power blows that sought not just to penetrate an opponent's defense, but drive them back and leave them unable to counter.

 

Form VI: Niman

Niman, the dual-blade style developed by the Royale Macheteros of the Kashi Mer, was named for the dual triumvirate of the Kashi deities. The style was adopted by the Legions of Lettow, a group of Dark Siders responsible for the First Great Schism of the Jedi Order. After the defeat of the Legion at the hands of the Jedi, Niman was adopted by the Jedi order, eventually being refined into the sixth form of lightsaber combat, referred to by the same name. Form VI attempted to balance all elements of lightsaber combat, combining the techniques from Forms that came before into a less intensely demanding combat style. In practice, Form VI was a combination of older forms (Forms I, III, IV, and V), and all of them in moderation. In the blending, much of the individuality was lost, but the strengths were spread evenly, and there was little weakness in it. Due to its "jack-of-all-trades" nature, the success of this form was largely dependent on the practitioner's intuition, improvisation, and creativity in combat rather than the rote responses derived from other forms. This broad generalization made Form VI well suited for diplomats, as they could spend their time training in the areas of politics and negotiation instead of combat training.

 

Form VII: Juyo

Juyo was described as the most vicious form of lightsaber combat, and was said to be filled with both fury and "malignant grace." The form came to be known as the most difficult and demanding in all of saber combat. Skilled combatants with Juyo were said by Jedi Master Vrook Lamar to be able to "eviscerate a lone enemy." According to the Sith Lord Darth Traya, the form was both chaotic and erratic, with a heavy focus on offense.

Jedi battlemaster Cin Drallig listed bold, direct motions as characteristics of Juyo, qualifying them as more open and kinetic than Form V, but with a less elaborate appearance than Ataru. Drallig contrasted the tactics of Juyo as not nearly as graceful or linked as those of Ataru, instead referring to them as "seemingly unconnected staccato sequences." He also listed one of the strengths of the form as its unpredictability. The form was said to necessitate greater energy than Form V, due to a broader wielding of a user's focus and a deeper emotional link. Despite the challenges inherent in the use of the form, it could serve as a pathway to considerable power.

 

Now, the Jedi Order encouraged the members of their order to use more than one of these forms into their own hybrid style. However, some Jedi and Sith believed that those with hybrid styles were no match for those who specialized in one form. Master Obi-wan Kenobi for example focused much of his energy on Soresu to compensate for the lack of defensive capabilities of Ataru, though eventually he switched to Soresu while Count Dooku specialized in Makashi.

 

Now for the styles of lightsaber combat.

 

Tràkata

The Tràkata style was based around the unique ability of lightsabers to turn on and off, activating and deactivating the blade in the heat of combat to slip past enemy defenses, or trick them into over-extending themselves. Philosophically, Tràkata involved practical combat and deception, rather than the more traditional single-minded and determined tactics that were the hallmarks of the Jedi and Sith. Sith had difficulty applying this style, as their power came from passion and rage rather than level-headed tactical ingenuity, and the Jedi refrained from this style due to their unwillingness to rely on deception. Also, deactivating one's lightsaber during combat offered greater control over the Force due to the removed distraction.

 

Dun Möch

Dun Möch was a traditional Sith tactic based around psychological warfare. Primarily, the practitioner relied on taunts that exposed an opponents inner doubts and weaknesses, disrupting their concentration. Proper execution of Dun Möch called for great patience and control, a rare trait among the Sith, especially those of the earlier eras. One of the finest demonstrations of this technique was in Darth Bane's defeat of Sirak during their time at the Sith academy on Korriban. He demonstrated the need for patience by drawing out the battle to take advantage of Sirak's lack of endurance, and exhibited fine control by withholding from striking an early killing blow as Sirak's form began to slip. Rather than settle for a quick victory, Bane sought to completely destroy Sirak, allowing the tantalizing closeness of victory to fuel his rage, unleashing it in a powerful blow that disarmed Sirak, ending the duel.

 

As mentioned previously, there are also weapon specific forms. Due to the incredible variations in lightsaber technology, and the various specialized weapons available, fighting and training methods for the use of these various implements were required. Most weapon variations were fairly minute changes in the size and shape of the lightsaber hilt, with the affects on combat being negligible. Curved-hilt lightsabers and Lightfoils allowed for greater precision and easier one-handed wielding, while Long-handle lightsabers allowed for improved leverage and power. Dual-phase lightsabers allowed for rapid changes in blade-length, and could be used to surprise enemies, but required no dedicated methods of specialized training beyond personal familiarity.

 

However, other variations on armament, such as double-bladed lightsabers or the wielding of dual-blades, required intense specialized training due to the difficulty in using such weapons.

 

Jar'Kai (dual-blade) combat:

The Jar'Kai style developed by the Yovshin Swordsmen was named for a city on Atrisia. The city of Jar'Kai was also the site where the original Jar'Kai dueling sabers were crafted. These weapons were utilized by the Yovshin and were designed for the express purpose of being dual-wielded. Niman, the dual-blade style developed by the Royale Macheteros of the Kashi Mer, was named for the dual triumvirate of the Kashi deities. The style was adopted by the Legions of Lettow, a group of Dark Siders responsible for the First Great Schism of the Jedi Order. After the defeat of the Legion at the hands of the Jedi, Niman was adopted by the Jedi order, eventually being refined into the sixth form of lightsaber combat, referred to by the same name. Both styles predated the invention and usage of lightsabers, but being designed to be practiced with swords, they were easily adapted. In addition, the word "Jar'Kai" became a blanket term for dual-blade combat in general, leading to the birth of the term "Jar'Kai tactic", which was to simply employ two blades in combat, regardless of whether one had received training in any dual-blade fighting style.

Dual-blade fighters, whether classical Niman duelists or individuals applying the Jar'Kai tactic, were able to maintain a strong offense, as the speed of attack that two blades allowed would overwhelm most opponents. A typical maneuver was to continually attack with one blade while relying on the other for defensive coverage, ensuring that the duelist could keep up his guard even as he attacked. However, it was common that both blades be used for offensive purposes, keeping up a continuous wave-front assault. Though a complete fighting system in and of itself, Jar'Kai was easily adapted to other styles.

 

Double-bladed lightsaber combat

The primary purpose of the double-bladed lightsaber was to allow for a faster rate of attack, unleashing a rapid assault with only a minimum of movement, "more slaughter per swing" as some put it. Saberstaffs were also excellent defensive weapons, as the doubled length of the weapon provided more surface area for deflecting and parrying. In addition to the practical benefits of the weapon, it also possessed a great psychological impact. The dual-blades increased the visual impact of the weapon, and in combat, opponents would intuitively try to track the blades separately rather than as a single weapon, overwhelming them.

However, despite all of the advantages offered by the weapon, its weaknesses were equally obvious. Special training was required to wield the weapon effectively, with those attempting to use it without such discipline likely to bisect or impale themselves.The techniques employable with a double-bladed lightsaber were extremely limited, as the second blade rendered many positions and movements impossible to execute, or required the wielder to twist himself awkwardly around the weapon to do so. Many techniques required the user to perform elaborate flourishes in order to move the staff around their body, leaving them open, and any sort of fighting method that focused on power or penetration was difficult to apply. Also, the enlarged hilt common to most double-bladed lightsabers presented a large target, difficult to defend.

 

Lightsaber pike combat

Resembling an ancient pole-arm in many respects, the primary purpose of the lightsaber pike was to allow vastly increased range. The primary feature of the weapon was the long shaft that the lightsaber was mounted on, which was machined from a lightsaber-resistant alloy, such as phrik. The shaft provided several advantages: drastically increased range, use as a close-quarters defensive weapon, with the large surface area of the shaft being used to block enemy strikes, and the improved leverage granted by such a large handle, allowing wielders to dole out devastating power attacks. However, like the double-bladed lightsaber, the weaknesses of such a weapon and the associated combat styles were obvious. The long shaft made many positions and movements awkward, sometimes impossible, to execute, it did not transition well between thrusts and slashes, and required plenty of open space to wield properly.

 

Lightwhip combat

Wielded in the same manner as a proper whip, the lightwhip was a rare and exotic weapon, an unfamiliar occurrence among traditional duelists. Due to this, lightwhip wielders enjoyed a considerable amount of leverage over opponents. Along with its rarity, lightwhips also featured copious range, the long, flexible energy strand allowing the wielder to attack from a range of several meters. The weapon was also difficult to defend against, as it could simply flex around an opponent's blade when he attempted to parry. When multiple tassels were included, the whip was able to overwhelm the defenses of enemies by attacking them from all sides. However, lightwhips featured just as many drawbacks as advantages. The lightwhip blade was difficult to control, able to just as easily maim an untrained wielder as an opponent, and was weaker than the standard lightsaber blade. It needed to be swung wide to gain momentum for attack, and it was difficult to use defensively as flexible tassels are not well suited for parrying, leaving the wielder vulnerable to both great speed and brute force. In fact, lightwhip blades were even known to short out violently when struck with enough force.

Edited February 3, 2017 by Epyon

[Epyon]

Now that you know the forms, you need a lightsaber to use them with. We'll discuss those here. Naturally, there are two parts to the lightsaber: The blade, and the hilt.

 

The hilt will always look like this inside.Hilt schematic

Now for the Hilt Types

Standard

By far the easiest to use and the most common type of hilt seen in the galaxy.

 

Electrum

A lightsaber with a hilt forged from gold-like electrum is often called an "Electrum lightsaber." The electrum finish gives the lightsaber a majestic, regal appearance. In the last days of the Old Jedi Order, golden and electrum lightsabers were reserved for senior members of the Jedi Council.

 

Curve-hilt

The curve-hilted lightsaber is a standard lightsaber design that came into use during the prime of Form II lightsaber combat. Curved hilts allow more precise movements as well as perfect flexibility in lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat. It is also more complex and gives the maker more of a challenge in aligning its crystals. It requires a minor variation in holding the grip. It needs to be held more in the palm, farther away from the fingertips. It gives the wielder more power with overhand strikes and can change the angle of the attacks by the merest fraction of a degree. Some moves are more difficult with the hooked hilt, but many others became far more effective. This hilt design is not limited to Form II. Its advantages in dueling carry over to every form including Form V.

 

Tonfa-Style

A rare perpendicular-gripped type of lightsaber. Its design allows for a wide variety of blocking, trapping, jabbing and slashing techniques making it a versatile and highly dangerous weapon in the hands of someone trained in its use.

 

Wrist-hilt

Another rare variation where the lightsaber is attached to the wrist instead of clipped to a belt. This makes it easier and faster to have the lightsaber ready since the weapon is always close at hand. It also makes concealing the lightsaber much easier, allowing for surprise attacks. Due to the deceitful and aggressive nature of this variation, it was not endorsed by the Jedi Order, but has found some favor with various Darksiders. Kinsuj Inkstu was known to use two wrist hilts

 

Now that you have something to hold, time for the types of blade.

 

Singlebladed

The most common variety of lightsaber.

 

Dual-Phase

This rare type of lightsaber uses a combination of focusing crystals to create a blade that can extend up to double the original length with a simple activation. Unlike typical lightsabers, which often have a manual adjuster for reducing the blade emission, the dual-phased blade can be triggered in an instant, adding an element of surprise to catch an opponent off guard. Additionally, dual-phase lightsabers also have a blade-width adjust.

 

Great Lightsaber / Light Club

The lightclub is a weapon similar to a lightsaber, however special focusing crystals and power systems enable this rare lightsaber to project a blade up to three meters in length. These large lightsabers are generally used only by beings of immense stature.

 

Short Lightsaber

The short lightsaber employs a shorter blade than the more common lightsaber. The smaller blade allows for easier use in combat by those Jedi who are of a smaller stature. Also, a short lightsaber is sometimes utilized in the Jar'Kai combat style by individuals of normal stature.

 

Shoto

The shoto is a lightsaber with a shorter blade and can be used as an assault knife. Because this type of lightsaber has a very small blade, it can even be easily used by those not sensitive to the Force. Essentially its purpose is to work in conjunction with another lightsaber and counter attacks by an opponent's weapon while freeing the primary lightsaber for a return strike. To this end shoto wielders are required to become proficient in the lightsaber technique of Jar'Kai in order to reduce risk of injury to themselves due to the increased dexterity needed to master the use of both blades simultaneously.

 

Underwater Lightsaber

Most lightsabers short out when the blade touches water, this blade is made to operate underwater due to two crystals employing a bifurcating cyclical-ignition pulse.

 

Firesaber

The crystals in this variation on the single blade are misaligned just enough to keep the solid core of the saber but cause the energy around it to flare out. Although not as effective a cutting tool as a regular lightsaber blade, the firesaber is still able to block other sabers and are often known to "spit" when struck - spilling lightsaber energy randomly to burn whatever is nearby. Often this kind of saber can cause as much damage to the user as it does to the enemy if they have no way to compensate for it. The sheer collateral damage the combatants endure from the firesaber during a duel tends to make any fighting brief. Firesabers can be very unstable, blowing up in their user's hands or simply having the blade die in mid-combat, unless they're built to exacting specifications.

 

Now, I know I mentioned Doubled bladed sabers and the like, here's some info about them.

 

Double-Bladed Lightsaber / Saberstaff / Lightsaber Lance / Lightstaff Doublebladed schematic (outer)

A long-hilted version of the standard lightsaber which can emit a blade from both ends. Each blade can be activated independently of one another or simultaneously. It can be one hilt or two normal lightsabers attached together. This is often even more dangerous to the untrained wielder than to the opponent. It came to be known as a "Sith lightsaber" because it was preferred by Sith and was possibly invented by Dark Lord of the Sith Exar Kun. Although double-bladed lightsabers are commonly believed to be aggressive and destructive, some Jedi have been known to wield them as well.

 

Fiber-Cord Linked Lightsaber

A fiber-cord linked lightsaber is a form of double-bladed lightsaber where the hilts are joined by a fiber cord. More difficult to control than a double-bladed saber, the fiber cord joint of the weapon gives the wielder the benefit of striking from unexpected angles. In addition, the hilt can be easily split into two to use the two blades separately and then be merged once again.

 

Forked Lightsaber

This form of twin-bladed lightsaber is essentially a regular crystal lightsaber with a second emitter coming out of the hilt at a 45-degree angle to the axis of the lightsaber. The hilt is also slightly curved.

 

Lightsaber Cane

The lightsaber cane consists of a cane or staff of varying degrees in length, with the lightsaber emitter located on one end. The cane serves as a long handle, increasing the reach and range of the weapon. Another advantage is surprise, as the cane's appearance can be rather commonplace until the lightsaber is lit.

 

Lightwhip

The lightwhip is an exotic variation of the lightsaber that only specially-trained Jedi can wield. It can either have a solid core of cortosis or other lightsaber-resistant minerals or it can be a blade of pure energy. Like the lightsaber, it emits a coherent beam of energy, but unlike the lightsaber's, it is long and flexible enough to be wielded like a whip.

 

Lightsaber Pike

The lightsaber pike, also known as lightsaber lance, was a unique weapon that resembled a primitive poleaxe in many aspects. The long handle of the weapon was made of phrik alloy, which allowed it to resist lightsabers. At the end of the handle was a lightsaber blade that was shorter and thicker than a normal one. The blade could be activated by a switch further down the weapon's haft. Including the blade, the weapon was almost as long as the wielder's body, and could keep enemies at a distance, giving the wielder the advantage of a longer reach.

Edited February 4, 2017 by Epyon

[Epyon]

Reserved

Edited February 3, 2017 by Epyon