Outlaw's Guide to the Galaxy 2.6: 200 Entries and Growing!!

[Nelowulf]

Entry No: 987651
Subject: Echuu Shen-jon (55 BBY - 1 BBY)

Capsule:

Possibly one of my [Nelowulf] personal favorite jedi, this is a character shrouded in the cloak of history, but perhaps is also one of the most overlooked characters, boasting quite an ability to be one of the few to survive Order 66.

The padawan of Mace Windu, Echuu grew to be a jedi knight, and had taken an apprentice by the name of Stam Reath, and the two participated in the Battle of Geonosis. During this, they suceeded in destroying several battleship cores, and were one of the jedi along with Ki-Adi-Mundi, Depa Billaba, and Plo Koon, in pursuing the fleeing Count Dooku, but the pair was intercepted by a chiss Dark Jedi named Sev'rance Tann, who was helping Dooku escape. Tann slew Stam, and got away.

The slaying of his pupil made Echuu go into a depression. Tann reappeared, taking the volcanic planet of Sarapin in a quick surgical strike, and Echuu was granted a new apprentice, Naat Reath, Stam's sister.

Echuu quickly took back Sarapin, and followed Tann to Krant, and began to fall to the dark side, along with his apprentice. Slaying Tann in revenge for Stam's death, he bade Naat to go back to the Jedi Council, while he remained to exonerate his sins in meditation and in hiding, where he would remain.

That is, until 22 years later, when the infamous Princess Leia Organa crash landed on Krant, trying to find information from and informant about plans for the Death Star. The Empire had managed to secure a precious crytal artifact, the Vor' Na' Tu' from Echuu. While the Vor' Na' Tu's powers were unknown, the Empire was going to find out. Princess Leia agreed to help Echuu, and with the help of Wookies led by Attichutchuk, landed on the planet of Geddes, which was later renamed Hanoon, and attempted to retake the artifact.

Though they aquired it, Vader had found out, and finally caught up to the rebels, and hoped to quell the disturbance. In a selfless act, Echuu fought Darth Vader, and died, but not before he split the Vor' Na' Tu' into four pieces.

Years later, Echuu would return to Leia and urge her and her brother to retrieve the shards of the Vor' Na' Tu'. The artifact would destroy itself, and so Echuu's role in the chronicles of Galactic history would be over.

Stats:

Gender: Male
Hair Color: Black
Eye color: Brown
Lightsaber: Single blue blade.

Lightsaber style: Unknown. Possibly basics of Form VII, Juyo.  

[Sol Walker]

Entry No: 1210
Subject: YT-1300
Capsule:

Bow before her spacers, for she is the Queen of the Spacelanes.
Her model number is a curse word on Kuat.
She is the dream of flyboys across the stars.
She has visited every port in the galaxy and then some.
And she is the epitome of the outlaw starship.
She is the Yt-1300 freighter.

Off the showroom floor, the queen is not very impressive.
no shields, a class two hyperdrive, and one piddling laser cannon. she can pace a y-wing though, and that aint bad.

what makes her a great outlaw ship is her flexibility. she can take as much customization as her owner can handle.
need an example?
the Millenium Falcon. that ship has seen so much customization and abuse its not even funny. and yet she can shoot down the best fighters in the sky and still make cross-galaxy runs like they were inter solar system jumps.

The Yt-1300 is infinately modifiable. the interior can be configured for passengers or cargo, and her cockpit tube can be run out on her starboard side, port side, or right down the center through her mandibles. Frankly there is no such thing as a "stock" Yt-1300.
In addition, their owners modify the hell out of them. no 1300 has ever gone a month after being purchased without being modified.
Running price for a new one is a flat 100k. used ones cost far less, usually going for around 25k.  

[Nelowulf]

Entry No: 487532
Subject: Plo Koon (?- 19 BBY)

Capsule:

A historically important Jedi, Plo Koon is commonly seen as an influential master around the time of the Clone Wars.

Plo is a Kel Dor, a species found on the planet Dorin. Due to the nature of their planet, normal levels of oxygen are considered poisonous, and are particularity deadly to the species, forcing all of them to wear special masks. Plo was not hindered by this though in becoming a jedi.

Plo was one of many jedi in his family. His uncle was a jedi, along with his niece, Sha Koon. Plo was trained by the late master Tyvokka, a rare wookiee jedi. The wookie mentor had a reputation for being patient, and Plo was considered the jedi's most.... frustrating pupil. Despite the aggravation the two faced, they would become nearly the best of friends. During the Stark Hyperspace Conflict, Plo rallied troops and secured a victory on Troiken, and this secured his place as a jedi master on the high jedi council. Unfortunately, Plo sadly had to take the spot of his mentor, who had died during the conflict, but had made a last request that Plo take his place.

Plo, like many of his species, is a quiet man, and also believed in a code of justice so stong, and so rough, that it borders on vigilantism. Though the Kel Dor see many things in black and white, possibly due to enhanced mental powers, this did not prevent Plo from becoming favorable to the Jedi. Though the rough justice might be frowned upon by the Jedi, Plo managed to make friends with some of the most notable characters in the galaxy, such as Aalya Secura, Qui-gon Jinn, and Kai-Adi-Mundi.

Many feats are attributed to Plo. Plo was the master who helped guide Aalya Secura back from the dark side using his telepathy. His skills with his mind, his body, and the force were notable. He could change the environment, freezing small lakes or create dense fog. Perhaps the most notable thing about Plo was his use of talons and the development of a skill called Electric Judgement. This skill was frowned upon by the Jedi, though, due to its nature of being much like force lightning the sith used.

During the Battle of Geonosis, he led an unsuccessful assault to destroy the Droid Control Ship. He was also among a group of jedi, notably Echuu Shen-Jon and Kai-Adi-Mundi, who was thwarted by a Chiss Dark Jedi when chasing Count Dooku.

Plo was killed when Order 66 was initiated. He was flying over Cato Neimoidia, when several fellow ARC-170 pilots shot him down.


Stats:

Height: 1.88 meters
Gender: male
Hair Color: none
Eye color: Black w/ silver irises
Lightsaber: Depending on the source, either a single yellow (video games) or blue (movie-cannon) blade.

Lightsaber style: Form V  

[Nelowulf]

Entry No: 65487
Subject: Ki-Adi-Mundi

Capsule:

Ki-Adi-Mundi is another notable Jedi Master around the time of the clone wars. Not to mention, he is quite odd, different from many of the jedi in several aspects, though quite proficient at what he did.

Ki was discovered by the rogue Jedi master An'ya Kuro, otherwise known as the Dark Woman. Ki was introduced into the jedi at the age of four- much later than normal during that era. None-the-less, he grew to become an adept jedi.

Cereans, like Ki, are a peaceful and simple people. They suffer from a low birthrate, and often engague in polygamy. Ki was one of the few jedi allowed to have wives. In fact, he had four wives, and seven daughters. Cereans also are unusual in the fact of their body. They have two hearts, but also a binary brain, one which is quite intelligent as well. While less coordinated than others, their brain allows them to be quite logical, intuitive, and insightful. Ki benefited from this aspect of his species, being able to weigh force decisions, both light and dark, relatively quickly.

Ki was designated as watchman of his planetary system, and proved useful before becoming a jedi master. He stopped the infamous Jabba the Hutt once. But his history before the clone wars is mostly unintriguing.

He was placed on the council at the rank of Jedi Knight, a rare honor indeed, replacing Micah Giett. He later trained a padawan, and was officially bestowed the title of Master.

Ki's involvement and notability comes with the clone wars. He was one of the 200 jedi sent to rescue Padme Amidala, Anakin Skywalker, and Obi-wan kenobi from the Geonosis Colosseum, and led an unsuccessful attempt at destroying a droid command ship. He was also stopped from catching Count Dooku by a Chiss Dark Jedi named Sev'rance Tann.

He later led a strike team consisting of himself, Shaak Ti, Tarr Seirr, Aayla Secura, K'Kruhk, Sha'a Gi, and Daakman Barrek on Hypori, where they were attacked by General Grievous. Ki-Adi-Mundi was the last Jedi standing when they were eventually rescued by ARC Troopers.

During the clone wars, he was a general. But he could not save his family when the Battle of Cerea. Around this time, Obi-wan was presumed dead after a battle and forced to take Anakin as his apprentice, but was relieved of the troublesome student after Obi-wan returned.

Ki was killed by Order 66 on Mygeeto, when his clones turned on him. His skill was admirable, but he could not stop all the blasts.


Stats:

Gender: Male
Height: 1.98 meters
Hair color: White
Eye color: Unknown
Lightsaber: Single Blue.

Lightsaber style: Form II, Makashi.  

[Nelowulf]

Entry no: 54873
Subject: Kit Fisto (?-19 BBY)

Capsule:

Kit Fisto was born on the planet Glee Anselm. He is a member of the Nautolan species, and with that, is an amphibious creature, with special organs that can detect pheromonal changes and emotional states of creatures around him.

Kit is a very humble jedi, always striving for a position on the Jedi council of reconciliation, where he believed his talents would best be served, but that was the one place he didn't go.

Kit's mentor and early life in the jedi is unknown to this guide, though we may update later upon finding more out.

However, his stories are much more intriguing than some the guide has researched.

His social life was defined by two things. One, he trained a pupil by the name of Bant Eerin, whose mentor died. Second, Kit and his smile made a very close relationship with Aalya Secura, one which readily pushed the limits of the Jedi code of that era.

His battle stories provide much more character than the rest of this article probably. Around 22 BBY, he was selected among 200 other jedi to go on a rescue mission to the arena on Geonosis. He survived the arena's massacre, and lived to help charge in with the clones during the battle.

During the height of the clone wars, one of his most stunning achievements was his defeat of the JK-thirteen security droid, also known as the jedi-killer droid. Dooku was planning on purchasing these droids and using them for soldier units due to their intelligent planning (they could predict an opponents moves), ability to repair droids on the field relatively fast, and most precious of all, because they could absorb plasma energy, making clones and jedi an easy target to kill.

Kit has also achieved recognition in building a lightwhip, and his successful campaigns on Mon Calimari. He quelled a quarren uprising, namely the Quarren Isolation League, and helped mediate a peace between the Calimari and the Quarren. He also managed to help disappate a potential threat when strange, telepathic jelly creatures began to form together.

Kit was offered the rank of Jedi master many times, though he was too humble to accept such an offer.

Kit was a honed practicioner of Shii-cho, the first form of lightsaber combat. It is rumored he learned Form V, but this is unsubstanciated.

Kit died while trying to destroy the Dark Lord of the Sith, the soon-to-be Emperor Palpentine. While a master at Form I, the flaws of the style were expressed, and solely he fell, never to smile a signature smile again.


Specs:

Height: 1.96 Meters
Gender:Male
Hair Color:None
Eye Color:Black
Lightsaber: Single Green Blade

Lightsaber style: Form I, possibly Form V  

[Nelowulf]

Entry No: 90384
Subject: Obi-wan Kenobi (57-0BBY)

Capsule:

Few people in the galaxy do not know this name. And chances are, a thousand years from now, it still will be remembered. If there was a list in the universe that contained the top ten famous people who ever lived, Obi-wan would probably take the top ten, if not higher.

Few people are, were, or ever will be as influential as this great jedi knight. In knowing this, we must concede the point that there will never be enough in this guide to give due respect, but we can sure as hell try.

Kenobi bested the top Mandelorians, Sith, and Jedi. Perhaps the greatest warrior of his time, and many eras to follow. But, we are getting ahead of ourselves. We must begin at the beginning.

Born 57 years before the Battle of Yavin, his homeworld is unknown. In fact, Kenobi's early life is actually suprizingly dull, but we can garuntee it gets better with age. He had a brother named Owen, lived on a grassy planet, but that's about as much as we know. We do know that he entered the jedi young, and believed Coruscant as his true home, as noted by his accent.

During his youngling training, he was with a group of relatively famous people, some which would become quite an obstacle to Kenobi's past. It is a good thing to note as well that Kenobi almost never became a Jedi at all, though.

At the age of 12, a master came to the temple searching for a padawan. In hopes of impressing the Jedi Master, Obi-wan challenged Bruck Chun, one of Kenobi's strongest rivals, to a duel. However, Obi-wan fought so fiercely that the master had the youngling sent to Bandomeer, due to the agression showed. Little did Kenobi know that the master who sent him there, would eventually become his tutor. The Master was Qui-gon Jinn.

On Bandomeer, Obi-wan and Qui-gon were forced to team up, and Qui-gon accepted Obi-wan as his apprentice, changing the future in an unpredictable way. Obi-wan had to quit the Order for a civil war, but rejoined. This action split master and student for a while to come, though they would eventually become trusted friends again.

Obi-wan fought in the Stark Hyperspace war, becoming friends with another pupil of Qui-gon's, Quinlan Vos. The two would train a while, before Obi-wan and Qui-gon had to foil a plot by another one of Qui-gon's pupils, Xanatos.

Minor missions, negotiations, and peace failures follow this point in Obi-wan's life, until about 32 years before the Battle of Yavin. The infamous Blockade of Naboo was beginning, and Obi-wan and Qui-gon were dispatched to mediate. The Trade Federation, however, did not wish to listen to negotiations, attempting to kill the pair, but underestimated the Jedi's natural skills. Escaping from poison gas, the Jedi landed on the planet by stowing away in a carrier of Trade federation troops.

On Naboo, events sped up, as they met a Gungan named Jar Jar Binks, and with some help from the gungans, the pair managed to reach Theed, and safely evacuate the Queen Amidala from Theed. In the escape, however, the ship was damaged, and the crew forced to land on an Outer Rim world by the name of Tatooine. And so the legend grew.

Meeting a boy named Anakin Skywalker, Qui-gon found the boy had nearly unparalleled potential in the Force, and insisted on training the boy. However, Qui-gon was also known to be unorthodox, and his views on many things did not sit well with the conservative political Jedi Order, and Obi-wan, who forbade training the boy. Time was of the essence, and Anakin was taken back to Naboo anyway.

During the following battle, the pair were forced to deal with a threat not seen in a thousand years: A sith. The Sith knight known as Darth Maul had shown his face, and during the ensuing fight, Qui-gon was slain. Obi-wan nearly fell as well, and lost his saber, but with his master's saber, Kenobi sliced Maul in half. He gave his master a proper funeral, on the pire, and felt obligated to engauge in Jinn's final wish: To train Anakin Skywalker.

The council was moved by the plea, and allowed it. Oddly, this was one of the rarest moves, as Obi-wan was not a knight, but rather, still a padawan. But the actions on Naboo, and the defeat of Darth Maul with no training, Kenobi was granted knighthood, exempted from the Jedi Trials, as he had done much more than most Jedi had ever done over the last 500 years. And the legend grew.

We now leave the first stage of Kenobi's early life, and move on to his second stage of life: Knighthood. As many will testament to, Kenobi was probably one of the most key players ever to be in the Clone wars, and nothing can change the fact he trained Anakin... and failed in keeping his pupil from assuming the terrifying form of Darth Vader. But once again, we are getting ahead of ourselves.

In the ten years that followed, Obi-wan trained Anakin Skywalker as his Padawan and his apprentice. Their actions are not great, only that they participated in the events surrounding the Outbound Flight project (but not joining) and foiling the son of Xanatos, Granta Omega.

Leaving Anakin to protect the Senator Padme Amidala, Obi-wan tracked an assassation attempt on her life to the planet Kamino, where history was in the making... literally. The Kaminoids were cloning an army for the Republic, under the dead Jedi Master Sypho-Dias's command. The jedi nor the Republic knew of the army until Obi-wan's discovery of it. However, Obi-wan was not overseeing the Army's production, he was there to find an assassin. And he found him. A Bounty Hunter by the name of Jango Fett, who was also the genetic blueprint for the clones, was the assassin. Jango fled with his son, Boba, to Geonosis, with Kenobi in tow.

After a brief fight in the ring above Geonosis with Jango, Kenobi followed him to the planetside of Geonosis, where he uncovered a plot by several systems under the leadership of Count Dooku to succeed from the Republic. While trying to notify Anakin of the developments, and hopefully get his message to Corsucant, Kenobi was captured by Dooku, who hoped to enlist Kenobi in his plot.

However, the bait Dooku used backfired, as the memory of Qui-gon was still a subject Obi-wan still felt much to strong to be lulled into joining a conspiracy and traitorious Confederation to the Republic. And so Kenobi was sentenced to death, along with Padme and Anakin (who had attempted to rescue Kenobi), in the arena.

Things looked glum for the Jedi, until 200 other Jedi and the clone army arrived, under the leadership of Yoda and Mace Windu. Kenobi and Skywalker chased after the fleeing Dooku during the chaos, and almost died again, with Skywalker losing his hand, until Yoda once again stepped in, and saved the pair.

And so the clone wars began. Kenobi became a general, countering the Dark Reaper project, and fought a successful victory on Muunilinst using speederbikes. Kenobi and Kit Fisto halted production of the JK-thirteen, or jedi killer droids. During the Battle of Jabiim, Kenobi was presumed dead, and Anakin became the padawan of Kai-Adi-Mundi for a short time, when he was only captured by Asajj Ventress. Kenobi and Commander Cody participated in a number of battles, and Anakin became a Jedi knight. Meanwhile, Kenobi became a jedi master, and one of the last Jedi to sit on the Jedi Council.

So much happened with Kenobi and Skywalker, they became heroes of the Republic. They were legends. They were the equivalent of Luke Skywalker in the Rebel Alliance after destroying the Death Star. Except bigger. This made General Grevious, the Cyborg General of the Confederation of Independent Systems, cast his gaze upon them, who wanted their lightsabers as trophies of their defeat.

The Battle of Coruscant took place, as the General stole the Chancellor Palpentine, and Kenobi and Anakin managed to retrieve the Chancellor. Kenobi followed Grevious to Utapau, and killed the four lightsaber-wielding cyborg with a blaster. How uncivilized. But with the closing of the battle, the infamous Order 66 was decreed, as the Jedi were scheduled for slaughter. Upon a rock face, artillery fired upon the Jedi, who was trying to lead his troops. The artillery struck, and Kenobi fell.... but survived.

Managing to escape in Grevious's starfighter, Kenobi stopped by Coruscant, only to find his friend, brother, and pupil Anakin Skywalker had fallen to the Dark Side. And with Padme, he went to Mustafar to confront his pupil, hoping to save Anakin before it was too late.

But it was too late. Blinded by rage, passion, and all the elements of the Dark Side, Anakin refused to believe Kenobi's words, and believed Kenobi was behind his wife's sudden wishes for him to revert to his normal self. And the two dueled.

Over the volcanic planet, the pair battled, until Obi-wan successfully defeated his pupil. While he took Anakin's lightsaber, he regretfully said his goodbyes and left, and was forced to go into hiding, but not before hiding Luke and Leia, Anakin's children, on Tatooine and Alderaan, respectfully. He also helped change the beacon on Coruscant in the Jedi temple, warning all remaing Jedi to hide, and flee for their lives.

For the next twenty years, Kenobi would enter the third stage of his life, an exile to the Empire. But he did not simply hide away. He was an invisible hand, a helper even risking his life.

Not yet ready to accept the training of the whills to remain and identity after passing into the force, Kenobi left about a year after giving Luke to Owen and Beru Lars on Tatooine to help the galaxy out more.

Qui-gon's spirit was left with the infant Luke, as Obi-wan traversed the galaxy, helping save several Jedi. While this was a risky move, due to the unpopularity of the Jedi during this time, his actions went mostly unnoticed. After evading Boba Fett and helping save the few key Jedi who survived Order 66, Obi-wan returned to Tatooine, and began his training with Qui-gon.

The same year as the Battle of Yavin, 32 years after the Battle of Naboo, Kenobi entered Luke's life by saving Luke from Tuskin Raiders. While back at his home, Kenobi's past began unfolding before Luke. R2-D2, a droid that came from Leia that contained the blueprints for the Death Star, had a message for the famous General, a plea to help aid the Rebellion. R2 had been in Luke's possession less than a day, but yet, had helped Obi-wan complete the last part of his living life.

Kenobi felt ready to answer the call, and take responsibility for the boy. He would take him back from his aunt and uncle, and train him in the ways of the force later, on Alderaan.

But as history points out, the Empire would foil the great warrior. Even Kenobi hadn't fully expected what would happen.

The Empire, hot on the trail of the droid R2D2, had traced it to the Lars's family homestead, and destroyed Luke's Family. Luke was forced to go with Kenobi, but still, the Empire had not finished ruining the plans of the Jedi. En route in the Millenium Falcon, the Death Star destroyed the planet Alderaan. Kenobi felt this through the force, and was disheartened.

He had only given Luke basic training in the Force, when fate would intervene again. The Falcon was brought aboard the Death Star, and Kenobi self-assigned the task of shutting the tractor beams down, to help the group escape. While successful, Kenobi faced his old pupil, Darth Vader, and helped distract the stormtroopers and his pupil, while Luke and the Crew of the Falcon attempted to escape.

Kenobi was still stronger than Vader, and never missed a beat, but he would be forced to sacrifice either himself, or Luke. Selflessly, he allowed himself to lose the battle, but not beaten.

Kenobi tapped into his training, and as Vader swung, Kenobi vanished. His body never was touched by the saber. He instead vanished into the spiritual plane, just as Vader's lightsaber passed through Kenobi's robe. Kenobi was now a spirit, a ghost of the jedi. He was dead, but only corporally. His etheral presence was not yet fully finished on affecting galactic affairs.

Kenobi had become one with the force. Using this power, he continued for the next nine years helping Luke become a Jedi. He helped Luke destroy the death star. He helped Luke find Yoda on Dagobah, and told Luke his father was Darth Vader. His last appearance was to Luke himself, nine years after the Battle of Yavin, appearing to his pupil in a dream, telling Luke he would move on. He was in between life and the afterlife, and it was time to move to the next part.

His last words were: "Not the last of the old Jedi, Luke. The first of the new."

The profound effect of this great man will probably never be repeated. A man of no weaknesses, according to Mace Windu, he was the true Jedi. Even if you hate the Jedi, give respect to the influence he had. It will be more than you ever could achieve.


Specs:

Height: 1.79 meters
Gender: Male
Hair Color: Brown, then grey
Eye Color: Blue-grey
Lightsaber: Single Blue blade

Lightsaber style: Originally Form IV (Ataru), Mastered Form III (Soresu), and possibly showed trace elements of an unofficial form, Form VIII (Sokan)  

[Nelowulf]

Subject No: 5411640
Subject: Lightsaber Form I: Shii-Cho

Capsule:

With all this talk of lightsabers and famous Jedi and Sith, one may wonder how to counter it. And wonder what difference it does make about attack a Jedi. There is actually a good reason for picking your battles with a Jedi, because it can mean life or death. In this 8 part series, we shall pick the 7 official forms, and all their offshoots and unofficial techniques, apart.

Our first segment is on the style known as Shii-Cho.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away... Well, somebody had to come up with the sword. And then the lightsaber. And then, somebody had to come up with a use for the thing, so we could have this article about it.

Well, people have to start somewhere. Just as a gunslinger needs to practice shooting from the hip, certain principals must be set up. And Shii-Cho fulfills that need.

Shii-Cho, or the Way of the Sarlaac (stupid names inhabit most forms), is the fundamentals of the lightsaber. It features everything about basic swordsmanship. It uses series of slashes, cuts, stabs, and the most general attacks to target specific points across the body, while parries defend the same places. Techniques and drills called velocities are practiced, learned, and mastered. Body zones, going from top to bottom and left to right are also utilized (1-Head, 2-Left arm, 3-Right arm, 4-Back, etc.)

The Jedi Order demands that all younglings (initiate ranke) master Form I before even considering being trained as a padawan (the rank which of jedi which is often seen paired with a knight). You'll probably never see Form I really being used as an actual style, since it is often just the basics. Younglings practice this form blind against remotes usually. It makes perfect sense, though. A student must learn how to wield his weapon before actually doing fancy stuff with it!

Another thing to note is that many lightsaber styles are used by the wielder to emphasize a characteristic, or cover for a weakness. Shii-Cho is almost never used, but one can think with Kit Fisto, modesty, or simplicity and simple-mindedness is this weakness.

But how effective is this style?

There are advantages to practicing Form I. It is the very basics, and often times, when all else fail, Shii-Cho can provide a rudementary backup. Against many enemies, its simplicity excels, and even though it is the oldest form, seems to be quite useful against blasters. The simplicity allows the form to be quite useful for muscle memory. No thinking really required, just do, and no worries on screwing anything up besides technique. So it is a crude support, but highly effecient against a blasters.

Take note outlaws, as most of you aren't going to fall into the category of weaknesses that Shii-Cho has.

Shii-Cho is weak against a single enemy, where its simplicity is easily predicted. Nor is it any good against anybody with a lightsaber, who is more than often likely to be using a more advanced style and can dominate the simple. Lastly, force powers are totally, 100%, a pain in the a**. Shii-Cho is only the form of the lightsaber, and often times, when encountering a force user, the Jedi/Sith has much trouble in switching mindsets from saber to force and back again.

Kit Fisto is probably the only Jedi who ever excelled, mastered, and used Shii-Cho on a daily basis. He learned how to block blasters, somewhat, but that is more due to his skill (along with a chance he learned a bit of Form V, Shien, as well) than because of his style.

Summary:
-Good against multiple opponents and blasters.
-Bad against single opponenets, lightsabers, and force users.  

[Nelowulf]

Subject No: 5411641
Subject: Lightsaber Form II: Makashi

Capsule:

With all this talk of lightsabers and famous Jedi and Sith, one may wonder how to counter it. And wonder what difference it does make about attack a Jedi. There is actually a good reason for picking your battles with a Jedi, because it can mean life or death. In this 8 part series, we shall pick the 7 official forms, and all their offshoots and unofficial techniques, apart.

Our second segment is on the style known as Makashi.

After the development of Shii-Cho, people decided to get fancy. One must realize that during this time period, blasters were actually NOT a main weapon. In fact, there was probably more lightsabers than blasters in the GALAXY!

While we can speculate on this, it really doesn't achieve much of what we are supposed to be looking at. Makashi was a new style used, in hopes of overcoming Shii-Cho, whose weakness was of course, single, lightsaber wielding, force users.

Guess who was your normal opponent? Single, lightsaber wielding, force users. So it is only natural that one would attempt to try and better himself against his common foe. And so Makashi was born.

Makashi, or the Way of the Ysalamiri, is the next evolution of Lightsaber combat. It is an elegant style based on the assumption that your opponent is going to be using a lightsaber and that he is going to be usign a lot of energy to do so.

Makashi uses small, precise manipulations of the blade to let the opponent expend much more energy than he or she should use in attacking. It uses quick parries and quicker cuts, rarely slicing. Where others lunge, Makashi thrusts. Where others block, Makashi deflects.

It is easy to see why this is a very oramental style, and is quite useful against those who wield sabers. While most will hack and slash, you simply tire your opponent out, then quickly decapitate him. Easy and simple. Your motion is restricted to what you need to do to evade. You're not going to be tired, unless you're out of shape.

Sith often favor this technique, mainly because their opponents are Jedi. Such Sith as Count Dooku and Sev'rance Taan used this devastating style, and were rarely defeated, if at all. The Jedi Order rarely used it, as their opponents became more blaster oriented.

As seen by many lightsaber styles, often personality dictates which style they use. Many Makashi users are elegant, calm, confident, and more than likely even arrogant and aristocratic.

Makashi's strength lies in its attack against one-on-one dueling. Against a single lightsaber opponent, it is vastly superior than most other forms, though its has many faults backing this.

First fault is that it really sucks against blasters. One might think this is odd, but it really isn't. Makashi is almost too conservative for the blaster. Makashi believes more in parrying than blocking, so often times the user is unable to fully defend, usually getting hit by the blaster due to insufficient blocking.

Another fault is multiple opponents. Once again, the conservative motions of Makashi make multiple opponents a hassle, even a burden on the fighter.

So outlaws, attack this user with your guns blazing. Especially with numbers.

Practicioners of this form were Ki-Adi-Mundi, Count Dooku, and Sev'rance Tann.

Summary:
-Good against single lightsaber wielding opponents
-Horrid against multiple ranged opponents.  

[Nelowulf]

Subject No: 5411642
Subject: Lightsaber Form III: Soresu

Capsule:

With all this talk of lightsabers and famous Jedi and Sith, one may wonder how to counter it. And wonder what difference it does make about attack a Jedi. There is actually a good reason for picking your battles with a Jedi, because it can mean life or death. In this 8 part series, we shall pick the 7 official forms, and all their offshoots and unofficial techniques, apart.

Our third segment is on the style known as Soresu.

Soresu, or the Way of the Mynock (yea, stupid, I know), was the next development in Lightsaber fighting techniques. We already know that Shii-Cho was the basics, which was useful against multiple blaster wielding opponents by accident, and Makashi built upon the weaknesses of Shii-Cho.

However, a style was needed for the ever more popular blaster and other ranged weaponry. And so, the form of Soresu was created to fill that gap.

Soresu is probably best described as a passive style, a defensive style. Containing almost no agressive moves, it is solid and built to withstand attack after attack, while wasting little to no energy in defense, and waiting till the opponent messes up. Sounds a lot like Makashi, eh?

Its no coincidence that Soresu does sound a lot like Makashi, except better against blasters. It was based on the same principals. A practicioner of Soresu held his saber close to his body, often trying to hide as much body mass behind the blade. Instead of parrying, though, the fighter instead goes to a block, which is much more effective against the quick blasterbolt. While someone practicing Soresu would indeed waste more energy than someone practicing Makashi, he will be more likely to have a complete defense, rather than a fleeting one.

It was also observed that Jedi who praticed more agressive forms (such as Ataru, Shien, etc.) were more likely to die in a prolonged battle. In the arena during the Battle of Geonosis for example, not a single jedi died who used Form III, due to its strength against blasterbolts and its stamina.

It is also important to note that Soresu, unlike any other form, does not answer to a weakness. Mace Windu, possibly the most knowledgeable person on such forms, stated that it was a flawless form. Unlike Makashi covering arrogance, Ataru covering age and limiting physical strength, Soresu did not have a weakness to defend. The users of Soresu were patient people by nature, always defending until they had to strike. Obi-wan for example was considered the master of Soresu, and in such, he had no weakness. It was the perfect form for a true jedi.

Soresu is also important to note that it is a near invincible style. Another example using Obi-wan is his fight against Grevious. While Grevious could not get through Kenobi's defenses, Kenobi easily bided his time, and finally attacked, costing Grevious two hands. Even against Vader, Kenobi only lost when he decided to lose.

It is important to note that a master of Soresu may seem invincible. But it is also a good thing to remember that they are not truely invincible. While others may be better dualists, it is not a bad assumption that Soresu could beat the same people on a different day. Soresu's strength lies in its ability to be best when the situation counts. While on a normal day, it would lose, the form becomes harder and harder to beat the more dire the situation. Soresu is great only when it has to be. And that is what counts.

Noting all this, the advantages of Soresu are a keen ability to deflect blaster bolts, and be able to fight well when it matters.

Soresu really has no weaknesses, though. The closest thing is that it is too patient, too docile, and lacking offense. It cannot punch through by brute force, and often in a lightsaber dual, is forced to wait for the appropriate time to attack. Its limit really is only a time limit, forcing a prolonged dual more times than not.

Practicioners were Obi-wan Kenobi, Barriss Offee, and Luminara Unduli.


Summary:

-Good against blasters, sabers, multiple opponents, single opponents.
-Bad when it comes to speeding a battle up; often long battles.  

[Nelowulf]

Subject No: 5411643
Subject: Lightsaber Form IV: Ataru

Capsule:

With all this talk of lightsabers and famous Jedi and Sith, one may wonder how to counter it. And wonder what difference it does make about attack a Jedi. There is actually a good reason for picking your battles with a Jedi, because it can mean life or death. In this 8 part series, we shall pick the 7 official forms, and all their offshoots and unofficial techniques, apart.

Our forth segment is on the style known as Ataru.

Makashi and Soresu were developed for a need to combat an emerging threat; lightsabers and blasters respectfully. However, Ataru does not develop for a specific cause, but more for variation and distinctiveness than for a specific enemy.

Ataru, or the Way of the Hawkbat, is possibly the quickest, fastest, and possibly the most energetic if not wasteful lightsaber style. Shii-Cho, Makashi, and Soresu had an element of composure, reserve, but Ataru has no such element.

Ataru users tap into the Force, and use it to aid their movements. Using the force, Ataru practicioners are able to achieve feats your scrawny a** wished it could do. They sprint, jump, dart, dodge, fly, etc. every bloody which way they can, and attack from as many places as possible, and evade as many attacks as possible. Which is a good thing, because the form has almost no parry moves in it. Its a form based solely on speed, wide swings and cuts, and hoping to high hell that you're not hit.

An important thing to note is that Ataru is practiced by many old guys. Sidious and Yoda practiced this form. Ataru's use of the Force to bolster its skill is actually able to defy what you may think impossible. So beware an old fart with a saber, because there is a good chance he's a hella lot faster than you.

But Ataru, like most other styles, does try to compensate for character flaws and weaknesses. It is usually to defy impossible, often admitting to the weakness of old age and other physical limitations. An Ataru user will try to compensate for a weak or old body by instead favoring speed over power, which is often quite effective.

As we stated before, Ataru is fast. Its effective against a single opponent, blaster wielding or not, due to its agression. A single opponent will be overwhelmed most times by the blur of a lightsaber in front of them, going every which way.

However, Ataru is weak against multiple opponents, as its agression cannot compensate for its lack of defense, and as the odds stack up, the odds of evasion go down. The only real defense for Ataru is speed and the Force, and while powerful defenses, can be worn down.

Yoda, Emperor Palpatine, Aalya Secura, and Qui-gon Jinn are all known to be practicioners of this form.

Summary:
-Fast, quick, agressive; overwhelms a single opponent.
-Lack of defense, worsens as odds do. Multiple opponents decimate.  

[Nelowulf]

Subject No: 5411644
Subject: Lightsaber Form V: Shien and Djem So

Capsule:

With all this talk of lightsabers and famous Jedi and Sith, one may wonder how to counter it. And wonder what difference it does make about attack a Jedi. There is actually a good reason for picking your battles with a Jedi, because it can mean life or death. In this 8 part series, we shall pick the 7 official forms, and all their offshoots and unofficial techniques, apart.

Our fifth segment is on the style of Djem So, and its offspring, Shien.

Form V, the Way of the Krayt Dragon, is actually comprized of two styles. Djem So is the original base of the fifth lightsaber combat style, but it has an offshoot called Shien. The two are so similar in their attributes though, that they are both considered the fifth form, and often times, the names are interchangeable. There is a difference between the two, but only a nitpicky Jedi would really comment on the wrong usage of the name.

The basis for Shien and Djem So was a desire to find a more offensive style, but not sacrifice defense as much as Ataru did. While Ataru was effectively offensive, it lacked defense. Soresu was defensive, but could not force an attack. Makashi was unable to combine elegance and strength into a worthy defense against anything. And so, Djem So and Shien were created as the solution to having a powerful form.

Before we begin explaining the attributes and aspects of Form V, we should probably explain the difference between Djem So and Shien, so as to give some insight as to what the hell the difference really is. In its simplest form, Djem So is Form V versus an opponent armed with a lightsaber, whereas Shien is against an opponent armed with a blaster. Besides that tiny difference, the two are identical. And it is easy to see why practicioners of Form V, such as Darth Vader, would be able to master both styles.

The fifth form came by adapting Makashi and Soresu, and combining the two. Since the first users of Form V were impatient Soresu practicioners, the first thing was to change the defensive nature of Soresu into a more offensive variant. This is commonly seen with blasters when practicing Shien. Where Soresu would just block a blasterbolt, Shien would attempt to reflect it back at the opponent. Soresu was capable of reflection, but Shien actually endorsed trying to return an opponents attack as much as possible, rather than when it was convienent. Form V also modified Makashi's lightsaber techniques. It incorporated the strength of the parry into the lightsber dualing technique of Djem So, but it also emphasized that one should not only parry, but block and push an opponent back, and then attack with wide, sweeping blows using brute strength from the Force.

It is not suprizing that Form V would be known as a "bullying" lightsaber combat style at all. In fact, its agressive nature was not the only worrysome part of the style. Form V is strong in its agression, but its connection to the force is what terrifies some people against using it. While Form VII, Juyo, is known for its connection to using both the light and the dark side of the force to fuel its attack, it does so in reason. Form V's principal is to use emotions to fuel its power. This can be a wary line, as the style is often borderline with control versus power. Untrained users could easily succumb to a fate with the Dark side, and it is not suprizing that many sith who feel the urge to Dominate would indeed use this style.

Hence, often times a Form V user wishes to cover up his fearlessness. He is unafraid of his emotions, but is vulnerable to becoming an animal, bound solely by his emotions, and even moreso, he is tempted to be defeated by his own fuel.

Of all the forms in practice, Form V ranks as probably the only Form that can really go toe-to-toe with Form VII, considered to be the strongest form. However, the borderline between control and madness is the price one must pay for not attempting to learn control of one's self.

Form V has an advantage of being able to not be limited by simple conditions, such as what weapon your opponent holds. It can press an attack, while remaining quite defensible. It is also able to wear down defenses and bully the opponent into submission, as it beats down blow after blow upon the opponent, who just cannot take the beating.

The weakness of the style is the fact it is highly unstable, often consuming the user in a fit of passion or rage, which makes the user singleminded. They are more easily lulled into traps, and are more prone to make mistakes when pressing the attack due to lack of analysing the circumstance.

Known practicioners of Form V are Plo Koon, Darth Vader, and Luke Skywalker.


Summary:
-Very powerful, very decisive, hard to beat.
-Can cause the user a loss of control, which leads to easy manipulation.  

[Nelowulf]

Subject No: 5411645
Subject: Lightsaber Form VI: Niman

Capsule:

With all this talk of lightsabers and famous Jedi and Sith, one may wonder how to counter it. And wonder what difference it does make about attack a Jedi. There is actually a good reason for picking your battles with a Jedi, because it can mean life or death. In this 8 part series, we shall pick the 7 official forms, and all their offshoots and unofficial techniques, apart.

Our sixth segment is on the style of Niman.

Niman, or the Way of the Rancor, is probably one of the most prevalent forms used by the Jedi during the Clone wars. Niman is different than most styles, as its design focuses more on a general understanding rather than a specific trait.

The result is Niman, a form that has no combat goals to accomplish. Known as the "Diplomatic Form", its popularity grew as the role of Jedi changed from warrior to diplomat. Combining all the elements from each of the five previous forms, the result was a bastardization of the styles into a moderately good style, whos practice could be mastered while having time left over for practicing politcs and other galactic public issues.

While this form seems to cover all bases, it tends to be geared for people who are willing to be prepared for any situation, and those whom are insecure in choosing a definite style's advantages and disadvantages.

The positive sides of Niman is that anyone who takes the skill is prepared to battle anything, and manage to be really flexible on the situation. We can point to several practicioners of this style. Oddly, Grevious is not to be put on this list, as his form, though quite adaptave as Niman, was completely unorthodox and original.

The negative side of Niman is that even the greatest masters of the form are only moderately good at what they do. While one could argue that Niman is the best form for a swordsman, one should also remember who picks this form. Niman was a compromise for time and skill. While a swordsman might overcome all other styles using Niman, there is a good chance that that same swordsman isn't picking Niman for its versatility. Usually jedi who did not wish to rely on their sword would pick Form VI, while the better swordsman went to more specific styles.

The limitations of Niman are present at the Battle of Geonosis. Coleman Trebor, a master of Niman, was easily gunned down by a few blastershots by Jango Fett. It is also important to note that not a single jedi who used Form VI left that arena alive...

Summary:
-Flexible style
-Overall, pretty weak, even in its mastered state.  

[Nelowulf]

Subject No: 5411646
Subject: Lightsaber Form VII: Juyo and Vaapad

Capsule:

With all this talk of lightsabers and famous Jedi and Sith, one may wonder how to counter it. And wonder what difference it does make about attack a Jedi. There is actually a good reason for picking your battles with a Jedi, because it can mean life or death. In this 8 part series, we shall pick the 7 official forms, and all their offshoots and unofficial techniques, apart.

Our seventh segment is on the style of Juyo, and the technique of Vaapad.

Juyo and the technique of Vaapad, otherwise known as the Way of the Vornskr, is relatively fresh style. While around for millenia, it wasn't until recently has the secret to controlling the style been discovered.

Juyo is different in its philosopy and technique than most styles. It is much like Form V on the surface, using emotions and unusually anger to fuel it. This single attribute is the reason only one Jedi has even mastered the form. Only five people are known to have even practiced it, and four either fell or came from the Dark Side.

The style itself is free-wielding and open, yet controlled. It is what I like to call "controlled taunting" of the opponent. Your body is kept wide open, as if begging to be attacked, but Juyo is more of a mind set than a style, while Vaapad complements the mind by producing the effects on the Body.

Attacks are direct, free-flowing, and use the force to jump, spin, and preform acrobatics, but unlike Ataru, maneuvers do not dominate the style. Simple stabs and jabs confuse the opponent in thinking it is a frenzy, while the user simply is trying to confuse the opponent. It wasn't as fancy as Ataru, but achieved the same effect.

It used both light and dark sides of the force to bolster its power. But unlike Form V, the user was always in control. If the user failed to maintain control, the user would lose the fight, and usually, his life as well. This is of course, only for a jedi's aim, because mixing the darkness and anger may cause temptation to falling to the darkside. However, the only Sith Master who practiced this, Emperor Palpatine, had no such worries, as his hatred and darkness simply already had consumed him, and therefore, had nothing to fear from falling to it.

Vaapad is also significant in the fact is is a loop of power. While it can channel anger and darkness against an opponent, it can also reflect the opponent's attacks back at them with equal strength. Such is the case with Palpentine being hit with this own lightning in the fight against Mace.

The advantages of the Style revolve around its ability to be tangibly powerful, with no real outside weakness.

However, the dance it plays with the force demand either a fully corrupted or totally pure spirit to master the art. This, along with the vast amounts of time required to practice, hone, and master the style also prove to be quite time consuming and difficult to keep up with.

Mace Windu, Emperor Palpentine, Depa Billaba and Sora Bulq have been known masters of the style. Darth Maul and Echuu Shen-Jon also perhaps dabbled with it, though not fully mastering it.

Summary:
-Strong powerful and deadly.
-Volitile and difficult to master.  

[Nelowulf]

Subject No: 5411647
Subject: Unofficial Lightsaber Forms

Capsule:

With all this talk of lightsabers and famous Jedi and Sith, one may wonder how to counter it. And wonder what difference it does make about attack a Jedi. There is actually a good reason for picking your battles with a Jedi, because it can mean life or death. In this 8 part series, we shall pick the 7 official forms, and all their offshoots and unofficial techniques, apart.

Our final segment is on the styles that are not officially recognized, and not necessarily true styles, but have been known to be called such.

Form VIII, also known as Sokan, is an unofficial style that is mostly tactical in nature. I prefer to think of it as an addendum onto Ataru, as it doesn't have any specifics on the nature of its basis. However, it is an expansion to Ataru, as most people who use it are indeed using Ataru as the base. Sokan uses rolling and tumbles to make quick slices at the opponent. It also depends on the terrain, and is a style that is used to force opponents into a position geographically unsuited for them. Such example is Obi-wan vs. Anakin on Mustafar.

Form IX, or Shien (not to be confused with Form V, Shien) is another unofficial style. I really don't consider this a lightsaber form, as a personal preference and special move. It comprises of two parts. First, the grip holds the lightsaber horizontally. Second, a large arc followed by a quick stab seems to be the only movement and attack this form contains. Foolish and unimportant.

Form X, known as Niman (not to be confused with Form VI, Niman) or Jar' Kai, is actually something you might see. It is the specific form that uses dual blades. This form is actually quite ancient, but is yet to be recognized by an official source, so the problem still exists. These people are to be highly proficient in this skill. Though most force users still prefer the simple effectiveness of the single blade.  

[Sol Walker]

Entry No: 2755
Subject: Sector Rangers
Capsule:

What others abandon, We protect- Sector Ranger's motto

One of the oldest organizations in the galaxy, they are the ones who coined the phrase "Long Arm of the Law."
They are the Sector Rangers. And they're a pain in the a**.
The Sector Rangers are a kinda "Galactic Police", an organization that has the jurisdiction to bring in criminals in any area of the galaxy. Each "Preccinct"(sp?) has a sector of the galaxy to patrol, like the Duros Sector, The Corellian Sector, ect.
Though a sector ranger may be based in a certain sector, they are given the ability to pursue criminals across sector borders. This means that simply fleeing for the border doesn't work if theres a dedicated ranger on your tail.
The Sector Rangers answer to the Law Enforcement branch of whatever government is in charge, though they prefer to leave the politics out of their work.
as long as they get to bring in the dangerous beings of the galaxy, they're happy.
They Can freely draw on planetary law enforcement resources, Deputize Civilians to aid in the capture of a felon, and basically use whatever means necessary to aprehend fugitives. Their main jobs include hunting down criminals and escorting said criminals to trial. and they are very good at what they do.
Sound fun don't they?
Honestly though, Ive yet to meet a Ranger that, had they not been trying to bust me, I wouldn't have wanted to have a drink with. They are for the most part good hearted beings who only want to make the galaxy a better place. the exeptions don't last long, as they all too frequently get hunted down and busted by their former comrades.
My advice for dodging these guys? well, theres plenty of places to hide in Wild Space and the Unknown regions. but if you're worth the trouble, they will find you. and if you're worth that much trouble well heres another gem:
Pray they snatch you before the Bounty Hunters do.