Fanclub **Guardians of Light: The EUC Jedi ~ ~ Close Your Eyes... Feel It... the Light. ~ ~**

Being a "jack-of-all-trades" style with broad emphasis and little need for continuous and dedicated practice, Niman found a niche amongst Jedi Consulars who instead preferred to focus on diplomacy and meditation on the Force rather than combat.[14] Ironically, Niman became the chosen discipline of the fallen Jedi-turned-Sith Lord, Exar Kun.[10]
During the various wars against the Sith, Niman was prized by some for its general versatility on the battlefield, though heavily criticized by others for being insufficiently demanding.[12] Over time, it became the standard in lightsaber training, and by the start of the Clone Wars, was one of the most common forms in the Jedi Order.[17] However, Niman demonstrated itself to be inadequate for the open battlefields of the Clone Wars, proven when all the Form VI adherents involved in the First Battle of Geonosis died in combat.[3]

I think that would beg to differ with the needing to master something else (direct quote from the wook), considering it was the standard for millennia, and favored by the least lightsaber oriented parts of the order. it was pretty much expressly for the purpose of knowing how to use a lightsaber... and then never really bothering to work on it because your focus was pretty much anywhere else, be it diplomacy, study of the force, bureaucracy or what have you, there's a reason that everyone that used it at geonosis died... because it turned out to be the weakest form of all. as noted by it also says that it's the least intensive of all of the forms. i find it amusing that even form one is more effective than niman. this pretty much directly contradicts the "difficulty" of the form as well.

Form VI covered many of the various moves of lightsaber combat, but due to its emphasis on overall moderation, its focus on bladework was somewhat relaxed. Thusly, the form was easily mastered by those who preferred to devote a high percentage of their time to study and peacekeeping, which made it the preferred form of Jedi Consulars. While the generalization made it ill-suited for lightsaber dueling or fighting on the open battlefield, it was perfectly adequate for facing down criminals and thugs.[1][14] 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.

of course, that depends on if you're going by the old version of it, or the current one where the focus is on dual wielding lightsabers, which is a smidge different from what it was.

this is all of the information that we have that is currently canon:

Form VI, also known as Niman was the sixth form of lightsaber combat used by members of the Jedi Order. It was used to combine double-bladed lightsabercombat with other Force abilities, like pushes and lifts.[1]

not very much to go off of, and since you were quoting from the legends information, i'm guessing that you're using that.

 

*pours three cups full to the brim with Jedi Chai*

Let's initiate the use of Force Points with your new apprentice Vagabond. Start him out with 25pts and ask him to display them clearly in his signature line. As you are his Master now, only you can assign him points, and remember to do so publicly here in the Temple. I would, however, like to humbly request that CJ321 be awarded an additional 5pts for his posts in the Rancor Pit several weeks ago when a call went out for all Guardians to join in some light RPG fun with the Sith and he put together some fantastic posts, imho. So, if you agree, tack those on to his score as well.

I decided to display this here versus a PM since eventually other Master-padawan pairs will be doing the same thing as the Force sends us new Jedi recruits. For the Knights that are currently active, the Masters on the Council will be assigning us our point totals in the days to come.

TAG galactic-vagabond422 ConservativeJedi321

 

Thank you Ananta Chetan for drawing my attention to my new padawan's previous achievements.

ConservativeJedi321 You showed great courage facing the monsters of the pit and crucially you never gave over to your fear. Facing an opponent or opponents so foreign and terrifying can be fear inspiring. You had confidence in your abilities, but were not over confidant. It is a hard thing to learn when a fight is too much for you. You displayed wisdom when you retreated from the fight. Do not think it was cowardice my padawan, the galaxy can be a dark place. Losing even one light makes it darker. I only hope that my training can live up to your needs.

I here by award you 5 force points for your trial of the Pit. We may return there once it's current predicament is solved. I look forward to hearing from you soon. I plan to begin your training in earnest here in a bit. I am still in transit from my latest assignment, I will return to the temple in my own time, please be patient.

 

I've updated the roster to reflect ConservativeJedi321's current Force Point Total (30 points in all). If I've made an error let me know and I'll fix it.

 

Thank you master galactic-vagabond422 I will immediately update my signature to reflect my force points. I am honored to be apprenticed to you, and have no doubts in yours skills as an instructor. Not to worry, I can be patient, you are free to go at your own pace in your transition, I would not think of rushing you master. *Bows*

 

ConservativeJedi321

Mediation Garden

A figure in a long coat with many pockets over his simple tunic sat in the gardens. His long black hair reaches to his shoulders now and the light glints off the several metal piercings in his ears. He looks to the lightsabers at his sides Beacon and Guard his new companions. His old sword and dagger, Fang and Claw, hang in his room, a place he hasn't been in ages. Rak Avarray, the Vagabond Knight, finally returned to the temple to take on the greatest task to be given a Jedi, to train the next generation.

On a low table in front of him a simple brass kettle sits atop a heating element steam lightly flowing out of the spout. Two simple porcelain cups sit on the table as well, one in front of him and another across.

"Ah…" he says gesturing to a being at the entrance, "My padawan, please come join me for tea." A smile blooms on Rak's face as he pours his student a cup. "Consider this a lesson, or a test if you will."

"Tell me padawan, you are on a foreign planet, and you notice a being asking for food, or money with which to acquire food. Do you help this being, and if you do how do you help them?"

 

Meditation Garden
Seeing his master in a calm meditation the young Jedi took a seat across from him. Though he had never really been one to drink tea, he took the cup in his hand and brought it to his mouth, taking a few sips. Sweet as a honeydew. Setting the cups down he contemplated his masters words. Though a simple question in its self there was a wide variety of answers, and a multitude of conclusions, both bad and good to each one. He had a feeling it was some kind of trick, of course his natural reflex would be to aid the being in any way shape or form that he could, but it was also perhaps too easy, too obvious. He took a moment to calculate his response, to look at the scenario from all perspectives, and came to a reasonable place in which he felt the answer might lye.

"I would trust in the force Master, I would observe the being in whatever manner was most appropriate. If they posed no threat, or the current of the force told me it was for the best, I would do what I was capable to aid the sentient. If they were hungry, I might split my rations with them, naked, hand them my over-cloak so they could cover themselves, poor I would donate what credits I have. I would also escort them to an area they feel safe so they do not risk being harmed themselves. But only by the will of the force would I do so, if danger is afoot, or it indicated such generosities would be abused, I would aid them in other ways. Perhaps offer them transport to a rehabilitation center if they are an addict, or even if there was nothing I would be able to do personally, surely I could find someone who could give them the aid they require."

Sitting back contemplatively he felt confident in his answer, yet still looked eagerly for his masters response.
galactic-vagabond422

 

Perhaps... there was a leak?

 

Mitth_Fisto I'm doing good just rping in Second Life and having fun.

Ananta Chetan I am not active enough here to come back so i will just drop by from time to time.

 

Well Adalia-Durron, i'm sure I don't know how your room came under water, though as an Ongree I can not fathom how that is a bad thing. I wish you the best in your quest to dry your quarters.

Shame Lightstar, though I have not really formally met you prior to this, I'm am sure there will always be room for you in the Ranks of the GOL, perhaps some day in the future when you have more free time you may join us formally. The more the merrier of course.

How do my other fellow Jedi do this fine weekend? I know I am most pleased to have some free time on my hands.

 

ConservativeJedi321

Mediation Garden

A smile pulled at the corners of Rak's mouth hearing his Padawan's answer. He took another sip of tea, setting the cup back down on the low table in front of them.

"Good, you've shown wisdom beyond your years, taking into account all the possibilities of why this poor being is in their current state." He nodded his head. "As a Jedi we are sensitive to suffering and wish to lessen it throughout the galaxy, compassion is key in that endeavor."

The human swirls the liquid in his cup, recalling how his mother used to read the leaves as a portent of the future. Rak needed no such thing to see that his learner had the beginnings of a fine Knight in him. "Now my padawan, let's extend this thought. Let's expand to the entire planet, billions of beings, millions of whom are starving just as the being you've just helped." He looked up to see his student's reaction. "How do you feel, and how do you begin to solve this problem, or do you even attempt to?"

 

Meditation Garden
Returning to his seat after a brief minute of walking around to stretch his legs, he began to ponder this new puzzle his master has presented him. Of course no matter what action one could take there would always be beings in a galaxy of untold trillions who lived in destitution, poverty, or worse. No one action could solve all the galaxy's problems, no one person could end the galaxy's suffering. He wasn't sure what direction his master was leading him, but in a composed manner he told the harsh truth.

"One sentient at a time master." Seeing his master wanted him to elaborate he continued. "In a galaxy as large and diverse as ours it is impossible to alleviate everyone's suffering, what one group may see as progress, another might call regression. But compromise is possible. The only way to make a difference is to be out In the galaxy doing our own part to solve the problems at hand. Deliver cloths to the naked, feed the hungry, aid the sick. And above all preserve the peace so the primary causer of chaos, conflict itself, does not rear its ugly head. A single Jedi may hardly make a dent in the larger world, yet 'The simplest gesture of kindness may fill a galaxy of hope' as the old saying goes. Those we do aid, the person we feed, the one who no longer must suffer as they once did, the happiness in the hearts of every single person we do save shall make every good action worth it. And though a single Jedi may hardly affect the bigger picture, the Order as a whole, or Orders if we take into account our cousins in the other factions, may have profound impact. Though I must admit for every problem we do fix, another atrocity may take its place in the near future, if we let that sway us away from our quest, then the Dark Side has already won. For each good turn allows the light to grow stronger. For each person who witnesses our charity, and permits the possibility that perhaps, just perhaps, not everyone is cruel and selfish at heart, possibly for the first time in their life, then we have taken steps to preserve a better future for all. It is a quest that shall never end, but it is one we must walk nonetheless."

The young Jedi smiled slightly. Thinking somewhat amusedly, that he sounded like some sort of sage. It was not the answer many his own age wanted to hear, it seemed most thought they could save the galaxy and end tyranny single handedly, no matter how unrealistic that may sound. Though a noble goal, it is one filled with arrogance, which he knew to be the seed of the dark side. He felt somewhat confident his master would be pleased with his response. Now Moving his eye stalks to observe the older humans reaction to his collection of fortune cookies, he patiently awaited a response.

galactic-vagabond422

 

Sorry for the delay but DRL and a few 'behind the scenes' responsibilities has kept me from being able to get all the pieces of a reply together at the same time. Also I was hoping someone would want extra points by voicing opinions and possible answers to your question.

Firstly the Guardian's of Light are a split off group from Luke's Jedi. We felt the Jedi were following a dangerous path with the Vong originally (So yes we have a very soft spot for Legends material and are still seeing how the new cannon will enhance and give us a new point of view of the Force and Star Wars galaxy), and that the Jedi were heading down a dangerous path due to visions of the first leader. Taking that into account what happened to the ancient Jedi and seeing Neman's short comings in modern warfare by the dying of those in the war first is a note of history to us. So we would go so far as the ensure the survival of the fledgling order by restricting the study of Niman. So your points of why Niman is not a demanding form needing prior mastery to use is actually the reason it is restricted now. One must have a strong foundation in defending yourself for the fields of battle, because not every diplomatic situation will end in peace and we want our member to survive those bad situations.

Interestingly enough the wook leaves a few things out. For the sake of discussion I will add it here. In Jedi vs. Sith Niman is listed as taking ten years of intense/focused study to master. From the way it looks in the write up I would garner that most do not put in that focused study and instead merely keep a basic or moderate proficiency as a side angle in the Old Republic.

As for the dual wielding The Jedi Path page 75 deals with this: "Niman is also the combat style associated with the use of twin blades. The art of wielding a sword in each hand is broadly known as Jar'Kai, after the Yovshin Swordsmen. Form VI acts as a foundation for this challenging practice. Those who incorporate a second blade may wish to use a lightsaber shoto in their off hand, for its shorter blade allows for greater range of motion."

I hope this answers your question.

 

aye, it does. however, it also highlights some severe inconsistencies in source material for the form.

 

*Nods head respectfully*

Yes. To each their own point of view and true level of their eyes.

 

Hello, quiet around the temple lately.

 

Apparently you dropped by when everyone was meditating.

 

Mediation Garden

Rak pursed his lips hearing his padwan's reply. A low hum left his chest as he once again stared pensively into his tea, watching the light dance around in the dark amber liquid. There was always room for improvement it seems.

"Interesting," the dark hair man said finally. "You considered every possibility why a single individual may be destitute but, when in becomes more you shrank back." He set his cup back down. His brown looked up taking in his student's reactions. "You are quite correct that a single Jedi cannot change the course of a planet through sheer force of will, and that we are an example to the galaxy. However, you did not ask yourself a question, why? Why are millions starving on this planet? Is it for a myriad of different reasons or is it a famine, a few poor harvests or a change in climate? You can do things to help, bring it to the attention of the wider galaxy, or see what can be done to solve these issues."

"Certain Jedi can have effects upon the growth of plants and can assist with returning nutrients to once dead soil. If it is mismanagement find where things are being lost or diverted and to whom it is going to. This may not be done out of malice, possibly it was a mistake, or an ingrained unconscious bias. Calling attention to this maybe painful but, is necessary if a people are to change and grow. If a planet's climate is changing seek assistance for relocations, or terraforming. Remember a Jedi's word carries weight. It has leverage to move hearts towards the greater good."

"This power must be used responsibly and never used to swindle or to bring rewards to ourselves."

"While these may not solve the problem of hunger entirely, it helps far more people than just feeding one person. Always remember, there is no ignorance, there is knowledge. This extends to everything we do padawan. Always ask questions, always strive to know everything about a situation. Never give up, or throw up your hands claiming a problem is 'too big'. All large problems start from something small. It maybe several small things together but, solving just one can lessen the suffering a hundred fold."

"This is not to say that you are wholly wrong in your assessment. There are many reasons why beings suffer but, always look to see if you can elevate anguish to the most people, it may be harder than feeding a single person but, the end result is no less important."

"Always do what you can to help, even if it is feeding a single individual but, if there is something more you can do, seek it out and do it."

He took a moment to let his words sink in, and see how his padawan responds to slight correction.

ConservativeJedi321

 

The Meditation Garden
The Ongree was surprised at his masters response. He had presumed the planet to be the epitome of Anarchy in which the cause was irrelevant, only the solution mattered. And right there he realized was his mistake He presumed. Nodding his head he came to a new conclusion, every trouble had a cause, rooted in a deeper problem. He was somewhat embarrassed he hadn't thought of that earlier. His master had been tricky in that regard, using his own biases and preconceptions on the matter against him. He bowed slightly.

"Of course master, I was stuck on the larger picture, when presented with such a large problem I was unable to dissect it. You are correct, the cause is everything when calculating the solution. What is a large issue if not only a collection of smaller issues bloated to a massive scale, and each one must be treated in accordance with their causes, whether it be disaster, or something more mundane . This is why you are the mentor, and I the apprentice.

Compassion is always essential, and that is something I would never deny. Though a single Jedi may have limited effect there is still much they can do, and the scale of an issue must not dissuade us. Whether it is standing before the senate requesting concessions, or at ground zero working in a soup kitchen, a Jedi's place is in the field. Though the approach must be tailored to the cause, no fix saves all, and no problem can be solved over night. Even as my previous statements stand, I acknowledge there was much I was not considering and the cause is certainly the number one factor we must take into account when calculating any solution."

Serenely looking down at the tea cup before him he awaited his masters response, with less confidence this time as he realized ironically in hindsight his previous expectations stood in stark contrast to the lesson he had verbalized. He sat ready for his masters lesson neither in confidence nor arrogance, but in an eager anticipation to expand his own understanding.

galactic-vagabond422

 

A few additions from the Council on Awarding Force Points...

• 1-2 pts for exceptional RPG posts
• potential loss of points for a Jedi who engages in unjedilike behavior in the GoL or elsewhere on the forums

Also some reminders...

• 5 pts can be earned for participating in the RPG
• each padawan task can earn up to 5 pts maximum
• Masters are kindly reminded to total-up their apprentice's points for each task that has garnered points from time to time and post them here.

Did I miss anything?
TAG Bardan_Jusik Mitth_Fisto Adalia-Durron

 

Looks good to me, although I am often lost in thought until someone pokes me

Currently enjoying the new cannons Dark Disciple for the first time. Vos certainly is an interesting contrast to the way many view the Jedi.

 

I read that not long after It came out, it receives a lot of flack from some audiences, but its among my favorite of the new canon novels. It really feels like a continuation of TCW. I hope you enjoy it as I have.