The Mind
There are many conflicts that you will face, and many of these will take the form of combat. But this, as you should well know, is a last resort. In fact, for some throughout history, it was not a resort at all. So in our ancient history, I’d like to point out a few people to you.
Master Yoda and Master Obi-Wan were quite proficient at the lightsaber and at using the Force in combat. However, they strived to solve problems without these tools. “A Jedi’s strength flows from the Force,” Master Yoda said. This strength not only extends into the hands and the saber, but into our minds, into our surroundings, and into the people around us.
Master Fay was a well-known Jedi from the Clone Wars era. She actually died so that Master Obi-Wan may live. She never picked up a lightsaber and resolved conflict with her mental closeness with the Force. She overwhelmed her enemies and people in conflict with feelings of tranquility and peace. A big Jedi Mind Trick, wrapped in a warm fuzzy blanket of kindness, covering the area of dispute.
Not that I am in any way near the level of character that these three individuals were, but I am one in this Galaxy and in these recent times who also never carries a saber. I used one (or rather two, duel-wielding at one point) long ago, but I never resolved a conflict with it. In my experience, they only made conflicts worse.
Case in point, I was once traveling with Lady Serenity on a diplomatic run to a small smuggler’s haven. We had been trying to organize a Peace Conference back on New Holstice and we needed to find representatives from all areas of the Galaxy, even Dark Jedi.
Many places, like Koriban, had orders to shoot Jedi on sight, although it ended up that a few of us were on an exception list of sorts, myself included. Seren and I showed up on Koriban many a time to talk through any then-recent scenarios. I was attacked a time or two, and in those types of situations I simply fled. But there were numerous times where diplomacy was my main and successful weapon. Darth Padar of DLotS and his minions were fearsome Dark Lords. But I was often able, with the help of my other Consulars, to thwart combat and solve small problems. At the Peace Conference, even with feisty Clones and various Dark Lords there, we came to a bit of an agreement on RP standards, which would become one of the first (albeit short-lived) community accords.
Master Yoda and Master Obi-Wan were quite proficient at the lightsaber and at using the Force in combat. However, they strived to solve problems without these tools. “A Jedi’s strength flows from the Force,” Master Yoda said. This strength not only extends into the hands and the saber, but into our minds, into our surroundings, and into the people around us.
Master Fay was a well-known Jedi from the Clone Wars era. She actually died so that Master Obi-Wan may live. She never picked up a lightsaber and resolved conflict with her mental closeness with the Force. She overwhelmed her enemies and people in conflict with feelings of tranquility and peace. A big Jedi Mind Trick, wrapped in a warm fuzzy blanket of kindness, covering the area of dispute.
Not that I am in any way near the level of character that these three individuals were, but I am one in this Galaxy and in these recent times who also never carries a saber. I used one (or rather two, duel-wielding at one point) long ago, but I never resolved a conflict with it. In my experience, they only made conflicts worse.
Case in point, I was once traveling with Lady Serenity on a diplomatic run to a small smuggler’s haven. We had been trying to organize a Peace Conference back on New Holstice and we needed to find representatives from all areas of the Galaxy, even Dark Jedi.
Many places, like Koriban, had orders to shoot Jedi on sight, although it ended up that a few of us were on an exception list of sorts, myself included. Seren and I showed up on Koriban many a time to talk through any then-recent scenarios. I was attacked a time or two, and in those types of situations I simply fled. But there were numerous times where diplomacy was my main and successful weapon. Darth Padar of DLotS and his minions were fearsome Dark Lords. But I was often able, with the help of my other Consulars, to thwart combat and solve small problems. At the Peace Conference, even with feisty Clones and various Dark Lords there, we came to a bit of an agreement on RP standards, which would become one of the first (albeit short-lived) community accords.
The smuggler haven, now, had a key player that we needed at the Conference. We knew we could be shot on sight at this place as well, but we were able to go in and somewhat blind them with the blanket of warmth I mentioned. We assured them, verbally, as well as mentally through the Force, that we meant no harm and only needed to discuss matters of Galactic order. They listened and attended the Conference.
Another tale involves a spin on Dathomir more recently. I was on my way to Anoth and was running low on fuel. I detected a small station on Dathomir so I landed, thinking it was abandoned. Only when I was there, I realized it was not the most hospitable of places. In fact, it was as if there was a dampener on the Force there.
In one of the Dathomir Witches’ camps (I realized what they were once I got closer), I found someone hiding in a tent. He was lost and did not know where to go. He was afraid the witches would come back. These Force witches, mind you, could somehow bypass this thick curtain on the planet. They were truly menacing on this system.
Instead of igniting a saber (which I do not carry anyways), I used what little tie to the Force I had to help the fellow. I could feel the Sisters nearby, but not too close. And I was able to mask my presence as well. I told the lad where I had come in and how to get out, and I followed him as he escaped. And after “borrowing” some fuel, I left and took him to the nearest planet (Urbs station at the time).
A strong Knight or Master could have taken the Sisters with a saber, perhaps – at least the two that were there in the camp that night. But that is not always the answer. Calming and sensing, with my mind even slightly linked to the Force, solved the situation.
Remember, the lightsaber, while powerful, is not the only weapon of a Jedi. You should train in it, as you should train other skills. But also train your mind. Train in both and disregard neither.
Another tale involves a spin on Dathomir more recently. I was on my way to Anoth and was running low on fuel. I detected a small station on Dathomir so I landed, thinking it was abandoned. Only when I was there, I realized it was not the most hospitable of places. In fact, it was as if there was a dampener on the Force there.
In one of the Dathomir Witches’ camps (I realized what they were once I got closer), I found someone hiding in a tent. He was lost and did not know where to go. He was afraid the witches would come back. These Force witches, mind you, could somehow bypass this thick curtain on the planet. They were truly menacing on this system.
Instead of igniting a saber (which I do not carry anyways), I used what little tie to the Force I had to help the fellow. I could feel the Sisters nearby, but not too close. And I was able to mask my presence as well. I told the lad where I had come in and how to get out, and I followed him as he escaped. And after “borrowing” some fuel, I left and took him to the nearest planet (Urbs station at the time).
A strong Knight or Master could have taken the Sisters with a saber, perhaps – at least the two that were there in the camp that night. But that is not always the answer. Calming and sensing, with my mind even slightly linked to the Force, solved the situation.
Remember, the lightsaber, while powerful, is not the only weapon of a Jedi. You should train in it, as you should train other skills. But also train your mind. Train in both and disregard neither.