"Karana Campus: Lightsaber Studies"

1—Introduction

Greetings, Dark Jedi of the Brotherhood.

In this course, you will find the means to plumb the depths of knowledge of the elegant weapon of the Dark Jedi. You will be instructed in the operation, creation, and usage of this incredible weapon. The questions will test your knowledge of the Light Saber guide. You will be instructed in the usage, forms, hardware, and lore of this ancient weapon. The lightsaber is one of the primary weapons in our arsenal. This weapon is a symbol of our collective power, and creation of one is one of the steps required to become a Knight in many of the old traditions. Usage and rightful ownership of the blade is a great honor. Knowing one's weapon, its inner workings, and usage can save one's life. Or end the existence of your enemies.

2—Resources

To complete the course, you will need to use and understand the Lightsaber Combat Guide. You will need to familiarize yourself with it fully. Almost all the answers you seek will be found within. As well, answers may not be found in consecutive order within the material so just opening the guide and plodding along will not work. Know that the Course questions are not necessarily in consecutive order, so that you will need to truly grasp the information within the Guide and the Compendium.

You will find the lightsaber guide here:http://www.darkjedibrotherhood.org/dbjedi/lightsaber_guide.asp.

As well, some answers to test questions can be found on this webpage, part of the Brotherhood Codex: http://codex.darkjedibrotherhood.com/lightsabers.html.

3—Styles and Forms

Each of these Lightsaber Forms has unique benefits and drawbacks. You as a Dark Jedi should pick the style or styles that suits your persona best. Think carefully, and expand your character. Make your persona come to life, and integrate the Way of Lightsaber Knowledge. This is an expression of your True self as a Dark Jedi. In order to locate statistic information and adherents of a particular style, be sure and pay attention to the boxes that you may find on the left hand side of each form. These boxes also include the statistical information necessary for usage or mastery of each style, in the frame of Rebirth.

It is also true that many Jedi have changed their minds over time, eschewing one form or style for another. The lesson learned here, is not to succumb to stagnation, but rather overcome it. Dynamic change is an asset. Do not feel as if you have to complete any form to the level of Mastery. Find your Inner Path.

The Forms
The Forms come in three categories. They are Core, Advanced, and Elite, indicating respective degrees of difficulty.

Form Zero
This introductory style teaches the usage of the hilt of the unlit saber as a weapon, as well as the training lightsaber.

3.A—Core

The Core forms are: Shii-Cho, Makashi, and Soresu. Each has its respective benefits, and drawbacks. As well, they may be prerequisites for more difficult forms you may wish to add to your repertoire later. In order to study a Core form, the rank of Dark Jedi Knight must be attained.

• Shii-Cho is based, and relies, upon strength and charisma, and was one of the first forms developed. It is simplistic in nature, and deceptively effective. It is particularly effective in facing multiple opponents. It is not flashy..
• Makashi is referred to as the "Duelist" form and is based on dexterity and intelligence. It is particularly effective against lightsaber wielding opponents. It is not as good versus ranged weapons and multiple opponents.
• Soresu is based on Constitution and Wisdom. It is powerful in the area of defense. The form is effective versus blaster weapons, and slow on the attack.

3.B—Advanced

The Advanced Forms are Ataru, Djem So, Niman, Vaapad, and Dun Moch. In order to study one of these forms, the rank of Archpriest/Battlemaster/Prelate must be reached.

• Ataru is based upon Dexterity and Charisma. Also, the practitioner must possess some skill in Soresu and Makashi (in the ACC, this means at least 3 points for each category) . Ataru uses athletic prowess and is an aggressive style. Ataru excels in the attack but leaves something to be desired in terms of defense.
• Djem So is based upon Strength and Intelligence. The wielder must have 3 ranks in both Shii-Cho and Soresu as well. Djem So is an efficient form with few weaknesses. It is effective against multiple opponents and against blaster fire.
• Niman is based on Constitution and Charisma. The student must possess three ranks each in Shii-Cho and Soresu. It is referred to as "The Diplomat's form." It is adaptable, and does not require the rigorous training that other advanced forms do leaving more time for scholarly pursuits.
• Vaapad requires dexterity and wisdom, as well as 3 ranks each in Makashi and Soresu. It is a difficult style of unpredictable assaults and direct movements. Vaapad is quick, and overpowers opponents with devastating blows.
• Dun Moch demands a strong presence in the Force, as well as 5 ranks in Makashi. The form is a kin to a state of mind, relies heavily on the Dark Side, and is excellent for dueling.

3.C—Elite

The Elite Forms are: Shien, Jar'Kai Niman, Sokan, Juyo, Trakata, and Lus Ma. In order to study an Elite form, the rank of Epis/Battlelord/Exarch must be attained.

• Shien is an aggressive style that uses Dexterity. The student must have four ranks in Djem So as well. Shien uses a reverse grip, is effective offensively, and is reasonably effective versus other saber wielders. It is somewhat lacking against blaster fire.
• Jar'Kai Niman is Wisdom based, and the student must have 4 ranks in Niman. Jar' kai Niman teaches double blade use, is a difficult style, and is deadly against other lightsaber wielders.
• Sokan is based on Intelligence, and requires 4 ranks in Ataru as well. Originating during the Sith Wars, the style is dynamic and mobile. Sokan is efficient, deadly, and unpredictable.
• Juyo requires Strength, and at least 4 ranks in Vaapad. It is an acrobatic style that teaches use of the whole body as a weapon, and contains saber-staff techniques as well. Juyo is a devastating, "flashy" style.
• Trakata teaches the usage of killing strikes, devastating lunges, long stabs, and deceptive tactics. It requires 5 ranks in Dun Moch, and 200 Force points.
• Lus Ma is an obscure and forgotten form, and is not currently taught. It is a demanding and acrobatic form, teaching a variety of arcs and stabs.

4—Lightsaber Physical Components

When constructing a blade, there are several important bits of necessary hardware. These include the generator crystal, focusing crystals, hilt casing, emitter, and power cell. Creators of these weapons will often go to great lengths to acquire special components. Lightsabers must be constructed by hand, as there is no exact formula for the crucial alignment of the irregular crystals. Improper construction of a blade can have devastating results, including detonation of the power cell and plasma explosions.

The addition of other crystals or combinations of novae can alter the properties of the blade.

4.A—Generator Crystals

This is arguably one of the most important components of a lightsaber type weapon. The generator crystal is responsible for the initial beam and coloration of the lightsaber. A beginner's weapon usually contains one generator crystal, giving the blade a fixed length and tuning. Multiple generator crystals can allow the creator to vary the blade length, creating a multi-phase lightsaber. A short lightsaber hilt can hold 2 crystals, a standard hilt 3, a great hilt 4, and a saber staff requires 4. A multi-phase blade requires 3 crystals.

There are several varieties that can be used in a lightsaber. They are Adegan, Corusca, Durindfire, and Synthetic varieties.

Adegans typically produce yellow, blue, or green blades. However some, antique weapons with Ruusan Adegan crystals can come in a variety of hues. Corusca generally produces orange, white, or purple blades. Durindfire blades are almost always white, and Sith Synthetic crystal blades are always red. There are presumably other stones and sources as well, but these remain closely guarded secrets. Corusca can rarely be attuned to be cortosis-resistant, and Durindfire makes excellent dual-phase blades. It is possible to change an Adegan's color with various forms of treatment that can be found in the Lightsaber Guide. However, Durindfire crystals have so far resisted these treatments.

4.B—Novae

Focusing crystals enable the blade to be modified and fine-tuned. Different varieties of Nova crystals have unique effects. They are considerably more abundant than generator crystals. The basic Nova crystals are Bondar, Damind, Firkrann, Luxum, Opila, Phond, and Sapith. Other more rare varieties exist as well. Usage of Novas can alter these parameters, condense the blade, "smooth" the blade, and other effects.

4.C—Hilt Types

• Straight Hilt: basic type. Generally the first type constructed. It is large enough for two hands, but can be used with one as well. This is an average hilt.
• Curved hilt: usually one handed, and wielded by Makashi proponents for the ergonomic orientation of the blade with their wrist.
• Single-handed hilt: usually shorter than the straight hilt, this is handle is favored by those who value speed. It is lightweight and usually has an ergonomic grip.
• Double-handed hilt: this is designed to be used with both hands at all times. It is considerably larger than most and is designed to be used by persons with great strength.
• Saber-Staff hilt (Double Bladed Lightsaber): This is a two handed weapon with saber blades that can be lit from both ends. This is a difficult weapon to master and can only be used by Elders.
• Dual-Phase blade: this type of hilt incorporates multiple focusing crystals and can vary the length of the blade. This weapon usually has a normal length blade and a 300 cm length one as a variant.

4.D—Hilt Materials

Hilts are usually built from hollow cores or interlocking metallic components. Durasteel is often used, but other more exotic metals such as Ditanium and Tritanium may be used as well. It is possible to craft a hilt from a non-metallic substance, but this is very difficult and rarely done. Phrik alloy can also be used, but this lightsaber resistant material is very rare. Cortosis incorporated into a saber hilt makes the weapon non-functional, and will surely be confiscated by the Dark Council.

4.E—Emitters

The shape of the blade emitter tip is one of the most often customized parts on a Jedi's blade. Classic types like the Bell and Shroud exist, as well as more archaic forms. Focusing tines on a custom saber weapon help to fine tune the blade and stabilize the gyroscopic effect.

4.F—Power Cell

Usually a diatium cell, this provides the enormous amounts of energy necessary to power the saber blade. These cells are internally mounted, and a recharge port on the hilt allows them to be re-charged. Some blade crafters such as Quinlan Vos incorporated extra power cells or capability into their weapons for extended fieldwork. Given the 5mW of power usually contained in a typical diatium power cell, it is important to use care when creating your weapon.

4.G—Styling

Many things can be learned from examining a Dark Jedi's lightsaber. The choice is up to you. It has been said that observant Jedi can learn much about a person from observing the unique characteristics of their saber. Your weapon is ultimately an expression of who you are as a Dark Jedi. It is important to craft a weapon worthy of defending your life.