Tuesday, June 18, 2013

A Secret Revealed

"So, how about that Master" Dian'jie happily spoke, slapping his Master on the back.
Exasperated Asrul responded "I'm no longer your master, but you did well." for some reason, he felt quite relieved at that truth.

As the pair walked away, Master Orion-sol called out. "Oh, Dian'jie, Master Harfang is expecting you in the Jedi archives"

How many times Dian'jie had tried to secretly access his fathers archived holocron had almost become a running joke at the temple when he was a youngling. Everytime however Master Harfang's encryptions and watchful eye had thwarted his clumsy attempts.

"Oh, it's you" Master Harfang sighed at the sight of a almost skipping Dian'jie
"I'm here to s...."
"I KNOW, WE ALL KNOW. You've been trying for years. Fine. It's over there." Master Harfang gestured with a wave of his hand in the direction of the archived holocrons.
"Thank you Master" Dian'jie uncharacteristically showing some respect and bowing. The only response from Master Harfang was a 'humph' and a return to his busy work.

"I'll leave you Dian'jie, be careful with the knowledge you will discover here". Placing his hand on his former padawans shoulder. "There is always a choice."

Accessing holocron of Hu'thrane Lan...
...
...
Access granted. Dian'jie let out a little 'ha' (Master Harfang still heard it, glancing over and shaking his head)

Hu'thrane Lan
Birthplace: Corellia
Current Location: Unknowned yet sighted on Dantooine.
Siblings: None
Spouse: Deceased
Children: One surviving. Dian'jie Lan.
Brief History:
Hu'thrane was identified as force sensitive at a young age, the son of a Green Jedi, he too became one. Not only was he strong in the force, he was strong in body and mind too. Very passionate and loyal. We would say, overly aggressive too. He married and had a son. With the war with the Sith Empire Hu'thrane strongly objected to the Green Jedi's mandate of only concerning themselves with Corellia. He longed to combat the Sith Empire wherever they might be. His concern though of course was for his family.
His order however laid his concerns to rest. They gave him their blessing to travel to Courscant and join the Jedi Order and that they would take care of his wife and son in his absence.
He was a welcome addition to our order, while full of emotion, it was tempered with a strong sense of practicality, and his skill in 'negotiating' was exceptional.
Then the fateful day happened. An urgent holocron from Corellia. Hu'thrane immediately departed, on his arrival his fears were confirmed.

His Wife. His Son.

Dead.

To say his grief was overwhelming would be an understatement. When asked the Green Jedi present explained a team bounty hunters had somehow killed the Green Jedi protecting his family, and had successfully escaped the Corellian system. The attached holocron shows Hu'thrane muttering you all failed me and then turning on his Jedi brethren and slaying them where they stood without any hesitation.

Hu'thranes wroth could not be saited. He was relentless in his hunt for the bounty hunters all over the known galaxy. Each time he found one, he would merciessly cut him (or her) down. It was rumored that his hunt even took him to Dormund Kas and Korriban. His hunt ended on Tatooine with even more loss of life. The final bounty hunter had been captured by a Jedi Order Knight and his padawan. They had been questioning the bounty hunter in relation to another incident (and very important). Hu'thrane found them before the Jedi felt they had garnered enough information from him. Hu'thrane of course was interested in only one thing. Cutting down the tied up bounty hunter. Something the Jedi and padawan could not allow.
Only Hu'thrane left Tattooine alive.
We felt that Hu'thrane had turned to the dark side. (his journeys to Dormund Kas and Korriban adding weight to this), so you can imagine our surprise when he turned up on the steps of the Jedi Temple in Corucsant and surrendering himself to the Jedi Council.
We pondered his fate. His rage had been spent. Those responsible were dead. Now he was a husk of his former self. We deemed time and mediation would eventually heal his wounds. We never found out if this was to pass. A week later, the Sith attacked and some of us in the order suspected Hu'thrane may have played a part in this, and he was Sith and was simply playing a role. The temple destroyed along with many Jedi. Hu'thrane was thought to have perished there too until the discovery of Hu'thrane on Dantooine by Master Agrillon, along with a boy, Dian'jie, claimed to be his son. Currently Hu'thrane is designated as a Rogue Jedi pending further investigation into the accusations of collusion with the Sith Empire with regards to the attack on the Jedi temple on Courscant.

For information regarding Dian'jie Lan please access the following holocron: AH33je_xx42-Dian'jieLan.

"Oh I gotta see this" Muttered Dian'jie.

Access denied.












"So, what did you think" Asruls casual question from his relaxed position in the cantina.
"Dunno, not overly surpised really. Always knew it was something 'shocking'" Dian'jie responded, himself slumping into a soft sofa.
"and..."
"and, well, that's my dad. I know why he did it. Not sure if it was the way to go about it, but I understand."
"Good" Asrul nodded and then made a gesture
A large man then sat down next to Asrul, and removed his hood.
"Congratulations on your knighting son"

Thursday, June 6, 2013

My Knight Trials

Knight Trials:

Trial of Skill: 
Jedi are not just masters of battle, but also hold many diverse skills…
Attend ONE advanced class type (PvE, PvP, and RP)

Master Inttrigue had us meet her on Alderaan.We then began an adventurous journey through some insectoid lands, passing by an imperial outpost in search of some kind of elusive and valuable egg. Why it's valuable I have no idea, but it was indeed elusive. We never found one. Our journey ended at the rear end of Castle Planteer. Why we were trying to scale the wall like mountain goats still confuses me. At least the Alderaanian ale was of some recompense.

Acquire Level 300 in all three skill crew areas.
Now I know why we need to improve our skills in crafting. It is to show us how mind-numbingly boring it is. Ergo to appreciate, love and improve our combat skills. 

Trial of Courage: 
Even a Jedi needs to summon Courage to face the challenges that will certainly present themselves…
Have completed every non-heroic flashpoint up to level 40

I found this trial very interesting. Honing my combat skills in fighting with allies. I will give the Empire this. They are stubborn. Every time they try to take something over, there we are slapping them silly and taking it back. First was:
Hammer Station

Then off to Athiss, where some ancient dead guy...won't stay dead, so we fixed that for him.
Athiss
I had heard rumors that the Mandalorians were fearful opponents. So I was quite excited when I heard of their impetuous attack. In the end, they died and I was kinda let down.
Mandalorian Raiders

I only had one gripe about this mission. My team decided to not blow up the imperial fleet with the missiles. My head still hurts from all the times I've smacked my head over that stupid decision.
Cademimu
This mission showed me the reason why heavy armour isn't always the best option. The humidity of this planet is really bad. Was sweating like a bantha on Tattooine.
Taral V

There a few things as exciting as a prison break. And this was no exception. Of course meeting the (in)famous Revan was a bit of icing on the cake (after killing Kilran of course. That felt good, the arrogant..well corpse now)
Maelstrom Prison

Have defeated all major planetary world bosses (up to level 40)
This guy was u.g.l.y. and slow. Dude could really take a lightsaber to the knee quite well though. 
(Yes, that water was putrid and it took ages to clean my armour afterward.)
BOSS: Subject Alpha
LEVEL: 21
LOCATION: Taris

This was a more interesting fight since a Sith thought it would be funny to interfere with our attempts to exact revenge for the death of all those cute Jawas. So on this day we defeated Trapjaw and the bonus, a Sith.
BOSS: Trapjaw
LEVEL: 30
LOCATION: Tatooine

I think it must be a droid virus. First there was the problem on Coruscant, now here on Narshada. Still...outcome was the same. Spare parts anybody?
BOSS: Battledroid R4-GL
LEVEL: 32
LOCATION: Narshada

And another Droid going nuts. Must look into the possiblities of creating a self-destruct virus for these crazy droids. Would move things along quickly since this guys shields made it very slow going.
BOSS: Ulgo Siegebreaker
LEVEL: 35
LOCATION: Alderaan

Another droid. Seriously. I give up. I'm now yearning for flesh and blood opponents again. But then again, at least the droids don't monologue about how awesome they are and how feeble and pathetic our attempts at destroying them are.
BOSS: Rogue Cartel Warbot
LEVEL: 38
LOCATION: Quesh

Trial of the Spirit: 
Padawans have to look deep within their souls, on a quest of self-discovery.
Complete Act 2 of your story.

I only have one question at the end of this. Does the emperor bathe? Or does he wear those mummy rags all the time? At least I've got a Sith pureblood ally. That's bound to make the Masters on Tython squirm a bit. Haha, love that. Hey, Scourge, say "BOO"

Assemble one relic from acquired matrix shards at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant
Green goes there, then blue and finally a yellow! Wow, this is like being a youngling back on Tython!

Trial of the Flesh:
 All the Lightsaber trainings offered at the Temple cannot compare to the training received in battle…
Reach Valor Rank 30 (or recruit at least 2 new member to the guild, and complete an RP task for a Master)
This was by far, the most enjoyable part of my trials. Going into battle against the Empire. No more politics, no more talking, no more tip-toeing around that stupid Treaty of Courscant. See an Imp and shove my lightsaber into it!

Trial of Insight:
 A Jedi Knight learns that he is not responsible for his training alone, but for passing along that training and mentoring others…

Complete and post your Knight Trials and when approved request your Knight's Interview. 
  (Interview Panel must consist of at least 3 members that are High Council, Arbiter Council and/or the Grandmaster.

This will indeed be insightful...



Speak the Jedi Code at a Knighting ceremony as your final act to become a Jedi Knight.

You are now permitted take a (1) Padawan to mentor as your first act as a Jedi Knight. (and so become a "Sanctioned Master")

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

To Tython

Ag'grillon's mind raced with the possibilities. While the young Dian'jie was oblivious to his guardian's concern, he just enjoyed his first space flight.

For Ag'grillon it was one of his longest. How could Hu'thrane be alive? Is Dian'jie really his son? Who is the boy's mother? How powerful could Dian'jie grow to be? Would he follow his fathers footsteps...or worse?

"Hmmph" grunted Ag'grillon at his last thought. "Couldn't get much worse"

Ahh, so many questions, too few answers. And what of the council? What will they do with the boy?

"Ugh, this is giving me a migrane"

"What's a migrane?" Dian'jie piped up, overhearing Ag'grillon talking to himself.
"Something you are giving me" retorted Ag'grillon.
A confused look passed over Dian'jie's face "but I've given you nothing" "You're funny"

A smile flashed across Ag'grillon's face, Dian'jie's innocence putting his concerns to rest. "Never been called funny before"

"So where are we going?"
"Tython, to see the council"
"What's the council?"

The migrane returned.

-----------------------------------
A lone space shuttle observed the Jedi's shuttle depart Dantooine and jump to Tython. The lone pilot opened a comm link.
<static>
"Well?" a cold feminine voice demanded.
"The boy is on his way to Tython with a Master...Ag'grillon?"
"Good. Return. I have another task for you"
------------------------------------

"I see you have returned with more than with which you left Master Ag'grillon"

"Yes Master. This young one shows a remarkable affinity with the force, he is young, and it would be prudent of us to train him in the ways of the Jedi"
Ag'grillon quickly grabbing Dian'jie's shoulder and spinning him around to face the council. (He was not paying any attention and was too busy looking at the really high ceiling)
"Prudent you say? How so?" Was the council members response, with raised eyebrow.

Ag'grillon took in a deep breath, "Here goes nothing" he muttered to himself
"Because this is Hu'thrane Lan's son"

Ever been to a Hutt party? It's dark, noisy, seedy and chaotic. Now imagine some idiot walking into that party, grabbing the microphone and yelling in  a drunken stupor, "I want to thank that big fat worm for throwing this awesome party" The music would undoubtedly cease and everybody would look at the perpetrator with stunned silence, for about half a second before all hell breaking loose. Who knew a Jedi council could be like a Hutt party.

Shock, gasps, whispers and loud accusations went flying, while others sat back in their chairs to be very thoughtful.

"I think they know my dad" Dian'je whispered to Ag'grillon.
"You think? What gave it away"
"When you mentioned my fathers name they all went crazy" Dian'jie responded in a very matter-of-fact tone.
Ag'grillon inwardly groaned.

Satele stood. "Calm my brethen. Calm. Come forward child."

Ag'grillon knowingly shoved Dian'jie forward before the "Why?" that was forming in his throat escaped his lips.

"What is your name child?"
"Dian'jie Lan. What's yours?"
Satele smiled. "I'm known as Master Satele Shan, how do you feel about being here?"
"umm, I feel...I dunno. Everybody here dresses funny?"
"I mean, away from your father, your mother?"
"My mother? I don't have one of those. But my father told me I should come here and learn from you. So, here I am" with a shrug of his shoulders and a smile.


"Thank you Dian'jie, it was nice to meet you, now please go with Master Ag'grillon.
Ag'grillon breathed a sigh of relief, this interview was going better than he had hoped.
"Why?"
Ag'grillon groaned. And there it is.
However, Satele took it all in stride, with an amused twinkle in her eye.
"He will show you the temple and the other younglings here. Goodbye for now"
Dian'jie opened his mouth to respond again (with "What's a youngling?"), but Ag'grillon quickly grabbing him, "Just say "goodbye Master""
"Goodbye Master" Dian'jie quipped.

After the council doors were closed, the discussion was intense.
"How did Hu'thrane survive the attack on Coruscant? Was he involved in it? He must be brought here before the council!"
"His son is dangerous, we can't possibly be serious about training him."
"More dangerous if the Sith get their hands on him and train him."
"He'd be an uncontrollable weapon"
"Better our weapon than theirs"

Master Satele Shan rose and outstretched her arms in a sign for silence and calm...again.

"My fellow Jedi. We cannot judge this child on the actions of his father. It's is undeniable the child is force sensitive. As such, it is our duty to train him and temper his emotions. He is not responsible for his fathers actions, he is innocent of these. He will become what we train him to become, a Jedi."

The council concurred (some begrudgingly) with Master Satele Shan decree. But behind closed doors Satele had her own concerns. Will Dian'jie hold true to his teachings or will he indeed follow in his fathers footsteps. "So young and already so headstrong and independent."

With a sigh. "Ahh, we will find out soon enough. Soon enough".