Common Misconceptions of the New Jedi Order

[Green Ranger]

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Common Misconceptions of the New Jedi Order
Kara Vaalki

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As guardians of the peace and protectors of the Old and New Republics and the Galactic Alliance, the existance, history and dogma of the Jedi Order is a well known topic of discussion. In fact many in the galaxy believe they know the ways of the Order inside and out as well as any Jedi. However, like all things, the way of the Jedi has changed considerably over the millenia, and the New Jedi Order especially has often been prone to misconceptions on the true ways of the Jedi.

Following the Clone Wars and the Jedi Purge, the ways of the Jedi Order were lost for decades before eventually being rediscovered by the resurgent New Jedi Order, under the guidance of Master Luke Skywalker. However, Skywalker himself established the New Jedi Order on principles that vastly differ from those that most believe the Order still operates under - a flawed mentality and philosophy that led to the downfall of the Old Order, and a stereotype the Jedi still fight to break free from. In this article I aim to cover the common misconceptions regarding the New Jedi Order, and shed some light on the true path of the Jedi in modern times.

Role

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Traditionally, the Jedi Order were considered guardians of Peace and defenders of the Republic, as well as scholars and diplomats. In times of great difficulty, the Order would sometimes intervene more forcefully, though they were always reluctant to become involved in conflicts. This attidue, however, often was frowned upon by others, who beleived the Order intervened late, and left the dirty work to the good citizens of the Republic they apparently served. Throughout history, more resentment was bred towards the Order then respect for their mentality.

The New Jedi Order, on the other hand, is far more active day-to-day. Gone are the eras of the Jedi sitting in their temples meditating. A Jedi is expected to be at the Galactic Alliance's disposal, actively serving to protect the good people of the galaxy from darker threats. Jedi are often called upon as diplomats and scholars, but moreso now they are also involved in directly intervening in conflicts as serving alongside the Galactic Alliance's military forces when need be. The Jedi still maintain bastions of knowledge and learning, but the vast majority of the Order is scattered throughout the galaxy, actively seeking knowledge or setting things to right.

In addition to these greater acts, the modern Jedi is also expected to perform smaller acts of kindness. Many Jedi assist remote communities by ways of delivering store of food, or assisting to erect shelter. Others serve to police dense, overpopulated worlds, uprooting crime where the arm of the law does not reach. Compared to the old Order ,the Jedi is seen more frequently and is prepared to assist wherever and whenever possible.

Training

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The method of training for the Order of old was a very strict process, taught from a very young age with high standards and even greater expectations. Jedi could only begin their tutelage if they were found to be Force Sensitive before a very young age in order to minimalise emotional attachments. These younglings were then assorted into clans, which were overseen by fosterers and monitored as they studied the core basics of Jedi training to discover their affinity. As these students grew into maturity, their individual strengths and weaknesses would be further trained in preparation for when they became a Padawan learner. Under the guidance of a single Master who would take no other student, the Padawan would then learn greater mastery of the Force, build a lightsaber and study the Seven Forms of Lightsaber combat.

While strict and disciplined, the old way of teaching left much to be desired - many Force Sensitives were discovered too late, leaving their talents unharnessed. The strict regimen of Jedi training on younglings and initiates proved to be highly demanding, and many a student broke under the pressure and was removed from the Order. Others still fell despite their training, feeling stifled by the dogmatic approach of the Old Order.

In contrast, the New Jedi Order is far more lenient. There is no minimal age for joining the Order, nor are students expected to remain in the Jedi temples for the entirety of their initial tutelage. Initiates are often encouraged to go out into the galaxy and explore. Others are tasked with solo missions and expected to learn through action. The rank of Padawan still exists, but being trained by a Master is not a prerequisite of ascension to Knighthood - it is only an option of a more familiar approach to training. The Masters of the Order are expected to guide their students to the right path, not force them onto it.

Jedi students are also advised to find their own path in training - each temple is equipped with numerous chambers that have various training obstacles and apparati that all students have free access to at any time. Great stone blocks on sleds, thin poles over padded flooring, open areas equipped with low-powered blasters and training sabers are just some of the facilities readily available to Masterless Jedi. In addition, all students have access to the knowledge of the Jedi Archives, including many holorecords of training exercises, breathing techniques, history lessons and discussions on various philosophies. There are an infinite number of ways a Jedi can increase their knowledge independant of a senior member, though it is still recommended a student regularly 'touch base' with a senior member to ensure they are on the right path.

Attachment

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The old Jedi Order frowned heavily upon the idea of emotional attachment - the primary reason for only accepting students below a certain age was to minimise the emotional bonds one could form before beginning their training, and thereby maintain a sense of objectivity when dealing with all matters. It was also the opinion of the Order that close friendship and relationships were detrimental to a Jedi, as they posed a heavy risk to the Jedi of falling to the Dark Side. As a result, many Jedi took these dogma to an extreme, leading to a somewhat lonely existance, even within the halls of the great temples, surrounded by fellow Jedi.

The New Jedi Order discarded this mentality completely, and in many ways actually encourage a Jedi to form such bonds. Recognizing that companionship, friends and even lovers are in fact natural, healthy things for all beings, and that a Jedi cannot face all challenges alone has been a core aspect of the new teachings. As such, many Jedi in the Order today are in committed relationships, or have many contacts throughout the galaxy. Many travel with companions freely, though all are taught to be aware of their own emotions clouding their judgement. A Jedi must still recognize that their duty comes to the Order first and foremost, and that there is no shame in stepping aside when they feel their objectivity is compromised. Great trust in one's peers is reinforced from the start of a Jedi's training, teaching that one's own personal strengths and weaknesses can be complemented by one's peers, and to trust in teamwork and one another.

Many Jedi pursue romantic relationships both within and out of the ranks of the Order, and the Council does not restrict this behaviour. If a Jedi is seen to be consorting with someone the Council deems risky to the Jedi's wellbeing, they will offer their counsel to the Jedi, but never force the breaking of a relationship like the Old Order was known to do. It is the view of the Order that even the most dangerous of lovers can be guided and healed with the aid of the Jedi they are partnered with, and that it is in fact a natural and healthy progression of the relationship to redeem the fallen.

Freedom

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Before the Ruusan Reformations, the Old Jedi Order followed much more informal guidelines in all aspects - similar guidelines the New Jedi Order now follows once more, though not in all aspects. One of the greatest hindrances to the effectiveness of the post-Ruusan Jedi Order was the strict hold the Jedi Council held over all members of the Order. Almost all decisions had to be ruled upon by either the High Council or one of the three lesser Councils, leading to lengthy discussions and slow reactions. Jedi members often avoided the Council or the Core Worlds to escape this process, leading in a increasing rift directly proportionate to a Jedi's distance from the Core Worlds.

The High Council f the New Jedi Order follows the old, pre-Ruusan mentality of ruling only on more important matters that may effect the entire Order, and serving otherwise as an advisory body to members. of the Order. Jedi are not required to stand before the High Council to be tested or promoted to the rank of Knight - these duties are expected of members of the Order in the field. Jedi Masters are officially recognized by the Council in some form - though official ceremony is rare. Furthermore, local matters are trusted to be handled immediately by the attending member of the Order, rather then requiring a Council ruling one way or the other - however, the Council will offer guidance and advice if required.

The Dark Side

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The Old Order's beliefs regarding the Dark Side of the Force are rather well-known and well-documented - thousands of years of fighting the Dark Side left many accounts of the beliefs of some of the greatest Jedi behind for us to study, however it seems the dogmatic beliefs of the Order are often at odds with the reality of historic events. Despite many, many practitioners of the Dark Side being redeemed to the Light Side of the Force, the Order maintained that true redemption was impossible - even in his infinite wisdom, Jedi Master Yoda believed that the taint of the Dark Side would forever one's destiny. In rebuttal, many historians believe that Master Yoda was somewhat jaded by the events of the Jedi Purge, and held much bitterness and resentment that he himself failed to recognize.

Even setting this account aside, there are countless other references to Jedi who believed - or were made to believe, in some cases - that the Dark Side was all-consuming, and redemption was in fact impossible. From this mentality, a great fear and paranoia of the Dark Side was born, and the Jedi were forever tarnished by their own dogma.

In contrast, the New Jedi Order maintains the belief that redemption is achievable, and that even the darkest soul can eventually be turned back to the Light. In many cases, redemption has been proven to be a baptism by fire of sorts, a powerful and humbling learning experience for those who have fallen and returned. The Order also maintains that the powerful gifts the Force bestows upon a Jedi - that is, Force Powers - are neither dark nor light in their true nature, that it is the intent behind the power that is Light and Dark. In the words of legendary Master Kyle Katarn; "Remember: abilities are not inherently good or evil, it's how you use them."

OOC NOTE: Please note that as an in-character piece, not everything documented here may align with the rules and regulations of the New Jedi Order as a faction. Please -check the relevant sticky threads to ensure you are following the faction's official guidelines.