SWRP's Ultimate Guide to the Force

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SWRP's Ultimate Guide to the Force


The Force is not a power you have. It's not lifting rocks. It's the energy between all things — the tension, the balance, that binds the universe together.

— Luke Skywalker​

What is the Force?

A rather simplistic question, but ask it of anyone and you'll get a variety of answers. The simple answer? The Force is a metaphysical energy field that exists everywhere in the Star Wars galaxy. It is created by life and death and connects everything from the sentient life in the galaxy to the lowliest of inanimate objects together with one another. It communicates with living beings through symbiotic microorganisms known as a "midi-chlorians," and, those who possess a high enough count in their blood and dubbed Force-sensitive.

To these beings, the Force grants supernatural abilities. They can hear thoughts, move things with their minds, enhance their physical speed and strength, and even extend their lifespan beyond their species' natural limits. As a result, Force-sensitives are both highly revered and (often) feared by the regular inhabitants of the galaxy, for their seemingly unnatural and godlike abilities.

The Force is split into three parts: the Ashla, the Bogan, and the Bendu. The Ashla, better known as the light side of the Force, is the Force in its natural state. Its power is often associated with life and healing and it is the paragon deity of the Jedi Order, who use it for defense and never attack. The Bogan, better known as the dark side of the Force, is a maleficent perversion of the Force generated by unnatural tampering with the Force's energies and extreme horrific acts of violence. The dark side is used by a variety of religious cults, the most famous being the Sith Order, each in their own unique way.

The Bendu, often described as the "the one in the middle," is a more elusive side of the Force, present only in nature. Little is known about the Bendu, save for that the early Jedi often strove for a balance between light and dark, but abandoned it due to the impossibility of mortals maintaining light with darkness. So far, only an elusive creature in the myths of the planet Atollon has truly been able to maintain that place "in the middle."


How is the Force used?

The early Jedi Order studied the Force to enrich their knowledge and wisdom and to strive for balance in nature. Many modern Force religions and cults still strive for this goal to varying degrees of success. However, the most common use of the Force is as a supernatural power source.

The Jedi Order uses the Force in service of others: to protect, defend, heal, and study. The Sith Order harnesses their carnal emotions of anger, hatred, and fear to fuel the power of the dark side in order to rule, dominate, and enslave. They use the Force to empower themselves and believe that their use of the dark side makes them superior to other forms of life.

Some religious sects, like the Nightsister Clan on Dathomir, and the Sith species on Korriban and Ziost, use the Force together with the natural forces on their homeworlds to create a form of "magick" (alternatively spelled magic). These uses of the Force set them apart from Sith Order and other dark side cults, as they do not necessarily use their emotions to empower themselves, rather they use ancient chants and ichors to harness the Force into powerful spells that can warp nature and transmutate objects, in addition to the more traditional powers granted by the Force. However, as users of the dark side of the Force, they are still prone to the xenophobia and superiority complexes often found in the Sith Order.

Tribal peoples exist who learned to use the Force elementally, such as to manipulate earth. The Jedi and the Sith could similarly generate fire, ice, and lightning by focusing on the Force (though to use the Force elementally in such a manner often put one in danger of using the dark side, and was therefore more common among the Sith).

To see specific powers, unique to our site, that the Force can grant, please see our Approved Site Lore board. This site also accepts Force powers that have been demonstrated in official canon media.​


Does the Force have a will?

Jedi and Sith alike will often speak about the "will of the Force," as the Force does show signs of sentience. It is believed among both sects that Force acts through nature and through sentient beings to accomplish certain ends. While the Jedi and even some Sith seek to follow the will of the Force, many Sith seek to subvert or outright deny the will of the Force, as such a will stands in opposition to the free will of sentient beings.

There is natural evidence that the Force has a will. Kyber crystals, for instance, are deeply attuned to the Force and are known to select specific Force-users to wield them. They will also actively resist those who corrupt the will of the Force or use the dark side, unless they are made to bleed. On the planet Lothal, the Force manifests as loth-wolves: sentient wolf-like beings who guard the planet and actively resist those who disturb the natural light side energy that blankets the planet.

That said, there are those sects that either don't believe in the will of the Force or who have no concept of it. The Nightsister Clan, though observing deities like "the Fanged God" (a manifestation of the Son, an aspect of the dark side of the Force), do not acknowledge the Force's will, preferring to draw on communal knowledge and magical rituals to make decisions.

Other sects deny that the Force itself has a will, but that powerful Force users manipulate the Force to give the appearance of a will. Ancient Force religions worshiped the Mortis gods, a trio of powerful beings that represented the light, the dark, and the center and collectively had such a terrifying control over the Force that they could influence events in the natural galaxy if they were not kept locked away on the metaphysical planet Mortis. Other religions believed that the mysterious and elusive Whills guided the Force, with some believing that the Whills had merged with the Force and now control it from within (a view shared by the series creator, George Lucas).


Does the Force have risks?

Using the Force is not entirely without risk. Training is required to truly master the use of its power, but even the oldest and wisest Jedi Masters, and the most powerful of Sith Lords, cannot truly claim to be the Force's master, as new discoveries are often made. Without training, a Force user can be dangerous to others and themselves, as their powers are often erratic and instinctual.

Even when trained properly, the Force has drawbacks. Prolonged use of the Force is physically exhausting, and it would seem that there is a range to Force abilities. If that range is exceeded, the Force user in question runs the risk of exhausting their body to the point of death.

The dark side of the Force carries with it the most risk. Despite the unnatural abilities it grants, the stronger one is with the dark side, the more it takes a toll on one's body. Rapid aging and bodily deterioration, especially in humans, is common, as a mortal body is not capable of containing the full power of the dark side. As a result, those who use the dark side often become obsessed with obtaining immortality, as, the more power they obtain, the more their body deteriorates.
 
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Primer on the Light Side of the Force


The dark is generous and it is patient and it always wins – but in the heart of its strength lies its weakness: one lone candle is enough to hold it back. Love is more than a candle. Love can ignite the stars.

Revenge of the Sith novelization​


What is the light side of the Force?

The light side of the Force, known as the Ashla to both Jedi and several other Force traditions, is the Force in its natural state: that is to say, the Force as it naturally occurs in nature—harmony and balance. It is the source of power for those that train in the Jedi arts and emphasizes peace, healing, and tranquility. The light side was primarily used for healing, to center one's self, and to seek knowledge and wisdom. However, in a fight, it could be used to defend oneself against an enemy.

Though the Jedi Order teaches divorcing oneself from attachments, and therefore forbids romantic love, love is an emotion that actually strengthens one's connection to the light side. To use the light side effectively, a Jedi needed to clear their mind and not rely on negative emotions, such as anger, hatred, fear, greed, or lust. As a result, this side of the Force was often conflated with kindness and generosity (though there were Jedi who were anything but).

Indeed, even Sith doctrine acknowledges the inherent goodness of the light side of the Force. However, practitioners of the dark side tend to conflate the light side with weakness and passivity, which they believe makes it ineffectual in practicality. Indeed, great patience is needed to use the light side of the Force. Jedi are taught never to rush into action without having first consulted the will of the Force. A clear mind is often an effective one.


What can the light side do?

The light side is not typically associated with offensive Force abilities; but it is by no means the weaker side of the Force. Jedi are capable of incredible feats when using the light side, which make them godlike in many cultures, such as the primitive culture of Lothal. Manipulation of the elements is one such ability Jedi are able to use. With the Force, they can summon and control air, water, earth, and, in rare instances, even fire and electricity. The ability to manipulate plant life, or tame beasts in the wild, also falls under the scopes of a Jedi's abilities. The light side is intrinsically tied to nature, and, thus, can manifest and manipulate naturally occurring phenomenon. It is also associated with the powers to heal and purify.

It should be noted that only those who practice the light side of the Force are able to obtain a form of immortality whereupon they retain their individuality after merging with the Force. Such powerful and rare Force users go on to become Force spirits.

The following are light side Force abilities that are acceptable for use on SWRP. This list will be updated as new ones either appear in canon, or are submitted as lore articles in our Lore boards:
 
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Primer on the Dark Side of the Force


The dark side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be unnatural.

— Sheev Palpatine​

What is the dark side of the Force?

The dark side of the Force, known obscurely as the Bogan, was a twisted perversion of the Force, created out of intensely negative emotions, ghastly acts of evil, and horrific loss of life. It is the source of power for many Force traditions, the most famous being the Sith Order and the Nightsister Clan on Dathomir. The dark side emphasizes strength over weakness, encourages strife and bloodshed, and is empowered by intense emotions like anger, hatred, fear, greed, and lust. The presence of the dark side of the Force is accompanied by a sudden cold, making it easy to detect by those who can sense the Force.

Unlike the light side of the Force, the dark side has differing influences depending on the doctrine practicing it. For instance, the Sith emphasize the need to rely upon strong negative emotions. They turn inward, thinking only of themselves, and believe themselves to be naturally superior to other beings. The Nightsisters, however, while certainly possessing a superiority complex, do not rely on such emotions for their strength and, instead, share their power communally in order to use deadly spells and magick rituals.

Because the dark side is more offensive in nature, some in the galaxy have decided it is the stronger side of the Force. However, it is simply an easier means to an end and often leads its practitioners down a path towards their eventual demise. The dark side is seductive, often luring a being with things they desire in order to get them to use its power.

The dark side is also highly corruptive, warping the mind first before it begins to work on the body. Prolonged use of the dark side rapidly accelerates the body's aging process, rots teeth, and causes the eyes to burn a sickly color of yellow. As a result, the strongest users of the dark side often have shorter lifespans and become obsessed with immortality as a means to cheat the inevitable cost of their great power.


Let's talk about magic...

Magic, or magick, is a sub-branch of the dark side of the Force practiced by the original Sith species and the Nightsister Clan on Dathomir.

For the Sith, this unique brand of magic is known as Sith alchemy, and it works by using the dark side of the Force to augment, mutate, and (theoretically) enhance objects or living beings. The Jedi Exiles of old obtained a technique similar to this to make their dark side abominations; Sith, through Sith alchemy, can create similar such abominations, known as "Sithspawn." Sith alchemy can also be used to generate illusions and arcane, dark side fire, which can be manipulated for a variety of purposes. Finally, it can be used to enchant objects (usually something of import to the Sith in question) for a variety of different effects, both harmful and non-harmful, depending on the intent of the Sith casting the spell. The Sith language, Balc, is used when reciting spells for Sith alchemy.

The Dathomir magick is a unique brand of dark side magick only found on Dathomir, and only known by the Nightsister Clan and those they choose to teach. Nightsister magick works by combining the dark side of the Force with the spiritual ichor that naturally is produced in the core of the planet Dathomir. According to the witches, this ichor seeps upward and exists in nature on Dathomir: in blood, trees, and mist, among other things. To use magick, the witches breathe in a special mist, found only on their homeworld, which is then energized by a magic talisman. Once done, the mist turns their blood into ichor, allowing them a replenishing, personal supply of ichor to use for their spells and enchantments. An ancient, unnamed language is used to recite spells for this brand of magick.​


What can the dark side do?

The dark side is primarily used for offensive purposes in battle. Outside of battle, it can be used to corrupt, destroy, and enslave. Some cultures, such as the Nightsister Clan or the original Sith species, have learned to use a version of the dark side called Magick. As the name implies, this unique brand of the dark side allows them to cast spells and use abilities unique to their culture.

The following are dark side Force abilities that are acceptable for use on SWRP. This list will be updated as new ones either appear in canon, or are submitted as lore articles in our Lore boards:

 
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Forbidden Power: On Holocrons and Other Anomalies


The holocrons contain the most closely guarded secrets of the Jedi Order.

— Jocasta Nu​

What are holocrons?

Holocrons are ancient artifacts that were originally unique to the Jedi Order before the advent of the Sith Order, which created its own variety. No one is quite sure when or how the practice arose, but the use of holocrons seems to have arisen around the same time as the early, ancient Jedi Order.

Holocrons are cubical (pyramidal for Sith) devices powered by a kyber memory crystal. They contain various secrets, depending on their purpose: secrets range from lost or forbidden Force techniques, the locations of ancient Jedi temples, the history of the Jedi Order, and the history of the Sith. As a result, some holocrons are quite dangerous and are, therefore, locked away, accessible only by the Jedi Council.

Holocrons are also difficult to access. Only a Jedi can open a Jedi holocron. They will not open for those who use the dark side of the Force or are non-Force sensitive. Some holocrons are even harder to open, and have a second memory crystal which must be used as a sort of "key" to open them. This "key" is usually held or hidden by the one who created the holocron. Sith holocrons function in much the same fashion.

Holocron creation is reserved for only Jedi Masters and members of the Jedi Council. Once the housing cube is created, a memory crystal is installed in the center. The Jedi in question then uses the Force to imprint their essence onto the memory crystal, allowing for the creation of a life-like, semi-sentient, Gatekeeper, which will guide users of the holocron during future uses. From that point forward, the creator, or any other Jedi capable of doing so, can record content to store on the holocron. Sith holocron creation works almost the same way, only a bled kyber memory crystal must be used, as regular kyber crystals resist the dark side of the Force.

In rare instances, Jedi and Sith holocrons can be combined. Such a ritual requires a Jedi and a Sith, as well as a Jedi and a Sith holocron, working in tandem. Upon being joined together through the Force, the holocrons allow both parties to learn one secret that they desire, whether that secret is the location of someone or something they covet, or the answer to a question they seek the answer to. The ritual is dangerous for both parties. Without maximum focus, the holocrons can loose their equilibrium and explode. Without considerable strength and focus, the two users might not be able to fully comprehend the vision they are being given.


What are Force nexus?

A Force nexus is a location that is extremely strong in the Force. Such examples include the Lothal Jedi temple and the planet Dathomir. Nexus have no inherent uses to them, except to help those who practice the Force to center themselves and deepen their connection to the Force. Both light side and dark side nexuses appear across the galaxy, some in the same place, creating a neutral location.

It is extremely difficult to create a nexus or to change the affiliation of one. Light side nexus are the most common, as the light side naturally occurs in nature. Dark side nexuses are created in spots of extreme acts of evil. It takes a catastrophic loss of life, or the presence of a group of extremely powerful dark side beings, over a long period of time, to create what is known as a wound in the Force (a dark side nexus).


What are the Mortis gods?

They exist in the ancient records of the Jedi Order, and many cultures worshiped them as actual gods. The Mortis gods, also known as The Ones, are three mysterious Force users who allegedly live on the planet Mortis: a realm that exists within the Force itself. The Daughter represents the light side of the Force and is usually depicted as a female convor or a brightly-colored gryphon. The Son represents the dark side of the Force and is typically depicted as a giant, demonic bat. The Father represents the balance of the Force.

All three beings are still worshiped in small circles across the galaxy. On Dathomir, for instance, the Son and the Daughter are known as the Fanged God and the Winged Goddess respectively. It is known that they were once involved with the Jedi Order, as their murals appear in several ancient Jedi temples, including the temple on Lothal. These murals are thought to guard the way to a world-between-worlds or Mortis itself, but only a Jedi who knows how the portals work can access them.

As for the beings themselves, they have not been seen in centuries. The Mortis monolith only appears in the known galaxy whenever the Mortis gods desire to speak to someone. The beings themselves are known to be elusive, but among the most powerful beings in the known galaxy. They hide away on Mortis, because their power is great enough to to destroy the balance of the universe entirely.
 
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How To Kill A Jedi (or a Sith)


Request: First, Master, I would appreciate it if Jedi need to be killed, that you permit me to kill those annoying pseudo-pacifists for you.

— HK-47​

Do Force users have weaknesses? Can they be killed?

Force users kill each other all the time, but what about non-Force-sensitives? Do they stand a chance? Generally speaking, no. They don't. Force users with lightsabers can easily render blaster weaponry null and their supernatural abilities can counter most anything thrown at him. They can kill from a distance, crush windpipes, smash bones, and even pull ones' eyes from their sockets. However, that is only generally speaking. The galaxy's sharpest killing minds, however, have uncovered methods that make killing targets like Jedi, Sith, and even Nightsisters possible (albeit still difficult). The following are a few such methods:

  • Weapon selection is critical. Blaster weaponry of any kind is typically useless against a Force user, as they can use both their lightsabers and the Force to block and deflect incoming attacks. Slugthrowers and flamethrowers are more effective, as their ammunition cannot be deflected by a lightsaber. Grenades such as sonic screamers and cluster rockets are also effective at distracting a Force user or dividing their focus.
  • Maintaining the element of surprise is also a crucial tactic. While difficult to pull off against more powerful Force users, surprise affords one many options when dealing with Force-using foes, such as gas attacks. When using chemical weapons, such as gas attacks, those that work upon skin contact are more effective than those that rely upon inhalation, as Jedi can hold their breath for long periods of time and can even use the Force to render certain poisons entirely useless.
  • Many Force abilities require the Force user to know that an enemy is present and to have some manner of eye contact with their intended target. Furthermore, even the most powerful Force users have a range to their abilities, outside of which use of their powers becomes dangerous if not outright deadly. Therefore, sniping outside their range and line-of-sight is an effective method of countering many Force abilities.
  • A Force user's ability to sense danger is the bane of most ambushes and surprise attacks, but even this ability can be countered. Force users have the ability to sense the intent of those around them, and, therefore, can anticipate when someone intends to harm them or double-cross them before it even happens. Therefore, impulsive acts are more likely to harm a Force user, as the speed and randomness with which they happen make it nearly impossible for a Force user to sense and then react to.
    • Another, more complicated, method of countering this ability in Force users is to broadcast powerful emotions to mask one's intentions. By projecting emotions like fear, anger, hatred, lust, and even love, a smokescreen is created that makes a person's true intentions difficult (if not impossible) to discern. This masking technique, however, was rare, as it required a highly disciplined mind; but both Force users and non-Force users alike used it to counteract the precognition abilities of other Force users.
 
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