The training of Katarn Cabaoth

[Keinushi]

Adien's words dug into her, she had never been very strong, always relying on speed to dispatch her foes rather than strength. She had therefore never even tried using melee weapons when there were blasters about.

Grudgingly she put the vibroblade back on the rack, grabbing one of the training blades used by apprentices. As she activated it she was satisfied with her ability to swing it. It was actually lighter than her light whip, which made swinging it all the easier.

 

[Mars]

Aiden pulled a curved-hilt training saber from the rack into his hand using the Force. He doubted she had any knowledge on the Forms considering her upbringing.

"There are a variety of forms associated with using a lightsaber, seven in total. I am considered to have 'mastered' one of these forms while having skills in two others. Before we spar, go to the library and study these forms. Choose a first, second and third choice. After you choose one, I'll teach you some of the basics and we will spar briefly. Now, go and research." He said.

 

[Keinushi]

OOC: I could not find the list on this forum, so I went to wikipedia, but I hope that Vaapad is not on the list seeing as how it was invented by Mace Windu so he could channel his immense amount of dark side powers out of himself.

"I read up on them on the way here, sir." Katarn nodded. "And if I must learn a lightsaber style, I think Shien is my best option, followed by Soresu. Since I don't have much power, I should choose a style that allows me to keep my enemies off of me, rather than trying to go head to head with them."

 

[Mars]

Aiden nodded. It was good that she had read up on them before coming as opposed to wasting training time doing it now. She chose the fifth form, one Aiden was relatively familiar with. He even incorporated some techniques from that form into his own lightsaber fighting.

"Shien is a good form. Very good against opponents with blasters and works towards countering. However, it is very restrictive on ones mobility in combat and as you admitted, you lack strength. Perhaps the second or fourth form would be better. They would allow you to use your agility more so."

 

[Keinushi]

"However, Soresu requires a light touch." Katarn countered. She had done her research, and would not be dissuaded. "It concentrates on requiring minimal effort for maximum result. Makashi is far too limiting, as it is really only good against other Jedi or Bogan, and all the jumps that are an integral part of Ataru waist too much energy."

 

[Mars]

Aidens eyebrows narrowed a bit as she essentially just insulted his two most commonly used forms. She was smart though and had done her research.

"Soresu merely delays the inevitable. You can only play defense for so long, and you lack physical strength. If someone with size attacked you, you're dead. Makashi and Ataru allow fluid movement. Merely because you can jump using Ataru does not mean you should. I can teach you Shien, not Soresu. My practical knowledge of that form is limited."

 

[Keinushi]

"That would be more than good enough." Katarn nodded. "I would much rather trick my enemies into destroying themselves rather than having to do the dirty work myself."

Katarn smiled at the though of some giant muscled idiot accidentally slicing his own legs off. "Besides," she continued. "Makashi and Ataru both require that you already have a lot of strength to play with. Where as both Soresu and Shien require almost none."

 

[Mars]

Aiden whipped a hand up and pointed towards the door. "Go study the forms again acolyte. The fifth form requires physical strength more so then any of the other forms and the second requires very little. Study the code whilst you are in there. I shall test you on both when you return." Aiden said in an annoyed tone. She was frustrating him now.

 

[Keinushi]

After an hour of reviewing the material, Katarn returned to Aiden's office. "I have decided to learn Makashi after all. I discussed it with a fellow student, and he believes it shall help me work on my dexterity for when I begin to use my lightwhip." Katarn announced.

OOC: can we please just move on, I am really tired of talking about lightsaber forms.

 

[Mars]

Aiden nodded his head as his acolyte spoke. "We shall work on this later on. Take a seat." Aiden said, motioning to the chairs they sat in before. "I instructed you to study the Bogan code whilst in there as well. What is it?" He asked. It was very important for all new students to know the code.

 

[Keinushi]

Katarn recited from memory. She was one of the few born with a photographic memory, and therefore had no problems remembering anything she had read.
"No Peace, only Suffering.
No Knowledge, only Instinct.
No Serenity, only Passion.
No Harmony, only Chaos
No Life, only Death."

"Is that correct master?" Katarn asked, knowing the answer.

OOC: Pity there's no Serenity, I really liked that movie

 

[Mars]

Aiden nodded his head. She had it memorized, this was good. "Yes, that is correct. Good." He said. "Now explain it. What does each line mean to you?" Aiden asked. This was a highly important part of training and as such necessitated a somewhat detailed and lengthy answer to prove ones knowledge. Most acolytes had a somewhat different interpretation and it was usually interesting to here their varying views.

 

[Keinushi]

Katarn instantly quoted back to him what she had read from the datapad.

"All life is suffering. Until you accept this fact, you will never understand anything. Accept the suffering your life will bring. Allow it to motivate you, anger you."

"If the Jedi have been plagued by one thing since their creation it has been indecisiveness. They fail to react. They only want to contemplate. When it is time to act the Jedi only want to mediate in their ivory towers. We demand you to act swiftly, not wait on guidance from the Force. Failure to react is a failure to act. Do what you know is right."

"The dogmatic Jedi would have you believe you can become content, serene, but we know this is a lie. We creatures are not above the need for emotion, for passion. Instead of repression, we only ask that you use your emotions to fuel your power, to guide you."

"There is no will of the Force. The universe is chaos. Life is made of random actions that create who we are. Beings cannot be harmonious with one another because they are, in essence, animalistic creatures driven by instinct. Do not avoid this. Use chaos to further your aims and your powers, for chaos brings darkness to existence."

"Death is all around us. It is a part of everything, as everything dies. Denying this is denying the meaning of ourselves and the truth to existence: there is no life. We are fleeting creatures in a universe as meaningless as an unused plow. Whatever we are, whatever our meaning, we imbue it; there is no cosmic plan. Either live well or die swift; do not contemplate the afterlife, for that gives way to stagnation. Instead, use your power to its fullest, for there is no reward waiting for those pure of heart."