- Joined
- Nov 21, 2015
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Basic
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Information
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[tr2][td] Rank: [/td][td]Knight[/td][/tr2]
[tr2][td] Age: [/td][td]589[/td][/tr2]
[tr2][td] Height: [/td][td]2'5"[/td][/tr2]
[tr2][td] Eyes: [/td][td]Green[/td][/tr2]
[tr2][td] Skin: [/td][td]Olive Green[/td][/tr2]
[tr2][td] Force Sensitive: [/td][td]Yes[/td][/tr2]
[tr2][td] Binary: [/td][td]Reading/Listening[/td][/tr2]
[tr2][td] Bothese: [/td][td]Listening[/td][/tr2]
[tr2][td] Hapan: [/td][td]Near Fluent[/td][/tr2]
[tr2][td] Huttese: [/td][td]Fluent[/td][/tr2]
[tr2][td] Togruti: [/td][td]Fluent[/td][/tr2]
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Apart from his personality, he as one noticeable quirk: his speech pattern. Usually, he speaks clearly. However because he learned multiple languages while growing up in the Order he sometimes mixes up his sentence structure, fluctuating from the subject-verb-object pattern to sometimes using an inconsistent almost riddle-like pattern which adds to the Jedi's mystique.
His breath of knowledge and experience allows him to see more than most Jedi - especially when it comes to development. With a deep understanding of both the Living and Unifying Force, the latter of which he tends to put more faith in, he also challenges his students to question their motives consistently in order to become more altruistic guardians. Therefore, learning for one's own sake is a selfish act - it must be shared and debated with others. Knowing there is no such thing as a "pure" or "perfect" path for a Jedi or any force wielder, Vorack feels part of his mission entails tweaking mindsets in order to form - at least for a moment in time - a better direction for the order.
Often joked about as a nomadic scholar-saint by those who know him, his charisma imbues with others to uplift their troubles and supports them to find new avenues. Vorack insists that tolerance, respect, and compassion are important hallmarks for any Jedi. "Change everything we cannot," he insists, "but closer we become to what meant to be, we can."
One thing which sticks with anyone who meets him is how Vorack speaks. Rather than the subject-verb-object form, Vorack generally uses the object-subject-verb pattern. Partly due to his size and maturation and how others treated him in his youth outside the order when on missions, he found that by deliberately using this pattern, listeners paid a lot more attention and focused on what he was saying. In the centuries he's lived and countless interactions he's had, while garnering respect across the galaxy, he consistently used this pattern. At this point of his life, while certainly no longer an issue, it has become a part of who he is and thus is a habit more than a conscious effort.
Overall, Vorack's skills with a lightsaber are formidable. However, without anyone having seen him hold or use a lightsaber in almost a century some have their doubts despite seeing him use staffs to practice dueling. Regardless of his skill with the weapon, he is known to only use four forms:
Vorack has a strong connection to the Force. In tandem with his unique upbringing and his Master's encouragement for Vorack to become an independently thinking Jedi who's open mindedness and intuitive nature open more windows to understanding the mysteries of the Force, Vorack has indeed learned a great many abilities. While there are many which are natural to every Jedi Master and which Vorack has learned, as he aged or changed positions within the Order he became markedly more able to use some over others. The ones highlighted below emphasize such abilities. Its worth noting that like Vorack himself says, the user's own personality and character, as well as their connection to the Force intrinsically affect how well a sentient learns a certain ability.
Control Abilities
From an aesthetic perspective Vorack might seem like a tramp. Short stature, slightly oily olive green skin, thinning greyish blue hair, and tawdry woolen robes. Despite his slight stature he carries himself with confidence, leaving those assuming he belongs in a slum intrigued by the juxtaposition. But then his face gives the impression that he’s experienced and wise. For someone nearly 600 years old, Vorack’s face defies his age, but it also shows his commitment to a cause. His warm green eyes unveil his warmth, usually accentuated by crow’s feet intensifying his gaze. His face tends to convey a warm, caring spirit but also concern.
Although the Jedi were the chief guardians of the galaxy at the time, they were at war. The Sith were an equal threat to the Jedi, and this period witnessed the growth of their allies exponentially. The Jedi were in a state of war and while seeing the need to fight the Sith they equally focused on the internal growth of the Order and its future. Vorack was to become a keen part of this modus operandi. One of the more experienced Masters, a Wookiee by the name of Inlo, took Vorack as his apprentice while he was still an infant. Inlo was 325 at the time, and had taken three apprentices before Vorack. With the permission of the council, Inlo cared for Vorack as though he were his own. Inlo groomed him, cradled him, and took him with him on his many journeys throughout Lothal and sometimes his trips in the galaxy when he deemed it safe. Even at an early age, Vorack was exposed to the wonders of nature and spiritual sites. He was raised by others, as to not allow Vorack to become too attached but also to imbue him with compassion for others of different personalities. On one occasion, while Inlo was on his way to Illum, Vorack gained a unique connection with Huyang, the notorious Architect droid professor. The usually terse droid took a shining to the young student who asked unusually perceptive questions for someone his age.
Almost four years later, when Vorack was 15, Inlo decided to begin formal training. Because of Vorack’s clear interpersonal abilities, when the option of Consular was proposed Vorack choose this path. Inlo’s dual-role as caretaker and master was made relatively easy because of Vorack’s unassuming nature. Yet, Inlo created a curriculum for Vorack which necessitated high standards but balanced them with the wisdom an older master could offer. Many of Vorack’s early training with Inlo tested Vorack’s physical prowess in tandem with his decision making. Because of Vorack’s heightened sense of awareness, a rare trait for his age, he usually met his master’s expectations.
Eventually, amidst the usual duties of fact-finding missions and visits to ancient spiritual sites, Vorack was charged with local diplomatic missions and to help locals around Lothal. Often these didn’t require Inlo, as they were character building exercises. Whether Vorack knew it or not, Inlo was keeping watch of his apprentice. Vorack showed insatiable curiosity wherever he went and whenever he returned to his master he showed an unexpected depth in his interpretation and often able to find deeper meanings than most students his age. Inlo also emphasized exercises in perseverance, patience, and challenged Vorack’s principles. Part of this was the curious tradition Inlo had of weaving his own robes, which Vorack thought almost therapeutic and has practiced ever since. After five years of training emphasizing building knowledge about the galaxy in tandem with certain principles of a researcher and diplomat, Vorack began going to missions with Inlo across the galaxy. Usually these were diplomatic in nature, but they varied in the kinds of groups Vorack and his master would face; whether were royalty, tribes, mystics, drug lords, military, Inlo allowed a degree of trust in Vorack to act semi-independently during these missions where he might be unable due to his old age. Additionally, upon his master's recommendation, Vorack began learning some of the other important languages in the galaxy such as Bocce (the synthetic Spacer language), Huttese, Hapan, Durese, and Bothese in addition to his training in the traditional High Galactic (every Jedi during this period learned High).
During this time Vorack continued Temple-based training with various masters who Inlo thought were better suited to help Vorack's development on his own journey as a Jedi. Already quite able in sensory and control abilities in the force, Vorack managed to also began investing time in more ancient techniques to heighten his meditation. The Alchaka meditation, for example, which he learned during a visiting post while on Tython, was one of the first but most important steps to opening his mind to altering techniques which he would learn in subsequent years. It was full of repetitive maneuvers and rituals which most people his age would find impossible. Yet in Vorack's eyes, the Jedi way meant ritual but also in accordance with readings about other cultures and beliefs around the galaxy it might also mean taking a less orthdox approach to gain new understandings. In recent curricula, more ancient techniques were discarded. But Inlo and other older masters which Vorack learned from in his early pursuits taught him different approaches which Vorack synthesized to come up with something new. Vorack also kept up with lightsaber techniques in the flux of events in the galaxy. The Sith threat was only getting worse, and Jedi had to be prepared at all times. Because of the prevalence of Dark Jedi and Sith during this period, Vorack honed his skills with the first three classes of lightsaber techniques. The Order was his family; he may not agree with everything the Council establishes but he was unquestionably on the side of the people whom took him in, two trained him, who cared for him. Additionally he believed in the mission of the Jedi in contrast to the Sith. Yet, even at 25, Vorack had a more compassionate approach to his foe than did some more bellicose members. His personality of kindness and understanding as well as tolerance, while still in its infancy, meant that he would need to balance the confrontation with the Sith and the reformation of the Jedi Order. Even at such a young age, he felt this balance was necessary if the Order was to remain relevant.
When Vorack turned 26 by medical standards, Inlo was granted permission by the Jedi Council to send Vorack on his trials for Knighthood. Of course, with the trials, most of these efforts Vorack had accomplished before; his use of the three main ways of the force (control, sense, alter) he'd either shown marked ability or a certain future for, his knowledge of the Jedi Code and its interpretations was above that of his contemporaries, he was well acquainted with constructing and properly using his lightsaber in combat, he showed both good intent and intelligent reactions to the independence his master allowed him, and he had on multiple occasions (particularly when facing off against agents of the Underworld) needed to defend himself and his master. Yet, he had not gone on a more dangerous mission alone - the last requirement of the trials. This was to come to fruition as both the council and his master put him literally in harms way in the midst of the ongoing Sith threat. This wasn't the first time they tested his perseverance, as Inlo put Vorack in a particularly dangerous situation a number of years ago when he found his Kyber crystal.
Once in the council chambers, Vorack was ordered to trace and retrieve an ancient holocron which had been snatched by the Exchange while on it's way to Tython from Lothal. Vorack entered his mission with two assumptions: he is on his own, and this is his mission. He'd established connections on several planets and less than savory groups in his missions with his master, and like a true researcher Vorack's senses along with the evidence led him to the black market on Nar Shaddaa. Avoiding the Hutts altogether, Vorack went through his contacts on the planet and their friends who introduced Vorack to the system. Vorack traced the Holocron as going to an anonymous buyer, originating on Coruscant, Level 1313. Once there, Vorack used intermediaries to find the Holocron which was in the hands of a fringe group associated with the Sith, some of whom were Dark Jedi. He made his way into the cult's lair and retrieved the Holocron among other information vital to the war effort. Before withdrawing he confronted three Dark Jedi. Initially on the verge of a diplomatic exit by dissuading the Dark Jedi from their allegiance. Yet when their leader entered the room, he plunged for Vorack. In turn Vorack repelled him then lunged for the others in a relentless Ataru posture, throwing them back and knocking two of them out right away with his unexpected speed and their doubts in mind. The third quickly fell before Vorack faced off against their leader in Makashi. Despite a lengthy battle which nearly alerted other Dark Jedi in the lair, Vorack successfully knocked his opponent out. With no casualties, Vorack escaped through the ventilation shaft with the artifact and other intel. Having gone beyond the expected mandate of his mission and brought back not only the Holocron but also new locations of Dark Jedi cells operating throughout the galaxy (not all, but some new), Vorack was granted the title of Knight.
After his first Padawan successfully completed her trials, Vorack requested the Council allow him to study Sith culture in-depth. In allowing Vorack to take this course, he was also required to form a team of Jedi of his choosing to begin a full investigation into their activities. Vorack began learning Sith language and culture, core concepts and history. He was not permitted to study Dark Holocrons yet. With a team of twenty knights and masters, Vorack led one of the most comprehensive looks into cults around the galaxy. While they focused on Dark Jedi groups, they also included witches and other force and magic groups which could be related to the Sith. This commission also included insights from Underworld agents which Vorack had made contact with. Interestingly, many of these groups were usually closer to higher echelons of society and power where they existed, but operated in the shadows. After the commission made its report, the council sent Vorack to begin internal investigations on some of these groups where the greatest threat was posed - in the Senate and bureaucracy of the Republic. Again operating through others, Vorack spent six and a half years accumulating information about individuals and how they operated with the cults. Indeed, they were organizing. This culminated in a meeting on Coruscant which several Sith attended. Vorack, while hidden the entire time, planned to react to the plans which the meeting set. They planned to hijack the Senate with its main body of membership on Chandrila and massacre its unwilling members while sending Dark Jedi to the Jedi temples on Tython and Lothal. The former where the High Council were seated and the latter where the guardsman and the Order's future in the younglings were kept. Reporting to the council on Tython, he assembled a Jedi and Republic force which ultimately foiled the Sith and Dark Jedi plans. Dark Jedi were assembled with the help of more friendly Underworld characters which Vorack had and Dark Jedi ships were engaged by Republic Naval elements. Vorack, an unexpectedly able swordsman for his stature and personality, confronted two Sith and defeated them, one of which died during the foray. The other was imprisoned by the Council. For his successful engagement of the Sith, Vorack was commissioned a Master.
Upon his promotion, now aged 48, Vorack was given all the privileges which go with it; full access to the archives. However because of efforts unveiling the Sith threat on Coruscant he was also permitted the rare opportunity to reference the Great Holocron and the Sith Holocrons which the Order housed on Tython. Although he was considered unorthodox, his methods were proven and the council permitted Vorack to see what only few were able to do. His close relationship with the Chief Librarian/Lore Keeper of the time, who respected Vorack's depth and open mindedness while remaining committed to the Order gave Vorack a wider berth than most. Shortly after becoming half a century he took his next Padawan which he was able to focus on wholeheartedly. Meanwhile he served with archivists, historians, and librarians in the Order and around the galaxy researching, writing, and discussing various historical and spiritual topics. Vorack served on various committees recommending acquisitions of new texts and their classifications into the archives. All the while, the Council never asked his recommendation on any matters, distrustful of the Master who studied Sith culture too keenly for their comfort. Rather, they kept him busy with missions many times not related to his disciplines as to distract him; trade, Republic politics, the Underworld.
Vorack helped reorganize the archives in a way that were more accessible to students. All the while he'd organized conferences and significant chronicles over various subjects ranging from the Order's early evolution to contemporary Sith relics. Vorack also ensured relations with extra-Order institutions of knowledge and government related to his work. In addition to these efforts, he was in charge of setting curricula for students. He often took to teaching courses himself on various subjects and to different age groups. Although he preferred interactions with larger groups of students, he continued to take Padawans during this period, seeing sixteen students through their Trials. At this stage, very few Jedi in the Order's history held such emphasis on maintaining Padawans once they taught two, which was the average for human Jedi.
The Sith threat still loomed, and the growth of Dark Jedi cults hadn't ceased. Aware of the need to be prepared, Vorack still took part in missions against the Sith in particular, given his reputation as an expert on their culture and rituals. On several occasions Vorack confronted protected Sith shrines and professed Sith (who usually were well trained Dark Jedi). On more than one occasion he confronted a Sith Lord named Vereshin, with whom he became acquainted through a Jedi assault on a Dark Shrine. When around Vereshin, Vorack learned a great deal from the Sith and they shared knowledge between one another whilst also trying at times to bring the other to their side - ultimately they both parted ways. These fights tested Vorack's connection with the Force moreso than others he'd faced yet, and he hardly ever used his lightsaber instead relying on his abilities learned through the Force. Usually on planets where wild beasts were rampant, Vorack learned how to befriend these beasts using the Force - this was made easier because of his warm personality. Vorack firmly believed that an individual's personality heavily affected their abilities with certain areas of using the Force. For example, because of his ability to proliferate languages for research purposes, with emphasis on listening, he managed to learn how to comprehend speech. Because of his intuitive nature, his sensory abilities are particularly strong. But as he aged and learned to comprehend the Force, his alter abilities diversified and strengthened. Vorack's knowledge gained from ancient Holocrons, from various masters in the Order, and his spiritual path in tandem with the same depthful personality enabled him to learn and master techniques most would find difficult. During this period Vorack's lightsaber was rarely seen aside from colleagues with whom he dueled to maintain his skills with a blade. Indeed like today, he reached a level of confidence in his abilities with the Force that he hardly ever needed it in combat - especially since he learned to absorb (called Tutaminis) and deflect energies from blasters and eventually lightsabers using the Force.
Three and a half centuries passed, Vorack still accrued knowledge and continued exploring mysteries of the Force to the point of becoming one of the most recognizable names within the Order - not only because of his age and tenure teaching students who passed through his lessons, but also because of his experience outside the hallowed walls of the Temple. The Sith threat was growing exponentially, and because Vorack was arguably one of the most knowledgeable about the Sith, was eager to help guide the Order to different directions, and was respected and known to most in the Order. However, he often was either passed up for positions of authority in the Order or declined some opportunities which he felt someone else would be better served. He kept teaching students at various levels (such as Kwanli). He also continued taking on Padawans. His primary mandate, as far as he saw it, was to maintain relations with people whom he'd met over the years (albeit having to gain new connections over his long lifetime) which could help the Order learn about Sith activities. But then, when Vorack was nearly 450 years old, the Sith launched a major invasion.
Watchful over his colleagues and students, Vorack took a more active role in the war. No Jedi was to engage with the Sith for extended periods of time. Even if Vorack pushed himself beyond his limits, which he often did, he always made sure everyone else was alacritous. During this period he focused on learning and passing on battle techniques. Initially he learned the Mind Meld with other knights and masters, but then unexpectedly found a means of learning a Battle Meditation. While it took nearly ten years to be truly effective, Vorack's Battle Meditation became on of the Order's most valuable assets when the Council and Republic High Command decided to take the fight back to the Sith. By this time the Sith occupied Coruscant.
Drawing on his connections to Underworld pirates and mercenaries, Vorack coordinated assaults on Sith supply infrastructures followed by Republic Naval and Infantry sieges on vital junctures. Initial campaign strategies focused on surprise and minimal risk because the Empire was so strong. Ultimately, with the Council spread thin, Vorack proposed keeping the Empire equally strained and using these "Tusken" raid tactics until occupied planets showed support for their cause. For the next thirty years this strategy continued. Slowly, but surely, the Republic gained allies and the Order's position strengthened. The Empire rife with unrest and self indulgence had to worry about the Jedi and Republic threat on the supply routes, and trying to maintain order on the surfaces. There weren't enough Dark Jedi or Sith to hold power over most of these systems, and as the Republic began teaching the occupied how to fight back with these same Tusken tactics they couldn't maintain their grip. On several occasions he worked with a young Jedi Knight named Kalaar. On a personal note, Vorack's demeanor had become more serious and determined, and yet he managed to inspire hope whenever he went. His fair share of time on the front lines with soldiers and Jedi alike, this modestly sized mystic knight garnered the respect of many with whom he served or had heard of his efforts. Yet, for all his determination he kept wary of younger Jedi who showed signs of battle fatigue, carelessness, or wavering faith to the Order.
The race for Coruscant faced many difficulties and a near defeat at the hands of the Sith. Vorack's powerful Battle Meditation which often called him to other fleets and planets helped the war effort a great deal and served on fronts where the most need was. Within five years the Sith were shattering and it got to a point where they could only fight on either Coruscant or in the twin homeworlds of Moraband and Korriban.
Having seen what the war had done to so many Jedi, some of whom had gone missing, Vorack focused his efforts on learning techniques which would help others. Cleansing minds of those effected by dark energies and spells, and he'd been learning how to help Jedi with mental trauma's persevere - the latter power is still something he is investigating. Lacking more duties, Vorack went to teaching and researching the next generations of Jedi. Here along the way he taught most of the Order at one point or another while they were younglings or those who sought him out for specific guidance on learning and understanding certain abilities such as Sihkar Tarei until Bau Zo took Tarei as his apprentice. Master "Vo" as he is sometimes affectionately referred to by younger members of the Order, became almost the ideal of what people thought of when they imagined a Jedi - he was compassionate, tolerant, watched over all types of people, gentle, and yet when needed was the preferred person to have in your corner. Indeed he is still referred to as Master Vorack. Vorack had no assumptions about his person, only that he was to do his best for the principles he had in mind for the Order. Yet the Order was changing.
With the rise of the Sith Brotherhood, the Council - all of whom hadn't known the last war as Vorack had - grew increasingly complacent. In contrast to the previous century following the war against the Sith, the mainstay of the Jedi Order hierarchy did not want to respond to the Sith threat. When a group of Jedi formed an army to face the Sith, the Order only privately sanctioned it, solidifying their inability to maintain the Order's members. At the time Vorack had taken what has become known as his last Padawan, Mana Takk, a young humanoid female from a planet* in the Unknown Regions which was recently admitted in the Republic. Having found her through one of his courses while she was a youngling, he decided to make her his apprentice. Using the methods he'd learned over the course of many centuries, he sensed in the child an innate quality of compassion for others and an irrepressible desire to help where ever it was needed. Over the course of twenty years he trained her to the point where she successfully completed her trials for Knighthood by the age of 25. While on her mission to escort her homeworld's monarch to a summit meeting, Mana and the King, Ao Henare, fell in love and wed. Not forbidden by the Order, Mana was the first of Vorack's apprentices to marry. However, between the increasingly war-like stance the Order took and the need for any offspring of Jedi to be taken into the Order, Mana left within three years of completing her trials. Vorack understood his former Padawan's concerns, but sensed this was not the end of their connection. That was nearly twenty years ago.
More recently, with the creation of the Jedi Army, and the Republic's indecision and subsequent alienation of the Order, Vorack sensed he had to make a drastic change. Vorack remains wary of the Order’s sanctioning of a Jedi army. yet determined to play an active part to ensure as best he can to make sure the Jedi do not fall too far from their roles as guardians. In this "damaging" cultural shift for the Jedi, Vorack’s concern for the Order only increases with its aggressive yet isolationist posture. Leaving the Border Alliance to its own defenses while allowing a Jedi army to grow unchecked unsettled Vorack. Knowing galactic history, Vorack’s mission has evolved from being a guardian of peace and justice to a watchman of the Order’s integrity. For nearly a century he’s been able to put his warrior past behind him. Yet, in light of recent events, namely Kwanli’s leaving the Order, Vorack formally requested the High Council to transfer him to the Jedi Army. Many of them hesitant, their respect for the old Master, nearly all of whom had at one time being trained by him, allowed his request. Gladly accepting a demotion to the rank of Knight, Vorack made way to meet with the new Jedi Lord, Sihkar Tarei.
*Intentionally left ambiguous while Shu Rin creates this world and character.
Robes: Vorack has very few possessions. His only real items are his robes, which are hand woven brown wools. Never known to be particularly stylish, Vorack preferred the simplicity of fabrics and colors which he often wove himself as part of his training (teaching patience). Part of his robes include a leather belt made from a dead animal’s skin (as not to harm the creature while alive, as is so often the case), which has a few pouches and belt hooks to carry accessories or money as is needed. Apart from these goods he feels no need to own other materials as the Order could provide or he can obtain while on his journey.
Although he was known to carry a lightsaber with a Viridian colored blade for most of his life, no one has seen nor heard of this in a century. No one knows if he still has it, or where it might be if he does not.
| Affiliation: | The Jedi Knights |
| Species: | Unclassified Species |
| Gender: | Male |
| Weight: | 55 lbs. |
| Hair: | Blueish Grey |
| Languages: | Comprehension: |
|---|---|
| Basic: | Fluent |
| Bocce: | Near Fluency |
| Durese: | Reading/Listening |
| High Galactic: | Fluent |
| Sith: | Fluent |
[tr2][td] Rank: [/td][td]Knight[/td][/tr2]
[tr2][td] Age: [/td][td]589[/td][/tr2]
[tr2][td] Height: [/td][td]2'5"[/td][/tr2]
[tr2][td] Eyes: [/td][td]Green[/td][/tr2]
[tr2][td] Skin: [/td][td]Olive Green[/td][/tr2]
[tr2][td] Force Sensitive: [/td][td]Yes[/td][/tr2]
[tr2][td] Binary: [/td][td]Reading/Listening[/td][/tr2]
[tr2][td] Bothese: [/td][td]Listening[/td][/tr2]
[tr2][td] Hapan: [/td][td]Near Fluent[/td][/tr2]
[tr2][td] Huttese: [/td][td]Fluent[/td][/tr2]
[tr2][td] Togruti: [/td][td]Fluent[/td][/tr2]
First Impressions...
If a stranger were to meet Vorack, their impression would be that he is wise, intelligent, warm, and dignified. After almost five centuries travelling and learning about the galaxy, Vorack manages to wash away any notion that he might be cynical. Softly spoken, and usually in relatable terms while also taking conversations to new depths, his becalming energy is infectious. With bright green eyes which seemingly manage to peer into a person's soul, Vorack also gives the impression he understands them and often finds people willing to tell him things they wouldn’t normally confide in strangers. Indeed, he is very intuitive about sentients around him.
General
Given his age and experience, his wisdom oozes. Usually able to see how a situation might unfold, Vorack is also decisive and quietly strong-willed. Although not one to control others, Vorack believes in diplomatically guiding sensitive situations. His firm belief in the equality of all living things, he focuses his compassion toward all regardless of their treatment to him. For this reason alone, he's often - sometimes offhandedly – referred to as saintly. Related to his deep-seated belief in equality, he doesn't dwell on hierarchy unless it's necessary - especially within the order. He doesn't seem to care about titles or rank, as he feels it gets in the way of seeing others as equals. Throughout his life, not only outside the Jedi Order but also within, he knows how such constructs can obstruct direction. Rather, he thinks of the Order's hierarchy as merely a means of directing a collective effort with general principles. For much of his life, he was and sometimes is still considered by some a Grey Jedi. However because of his centuries of service to the Order and having helped it survive even during the harshest times under the Sith Empire's constant dark hand, he's regarded as one of the most well known Jedi.
Apart from his personality, he as one noticeable quirk: his speech pattern. Usually, he speaks clearly. However because he learned multiple languages while growing up in the Order he sometimes mixes up his sentence structure, fluctuating from the subject-verb-object pattern to sometimes using an inconsistent almost riddle-like pattern which adds to the Jedi's mystique.
The Jedi
Vorack is almost a model of an ascetic. His clothes woven by his own hands are made of a rough and sturdy grey and brown wool. Indeed the seemingly primitive appearance of these robes perfectly describes Vorack's character. With minimal worldly possessions, Vorack focused on understanding the Force and using his characteristics and knowledge to improve the galaxy. Pursuing a life of self-improvement in tandem with coming to grips with learning underexplored mysteries in the Force, Vorack is considered one of the foremost teachers of Jedi in addition to an unparalleled understanding of the Force. His wholesome disposition often leaves people feeling as though he were their ideal of what a Jedi might be like.
His breath of knowledge and experience allows him to see more than most Jedi - especially when it comes to development. With a deep understanding of both the Living and Unifying Force, the latter of which he tends to put more faith in, he also challenges his students to question their motives consistently in order to become more altruistic guardians. Therefore, learning for one's own sake is a selfish act - it must be shared and debated with others. Knowing there is no such thing as a "pure" or "perfect" path for a Jedi or any force wielder, Vorack feels part of his mission entails tweaking mindsets in order to form - at least for a moment in time - a better direction for the order.
Often joked about as a nomadic scholar-saint by those who know him, his charisma imbues with others to uplift their troubles and supports them to find new avenues. Vorack insists that tolerance, respect, and compassion are important hallmarks for any Jedi. "Change everything we cannot," he insists, "but closer we become to what meant to be, we can."
The Friend
Although Vorack manages to maintain good relations with almost everyone he meets, there are very few which could call him a genuine friend. Although certainly learning from everyone he meets, his friends are generally people who share similar outlooks, who he can grow with intellectually and spiritually. Outside the Order, his personal friendships are few. Vorack’s tendency to always look for ways to improve or new depths to unfold some may find exhausting, which leaves him selective on who he becomes vulnerable to emotionally. Otherwise seen as a warm person, Vorack is very much a private person few genuinely know. In his close relationships, he strives for authenticity which he is willing to share what lies beneath the surface. Generally, these friendships defy time and space and are lifelong.
The Teacher
When it comes to teaching, Vorack’s ultimate goal is to help his pupils become independent, open-minded, compassionate members of the Order. He’s generally very warm and caring, and likes to include his student’s in a decision making process. They are equals. However, part of this means applying high expectations on his pupils. Soft spoken and gentle, he’s also capable of being sharp and stubborn as well when his student doesn’t meet his expectations. Vorack take’s his role as a teacher with the ultimate seriousness. As part of his altruism he is always willing to make sacrefices for the sake of his student without hesitation or remorse. May of his former students remember his patient, warn, and inspirational nature.
One thing which sticks with anyone who meets him is how Vorack speaks. Rather than the subject-verb-object form, Vorack generally uses the object-subject-verb pattern. Partly due to his size and maturation and how others treated him in his youth outside the order when on missions, he found that by deliberately using this pattern, listeners paid a lot more attention and focused on what he was saying. In the centuries he's lived and countless interactions he's had, while garnering respect across the galaxy, he consistently used this pattern. At this point of his life, while certainly no longer an issue, it has become a part of who he is and thus is a habit more than a conscious effort.
Work Habits
Highly independent, intuitive and creative, Vorack is often trusted to lead on more difficult missions. When planning missions, Vorack prefers to focus on the big picture rather than the details and micromanaging a situation. While able to master minutia and details intellectually, he recognizes only having a general plan is better due to his adaptability. After almost six centuries of experience he’s become confident in what the right path is for him, despite not being assured of what the future may hold. His quiet, determined idealism and imaginative expression gravitates influence. While avoiding holding power over others, he’s often considered a natural leader because of his authenticity, compassionate nature, and intuitive ability to read a situation and carry it forward as a group effort. As a subordinate, he can sometimes be perceived as “chafe-y,” especially when the superior has concrete rules, routines, or formal hierarchies. As a colleague he’s often considered positive, eloquent, and able to defuse conflicts and tensions likely because he prioritizes cooperation and encourages a hardworking atmosphere. As a leader, because of his belief in equality he’s reluctant to exercise authority, preferring cooperation and coordination as well as independence while motivating people under him to work hard.
Attributes
- Strength: Short of stature, Vorack is not particularly strong. While able to land good strikes if required on an opponent, they will usually be quick and precise. In no way does Vorack give the impression he is seeking to break or damage anything with brute force.
- Dexterity: Whereas Vorack is not strong, he is nimble and highly coordinated. Opponents usually find him flexible, quick, and confident of his movements which form a fluid style to his movements.
- Constitution: Despite his age, he takes very good care of himself and eats very natural foods which enable him to conduct physical feats of a fit forty year old humanoid. Additionally he rarely gets sick and recovers from most standard illnesses at an expedited rate.
- Intelligence: Arguably the attribute which is second only to his charisma, Vorack is very intelligent on various levels. Emotionally intuitive, he has an exceptionally high capacity for learning and thinking, problem solving, memory, creativity, and communication.
- Wisdom: On par with Vorack's intellect, he is also wise beyond his years. Having exposed himself to many liftstyles and atmospheres in his almost six centuries of service, he's become experienced, understanding, and insightful in the eyes of many who meet him.
- Charisma: For his many centuries in the Order, Vorack is a venerable Jedi. In the midst of crises many look to his example, and regardless of the situation he inspires others to become the best version of themselves.
Lightsaber Skills
Overall, Vorack's skills with a lightsaber are formidable. However, without anyone having seen him hold or use a lightsaber in almost a century some have their doubts despite seeing him use staffs to practice dueling. Regardless of his skill with the weapon, he is known to only use four forms:
- Form II (Makashi): The first form Vorack used, Makashi remains one of his very best because of his spacial intelligence combined with his focus on precise movements. While not one he prefers to use unless absolutely sure he is facing a duelist, Vorack was reputed as a quite capable practitioner.
- Form III (Soresu): Practiced and mastered in tandem with Shien, Vorack uses this form against multiple targets wielding blasters where the goal is defense and/or escape. While not as precise as Shien, he uses Soresu as a means of self defense.
- Form IV (Ataru): Perhaps his most effective form, Vorack identifies with its need for aggressive, fast moving postures. Ataru enables Vorack to use his dexterity against single and sometimes multiple opponents with successful results. Of any of these forms, Vorack held the reputation when he used a lightsaber for being the Order's top practitioner.
- Form V (Shien): Vorack's aptitude for Ataru was second only to his use of Shien. While learned as a Padawan, he became an expert of Shien while investigating Underworld activities and later during the last great war against the Sith.
Additional Skills
- Teaching: After serving in the Order for nearly six centuries, having trained almost fifty Padawans through their Trials and served as one of the primary instructors for Younglings and pupils of other ages, Vorack is a highly effective teacher which using an adaptable, sensitive, and intuitive style which brings students to a higher level.
- Diplomacy: Likely because of his interpersonal skills and intuitive nature as well as wisdom, Vorack excels at diplomatic exchanges whether hinging on the future of a treaty of a dispute between landowners.
- Survival: Acquired while Vorack went on spiritual journeys to locations strong in the Force, he maintained a knowledge of how to keep himself alive in different environments.
Vorack has a strong connection to the Force. In tandem with his unique upbringing and his Master's encouragement for Vorack to become an independently thinking Jedi who's open mindedness and intuitive nature open more windows to understanding the mysteries of the Force, Vorack has indeed learned a great many abilities. While there are many which are natural to every Jedi Master and which Vorack has learned, as he aged or changed positions within the Order he became markedly more able to use some over others. The ones highlighted below emphasize such abilities. Its worth noting that like Vorack himself says, the user's own personality and character, as well as their connection to the Force intrinsically affect how well a sentient learns a certain ability.
Control Abilities
- Alchaka: Originally learned as a young Knight then has continued to practice through the ages, Vorack practices this moving meditation frequently. Its origins coming from the ancient Order, it consists of a high number of repetitions performed with physical and Force skills.
- Art of Movement: Although learned by every Jedi younging, Vorack’s dexterity and speed allows him to traverse obstacles with more ease than the average Knight.
- Center of Being: Part of his early training but re-learmed and mastered when he became a master, Vorack learned this ancient technique when he still used a lightsaber and needed to defend himself – finding it exceedingly effective against even the most rabid onslaughts.
- Detoxify Poison: Vorack was trained to use this technique while learning about the Underworld, where toxins and alcohol were frequently encountered.
- Hibernation Trance: Learned from a Holocron while serving as an archivist and Master, Vorack has the ability to appear dead because of a slowed metabolism, heart rate, and and stilled breathing.
- Morichro: Related to learning the Hibernation Trance, Vorack also discovered and then learned to perfect from other masters how to use Morichro. It has similarities to Hibernation, but it's an ability which suspends bodily functions and can be used on himself or a target. If not monitored carefully, it could render someone permanently unconscious or cause them to die of dehydration of starvation.
- Force Body: Mastered when in several large-scale battles and he suffered severe fatigue while watching over Jedi or Republic soldiers. Vorack made sure they're safety was beyond his own.
- Force Speed: Another trait fitting with his dexterity, Vorack can be very fast when using the Force in order to escape or enter a situation.
- Tutaminis: Related to his prowess with absorbing energy, Vorack learned and perfected this technique as a Master - more so when he forwent using his lightsaber - as a primary means to self defense against blaster bolts and lightsabers.
- Serenity: Learned during his early years as a Master, Vorack uses this meditation to regain his strength and energies, as well as his ability to use the Force.
Sense Abilities
Likely due to Vorack’s keen intuitive nature, his sensory abilities are unusually but expectedly strong. His understanding personality with his experience with countless people during his lifetime enables him to see more than the words and facial expressions a person gives, but senses their emotional states.- Battle Meld: Discovered with a group of fellow Masters during the last war with the Sith Empire, the Battle Meld helped the enclave of Jedi which Vorack was responsible for survive many times.
- Force Empathy: Vorack has a strong ability to feel what someone else feels emotionally, especially those he knows.
- Telepathy: Although more natural with people whom Vorack knows personally, his telepathic abilities are good. Being that he trained three Padawans during his life which were purely telepathic, Vorack adapted himself to their needs in order to train them and challenge himself.
- Comprehend Speech: Because of Vorack’s linguistic pursuits, Vorack eventually learned how to understand other species’ verbal communications via the Force. Although he’s learned the major languages of the galaxy, there are some which this ability helps. However, this ability is largely useless when trying to communicate with xenophobic groups.
Alter Abilities
- Battle Meditation: Used during his activities during the last great war against the Sith Empire, Vorack became one of the most well known users of a Battle Meditation which few of his contemporaries were or are able to match.
- Beast Friendship: Learned while investigating Sith and Dark Jedi activities over the last four and a half centuries, Vorack accrued this ability through a master who was a Watchmen over Kashyyyk.
- Ionize: During the war as during missions in the Underworld, Vorack learned to quickly manipulate or disable droids and other electronic devices.
- Force Blinding: Related to Vorack’s telekinetic abilities, this variant allows him to unveil a blinding flash of energy from his hand to shock a target’s vision sensory abilities, resulting in temporary blindness.
- Mind Trick: For Vorack’s more open understanding of sentients along with his tendency to guide situations at times, his ability to persuade or directly influence. Having been placed in many diplomatic missions or to avoid violence of any kind, Vorack spent many years learning persuasive, projection, illusory, masquerading, mind twisting, and even confusion variants which emphasize a non-violent path to situations which can be solved faster.
- Force Stealth: While on missions which required Vorack to mask himself as a Jedi or even a Force sensitive, he learned to do so with a concealment ability which was learned from Master Inlo.
- Force Jump: Due to Vorack’s dexterity and physiology, his ability to jump using the Force is markedly higher despite his short stature.
- Force Deflection: Learned while a knight and perfected over the years - especially since foregoing the use of a lightsaber - Vorack utilizes this as a defensive tactic against many types of energies, blaster bolts, and force abilities.
- Force Stun: While only meagerly attempted as a Padawan, Vorack’s trials against Underworld agents and eventually the Sith allowed Vorack to learn how to temporarily suspend an opponent’s movements. During the war especially, Vorack mastered variants which helped against large and sometimes seemingly overwhelming numbers with stasis and stasis fields.
- Force Healing: During the last great war against the Sith, Vorack spent a lot of his efforts learning healing techniques. Following it, and well into today he's also managed to learn trances where regeneration of wounds for himself or others is much quicker.
- Protection Bubble: While not required to use his famed Battle Meditation, towards the end of the war Vorack was introduced and then learned how to create a bubble using the Force which could deflect blaster bolts, lightsabers, space vacuum, and even some damage dealt by contact with an opponent. Additionally, the ability could be used offensively, as if an attacker is close enough when Vorack begins using this ability they would be trapped in their own attack and possibly suffer damage they would have dealt Vorack. Regardless, Vorack would need to be temporarily immobile.
- Strengths: Insightful, innovative, inspiring, communicative, decisive, very pious, visionary, resourceful, determined, altruistic.
- Weaknesses: Private, perfectionist, always needs a cause, may be prone to burn out, sometimes perceived as arrogant.
- Other: Tolerant, exceedingly curious, a conscientious leader.
From an aesthetic perspective Vorack might seem like a tramp. Short stature, slightly oily olive green skin, thinning greyish blue hair, and tawdry woolen robes. Despite his slight stature he carries himself with confidence, leaving those assuming he belongs in a slum intrigued by the juxtaposition. But then his face gives the impression that he’s experienced and wise. For someone nearly 600 years old, Vorack’s face defies his age, but it also shows his commitment to a cause. His warm green eyes unveil his warmth, usually accentuated by crow’s feet intensifying his gaze. His face tends to convey a warm, caring spirit but also concern.
Mysterious Beginnings
The circumstances of Vorack’s conception and birth are unknown. He was found by a master a short distance from the Jedi Temple on Lothal 589 years ago, or BCY (Before the Calendar Year). Although the Jedi of the Temple searched for his parents, they were unsuccessful. Recognizing his keen connection to the Force, the council of the Temple decided to raise the infant themselves and eventually train him. Vorack was not the only baby which the Jedi had taken in. Although Lothal was primarily an agricultural and fishing based economy, where children were almost never abandoned, Lothal served as the Jedi Order’s nursery for force sensitive children under the age of five in preparation for their future training. The Temple was also the primary training center for Jedi Guards, thus the children were seen as of paramount importance for the Order’s future – and needed protection at all costs. This was a perilous time for the Order.
Although the Jedi were the chief guardians of the galaxy at the time, they were at war. The Sith were an equal threat to the Jedi, and this period witnessed the growth of their allies exponentially. The Jedi were in a state of war and while seeing the need to fight the Sith they equally focused on the internal growth of the Order and its future. Vorack was to become a keen part of this modus operandi. One of the more experienced Masters, a Wookiee by the name of Inlo, took Vorack as his apprentice while he was still an infant. Inlo was 325 at the time, and had taken three apprentices before Vorack. With the permission of the council, Inlo cared for Vorack as though he were his own. Inlo groomed him, cradled him, and took him with him on his many journeys throughout Lothal and sometimes his trips in the galaxy when he deemed it safe. Even at an early age, Vorack was exposed to the wonders of nature and spiritual sites. He was raised by others, as to not allow Vorack to become too attached but also to imbue him with compassion for others of different personalities. On one occasion, while Inlo was on his way to Illum, Vorack gained a unique connection with Huyang, the notorious Architect droid professor. The usually terse droid took a shining to the young student who asked unusually perceptive questions for someone his age.
The Apprentice
By the age of twelve, Vorack was still apart of a youngling clan and undertook the same courses with his contemporaries. He excelled in sensory and control activities, often tasked with helping his peers who had trouble. His unassuming and warm hand often disarmed his friends from thinking they he was some other “teacher’s pet” – mainly because he came to them in private and knew to approach their troubles cautiously. Additionally he wouldn’t hesitate to show he was struggling with certain things which they could help with as well. In his classes he was a class favorite because of his openness. When Vorack undertook the Gathering, the right of passage for every young Jedi, he did so on Ahch-To where Inlo told him to go. Inlo left him there for a month and gave him no directions, nor told him he was on his right of passage. Facing his greatest fear of losing hope, which happened on multiple occasions during this journey, Vorack eventually found an underground cave which was nearly submerged on an island away from the ancient Temple and discovered his Kyber Crystal. After this me met Professor Huyang again aboard his ship. There with other more experienced younglings he assembled his lightsaber. The hilt adorned with partially wooden grips and when ignited revealed a Viridian colored blade, was one of the more unique Huyang had seen in some time.
Almost four years later, when Vorack was 15, Inlo decided to begin formal training. Because of Vorack’s clear interpersonal abilities, when the option of Consular was proposed Vorack choose this path. Inlo’s dual-role as caretaker and master was made relatively easy because of Vorack’s unassuming nature. Yet, Inlo created a curriculum for Vorack which necessitated high standards but balanced them with the wisdom an older master could offer. Many of Vorack’s early training with Inlo tested Vorack’s physical prowess in tandem with his decision making. Because of Vorack’s heightened sense of awareness, a rare trait for his age, he usually met his master’s expectations.
Eventually, amidst the usual duties of fact-finding missions and visits to ancient spiritual sites, Vorack was charged with local diplomatic missions and to help locals around Lothal. Often these didn’t require Inlo, as they were character building exercises. Whether Vorack knew it or not, Inlo was keeping watch of his apprentice. Vorack showed insatiable curiosity wherever he went and whenever he returned to his master he showed an unexpected depth in his interpretation and often able to find deeper meanings than most students his age. Inlo also emphasized exercises in perseverance, patience, and challenged Vorack’s principles. Part of this was the curious tradition Inlo had of weaving his own robes, which Vorack thought almost therapeutic and has practiced ever since. After five years of training emphasizing building knowledge about the galaxy in tandem with certain principles of a researcher and diplomat, Vorack began going to missions with Inlo across the galaxy. Usually these were diplomatic in nature, but they varied in the kinds of groups Vorack and his master would face; whether were royalty, tribes, mystics, drug lords, military, Inlo allowed a degree of trust in Vorack to act semi-independently during these missions where he might be unable due to his old age. Additionally, upon his master's recommendation, Vorack began learning some of the other important languages in the galaxy such as Bocce (the synthetic Spacer language), Huttese, Hapan, Durese, and Bothese in addition to his training in the traditional High Galactic (every Jedi during this period learned High).
During this time Vorack continued Temple-based training with various masters who Inlo thought were better suited to help Vorack's development on his own journey as a Jedi. Already quite able in sensory and control abilities in the force, Vorack managed to also began investing time in more ancient techniques to heighten his meditation. The Alchaka meditation, for example, which he learned during a visiting post while on Tython, was one of the first but most important steps to opening his mind to altering techniques which he would learn in subsequent years. It was full of repetitive maneuvers and rituals which most people his age would find impossible. Yet in Vorack's eyes, the Jedi way meant ritual but also in accordance with readings about other cultures and beliefs around the galaxy it might also mean taking a less orthdox approach to gain new understandings. In recent curricula, more ancient techniques were discarded. But Inlo and other older masters which Vorack learned from in his early pursuits taught him different approaches which Vorack synthesized to come up with something new. Vorack also kept up with lightsaber techniques in the flux of events in the galaxy. The Sith threat was only getting worse, and Jedi had to be prepared at all times. Because of the prevalence of Dark Jedi and Sith during this period, Vorack honed his skills with the first three classes of lightsaber techniques. The Order was his family; he may not agree with everything the Council establishes but he was unquestionably on the side of the people whom took him in, two trained him, who cared for him. Additionally he believed in the mission of the Jedi in contrast to the Sith. Yet, even at 25, Vorack had a more compassionate approach to his foe than did some more bellicose members. His personality of kindness and understanding as well as tolerance, while still in its infancy, meant that he would need to balance the confrontation with the Sith and the reformation of the Jedi Order. Even at such a young age, he felt this balance was necessary if the Order was to remain relevant.
When Vorack turned 26 by medical standards, Inlo was granted permission by the Jedi Council to send Vorack on his trials for Knighthood. Of course, with the trials, most of these efforts Vorack had accomplished before; his use of the three main ways of the force (control, sense, alter) he'd either shown marked ability or a certain future for, his knowledge of the Jedi Code and its interpretations was above that of his contemporaries, he was well acquainted with constructing and properly using his lightsaber in combat, he showed both good intent and intelligent reactions to the independence his master allowed him, and he had on multiple occasions (particularly when facing off against agents of the Underworld) needed to defend himself and his master. Yet, he had not gone on a more dangerous mission alone - the last requirement of the trials. This was to come to fruition as both the council and his master put him literally in harms way in the midst of the ongoing Sith threat. This wasn't the first time they tested his perseverance, as Inlo put Vorack in a particularly dangerous situation a number of years ago when he found his Kyber crystal.
Once in the council chambers, Vorack was ordered to trace and retrieve an ancient holocron which had been snatched by the Exchange while on it's way to Tython from Lothal. Vorack entered his mission with two assumptions: he is on his own, and this is his mission. He'd established connections on several planets and less than savory groups in his missions with his master, and like a true researcher Vorack's senses along with the evidence led him to the black market on Nar Shaddaa. Avoiding the Hutts altogether, Vorack went through his contacts on the planet and their friends who introduced Vorack to the system. Vorack traced the Holocron as going to an anonymous buyer, originating on Coruscant, Level 1313. Once there, Vorack used intermediaries to find the Holocron which was in the hands of a fringe group associated with the Sith, some of whom were Dark Jedi. He made his way into the cult's lair and retrieved the Holocron among other information vital to the war effort. Before withdrawing he confronted three Dark Jedi. Initially on the verge of a diplomatic exit by dissuading the Dark Jedi from their allegiance. Yet when their leader entered the room, he plunged for Vorack. In turn Vorack repelled him then lunged for the others in a relentless Ataru posture, throwing them back and knocking two of them out right away with his unexpected speed and their doubts in mind. The third quickly fell before Vorack faced off against their leader in Makashi. Despite a lengthy battle which nearly alerted other Dark Jedi in the lair, Vorack successfully knocked his opponent out. With no casualties, Vorack escaped through the ventilation shaft with the artifact and other intel. Having gone beyond the expected mandate of his mission and brought back not only the Holocron but also new locations of Dark Jedi cells operating throughout the galaxy (not all, but some new), Vorack was granted the title of Knight.
The Knight
Having earned the respect of his colleagues, Vorack immediately set to studying advanced forms of Force abilities as well as undertaking his first Padawan by the age of 30. Still relying on his Master's wisdom, Vorack used the same techniques as were used to teach him in addition to his own methods. Uniquely, before he approached his apprentice but knowing well he would take her under his wing, he learned some Togruti because the student was homesick. Thus when they began he knew speaking her language might help. Equipped with an excellent memory, Vorack has maintained a significant amount of the language in his mind even well after her passing almost a century later. As she grew Vorack took her to various spiritual sites and tombs and inspired her curiosity about the mysteries in the galaxy, all of which linked back to the Force. Training his padawan was just as rigorous as he was, he also managed to carry on with his own research which now delved into the Underworld's activities. Noting his interests, the council began sending Vorack with his Padawan on various missions involving the criminal underworld, and the Exchange in particular. Vorack knew their motivations were much more immediate than ideological, but he was more interested in how the organizations operated. Here he began honing his use of Force Stun and Stealth as to navigate through dangerous situations where diplomacy was impossible. He'd made connections throughout Hutt space and the known underworld planets like Nar Shaddaa and knew where to find information not readily available on the HoloNet. Additionally, Vorack kept track of the Dark Jedi cults which were sprouting up throughout the underworld, sometimes even bringing a few back to the council and having them watched over by the Order.
After his first Padawan successfully completed her trials, Vorack requested the Council allow him to study Sith culture in-depth. In allowing Vorack to take this course, he was also required to form a team of Jedi of his choosing to begin a full investigation into their activities. Vorack began learning Sith language and culture, core concepts and history. He was not permitted to study Dark Holocrons yet. With a team of twenty knights and masters, Vorack led one of the most comprehensive looks into cults around the galaxy. While they focused on Dark Jedi groups, they also included witches and other force and magic groups which could be related to the Sith. This commission also included insights from Underworld agents which Vorack had made contact with. Interestingly, many of these groups were usually closer to higher echelons of society and power where they existed, but operated in the shadows. After the commission made its report, the council sent Vorack to begin internal investigations on some of these groups where the greatest threat was posed - in the Senate and bureaucracy of the Republic. Again operating through others, Vorack spent six and a half years accumulating information about individuals and how they operated with the cults. Indeed, they were organizing. This culminated in a meeting on Coruscant which several Sith attended. Vorack, while hidden the entire time, planned to react to the plans which the meeting set. They planned to hijack the Senate with its main body of membership on Chandrila and massacre its unwilling members while sending Dark Jedi to the Jedi temples on Tython and Lothal. The former where the High Council were seated and the latter where the guardsman and the Order's future in the younglings were kept. Reporting to the council on Tython, he assembled a Jedi and Republic force which ultimately foiled the Sith and Dark Jedi plans. Dark Jedi were assembled with the help of more friendly Underworld characters which Vorack had and Dark Jedi ships were engaged by Republic Naval elements. Vorack, an unexpectedly able swordsman for his stature and personality, confronted two Sith and defeated them, one of which died during the foray. The other was imprisoned by the Council. For his successful engagement of the Sith, Vorack was commissioned a Master.
The Master
Upon his promotion, now aged 48, Vorack was given all the privileges which go with it; full access to the archives. However because of efforts unveiling the Sith threat on Coruscant he was also permitted the rare opportunity to reference the Great Holocron and the Sith Holocrons which the Order housed on Tython. Although he was considered unorthodox, his methods were proven and the council permitted Vorack to see what only few were able to do. His close relationship with the Chief Librarian/Lore Keeper of the time, who respected Vorack's depth and open mindedness while remaining committed to the Order gave Vorack a wider berth than most. Shortly after becoming half a century he took his next Padawan which he was able to focus on wholeheartedly. Meanwhile he served with archivists, historians, and librarians in the Order and around the galaxy researching, writing, and discussing various historical and spiritual topics. Vorack served on various committees recommending acquisitions of new texts and their classifications into the archives. All the while, the Council never asked his recommendation on any matters, distrustful of the Master who studied Sith culture too keenly for their comfort. Rather, they kept him busy with missions many times not related to his disciplines as to distract him; trade, Republic politics, the Underworld.
Vorack helped reorganize the archives in a way that were more accessible to students. All the while he'd organized conferences and significant chronicles over various subjects ranging from the Order's early evolution to contemporary Sith relics. Vorack also ensured relations with extra-Order institutions of knowledge and government related to his work. In addition to these efforts, he was in charge of setting curricula for students. He often took to teaching courses himself on various subjects and to different age groups. Although he preferred interactions with larger groups of students, he continued to take Padawans during this period, seeing sixteen students through their Trials. At this stage, very few Jedi in the Order's history held such emphasis on maintaining Padawans once they taught two, which was the average for human Jedi.
The Sith threat still loomed, and the growth of Dark Jedi cults hadn't ceased. Aware of the need to be prepared, Vorack still took part in missions against the Sith in particular, given his reputation as an expert on their culture and rituals. On several occasions Vorack confronted protected Sith shrines and professed Sith (who usually were well trained Dark Jedi). On more than one occasion he confronted a Sith Lord named Vereshin, with whom he became acquainted through a Jedi assault on a Dark Shrine. When around Vereshin, Vorack learned a great deal from the Sith and they shared knowledge between one another whilst also trying at times to bring the other to their side - ultimately they both parted ways. These fights tested Vorack's connection with the Force moreso than others he'd faced yet, and he hardly ever used his lightsaber instead relying on his abilities learned through the Force. Usually on planets where wild beasts were rampant, Vorack learned how to befriend these beasts using the Force - this was made easier because of his warm personality. Vorack firmly believed that an individual's personality heavily affected their abilities with certain areas of using the Force. For example, because of his ability to proliferate languages for research purposes, with emphasis on listening, he managed to learn how to comprehend speech. Because of his intuitive nature, his sensory abilities are particularly strong. But as he aged and learned to comprehend the Force, his alter abilities diversified and strengthened. Vorack's knowledge gained from ancient Holocrons, from various masters in the Order, and his spiritual path in tandem with the same depthful personality enabled him to learn and master techniques most would find difficult. During this period Vorack's lightsaber was rarely seen aside from colleagues with whom he dueled to maintain his skills with a blade. Indeed like today, he reached a level of confidence in his abilities with the Force that he hardly ever needed it in combat - especially since he learned to absorb (called Tutaminis) and deflect energies from blasters and eventually lightsabers using the Force.
Three and a half centuries passed, Vorack still accrued knowledge and continued exploring mysteries of the Force to the point of becoming one of the most recognizable names within the Order - not only because of his age and tenure teaching students who passed through his lessons, but also because of his experience outside the hallowed walls of the Temple. The Sith threat was growing exponentially, and because Vorack was arguably one of the most knowledgeable about the Sith, was eager to help guide the Order to different directions, and was respected and known to most in the Order. However, he often was either passed up for positions of authority in the Order or declined some opportunities which he felt someone else would be better served. He kept teaching students at various levels (such as Kwanli). He also continued taking on Padawans. His primary mandate, as far as he saw it, was to maintain relations with people whom he'd met over the years (albeit having to gain new connections over his long lifetime) which could help the Order learn about Sith activities. But then, when Vorack was nearly 450 years old, the Sith launched a major invasion.
The Warrior
Although the Sith Empire was a major threat throughout his life, Vorack had never been involved in all out war. Usually involved in smaller missions, he was about to get in the thick of it. Each year it seemed the Order was becoming split between those who out rightly sought conflict with the Sith, and those who believed in long-term solutions to the Sith threat. Vorack was a part of the latter group, however the more desperate the conflict became the less he was heard. Although certainly feeling rundown at the time facing off two opposing groups - be they Jedi or Sith - Vorack remained firm in his compassionate approach. While conflict was unavoidable in his eyes, it did not have to be at the cost of younger or more vulnerable Jedi who he'd seen lost over the years. Every day the Order's numbers dwindled, forcing some temples to become fortresses.
Watchful over his colleagues and students, Vorack took a more active role in the war. No Jedi was to engage with the Sith for extended periods of time. Even if Vorack pushed himself beyond his limits, which he often did, he always made sure everyone else was alacritous. During this period he focused on learning and passing on battle techniques. Initially he learned the Mind Meld with other knights and masters, but then unexpectedly found a means of learning a Battle Meditation. While it took nearly ten years to be truly effective, Vorack's Battle Meditation became on of the Order's most valuable assets when the Council and Republic High Command decided to take the fight back to the Sith. By this time the Sith occupied Coruscant.
Drawing on his connections to Underworld pirates and mercenaries, Vorack coordinated assaults on Sith supply infrastructures followed by Republic Naval and Infantry sieges on vital junctures. Initial campaign strategies focused on surprise and minimal risk because the Empire was so strong. Ultimately, with the Council spread thin, Vorack proposed keeping the Empire equally strained and using these "Tusken" raid tactics until occupied planets showed support for their cause. For the next thirty years this strategy continued. Slowly, but surely, the Republic gained allies and the Order's position strengthened. The Empire rife with unrest and self indulgence had to worry about the Jedi and Republic threat on the supply routes, and trying to maintain order on the surfaces. There weren't enough Dark Jedi or Sith to hold power over most of these systems, and as the Republic began teaching the occupied how to fight back with these same Tusken tactics they couldn't maintain their grip. On several occasions he worked with a young Jedi Knight named Kalaar. On a personal note, Vorack's demeanor had become more serious and determined, and yet he managed to inspire hope whenever he went. His fair share of time on the front lines with soldiers and Jedi alike, this modestly sized mystic knight garnered the respect of many with whom he served or had heard of his efforts. Yet, for all his determination he kept wary of younger Jedi who showed signs of battle fatigue, carelessness, or wavering faith to the Order.
The race for Coruscant faced many difficulties and a near defeat at the hands of the Sith. Vorack's powerful Battle Meditation which often called him to other fleets and planets helped the war effort a great deal and served on fronts where the most need was. Within five years the Sith were shattering and it got to a point where they could only fight on either Coruscant or in the twin homeworlds of Moraband and Korriban.
The Sage
Following the Battle of Coruscant, Vorack criticized the Council's focus on their witch hunt, indeed so much that it lost a significant number of Jedi trying to take Moraband. Having become victorious, the Order's top echelon had lost its way in his eyes. Comfortable to be back in a place of authority and certainty in their righteousness, those who dared to counter or disagree with their views were derided or shunned. Vorack, seeing nothing to lose, advocated alternatives. Ultimately he folded himself back into the Order's archives, teaching younger Jedi and taking Padawans under his wing.
Having seen what the war had done to so many Jedi, some of whom had gone missing, Vorack focused his efforts on learning techniques which would help others. Cleansing minds of those effected by dark energies and spells, and he'd been learning how to help Jedi with mental trauma's persevere - the latter power is still something he is investigating. Lacking more duties, Vorack went to teaching and researching the next generations of Jedi. Here along the way he taught most of the Order at one point or another while they were younglings or those who sought him out for specific guidance on learning and understanding certain abilities such as Sihkar Tarei until Bau Zo took Tarei as his apprentice. Master "Vo" as he is sometimes affectionately referred to by younger members of the Order, became almost the ideal of what people thought of when they imagined a Jedi - he was compassionate, tolerant, watched over all types of people, gentle, and yet when needed was the preferred person to have in your corner. Indeed he is still referred to as Master Vorack. Vorack had no assumptions about his person, only that he was to do his best for the principles he had in mind for the Order. Yet the Order was changing.
With the rise of the Sith Brotherhood, the Council - all of whom hadn't known the last war as Vorack had - grew increasingly complacent. In contrast to the previous century following the war against the Sith, the mainstay of the Jedi Order hierarchy did not want to respond to the Sith threat. When a group of Jedi formed an army to face the Sith, the Order only privately sanctioned it, solidifying their inability to maintain the Order's members. At the time Vorack had taken what has become known as his last Padawan, Mana Takk, a young humanoid female from a planet* in the Unknown Regions which was recently admitted in the Republic. Having found her through one of his courses while she was a youngling, he decided to make her his apprentice. Using the methods he'd learned over the course of many centuries, he sensed in the child an innate quality of compassion for others and an irrepressible desire to help where ever it was needed. Over the course of twenty years he trained her to the point where she successfully completed her trials for Knighthood by the age of 25. While on her mission to escort her homeworld's monarch to a summit meeting, Mana and the King, Ao Henare, fell in love and wed. Not forbidden by the Order, Mana was the first of Vorack's apprentices to marry. However, between the increasingly war-like stance the Order took and the need for any offspring of Jedi to be taken into the Order, Mana left within three years of completing her trials. Vorack understood his former Padawan's concerns, but sensed this was not the end of their connection. That was nearly twenty years ago.
More recently, with the creation of the Jedi Army, and the Republic's indecision and subsequent alienation of the Order, Vorack sensed he had to make a drastic change. Vorack remains wary of the Order’s sanctioning of a Jedi army. yet determined to play an active part to ensure as best he can to make sure the Jedi do not fall too far from their roles as guardians. In this "damaging" cultural shift for the Jedi, Vorack’s concern for the Order only increases with its aggressive yet isolationist posture. Leaving the Border Alliance to its own defenses while allowing a Jedi army to grow unchecked unsettled Vorack. Knowing galactic history, Vorack’s mission has evolved from being a guardian of peace and justice to a watchman of the Order’s integrity. For nearly a century he’s been able to put his warrior past behind him. Yet, in light of recent events, namely Kwanli’s leaving the Order, Vorack formally requested the High Council to transfer him to the Jedi Army. Many of them hesitant, their respect for the old Master, nearly all of whom had at one time being trained by him, allowed his request. Gladly accepting a demotion to the rank of Knight, Vorack made way to meet with the new Jedi Lord, Sihkar Tarei.
*Intentionally left ambiguous while Shu Rin creates this world and character.
POSSESSIONS
Robes: Vorack has very few possessions. His only real items are his robes, which are hand woven brown wools. Never known to be particularly stylish, Vorack preferred the simplicity of fabrics and colors which he often wove himself as part of his training (teaching patience). Part of his robes include a leather belt made from a dead animal’s skin (as not to harm the creature while alive, as is so often the case), which has a few pouches and belt hooks to carry accessories or money as is needed. Apart from these goods he feels no need to own other materials as the Order could provide or he can obtain while on his journey.
Although he was known to carry a lightsaber with a Viridian colored blade for most of his life, no one has seen nor heard of this in a century. No one knows if he still has it, or where it might be if he does not.
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