"Greetings..."

[Jedi Order Holocron]

(The dusty Holocron hadn't been used for some time now. Holocrons were fountains of knowledge. They were small cubes that contained a Jedi library of vast knowledge. A gatekeeper was assigned to each holocron constructed.

The holocron slightly began to glow as it did when accessed. A small tree-like being appeared at the top of the holocron, no more then three inchest tall. It began to speak.)

"Greetings Jedi, I am Ood Bnar, Gatekeeper of the Jedi Holocron. Do you have a question for me?"

<font size=1>OOC: Please refrain from posting anything immature. This is a serious thread. <font size=2>

[Master Yoghurt]

"Holocron, tell me about the Force power known as control mind"

[Jedi Order Holocron]

"Oh...Control Mind. The use of this power allows Jedi to take control of other people, turning them into puppets who must obey the Jedi's will - they must serve the Jedi like automatons. This power may not be used on Droids or computers."

(He paused for a moment.)

"The required powers are Receptive Telepathy, Telekinesis, and Affect Mind. It is quite easy for a Jedi who has turned to the dark side, but moderate for a warrior of the light. It is easier to use the Force power if you know the person you are using it on."

[Master Yoghurt]

Master Yoghurt pondered the words of the Holocron for a while, then spoke..

"To Dark Side this power leads to?"

[Jedi Order Holocron]

"Why, yes. This technique can lead to the Dark Side if not properly used. A Dark Jedi usually uses this Force Power to further his campaign for power, and manipulate others. Jedi should only use this power in times of dire need or emergency. Even then, it is unwise to underestimate this power. Behind it, seduction and false promises masquerade themselves. A Jedi should always be cautious and mindful."

(Ood Bnar went silent for a few seconds.)

"Is there anything else you would like to ask me?"

[Nichos Marr]

"Holocron, how did the ancient race of the Sith come to be?"

[Jedi Order Holocron]

(Ood Bnar spun to face a new Jedi that had asked him a different question. The gatekeeper disappeared and a small picture filled his void. Nevertheless, the Jedi Master began to speak.)

<img src=http://www.theforce.net/timetales/tt1-1/sith1.jpg>

"The first great schism between Jedi Knights took place 11,500 years ago. It was a schism between the Forces of Light and Darkness. After a century of battle, the Dark Jedi were exiled and eventually took over the Sith civilization, building it into an empire, bringing about the so-called Golden Age of the Sith. Among the many Jedi literature and traditions of the time is the prophecy of the one who will bring balance to the Force and heal the schism. It is:

... And in the time of greatest despair there shall come a savior, and he shall be known as: THE SON OF THE SUNS."

(Ood Bnar's holo-image disappeared, and a small picture of a hand encompassed around a pyramid appeared.)

<img src=http://www.theforce.net/timetales/tt1-1/Sith2.gif>

"It is also recorded that around this time, a Sith Holocron was first used. Over time that Holocron became the possesion of Master Odan Urr."

[Nash Stolar]

I have one..... where did the first light sabers originate from?

[Jedi Order Holocron]

(Ood Bnar reappeared as the hologram of the Sith Holocron slowly died away. The ancient Jedi Master thought for a moment before answering.)

"The first Lightsabers were created approximately 10,000 years ago. They were meant to serve as symbols of the Jedi, and tools in their campaign to bring peace and prosperity to the Republic. Each Jedi would build his own unique Lightsaber. The Jedi and the Lightsaber had a connection through the Force."

(He paused momentarily.)

"One of these ancient lightsabers later came into the ownership of Vima-Da-Boda -- and from her to Leia Organa-Solo."

[Teka Kenobi]

Holocron, you have told us of how the Sith came to be, but where did the Jedi Knights originate from?

[Jedi Order Holocron]

(Master Ood swiveled around to face another Jedi Knight. This one had asked a most interesting and important question.)

"The Force is an essential part of nature, like energy or matter, but it has yet to be quantified and analyzed. The Force is not to be understood in the same manner as physical qualities of the universe. The laws of physics are observable; technology is predictable and readily controlled. The Force is neither controlled nor controlling, it is part of life itself; asking if it controls or can be controlled is like asking if a person controls his component cells, or the cells control him. It is not known whether the Force has always been, came about as life evolved into intelligence, or if it coerced the evolution of intelligence, or if it coerced the evolution of intelligence. To the Jedi, it does not matter. It is enough to know that the Force is.

The Jedi Knights began to develop and learn about their powers hundreds of thousands of years before the Old Republic was formed. When the Old Republic was formed, they became known as Jedi Knights, protectors of peace and justice in the Galaxy. Since the dawn of time, the Jedi have been evolving, and learning more about the Force and their gifts."

[Teka Kenobi]

I see. I have another question though. If they were the Knights, when and how did the Padawan, Knight and Master rankings come to be?

[Jedi Order Holocron]

"Once the Jedi Knights achieved order and stability among themselves, they began to divide eachother into groups. Those with the most knowledge and experience of the Force became known as Jedi Masters. Those with the least knowledge of the Force are known as Padawans."

(Ood went silent for a few seconds.)

"There is no actual dated origin or event when ranks were created. They were created to organize the Jedi Order of the Old Republic."

[Estelle Russard]

Estelle had entered quietly and stood listening to the teachings.

She took a seat at the edge of the group and indicated she wanted to ask a question. As Ood Bnar turned to her, she asked.

"Gatekeeper, are all species capable of Jedi ability? Are any excluded from it?"

[Jedi Order Holocron]

"All species in our Galaxy are in the Force, and a part of the Force. The Force itself is created by life. Although not all species are as capable of having Jedi abilities as others are. For example, a human would be more likely to have Jedi ability compared to a Hutt."

[Teka Kenobi]

Estelle's response made Teka smile. However the response made him think. Thinking made him ask:

So, are all species capable of force use? Take the Vong for example. Are they capable of force use?

[Jedi Order Holocron]

"I beg your pardon? I am not aware of that term you used. "Vong" was it? I have never heard of such a creature."

[Teka Kenobi]

Ok, scrap that question. Tell me of the force power: Force Lightening.

[Jedi Order Holocron]

"Ah that is a more understandable question."

(The tree-like figure paused for a second. It looked as if he was pulling information up from his databanks.)

"This is a difficult technique to learn and use. You must know Absorb/Dissipate Energy, Injure/Kill, and Inflict Pain to use this technique. It is definately a move of the Dark Side."

(He paused again.)

"This power is a corruption of the Force, harnessing pure hatred and evil from the user and the Dark Side. When used, it produces bolts of white or blue energy, which flies from the user's fingertips, like sorcerers lightning. These bolts tear through the target, causing intense pain and injury.

The user must gain control to summon the energy for these bolts. These lightning bolts cannot be parried or dodged. Once the lightning bolts are called forth, the victims only hope is to call forth Perception or Control. A Jedi armed with a Lightsaber can use the Lightsaber Combat power to block force lightning, but Force Lightning cannot be deflected to other targets. This power can be dissipated with the Absorb/Dissipate Energy power the intended victim simply absorbs the bolts."

[Teka Kenobi]

What defense is there to this?

[Jedi Order Holocron]

(Ood Bnar repeats what he had said earlier.)

"Once the lightning bolts are called forth, the victims only hope is to call forth Perception or Control. A Jedi armed with a Lightsaber can use the Lightsaber Combat power to block force lightning, but Force Lightning cannot be deflected to other targets. This power can be dissipated with the Absorb/Dissipate Energy power the intended victim simply absorbs the bolts."

[telgar jae]

hmmm... this doesn't look like a residence hall, either. gah! how do people find their way around here, anyway?

she glanced around, and noticed that a small group of people were huddled around something she couldn't see. when she stepped inside, one person shifted to the side, and she got a glimpse of a small, slightly glowing cube hovering in the air. directly above it was what looked to be a miniature tree, no larger than her palm. interesting. what's this, i wonder?

telgar drifted over to the back of the group, and settled down to listen, as this appeared to be an open discussion--or rather, as she soon learned, an open question and answer session.

that tree-thing must be some sort of knowledge library. i've heard of those kinds of things before, but i've never seen one. hmmm.

telgar cleared her throat, and spoke once she figured nobody else had an immediate question.

"excuse me. ah, i'm new around here, so this might be common knowledge, or you might already have answered this question. i was wondering, why is the force divided into the dark and light sides? i mean, i always thought that "good" and "evil" were concepts applied only to people, not forces of the universe. ahh, excuse the pun."

telgar wondered if the question was too philosphical for a library to answer, but waited patiently for a response anyway. she was curious if the library cube had a response for her.

[Jedi Order Holocron]

OOC: Sorry for the late response

IC: (Bnar swiveled around the cube to face the new Padawan. As always the Padawans asked the best questions and were always adamant on learning more.)

"Many believed that this Life Force had a balance, a middle ground. A part of the Force untainted by Light and Dark. Contrary to what you thought, Light and Dark are two Forces in the universe. The individual with the gift of calling upon the Forces is the one who chooses whether they shall live their life as a Jedi, or a "Dark Jedi".

Although they are opposite to each other, both Light and Dark sides of the Force are very much alike on some philosophical points of view. You will find that the truths in this Galaxy depend on your own point of view. You must find or create the answers and mysteries of life for yourself. You must work to find your balance point in the Force, whether it be light or dark. May the Force be with you Jedi Padawan."

(The picture of Jedi Master Ood Bnar vanished and the cube stopped glowing. It would stay in the cube, until called for again.)

[telgar jae]

"may the force be with us all." she stood up again, and pondered its words. only after several minutes did she realize the holcron's glow had faded, and it seemed the session was over. she nodded once, and turned to leave. that resident hall just had to be around here somewhere.

(ooc: thats quite alright. i dont mind. ^_^ )

[Young Jedi Apprentice]

Holocron, as a Jedi Initiate, I have a lot to learn, both about the Force, and about the Jedi history. I have one question, what would be the best way to stay away from the dark side, and to stop myself from being tempted? How could I stop myself from going down the dark path?

[Jedi Order Holocron]

(After a short while of silence the Holograph slowly comes back to life. It had been summoned and asked another question by another curious padawan.)

"You say you have one question, but you have asked more then one. Nevertheless I shall answer them."

(The tree-like figure appeared above the glow of the cube. It swiveled to meet the apprentice.)

"The Dark Side is like a free solution to all your hardships. It is always calling for you, especially in your times of great weakness. It is but a whisper, a chill in the winds, but it is there. Do not let curiousity get the best of you. Stray from the path and reject the easy way out.

The best way would be to continue your studies and your training. Grow stronger in the Light Side of the Force and do not hide things. The Dark Side will have no effect on those that are determined to help others and maintain peace and justice.

(Bnar paused for a slight moment.)

"If you find yourself heading toward the path of the Dark Side, TELL YOUR MASTER. Do not keep such things from him or her. They can and will help you. The Dark Side is a strong seduction but it can be overcome. I sense you are headstrong. Do not worry about or fear the Dark Side. Oppose it with your love for preserving life and your strength."