oustider-citadel

[oustider-citadel]

\\ Archive Entry: Ashla-2 //

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The subject of a droid Jedi has been a matter of consideration by certain subsets of the galactic community for some time. Arguments against the concept are primarily based on a position that, because the Force is an energy field generated by living beings, droids are uniquely exempt from achieving Force-Sensitivity of any kind. While some find this outlook to be stringent or restrictive, this archivist cannot help but appreciate the logic of such a delineated standard. However, given the scope of possible phenomena in the galaxy far, far way, it would be remiss of this archivist not to offer at least some means by which a droid Jedi could, theoretically, be possible.

If genuine Force Sensitivity itself was omitted as a prerequisite, then the utilization of an enhanced articulators combined with an arm-mounted repulsor cannon and multispectrum sensor suite would be sufficient to create the form of a Jedi, if not the fact. Indeed, certain reports of a competitive arena indicate that an anolog of such a construct may in fact actually exist, though information remains quite limited.

Alternatively, a sentient lifeform that exists as some kind of organic filament network, mycelial tracery, or fine array of roots or vines, could be laced throughout a droid's chassis and bound to its operational mechanics. This does, however, beg the question of whether this counts as a proper "droid" Jedi instead of a nonhumanoid Jedi using a droid body as a mobility assist.

Finally, the existence of holocrons does offer a third avenue of exploration. These devices are specially designed to integrate kyber crystals as both power source and central processing unit, and kyber crystals have been confirmed to be Force Resonant, if not explicitly Force Sensitive. Could not a droid be built that utilizes a kyber crystal in the same way that a holocron does? Could that droid's personality matrix not then interface with the crystal's Force aura in the same way that an organic sentient communes with the Living Force?

We may never have a resolution to this theorization. Still, the prospect is intriguing, and this archivist will be vigilant for any new reports on the subject. One can only hope...

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[oustider-citadel]

\\ Archive Entry: Bendu-1 //

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Depending on which source is consulted, the artifact known as the Darksaber has possessed a highly variable degree of importance to the culture, history, and organization of the Mandalorian people. These sources often conflict with each other, posing inconsistencies when an attempt is made to form a cohesive narrative.

Sources available during the Clone Wars indicate that the Darksaber was a weapon of unique design made by Jedi of antiquity and subsequently acquired from their order by the Mandalorians during a period of galactic disruption. It was primarily wielded by Pre Vizsla, leader of the Mandalorian terrorist group Death Watch, who used it as a means to contend with lightsaber-wielding adversaries.

During the time of the Empire, the Darksaber came into the possession of Maul, a former Sith Lord who defeated Pre Vizsla in single combat and killed him. The weapon was subsequently procured from Maul's lair on Dathomir by Sabine Wren, a Mandalorian member of the early Rebellion. Sources from this time period state that the Darksaber was forged by Tarr Vizsla, the first Mandalorian Jedi. Upon his death, the members of House Vizsla asked for the weapon to be given to them but were refused. Members of House Vizsla then infiltrated the Jedi Temple and took the Darksaber, using it as a banner to unite all Mandalorian factions in a common cause under a single leader. Sabine Wren trained with the Darksaber, but ultimately bequeathed it to Bo Katan Kryze, a fellow Mandalorian and leader of the resistance movement against the Imperial occupation of Mandalore itself.

Post-Imperial information places the Darksaber in the hands of Moff Gideon, a former ISB officer who presided over the orbital bombardment of Mandalore. Though pursued by Bo Katan Kryze, he was ultimately defeated in combat with the Mandalorian Bounty Hunter Din Djarin. It was then disclosed that Din was now the owner of the Darksaber because true possession of the weapon, by Mandalorian tradition, belonged to the one who bested the previous wielder. Bo Katan, notably, did not contest this declaration. Later, due to series of somewhat convoluted events, Din Djarin would pass the Darksaber to Bo Katan, claiming that he was defeated by an opponent that she herself then defeated, thus fulfilling the requirements of transition.

The inconsistencies become manifest almost immediately. If the Darksaber was an icon of Mandalorian unification, why did nationalistic terrorist Pre Vizsla not use it as a propaganda tool in his campaign to conquer his homeworld? How did Bo Katan lose the Darksaber to Moff Gideon in the first place? If the Darksaber goes to the one who defeats its wielder, does that not mean that Jedi Master Obi Wan Kenobi claimed that right when Pre Vizsla forfeited their introductory duel on Mandalore's moon Concordia?

Regardless of these narrative fractures, the fact remains that the Darksaber has been an object of great interest for many years. Its singular design and association with consequential individuals has cemented its place in the history of the galaxy far, far away. We may never have a perfect picture of the Darksaber's characteristics from beginning to end, but it will always be a part of many of our most well-known stories.

Perhaps that is enough.

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[oustider-citadel]

\\ Archive Entry: Bogan-1 //

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This archivist is no friend of the Sith, nor is he a supporter of their aims and ambitions. However, it must be noted that there are aspects of the Sith way that, in moderation, have their merits:

The ways of the Sith provide ample instruction in self-sufficiency, allowing one to survive and even thrive in environments that most others would find inimical.

The Sith's engagement with the arts of duplicity can be of great use for those who wish to go unnoticed, or for those who have need to exploit the personal traits or character qualities of another.

As uncouth as it may be, pure pragmatism and utilitarianism can provide a clarity of thought regarding how resources can best be utilized, preserved, or discharged, and the Sith are no strangers to these philosophies.

It must be reiterated, of course, that for all these useful teachings the Sith are lacking in the virtues that makes them truly effective, namely restraint and compassion. Because Sith are dedicated to the pursuit and increase of personal power at all costs, and because their viewpoint is inherently and inerrantly self-centered, they will never be able to form lasting systems based on mutual cooperation. Instead, they can only create oppressive hierarchies of fear and greed that encourage internal strife, which inevitably leads to self-destruction.

If we are to be effective in our opposition to the malignant powers of the galaxy, we cannot afford to ignore their strengths. However, we must keep a clear view of their limitations, lest we unintentionally convert ourselves.

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[oustider-citadel]

\\ Archive Entry: Ashla-1 //

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The Jedi Order represents a number of admirable qualities across its pre- and post-Prequel Trilogy depictions. In the spirit of engaging with the community of the galaxy far, far away as a whole, this Archivist has endeavored to look past his personal preferences and engage with a more encompassing viewpoint:

Jedi from the time before the Prequels were mostly independent agents. Their narratives were focused primarily on journeys of personal growth and conflict. They were, in effect, ordinary people embarked on a quest for extraordinary power. This meant that, while they were more diverse in background, methodology, and motivation, they were also more likely to be isolated from their allies and destroyed, or to succumb to the temptations of the dark side.

Jedi from the Prequel era were, in contrast, organized into a dedicated and centralized community. They lived, worked, and trained together. Members of this iteration of the order were a people inherent unto themselves. This meant that, unlike their predecessors, they possessed a robust and well-defined culture of their own, even as they engaged with the traditions and practices of their ancestors. These Jedi were unified in common cause under a shared code of conduct. This allowed them to coordinate their operations and gave them an extremely effective support system, but left them vulnerable to external manipulation.

In the post-Prequel era of Jedi stories, we find that both viewpoints have been elaborated upon. The tales of the High Republic have given us a deep and rich insight into the intricacies and nuances of an organized Jedi Order. Likewise, the continuing journeys of those who survived the Emperor's purge have refreshed and recontextualized our understanding of the Jedi as lone actors in an often-hostile environment.

This archivist must admit that there is no such thing as a perfect Jedi, or a perfect Jedi Order. Ideals serve us when they are aspired to, even if they are never reached. Regardless of the form they have taken, or may yet take in the future, the Jedi will remain dedicated to seeking those ideals of Peace, Justice, Freedom, and Hope, and the galaxy will be all the better for it.

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