Well, this particular era (Great Sith War through Mandalorian Wars) is just before the first Jedi Purge. There are a LOT of Jedi in the galaxy right now, and training is a lot more decentralized. There are a great many Jedi Academies and Jedi Temples, and it isn't all centered in the big Temple on Coruscant. There are Jedi who are discovered, initiated and fully Knighted without visiting Coruscant or meeting the High Council even once. There are even lone Masters who find and train Padawans all the way to Knighthood without the benefits of an academy at all.
The Jedi Tower on Taris is just one of many academies (an important one that is occupied and destroyed in the Mandalorian Wars; I chose it for drama).
Finally got her to a reasonable level of completion. Took me long enough...
As for relationships, I'm looking mainly at the three Jedi Knights that have been proposed so far. Would any of them have been educated at the Jedi Tower on Taris, or worked as part of the Exploration Corps? Kona has only been to Coruscant once or twice, and hasn't met that many other Jedi... If anyone would like to have a bit of collaborative backstory, just let me know. Otherwise I'll simply have them all down as "They're Jedi, they must be trustworthy and wise!".
Species: Iyra-tar ("exiled from the people"), land-dwelling subspecies of the aquatic Iyra species
Age: 44 GSY
Title: Jedi Knight / Jedi Consular
Planet of Origin: F'tral
Force Sensitive: Yes
Appearance:
Species Iyra and Iyra-tar are both radially symmetrical cephalopods, but the original species and their land-dwelling counterparts have some severe differences, especially in body structure. While the aquatic Iyra have four tentacles and four eyes at birth, and grow more as they get older, Iyra-tar are born with eight of each. Four of their tentacles, called "lowers", have strong muscles and hardened soles but no manipulators, and are adapted for land travel. These are arranged in a ring around the lower half of the Iyra-tar's relatively slender central body. The other four tentacles, called "uppers", are generally not quite as muscular, but are able to be used as fine manipulators, equating roughly to arms and hands among humanoid species. These are arranged in an offset ring around the middle of the central body.
Iyra-tar's eight eyes are smaller than those of true Iyra, and arranged in a ring around their "heads" instead of on relatively vulnerable stalks. This ring corresponds to the two rings of tentacles, with every other eye corresponding to a tentacle of each ring (eye/lower, eye/upper, eye/lower, eye/upper, etc). Each of these eyes can be closed individually, protected by thick lids, as well as rotated and moved within the head (a remnant of the stalks). For example, an Iyra-tar can shift the position of an eye to look straight up and straight down without its view being blocked by the head. Iyra-tar have fair nightvision, but their evolutionary/genetic focus is on noticing details rather than detecting movement, due to the tendency of their ancestral predators, the carniverous plants of F'tral's tropical islands, to sneak and ambush rather than chase.
Despite their tentacles and unique radially symmetrical form, the most incredible aspect of the appearance of both Iyra and Iyra-tar is their skin. One of the only things left unchanged when the ancient Iyra-tar exiled themselves and genetically engineered their bodies to survive on land, the color and texture of Iyra skin can be manipulated, shifted and changed at will. A dazzling array of colors and incredible feats of mimicry and deception can be attained by these strange beings, and this ability is likely the reason why both True Iyra and their land-dwelling exiles have survived on their hostile planet (as well as a replacement for their lack of facial expression). A well-trained, Force sensitive Iyra can even use this natural ability to aid in affecting the minds of the weak-willed. By flashing different Force-enhanced colors in rapid succession, an Iyra Jedi or Sith could calm emotions, induce anger or instill a terrible, irrational fear, among other effects.
Kona The Jedi herself is of an average size for Iyra-tar, reaching 4 1/2 feet from floor to mantle. Her cylindrical central body is around 2 feet in diameter, extended considerably by her upper tentacles. Because of a lack of modesty, considering nearly all of the beings she's around are humanoid, Kona doesn't wear traditional Jedi robes. The closest she comes to clothing is her Iyran gravity belt, which doubles as a utility belt and a place to hold her lightsaber. Her skin is supple and leathery, with a variable texture and color depending on her mood and current situation. Like many of her people, she often shows her emotions through rippling colors and other visual displays, as well as body language. Her eyes are primarily purple in color, with wide, horizontal pupils.
Despite her tentacled appearance, she isn't particularly slimy or moist to the touch; the Iyra-tar do not require moisture in the air at nearly the same level as True Iyra, and Kona can generally keep herself hydrated through the Force alone. Her style of movement, striding along on her four lower tentacles isn't particularly strange, given the variety of life in the galaxy, but particularly sheltered humanoids are sometimes unsettled by it, and her appearance in general.
Skills/Abilities:
The Living Force - Kona's main strength in the Force lies in her perceptions and manipulations of living things, including herself. Healing, changing aspects of her internal chemistry or that of others (such as inducing states of hibernation), removing or at least lessening the effects of pain and toxins, and detecting life even when it is otherwise concealed are some examples of this skill.
The Unifying Force - She has not pursued it as fully as her abilities pertaining to life, but Kona believes herself to be in tune with the minds of others and the will of the Force. She has received semi-prophetic visions during Soresu trances and other meditations, and is able to communicate somewhat with others directly through the Force. (OOC: I'm implying that with heavy training, she could be able to harness Battle Meditation; setting up some consequences a ways down the storyline)
Stealth - Because of her people's innate abilities, her own power in the Living Force, and a simple knack for staying quiet and still for long periods of time, Kona is gifted at stealth and infiltration. She is able to fool most scanners and is easily overlooked by biological life forms.
Lightsaber Combat - Never fond of causing harm, Kona believes in the pure-defense philosophy of Soresu, Form III, and practices it faithfully. Her power in the Force aids in the defensive battle-trance central to true Soresu combat. She has been trained in other forms, primarily Ataru (Form IV) and Niman (Form VI), but most often relies on Soresu.
The Physical Force - Kona has gone through training in telekinetic Force abilities, and is able to produce Push, Jump and Speed effects when necessary, though she does not make use of them often in combat. Force Jump is her most well-practiced.
Acrobatics and Contortion - The body of an Iyra-tar is highly malleable, and contains almost no bones; the closest thing is a soft mantle to protect the brain. This allows Kona to squeeze into and through areas that similarly-sized humanoids couldn't possibly fit. The strong grip provided by both sets of tentacles also allows for feats of acrobatics, such as swift and agile climbing and leaps between precarious objects. Her Iyran gravity belt is particularly useful in such situations, protecting her from high falls.
Diplomacy - Because of her duties as a Consular, Kona is well-versed in diplomatic strategies and knows a good few galactic languages. She is especially adept at communicating with non-humanoids, and often travels to far-flung worlds in order to introduce very strange aliens to Galactic society and the Jedi. Recently, with the Mandalorian war reaching further and further, she has been loathe to perform these first-contact missions; who wants to be part of a Galaxy in conflict?
Equipment:
Double-bladed lightsaber - Kona's personal lightsaber, crafted in her youth, with green crystals in both blades (as is custom among Consulars). The double-bladed design is uniquely suited to Soresu, covering more area with less movement and conserving energy during the Soresu battle-trance. This is one of her most prized possessions, as it is for most Jedi, and she doesn't go anywhere without it. Even if she doesn't use it, it is a symbol of her training and her worth. A signal to all those who see it that she is a Jedi.
Iyran gravity belt - One of her only keepsakes from her time growing up on F'tral, this belt is an Iyran design that slows the effect of inertia and gravity upon the wearer when activated. This allows the wearer to save themselves from falls and other situations involving dangerous inertia, such as being thrown from a damaged vehicle. It can only be activated for short amounts of time, and requires a lengthy recharge period after each use. This particular belt has been modified and added to somewhat, helping it to double as a utility belt.
Utility Belt Contents - Communicator, grappling hook, rebreather, small medical kit, small holopad, etc; Kona will likely gain more equipment in wartime, but these are her basic practical possessions.
Personality:
What is the purpose of the Jedi Order? To strive for peace and enlightenment through the Force. From a childhood filled with endless danger, the discovery of her Force sensitivity and subsequent Jedi training cemented Kona's adherence to a lifestyle of nonviolence. If she fought, it would be to protect, to defend and allow others to survive. She is a heavy proponent of the Jedi Code; not usually preachy, but very introspective and meditative, she allows her duties as a Jedi to fill her life completely, and defines herself through the Code. This war... She has joined the war, and IRSOG-37 in order to protect, defend and heal her fellow Jedi in the face of the terrible conflict they are sure to fight. She does not really support the war or the more headstrong elements of Revan's Mercy Corps, but she believes it is her duty to use her power in the Force to make sure they live to see the war ended and peace restored.
Kona is heavily interested in her visions and portents, and though she doesn't wish to discuss it, it's likely she would not have joined the Mercy Corps if she hadn't had a vision about it. She obviously believes her presence here serves a direct purpose.
History:
The islands of F'tral are horrific. Nearly every inch is filled with plants and fungi of the worst varieties, and only through direct genetic manipulation were the exiled Iyra able to survive. After rejecting the caste system of the waters below, these Iyra-tar set about adapting and shaping themselves in order to overcome the dangers of the land. Many centuries later, the modern Iyra-tar lived a harsh but sustainable life on these islands, and Lennakonaii was born.
This was a time of upheaval on F'tral, as the True Iyra became more heavily involved with the Republic. Offworlders were visiting F'tral and its system at a much greater rate than ever before, and many were finding that they had a very hard time living and working in the sunken cities of the planet's natives. A few of them had built floating platforms on the surface of the water, allowing the Iyra to remain near their seas while the offworlders enjoyed the relative comforts of atmosphere.
At one point when Kona was around 8 galactic standard years old (only ~3 Iyran years), some important offworlders connected to the Republic began a project to colonize parts of the many dangerous islands of F'tral's surface, in order to gain a permanent open-air base of operations. They were shocked to find Iyra-like land-dwelling sapients already there, living cut off from the rest of F'tral and the galaxy at large. They might as well have been on a different world. These relatively primitive Iyra-tar were swiftly greeted by a complement of Jedi, as is the custom (Jedi being skilled in diplomacy and generally trustworthy sorts). Searches were made for force-sensitives among the Iyra-tar, and before long a deal had been struck with Kona's family, and the young being was on her way to the Jedi Academy on Taris to be trained in the ways of the Force and inducted into the Order.
She couldn't be happier to leave. Despite their long traditions and sustainable existence, life on the islands of F'tral was incredibly harsh, and even children were expected to be ever-alert for danger. She had been running and hiding and fighting tooth and tentacle almost since birth, and the peaceful ways of the Jedi immediately called to her. Iyra-tar were already taught to hold few attachments, due to the transient nature of their lives, and she was simply one of around 20 children in her family, most of whom were not expected to live to adulthood. By escaping F'tral and becoming a Jedi, she believed she could bring her people into a new life somewhere off in the incredible galaxy. Her master, a very kind and wise Cerean, encouraged these views, and advised her to pursue the path of the Consular. He knew that she would fit perfectly in the Exploration Corps, welcoming new species into the galactic community as painlessly as possible.
In those days, the Galaxy was still reeling from the devastating Great Sith War against Exar Kun, and Kona did her part as a Padawan to aid in the reconstruction of many planets, including Taris itself. Descriptions and stories about the War reminded her of her life back on F'tral, and she knew that if something like that ever happened again, it would be her duty as a Jedi to defend people... She completed her training and passed the trials with only mild difficulty, becoming a fully-fledged Jedi Knight; as her master suggested, she took the path of the Consular, and was soon welcomed into the Exploration Corps, where she worked happily until the outbreak of the Mandalorian War. It wasn't all sunshine and roses in the Corps, she had her fair share of hostile natives to deal with, but compared to the conflicts that followed, they were nothing.
Now, with Revan's Mercy Corps officially (if tentatively) sanctioned by the High Council, she believed it was time to do her part. This was it, just as she had told herself all those years ago as a Padawan. It was time to protect the galaxy, to prove the superiority of the Jedi way of life. To prove that peace was possible. And so, she was assigned by Revan to IRSOG-37, with the official mission of providing medical and infiltration support to the Republic's special forces and her own fellow Jedi.
I always thought the double-bladed lightsaber would be ideal for Soresu, allowing for more area to be covered with fewer movements and all that good stuff. My jedi is going to be a Soresu practitioner herself, with a double-bladed lightsaber (they were a lot more common in the Knight of the Old Republic era).
Shien/Djem So/Form V with dual sabers would be badass, I think, especially in a scenario like this (lots of blaster fire and lots of melee from the Mandalorians and their battle droids; Form V is quite effective against both). A skilled Form V practitioner is a nightmare on the battlefield...
Anyway, I'm slowly but surely working on my own character. New Years and all.
So... You don't want a whole bunch of humans, HeySuess, I get that, but what about an Iyra?
I had an idea for a genetically modified subspecies of Iyra, exiles who modified themselves in order to survive on the harsh and limited land of their home planet. Breaking with the relatively oppressive tentacle-based caste system of their aquatic kin, they are born with four walking and four manipulating tentacles, are smaller and leaner than other Iyra (aiding in locomotion and coordination on land), and aren't nearly as dependent on moisture (though they still prefer humid environments to arid ones). This particular land-dwelling Iyra would have left her very dangerous homeworld with a group of Jedi, discovering her own force sensitivity in the process.
:) Would a land-dwelling radially symmetrical sapient cephalopod Jedi Knight be alien enough?
She would be... an outsider to the conflict, to say the least. Much more focused on the Jedi side of things, she would have joined the Revanchists mainly to help the others survive and minimize conflict as best she can. It'll be interesting to see how she'll respond to the true horrors of war, and how the more humanoid Republic soldiers would respond to seeing her walking around dispensing wisdom and chopping fools in half and such.
Oh, I'd love to be a part of this! :) Mage: the Ascension is one of my favorite games of all time.
I have an idea for a universalist, a mystical Prime-focused Mage who respects the Council of Traditions, but isn't aligned with it (at the moment). More of an opponent of the Nephandi than the Technocrats, and infinitely interested in the Night-Folk (Vampires, Werewolves, Geists, Changelings, etc).
I like characters that can act as bridges between disparate groups... Maybe she can do that here?
I'm... always a little wary about physics-based powers. I would just recommend going for teleportation, but if you really want to use that power, I'll at least allow you to see it through.
Very well. Honestly, I was just going to go for basic teleportation, but then I started thinking about hard science ways to justify it, and the whole quantum thing sprung up.
I will do my best to be reasonable, and my sheet will hopefully be up sometime in the next few days.
I saw the new recruitment thread, and decided I'd air my thoughts about a character. The most important parts (personality, history, goals) are coming along fine, but powers are where it always falls apart for me in games like this...
So, @Mr Allen J, what would you think of powers based on quantum mechanics? There would be some artistic license, of course, but my idea was for the character to be able to manipulate quantum interactions between herself and the surrounding universe, pulling off things like "tunneling" (teleportation/phasing) and split-second superposition. Does that sound like it would fall under your restrictions?
Well, I think it boils down to this: are the changes an illusion, or have their bodies actually been transformed? I went with the latter, but Miriam's case is a little different, because her transformation has pretty serious consequences... And they only come into play if it's an actual transformation. If it's all illusion, I need to go back and change up the missing leg, to just have the leg be broken.
:) Just to say it, I am a proponent of the transformations being actually real, in keeping with the subjective reality of a place like the Maire. Whether that means Abigail has cat-like reflexes or whatever, I can't say. We probably need Kiri to help us out there.
EDIT: I'm loving everyone's different reactions to all this weirdness we just went through.
I'm loving everyone's different reactions to all this weirdness we just went through.