| Force Information All text taken from the official Star Wars Encyclopedia |
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| The Force: Both a natural and mystical presence, it is an energy field that both suffuses and binds the entire galaxy. The Force is generated by all living things, surrounding and penetrating them with its essence. Like most forms of energy, the Force can be manipulated, and it is the knowledge and predisposition to do so that empowers the Jedi Knights - and the Dark Jedi. For these are the two sides to the Force: The light side bestows great knowledge, peace, and inner serenity; the dark side is filled with fear, anger, and the vilest aggression. Yet both sides of the Force, the life affirming and the destructive, are part of the natural order. Through the Force, a Jedi Knight can see far-off places, perform amazing feats, and accomplish what would otherwise be impossible. A Jedi's strangth flows from the Force, but a true Jedi uses it for knowledge and defense - never attack. The Force is a powerful ally, however it is used. There are three major Force skills: control, sense, and alter. Only Force-sensitive living things can master Jedi skills and the techniques that they control, but the training to reach full Jedi status usually requires much time and great patience. Control is the ability of a Jedi to control his or her own inner Force. With this skill, a Jedi learns to master the functions of his or her own body. The sense skill helps Jedi sense the Force in things beyond themselves. Jedi learn to feel the bonds that connect all things. "You must feel the Force around you," Jedi Master Yoda once told Luke Skywalker. "Here, between you... me... the tree.. the rock... everywhere!" The alter skill allows a Jedi to change the distribution and nature of the Force to create illusions, move objects, and change the perceptions of others. A Dark Jedi gives in to his or her anger. "If you once start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny," Yoda warned Luke. Emperor Palpatine, on the other hand, urged Luke to continue down the path of blind fury and aggression. "Give in to your anger," he told Luke. "Strike me down with all of your hatred and your journey toward the dark side will be complete." Force Lightning: A Force ability, used against Luke Skywalker by Emperor Palpatine aboard the second Death Star, it consists of white or blue bolts of pure energy that fly from the user's fingertips toward a target. Force lighning, usually a corruption of the Force by those who follow the dark side, flows into a target and causes great pain as it siphons off the living energy and eventually kills its victim. Force-sensitive: An individual who is more keenly attuned to the Force than most, he or she is able to sens its presence and the presence of other Force sensitives. Force Storm: A tornado of energy created by great disturbances in the Force. Dark Side Adepts have demonstrated limited control of these storms. Emperor Palpatine claimed the ability to create and control Force storms at will. Light-side practitioners can also band together and create powerful Force storms. Kaiburr Crystal: A deep crimson gem, it long rested in the jungle Temple of Pomojema on Circarpous V, or Mimban. Legends described the Kaiburr Crystal as a Force-enhancing artifact, capable of strenghtening the abilities of Force wielders. The Temple priests were said to have mysterious healing powers that were perhaps enhanced by the crystal's natural properties. The crystal rested within a ceremonial statue of a minor god, and was guarded by a sluggish but deadly lizard-creature. Soon after the Battle of Yavin, Luke Skywalker and, Princess Leia Organa, and the droids R2-D2 and C-3PO crashed on Mimban while traveling to a conference on Circarpous IV. After facing many dangers, including a showdown with Darth Vader, the Rebels were able to retrieve the Kaiburr Crystal and leave Mimban. |