The Force

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The Force is a metaphysical, binding, and ubiquitous power that held enormous importance for both the Jedi and Sith Orders. Known as "the Way" in ancient times, the Force is viewed in many different aspects, including, but are not limited to, the light side, the dark side, the Unifying Force, and the Living Force. The first two aspects were concerned with the moral compass of the Force, as manifested by the conduct and emotions of living creatures who were themselves part of the fabric of the Force. The light side of the Force is the facet aligned with compassion, selflessness, self-knowledge and enlightenment, healing, mercy and benevolence, while the dark side of the Force is the element aligned with hatred, fear, covetousness, anger, aggression, jealousy and malevolence. The latter two aspects are defined by prominent Jedi philosophies: The Unifying Force essentially embraces space and time in its entirety while the Living Force deals with the energy of living things. Though the Force is categorized in this way, there are no specific abilities or powers that were only usable by a follower of a different path of the Force; the Force partially existed inside the life forms that used it, and drew energy from their emotions.

Some beings, particularly the Sith, believe that the Dark Side of the Force was more powerful than the light, though it is possible that the Dark Side was just more tempting to those who use it (or desired to use it). Others think of the Force as an entity capable of intelligent thought, almost as a sort of deity.

Though the Force is thought to flow through every living thing, its power can only be harnessed by beings described as "Force-sensitive." This Force-sensitivity is correlated with, and sometimes attributed to, a high count of internal microorganisms called midi-chlorians that are found in a Force-sensitive's blood: the higher the count, the greater the being's potential Force ability, though there are some exceptions to this rule. Force-sensitive beings are able to tap into the Force to perform acts of great skill and agility as well as control and shape the world around them. Sometimes this ability was described as having a strong Force "aura."

History

The oldest historic sources that speak about force-sensitive sentients date back to Year 2 Day 111. The two sentient beings were Piett (the former Emperor who had been supposedly lost in the Unknown Regions for 9 months) and Bodo Baas (a poweful Jedi Master). None of them ever told how they became aware of the Force and if they were already part of a chain of masters in the Force. It is nonetheless certain that from this old document it is possible to trace back the first Dark Jedi and the first Light Jedi from where all the current Jedi have derived. As a matter of fact, the number of force-sensitives in the galaxy started to increase when they both started looking for apprentices to take to their side. The spreading of force-sensitives and force rituals (even of different philosophy) naturally followed this moment in time.

Force Organisations

Over the Centuries, many Force- Sensitive Individuals have organised into groups of force users. Some of these Groups are created as a subdepartment of an existing Organisation. Others are associated with a particular organisation through the circumstances of history. There are also Force Users who hold no allegiance to any of the organisations listed below out of a desire to remain independent.

Light Side

The light side of the Force was concerned with the ideals of good, benevolence, and healing. Followers of the light side strove to live in harmony with the world around them, acting out of wisdom and logic rather than anger and hasty judgment. In order to achieve harmony with the light side of the Force, its practitioners would often meditate to clear themselves of emotion; particularly negative emotions such as aggression, fear, anger, and hatred, since these were thought to bring on acceptance of the dark side.

Dark Side

The dark side of the Force was considered by the Jedi to be the element aligned with fear, hatred, aggression, and malice toward all living things. Such emotions seemed to increase the strength and abilities of a user of the dark side, providing a path towards personal power and the destruction or control of all opposition. It was generally accepted that use of the dark side of the Force was extremely addictive.

Unifying Force

The concept of the Unifying Force found fewer supporters within the Jedi Order than the Living Force. The concept of the Unifying Force was that the Force is a single entity and has neither a light nor a dark side. The Unifying Force was viewed as a deity that neither had sides nor chose them, treating all beings equally. Followers of the Unifying Force always kept their eyes open for future possibilities. In the end, it resulted in them trying to fulfill a destiny rather than focusing on here and now, as the Living Force supporter would do.

Potentium

The Potentium view of the Force, not to be confused with the Unifying Force, was strictly disapproved by the old Jedi Order. While similar to the Unifying Force, which suggested that there was only one Force that did not take sides, the Potentium view stated that the Force and the galaxy in general were inherently good. According to this belief, the so-called dark side was not made up of specific "parts" or "abilities" of the Force: as espoused by the Light Side, it existed inside the life form which used it, made from their emotions. By that standard, and unlike the Light Side, all Potentium followers could perform any action and use the Force in any way they saw fit, as long as the intention behind it was good. In contrast, the Old Jedi Order acknowledged the existence of Potentium, but made it clear that it was subverting of the Jedi teaching and a way to misguide people to the dark side, or a means to serve it.

Alternate Views

The Chiss Sages practice a variant of the Living Force, which is subdivided into two "schools":Light Sages(who follow the Light Side) and Dark Sages(who follow the Dark Side). The Chiss Sages follow a stoic philosophy, which focuses on observation and action only when necessary.

The Church of Reansucru holds to the belief that the Force is more than just Good vs. Evil or Dark vs. Light. The beliefs of the Church come to view the Force as many things, all of which are characterized by 5 Shades. The Shades of the Force are: Red, Green, White, Blue, and Black. Each of the five shades embody the different aspects the manifest from the Force.

The Blazing Chain is a group of force sensitive pirates who don't follow any particular alignment or philosophy. While not necessarily dark side users, the Blazing Chain uses the force to augment boarding parties and assist in other pirate operations.

Notable Force Users

  • Relm — One of the most ancient and revered Jedi in the galaxy.
  • Piett — The first Dark Jedi.
  • Bodo Baas — The first Light Jedi.