Since the ancient days of the Old Republic, the Jedi have organized themselves in smaller groups referred to as 'circles.' These smaller groups specialized in a certain area of the Jedi way of life. Upon discovering these three fragmentary quotes in his journeys, Jedi Master Tiland Kortun founded a new circle, one based on the philosophy espoused in the three lines. Calling it the Circle of the Light Hand, Tiland spread workd among the Jedi community for any who sought a path that differed from that of the modern, mainstream Jedi, but instead drew from the Jedi of the ancient past.
What is the Circle of the Light Hand?
A group of nomadic Jedi who belong to no council, no order, and serve no government, the Circle travels far and wide through the galaxy, as directed by the Force. Even by Jedi standards, they are minimalists, working without support from the broader order, without issued equipment, and most often, without carrying lightsabers, as they make one too easily recognizable as a Jedi. They act in subtle, often invisible ways, before disappearing once again into the vastness of the galaxy, leaving nothing but a story of a helpful traveler in their wake. As such, they follow the Path of the Light Hand, a set of rules and principles set down by Tiland Kortun to encapsulate their philosophy.
The Path of the Light Hand
What is the Circle of the Light Hand?
A group of nomadic Jedi who belong to no council, no order, and serve no government, the Circle travels far and wide through the galaxy, as directed by the Force. Even by Jedi standards, they are minimalists, working without support from the broader order, without issued equipment, and most often, without carrying lightsabers, as they make one too easily recognizable as a Jedi. They act in subtle, often invisible ways, before disappearing once again into the vastness of the galaxy, leaving nothing but a story of a helpful traveler in their wake. As such, they follow the Path of the Light Hand, a set of rules and principles set down by Tiland Kortun to encapsulate their philosophy.
The Path of the Light Hand
What do they focus on?
Operating primarily in the backwater, forgotten worlds of the Outer Rim, they rarely journey into the Core and Midrim, areas that are already decently governed and guarded by governments. Instead, the Circle focuses on the citizens and settlers of the far-flung regions of the galaxy. In many ways, they are the monastic counterparts to the Judges of the Outer Planet Alliance. Dedicated to contemplation, meditation, and reflection, the members of the Circle are known for being primarily quiet, gentle individuals that nobody would ever imagine bringing down a slave ring with nothing but their bare hands.
Indeed, the Circle views life as a process of growing self-mastery and understanding of the Force, derived from Tiland's experience as an Anzati Jedi striving to overcome the darkness within his own DNA code. Abandoning the physical nature of life in favor of the spiritual is not an easy process, but one necessary to finding harmony with the Force. With that in mind, they focus their Force training on the Control and Sense aspect of the Force, especially the abilities that exercised control over the Jedi's own body, and those that redirected the Force to strengthen. Rarely will they instruct in lightsaber forms, preferring to rely on simpler, less noticeable tools. As far as traditional understanding of the Jedi go, followers of the Way most often tend to be closely associated with Jedi Consulars. Mystics, sages, seers, and others who embrace the spiritual and esoteric side of the Force, they develop both themselves and their capabilities in the Force in ways that are unique to themselves, implementing herbs, teas, calligraphic art forms, and other modes of self-expression into their meditation, along with the martial arts.
Common Force Skills
Foundations- Tutaminis, Curata Salvo, Altus Sopor
Moving Meditation & Alchakas
Art of Movement
Breath Control
Force Body
Force Healing
Force Weapon
Tapas
Faction Intent
What it means to be a Jedi is very broad and essentially comes down to using the Light Side of the Force to do good in the galaxy. Portrayal in published media has ranged from monastic hermits to crusading armies and it can be difficult on Chaos to help bridge the gap between the various philosophies. This is an opportunity to work with a different idea of Jedi that's developed over time, inspired by Vodo Siosk-Baas from Tales of the Jedi, Jedi Master Fay during the Clone Wars, and ronin samurai stories from Kurosawa movies. This style of Jedi focuses more on the mystic and monastic we get hints at in the movies but never takes much of a focus. The Jedi who have visions of the future while practicing unarmed martial arts as meditation, to briefly summarize Tiland, for example. My aim is to create a hub for wandering Jedi, Matukai, Guardians of the Whills, and other sects that don't rely on lightsabers or other innately lethal weapons. Staves, scarves, fists, batons. While lightsabers are capable of being used in a non-lethal manner, this philosophy emphasizes not even having lethality as an option.
Basically, magic monks. Humble pilgrims and travelers who wander the galaxy in search of enlightenment and sharing the wisdom they glean with others. Maybe it's a chat over a cup of tea or through creating beautiful calligraphic artwork, wood carving, as well as the various martial art styles serving as their own form of meditation.
