Progflaw99
Well-Known Member
Jedi are the guardians of peace in the galaxy.
Jedi use their powers to defend and to protect.
Jedi respect all life, in any form.
Jedi serve others rather than ruling over them, for the good of the galaxy.
Jedi seek to improve themselves through knowledge and training.
~ Luke Skywalker's Revision of the Jedi Code
War. Conflict. Death. Too often the galaxy finds Jedi at the heart of conflict. Taking a step away from the dominant theology of the existing Jedi Orders throughout the known galaxy, the Trade Council Order is a new sound amidst the oft beat gong of warmongering. The tenants of their belief are clear in both intent and interpretation, an overwhelming leaning towards pacifism. Look at the words, know them, understand them, practice them.
Jedi are the guardians of peace in the galaxy.
Peace. A noble endeavor, often justified by preemptive strikes and holy crusades against the darkness in whatever form it takes. Crusades and holy wars are not the way of the Jedi, but fanatics. A dangerous but important distinction. The word guardian highlights what it means to be a Jedi to those of the Order, their purpose not to scour the galaxy in an effort to eradicate the practitioners of the Dark Side but rather to protect the innocent and the helpless, to guard close the weak and the downtrodden. It is with this express statement the Jedi of the Trade Council Order define their intent as protectors of the peace, not to be confused with dictators of order.
Jedi use their powers to defend and protect.
The abilities one gains access to through the Force are not for personal gain or to inflict pain or suffering. The healing arts are among the most prevalent, but more importantly are the values taught to those blessed with the ability to touch the Force. Never to be used in anger, a Jedi's power must be used solely for the defense and protection of those unable to protect themselves, or those under the Jedi's care. To strike in anger is the first step towards the path of the Dark Side.
Jedi respect all life, in any form.
Bothan, Human, Mon Cal, Dug, Sentient, Non-sentient - all life is respected by the Jedi of the Trade Council Order. Be it plant life, animal life, or other sentient beings, the Force permeates all. Even the smallest of insects. Every life has value, even those that belong to the oppressors, the thieves, even criminal's lives are to be respected. To terminate the life of another living being should never be done lightly. So also, prejudice is not the Jedi way.
Jedi serve others rather than ruling over them, for the good of the galaxy.
Valkorion. Darth Revan. Emperor Palpatine. All had the ability to command the Force. All were tyrannical rulers who used that power to forge for themselves new empires - but at what cost? The potential for corruption is too great, the obvious solution applied in full to the Trade Council Order. A separate entity, the Order is barred from all official matters pertaining to both the government and the military. Though they may work beside government agencies, they are never given authority over government assets nor put in charge of military forces. It is not only for their own good, but for the good of the galaxy that they are restricted. History is riddled with examples of Force users whose good intentions paved the path to destruction.
Jedi seek to improve themselves through knowledge and training.
Idle hands are the devil's workshop. No one knows this better than the Jedi. Given free reign without having self discipline is a recipe for failure and so a driving focus of the Trade Council Order is learning. Through events both past and present, lessons can be learned, taught, and crises avoided of one is diligent enough. It is this constant state of self improvement that keeps the Jedi's mind and body honed and focused, not prone to distraction and enhancing their connection to the Force. It is this connection and practiced discipline that allows them to have a more complete understanding of the Force and the galaxy around them.
The Heirarchy
At present, the Trade Council Order is yet in its infancy. As such, it remains a very agile group with very little bureaucracy. At its head sits a Grandmaster or sometimes called the "Master of the Order". Both titles hold much reverance within the Trade Council Order itself, the position typically being held by the most senior Jedi of the order, but not always. The Grandmaster is typically chosen from among his peers, Masters of the Order who sit on the Small Jedi Council. As a fledgling order, there are a mere four Jedi Masters who sit on the council. It is their responsibility to make decisions for the Order both as far as how they relate to the government of the Trade Council as well as guiding the direction of the Trade Council Order whether it be to launch a humanitarian effort for a nearby world or to protect the trade lanes from repeated piracy.Below this council of Jedi rest the Knights of the Order, tasked with carrying out the will of the council and training up the newest initiates they are the backbone of the Trade Council Order. While some are younger than others, all have been appointed the rank of Knight by the Small Jedi Council. Each padawan is evaluated in front of the council at behest of a Knight of the Order who has vouched for them, if they pass they are then awarded the rank of Knight. Likewise, knights are promoted at the behest of the small council after being nominated by a Master of the Order.
Within the Trade Council Order, one may find many opportunities to learn and expand one's knowledge. A defining feature of the Trade Council Order is its versatility. Overly complex organizational structure can be the end of any forming group of like minded individuals, just like putting too much wood on a fire to the point of smothering it. Rather than having separate branches within the Jedi Order, there are merely three major groups. The Leadership, consisting of the Grand Master and the Council. The Knights of the Order. And finally, the Initiates and Padawans. As a Jedi of the Trade Council Order, one may choose to focus their skills in nearly any area whether it is agricultural or educational in nature or of the more physical endeavors such as exploration and peacekeeping operations throughout Trade Council Space. Upon the Council, there are typically four main overarching skills represented, each to a Master Jedi. They are as follows:
- Education & Diplomacy
The study of galactic truths such as math, science, engineering, and technology allow the Jedi to flourish not only this, but contribute tenfold to their communities. Through education, intelligent discourse can occur and discussion can be had whether about the best way to roast a marshmallow or solve complex problems across the galaxy. Another important task of the educated is the art of diplomacy. Through careful study of galactic history and current events, the Jedi are well equipped to see patterns and predict shifts across the galactic plane. By being educated and astute, they can hope to avoid the follies of the past as they move forward unto the future. Among these are the most talented Jedi with words and profound skill of logic.
[*]Peacekeepers & Hyperlane Law Enforcement
- The hyperlanes can be calm as a gently flowing stream or rough as a raging river - throw pirates and raiders into the mix and you have yourself an entirely different scenario. Jedi who are more skilled or show interest in providing safe travel routes withing Trade Council Space can be deputized, able to aid the Trade Council Armed Forces and local police forces in keeping the lanes clear as well as protecting those who find themselves in bad situations along the hyperlane routes. Given the authority to arrest and detain, the Trade Council Order is able to act as an extension of the thin spread police forces further enhancing security and order across member worlds. Not unlike the historic "Wardens of the Sky", these Jedi are usually roamers, never settling in one place for long as they patrol the hyperlanes. Those who excel here are experts in defense both in tactic and application.
[*]The Force Eternal
- To know the Force is to know oneself. The Living Force permeates everything from a singular insect to over a thousand blades of grass, every living thing touches the Force. Some perceive it, some do not, but the Jedi strive to know and understand it. Whether the Force itself can fully be understood is a mystery, but to study it unlocks truths that a passive glance might miss. Not only knowledge of the Force, but Jedi who study the Force also become adept at touching it and learning the hidden abilities it grants them. Those who tend to study the Force and its nature are the healers, the shapers, and the most mystical of the Jedi.
[*]Agriculture & Exploration
- Some among the Jedi have an affinity for plants and animals, their skills extending to the care and propagation of ecology. It is these initiates who are taught how to use their skills in the Force to better not only themselves but provide for those who are less fortunate. Able to assist in the arena of crops and livestock, these are most often those who find themselves climbing the highest mountain or searching out the deepest cave. Applicable skills and life lessons are taught through their endeavors towards not only appreciating the worlds they live upon but making them a better place.
