The Jedi Order

From TFC Galactopedia

The Jedi Order exists much in TFC the way it does in conventional Star Wars, with a few exceptions. Yoda has been killed, and a Dark Side clone of him rules as the Emperor. The Jedi Purges were enacted, but not nearly so thoroughly as in the canon of Star Wars. Small pockets and individual Jedi have survived, but remain so mostly by staying in deep cover. There is no cohesive whole to the Order. Potential Force users do have a greater chance of finding someone who could teach them (provided the Jedi is willing to break cover in order to do so), but also stand a greater chance of encountering the relentless Jedi Hunters or even full-fledged Sith. Many of those with Jedi training now seek simply to lead ordinary lives, keeping themselves and any offspring they might have out of the Empire's target zone. Most of those left are Jedi Knights or Rogue Jedi, though a few Masters remain.

Traditional Jedi Hierarchy

Council

The Jedi Council consists of renowned Masters, beings chosen for their strength, skill, temperence, and wisdom in the Force. Masters are elected to the Council as needed by other Council members. Usually spots only open on the Council when a Council member dies, is killed, or chooses to step down.

Master

The title of Master is traditionally achieved when a Knight has successfully trained their first Padawan. They are seen as more fully trained and more versatile than most Knights. A Master may be chosen to serve on the Jedi Council, should a spot need filling. Jedi Master is also a term used to refer to any Jedi by non-Jedi outside the Order. It is rare for a Master to fall to the Dark Side, though it does occasionally happen.

Knight

A Jedi Knight is one who has completed their studies as a Padawan Learner and passed their Trial. Trials are not set in stone, but tailored to each individual Jedi by their Master. Knights have permanent accommodations within the Jedi Temple and are given assignments by the Jedi Council. Knights may be assigned to train Padawans without being conferred the title of Master by the Council. In truth, a Knight only earns the title of Master once their first Padawan is successfully trained and has passed their own Trials. Knights have more freedom within the structure of the Order than Padawans, and range farther from home without the constant checks and balances of the system. As a consequence, more than one Knight has gone rogue, fallen away, or left the Order entirely, either seduced by the lure of the Dark Side, or for various reasons of their own.

Padawan

At age thirteen, a Jedi Youngling is elegible for further training in the Jedi Arts by a Knight or Master. At this time, they become a Padawan learner, sporting the distinctive braid. They study under the Jedi who chooses them until such time as the Jedi determins the Padawan is ready to face their Trials. Only upon completing the Trials will the title of Knight be conferred upon the Padawan. Initiates who are not chosen to be Padawans are sent elsewhere by the Order, to take up tasks in areas such as the Agri- Corps, Scouting and Exploration, Medical, Shipyard Construction, Accounting/Administration, and Ambassadorial Aide/Intern.

Youngling

Formally, the Jedi Order only accepted infants or very young children into its ranks for training. Until age thirteen, these children are Younglings or Initiates, learning all the basics of Jedi training. They are usually taught by one or more of the Council Masters in larger groups, learning and training together until they reach the age where they may be chosen by a Knight or Master for more in depth study.