The Jedi Trials

Each Jedi has their own strengths and weaknesses. As such the trials to become a Jedi Knight are different for each Jedi. There are some basic categories that each Jedi is normally tested on. These can be done separately or have some of them combined into the Solo Mission.

Facility with the Force: The Jedi apprentice must perform relatively simple tasks related to the three main aspects of the Force (Control, Sense, and Alter) to prove his ability to wield the Force in all its forms.

Knowledge of the Jedi Code: The most common version of this test is a series of questions posed to the Jedi at intervals throughout the trials. These include interpretations of the Jed Code, lessons learned from Jedi history, and discerning actual Jedi lore from an erroneous tale made up by the tester (usually a Knowledge (Jedi Lore) DC of 15). This test confirms the apprentice’s knowledge base. A Jedi Knight performs best if he understands the history and motivations of the Jedi and does not let erroneous information cloud his perception of the Jedi way.

Lightsaber Construction: A Jedi who has not constructed a lightsaber does not qualify to become a Jedi Knight. Occasionally there is an exception made to this rule due to cultural admonitions against wielding lethal weapons or weapons at all. Though the Jedi Order is only willing to exercise this flexibility up to a certain point.

Lightsaber Proficiency: A Jedi’s proficiency with a lightsaber is often tested with a lightsaber duel (see Lightsaber Dueling). Again, if a Jedi does not use a lightsaber, he is allowed to use the weapon of his choice, provided it is not a lethal weapon.

Self-Defense Capability: Because all Jedi are required to defend the helpless, they must first be able to defend themselves. Exactly how a Jedi accomplishes this is unimportant as long as the Jedi does not call upon the dark side. The Master administering the test ensures that he Jedi’s abilities are stretched to their limit. This method intends not only to prove that the Jedi can defend himself but also determine whether the Jedi can change tactics quickly when his favored method of self-defense fails him. It is the Master’s responsibility to prevent this part of the testing from spinning out of control.

Sound Judgment: The measure of a Jedi’s ability to make reasoned decisions in a short span of time is perhaps second in importance only to his ability to make those decisions without his Master’s prompting. This test determines the Jedi’s capacity for perceiving and resolving dilemmas without undue meditation, or conversely, without enough meditation. This test can come in multiple parts or at one time.

Solo Mission: The last part of any Jedi’s trials to become a Jedi Knight is a solo mission undertaken without the padawan’s Master. If a Jedi has failed any previous test, he may not undertake the mission. The purpose of this test is twofold. First, the Jedi needs to learn how to undertake a mission as a Jedi Knight. Second, it answers the important question of whether the apprentice can function as a Jedi, accomplish missions, serve peace and justice as well as the needs of the Order, and operate without direct supervision without disgracing the Order. The Jedi’s success or failure is important, but how the Jedi handles the situation in either event is the most telling indicator of his readiness for the autonomy that Knighthood brings. A Jedi Knight must be able to adapt his plans to changing situations, to conquer feat and overcome personal opinion, to determine the will of the Force, and to carry out the tasks assigned to him without undue hesitation or dissembling. Failing any of that, the Jedi Knight must be willing to take responsibility for his action (or inaction), and to make amends if possible. Jedi who fail to complete their missions can still be awarded the mantle of Jedi Knight because they took the initiative to salvage the situation, sometimes even achieving a result greater than the scope of their mission.

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