Kaldor Draigo

Jedi Master Kada grasped a wooden training sword and tossed to the Kaldor before grabbing one himself. Taking a look at the weapon the Nikto took a few practice swings to accustom himself to the weight of the weapon. Twirling the wooden blade in his hand he began to get a feel of the balance of weapon. After adjusting himself to the weapon Kaldor lowered the tip of the blade, holding it loosely in one hand as he awaited further instruction. “In truth, actual combat is the easiest part of being a Jedi. We train our bodies and our reflexes for combat most of our lives. But it is difficult to keep ones calm and focus during a fight. I spoke earlier that a Jedi uses the Force for defense, never to attack. For our training purposes here, I want you to disregard that sentiment. I need to assess your skill with a blade before beginning your training with a lightsaber.” Kaldor spun the blade backwards in his hand as he brought the weapon into a guard position in front of him, angling the blade toward Kada just a bit and dropping his right foot behind him. Locking eyes with his opponent, the Nikto feinted to the left before throwing a quick slash from his right. He immediately felt his wooden blade smash against the blade of Kada. He quickly drug his blade down the Jedi Masters blade and drew it over his head before bringing his wooden sword down in a powerful strike. Each swing resulted in a strong clash between the two wooden blades. Each strike sent a powerful surge through Kaldors arms. His muscles rippled with renewed strength and vigor as they battled. Energy flooded his body as he continued to fight against his mentor. As he fought, a truth was quickly realized in his mind and soul. A truth that even though realized he would never admit to anyone, especially himself. He would lie to himself over and over again before accepting the truth. It was the truth that scared him more than anything else. The truth that this is what he was born to do. Born to fight; born for combat. As the two Jedi continued to fight with their wooden weapons, several other trainees and apprentices stopped to watch the duel. Although it was clear that the Jedi Master had the upper hand was clearly the better duelist, everyone could see that the Nikto padawan was a skilled duelist in his own right. Each strike was quickly parried and turned to a counter-strike. Each combatant showed exemplary footwork and skill as they spun, ducked, and leapt at each other multiple times. After nearly an hour of combat, both Jedi were covered in a sheen of sweat and then it was over. Kada blocked an overheard strike from Kaldor and stepped into the attack. Being shorter and also more skilled, the Jedi Master rolled his wrist, bringing his own blade around behind Kaldors own weapon trapping it between wooden blade and the Kadas back before thrusting his hand forward and shoving outward with the Force. “You have skill young one. It is good that you understand the basics of swordplay, I would even say you are more advanced than most of the students who have been here awhile. But while you understand conventional swordsmanship, the use of a lightsaber requires more training. It requires knowledge of the weapon itself, the physics and the engineering behind them. But that is enough training for today. Before you sleep, I want you to meditate and achieve that calm center you reached before. You must also complete the assignment on studying the Jedi Code. “

“Yes Padawan, you did touch the Force.” A slight smile creeped across the Twi’lek Masters face, replacing the stone face of a Jedi Master with something akin to an old man watching his grandson take his first steps. But it was a fleeting moment and soon the smile was washed away replaced with a grim expression. “You have a remarkable connection to the Force. It is strong within you, but that touch was just the tip of the Living Force. The stronger your connection, the stronger the Force will flow through you. The stronger the Force flows through you the stronger your connection. You will notice that it is a cycle. For now that is enough, walk with me.” Kaldor rose to his feet and followed the Kada out of the plant room and once more through the halls of the Temple. He immediately noticed that he felt different now than he did when he entered the room. Although he was sure nearly everyone he passed in the hallways was more advanced in their training than him, he felt like he was closer to being equal with them. He felt more connected to them, to each and every being he passed, he could almost swear he could feel their presence almost as well as he could see and hear them. “Padawan, you have been very silent since arriving here. Most new arrivals are full of questions? What is on your mind?” Kaldor paused for a moment before answering. From his readings of the Jedi before arriving at the Temple, he knew the Jedi favored wisdom so he didn’t want to make a fool of himself. Once he had this thoughts in order he began to speak in Huttese. “Master Kada. As long as I can remember my job has been to use physical force to get what my Masters wanted. When I came of age I began to absorb all the knowledge I could, and began to favor violence less and less. But what worried me was that even though I began to dislike violence, I still felt and still feel a calling to violence from deep inside me, and I know my skills in the art of war have only gotten sharper. “ Without realizing it, the Master and Padawan pair had entered a martial arts training area. The sound of humming lightsabers, the crack of wooden training swords, and the grunts of Jedi practicing hand-to-hand combat filled the room and soon drew the Niktos attention. A frown crossed his face as he realized that once more he would have to take up arms. “I had hoped by stepping onto the path of the Jedi I could lessen my call to violence and seek wisdom through learning and study.” Kada nodded and also took in the training of two young Jedi who were learning the maneuvers and the techniques of the Ataru form. He watched their graceful movements as they called upon the Force to enhance their physical prowess. Both Nikto and Twi’lek watched as the students flipped and spun around each other, their energy blades sparking each time they made contact. “I understand your feelings. I truly do. Many Jedi feel as you do. Some seek a life away from violence, hoping to never draw their sabers in battle. And some of them are even able to accomplish that goal. But even the most pacifist of Jedi are skilled warriors in battle. Like your feelings, I understand your reluctance to draw a weapon and enter battle. In the heat of battle, it is hard to maintain the calm and inner focus that we as Jedi rely on to maintain our connection to the Force. But as keepers of the peace we must be able to protect those we serve. So we must train our bodies our and minds to fight well, and to keep our focus during even the most stressful of battles. Now come, lets test your focus in battle.”

Kaldor silently followed behind Master Kada as they walked through the halls of the Temple. The watched as many Master and apprentices made their way through similar halls. He noticed most wore the same robes as he himself was now clothed. But what separated most of them from himself was the item clipped to their belts. The younger ones all wore lightsabers of similar design and appearance. The Nikto guessed that these were training weapons, designed to teach how to handle the weapon before receiving one of their own. The older apprentices, as well as the Knights and Masters of the Order each wore lightsabers of varying designs. Soon the pair of Jedi reached a room full of planet life and filled with the sound of trickling water. Kaldor looked around and was amazed by the variety of color that surrounded him. Although they were within a building, the air he breathed in somehow felt like the fresh air of the open plains. It was invigorating and he felt alive like not felt in years. He walked alongside the Jeedai Kada until the old Twi’lek sat down beneath a young tree of a species Kaldor could not hope to guess. Master Kada gestured for the Padawan to sit across from him and Kaldor complied. “Close your eyes and focus your mind. Clear away your thoughts and think only of the Force.” Kaldor did as he was told and closed his eyes. As he tried to clear his thoughts he realized that as he pushed thoughts away, even more thoughts flooded in to take their place. Thoughts of his past, his future, what was going on around him, how long his training would take, what kind of Jedi he would be. Thousands of thoughts rushed into his mind as he tried to do the simple thing of being calm. “Quiet your mind young Jedi. Focus on my words, hear only them. Well, the Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It's an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us; it binds the galaxy together. “ As Kada spoke, Kaldor listened intently. He focused on the words themselves, allowing the sound of the Twi’leks voice to over take everything else. The sound of the water, the rustle of the wind blowing through the leaves. And then he allowed the words to echo in his mind. Just those words. “A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense, never for attack.” Once again Kaldor played the words over in his mind. Allowing himself to hear only those words. After several moments of playing the Jedi Masters words over in his head, the Niktobegan to find a calm center; a place in his mind where there was nothing, an empty spot. Focusing on that spot, he felt the same calm wash over his body. He felt his heart slow down, beating slower, yet still as strong. Every breath felt like it could last a lifetime. His mind, although quiet, felt so sharp. Opening his eyes he saw everything in the room perfectly. Every colored flower was vibrant to the point of moving. Every sound was amplied a hundredfold yet still clear. Every thought in his mind returned with a passion but was somehow more organized and clear, as if during his absence someone had taken time to make sure he would understand everything when it flowed back. “I feel…..the Force.”

“Padawan Draigo, please stay behind a moment.” Kaldor was shocked to hear the first words of Huttese since arriving on Lehon. Although he had despised his time with the Hutts, the language of the species seemed to bring a pleasant feeling to him. Perhaps the familiarity of the words, or the knowledge that perhaps the time he spent amongst his wormlike masters was shared by another. The young Nikto gave his response in the same language and returned the several steps to rejoin the Jedi Master. “Yes, Master Kada.” “I have asked you to remain behind for a couple reasons. While Clan Bantha, most of the students here have been under my study for several weeks. They have already touched the Force and begun to learn the truth behind the Code. I know you have been here less than a day, but the life of a Jedi is hard work, and the training to become a Jedi must be equally as difficult. Thus it my desire for you to quickly catch up to your peers. Alongside your lessons within the clan, I will be training you separately. I sense the Force strongly you in, Padawan Draigo. “ Kaldor narrowed his eyes as Kada spoke of his connection to the Force being strong. While surely he was sensitive to the Force, or else the Jeedai would not have taken him in. But could his connection possibly be strong enough to warrant special attention such as this. “Before you begin to meditate on the Force, I must first tell you of the Force. The Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It's an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us; it binds the galaxy together. There are those who take a scientific view of the Force, believing it speaks to special cells in our bodies. And while there is evidence to support such a claim, my view of the Force is much more….mystical.” “There are two sides to the Force. The light side, of which the Jedi are practitioners, is aligned with happiness, joy, love, and benevolence. While these emotions serve to fuel the strength of the light, Jedi believe that a calm mind and serenity of spirit can truly commune with the Force. To this end, we Jedi meditate to clear our minds and focus our spirits. “ Kaldor nodded slowly as the Jeedai Master spoke of the Force. “That is enough speaking for now. Come, meditate with me. Together we shall clear our minds, and attempt touch the Force.”

As Kaldor continued to study the statue of the long dead Nikto Jedi, he heard soft footsteps approaching and turned just slightly to present attention to the arriving acolyte. Within a few seconds he had taken in almost everything about the young Human before him. His clothing and the lightsaber at his waist seemed to indicate he was on the path to becoming a Jedi, much like Kaldor himself, but his age and youthful expressions seemed to indicate he had not yet finished his studies. The Nikto wondered how long the young man had been studying to become a Jedi. He seemed just slightly older than Kaldor, but yet had not completed his training. That simple fact weighed heavily on the former slave. How long will my training and studies take before I assume the mantle of Jeedai? Listening to the acolyte speak, Kaldor nodded and followed the human to his own quarters. While he was used to living in Spartan conditions as a slave on Nar Shadda, he was surprised to find similar conditions here within the Temple. A simple desk with datapad placed on top, a bed with basic furnishing, a chest at the foot, a wardrobe against the wall, and a hanging weapons rack were the only items in the room. “This will be your quarters during your stay among us. The life of a Jedi is one of simplicity and humbleness. Your quarters and dress will reflect that during your training here. Now if you please, change into the attire provided and I will escort you to a training group. There just so happens to be an open space available in a beginners class.” Giving a brief bow the acolyte stepped from the room allowing Kaldor to inspect his room for a moment. Removing his pyronium swords and other weapons, the Nikto ran his fingers across the blade of a training blade. For many years he had only wielded the pyronium blades he had forged himself. It brought a knote to his stomach to realize that for the first time, he would be wielding a weapon he had not brought to life himself. Moving to the wardrobe, he pulled out robes similar to the ones the acolyte had been wearing. Expecting a rough fabric, he was pleasantly surprised to find the undertunic soft against his leathery skin. The Nikto removed the rest of his weapons and clothing and quickly changed. Deciding against wearing the heavy brown robe, Kaldor stepped from the room and joined the acolyte in the corridor. “Your training here will be difficult. You will be pushed and tested in ways you never imagined. To become a Jedi is to make the deepest commitment. You must be willing to give all of yourself to your training, and to the Force. Here is the class, I spoke of. I realize most of these other students are younger, but age does not determine skill or talent here. Focus on learning from Master Kada, not on the age of your fellow students. I bid your farewell.” The Nikto looked over his fellow trainees as he approached the class. Most were in their lower teens, judging by their species. There were a few in their mid to late teens but by the looks of things he was the only student here who had entered their 20s. Although some of the species presented he was unable to tell for certain, judging by the ages of the ones he could read, young was a fair guess. He nodded to several as he joined their loose gathering and was about to speak when what he guessed was a Jedi Master entered the room. Just by entering the room, Kaldor felt a cool calm wash over him, almost as if the blue skin of the Twi’lek seemed to wash off him and bathe the group. “Emotion, yet peace… Ignorance, yet knowledge… Passion, yet serenity… Chaos, yet harmony… Death, yet the Force…” The students all seemed to understand what the Master was saying as they each recited the words back to him. Kaldor was the only one who remained silent, unsure of what the words represented, or ever having heard them before. “These are the tenants of the Jedi Order. Our code, our beliefs. Yet they are more than that. They are our way of life. To truly become a Jedi, one must learn the words and embrace them. Embrace them in mind and in heart. And most importantly in spirit. Your first lesson, meditate on the words of the Code. Nearly all sections of the Temple are open to you. Find an area that speaks to your soul, to your spirit. Calm your and mind and think on the Code. Once the you have discovered their meaning, return to me.”

Is this the right path for me? Is this my true destiny? Kaldor walked through the halls of the Jeedai Temple on Lehon and admired all the art work surrounding him. The tapestries depicting great battles hung across the walls. He could make out several Nikto Jeedai weilding lightsabers against a myriad of foes, most prominently the Sith. Statues depicting great warriors and scholars lined the corridors, each bearing a plaque with the name and deeds of the Jeedai displayed. Kaldor stopped in front of a bronzium statue showing a Kajain'sa'Nikto like Kaldor himself wielding a double-bladed lightsaber. Being a Red Nikto himself, Kaldor wondered if perhaps he was of some distant ancestor, or if he was just another Nikto devoting his life to the path of the Jeedai.

Kaldor Draigo's CHARACTER SHEET Identity [!ident] Real Name:Kaldor Draigo A.K.A: Homeworld:Nikto Species:Nar Shadda/Kintan Physical Description [!dscrp] Age: 21 Height: 6’0 Weight: 175 lbs Hair: N/A Eyes: Purple Sex: Male Equipment [!equip] Clothing: Sleeveless undertunic, loose overshirt, trousers, combat bootsArmor:Scale Bronzium chestplate, thigh plate, and greaves, black leather vambrace Weapon: Twin pyronium forged sicas, Electrum forged dagger, wrist mounted blaster pistol Common Inventory: Credits, datapad, rations Faction Information [!factn] Force User, Force Sensitive or Non-Force User Force-Sensitive Alignment: Chaotic Good Current Faction Affiliation: Current Faction Rank: History: [!hstry] Force Side: Trained by: Trained who: Known Skills: Background:Kaldor was born a slave to the Hutt’s on Nar Shadda. Like most Kajain'sa'Nikto Kaldors future was predetermined to be a thug or enforcer for the Hutt Cartel. As he grew up, his brutality and willingness to fight was fostered by his Hutt masters. What the Hutts did not anticipate was Kaldors desire to learn. He attempted to get his hands on any and all reading material he could find. Before long, his skills and knowledge in the arts and sciences became vast. But his favorite art was that of metallurgy. After 3 years of study, he crafted his own bronzium dagger. Although not perfectly crafted, he kept the dagger and never changed it to remind himself he could only grow. As he began to reach maturity, his love of violence began to wane and he desired conflict less and less. But while his desire decreased, his skills and abilities in the art of violence seemed to only increase. When he reached the age of 18, Kaldor was fed up with his masters and bought his freedom from them. Although they granted him freedom, they vowed if they ever saw his return to Hutt Space, his life would be forfeit. Since that day, he attempted to find jobs across the galaxy as a hunter, a guide, a forgemaster, and any other jobs where he could hopefully prevent loss of life. Ship Registration [!ship] Name: Stained Sica Class: Light Freighter Model: Gladius Class Manufacturer:Kuat Systems Engineering Length: Armaments: Advanced Quad Laser Cannon Armor: Standard freighter armor Anti-Personnel Defenses: None Appearance: Modifications: