Force Traditions
Force Traditions
Many cultures have different understandings of the workings of the Force; the "witches" of Dathomir, the students of the Tyia, and the Force-users of Ossus are but three such groups. Some ways of knowing the Force are different but no less noble or "good" than the Jedi way, while others are clearly more neutral or even evil in intent.
Because of the unique ways in which these viewpoints manipulate the Force, their skills and powers can vary dramatically. If you want to create and use one of these other ways, you must define it in game terms. Here are a few points to consider: • That way's rules, skills, and powers. Because of different perspectives, each "way of knowing the Force" may have different Force skills and powers. The Tyia is an example of a way which is only slightly different from the traditional Jedi powers. Some methods use radically different skills and powers—you must define all these rules. • How does the student gain skills and powers? Is there a set ritual or training regimen to educate students? Some ways may use academies, while others may emphasize a close student and master relationship. Still other ways of the Force may be known only through meditation, myths, hidden writings, or ancient rituals. • What standards is the student expected to adhere to? Some methods of knowing the Force require students and practitioners to adhere to a strict code of conduct. Other methods may offer the student a great deal of personal freedom. What are the method's rules? What are the punishments for disobeying the rules—will the student be cast out, not be taught new skills and powers… or will the student face involuntary servitude, imprisonment, or worse? • Definitions of "good" and "evil" vary from culture to culture… although the rules of the Force do not. Some ways of knowing the Force may be rooted in the dark side, requiring a student to commit evil to progress in her studies. The student, due to her culture, may accept these teachings as "perfectly natural," yet they will still drive the student to the brink of the dark side. When confronted with this moral challenge, those who are strong in the light may leave the discipline and seek out another method of mastering the Force.
The Tyia: Force Tradition Example
The Tyia is an example of an alternate way of knowing the Force. Tyia teaches that individual introspection is the way to learn the true way of the universe—students are taught to control their own personal Force (called "Tyia") through meditation and ceremony.
Because of the unique way in which the Tyia studies the Force, there are some special rules regarding its use: • A Tyia student learning control at 1D automatically learns hibernation trance and emptiness (which is Easy difficulty for Tyia). The character learns an additional three control powers. • All alter powers have their difficulty increased by one level. • All powers have a minimum time to use of one minute.
Source: REUP:173