Followers of the Force
Faction: The Followers of the Force (FF)
Faction Leader: Cyrus, Sam [RocketBoy] (2IC)
Controlled grids:
- E13:Ahch-To
- J15: Lahag Erli, Montitia, Ring of Kafrene
- J16: Har Binande, Koba, Takodana
- M11: Bellassa, Corellia, Duro
- M17: Haruun Kal, Medth, Sullust
Controlled systems: Aesolian, Bespin, Bestine, Dagobah, Danoor, Kinyen, Kashyyyk, Llanic, Lothal, Mustafar, Naboo, Qat Chrystac, Rishi, Thyferra, Trandosha, Tython, Yag’Dhul
Presence On: Bith, Belsavis, Endor, Kaal, Kayri III, Kiffu, Malastare, Moorja, Ord Ibanna, Polis Massa, Rugosa, Selvaris, Taloraan, Togoria, Zakuul
Table of Contents
Description
“It’s an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us; it binds the galaxy together.”
Obi Wan Kenobi
The Followers of the Force are a galaxy-wide group of like-minded believers who prioritize peace, freedom, and harmony with all living things. They are pilgrims, warriors, scholars, and colonists, those who study, respect, and live in balance with the mysterious energy field commonly known as the Force, sharing one familial community all around the galaxy.
Different cultures know it by different names: Ashla, the Life Current, the Tide, the Life Wind, the Great Presence, the Spirit, and a thousand more. The Force has been widely known throughout the history of a billion worlds, but has never been perfectly understood. Little is known of the Force in the current age. It reveals itself in different ways to different people: some perceive it as a great tapestry into which all of life is woven, others as a song to which all living beings contribute. Still others see a river, a great meeting and flowing of waters with untold branches and winding paths, or a tree whose limbs uphold the galaxy and whose roots descend into the unknown. The Force is created by life, and dwells in and amongst the elements of the universe.
The majority of Followers are not force-wielders, but share a philosophy; life is best lived with compassion, humility, understanding, and selflessness. Followers come from all walks of life, and try to better the galaxy and the lives of those around them, to understand those who are different, and to use violence as a tool only when absolutely necessary.
The Followers are friendly with several different organizations, and some members belong to multiple groups, like the Church of the Force, the Searchers, the EvoCorps, the Guardians of the Whills, and even the fabled Jedi Order. Most pilgrims simply live their lives like anyone else, whether they’re colonists, politicians, or adventurers. Some go on pilgrimages—journeys in search of objects related to the Force, or to return important artifacts to their places of origin. Some pledge themselves in defense of communities or sacred places. Others are motivated to return balance where things have become withered by darkness and oppression. The Followers oppose the intentional pursuit of the dark side of the force, for the dark side is a corruption, a twisting of good that brings destruction and pain to those who practice it and anyone they encounter. Some Followers dedicate their lives to redeeming those poisoned by the dark side, or opposing its ruinous influence. That said, not all Followers of the Force are strictly good, per se. The Force is a mystery, as wild and unpredictable as nature itself. So too, at times, are its devotees.
Sub-Groups
Because of its informal and decentralized nature, the Followers of the Force is mostly represented by a number of small groups allied in a common goal of bringing peace and balance wherever they go.
Followers of the Force players are free to use any or all of these sub-groups with the exception of the Jedi Order, which requires an approved application. Feel free to create as many characters as you want to tell different kinds of stories.
‘Even if I am the only one.’ It is that attitude that makes the Freedom Fighters what they are. But you are never truly alone; there is always someone willing to do the right thing. When they work together, entire planets can be free.
Admiral Odiya Yima
The Freedom Fighters are a nomadic military group created from remnants of the Rebel Alliance. The personnel of the Volunteer Fleet (colloquially the “Freedom Fighters”) fight for the people of the galaxy, standing against threats to freedom and peace like Imperial holdouts, malicious corporations, and ruthless pirates. They bravely dedicate their lives to intervening wherever evil bears its teeth.
Aware of the risk of imposition, the Freedom Fighters will never intervene without first being asked. Unlike a government, they do not offer their services in exchange for submission, or assimilation. They fight for the good of others, and leave when the work is done.
Structure of the Freedom Fighters
Update: Following the UniStar Crisis, the Freedom Fighters have been forced to consolidate into a single Volunteer Fleet. As refugees from Galactic law, they once again must act from hidden bases, with limited resources.
The Freedom Fighters consist of three primary fleets: the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Volunteer Fleets. Each fleet is autonomous but the Admirals work in tandem as a leadership circle. Each fleet has a flagship and a variable amount of battleships and support craft, depending on what’s available. Each flagship is home to several starfighter squadrons, ground teams, intelligence cells, and support staff. The Freedom Fighter victory at Telos IV caught the attention of the SoroSuub corporation. Its support has improved our access to inexpensive repairs and cutting-edge equipment, and made Sullust a safe stardock, should we need one. The Freedom Fighters only intervene when asked. Many of their requests are received via an intelligence network known as “Nimbus,” whose proxies monitor developing situations across the galaxy.
Our members include some of the finest warriors in the galaxy, veterans of planetary defense groups, the Separatists, mercenary groups, the New Republic, and the Rebel Alliance itself.
History of the Freedom Fighters
The Fighters were originally organized by former Alliance Colonel Yima after the Galactic Concordance to respond to an Imperial warlord on his home planet of Hiju: a situation the de-militarized Republic would no longer resolve. Forming a rag-tag “Volunteer Fleet” out of Hiju Militia hardware and allies from the days of the Alliance, Yima and his small force were able to soundly rout the Imperial holdout.
In the wake of that early victory, Admiral Yima received a request from formerly-enslaved workers on a continent of Wayland for help pushing off their lingering Imperial oppressors. With two campaigns under their belts and new support every day, their momentum showed no sign of stopping: communities who had no weapons of their own were sending out requests for help all over the Mid Rim. The Fighters became an official “Volunteer Military Fleet,” attracted the support of Admiral Yima’s old commanding officers in the Republic, and saw hundreds join their ranks.
Year-by-year, battle-by-battle, the Freedom Fighters expanded. The newly-minted 2nd Fleet saw action when Moff Pyerce attacked Fondor’s shipyards. Months later, at the recommendation of Data Master Bey’Wan Pwua’Tua, both fleets joined forces to help free the Cragmaloids of Ankus from TaggeCo.’s brutal industry, a year-long campaign that drew most of Freedom Fighter resources, but resulted in unambiguous freedom for the natives.
In 9 ABY, the 2nd Fleet followed rumors into the Unknown Regions to discover the ancient Jedi world of Ilum desecrated by an enormous trench, and an endless stream of Imperial holdouts. The 2nd Fleet stationed on Ilum for five months for the most savage campaign yet, a campaign that nearly became a disastrous all-out war that would have resulted in the deaths of all the Fighters and pilgrims on-world. After the tragic death of a full commando team–including Pwua’Tua–a last second order from Admiral Yima saved hundreds of lives and the morale of the Fleet. A tiny cell of volunteers stayed in hiding on Ilum, transmitting data and information back to the Fighter’s contacts in the Republic.
When the Triumvirate launched sieges in the Outer Rim, the Freedom Fighters fought valiantly at both Telos IV and Mon Cala, successfully repelling the enemy offensive. In the wake of this battle, Admiral Yima formally retired from his commission, promoting the tough-as-nails Captain Tavila Zell of the VFS Songbird to take his place as Admiral of the 2nd Fleet.
Thanks to Republic contacts, unofficial Senatorial support, and a new agreement with the SoroSuub corporation, the Freedom Fighters are taking the chance to restructure, reequip, and prepare for a new era of fighting wherever they’re needed.
Recent History
After receiving a request for aid from the Wookiees of Kashyyyk, the 2nd and 3rd Fleets went into battle against a holdout of Imperials and Trandoshan slavers.
The 3rd Fleet took part in the Fringe Wars, going into battle on Rishi against the Scions of Nihil.
“It’s a pack of losers. Bunch of misfits, looking for a second chance. Wouldn’t trade ’em for the world.”
Davish Zaro
The Preservation & Research Foundation is a privately funded group dedicated to finding and protecting artifacts of cultural, spiritual, and scientific importance. It’s not as boring in practice as it might sound: their work takes them into the thick of violent warzones, crumbling ancient ruins, and–here and there–the smoke-filled parlors of gang bosses to “steal back” stolen objects.
Much of the work is done by request; the Foundation exists to preserve culture, but that doesn’t always mean they take it back to the archives. Sometimes the client is indigenous peoples whose cultural heritage has been treated like a treasure chest by someone meaner with blasters. The Foundation is always happy to help stick it to some opportunistic aarbhole (and seize the opportunity to profit off said aarbhole.)
The Foundation’s membership is an eclectic lot: historians, museum curators, mercenaries, archivists, and former thieves all working together to save endangered history. Often times they’re not so much “members” as “temporary contractors”. Your characters might be part of the core, dedicated team, or just running jobs for the Foundation on the side.
Leaders
The Countess, founder and patron of the Foundation.
Davish “Davvy” Zaro, Head of Activities
Dr. Aposta “Appie” Ramm, Head of Research.
Design
Whatever you’d expect a bunch of grifters and academics to wear into warzones and caves. It’s up to the individual, but none of them are looking to stand out (unless they’re playing a high-stakes game of sabbac.)
Inspiration
Indiana Jones, Ocean’s 11, James Bond, Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Hellboy, old-school noir, war, and adventure films.
Luke Skywalker’s Jedi Order has been quiet since the attack on the Yavin IV Praxeum by the rogue Jedi Desann. The surviving Jedi Knights—Luke’s first class—scattered across the galaxy, while Luke, uncertain of the Order’s future, went searching for wisdom and guidance.
Returning hopeful about the fate of the Jedi, Luke now calls on his former students to help create new academies, this time smaller, secret, and led by the Jedi Knights themselves. Distancing themselves from the dogma of the Order at its fall, the Jedi now reach further back and into less-scoured texts, searching for humility and a new variety of perspectives that might bring the Jedi the closest to the Force they’ve been in centuries.
Despite their position as one of the oldest and most prominent Force religions, knowledge of the Jedi has faded from the galaxy. Now, they enter an era of Rebirth. Initiates are recruited, locations are selected, and a new undertaking begins with the goal of raising up capable Jedi Knights to serve the Galaxy.
Jedi are spiritual warriors, ambassadors, explorers, and wielders of the Force. They are defenders of those in need, friends to the friendless, and scholars of the unknown.
The New Jedi Order is different from other Faction sub-groups; it’s built around a more formal structure and more is expected from its members. The NJO is designed to be a place for intensive feedback, discussion, and cooperative story-telling. No skill-level is necessary to join, but you are required to fill out and submit an application, and you must be willing to use Discord. Being teachable and a good teammate go a long way. Commitment and persistence will be rewarded. The NJO is designed so that by the time players have earned the title of Jedi Knight, they’ve put in the time and effort to fully understand what that means. To quote Jedi Master Sskeer, “there are no shortcuts on Light’s path.”
Structure of the New Jedi Order
This structure is the path for most Jedi students, but every path is unique.
━ Jedi Initiates
Initiates live at the Academy, where they learn the core pillars of what it means to be a Jedi. Initiates must complete six builds, each scoring 5+, to be ready for the Initiate Trials. The Initiate Trials consist of three builds demonstrating your character’s grasp of the three pillars: Knowledge, Self-Discipline, and the Force. Each build must score 5+ for the Initiate to pass the trials.
Lightsaber Quest: After completing the trials, the new Padawan will go on an individual quest to collect their Lightsaber crystal and construct their weapon. The quest is developed by the Faction Leader and the player together.
━ Jedi Padawan
Jedi Padawans begin to leave the Academy to go on missions and start doing active Jedi work. They may or may not be assigned to a specific master—in some cases, it is better education for the Padawan to spend time with several masters who specialize in different areas. Once the Jedi Masters agree that the Padawan is ready, they may take the Trials of Knighthood. The five trials are the Trial of Skill, the Trial of Courage, the Trial of the Flesh, the Trial of Spirit, and the Trial of Insight. Each Trial must be represented by at least one build, which must score 8+ for the Padawan to pass. At times, an extremely difficult mission might be accepted in place of a specific trial, at the discretion of the Instructors.
━ Jedi Knight
A Jedi Knight is a full-fledged Jedi. They are skilled warriors, in harmony with the Force, and daily growing in wisdom. Jedi Knights have autonomy to pursue their own missions, as well as missions given to them by the Jedi Masters. They may come to the aid of planetary governments, individual people, or even the Initiates training at the Academy. Often, Jedi Knights carry out investigations into evil-doing, act as impartial ambassadors, and battle against slavers, pirates, criminal syndicates, and the destructive forces of the dark side.
Jedi Knights may choose to specialize as either a Consular, Guardian, or Sentinel, but choosing to distinguish themselves as such is a personal choice, and they may go without a specialization if they wish.
Jedi Knights may take on a Padawan, if a Padawan is interested.
━ Jedi Master
The rank of Jedi Master is granted only to a few, reserved for those who show incredible devotion, skill, humility, and wisdom in the Force. Jedi Masters do not necessarily have to raise a Padawan to Knighthood. The best Jedi Masters are those who do not seek to become Masters at all.
Free SYSTEMS
Other Force Traditions
Force Organizations
Clan of the Toribota
Astronomers and Pilgrims who watch the stars and venerate the First Light. Hail from Isde Naha.
Skyholme Astromancers
A group of antisocial wizards that formed on the planet Weik, the Astromancers were fiercely territorial and lived as hermits in small villas or towers where they presided over their arcane texts and studies. People probably think they’re crazy.
The Phirmist Religion
All kinds of people pledge loyalty to the Phirmist God, who is said to give blessings and even powers to those he favors. Phirmists operate many orphanages and sick-houses.
Kinhood of the Beatific Countenance
A force-based Lorrdian religious group. Most members of the Brotherhood were clad in heavy robes and cowls to represent a physical vow of silence, a counter to their natural physical expressiveness.
The Clew-Hearing
An order formed around venerating the mysterious giant space-worms called Exogorths, a species they insist are gentle, musical, and have a familial gathering called the “Clew”.
Disciples of the Whills
One of the oldest Force traditions in the galaxy, the Disciples are peaceful people who believe it best to passively listen in order to discern the will of the Force. They believe in balance between light and dark, collect alms for the poor, and wear bright red robes. Aspirants to the Order must complete the Sevenfold Steps, one of which requires the Aspirant to meditate for a month in a sacred temple. “All is as the Force wills it,” is their creed.
Church of the Force
Adherents believe the Jedi Order is key to restoring balance to the Force, and serves as a non-force-sensitive branch of the order. A civilian Jedi Order, if you will. Members typically forewent the use of advanced technology.
Central Isopter (40 XP)
The Central Isopter was a death-worshipping cult whose members frequented areas of violence, meditating on matters of morality. They are deathly serious: any expression of frivolity or humor will lead to expulsion.
Guardians of the Whills (60 XP)
Defenders of pilgrims and holy sites, the Guardians believe in sensing and becoming one with the Force, as instruments of its will.
Mist-Weavers (50 XP)
An ancient order of mystics who worship the Luminous Mist (their name for the Force). They use an art called “spinning” to turn intangible strands of the Force into physical silk bands.
Mind-Walkers (70 XP)
Composed of believers from various traditions (like the Inner Seers and the Farseekers), the Mind-Walkers dedicate themselves to freeing their consciousness to ascend to higher planes of understanding. They believe everything besides the Force is illusory, and sometimes forsake physical necessities.
Sälãi Käsi or Hidden Hand (80 XP)
A religious order of force-sensitive Teräs Käsi practitioners. They were hunted during the Jedi purge, and few remain.
Magic Practitioners (100 XP)
On many less developed worlds, any emanation of the force is called magic, with even Jedi being referred to as “wizards” and “witches”. But there are also great unexplained mysteries: while Magic may be nothing more than different methods of accessing and using the force, some magic manifests itself in unique, powerful ways.
Examples of magic practitioners include the Nightsisters of Dathomir and the Bright Tree Tribe of Endor.
Territory and Diplomacy
Because of our guiding philosophies, the Followers of the Force choose to remain neutral and open to negotiation, until such a time where a clear and immediate threat presents itself. We hold to a doctrine of ‘no pre-emptive strikes’. When war does become necessary, we beat plowshares into swords and organize to defend our people and our allies. On the whole, the Followers would prefer to make friends than enemies.
As a New Republic affiliated Faction, we have certain obligations to defending New Republic space. We are allies with the other New Republic affiliates: NRSC.
In honor of a history of friendship and cooperation, the Followers of the Force are a member of the Free Systems Pact, a non-aggression trade agreement with the NRSC, Pentastar Alignment, and the Chiss Ascendancy. We have no responsibility to come to their defense, but we’re friendly in all other matters.
We have a formal Armistice with the Imperial Consortium, with whom we share bordering systems on the Great Gran Run.
Together with our sister Faction, The Dark Covenant, we’ll be creating expansive storylines and cross faction events. Expect grand quests, collaborative work on creating sub-groups and an interesting villain for the both of us.
Recruits of the Followers of the Force
Recruits of the Followers of the Force may not make characters who exhibit the use of the Force until they have earned at least 40 XP, except in the case of certain exceptions made by the Faction Leadership.
HOW DO I JOIN?
Send a PM to the faction leader RocketBoy, explaining why you want to join the Followers of the Force!
WHAT SHOULD MY BUILDS LOOK LIKE?
You’ll get a chance to build all kinds of things, especially outdoor scenes, villages, ruins, and other things you might associate with fantasy. On the other hand, maybe you build Imperial bases for your Freedom Fighters to infiltrate, or gang parlors for your Relic Hunters to talk their way into. I’m excited by the idea of making Star Wars builds that bring something fresh and original to both the LEGO community and the Star Wars galaxy itself. At the end of the day it’s all about your own creativity. We love storytelling, but that’s optional. We share concept art on our Discord to help get the ideas flowing, and nothing is as good as helpful feedback for growing your skills.
All is as the Force wills it.
