SWTOR Words: Toons

I've been listening to SWTOR podcasts. A lot.

Fortunately, when I ran into our word, it was fairly easy to figure out what was being meant, because of the context.

The character being played.

However, I had no idea why that word was the one being used. So I googled it.

Some people thought its use came from the word cartoon. Others were certain it came from an MMO called Toontown.

To be perfectly honest, I feel no driving need to discover the “true” answer. And knowing language... it could have come from both.

My SWTOR vocabulary expands, a word at a time. Not very quickly, but it's happening.

The Force will be with you. Always.

Adventures of Eegan #3: More Than Reports

The Adventures of Eegan contain extensive spoilers for Star Wars: The Old Republic. If you intend to play the game yourself, you may not want to read these posts. If you're just interested in my adventures, mishaps, and how thoroughly I get involved in the role-playing aspect (very, very, very), and don't mind hearing the story in the process, welcome aboard.

You are entering the Eegan zone. From here on out, the word “I” means Eegan, a young female Zabrak Jedi Initiate.

I reported to the Council chamber.

I had spoken with Satele Shan a few times by then, but still my heart thundered. I know her from her exploits in the war. I've seen some of the things she accomplished.

Survived.

This is a woman who took a lightsaber blade in her hand and held it away from her heart.

I expected to give my report, and to receive my next mission.

Oh, that happened.

But...

They knighted me.

Knighted.

I stood there in stunned disbelief, trying to find something to say. Somehow, they thought me ready.

I want to live up to that belief.

Other things were discussed, in that meeting. Somehow. I'm not sure how.

The few Council members present felt strongly about Matriarch Ranna Tao'Ven's betrayal of Master Orgus and myself. While I could understand their concern— Kalikori is right in our backyard, after all, and darkness is brewing— I'd had experience with Ranna as a person.

She was bullied; and the bullies are... no longer an issue. I believe she has strength to lead her people, and I also believe she will gain the experience she currently lacks. She has a kind heart, and is open to being friends with the Jedi. I don't think this betrayal counters that.

On the contrary. Now she feels in our debt. I don't believe in widening the rift between Kalikori and Jedi. I believe she will be good for her people, and I believe that we can build friendship through her. We've already made great strides in that direction.

I pleaded for leniency.

The Council, thank the Force, listened.

But not all news was good.

Master Kiwiiks was present via holo. She reported that the darkness that we feel building did not originate with Bengel. Now that we have him in custody, it hasn't abated.

Instead... the menace is growing stronger.

Something is terribly wrong on Coruscant.

So...

They sent me there to join Orgus Din in an investigation.

I'm going to work a mission alongside my former Master...

But as equals now.

Of course, he still has rank over me, but I'm a knight.

I want to bear my end of the weight well.

T7 asked to be allowed to accompany me. He was so sweet, so confident. He seems to think that if he and I work together, we can do anything. His surety inspires me, and he so often makes me laugh.

I was happy to add my voice to his...

And the Masters agreed to allow us to continue on together.

T7 + T7's Jedi = Happy Jedi.

Web Weaver Update: Weighing Impact

Today I did it.

I started working on the first draft for the second half of the Padawan of Fear duology.

If that sounds confusing, let me explain: Only Preparation is being posted chapter by chapter as I complete its third draft. I have no interest in leaving all of you high and dry when you reach the end of Only Preparation, which means I need to be working on Only the Force.

I tried out five different ideas for the opening scene. They took place in different locations, with different individuals, even different points in the timeline.

They didn't have the impact I wanted.

So... I combined two of them. Tossed in elements of the third. Shook it up. Changed dialogue to action and action from flowing prose to staccato.

I am pleased to announce that I am happy with the first two scenes of Only the Force. Oh, it will need refining, of course; but I'm pleased with the tone, and I hope you will be too.

May the Force be with you all!

Web Weaver Update: Enter if You Dare

I did dare.

Now I'm sitting in the center of something massive.

I write novels because I can't imagine a life where I don't. Because I need to write them. It's not a hobby, it's not an enjoyable pastime. It's a drive. I must write. It's not a compulsion coming from the outside. Telling stories through the written word is part of who I am in my deepest soul.

I write... a lot. I have yet to successfully write a stand-alone novel. The universes I dream up are just too big for one book, and each ends up becoming a series. There's nothing wrong with that, of course, but knowing what I know about the ideas that flood my mind...

I really probably shouldn't have begun spinning “a” Star Wars fan story.

Or, at very least, I should have known it wasn't going to end there.

And now I'm here. Looking out at a maze that didn't seem quite so large when I was in the middle of crafting it.

This web was meant for me alone. I wove it in my spare moments, using it to relax and scheme and explore Star Wars the way I'm built. Similar to a musically inclined fan who might write songs about Star Wars... or an artist fan who might draw beautiful pictures... or a young film enthusiast fan might make a film to enter into the Star Wars Fan Film Awards contest.

I built my web, I angled it to catch dew and the moonlight, and I reveled in making connections—

And then someone who loves me saw it. And told me I should share it.

At first, I felt very possessive about the whole thing. I didn't make it for all of you, I made it for me. It was a retreat, something special, something self-contained—

But this person wouldn't give up. She was sure there were people out there who would enjoy it too.

Of course, by that point, the “novels” mapped out... let's just say they were roughly 100,000 words each and...

There's over ten of them. To put it mildly.

I am now editing them with all of you lovely people in mind (though I'm not changing them for you. Sorry. They be... what they be), and I will begin to post them on Archive of Our Own. (http://archiveofourown.org/users/Star_Wars_Syl/profile)

Of course, just because I'm trying to bring all of you up to speed, by no means should suggest that I'm finished with said web.

No, no, no.

There are plenty of new dimensions I have yet to explore, connections to make, traps to weave. I continue to write.

It's my passion.

But now, I'm going to take you behind the scenes with me. Trust me. This thread of the web isn't sticky. You can walk on it safely.

I promise....

May the Force be with you.

We're all going to need it.

Realizations: Whose Parents?

The Force Awakens asked several questions whose answers will be revealed in due time. Episode VIII or IX time.

One of the biggest, of course, is: who are Rey's parents?

It's a question that has been beaten to absolute death, and still it keeps getting asked, because we want to know.

I saw this latest Rebels episode, “Imperial Commandos” on Sunday after it aired, watching it with my family. I was poised, ready for the answer to a different, but similar question...

...And it didn't come.

My question: who is Sabine's mom?

They teased. They danced around.

And they didn't say.

It was a rather crazy moment for me to realize that I could easily wait until Episode IX to find out who Rey's parents are, but I'm struggling to patiently wait to hear the answer about Sabine's.

Apparently, according to the flutters in my stomach, I'm far more wound up about Sabine's Mom than Rey's.

So tell me: does that make me some form of heretic? Because it almost feels like it.

Either way, I'm still rooting for Bo-Katan. Until they pry the option from my cold, undead hands. I will hold on to that hope like people hold on to their Snoke-is-Plagueis theory.

Want to share your theory of who Sabine's parents are? You can comment below or tweet me @StarWarsSyl.

The Force will be with us, always.

Adventures of Eegan #2: The Unexpected

The Adventures of Eegan contain extensive spoilers for Star Wars: The Old Republic. If you intend to play the game yourself, you may not want to read these posts. If you're just interested in my adventures, mishaps, and how thoroughly I get involved in the role-playing aspect (very, very, very), and don't mind hearing the story in the process, welcome aboard.

You are entering the Eegan zone. From here on out, the word “I” means Eegan, a young female Zabrak Jedi Initiate.

I conquered him.

I'm not sure how, but I did. He stood wounded and disarmed before me, staring at me with widening eyes.

I couldn't quite believe my ears when he, almost reverently, announced that I was what he'd been looking for. I was the one who could defeat the Sith.

He was completely serious.

He begged me to allow him to give me the power I would need to restore the Republic to its former glory. Not knowing what else to do, I knocked him out and tried to revive my Master.

He awoke, apparently none the worse for wear.

He took it all in at a glance, and his words of commendation warmed me to my soul. He lifted his fallen Padawan into his arms and set out to return to the Temple.

I didn't like to watch him go without medical attention, without backup... without me...

But he'd given me a new mission.

And now that he knew the lay of the board, Master Din wasn't likely to be caught off-guard again.

So I put trust in him, and turn back to the Forge.

Still overwhelmed from my fight and nearly losing my Master, I was confronted with a new surge of adrenaline.

My lightsaber.

My lightsaber.

Finally, I was allowed to build one.

I could hear the crystal singing to me, a sweet song for me and me alone. The crystal that lives for me.

I climbed the jagged stairs and stepped into the mountain.

The air was cool inside, and it took a moment for my eyes to adjust to the dimness.

The Forge responded to my presence. It knew I was there.

I spread the components before me, closed my eyes, and reached out to them with the Force. T7 waited beside me, patient and silent. Somehow, even in that sacred moment, he wasn't an intrusion. He seemed to understand this ritual had deep significance, and his respect for it and me felt alive.

Many sentient living beings wouldn't have treated me as well.

I think T7 is something more than one might expect. A droid, yes... but I'm not sure that negates his personhood. I certainly find myself thinking of him as a friend.

When I opened my eyes again, there it hung, suspended in the air before me.

Not what I had designed... but something I had envisioned already in my hands.

The extension of me that had always existed, but never had a chance to reach physicality before.

In awe, I took the saber in my hand. Its metal was cool against my fingers, and its weight felt good in my palm.

It felt right.

A caress of my thumb, and the blade lit the cave. Blue and cold as ice, yet with a burning kiss.

It's beautiful. I can say that without self aggrandizement. I didn't choose its shape, nor did I create its heart. No, the crystal guided the creation, just as the crystal chose me. Within seconds, the pulse of the saber's heart was as familiar to me as my own, and I couldn't quite understand how I'd functioned without it before.

If I lost the saber now, it would feel as though a part of me had been stolen away. An ache, a discomfort, an... unsettled disturbance, scratching at my soul until I was rejoined with my blade again.

The crystal and I had bonded.

I hadn't known what the Masters meant when they said this weapon is your life. It's a familiar mantra. I couldn't tell you the times I've heard it. Now I think I understand.

The crystals are... dare I say it... alive.

And now that mine has bonded to me...

Its existence and mine are intertwined.

This weapon... is... my life.

T7's squeal hit my ears almost simultaneously with a roar.

I spun around, heart in my throat, to discover a great beast moving to attack me. It was like nothing I had ever seen before. I gripped my saber tight, the crystal harmonizing inside and around my soul, and I moved to fight.

I didn't want to kill it. It was a beautiful creature...

But it wouldn't allow me to leave the Forge alive, so I defended myself.

And then, racing past the corpses I had strewn about on my way through the pass to find Master Din, I headed for the Temple.

Adventures of Eegan #1: Hang On, Master

The Adventures of Eegan contain extensive spoilers for Star Wars: The Old Republic. If you intend to play the game yourself, you may not want to read these posts. If you're just interested in my adventures, mishaps, and how thoroughly I get involved in the role-playing aspect (very, very, very), and don't mind hearing the story in the process, welcome aboard.

You are entering the Eegan zone. From here on out, the word “I” means Eegan, a young female Zabrak Jedi Initiate.

I checked my maps and located the Forge that Ranna Tao'Ven spoke of.

The Twi'lek Matriarch of the village Kalikori had expressed sorrow at betraying my Master, Orgus Din, into the hands of his fallen former Padawan.

She said she hoped I could rescue him in time.

I followed the path, tangling with a few wild creatures, but other than that, I was left in peace. What peace I could find, that is.

I'd seen Bengel Morr only twice before— both times by hologram. The first was an image T7-01 had sneakily recorded during his incarceration, and the second...

The second, Bengel spoke to me, personally.

It's a little intimidating.

 

From the way the Jedi Council spoke, it's clear that Master Din was severely burned by his Padawan's death.

What they... thought... was his death.

He'd been there, at the Temple. When the Sith came.

When it burned.

They thought his corpse lay among the countless slaughtered.

Master Din had refused to take another Padawan since.

And yet he took me.

It filled me with gratitude, and quite a bit of trepidation.

And then he discovered Bengel isn't dead.

Instead, the Nautolan former Padawan is sending Flesh Raiders to kill Jedi. I could see that hurt Master Din. He was shocked, horrified.

He told me that Bengel was a kind soul. So gentle.

He couldn't understand what had been done to him.

I confess that knowing my Master's former apprentice was out there made me uneasy, and not just because he seemed to resent me for thwarting the Flesh Raiders' attempted depredations.

I think it may have to do with who I am.

Orgus Din's new Padawan.

And now Bengel Morr has our Master in his hands, at a place called the Forge.

I followed the map to a cave high up a cliff, beside a beautiful waterfall. The mist dampened my skin and robes as I passed.

Inside the cave, I discovered droids, like the ones I fought in Kaleth. I was thankful to have T7 with me. Not only does he help me heal, he takes out some of the enemies we encounter all on his own.

Seeing his bravery and self-sufficiency always fills my heart with pride.

Not long ago I rescued him from the Flesh Raiders. Now, he seems glued to my side.

I'm certainly not complaining.

And he says the most adorable things.

The cave led me to the other side of the mountain, a secluded area I doubt I could access any other way. It's beautiful, here.

And full of Flesh Raiders.

I fought my way through them, following the path, hoping it would lead me to my Master.

Was that too possessive a term? I knew Bengel also has a claim on him.

I tried to still the nervous churning in my gut.

Bengel had years of training that I didn't. He had a lightsaber.

I have a vibroblade.

Granted, it's a good blade, and has stood by me in countless contests against Flesh Raiders and guardian droids in the ruins of Kaleth.

Our home isn't as safe as one might expect. The epicenter of the Jedi Order has danger caressing its every shrine.

I've been careful to keep my armor in good shape, and I had T7.

I just wasn't sure it would be enough against Bengel.

Especially when he might have countless Flesh Raiders at his command.

I was there without backup. The other Jedi were busy fighting for their lives elsewhere.

I was on my own.

And then I saw it.

The Forge.

A long stair with no railing, broken and crumbling so it appeared to swerve crazily, leading up to an open doorway. Beautiful stonework, leading into the mountain.

Everything on Tython is beautiful.

And then I saw him.

Them.

Two Flesh Raiders, and Bengel Morr.

And...

Him.

Bengel threw my Master, and Master Din landed hard on the ground. He lay still, unmoving.

I couldn't sense him.

He was either unconscious, or dead.

I hoped, desperately, it was the former.

Bengel saw me. I tried to draw him out in conversation, but he was set in his decision.

He was going to sacrifice Master Din to concentrate power.

He was convinced the Sith cannot be defeated if the Jedi continue as we have. He was horrified that we surrendered to the Sith in the war... that we let them get away with the sack of Coruscant.

He seems to think he's had some special revelation of what the Jedi should be.

When he moved to kill Master Orgus, of course I intervened.

Somehow, I take out the Flesh Raiders.

And then, letting go of my fear, breathing in deep and entrusting myself to the Force, I fought my brother Padawan, Bengel Morr.

Speculation: Who is the Leader of Iron Squadron?

Star Wars Rebels is taking another break; the next episode, “Iron Squadron,” will air on the 19^th of this month.

The mystery: Who are the members of Iron Squadron? Here's a few options, some less likely than others.

Someone from Clone Wars

Could Petro have survived the youngling slaughter and Order 66? Remember, Lux Bonteri is Ahsoka's peer. He's a good seventeen years too old to match the voice we heard.

Someone from Legends

Tycho Celchu? Dave Filoni at Celebration Europe 2016 said that Dash Rendar will not make an appearance, despite the ship seen briefly in the Season 3 trailer. I know Tycho was originally Alderaanian, but if a version of him found its way into canon, there's no guarantee that would remain the case.

Someone from the Original Trilogy

So far in Rebels, the Alliance has collected Wedge and Hobbie. Janson and Porkins are still options. Whether they're likely candidates or not is for you to decide.

Someone We Haven't Met Yet

To be perfectly honest, this is the option I'm expecting. A new kid, a new crew, an old ship. But the option I like best of all, regardless of plausibility...

Jaybo Hood

Yep. The kid who reprogrammed all those Separatist droids in Clone Wars. Maybe a few of them still work, and they gave him the idea for the name. Also, we left him on a world surrounded by old, derelict ships. A kid that handy with repair and reprogramming skills might be able to figure out a way to cobble together an old freighter into something new. Also, having been trapped on Iego for so long, perhaps he decided to go see the stars... and ended up throwing his lot in with other young adults who needed help and a defense against the Empire. No, I don't think it super likely, but I would be delighted if our nameless voice turned out to be Jaybo.

Of course, there are a bazillion other options available, ranging from ehhh to absurd. Technically it could be Biggs, a young Corran Horn, Dash after all, Kyle Katarn, or Boba Fett. Did I make you choke on your coffee and scream at your phone in derision? My job is complete.

I'd be interested in your everything but the kitchen sink list, if you want to share it. You can either comment here or tweet me, I'm @StarWarsSyl.

May the Force be With You.

Adventures of Eegan: Explanation

Greetings, all.

I recently decided to take the plunge and get involved in Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR). I cannot tell you how excited I am to discover the stories tucked away in this game. To me, story is the most fascinating part of the Star Wars universe, and I want to explore every story that Star Wars holds. It's like collecting action figures or POPs or posters, but instead of something physical, it's in my mind.

I played Knights of the Old Republic (KotOR) some time back. It was my first introduction to a role-playing game, and I fell in love with the idea of role-playing. I played it through as a male lead, and somehow fell in love with Bastila. Then I played it again, this time as a female lead, and— even though Carth drove me crazy the first time through the game— somehow fell for Carth as well. Even funnier, I didn't like Bastila that second time. At all.

The emotional investment is what draws me to role-playing games in the Star Wars universe. I am here simply to throw myself headfirst into it and be that person for a few hours. I let it take me on an emotional roller-coaster, and everything in the “real world” ceases to exist for a while. My overactive imagination picks up where the game itself leaves off, creating one big crazy alternate reality.

This is what I will be sharing with you. How it feels to be me, playing a role-playing game. Expect it to completely ignore Syl's reality, and replace it with Eegan's. That may be unnerving for some people, so consider yourselves warned. I am not in need of comments telling me I should see a doctor or reevaluate my grasp on reality. In these posts, I am intentionally suspending disbelief, and offering all of you the chance to do the same. It's not everybody's cup of tea; so if it bothers you, make like a stormtrooper in Mos Eisley and move along, move along.

I have maybe forty minutes to an hour each day to play SWTOR, and some days, not at all, so my progression through the story will be fairly slow. When Knights of the Eternal Throne comes out, I intend to play that immediately, perhaps putting Eegan's story on hold. I will probably do an “Adventures Of” segment for that character too... whoever that ends up being. I'm considering a male... maybe Mirialan... hm...

“Adventures of Eegan” will be written from Eegan's point of view. Completely. When I say “I” or “me,” I will be meaning the character of Eegan: a young female Zabrak Jedi initiate. The idea to share this with all of you came to me a little late, so Eegan is a level 18 Jedi Guardian, who has already accomplished several missions.

As I go, I may decide to interject some “Syl” comments as well. I will find some way of formatting it to make the distinction clear. Perhaps a written version of the LARP option of placing a hand on your head while speaking out of character...

I am not very good at games, so don't expect much finesse from Eegan, or Syl, at the moment. I am enjoying the journey, and I'm happy to share it with you.

I have one more warning for you. While I intend to write “Adventures of Eegan” (and her Knights of the Eternal Throne counterpart) in first-person, I have not decided on present or past tense yet. I may switch between the two while searching for my voice. I do not often write in first-person, so this is new territory for me. Your lenience is much appreciated, trust me.

Also: If you are not playing SWTOR... well...

Maybe you'll change your mind.

See you in a cantina somewhere, a long time ago and far, far away, or at a Star Wars Celebration on Earth! Until then, you can follow me on Twitter @StarWarsSyl.

The Force will be with you. Always.