The Jedi Order, sometimes referred to simply as the Jedi, is a monastic peacekeeping organization united in their observance of the Force.

The Jedi serve as guardians of peace for the Union and help to resolve conflicts and solve problems through their understanding of and power in the Force. Jedi follow different philosophies, and have a Jedi Code to guide them in their moral decisions. Within the order, Jedi have different ranks to distinguish their level of training and understanding of the Force.

The Jedi Order has a Jedi Temple in Unity City.

History

The Jedi Order was founded before the Times Of Chaos, though the exact date and founders are unclear. It is known they were part of the Fallen Republic.

During the Times of Chaos, many Jedi Temples were destroyed in revolutions, raids and wars, and individual Jedi were cut off from one another by the new conditions. Isolated and subject to forces beyond their control, ancient teachings were lost as the Jedi valued the preservation of life over the preservation of knowledge and would rather save the children hiding in their temple then carry of Holocrons with secret knowledge.

However, the Jedi did survive the Times of Chaos, and through long distance communication and occasional dangerous trips, some form of Jedi Council was held, made up of individual Jedi Masters rather than being any centralised authority of sorts. Various sects and subgroups of the Jedi formed and splinter groups split off, never to be heard from again.

When the new powers started gaining on the pirates, the Jedi were instrumental in getting governments in power and they were the key instigators in forming the Union, lobbying with leaders about the cost of war and the benefit of cooperation. As a reward for their efforts, the Jedi were granted a Jedi Temple on Unity and they still hold political influence on many Union worlds.

Jedi and the Union

The Jedi were closely involved in the rebuilding of galactic order after the times of chaos and specifically involved themselves in building the Union. As such, they hold a special place within the Union and benefit from certain laws.

For example, Jedi are allowed to carry their lightsabers in Unity City, which normally restricts the carrying of weapons and even in the Senate building. The main Jedi Temple where the Jedi Council meets is in Unity City. Additionally, Jedi get a lot of legal leeway to resolve conflicts, solve problems and even use violence in their missions. As a general rule they are not tried by the regular legal system but by the Jedi Council, similar to how soldiers committing crimes are investigated by Military Police rather than regular police.

The Jedi Council keeps close ties with the Senate. Some of their missions are in the direct interest of the Union, but the Union itself does not control the Jedi and cannot give orders to them.

Since they work so closely with the Senate, the Jedi have a clearly established link with the Union. As such, Jedi are seen as Union operatives outside the Union, which means local security will keep a very close eye on them and arrest them at the first opportunity - foreign operatives are not very welcome.

Recruitment

Jedi come to be Jedi in three different ways: they may be adopted, they may volunteer and they may be found and converted.

Many Jedi are recognised as Force Sensitive at a young age and are adopted by the Jedi in whatever form is common for their race. Besides training in the Force and the ways of the Jedi, these younglings are given regular schooling and education.

Sometimes, especially from worlds not previously part of the Union, Force Sensitive individuals may volunteer to become Jedi, either contacting a Jedi, visiting a local temple or even traveling to Unity City to apply there. Called potentials, those who volunteer are meticulously tested and have extensive background checks done.

Finally, on rare occasions, Jedi may encounter a Force Sensitive on their travels who may have had little or no knowledge of the Jedi or even of their own abilities. These might be converted and recruited like other volunteers.

In all cases, joining is voluntary. Jedi are free to leave the organisation if they please, though very few actually do. There are no laws against being Force Sensitive so there is no obligation to join the Jedi Council. In fact, several other organisations work with Force Sensitive individuals like the Jedi do.