SLotH4's Note: Again, just one day. He's an animal!

SotP Addenda - Force-user Sects, the Unorthodox in Practice

THE QUABULAR : OPERATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

Readers may note that this appears to be an atypical heading for a section. 'Operational' is a word more associated with structured organizations, militaries, and mercenary forces than what is most commonly believed to be a sect of closer similarity to the Jedi Order. This is, ultimately, a misconception, and this section refers to how the Quabular approach their operations, both internal and external.

The Quabular do work for other parties, though the reason this fact is not well-known is because the Quabular are exceptionally picky about who they work for, and what they do. Further complicating matters – compared to traditional mercenary or militia organizations – is that they receive very little money or rewards from it.

The obvious question is: what do they gain from it?

First, saying they receive no or little reward is misleading. They will almost never sign formal contracts for thousands of credits, but they include clauses that allow them to seize artifacts, leftover credits they find, and resources they come across – unless explicitly specified by their clients. However, it is worth noting that they rarely take much – at most, enough to cover the bare minimum. Monetary payment is, simply, not a priority for the Quabular.

Their creed specifies that they are to travel the galaxy and bring justice, protect the innocent, and fight evil whenever and wherever they see it. And in the Outer Rim, there is no shortage of injustice, and those who suffer have few to advocate for them. The Quabular instead become their advocates.

In many major bars, cantinas, and hubs, inquiring individuals may speak to the bartender. Sometimes asking will gain an answer, or showing them a specific token, and you will find yourself directed towards a figure in hooded robes sitting in the corner, sometimes drinking water, many times not. You may go to them, and explain your plight. The Quabular may agree to help, or they may not.

As I mentioned, they are picky, and lying to one or obfuscating the real purpose is often fatal.

If you're a wealthy businessman, a mercenary looking for extra muscle, or a vengeful individual who wants to kill the person your spouse slept with, you're not going to get any help. The Quabular are more than willing to kill if such is deserved – but they are the final judge of it. If they are of modest wealth, the Quabular will usually accept a token form of payment, but people aren't spending their life savings to gain their services.

And once a Quabular accepts the mission, they will complete it no matter what. The Quabular do not 'quit' or 'abandon' missions – even if they die on them. If a Quabular happens to die while trying to complete a mission, another Quabular or two will finish the job. Sometimes a Quabular may judge that they can't complete the mission, so they will hand it off to another who can. The word of a Quabular is iron, and they will quite literally complete it no matter what – something which has made them very desirable to all the wrong people.

The only instance where a Quabular will break their agreement is if they were lied to or misled on a mission – and there are in fact people stupid enough to do that. One man once tried to get a Quabular to rescue his daughter who had been kidnapped under mysterious circumstances. When the Quabular rescued her, he was quite surprised to learn that the 'daughter' was actually a slave. He promptly rescued the girl before going back to kill the man who had hired him.

It's stories like these which deter those who seek to take advantage of them. It never works out in their favor.

At the end of each successful mission, the Quabular will always give their clients a token. One that has the Quabular symbol on one side, with a short inscription in their Mandalorian Creole that says: 'Hur'd'Rar' – roughly translated to 'the darkness be purged.' They are asked to either show these tokens to any Quabular in their time of need, or give them to those who need help. If someone gives a Quabular one of these tokens, they will do whatever is asked of them, no questions asked and no payment required.

This is not to say the Quabular only act when they are directly hired or recruited – they very much do what they want on their own without prompting. They hit slaver rings, topple tinpot despots, lead jailbreaks, and assassinate oppressive figures across the Outer Rim. They are a nightmare for many warlords, crime syndicates, and governments that are near the general operating area of their order.

However, the Quabular have begun refocusing their directed operations within Alliance Space, which they see as containing a greater evil. While this is a new development, it is likely only a matter of time before the AIS and Jedi begin realizing that the string of accidents and unfortunate deaths is not a fluke.

It is not clear why they have decided to take this risky and provocative action, but it is likely only to increase, and begs the question of if they are coordinating with the groups most likely to notice – and if so, how much?

QUABULAR MORALITY

'Morality' is not a word that often is utilized with large organizations in any serious context, and often relegated to minor religious sects and conservative cultures. Morality often enters into the conversation, of course, especially in the context of the Jedi who use the moral moniker when they feel it is useful or appropriate.

Though even in the modern understanding of morality, it is ultimately largely liberal in personal freedoms. While there may be cultural pressure to conform to the passive standards of morality, the individual is usually permitted to pursue what they desire with little public judgment unless it is particularly egregious.

It is best described as more of a byline than something seriously enforced.

The Quabular are an organization where this is not the case, and truthfully, they have an odd fixation on moral purity that they adhere to zealously. They are utterly rigid in their following and enforcement of their moral standards, as they believe it serves as a foundation for the individual to lead a path free from corruption and evil.

The question then is what this practically entails.

The first is that all drugs and mind-altering substances that have no medical purposes are banned within Quabular Space and forbidden for any of their members. Quabular have a hatred for drugs, and will destroy any that they come in contact with. This goes beyond spice and your traditional illegal drugs – this extends to substances which are even permitted recreationally in the Imperium such as cigarettes and alcohol. And yes, Quabular are forbidden from drinking.

This particularly zealous anti-drug stance is based in a mixture of old Mandalorian distaste for narcotics, as well as a Quabular belief that has taken hold that drugs are associated with debauchery, crime, and personal corruption. Drugs are a threat to the health and stability of the body and mind, and thus, they seek to destroy them.

They do not like visiting cantinas, and offering a Quabular a drink or cigarette is a good way to make a bad first impression. They don't necessarily seek to enforce these beliefs on non-Quabular (unless in their territory), but they will certainly judge.

Their stances also extend to sexuality. Pornography is banned in Quabular Space, as well as media that has gratuitous sexual content. They consider it extremely offensive, and unhealthy, and something that taints the views of women, men, and various alien species as it is seen through an objectifying lens. Prostitution is equivalent to trafficking and sexual slavery in their view, which has led to a dearth of such places near where the Quabular are established.

All Quabular are required to dress modestly, regardless of gender or species. And while they don't go to quite the extreme of forbidding sex before marriage, sexual infidelity is forbidden and there is a heavy emphasis on choosing a spouse carefully, with casual sex being heavily discouraged.

Quabular almost always marry for life, and are almost always close friends before doing so. While polygamy is technically not forbidden, it is also heavily disincentivized. Notably, there is not a stigma around divorces, so long as it does not come after sexual infidelity. The Quabular also have no stigma against interspecies or same-sex couples.

Something curious is that the Quabular do not have expectations on gender roles. Men and women are capable of performing the same tasks, each can be warriors, parents, educators, and so on. However, Quabular morality dictates how families are to be raised. There is always expected to be at least one parent who is very involved in the lives of their children. It does not matter which one, but families will not have both parents working without regard for their children.

Likewise, parents are expected to raise their children under Quabular morality, and instill in them the necessary virtues. Quabular believe that children reflect their parents, and disobedient children are not responsible for their conduct, but the parents are. As a result, parents take their responsibility seriously, and it is actually enshrined in Quabular morality that children should not be born or adopted unless both parents are prepared for it. Birth control is universal throughout Quabular Space as a result.

Quabular morality champions virtues, specifically: honesty, respect for others, respect for authority, righteous anger at injustice, and activism. Quabular believe that self-control is essential, and that emotions are to be channeled for a greater good. They are intolerant of the criminal, the tyrant, and the cruel. Those who are found in violation of these are punished.

I doubt it needs to be said how they view actual criminal activity, from theft to murder to other petty crimes. If there is a difference, it is that the Quabular are far harsher on crime within their territory, especially crime done by their own members. While this discipline mostly applies to Quabular youths, it is quite a harrowing experience, and certainly seems effective in ensuring it is not repeated.

However, Quabular ultimately do not impose their beliefs on the rest of the galaxy outside their own homes. They are rigid, and will not break their adherence to Quabular morality under any circumstances (which makes them impossible to corrupt), and while they may judge, they will usually not speak out against commonly accepted displays of mainstream deviance, such as drinking and other small vices.

It is a curious implementation of a comprehensive – and enforced – moral code, one that is unlike anything in the galaxy. It is arguably overly repressive, but if one were to ask the Quabular themselves, they would likely have no complaints and fully believe that they were in the right. And in fact, they can and have pointed to the Jedi Order as an example of what happens when morality is an afterthought.

How true that is remains open for debate.

VIEWS ON THE FORCE

Unorthodox.

That is the most neutral way of describing how the Quabular actually view the Force. It is almost certain that nearly everyone who has not extensively worked with or researched the Quabular has an incorrect perception of their actual views of the Force. Most associate them as generally following the light, in a similar vein to the Jedi. The Jedi usually reject this, and state that the Quabular flirt with the dark side.

Others compare their views to our own Imperial Knights, drawing a parallel between a general alignment on the side of the light, but also willing to perform actions that some might call 'questionable.' In short, these all rely on the fundamental assumption that the Quabular ascribe to the commonly held understanding of the duality of the Force – light and dark.

This assumption is wrong.

The Quabular do not believe in the duality of the Force. They do not believe in the dark side at all, in fact.

This understandably seems at odds with their entire mission. The exact philosophy is complex, and as mentioned, follows an unorthodox methodology. Heavily condensed, the Quabular believe that the Force is, for lack of a better term, a neutral aspect to reality. It is not inherently good or evil; it is closer to an element or storm than something that has two distinct parts.

They believe that the Force exists to be used by individuals for the good of the galaxy, and the good of others. It ties heavily into their morality and mission, and they see themselves as properly harnessing the Force for its intended purpose.

The Quabular believe that the dark side comes from the individual succumbing to the tempting power of the Force, and twisting it into something evil. All of the dark side is the result of individuals who have fallen – and not an inherent element to the Force.

This is why they are so focused on finding, fighting, and purging evil. They legitimately believe that should they redeem or kill every single practitioner of the dark side, then the dark side will no longer exist. Thus, the dark side is ultimately an aberration. A disease that they have the means to cure.

Their morality ties heavily into this philosophy, and why they are so rigid in it. They see themselves as the cleansers of the Force, the only ones who see it for what it is, and wishing to fulfill its purpose. By following the guidelines of morality, they are certain that it is impossible for them to become corrupted. Those who have internalized it will always come back eventually, even if they stumble in parts of their life.

Despite the utterly different philosophical views, this does mean that the Quabular, similar to the Imperial Knights, put more emphasis on intentions instead of actions themselves. They do not reject natural emotions like outrage or anger that are associated with the dark side, but channel them into what can best be described as 'righteous fury.'

Quabular are masters of the 'Electric Judgment' technique, a Jedi discovery by Master Plo Koon which has similar properties to Force Lightning, but is less lethal and far less destructive. Instead of purple-blue, it is a bright orange. It is a staple of Quabular combat, as they do not wholeheartedly embrace any method based on intent.

There are many Sith rituals they will never touch, or will outright destroy because they view them as abominations and perversions of the Force. Techniques and powers which unnecessarily prolong pain or are torturous they view as evil and will not use, no matter what.

Their views on spirits are also atypical. They do not believe that spirits, of either Sith or Jedi, are real in the sense that they are the person who persists beyond death. Rather, they view spirits as the lingering impact of the individuals, which persists. A Force-user who was more powerful will be more aware, whereas a weaker one will be less coherent and sapient.

At the end of the day though, they believe that spirits are illusions, memories of the Force pretending to be something they're not. It is one reason why Quabular funerals are treated so solemnly – because they do not believe there is a place beyond death. They believe that those who die do become one with the Force – but they lose themselves in the process.

The only thing left is a shadow.

ARTIFACTS, RELICS, AND WORLDS

THE 'DAGGER': For transparency's sake, we have no idea what this actually is.

We know that the Quabular are in possession of what we believe to be a very powerful and dangerous artifact, one which has been described as a 'dagger,' even though we have limited proof that it actually is such. It is so dangerous that only the Kaarnan appear to even know basic details about it, and it is close to an urban legend, even among the Quabular.

It is almost certainly tied to the 'Trial of the Dagger,' but beyond that, we do not know where it is used or even where it is stored. It is possible that the Quabular move it around, as it is likely a small artifact and something they can easily protect. Again though, we do not know this, and our best assumptions are theories.

It seems likely that this artifact, whatever it is, is some kind of Force relic. It is potentially an old Sith weapon, though this would be questionable given the Quabular historically destroy Sith artifacts. Alternative proposals have suggested an artifact of rakatan or even gree origin, something advanced enough to warrant only the most skilled of Quabular to utilize – or even know details about.

With how closely guarded the Quabular keep it, it seems unlikely that we will learn anything further unless we attempt to deeply penetrate the Kaarnan – something that would be very unwise.

DOKUR, COMMUNE OF THE QUABULAR: Planet Dokur is the pinnacle of Quabular society. This is where Quabular communes are formed, where families are raised, friendships forged, and unbridled life of the Quabular is on full display. Two dozen communes throughout the planet exist, each with several thousand members each.

It is modest living by the standards of the Alliance or Imperium, but it is modern and comfortable, if not especially glamorous. Communities here are closely knit together, and help supply, protect, and work with each other. The world is well-protected, but not to extreme degrees.

This is where many Quabular return after their missions, and is, for all intents and purposes, home. While it is not the only world that holds Quabular communes, it is the one that has the most, and is the most developed world as a result. It remains to be seen how many more communes will be created, but there remains plenty of space on Dokur for it.

SHOGUN, FORTRESS OF THE QUABULAR: The headquarters of the Quabular is, as the designation suggests, a fortress.

This is where the Kaarnan sit, where the majority of Quabular train, and the primary staging ground for their missions and operations. It is militarized in a way none of the commune worlds are. There are no communes on Shogun. Every Quabular there is a warrior of some kind, who is prepared to defend the world with their lives.

It also functions as the primary trading hub of the Quabular. Ships from the communes come to Shogun to gain supplies they can't get anywhere else, or to ship supplies directly to Shogun itself. The limited trade the Quabular perform with the outside galaxy also takes place here, under the watchful eye of the Quabular Herrga.

This is their Jedi Temple or Bastion. This was, originally, the world the modern Quabular sect was born in. Once there were communes on this world, but those have been converted into citadels and redoubts. This has primarily taken place in the past few decades, so it is a recent change. It is not clear what prompted it, but it has resulted in one of the most fortified places in the Outer Rim.

Pity the army that tries to take it. They will almost certainly die doing so.

THE QUABULAR TRIALS

OVERVIEW AND MISCONCEPTIONS: If there is one aspect which is continuously, and repeatedly overlooked about the Quabular, it is their initiation rites. Everyone who has a passing understanding of the Quabular is aware of the 'Trial of Purity' – which is the trial where the participant falls to the dark side and must be redeemed.

For reasons that are unclear, this is believed to be the only trial they have. This is incorrect. There are seven trials in total, though most only take part in four or five. Joining or ascending through the ranks of Quabular society is far from an easy or simple task – there is a reason they are so single-mindedly committed to their mission.

The trials weed out everyone else.

THE TRIAL OF INITIATION: A simple trial by Quabular standards, the Trial of Initiation is self-explanatory in that it is the first test for any outsiders who wish to join the Quabular. It is similar in many respects to an immersive program, where the new initiate is assigned to a compatible sponsor or sponsor family, and they simply take part in daily life within Quabular society.

As you can imagine, this is not necessarily as simple a task as it seems. Quabular society is not one where the lazy, combative, or insubordinate thrive. They must adhere to Quabular norms, morality, and law. It is a notable change, especially from a galaxy which encourages personal liberty. That is not the case amongst the Quabular, and it is not an adjustment that everyone can accept.

It's a lifestyle that requires sacrifice from each individual, and that is what this trial will determine. There is no judgment cast upon individuals who simply cannot live this lifestyle, but if they cannot, they have no place and will be rejected. For those who do adapt, however, they will be welcomed and take their first steps in a new journey.

The Trial of Initiation lasts approximately three months, which was deemed a long enough time to determine if the lifestyle is permissible or not. They are watched by an assigned 'Yatn'okir' or 'Taskmaster,' and their sponsor also makes reports and judgments. Initiates are permitted to make mistakes, and are expected to – what is important is how they react to corrections from the Yatn'okir or the 'Ayzna' or 'Morality Enforcers.' Combative or dismissive responses will usually lead to termination, while those who show a willingness to change are looked upon with approval.

When the trial concludes, the Quabular hold a ceremony giving the individual their Initiate robes, and properly welcoming them into the order. It's worth noting that this trial only applies to outsiders seeking to join – children who have grown up in the order do not need to take the trial, as they have been raised within this society and are given their Initiate robes upon reaching adolescence.

THE TRIAL OF FAMILY: Each Quabular is expected to die for one another if need be. If you are not willing to risk your life for your own people, then you are not committed to the creed, as any one of them would have done the same for you. The Trial of Family is what assures this.

The name is somewhat of a misnomer, because the point of it does not just apply to family, but to the wider order. To a further extent, it should encompass a willingness to sacrifice your life for an innocent person. A complete stranger. I suspect the reason 'family' is emphasized is because people would inherently have less hesitation to protect the ones they love than a stranger. The knock-on effect to this is that those who would be willing to die for people they know, can also be taught to extend that to other groups.

This trial is one that is only begun when the Initiate has reached adulthood, or when they have been part of the Quabular for at least three years. Enough time to develop strong bonds with family and friends. Much like the Trial of Purity, each of these trials is personalized, and designed by the 'Ikur' or 'High Engineer.'

However, the trial does not target the person the Initiate is closest to. Rather, it is aimed towards someone who they might not know at all. They are usually in a public setting, and it is carried out in a way where the Initiate will notice it, and has time to act. Assassins are usually hired by the Quabular to make the trial very real, where if they fail, the person will die.

Of course, other Quabular are watching in the background, and will intervene once the attack begins. This has a high chance of leaving the Initiate wounded, but that effectively means they passed the trial. They do not have to be wounded, of course, but it is expected. Initiates who do not, or fail to, intervene are removed.

It should be noted that what is most important about this trial is that the initiate tries. Especially for non-Force-users, this may be difficult to do, though the Ikur adjusts for these factors. What is unforgivable, in the end, is freezing or refusing to act at all.

THE TRIAL OF PROWESS: As the Jedi have their trials for building their lightsaber, so too do the Quabular. Prior to this, Quabular Force-users will train with available blades, but they do not build one of their own, nor are they permitted to use one in operations until they pass the Trial of Prowess.

Which, ironically, is to prove that a lightsaber is not needed to succeed.

Or any weapon at all.

This trial is one which forces the Quabular to rely on their connection to the Force, and use it as a tool and weapon to complete their objective. Each individual to undertake the trial is given a target they are instructed to eliminate. It could be a bounty hunter, a crime lord, or something not personalized like a slavery or drug ring.

The individual is given their target, and taken to the planet where it is, and sent off with no weapons, no armor, no support, minimal information, and no equipment. All they have is their wits and the Force. With these, they must complete their mission. It is simple, if they complete it, they pass the trial, if they do not, they fail.

Unlike other trials, the Trial of Prowess is one that you can fail, and you will not be removed from the Quabular. One can grow more powerful and refined in their training before trying again. Quabular are not expected to undertake the trial or die – in fact, realizing that one is not ready is viewed favorably. The only thing lost by failing the trial is that you cannot wield or build a lightsaber.

Should the individual succeed, they will be given a crystal of their choice, and the resources to construct their own lightsaber, or lightsabers. They are also permitted to redesign or make more lightsabers whenever they wish, should they adapt or change their fighting style. Lightsabers to the Quabular are more symbolic than anything else – they are viewed more as tools than personal instruments like how the Jedi and Sith view them, and thus, losing a lightsaber is not necessarily a big deal other than being mildly embarrassing. It also means that there is a greater variety of design, far beyond the standard, curved, double-bladed, or even crossguard variants we see in common use by other sects. Variants range from gauntlets and tonfas, to lightwhips and tomahawks – there's even a meme on the HoloNet showing a Quabular wielding an 'octo-bladed lightsaber.'

There's an ongoing debate amongst our researchers as to the feasibility of such a… 'weapon,' for lack of a better term. Assuming it's actually real, it was almost certainly built as a joke. It's refreshing to think they might actually have a sense of humor under that stern edifice.

THE TRIAL OF PILGRIMAGE: After a Quabular has been established in their position for several years, and has been fully immersed in the culture for even longer, it comes time for the Trial of Pilgrimage. For one year, the Quabular will be sent off into the galaxy to a part where they have not been.

No partner. No oversight. They will be on their own, and once one year passes, they will be expected to return.

For Quabular who have spent their lives within the order, this is the first time they would have been in the wider galaxy without any guidance or oversight from superiors or Masters. For the outsiders who joined, this will be a return to the galaxy and the temptations within. It is a test to see how individuals have internalized Quabular morality and their mission when there is no accountability.

The trial serves two purposes. The first is to put the Quabular in question to the test, and see how truly devoted they are to what they have been taught and lived within. The second is to give each Quabular a choice. For those who were raised in the order, this is the first time they would have been able to really see the galaxy unfiltered, and they may decide that there is another life they would rather pursue.

They are not given specific directions on where to go. Some go to the Core Worlds; some go to the Unknown Regions. Some go to the Alliance. Some arrive in the Imperium. Some bounce between all of them. The point is for them to, in the end, go somewhere different. The Quabular prepare their people for the wider galaxy, beyond the Outer Rim, but especially for those who have grown up in the order, it will be the first time they have been properly challenged and shown how alien they are in the galaxy – and, one assumes, how alien the outside world is.

There are no directions on what they are to do either. Some decide to continue their mission in helping the innocent and hunting evil no matter where they go. Others are content to explore and learn. Still more take on jobs, wanting to get a better understanding of how the galaxy works. One once became a stockbroker and found that he was skilled at it, becoming an accidental millionaire and giving the Quabular treasury a significant windfall when he returned.

And while there is opportunity, this is the point where there are many who leave the order forever. Most end up joining a less strict group like the Jedi or the Imperial Knights, though there are others who become private security or bounty hunters. In all, it is estimated that just under half of all Quabular who undertake the Trial of Pilgrimage fail to return. Notably, nearly all outsider Quabular return, it is those who grew up in the order who tend to choose a different path.

This low percentage is why the departure for the trial is such a large event for them. They all know that there is a high chance that they may not return, despite what the ones undertaking it promise. And it is also why Quabular who ultimately return are given the closest thing to a hero's welcome.

Incidentally, our own High Lord of the Imperial Council ultimately returned to us while he was supposed to be on his Trial of Pilgrimage. Something worth noting.

THE TRIAL OF PURITY: We arrive at the titular trial, the one which is known by everyone to various degrees, but few know the specifics.

From their earliest days in the Quabular, there is one thing that is emphasized, especially among the Force-users: "You will fall. It is not a matter of if, but when. It does not matter that you fall, but that you come back."

The Trial of Purity is not a secret. Everyone knows it.

And each participant has a belief that they will not fall. After all, why would they think so? After this point, they have passed three or four trials that have shown that they have fully embraced the mission and morality of the Quabular. How could they possibly fall to the darkness now? And yet, that is what they are told. Over and over.

Everyone will fall, and the Quabular do not see that as an unforgivable sin. Falling is expected. Falling is natural. You cannot learn to pick yourself up if you do not fall first. It is a learning experience, but one that has dire ramifications. Without exception, every single Quabular who has undertaken the Trial of Purity has fallen to the dark side.

I am not speaking of a mere break in Quabular morality, or going on a bender and waking up blackout drunk. I'm not even talking about killing a criminal or tyrant in a drawn-out or unethical way. I am talking about falling to the point where their own personality has become warped into a monstrosity of themselves.

Quabular who undertake the trial have killed other Herrga. They have killed their spouses, their lovers, their friends, their children. They have become the tyrants they sought to kill. They have abused and tortured the innocent. They embody the worst monsters they need to slay. The Quabular create evil through this trial. They induce it.

All in the belief that they can be redeemed.

There is much to be said about this. The Jedi take severe issue with it, and there are serious ethical questions around both the necessity and damage of this trial, both for the pain caused upon innocent people, and upon the psyche of the individual responsible. This is something the Quabular intentionally do. This cannot be stressed enough.

It needs to be pointed out that we do not know how the Quabular have done this with perfect accuracy. In any assessment of Quabular, we overlook the fact that they, somehow, have a means of perfectly laying the groundwork to make someone fall to the dark side. And they could presumably use this on anyone.

What is interesting is that it did not used to be this way, only since the position of Jur'bwar was created – a title which roughly translates to 'bearer of eons.' We are not sure what the first Jur'bwar brought to the Quabular that gave them such uncanny insight allowing the perfect fall to be engineered – but the Jur'bwar role has focused with near exclusivity on the Trial of Purity. What we know about the Jur'bwar position, as well as its current holder, will be elaborated on shortly.

We can only thank the Sovereigns that the Sith have not managed to replicate this process.

Returning to the trial, redemption is a complicated matter. When all is said and done, the individual must make the choice to reject the dark and return. What form this takes varies from person to person. It is a revelation they must grapple with, or a slow realization of what they have become. Each person falls believing they are correct, or they are doing the right thing, it is why the trial is so insidious.

Miraculously, however, nearly eighty percent of Quabular who undertake the trial do bring themselves back from the brink. They are welcomed back without reservation, they are forgiven, and the experience is so scarring and traumatizing that it ensures they will never fall to the dark side again. After this, they become full Quabular Herrga, or other equivalent roles, and for many, that is the last trial of their life.

There does remain the last twenty percent who do not return. Many of them spread out across the galaxy, and are dealt with by Jedi or us, or they remain at large to this day. The Quabular have a sect of the Zer'uka (Mandalorian Creole for 'Cirysuva' or 'Judges') who also hunt down Quabular who have failed – 'Those Who Judge Our Own,' who are responsible for purging the evil of their own creation.

There also exists the 'Fallen Knighthood' – something that will be explained later in this report.

THE TRIAL OF THE DAGGER: For these last two trials, we unfortunately have limited information on them due to their rarity, and secrecy. Both of them are related to the Kaarnan, one prior to the role, and one afterwards. The Trial of the Dagger, we believe, is the trial which determines who is elevated to the Kaarnan or not.

The details around it are sketchy.

Given the name, it almost certainly involves the dagger artifact detailed earlier, though as we do not know the specifics around it – it is difficult to determine what role or purpose it plays in the trial. This trial is reserved only for the most skilled of the Quabular, and not everyone can or will be permitted to take part. It also only occurs if there is a vacancy on the Kaarnan.

The candidate is taken to an isolated location, one that we do not believe is necessarily fixed, and the best we can determine is that some time passes, and if they come out of the location alive, they have passed. This is a trial that has killed some of the strongest of the Quabular and we aren't sure how.

There are two things we do know:

The first is that those who pass the trial have a lower life expectancy. They seem to age faster than the norm of their species. They are more susceptible to diseases and illness. These primarily manifest as the Kaarnan members grow older, and while Force healing negates some of this, we have seen that Kaarnan members usually retire from the Council before it starts to worsen.

Yet it does seem to affect different people in different ways. Some of the Kaarnan do not deviate much from species norms, yet there are others who die decades earlier. We remain unsure why this is.

The second thing we know is that, at least at one point during every trial, there is a musical note which sounds. It's described as 'furious' and 'overwhelming.' Some have stated that it is like an explosive that was tuned to a musical chord. There have been many descriptions, but everyone agrees that there is a musical element to this – which we have no plausible explanation for at this moment.

I would normally recommend we try and learn, but considering the uncertainty around it, it might be best to leave this one alone.

THE TRIAL OF THE SONG: We have no idea what this trial is.

We simply don't.

It is somehow more mysterious than the Trial of the Dagger, in that we can't even form a plausible hypothesis as to what it can entail beyond a member of the Kaarnan disappearing for a while and returning with a new title. The best theory we have right now is that it is a trial to determine the next Jur'bwar, but we have significantly low confidence in this assessment.

It is a trial that is almost never invoked, and is restricted to the Kaarnan only – for reasons that are unclear. We believe that it could be tied to the Trial of the Dagger, and our only piece of evidence is the name, and the reports of a musical note which plays during it. Extremely poor evidence, but there is also nothing else.

We know that members of the Kaarnan have returned from it. All of them, in fact. So we can deduce that it is not a dangerous trial, and the only means we have of assessing if they passed it or not is if they return with a new title or not. Those who do not – we believe – failed the trial, while those who return with one are… different, and possess one.

Every single individual who we believe has passed the Trial of the Song is odd in ways that we do not understand, and have feats and abilities attributed to them that seem closer to legend than fact. There have, to our knowledge, only been three individuals who have passed the Trial of the Song.

One of them currently sits on the Kaarnan: Meladis de Nala, Who Played the Song. She will be described properly in the Kaarnan section. What is relevant now is that she is an anomaly, a dangerous one, and it would be in our interests to determine what exactly the Trial of the Song is – and either replicate it for ourselves, or make sure it cannot be used against us.

The Quabular have found or are interfering with something dangerous. Something that we will need to investigate closer.