~~~(POV: Ryan)~~~

A warmth spreads throughout my body as I feel a sense of weightlessness and freedom. My eyes are heavy at first, but they become easier to open after a few seconds. What greets me as I open my eyes is an endless white space.

"Where am I…"

I look around in all directions, and I find myself completely alone. My question echoes throughout the place I have awoken. I don't know if I'm asleep or if this is some dream.

For some reason, I can't remember what I was doing before waking up here. I can remember most of my life. My childhood. I even remember the job I hated that I had just to stay alive and pay the bills. But for the life of me, I can't remember anything before coming here.

Congratulation!

You have been selected from a random pool of deceased beings to experience a new life in a universe of your choosing!

You will be given access to unique powers exclusive to you!

All of a sudden, a slightly transparent screen appears before me. I want to ask questions. Try to find out what's happening.

"What is this place? What happened to me?"

My voice is slightly elevated, but not yelling or demanding. All I can do is stare at the text on the screen. Saying I've been selected from a random pool of dead people. The answer to my question has already been provided.

But it's not like I want to accept it.

We've created a list of choices based on your knowledge of where you can be reborn.

Marvel Cinematic Universe [Moderate]

DC Comics [Moderate]

Call of Duty [Hard]

Harry Potter [Easy]

A Song Of Ice & Fire [Easy]

Halo [Extreme]

Star Wars [Extreme]

Warhammer Universe [Impossible]

Dead Space Universe [Impossible]

If these options aren't to your liking, you can suggest options.

My question is completely ignored. The text in front of me is the only form of communication I'm getting, and it's nothing helpful.

"Tell me what the hell is happening!"

You've already been told.

For the first time since this insane situation started, I've been given an intelligent response to questions. The text on the screen then shifts back to the choices from before.

"What do you mean I've died… How could I have died… I…"

No matter what I do or think, I can't remember the last day of my life.

The memories of your death have been taken away. Normally, we don't do this. However, when a person or creature suffers an excruciating death. It can lead to severe trauma and affect the process here.

So, your memories leading to your death have been removed.

The words fill up the text bubble without remorse or empathy. Not holding anything back. Telling me that my death was so gruesome and traumatic for me that they had to remove my memories of it.

I don't know if I should be thankful or angry.

"Okay, okay…"

I have to take a moment to accept what's happening to me right now. Sure, I've read stories and comics that have entertained this premise, but I never thought something was real. The text on the screen is gone again, and the choices from earlier are present.

"Let me get this straight."

A calming and relaxing breath fills my lungs, and I do my best to clear my mind.

"I've died and have been randomly selected to be reborn in a universe of my choice?"

Yes.

The response disappears again, and the choices remain. As the seconds pass, I can't help feeling like I'm not reacting how I should. A normal person wouldn't be able to handle this. Sure, I've had to take a couple of moments to gather myself, but I don't remember being this type of person.

That is due to your first of two unique powers.

[Players Mind] [Max]

Allows the player to calmly and logically think things through.

Allows a peaceful state of mind.

Grants immunity to psychological effects.

Protects against compulsions and external controls.

Does not prevent the player from showing emotional responses; only dissipates them instantly afterward.

[Note: Can't be turned off]

So I'm really being reborn into a universe of my choosing with powers exclusive to me. The information regarding the first of two unique powers disappears, and the choices for what Universe I want to be reborn in come back.

The options have a warning next to them, and I'm assuming that's the difficulty of the universe. What determines a universe's difficulty… Maybe people choose to be reborn in them, and then the results come back for others to see.

Clever deduction.

+1 CCP.

I scratch the back of my head as I see the reward for my thought process. I don't know what CCP is, but I'm sure I'll find out.

Makes you feel a bit sorry for the people that come before you. Among the options are Halo and Dead Space. Not to mention Warhammer. Those are some of the most brutal universes to live as a normal person.

What I find interesting is Star Wars is among the higher difficulties. You'd think that Marvel or DC would be harder, but considering the scale of Star Wars and the other harder universes, it makes sense. The likelihood of dying while exploring the galaxy is higher than dying on Earth.

You're smarter than most who get selected.

+1 CCP

Having my thoughts read like this by whatever is talking to me is more than weird, but there isn't anything I can do about it.

My mind is telling me to play it safe and go for one of the easier universes. But there is more to consider than just difficulty. I have extensive knowledge of Halo and Star Wars. Since those are games I played growing up.

Despite having meta-knowledge, I don't want to live a life like I did when I was alive. I was so bland and ordinary. I never did anything that was said to be amazing or fun. I was just going through life like a drone without a mind.

I already have an answer. Fuck difficulty.

"I choose Star Wars."

As those words leave my lips, the white world I'm in brightens to the point I have to shield my eyes. After a second, the light dissipates, and I'm in a smaller room. No longer white. It's basically the inside of a log cabin. Don't know why this place looks so different from where I was.

In front of me is a giant mirror that goes from the floor to the ceiling.

Due to selecting a Universe with [Extreme] difficulty, you've been given an extra reward.

+5 CCP

Welcome to the Character Creator. You've selected [Star Wars Universe].

Here, you will go through all the steps to create your new persona.

Step 1:

Select your name.

Currently, this is Ryan.

Do you wish to change?

As much as this is a new life for me, I can't bring myself to throw away the name my parents gave me.

"No, I want to keep that."

The only people in my life that gave a damn about me. I won't dishonor them in such a manner.

Step 2:

Select a species and determine hair and eye color.

Examine the list of races and choose.

A huge list of every Star Wars race appears. As I scroll through them, there is a description with a basic appearance of each kind. My mind goes back to the CCP. Wondering where that comes into play. That's a frequent thing I'm seeing, as I've gained 7 since I've started this.

Better safe than sorry.

"What are CCPs?"

I've been given explanations before, and since this seems to be an important feature, no sense in not asking what it's about. It's not a second later before I get a response.

Character Creation Points (CCP)

During the creation of the new you, you have the opportunity to add special perks and abilities that range from common to one-of-a-kind within your new universe.

You are allowed to take flaws to your character to gain access to more CCPs. However, there isn't a requirement to do so.

As a new person, you start with 10 CCPs. That's added to the 7 CCPs you've gained from being different than what we usually see.

NOTE:

Certain perks and abilities can be gained later with perk points (PP)

Wow, talk about really starting from scratch. The longer this goes on, the more I'm falling in love with this. I never thought I was a lucky person. In fact, I was the opposite of lucky.

I guess I know where all my luck went.

I'm gonna go with what I already know, and I select the human species. My physical body doesn't change in the mirror. Now, all I have left is to select hair and eye color.

"I'll go with black hair and sapphire blue eyes."

I watch as my hair changes to a far darker shade, and my eyes go from mud brown to sapphire blue. It's amazing how much hair and eye color can change someone.

Hair: Black

Eyes: Sapphire Blue

Accept: Y/N

"Yes, looks perfect."

The texts in front of me change, and I'm moved on to the next step.

Step 3:

Determine your initial age.

To give greater control to your new identity, you can start at ages 0, 8, 16, or 20 for a human. [Starting ages differ between species.]

There is a big part of me that doesn't want to go through childhood again, but starting from 0 means I have the chance to have complete and total control of how far I progress. Who knows what I can miss out on if I start at a later age…

I'd rather go for all I can while I'm still a little kid than miss out on all that time.

Chosen age is 0

Wow, you're the first person to select this option entering the [Star Wars Universe.] I honestly never thought I'd see it.

+3 CCP

That's surprising. I can understand not wanting to go through infancy and childhood again, but that's a ton of time in your control.

There are more reasons to pick it than there aren't.

After another second, I'm moved on to the next step of this process.

Step 4:

Determining base stats, of which there are 6.

Strength [STR]

Vitality [VIT]

Agility [AGI]

Intelligence [INT]

Wisdom [WIS]

Charisma [CHR]

Every new character begins its life with 5 stat points (SP) to apply anywhere you want. You are granted a further 4+INT/15 stat points per level up.

Since you are starting at age 0, you don't get any bonus SP. [1 level is earned each year as a child.]

NOTE:

There are certain stat limits you can't break through with conventional means as a human.

Way to keep the note intentionally vague.

NOTE:

For having extensive meta-knowledge on multiple ages in Star Wars, you start with a +20 bonus to INT and plus +10 bonus to WIS.

"All those hours spent watching lore videos and reading comics are paying off in ways I never imagined possible."

Thanks to all the lore channels and wiki pages.

WARNING:

Unspent SP during Character Creation will be lost.

I only have 5 SP to spend in the first place, and it's not like a baby is strong. I wonder how I'll start? Will I be conscious in the womb, or will my consciousness come the moment I'm born?

You'll just have to find out. No one has tried this yet in [Star Wars Universe]

I'm already starting as a pioneer, and my life hasn't begun yet.

"What's the function of each stat? I'm assuming they're different from what I suspect?"

While games in the past have different ways of keeping track of stats, I won't be arrogant and assume I know what they are here.

Stats & You

Everyone is determined by their stats. You have the choice to see these values and influence them.

However, each one is entirely different from the others.

STRENGTH:

Strength measures your character's physical power.

This ability is important for those with careers in physical combat.

Each point of Strength grants 2 inventory slots [This will be explained later.]

VITALITY:

Vitality represents your character's health and stamina.

Vitality adds to a person's hit points, so it's important for everyone.

AGILITY:

Agility measures hand-eye coordination, agility, reflexes, and balance.

This ability is an important ability for Scoundrels and Smugglers, but it's also high on the list for characters who want to be good shots with ranged weapons or who want to handle the controls of a starship and speeder fairly well.

INTELLIGENCE:

Intelligence determines how well your character learns and reasons.

Intelligence is important for thinkers, leaders, and characters who want to have a wide assortment of Skills.

WISDOM:

Wisdom describes a character's willpower, common sense, perception, and intuition.

Wisdom is related to being in tune with and aware of one's surroundings.

Wisdom is important for characters who wish to be in tune with their environment or characters who like to take chances.

If you want your character to have keen senses, Wisdom is critical.

CHARISMA:

Charisma measures a character's persuasiveness, ability to lead, and physical attractiveness.

It represents your strength of personality and force of presence, not merely how others perceive you in a social setting.

Charisma is most important for politicians and Jedi.

"It's an unbelievable amount of information…"

It takes me a few minutes to get through everything and understand it clearly. The amount of function attached to these stats is almost overwhelming. I'm sure there are other areas these affect that aren't mentioned here.

I don't add any of the 5 stat points I have to INT or WIS since those have already been increased thanks to my meta-knowledge. I spread them out among the other stats.

Stat Points have been spent.

Do you wish to make changes: Y/N

I quickly confirm the changes, and we're onto the next.

Step 5:

PERKS

Each new identity has 10 CCPs to spend on perks. [You have a total of 20 CCP.]

An additional perk point [PP] is gained at every 5 levels.

While PPs can be saved, CCPs must be used up when a new identity is created.

You currently have 20 CCPs and 2 PPs.

Since this is a new character creation, you can spend your PP on Creation-only perks.

Please browse the list below and make your choices.

Tap a Perk name to see a description and cost.

All of a sudden, a list of perks is shown to me. A total of 26 perks. It's a decent size. However, it doesn't take me long to get through them. There are a total of 4 that stand out a great deal to me.

Force Sensitive

You're Force-sensitive, allowing you to call on the Force and use its powers.

Grants 100 Force Points (FP) per level.

[Can only be selected on character creation]

CCP 2

Force Adept

You're Force-sensitive, allowing you to call on the Force and use its powers.

Grants a greater connection to the force.

Grants 250 Force Points (FP) per level.

[Can be selected during character creation or upgraded to this perk if the character took Force Sensitive on character creation.]

CCP 4 [2PP if upgrading]

Force Prodigy

You're Force-sensitive, allowing you to call on the Force and use its powers.

Your connection to the Force is immense. Your potential brands you as one of the most powerful Force users of your time.

Grants 500 Force Points (FP) per level.

[Can only be selected on character creation]

CCP 7

Force Vergence

You're Force-sensitive, allowing you to call on the Force and use its powers.

Your connection to the Force is unrivaled and extraordinary. Your potential marks you as a being that won't appear again amongst Force-sensitives.

Grants 1000 Force Points (FP) per level.

[Can only be selected on identity creation]

CCP 15

NOTE:

This option has never been available before. Due to your high starting CCP, it's been given as an option.

WARNING:

Selecting this CCP perk will have severe consequences.

My attention is immediately on the one that costs the most.

"From my knowledge of Star Wars, only the Skywalkers are Vergences of the Force…"

It's really a choice between Force Prodigy and Force Vergence.

"Beings like Revan, Palpatine, Yoda, and Luke were in these categories…"

What stands out immediately is the warning attached to my potential pick. I've already selected an [Extreme] difficultly universe. There is no reason to hold back on the difficulty now. Besides, consequences can be both good and bad.

However, that's just my optimism.

I make my selections of the perks. A total of four. Spending all 22 CCPs and PPs. Not holding anything back. After my choices, I get another screen.

Selected Perks:

These are your selected perks and your only chance to change them.

Force Vergence [15 CCP]

Heart of the Force [4 CCP]

Photographic Memory [2 CCP]

Boosted Growth 1/3 [1 CCP]

Are these your choices? Y/N

NOTE:

Having both Force Vergence and Heart of the Force will give you more Midi-Chlorians and potential than Anakin Skywalker.

WARNING:

You can't undo these choices if you choose to do this.

The note and warning are something I read repeatedly. Obviously, I'm being warned that my choices here will have far-reaching effects. However, that's not stopping me from making this decision. I'm not wasting my next life with fear.

I'm gonna live it and take everything head-on. No matter how challenging something might be, I will overcome it.

"Yes."

The single word locks in my choice, and I'm taken to the next part of this process.

Step 6:

SKILLS

Each person learns skills as they progress, with skills affected by stats.

Every level-up is granted INT*2 skill points to spend how they see fit.

You're free to transfer any of your old skills over, though they may suffer penalties because of a different universe or age.

Skill points can be saved for later use.

Please examine your old skills and possible new ones before deciding on a final list.

Skills are added to your person the same way perks are.

You have 200 Skill Points to spend

A new list appears, and it's tons of Skills that I supposedly had back when I was alive. Compared to the 26 Perks on the perk list, the Skills list dwarfs it.

It ranges between everything I did in life. There is a way to differentiate between the skills. There are knowledge-based skills. Which encompasses everything knowledge-wise. Then the other is combat/physical skills.

In this category, there are skills I didn't know I had. What stands out the most are Concentration and Meditation. Concentration affects the rate at which skills gain XP by 50% when fully maxed, and Meditation affects the amount of FP I regenerate.

I use all 200 skill points to max both of them out.

Do you accept these changes? Y/N

"Yes, I do."

As I accept these changes, I feel something shift inside my head. Like I'm clearer-minded. That has to be the effect of having Concentration maxed out.

Skills Locked.

NOTICE:

You have 0 SKP left for later use.

To add, call up Skills in the user interface and tap the '+' symbol.

Changes will become permanent once you leave the Skills list.

NOTICE:

You have 2000 skill levels; this grants 2 bonus stat points.

Do you wish to spend now? Y/N

"No, I want to keep those stat points for later."

I don't really know why I'm giving a reason for everything I talk about. A tick from my last life if I had to point to an origin. I lived a life where I felt I had to justify everything I did.

Including living.

After a couple of seconds, the next part of this long and grueling process starts.

Step 7:

The Force

As you are Force-sensitive, you can learn to use the Force.

At each level up, you're granted a certain number of Force Points.

The more FP you have, the more you can use the Force.

However, the cost of power decreases as you become better at using it.

WARNING:

Due to having an extremely high midi-chlorian count and potential due to selected perks. Odds of the Force interfering directly in your life have increased exponentially.

The warning confirms that the consequences are likely more negative than positive, but tough shit. I'm not backing down this time around. Not losing this chance.

I don't know all the math or end results yet, but I should have a high FP when I start my new life. But these are all things I'm positive I'll find out when I actually start.

Yes, there is more you'll have to go through after all this is finished. Be ready.

Step 8:

Origin

Where do you come from?

Where in the timeline do you wish to live?

These need to be determined before you're born.

Current timelines in play are:

KOTOR Era

Old Republic Era

Rise of the Empire Era

Rebellion Era

Legacy Era

If none appeal, then you can select a specific time to enter the universe.

It says I'm allowed to enter the universe at a specific time. I don't like to brag about anything, but I know a great deal about Star Wars. Way more than the casual movie and Clone Wars fan. I have a date in mind.

"I want to be born in 7 BTC."

In the universe of Star Wars, that stands for Before Treaty of Coruscant. So, in terms of BBY, it was 3653 when the Treaty of Coruscant was signed. And I'll be born in 3660. I'll be around 7 years old when the Cold War between the Republic and the Sith Empire begins.

Alright, we can do this. You'll be born in the Old Republic Era but at your specific date. Way to utilize your knowledge of Star Wars.

Most only ever go for the Rise of the Empire or Rebellion Era.

Step 9:

Bloodlines/Family

Certain legacies and families are famous throughout the galaxy.

You can be a scion of one such dynasty or just a random someone.

Famous choices for families are:

Shan

Sunrider

Keto

Clan Ordo

House Organa

Qel-Droma

If you don't wish to be a part of one of these families, that's fine, too. Please enter your family name below.

Given the choices and the era I'm being reborn into, I can't help thinking it'd be best to go with a random family. All of these families have deep connections to the Jedi and Sith Orders. In the end, the decision is mine. My decision here will impact my future for a long time.

As appealing as being born into the Shan family is, I don't think it's ideal. The only Shan during the date I selected are Satele and Theron. If I'm Satele's son, I'll be 6 years younger than Theron. He was born in 3666, and I'll be born in 3660.

Theron will be around 13 by the time 0 ATC, or 3653 BBY, comes around.

"There isn't a time limit, right?"

I don't want to rush this.

No. Time doesn't move here.

Good.

It'll be impossible for Theron to have a son so young; he never did in the legends lore or the game, even when he was an adult. But you never know. But the logical answer is I'll be Satele's son and Theron's younger brother with this choice.

The other options don't have a lot of history, unlike how Shan and Sunrider have that history during the time of the Old Republic, except for Organa and Ordo.

And Ordo is a Mandalorian family. If I were to be born into this family, I'd find myself in the lion's den surrounded by a Sith Empire eager for strong Force-sensitives. The options keep going back to the same three.

It's either Shan, Sunrider, or a random family.

I have an idea.

"The owner of the text talking to me. Can you bring up a wheel of names with the selection of Shan, Sunrider, and Random on it?"

Instead of answering me directly, a wheel suddenly appears to the side of the giant mirror I've been looking into during this process.

The wheel spins, and it lands on Sunrider.

"Alright, I've got my choice."

I type in my name, and I see it looking back at me.

Ryan Sunrider.

Are you sure?

"Positive."

Name Set.

NOTICE:

This bloodline has a specific prologue to play.

Due to selecting starting age 0, you have no choice.

[Prologue: A Child of Suns] has started.

Character Creation finished.

Please examine the final listings to be sure.

If you accept, press the green box at the bottom of the screen; if not, press the red box to restart Character Creation.

I make sure to finalize my adult height when I'm finished growing in my new life.

If I get that far.

Amusingly, I'm able to adjust what my penile length will be when I finish puberty. I decide to be a little meme-like here, and push it into the double digits.

Why not. It's your life.

Whatever this thing is, it's not wrong.

Before I finalize my character creation, I check to make sure everything is in order. I have 2 unspent stat points that I'll be using for later. After I'm done with that, I click the green box.

The mirror disappears, and the bright light returns.

(P)-(a)-(t)-(r)-(e)-(o)-(n) /easyread

If you want to read ahead, go here. There are 6 chapters here.