Lightsabers

[ChaosLordArawn]

Table of Contents

1. Lightsaber Hilts
2. Lightsaber Colors
3. Lightsaber Blade Styles
4. Lightsaber Combat
5. Other Forms of Lightsaber Combat
6. Marks of Contact
7. Maneuvers  

[ChaosLordArawn]

1. Lightsaber Hilts:

Standard
The most common variety of lightsaber hilt was about 20-35 centimeters, using one or two crystals, and was best wielded with two hands. It was a trademark of the Jedi and their Sith counterparts.

Protosaber
Protosaber, also known as Archaic lightsabers—The earliest known form of lightsaber. It consisted of a hilt most often made of solid duranium, a focusing crystal that was set in place inside the hand-carved hilt, a power pack that was strapped to the belt or back of the wielder and a cord that connected to the power pack and to the base of the hilt. Much like later lightsabers, their focusing crystal was set inside a hilt from which a blade of energy was emitted. The main difference between these lightsabers and later versions lay in that the hilt was connected by a cable to an external power pack carried by the wielder on his or her back. The invention of smaller power cells that could be fit within the hilt of the lightsaber and the greater freedom of movement gained by this advance in lightsaber technology made protosabers obsolete.

Electrum
Electrum—A lightsaber with a hilt forged from gold-like electrum was often called an "electrum lightsaber." The electrum finish gave the lightsaber a majestic, regal appearance. In the last days of the Old Jedi Order, electrum lightsabers were reserved for senior members of the Jedi Council.

Curved-hilt lightsaber
Curved-hilt lightsaber—A standard design during the prime of Form II lightsaber combat, curved hilts allowed more precise movements as well as reasonable flexibility in lightsaber combat. The curved hilt also provided a challenge when defending against it, because the wielder would strike a slightly different angle than with a normal hilt. It was also more complex and gave the maker a bigger challenge in aligning its crystals.

Guard shoto
Guard shotos—A rare variant on the traditional lightsaber hilt (also referred to as "lightsaber tonfas"). They had an odd perpendicular-gripped style.




Unusual Lightsaber Variants:

Double-blade lightsaber
Double-bladed lightsabers—a type of lightsaber that could emit a blade from both ends. Each blade could be activated independently of one another or simultaneously. The lightsaber design could allow for one hilt or two normal lightsabers attached together. This weapon was often more dangerous to the wielder than the opponent. It came to be known as a "Sith lightsaber" because it was preferred by the Sith.

Lightclub
Great Lightsaber or Lightclub—Special focusing crystals and power systems enabled this rare lightsaber to project a blade up to 3 meters in length. These large lightsabers were generally used only by beings of immense stature.

Lightwhip
Lightwhip—an exotic variation of the lightsaber that only specially-trained Force-users could wield. It could either have a solid core of a lightsaber-resistant material (see below) or it could be a strand of pure energy. Like the lightsaber, it emitted a coherent beam of energy, but unlike the lightsaber's, it was long and flexible enough to be wielded like a whip.

Fiber-cord linked lightsaber
Fiber-cord linked lightsabers—a form of the double bladed lightsaber, except that the hilts were joined by a fiber cord. More difficult to control than a double-bladed saber, the fiber cord joint of the weapon gave the wielder the benefit of striking from unexpected angles.

Long-handle lightsaber
The long-handle lightsaber was a variation on the traditional Jedi weapon with a handle several times larger than that of a standard lightsaber. Requiring a particular fighting style from the wielder, this weapon was easy to swing around the body, using joints of the body as fulcrums upon which the lightsaber could be levered.

Lightsaber pike
Lightsaber pike—a force pike modified to include a lightsaber emitter, resulting in a blade similar to those projected by the saber cane.

Crossguard lightsaber
Crossguard lightsaber—a form of a twin-bladed lightsaber with a second emitter coming out of the hilt at a 45-degree angle to the axis of the lightsaber. In addition to being one of the most unusual lightsaber designs, and subsequently the most rare, the hilt was also slightly curved.
 

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2. Lightsaber Colors:

The color of a lightsaber blade was defined by the focusing crystals used in its construction. The Jedi collected crystals of varying types from natural deposits, whereas the Sith made use of fabricated synth-crystals usually designed to be red. After the Great Jedi Purge, synth-crystals were also shaped and used by Jedi on occasion.

Prior to the Seventh Battle of Ruusan, ancient Jedi wielded blades of every color and hue. Some ancient Jedi even wielded blades of red, although the Order usually avoided any colors that might associate them with the Sith. Red was also avoided since it was the most common representation of blood and violence. After the Ruusan conflict, however, Jedi turned to more common Adegan crystals of blue or green. Other colors still existed, but became extremely rare. Black lightsaber crystals were also known to exist.

In the era of the Jedi Civil War, the color of a Jedi's blade was a traditional symbol for the path the Jedi chose within the order, although a Jedi was not required to use a color that corresponded with their class. A green blade was the sign of the Jedi Consulars. Blue was the color associated with Jedi Guardians. Yellow was held for those among the Jedi Sentinels. For the purposes of the lightsaber's strength, these crystals functioned identically; color was the only variation.

The following is a list of all known blade colors.
• Amber
• Aqua
• Blue
• Black (White w/black core)
• Blue, Dark
• Blue, Icy
• Blue, Jade
• Bright Gold
• Bronze (B'nar's Sacrifice)
• Bronze w/ yellow core (Heart of the Guardian)
• Brown
• Carmine (Bane's Heart)
• Clear (Barab Ore Ingot)
• Crimson
• Cyan
• Cyan w/ silvery glow (Mantle of the Force)
• Emerald
• Gold
• Grayt
• Indigo
• Lava (Lava crystal)
• Magenta
• Orange
• Fire,Orange (Ultra saber product)
• Pearl White (Krayt Dragon Pearl)
• Pink (Lambent)
• Red (Ggeneric Sith/Dark Jedi lightsaber)
• Red, Blood (Qixoni crystal)
• Red, Dark
• Red, Light
• Blazing, Red (Ultra saber product)
• Silver (Durindfire (crystal))
• Silvery-blue
• Silvery-green (Viridian crystal)
• Adegan, Silver (Ultra saber product)
• Teal (Sunrider's Destiny)
• Violet
• Violet, Dark
• Violet, Light
• Viridian
• White  

[ChaosLordArawn]

3. Lightsaber Blade Styles:

Training lightsaber
Training lightsabers—The training lightsaber was used by Jedi younglings, to practice lightsaber combat. While non-lethal, contact with the blade could cause bruising and even minor burns. This type of lightsaber was often used in conjunction with the basic Shii-Cho style of lightsaber combat. It was also used by Padawans and training droids in the Jedi Praxeum during the New Jedi Order.

Dual-phase
Dual-phase lightsaber—This type of lightsaber used a combination of focusing crystals to create a blade that could extend up to double the original length with a simple activation. Unlike typical lightsabers, which often possessed a manual adjuster for reducing the blade emission, the dual-phased blade could be triggered in an instant, adding an element of surprise to catch an opponent off guard. Additionally, dual-phase lightsabers also had a blade-width adjust. Records from circa 400 BBY indicate that Keiran Halcyon constructed a special dual phase lightsaber that could go from the standard 1.3 meters to a length of three meters with flick of a switch. Most dual phase lightsabers date from the Jedi Civil War, when lightsaber duels were common and the Sith were at the height of their power. As more beings became aware of the Jedi fighting skills and the Jedi themselves strove to end disputes without drawing their weapons, duels grew less frequent and dual-phase lightsabers went out of style.

Shoto
Short Lightsaber or Shoto—A lightsaber employing a shorter blade than the more common lightsaber. The smaller blade allowed for easier use in combat by those Jedi who were of a smaller stature, such as Jedi Masters Yoda, Even Piell, Yaddle, and Tsui Choi. A shoto was sometimes utilized in the Niman combat style by individuals of normal stature, such as Jedi Master Kavar. Luke and Mara Jade Skywalker used the shoto to combat Lumiya's lightwhip. Those not Force-sensitive could use this type of lightsaber due to its shorter blade.

Underwater
Underwater Lightsaber—While most lightsabers shorted out when the blade touches water, this blade was made to operate underwater due to two crystals employing a bifurcating cyclical-ignition pulse. Generally only Jedi from aquatic races would go to the trouble of constructing a waterproof saber, as only they had the mobility to use it effectively underwater. However, there were several other non-aquatic lightsaber-wielders who modified their weapons, so they were functional underwater.  

[ChaosLordArawn]

4. The Seven Lightsaber Combat Forms:

• Form I: Shii-Cho "Way of the Sarlacc" or "Determination Form"
Form I is the most basic of the seven forms and is learned by every Jedi Youngling. Shii-Cho includes the fundamental elements of all the lightsaber forms including the basic attack, parry, body target zones, and practice drills called velocities.

• Form II: Makashi "Way of the Ysalamir" or "Contention Form"
Form II represents the ultimate refinement of lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat. Masters of Makashi develop unique offenses and defenses and train studiously against having their sabers taken or damaged.

• Form III: Soresu "Way of the Mynock" or "Resilience Form"
Form III was first developed in response to the advancement of blaster technology in the galaxy. Soresu's emphasis on tight, efficient movements that expose very minimal target areas, make it the most defensive and passive of the seven forms.

• Form IV: Ataru "Way of the Hawk-Bat" or "Aggression Form"
Form IV is the most acrobatic of all the forms and requires a Jedi to first master the Force Run, Jump, and Spin abilities. By incorporating all the Force powers that allow a Jedi to exceed standard norms of physical abilities, Jedi may resemble nothing less than a blur when using this style.

• Form V: Shien / Djem So "Way of the Krayt Dragon" or "Perseverance Form"
Form V was also created in response to the advancement and frequency of blaster use in the galaxy. Unlike the strictly defensive style Soresu, Shien exploits the ability of a lightsaber to block blaster bolts and deflect them back at an opponent in a counter-attack maneuver. In a duel, the Djem So variation of this form, which focused on strength, would be used.

• Form VI: Niman "Way of the Rancor" or "Moderation Form"
Form VI seeks to balance the emphases of forms I through V. Niman allows a Jedi to fight with harmony and justice without having to resort to powerful, aggressive movements or overt emotion.

• Form VII: Juyo / Vaapad "Way of the Vornskr" or "Ferocity Form"
Juyo instead employs bold, direct movements, more open and kinetic than form V, but not so elaborate as the acrobatic form Ataru. Juyo requires greater energy and intensity out of the practitioner because his focus is wielded more broadly and draw upon from a deeper well of emotion; while the outward bearing of a Form VII practitioner is one of calm, the inner pressure verges on explosive. It was also considered to be the most dangerous in regard to falling to the Dark Side, because it required a certain amount of enjoyment in the fight from the person experiencing it.  

[ChaosLordArawn]

5. Other Forms of Lightsaber Combat:

• Sokan
A fighting method that focused tactical superiority; on using the terrain to one's advantage.

• Jar'Kai
A fighting style that focused on dual-blade combat.

• Form "Zero"
A Jedi doctrine of avoiding conflict unless absolutely necessary.

• Dun Möch
A Sith technique of psychological warfare, utilizing taunts and telekinetic assaults to distract and demoralize opponents.

• Telekinetic lightsaber combat
Wielding a lightsaber with the Force and attacking from a range.

• Trispzest
A type of aerial dueling, essentially flying lightsaber combat.

• Mounted lightsaber combat
Fighting from a mounted position, either on a beast of burden or a vehicle, usually of an open cockpit design.

• Double-bladed lightsaber combat
A fighting style designed specifically for the use of Double-bladed lightsabers.

• Lightwhip combat
A fighting style designed specifically for the use of Lightwhips.

• Tràkata
A combat style that was designed to take advantage of a lightsaber's ability to be turned quickly activated and deactivated.
 

[ChaosLordArawn]

6. Marks of Contact:

Cho mai
A cho mai was the act of cutting off an opponent's weapon-using hand. This move showed that the Jedi using it had the honor to cause the opponent minimal physical damage; it also showed the skill and mastery of the Jedi performing the move to the opponent.

Cho mok
A cho mok was the act of cutting off an opponent's limb, such as a humanoid's leg.

Cho sun
A cho sun was the act of cutting off an opponent's weapon arm.

Sai cha
A sai cha was the instance when a Jedi beheaded his or her opponent. This was often reserved for the most dangerous of enemies—the ones a Jedi could not afford to keep alive. It could also be used on a being that was lethal but not sentient, such as an assassin droid.

Sai tok
A sai tok, frowned upon by the Jedi because of its Sith-like nature, was the act of cutting an opponent in half, usually separating his or her legs from the torso at the waist.

Shiak
A shiak was the act of stabbing an opponent. Jedi usually stabbed in the leg or arm, but a Sith variation of this is to stab through the chest, therefore assuring almost certain death to the unlucky victim.

Shiim
A shiim was a more minute wound to an opponent by the edge of a lightsaber's blade. Depending on circumstance, this could be seen as either a desperation attack or to immobilize an opponent through pain. Jedi used this to stop opponents whom they wanted alive.

Sun djem
A sun djem was an attack used by Jedi that deprived the opponent of his/her weapon, the objective usually being not to physically harm the opponent. Sun djem was a very diverse sub-form; moves ranged from spinning a lightsaber to dislodging an opponent's weapon to kicking or punching the opponent.

Mou kei
A mou kei was an attack used by the Sith and some Jedi that dismembered an opponent through a circular motion of the lightsaber, aimed at the major limbs. The objective was to finish a dangerous opponent.  

[ChaosLordArawn]

7. Maneuvers:

Jung
A jung in lightsaber combat was a 180-degree turn.

Jung ma
A jung ma was a maneuver used by Jedi to perform a 360-degree spin in which power was gained for an imminent attack on the opponent.

Kai-kan
Not a maneuver per se, the kai-kan was a re-enactment of a famous, usually ancient, very dangerous, lightsaber or even sword battle, which only very well trained Jedi attempted to perform.

Sai
A sai was a jump used by Jedi to evade an attack directed at the legs. The Force was the main backbone of the strength, height, and speed at which the jump was executed. The Jedi could then strike downwards, using the fall as a fulcrum for more power.

Shun
A shun was a 360-degree turn performed with just a one-handed grip, thus gaining speed for an attack.

Flowing water
The Flowing Water cut was a lightsaber combat technique designed for going blade-to-blade with one's opponent, based on the principle of using the space created when the opponent withdrew their lightsaber offensively to one's own advantage. As the opponent pulled their lightsaber back from a bind, the user would follow it with their blade, in effect causing the opponent to pull the user's blade into themselves.

Falling leaf
The Falling Leaf cut was an ancient lightsaber combat technique that involved spinning on one's feet to "slash from the sky". It might be related to the jung ma and shun techniques. The basic maneuver involved the user spinning and making a fast slash at an opponent standing behind them and then return to face the way they were before the maneuver.

Alter Damage
Alter Damage was not a combat maneuver, but rather a rare Force power by which the Jedi could inflict minimal damage with an otherwise lethal cut or stab. This was used to pacify enemies without killing them or injuring them lethally.

Saber barrier
Saber barrier was a defensive telekinetic lightsaber combat technique. Designed for dual saber combat, it created a barrier of lightsaber blades by having the lightsabers spin around the saber-wielding Jedi.

Saber throw
Saber throw was an offensive usage of the lightsaber, combining Force Push and Force Pull allowing the Jedi to throw their lightsaber at targets in a boomerang-like fashion. It was a common Force power; as it was a good long range alternative to the typical short range lightsaber attacks. Since lightsabers switch off when they leave their owner's hand, the thrown lightsaber needed to be telekinetically kept on; however, some lightsabers had a special "blade lock" feature.

Spinning attack
The spinning attack technique was a trispzest-based technique, mastered by Maw. It consisted in the trispzest-user spinning wildly in the air while lashing out to all sides with the lightsaber, and was highly effective against multiple opponents.