Thanks! Added.

Nice to see so many Hawkers out and about. The server was packed the last time I tried to get in.

I'm afraid I was being less interesting and only meant is the character's name Larkk or Terran in-game? I wouldn't want people to have their letters returned by the mail-system. I will make a note of the full name in the listing though.

What name do these characters receive mail on? First names or last names?

Kawaii Jedi!!! I hope you enjoy the first installment of my new Kawaii Jedi series. In this episode mysterious happenings are witnessed on Korriban... http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/350/a/1/kawaii_jedi_by_darthslaine-d4j98up.jpg

Hi, I'm playing a bounty hunter named Hlemmur on Ebon Hawk. Some of you might also be interested in joining the Ebon Hawk Pen Pal Ring: IC Letter Exchange Program to start some RP. It needs some volunteers to get kick started.

I was thinking the same thing. It is especially important for the RP servers.

I have a Bounty Hunter named Hlemmur on Ebon Hawk... and in case you folks are interested, I just started an Ebon Hawk Pen Pal Ring to build IC connections between players.

Ebon Hawkers, until we get our own server forum, this seemed like the right place to post this -- though I will rely on all of you to spread the word. *** BREAKING NEWS*** A new version of this thread exists on the official RP servers boards. I will be updating both threads while we see how the new system shakes out. ***New Thread Here*** New channel to help organize contacts: /cjoin penpals The Ebon Hawk Pen Pal Ring The Ebon Hawk Pen Pal Ring is an in-game IC letter-exchange program. To participate you simply need to post your character's name, faction and class in this thread. As I compile the list of potential pen pals it is up to you to start writing... choose someone from your faction and send them an IC letter. The ONE BIG RULE of the pen pal ring is that if you receive a letter you must write back. By being proactive about finding a pen pal you won't have to worry about coming into the thread all shame-faced and saying, No one wants to write me a letter boo hoo! To get a letter all you need to do is write one! That being said, don't forget to have your name added to this thread before you start firing off letters! Otherwise things are bound to get a little confusing. Your letter should be IC (in character) and it might help to begin the exchange by telling your pen pal a little about yourself. Who knows what alliances you might form or friendships you might begin? FAQ: I haven't gotten a letter, what should I do? Pick someone on the list and write to them first. They are obligated to respond to you. I don't know how to begin my first letter. Start with your name. The rest will follow from there. I'm not on Ebon Hawk, how can I participate? Well, you can always come to our server, or you can set up a pen pal ring on your own server. If you do start your own pen pal ring, I ask that you acknowledge that the idea was born on Ebon Hawk and started by Darth Slaine. Best of luck to you! The Ebon Hawk Pen Pal Ring Republic Dennis the Jedi Knight Rian the Trooper Eillia the Jedi Sage Seiko Stromrider, Smuggling Operations Leader for the Republic Navy Lyvorn, Jedi Guardian of the Republic Karrala the nerdy Jedi Consular Athaulf the Trooper Taalsn the Jedi Guardian Kantala the Smuggler Oroiyo the Jedi Sage Calasel the Jedi Knight Malleric the Trooper Alyx, a short red-headed entrepeneur Sefa an idealistic Mirialan Jedi knight of the Republic Ilythia an opportunistic human smuggler Tarsk the Trooper Dorrin Kannasarri the Jedi Guardian Centai the Jedi Knight Connor, a Trooper in search of skin mags Keela, a Miralian Jedi Sage Feld the Smuggler Xeliae the Jedi Consular Figaro O'Conan the Smuggler Jaeric, a Cyborg Smuggler Sebasjinn, a Miraluka Jedi Knight Henry Tie'thale the doctor Tegan Ran, a civilian medic Ka'eth, a Zabrak Jedi Knight Valice the Jedi Sentinel Harter, an idealistic Commando Dira, a Twi'lek spice addict and Smuggler Intaki, a Mirialan Jedi Healer and scientist Seranse the Jedi Sage Galathiel, an honest Trooper fighting for the Republic Eveningstar, a ferocious Jedi Shadow Kirann the Jedi Knight Flict the Smuggler Denarius the Vanguard Ka'eth, a goodie-two shoes Zabrak Jedi Sentinel Leverett the soft-hearted Gunslinger Sira'ani the Twi'lek Raskar, a disappointed idealist "free trader" Empire Hlemmur the Bounty Hunter Slaine, a casual Sith Warrior J'Arka the Powertech Larkk Lord Terran the Sith Apprentice Keato the aspiring Sith Marauder Clara the Inquisitor Celethorn the Sith Warrior Zavo'eva, a Pureblood Sith Warrior Ceris Treide, an angry Pureblood Sith Juggernaut Betraeus the Sith Warrior Ardin the Bounty Hunter Vorthan, founder of the mysterious Sith coven, Jen'mas Coriolis the Sith Marauder Allendrial Nhim, Imperial Agent and "removal" expert Lanthalus, Bounty Hunter and Mercenary Maenion the Pureblood Sith Warrior Ayda, a Zabrak bounty hunter Rovash Esen'ka the Rattataki Imperial Intelligence Officer Kelori, a Sith Sorcerer and covert Wrecker Shyanna, a Field Operations Officer Nigell, a reluctant Zabrak Bounty Hunter Eru'Mortalis, an antique-loving Sith Juggernaut Flandry, the pessimistic but dedicated Operative If you wish to be added to the list, please post your character's name, faction and class.

Chapter III: The Single Path Simplicio balanced on a large branch high above the jungle floor. His master sat across from him with eyes closed, leaning back against the trunk of the tree. "Master, the Jedi is coming." The Sith nodded at his student. "Will you kill him, Master?" It was a minute before the Sith broke his silence. "I do not plan to, but I am flexible." "How will you defeat him?" "By avoiding him." Simplicio reeled at this. Though he would never dare say so, the Sith's answer had reeked of cowardice. He thought for a moment of how he might chastise his master while at the same time managing to remain alive. "The Jedi must be strong," suggested the boy. At this rebuke his master opened his eyes and smiled. "No, Simplicio. He is not strong enough." "I don't understand, Master. In the temple we are taught that there is victory or death, and only victory that demonstrates one's superiority over a foe is an acceptable victory." "It pains me that these concepts are so little understood in the temple." "Please, instruct me then, Master." The Sith sighed. "You assume that my opponent in this incident is the Jedi that has been following us." Simplicio nodded. "You are incorrect, my student. This Jedi is only the form chosen by the larger enemy -- the Jedi Order. Victory over this Jedi is meaningless and could be self-defeating. What would the Order do if I slew this Jedi?" Simplicio thought for a moment. "They would send another Jedi. A stronger Jedi." "Yes. Now, I could kill him as well, which would set an even more powerful Jedi on our trail. For this example it is useful to keep in mind that there are two of us and, for practical purposes, an infinite number of Jedi willing to kill us. "If, instead of killing the Jedi, I let him follow us in his bumbling fashion, then the Jedi Order will never have any idea of our strength or purpose. The moment I kill him is the moment we have tipped our hand." "But, Master, don't you feel disrespected that they have sent such a low-grade Jedi after you?" "In this case, Simplicio, I would rather live with the insult than die of the compliment. Would you prefer that I killed him?" "I would prefer that they saw we were strong. Our victory would show our superiority." "There is only one victory that matters and it will be won inside ourselves. The accolades of triumph, even the fear of one's enemies are little profit to a true warrior. The victory that concerns me is the triumph of my will over my potential -- my control over my power." Simplicio struggled with this concept for a moment. "Master, do you mean self-discipline?" "That, and more. Consider a man that is powerful in the Force but cannot control his abilities -- he will tear himself apart the minute he so much as tries to move a stone. For us, there can be no victory without overcoming the raw power of our connection to the Force by molding it to our will. All other 'victory' is meaningless." The Sith paused in thought for a second. "He comes. Mask yourself, Simplicio." Simplicio obeyed and drew the Force around his body like a cloak, masking his being from the outside world. Below him, on the floor of the jungle, the Jedi passed. He was the center of a long cordon of native hunters and warriors. Simplicio stared down on the men as they scanned the vegetation and the trees. Whenever their eyes would find him they would instantly pass over -- as if their minds told them there was nothing of interest hidden in those dark branches. A quarter of an hour passed. During that time a tree viper curled around the Sith's arm before he gently guided it onto a nearby vine. "They are gone." Simplicio relaxed and released the Force cloak that had hidden him. He felt drained, though his master looked none the worse for wear. "Let us go down." As they descended, Simplicio felt his anger building. "Master, those people with the Jedi, they are nothing but savages! How dare they hunt us like we were beasts!" The Sith smiled. "Does it offend you, Simplicio? Would you like to teach them a lesson?" "Yes, Master. I want them to know that we do the hunting." The boy could feel his master's interest growing. "Tell me, my student, if all the warriors are out here chasing us, what does that mean for their village?" Simplicio smiled. "It will be undefended." The pair made their way quickly through the underbrush, at a speed that only those in touch with the Force could reach. Leaping over a fallen tree, Simplicio began to feel giddy. This would be his first blood-letting. "Master, will we kill all of them?" "No, it will be best to kill half." "Why, Master?" "If the message we are sending is 'This is what happens to those who oppose us' and then they were to do the same thing again, having killed all of the villagers previously, what would we do next time?" "Oh! There would be no one to threaten. They would have no reason to protect anyone so they would be free to follow us and they would want to take revenge!" "That's right. But if we leave some alive, they will need to be protected, and they will not be so quick to help the Jedi. We can even hope to sow dissension in the village! Think of the survivor's guilt and the jealousy that will come!" As night fell they arrived at the outskirts of the village. Aside from two armed men, the small encampment was unprotected. The Sith placed his hand on Simplicio's shoulder. "Kill half the women and children and all the aged." The boy nodded. Igniting their lightsabers, they moved into the village. Simplicio had never killed anyone before. The first boy he met was a few years younger than himself. He was unarmed and screamed in terror as the lightsaber cut easily through his wrist. The child stared at the stump in horror and pain and Simplicio brought the blade down again, finishing him. The young apprentice did not stop though. He could feel the adrenaline burn in his veins and he slashed the small body repeatedly, and would have kept on had a woman not grabbed at him. He pushed her away with the Force and, wiping away his tears, advanced upon her. She spun and tried to flee but he severed her head from her neck and watched it tumble to the ground. The massacre took probably 10-15 minutes, but Simplicio lost all sense of time. He watched the survivors run into the dark folds of the jungle and he extinguished his blade. The noise of an engine caught his attention and his master tore towards him on a stolen swoop bike. The Sith looked exultant. "Get on." They rode through the night until Simplicio's master chose to abandon the bike. Then, without speaking, they hiked a safe distance into the interior and made camp. "Eat something, Simplicio." "I'm not hungry, Master." "Murder has sated your appetite?" The Sith laughed and Simplicio shuddered. He closed his eyes, afraid he would be sick. "Tell me, how did it feel to kill?" Simplicio braced himself. "I felt powerful and strong. I felt that it was proof of their inferiority to--" "I do not ask you these things for my entertainment. Please, do not lie to me." Simplicio looked up at his master with hatred in his eyes. "You know how I felt!" The Sith's voice was even but cold. "I applaud the strength of your anger, my apprentice, but you will control it." Simplicio collected himself for a moment. "It felt awful. It was nothing like I imagined. I wished they would hit back… It didn't even seem like battle. There was no honor. No victory. Just death. Instead of feeling powerful I felt ashamed and weak. I am no Sith." The campfire crackled and Simplicio stared into it. "You have done well, my son. Though you felt anguish and disgust you overcame it. You harnessed your emotions. You controlled them instead of letting them control you. You were victorious over your own inclination." "I do not feel victorious." "No. Perhaps not. You have had a trying experience. You need time to rest. Some Sith enjoy killing -- I suspect it is common amongst people of all types to enjoy inflicting pain on others. It makes us feel better about ourselves." "Will I grow to like it?" Simplicio regretted this question the moment he asked it. He was unsure which answer would cause him greater pain. "You may grow to enjoy it." The Sith counted the constellations he recognized. Not many at this part of the galaxy. "I always enjoyed killing. I like to see the terror in my victim's eyes… But I regret it sometimes." Simplicio looked up questioningly at his master. "No, child, I do not mean that I feel guilt over the wicked deeds I do. I just think that… sometimes I enjoy it too much. It is like any appetite. It must be controlled. All things in moderation. I cannot tell you how many Sith have fallen prey to the unquenchable thirst for destruction. They come to think of the means as the end. Never torture for the sake of torturing. Never kill for the sake of killing. All actions must have a purpose." The boy ran his fingers over the cool metal of his lightsaber. "Simplicio?" "Yes, Master?" "Promise me that if you ever have a Jedi at your mercy you will kill him quickly. Promise you will not waste your time trying to break him." Simplicio stared into the campfire until he could see nothing else. "I promise, Master."

Added. Have you considered uploading all the completed stories to an archive? Wordpress works fairly well for that sort of thing. That way you could post them all in one shot once you have time.

Characters. Proof: If you have good characters even a Star Wars story can be interesting.

It was good. A little minimalist, perhaps. I would have liked to have seen more development in the protagonist... How did he come to test this post? What post is he making now? That sort of thing.

We've broken the 10 story mark! Anyone else out there that would like to be listed?

Chapter II: Life and Death The glow from Simplicio's lantern bathed the tomb walls in blue light. Ahead, the boy's master paused at a bifurcation in the long hall. Again the strange moan that had so chilled Simplicio on the surface echoed through the caverns. Coming to stand abreast with his master, Simplicio looked up into the older Sith's face. His master's eyes were closed in concentration but he spoke. "This place is old, Simplicio. It was ancient before the Sith Lord chose it for his tomb. The people of this place thought their god spoke to them here." The beginnings of the moan began to grow and swell in the rocks themselves and Simplicio felt a breath of clammy air wash over him. "I would rather not hear what their god had to say, Master." The Sith chuckled and opened his eyes for for a moment. "This way." He began to lead again, deeper into the tomb. "Stretch out your senses and tell me what you feel." Grudgingly the boy obeyed. Through the Force he could feel the lingering reverence that still permeated the walls and a dark hunger that waited for tribute. Generations had worn down these stones, walking on their knees in supplication and in search of wisdom. Though the questions were always different, the answers held something in common -- they were always what no one wanted to hear. But that was not all, Simplicio reached further in search of something that seemed to be actively eluding his senses, something more immediate than the worship of a dead and malicious god. "Master! There is something in here with us!" Simplicio froze. "What do you feel?" "There is something angry at our presence. It is like a haarhound staying just outside the light of a campfire. It circles us and I feel it… nipping at my shadow. Is it a ghost?" The Sith began to walk. "It may have been at one time. Now it is more like a memory. It is a thing that tried to cheat death -- afraid to move on. Now it is simply a revenant. Do not be overly concerned. It would love to hurt us but it is very weak. It is hoping an opportunity to do us harm will present itself. Do not be afraid. Fear strengthens it." "I will have no fear, Master." Even through the darkness, Simplicio could feel the smile spread across his master's face. "Of course not, Simplicio." Simplicio once more wished he was carrying his lightsaber in his hand rather than the lantern, but he would make no move to draw his until his master did so first. He would not embarrass himself by showing weakness. He tried to focus on his connection to the Force, but the things it told him were… unpleasant. "Master?" "Hmmm?" "What happens to us after we die?" The Sith crouched down and began to look at the stones. He beckoned Simplicio to bring the lantern closer. There were symbols on the floor which the Sith traced with his fingers and then, dusting his hands off, he stood and began to walk more quickly. "After we die?" "Yes, Master." "Once there was a rich businessman whose wife died. He was very powerful and had connections to the Jedi temple. After a few days the Jedi sent one of their best and brightest to offer their condolences and comfort… "The bright-eyed Jedi told the man that his wife had gone on to join the Force, and that all living things join the Force when they die, and that he, the businessman, would be rejoined with his wife one day too. "The businessman thought about this and asked very practically, 'Will I be able to transfer my business over there?' "'No', said the Jedi. 'You won't need a business.' "'How about my house?' "'No, you won't need a house. Everyone joins the Force. There are no boundaries between people, just unity. We are all connected in something bigger than ourselves. We become one with everything.' "The businessman thought about this for a minute and then dropped to his knees. 'Noble Jedi,' he cried, 'please kill me quickly so I can rejoin my wife!' "The Jedi was aghast. 'No, my friend. You will see her when the time is right.' "'You don't understand, Jedi! My wife was a very attractive woman and I had better get over there quick before she starts becoming one with EVERYTHING!'" The Sith laughed at his own joke. Simplicio stood thoughtfully. "The man did not understand… because he could not conceive of a state unlike the one to which he was accustomed?" "Yes. We are all like that though. It is not a peculiar weakness of businessmen." "So can we ever truly understand death without dying?" "We are always dying, Simplicio. From the moment of our births, we are engaged in a great act of dying." The conversation engaged in its own act of dying while Simplicio and his master slowly squeezed through a collapsed and rubble-strewn shaft on their stomachs. Once through the Sith signaled for them to stop and drink. As they rested, Simplicio's mind returned to the story. "Perhaps the Jedi should have just told him it would be exactly like the world he knew. Why confuse him with something he would not understand?" "That Jedi was foolish. He did not understand the nature of the businessman. To understand a thing's nature is halfway to controlling it." Simplicio sat up. "How do I learn the nature of things?" "Through observation. It takes time and study." "What is the nature of Man?" The Sith began to restow his canteen. "Each individual has a personal nature, but there are aspects of nature that are true for all of a type. The general nature of man is conflict." "Conflict? As in war?" "Conflict as in conflict. Everything people do is conflicted. There is a germ of antithesis in every thesis." "I don't understand." This time when the moan came it was very loud. Simplicio felt they must be nearing the source of the sound. "Let us say you went to offer your condolences to that businessman -- while you were saying how terrible it was his wife was dead you would also be thinking how nice it is that your wife is alive. When you congratulate someone there is always a tinge of envy behind it. To own something is to fear its loss. People are always trying to reconcile two opposites." "In the temple they told us that Anger was a pure emotion -- and that Hatred was Anger with a focus." "Nothing is 'pure', Simplicio. Emotions do not have defined beginning and ends, even though we pretend that they do by giving them arbitrary names. Tell me about the time when you felt the greatest Anger." Simplicio thought for a moment. It wasn't hard to pick out the incident but he wasn't sure if he wished to share it with the Sith. His master might be disgusted by the boy's weakness.. "I… while at the temple some of the other students ambushed me. I tried… they stripped me and mocked me. Many people saw. If my Anger had just come to life they all would have died. I promised to have revenge." The Sith and his apprentice were silent for a minute. "Did you feel any emotions beside Anger?" "Yes. I felt Hatred. I felt… Shame. Fear at my own weakness. Fear that everyone would know they could do the same and I would be unable to stop it. I vowed revenge but I knew I would never be able to take it. I knew I had lost. Is that an emotion?" "Yes. Even that is an emotion." "Does Anger ever come without Shame and Fear?" "It always comes with something" "I wish I understood the nature of Anger." "Why?" "Because then I would be 'halfway to controlling it.'" Before them the hallway ended in a large circular hole. Around the opening sat four figures -- mummified corpses, Simplicio saw when he cast the light over them. The Sith knocked one aside and then began taking the coil of nylorope from his pack. After he had secured it to a mostly intact pillar, he tied the lantern to the other end and began lowering it into the abyss. Simplicio gasped as the light was reflected on the face of a pool of black water. "What is it?" "It is where the god lives." Swinging the lantern they could make out a stone sarcophagus toward the edge of the pool chamber. "Let's go down. You first, Simplicio." "But, Master! We can't both go down! I should stay up here. In case anything happens I can run for help." "Only a very foolish master would leave his apprentice in charge of his lifeline. We go down together." "What if the rope breaks?" "Then we die together." The boy began to lower himself down the rope. Thoughtfully, it had been knotted to provide at least some foot and hand holds. Simplicio felt a wave of vertigo pass over him as he realized he was hanging about 60 feet above the ground. He felt his master's added weight above him. He had wished his master had waited until he had made it to the ground before coming down though he could feel the overwhelming excitement pouring off the Sith. Now they were both at the mercy of the rope… and the thing that had been following them. Simplicio froze halfway down the rope. All that connected him to this life was a finger's width of cord. What had his master said? It is hoping an opportunity to do us harm will present itself. And here was that opportunity. The boy closed his eyes. In his mind he saw a mummified hand open and flex. A malevolent force was, he was sure, focused on the rope and it was smiling. He winced as he imagined the hand testing the tension in the nylorope, feeling its texture, preparing to cut… "Simplicio." "Master, it is going to cut--" "Simplicio, you are feeding it. Calm yourself. You are safe with me." Simplicio felt a well of Anger grow in his chest. Anger at his master, Anger at the ghost and his own weakness. He shut his eyes and began to descend once more, hand over hand. Even while he did so, he could tell that beneath the Anger was still an undercurrent of Fear. He just hoped it was not enough to give power to the revenant. After an eternity his boots touched the ground and his master dropped down beside him. The Sith strode to the sarcophagus and, using the Force, sent the heavy stone lid crashing onto the floor. Inside was a coffin decorated in precious metals, which was soon tossed aside to reveal the moldering bones of a long departed Sith Lord and on his chest -- a holocron. Simplicio's master slapped the dead hands away from the artifact and plucked it from the coffin. At the same time the pool bubbled and splashed and the moan erupted from it, so deafening now that Simplicio covered his ears. It echoed through the halls of the tomb followed closely by his master's laughter. When they had finished climbing back up the rope, Simplicio rolled beside the hole, panting. As his master pulled up the lantern, the light fell again on the mummies. Though he could not be sure, it looked to Simplicio as if one of them had changed position slightly while they were gone -- as if it had moved closer to the rope. The light flashed on an object in its hand -- a mostly-rusted dagger. At that moment Simplicio decided that when he became a master, no matter how exciting the treasure might be, he would stay up at the top of the hole.

So that we have something to start the review-chain... The story up for review is... Memoirs of a Mandalorian by Gestahlt. Anyone wishing to put his/her story in the review cycle must first post a meaningful review to the Memoirs.

Master and Apprentice Chapter I The Gateless Gate The Sith lowered his hood. His sparse, whitish-blond hair lay plastered to his skull. For a moment he examined the intricately-carved basalt slab before closing his red-rimmed eyes in thought. Behind him, Simplicio sat on a stone and, for want of anything better to do, began to recite from memory: "Peace is a lie. There is only passion. Through passion, I gain strength. Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken. The Force shall free me." The Sith opened his eyes. "Simplicio." "Yes, Master?" "Do not recite gibberish in my presence. If you cannot keep your mind focused, perhaps you could at least recite some entertaining limericks or sing an off-color song." Simplicio was horrified. "But, Master?! It is The Code!" And for lack of a better way of explaining himself he began to repeat the words so deeply etched in his memory. "Peace is a lie. There is only passion--" The Sith turned to face the boy, effectively silencing the child. "No, Simplicio. There is only recitation. Through your recitation, I gain annoyance. Through my annoyance, you lose everything." Simplicio winced. What his master said was true. Simplicio had barely survived his time on Korriban. Though not the weakest amongst his cohorts, neither was he the apex predator he needed to be. He had feared that no one would take him for an apprentice -- he would have nightmares that all his peers would be paired with the best and bravest of Sith Warriors and he would be left standing alone, until some drooling idiot would hobble into the room saying, I overslept, at which point he would be referred to the only apprentice left in stock. It had not been like that, which was at once pleasing but at the same time clear proof that Simplicio did not posess the gift of prophecy. In fact, his master had been shown a wary deference by the Sith of the Academy and he chose Simplicio out of the crowd after only a moment's consideration. Leaving the school with his bundle on his back, Simplicio had been overcome with a sudden and near-suicidal need to be acknowledged for the first time in his life as having some worth. He asked, "Master, why did you choose me?" The Sith was silent for a few seconds, and then, smiling, answered, "Perversity." Simplicio interpreted that as any young man might and afterwards slept with his lightsaber in his hand. But no attack ever came, and over time Simplicio began to grow accustomed to his master's strange ways. Now the boy watched as his master sat down in the dust and began rummaging through his pack. Simplicio waited until he felt the atmosphere seemed defused before asking, "Master, do you not believe in The Code?" The Sith paused in his search and thought for a few seconds. "I believe in the existence of The Code, but I do not believe in its utility." "I do not understand, Master." The Sith nodded and began the process of messily discarding an item at a time from his pack as he continued searching its contents. "Clearly there is a thing called 'The Code', otherwise it would be difficult to get all you mewling children to recite it -- though I suppose it could be a coincidence, like the joke about having a million furbkeys spontaneously compose the works of Elchor the Gradual. The Code exists. The Code is also a load of -- Aha!!!" The Sith pulled an item from the bag and held it toward Simplicio in victory. It seemed to be a wrapped pickle. The boy tried to look suitably grave and awed. "Now we can have lunch… As I was saying, The Code is meaningless. It is just a jumble of words that seem to say something but actually don't. 'Peace is a lie'? Well, everything is a lie, just as anything can be made true if you have the power to make it so." Simplicio puzzled over this for a short time but gave up. "But, Master, is it not…" he caught himself before he said true, a word whose meaning was obviously subject for debate, "isn't it correct that we gain strength through passion? And through strength I gain power?" "You could say that, but you could also say, just as correctly, 'through power I gain strength' or 'through power I gain passion'… which will become more apparent to you when you've matured a bit. Passion and power are certainly connected but not in the sort of cause-and-effect chain that The Code presents. But most importantly, Simplicio, the Force will never free you. It is only we that may free ourselves." Simplicio sat back, confused, and tried to sort through his feelings. This process began to make him angry, which, though supposed to give him strength, instead made him tired. He gave up. "Master, will I not gain victory through power?" "It is possible to gain victory through power. It is also possible to be destroyed by wielding it. The certain thing about power is that every attempt to harness it will create an equal resistance to it. To use power is to wrestle your own twin." The Sith took out a small knife and began to unwrap the pickle. "But can I not just use more power to overcome the resistance? Oh, but then it would resist all the more! But if I was strong enough I'm sure I could handle it." "Let us see." The Sith put the pickle on a flat stone and handed the boy the knife. "This pickle is the resistance to your application of power -- which in this instance we will call 'oppression'. What I want you to do is to use your strength and cut the pickle with the knife until it is no longer a pickle." Simplicio could see where this was heading but he dutifully began to cut the pickle into pieces. When he had bisected his trisections, he paused and looked up at his master. "It is still a pickle, Master." The Sith viewed the fragmented gherkin critically. "Yes, it is still quite a pickle, or, depending on viewpoint, it is now several pickles. Clearly the mere application of force will not remove its pickle-ness." "How, then, shall I overcome resistance?" "There are two easy ways. The first…" The Sith took a particularly knobby section of pickle and sniffed it. He grimaced and tossed it over his shoulder. "That is not a pickle. That is 'trash'." "The resistance is transformed?" "To a degree. It can be tricky. You need to make sure that it is transformed in everyone's eyes. Look." The Sith pointed to a large sandroach that was crawling energetically over the discarded food. "To us it is trash, but to him it is still a pickle. That will not do." "And the other way, Master?" The Sith smiled and popped a piece of the pickle into his mouth. "You consume it. It becomes part of you and adds to your strength." While Simplicio thought about this, his master consumed several more little resistances. The boy, as was appropriate, waited until the Sith had finished eating and had left the food behind before he ate any himself. The Sith had returned to staring at the basalt slab. "The Code may have its place, but too many Sith recite it like it was a magical formula or a prayer. Only the weak pray, Simplicio." Simplicio watched as his master ran his pale fingers over the archaic symbols carved into the slab. "It is very beautiful, but it defies me. I wish to enter this tomb and I cannot see how to open this door." The Sith reached out with the Force again but saw no effect. Simplicio, still thoughtful, muttered, "A door that will not open is a wall." The Sith turned to him. "What?" he asked icily. The boy blanched. He looked at the ground. "It was nothing, Master!" "Repeat what you said." What had seemed glib and clever a moment ago now seemed fraught with danger. Simplicio took a deep breath. "A door that will not open is a wall." The Sith stared at the boy for a minute and then turned back to the wall of rock that housed the tomb. He ran his hand over the ornately-carved basalt once more. "It will not open because it does not open because it is not a door. It is a false door meant to waste our time, so if the wall looks like a door, then the door must look like…" He strode up and down the rock face until, stopping, he spread his fingers wide and a completely unexceptional outcropping began to shudder and then recessed into the mountain, leaving an opening to a dark corridor. A low moan issued from the mouth of the tomb and Simplicio shivered in spite of the desert heat. The Sith turned to him and smiled. "You first, my clever student."

It might be easier on readers to place all your chapters in one thread.

We need to.

Those of you familiar with the pre-launch fan fiction forums here at TOR will recognize this thread. In it we discuss fan fic writing, writing generally, and how to build an audience. The old thread needed to be renewed a number of times after it hit too many replies and I expect even more activity now that we have a game. First discussion for writers: Tell us a little about what interests you in writing fan fiction for TOR.

Index of SW:TOR Fan Fiction by Character Class Bounty Hunter The Ways of the Force: Business by GCRust Imperial Agent How to Become an Imperial Agent in Four Easy Steps by Kinnu PAWN: Private Party by SwortzForce Jedi Consular It Cannot Be Helped by AlyxDinas This is my Only Goodbye by M. Pence/Jahnya Jedi Knight The Barely Legal Jedi by Gestahlt Sight Of The Force by ErikModi Sith Inquisitor The Journal of Darth Siniss by Anubitz Clan Veil'Kesh - A Deadly Debt by Rezearz The Slave by ErikModi Second Chances by ConspicuousTree Sith Warrior Master and Apprentice: Secrets of the Sith by Darth Slaine Rauken Starstrike: Juggernaut of the Empire by Tavek-Rauken The Journal of Adaela Ul'Koth by Duchess of Dork The Writings of Lord Coriolis of the Tal'mahe'Ra by Qualthis Treachery and Healing by Atrilial There Is Only Passion by The_Dark_Lord Wraith by DarkestDaemon The Lost Archives of a Sith Warrior by Arianwin What would you do for love? by Wolfninjajedi The Tale of Maria Johnson and the Terra Team by Maria Johnson Smuggler Who Am I by Xru Interrogation by billyrayjoebob Couriers of the Monkey-Lizards by billyrayjoebob The Message by Inama In the Shadows - A Smuggler's Tale by SilverShadows Trooper Evil Occurrence by MasterDarvon A Soldier's Journey by General_Malor * * * Additional Categories

The Index of SW:TOR Fan Fiction by Author A It Cannot Be Helped by AlyxDinas The Journal of Darth Siniss by Anubitz The Lost Archives of a Sith Warrior by Arianwin Treachery and Healing by Atrilial B The Lady of War Compendium by Bakarn Interrogation by billyrayjoebob Couriers of the Monkey-Lizards by billyrayjoebob C Second Chances by ConspicuousTree D Resignation of Fate -- A Completed Star Wars Novel by Daelyn Wraith by DarkestDaemon The Saga of Darth Eminok: Rise to Power by Darth_Eminok Master and Apprentice: Secrets of the Sith by Darth Slaine The Girl with the Jawa Tattoo by Darth Slaine The Journal of Adaela Ul'Koth by Duchess of Dork E Sight Of The Force by ErikModi The Slave by ErikModi F Nothing Else Matters by Fungihoujo G The Ways of the Force: Business by GCRust A Soldier's Journey by General_Malor The Barely Legal Jedi by Gestahlt Memoirs of a Mandalorian by Gestahlt The True Story of Revan, Savior of the Republic by Gestahlt H I The Message by Inama J K Love the Force and Everything: a Story Arc by Kalenath How to Become an Imperial Agent in Four Easy Steps by Kinnu Star Wars Epoch by Klannad Trial of Revan by Ksun L Crimson Revelations by Ladywhiterose and Princey M This is my Only Goodbye by M. Pence/Jahnya The Diary of A Pubescent Padawan by MaceTowanii The Tale of Maria Johnson and the Terra Team by Maria Johnson Evil Occurrence by MasterDarvon N O P Q The Writings of Lord Coriolis of the Tal'mahe'Ra by Qualthis R Clan Veil'Kesh - A Deadly Debt by Rezearz Vengeance Through Shadows by Rogan Lovse The Journey into Darkness, an Acolyte's Journal by RulithBarakis S Tears of the Force by Silthir In the Shadows - A Smuggler's Tale by SilverShadows PAWN: Private Party by SwortzForce House of Vul'canis by SwortzForce T Rauken Starstrike: Juggernaut of the Empire by Tavek-Rauken There Is Only Passion by The_Dark_Lord Lost Tales of the Old Republic by Timothy E. Bertram U V Diary of a Ghost by Vashy W Anakin Skywalker vs Cin Drallig by Wolfninjajedi What would you do for love? by Wolfninjajedi X Who Am I by Xru Y Z

Hello, Those wishing to have their fan fics indexed in the same way we used pre-launch should reply to this thread with: Story Title Link Author's name and, if applicable, in-game class of the main character At this point we would like to focus on stories posted to these forums but that may change. Also, please only offer your own stories for the index.

The Circle of Reviewers The Circle of Reviewers is designed to provide authors with at least one meaningful review for their stories. It can be thought of as a chain-system where one author reviews, and then his/her story becomes the next topic for discussion. The system works in three steps: 1) See what story is up for review in the Circle and then write a meaningful critique for that story 2) Post your review to the story thread (not this thread) and post a link to the review here 3) with your link to the finished review, post a link to your own story that you would like to see reviewed To keep things fair it is important we follow these step consistently. Please do not just post a link to your story, and don't post a review to a story not presently up for review and ask it to count for your required critique. Keep in mind that we want everyone to get helpful information and we should put as much time into this as needed -- don't just rush through it to get your own story up… there is no time limit for this thread. What is a "meaningful" review? When writing a review for an author we require you to go beyond saying, Cool story, bro or I liked it -- nothing to add 10/10. Writers put a great deal of effort into their work and they deserve a well-reasoned review. Isn't that what you are looking for too? So put some thought into your critique. Ideally you should develop your thoughts in at least three paragraphs. Explain what you liked and what you didn't like.... but don't be snarky. No one likes a snark. Here is a template you might use if you aren't sure of where to start: Plot Was the plot easy to follow Was the plot original Was the plot memorable What did you like most about the plot What, if anything, should be improved in the plot Characters Did the characters seem real Were the characters original Who was your favorite character and why What did you like most about the way the characters were developed What, if anything, should be improved regarding the characters Style Was the style easy to read Was the style original What did you like most about the author's style Did the author's style suit the story Put as much effort into reviewing as you would like to get back on your own stories. May the Force and reviews be with you.