Star Wars: The Gathering

A kyber crystal is a rare, Force-attuned crystal used in the creation of lightsabers. The Gathering is a sacred Jedi tradition in which Jedi Initiates would travel to the ice planet of Ilum to gather a kyber crystal to build their lightsaber. The Force guided their selection, finding a crystal that matched them as Jedi. To those not meant to receive it, the crystal was cold to the touch, but those the crystal chose would hear its "music" and "harmony," becoming attracted to it. While searching the ice caves of Ilum for their kyber crystal, the Force would test the initiates by making them face their fears. The Gathering is a rite of passage of the Jedi Order meant to teach Jedi Initiates how to overcome their personal fears or failings and to find a kyber crystal attuned to them in the Crystal Caves of Ilum. Dated to the very dawn of the Jedi Order, the Gathering is performed in the Jedi Temple of Ilum. This ritual requires Jedi Initiates to trust their instincts, overcome inner obstacles. Escorted by a Jedi of a higher rank, such as a Jedi Master or Knight, a clan of younglings would travel to the planet Ilum on the Crucible, a starship from the era of the Old Republic. Hidden beneath Ilum's frigid surface is the Crystal Cave. Also located beneath the surface of Ilum are geysers, formed by volcanic activity on the planet, and geological formations formed over billions of years by accumulated mineral matter deposited from hydrothermal fluids. Upon arriving at the Temple, the initiates endure their first test of skill, where they are tasked with clearing the entrance to the Temple, which was often blocked by fallen snow and ice Once inside, the initiates gather at the heart of the Temple, where their group leader would lead them in a lecture on the nature of the kyber crystal, lightsabers, and their place in the lore of the Jedi. As the sun rises over the Temple, its light shines through a gap in the Temple's ceiling, where it is focused through a massive kyber crystal and melts the frozen waterfall covering the gates to the caves. Descending into the catacombs of the Crystal Caves on their own, the initiates are encouraged to make haste in the quest, for the waterfall would freeze over in a matter of hours. Initiates are told that they could be trapped within the catacombs, but this is an intentionally false statement, as the frozen waterfall could be shattered open with the Force. The fabrication was used to encourage a sense of seriousness and urgency within the initiates and to assist them in breaking through the strange illusory effects of the caves. Once inside the labyrinth, the journey becomes more personalized to each individual. This is a direct effect of the powerful vergence within the caves, which permeates the very stone and causes an intensification of the Force. The vergence exploits the deepest insecurities of those who enter, exposing an individual's weaknesses and shortcomings. If the test is completed successfully and the fears of the individual are overcome, a unique kyber crystal will appear, glowing. Failure to overcome the test results in an overwhelming sense of self-doubt and fear, gripping the student and potentially preventing them from ever finding a crystal. Upon retrieving the crystal, the initiate begins the process of constructing their lightsaber under the guidance of Professor Huyang. Huyang is a six foot tall Mark IV architect droid with yellow sensors and silver plating. Huyang is a wise architect, who has supervised lightsaber construction for centuries, teaching many initiates the art of building their first lightsaber, but only if they completed the Gathering. Huyang's memory banks contain a record of every lightsaber ever made and the Jedi who created them. Huyang can teach basic lightsaber fighting skills. Yoda is a Jedi Master. Yoda is short with green skin and pointy ears. Yoda speaks in a reversed word order called object-subject-verb, for example: "Powerful you have become." or "Patience you must have." or "Through the force, things you will see." Jedi Initiates undergoing the Gathering include: Kiran, a reserved and introspective human male from an unknown world. Kiran was found abandoned as an infant on the steps of a temple and taken in by the Jedi. Kiran is deeply connected to the living Force, able to communicate with and manipulate plants and animals. Kiran has a gentle nature and prefers to avoid conflict, and is loyal. Kiran has blond hair which often falls into his gentle blue eyes. Curvaceous and confident, Nara is a Twi'lek female from the planet Ryloth. Nara possesses formidable strength and agility. Nara is outspoken and bold, often acting as the comic relief among the group. Nara's lekku are a vibrant purple, and she has a broad, friendly smile. Jaxus is a tall, lanky Zeltros male with iridescent blue skin and shimmering gold eyes. Jaxus is ambitious, selfish, and quick to point out the faults of his peers. Jaxus often ingratiates himself to senior Jedi, and attempts to boss around his peers. From the lush jungles of Zelos, Jaxus has the highest midi-chlorian count of the entire group of initiates, and believes this makes him better than the others. Thessalia, a serious human girl with pale skin and long black hair, was born on the planet Coruscant. Thessalia is highly intelligent and a strategic thinker who spends much of her free time meditating and communing with the force. Thessalia has the lowest midi-chlorian count of the group, thus she is technically the weakest force user however she makes up for her lack of raw power with discipline, knowledge and hard work. Despite Thessalia's outward show of quiet confidence, she struggles with self doubt and feelings of unworthiness. Despite coming across as cold and distant, Thessalia will always help those in need. All Jedi Initiates are 18 years old. The Jedi Code states that Jedi should not form strong emotional attachments to others, however sex is acceptable.