The Seven Forms

Description

Form V was created by Form III masters who desired a more offensive style, since the defensive nature of Form III could lead to prolonged combat, sometimes dangerously. It evolved into an accepted style by combining the defensive maneuvers of Form III with the more aggressive philosophy and tactics of Form II. Form V also requires a higher level of physical strength than the other lightsaber forms, due to its focus on complete domination of opponents. The form was developed alongside Form IV at a time when the Jedi were increasingly called upon to actively keep the peace.

Some Jedi, noting its dedication to domination and strength, feel that Form V encourages an inappropriate focus on controlling others. Others, including noted lightsaber combat instructor Cin Drallig, were cautiously neutral about the form. However, its proponents maintained that Form V is an effective and powerful tool for the Jedi Order.

Form V has two distinct variations: Shien and Djem So, and most users have a preference for one or the other.

Shien

To the Jedi of the ancient Republic who developed and employed the classical Form V, Shien, the form was known as the Perseverance Form. Shien is described as being well adapted to guarding against blaster fire and enemy strikes without compromising one's ability to launch powerful counterattacks, though it is less effective against a single opponent. Shien is known to have existed at least as early as the Jedi Civil War. With its focus against blaster fire, Shien keeps in mind that Jedi are often outnumbered by their opponents and need to defend themselves while retaining offensive capability.

Additionally, there is an ancient Sith variant of this classic lightsaber form called Sith Shien. Sith Shien is known to focus on quick and aggressive attacks against the user's opponent.

Djem So

Djem So was the creation of a group of Form III masters who felt that Soresu was too passive. It addresses the shortcomings of Form III, in which a Jedi Master may prove to be unbeatable but is likewise unable to overcome a skilled opponent. Utilizing a combination of blocks and parries, a Djem So user maintains a proper foundation in terms of defense against both ranged and melee attacks. While a Soresu user stays on the defensive, however, and only counterattacks when necessary or when an opening appeared in his opponent's defense, a Djem So practitioner is not nearly so passive. Immediately after defending against an opponent's strike, a Djem So stylist will follow with an attack of their own, bringing the force of the opponent's own blow against them and seeking to dominate the duel. Djem So places a heavy focus on brute strength and pure power, with wide, powerful strikes and parries followed immediately by counterattacks.

Known Moves and Maneuvers

The Shien opening stance is a high guard position, with the hilt held in a two-handed grip above the user's head, and the blade angled upwards and behind the user. The dominant leg will be back, enabling powerful step-through strikes to be utilized. Another Shien position consists of an unorthodox horizontal attack stance which is used to perform long, sweeping strikes to take down several enemies at a time. Shien users are also proficient in a maneuver referred to as the "Barrier of Blades", which defends the user from blasterfire and redirects some of the incoming blasts. "Shien Deflection" is another technique familiar to users of that Form V variant, allowing practitioners to simultaneously deflect weapons fire and leap towards an opponent.

The Djem So attack stance consists of holding the lightsaber above the head, angled back and down at an approximately forty-five degree angle. The characteristic Djem So attack is dubbed the "Falling Avalanche", an overhand power blow that crashes down upon an opponent with incredible force. Djem So users also employ a tactic known as the "Fluid Riposte", which involves a smooth transition from parrying an attack to a counterstrike.

Djem So Lightsaber Design

Lightsabers belonging to Djem So practitioners sometimes have a solid casing (either as a whole or in multiple sections for maximum protection against power surge deterioration) and a heavily shrouded or beveled blade emitter. The beveled emitter is designed to designate separate facets of the blade for either offensive or defensive purposes. Their hilts also commonly include ridged, occasionally thick, hand grips, as Djem So requires its users to maintain a solid grip on the lightsaber hilt.

However, many types of weapons can be wielded effectively by Form V practitioners, even curve-hilted lightsabers, weapons traditionally associated with Form II, as demonstrated by Darth Bane. Bane noted that curved lightsabers fit better into the palm, allowing greater power without costing precision. They also alter the angle of attacks ever so slightly, which gave Bane a unique dueling style, one that his opponents were not usually prepared to meet. Other weapon types wielded by Form V practitioners include lightsaber pikes, as shown by the Shien practitioner Kazdan Paratus, or saberstaffs, as shown by the Jedi Master Zez-Kai Ell.