The Elite Trials
| Introduction |
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(JAWA) has never been a skill-based clan, but since the beginning we've found ways to recognize the skills of our most dedicated members. The rank of Elite was first introduced in 2005, and could be earned by passing a series of trials administered by the clan's most experienced members. It was joined by that of Master in 2007, and although the names, trials, and even number of ranks that could be earned this way have changed over time, these are the classic skill-based ranks of our clan. The Elite rank can be earned by members who have not yet received the rank of Lord, while members who have attained that rank will become Masters if they pass the trials. All trials involve lightsaber combat, as well as other skills, abilities, or knowledge that would be expected of a Jedi Knight or other Force user. Most trials incorporate tests of acrobatic skill, as well as various forms of armed and unarmed combat, elements of problem-solving, and miscellaneous topics designed to determine the range and depth of a trialist's skills. A fuller explanation is provided below. |
| The Trial Masters |
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| Trial Procedures |
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Active members who have attained the rank of Guardian or its equivalent in either the Jedi or Sith pathway may apply to take the trials by posting an application in the Trials subforum of (JAWA) Central. The Trial Masters will then discuss whether the applicant meets the criteria to be admitted to the trials: whether the applicant is sufficiently active to justify scheduling trials, whether the applicant's skills are sufficient for the applicant to have a reasonable chance of passing, and whether the applicant would be a good representative of the (JAWA) Clan, worthy of wearing the Elite or Master ranks. Each trialist will face three Trial Masters, who are selected from among the available masters at the time an application to take the trials is approved. While Trial Masters may reach out to trialists in order to schedule trials, it is the trialist's responsibility to arrange trials with the assigned masters at a convenient time. If a particular Trial Master cannot administer a trial at a convenient time, a substitute may be arranged. Trials may be paused and resumed or rescheduled to suit the availability of both the trialist and master. The results of each trial are not announced until all three trials have been completed. Trialists must pass two out of three trials in order to earn the Elite or Master ranks. As one might expect, the chief component of every trial is lightsaber combat. However, no trial is complete unless it tests multiple fields of skill, some of which inevitably go beyond combat. Most trials incorporate maneuvering and acrobatics, while many include elements of other skills, such a trialist's knowledge of ranged weapons, melee combat, piloting, teamwork, Force powers, problem-solving, and a general knowledge of the clan and its history. Every trial is different, and each Trial Master will have unique expectations of the trialist. While certain elements can be anticipated in any trial, trialists are not usually told what the elements of an upcoming trial will be, or which skills, abilities, or knowledge will be tested. For this reason, trialists with a wide range of skills are more likely to pass than those who excel in only one or two fields. |
| About the Trial Masters |
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Amongst the greatest honours accorded to members of the (JAWA) Clan are the ranks of Elite and Master. Anyone seeking these ranks must demonstrate both great skill and great commitment to the clan. Since the rebirth of the (JAWA) Clan in 2006, these members have had to undergo a series of Elite Trials, administered by members of the (JAWA) Council, whose own skills and knowledge of the game qualify them to stand as judges for those who desire to prove their ability. At the beginning of 2006, the Elite rank was called Master, and applicants had to face all members of the council. However, in February the council appointed three Trial Masters to oversee and simplify the process. The first Trial Masters were HI, Shinobi, and Chrono. Since then, the rank of Master was renamed Elite, and Master reconstituted as a separate rank above that of Disciple. In June, 2007, the trials were administered by four masters. The following month, the clan briefly experimented with a system in which all council members administered trials. However, by the end of July, the council decided to revert to the Trial Master system. The following members have served as Trial Masters since 2006. Those marked with asterisks (*) also held the ranks of Elite or Master during their time in the clan. |
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