The Way of the Ysalamiri - A Produce of Focus

[Lord Iezkon]

The Way of the Ysalamiri - A Produce of Focus

By Assistant Overseer A’tul

“Makashi, we have all delved into assessing this form through the archives, but little to none have stepped forwards to claim the true understanding of its unique properties. We are told of the precision, the swift and nimble behaviour that allows the blade to glide with each glancing strike. When read, the article within the archives reveals to us that this is referred to often as the ‘Duelists Form’ - It is correct. Yet, no-one has seemed to mention why, in the exact specifications of the form, does it provide jurisdiction to be referenced as such.”

“To understand the mannerisms of this form, one must understand the origin and the history of its development. Pull apart the pieces and study each in turn. An Ysalamiri. When gauging at others, I ask; ‘What do you know of this fascinating little creature?’ The answer is always the same. A Reptile, infamous for its ability to negate the force within the vicinity of a force user. Though not once did they refer to how this was possible. The creatures develop a bond, a unification and creation of a colony, relying on one another in thousands to provide a negative bubble over a distance of kilometers. Those who would step inside this bubble were subject to the wariness of a lack of connection to the force surrounding them. Making those within feel inflicted by mortality.”

“An Ysalamiri by themselves, in physiology, are nimble and swift creatures when it comes to catering to their ability. Infamous for the delicate mannerisms of which they swiftly negate the power of those opposed to them. Much like Makashi, it’s properties allow it to also swiftly negate those focused to the Force, and dispatch them with a sensation of elegance, making it an ideal form for those who seek to do so. Something many seem to overlook. The properties surrounding Makashi does not simply mean being exceptional in saber combat, for all it’s benefits, my most indulging to which I have tested on a personal level is the effect the foot-work, accompanied by the mannerism of emotion implemented into this form, specifically against Force Users. The frustration it brings them, as you hold all the key qualities and control of their power, whilst too being little more than brushed away due to the nimbleness of the foot-work it provides. In the end, they must come to you.”

“As for the saber properties of the form. As we have read, myself included, within the articles of the Sith, based on knowledge surrounding Makashi, it provides us a basic overview of the mannerism of which we should attack with the blade, once wielded in the form. A swift, glancing and precise nimbleness, to cater and exploit more sturn statures, and their grips on their blade, mostly viable against those more aggressive in their own variation. It is said to be catered more to those aligned in Form IV, Ataru. Whilst of-course true in the very principles of the development, there is more to it, that I have discovered than catering to a swift aggression.”

“In my time in House Horuset, I have studied and observed the forms of my opponents, but also those who fight one another. A common theme, and a common origin based around Form V, Djem So. It took sometime to properly analyse and assess the origins of those who use this form, but eventually it was clear that those wielding it used the baseline variation given to them by their master, or the specific origin. I have deduced that they have all studied from the same source, Lord Kalkoran. Whilst the technique is indeed good, it offers a sensation of predictability to me now, of which can be exploited. A vast array of students, not altering their form leads to such predictability.”

“With this example, I inform you of another benefit I have discovered when crafting my own variation of Makashi. The ability to adapt, the ability to focus and the chance of prediction of an enemies movements. Like liquid, a form flows within you, and then becomes part of you, your mind focuses and then you set yourself a swift and decisive strike in counteraction to the predictiveness of your opposition's stance. It is for this very example that I extend the knowledge to not delve directly into the forms focus, but in turn learn to understand other forms, the mannerisms of which they move, the predictability of their baseline. All must be accounted for before engaging your opponent.”

“With benefits, there are often flaws, like with all forms in combat. Makashi finds itself a form of focus, which leaves vulnerable to a multitude of opponents, but also to unpredictability of your opposition. To negate this issue, I have come to understand and observe others in their forms, evaluating the baseline observation within it. But unfortunately, this is not always possible. You must always be prepared for these circumstances, and there is no direct counter to unpredictability other than drawing your opponent towards you. Remaining focused and defensive as you study their form, study the manner of which they engage within it, gauge at their emotional state, their physical representation. Only time will provide you the delicate answer of which you seek.”

“For multiple opponents, I have developed my form into a variation of Jar’kai, which allows me more space, both defensively, and aggressively. In my studies against multiple opponents, I found that my ability to assess a situation far more advanced than many other species, has allowed me to pick up the access to a wide array of observation pinpoints of multiple opponents, or saber combatants. Whilst too remaining defensive, you must learn to utilize one opponent against the next, keeping spacing as-well as a line of vision that can exploit weakness within emotion. This works far more easily against the impatient manner of certain Sith I have encountered.”

“In conclusion. My study of Makashi, The Way of the Ysalamiri, has granted me much observation prowess as well as practical skill with my blades. A form, designed and catered around me, not only through physical attributes, but mentally and through my power with the force. I will only continue to excel as I have done as a saber combatant, and I will forever seek to grow in my ability with it. My advice to you all, is to do the same. Cater to your attributes, and cater to yourself.”

- Assistant Overseer A'tul, Apprentice to Lord Tarati


(*Post by Sierra/A'tul/Kayla V.*)