Saberstaff Theory & Application

[Hirak]

[Document is loaded onto the Horuset intranet under the signature of Lord Kalkoran]

Saberstaff Theory and Application 

“Whilst a terrifying weapon to behold, in the hands of a novice it is useless and in an expert’s destructive.”

The Fleet Metaphor 

Imagine that the single hilt lightsaber is akin to a terminus-class destroyer. A captain will train in drills, in the movement of its weaponry, its targeting and its ability to fend off similar class ships. Now take this example further with Jar’kai. A singular caption commandeering two destroyers, interweaving their firepower to overwhelm an opponent through the multiplying of the same destructive power. In the hands of the inexperienced commander, both Terminus are more likely to crash into one another than perform manoeuvres that crush opponents. 


The same method applies to the double bladed lightsaber. Akin to a Harrower-Dreadnought, they are physically terrifying, even with shortened hilts the two blades offer a visually stimulating problem. Much like the previous example, the Harrower and the Saberstaff offer double the firepower focused in one hilt. The two blades are able to take on multiple opponents, whilst also proficient in tackling a singular enemy too. Yet despite such advantages even one Terminus, if attuned appropriately against the size of the harrower, and the way its trajectory works, has the ability to outmaneuver its larger opponent. In essence, to give a child this kind of power is the same as offering them death; experience and practical application as well as the ability to adapt is not only important to learning the Saberstaff but vital.

Practical evolution of Saberstaff combat

Most are quick to point out that the hilt size of a saberstaff is its advantage and that one can only use one blade at a time. They are correct, of course, that novices of the style offer more danger to themselves than their enemy. In actuality, against a proficient user the blade speed and length offers versatility beyond that which a single blade can offer thanks to combat precognition. In essence, a saberstaff user who is very proficient in its use to expert level should only lose one way. I will explain this in due course but first a student in this art must learn history and method. 


 Jedi versus Sith: 


I am loathe to even discuss this as a matter of fact but it is a fact nonetheless - whilst one of the greatest Jedi of our era, Satele Shan, was a practitioner of double bladed lightsaber techniques, the passion and focus required to fully control the weapon is often better utilised in the hands of Sith. An example of this is the architect of the weapon, Exar Kun, and various other Sith Lords of the great Sith Empire like the now deceased Lord Verdan and Lord Rai.


The weapon itself is a siege weapon capable of attacking multiple foes. In the hands of an ataru specialist, the two blades become a whirling source of death, complimenting the forms lacking feel for multiple opponents in enclosed environments. A Jedi would seek to provide a shiim strike to take their opponent out but a Sith to maim and slash. In this sense it is a matter of practicality versus destructive capability. The weapon style is also perfectly suited to my favoured form, that of Form VII - also known as Juyo. This style is innately a Dark Sided lightsaber form and one that is incredibly potent in a Sith’s hands. The truth is that the Jedi could never master the Saberstaff for this very reason. 



Lengthened Staff, Lengthened Blade: 


Some great saberists of the generations of Sith and Jedi who have gone before our time have wielded a vast array of hilt types and plasma length to increase their opportunities during spars or battles. One of the notable features is the difference between a Makashi specialist hilt and a Djem So blade. The former being a curved hilt by design whilst the latter an extended hilt to provide space for two hands with a longer blade. The same applies to varying lengths of the saberstaff 


Ostensibly there are a few notable options. A lengthened staff hilt has been used by many including Sith Pureblood Vindican who helped reconquer Korriban. From records the blade hilt  itself was double the length of a regular lightsaber providing a reach that allowed for further range to be had on an opponent. In combat against multiple opponents, the vast arc at which one could wield this weapon offered an unbelievable advantage, especially if you were moving constantly. In a similar way Grand Master Satele Shan also was deadly with the blade, as demonstrated by the foolish demise of many Sith on Alderaan during the Galactic War. Lord Rai in particular crafted cortosis weave on his hilt to provide coverage over the exposed section of his longer hilt, which provided a vast ranging arc of coverage of body zones. 


Some critics of the saberstaff will explain the awkward nature of the hilts movement past the body as its prime weakness, and the way that extended hilt provides a prime opportunity in its movement to be slashed. This is, of course, a fallacy. The prime point in their argument is the idea that you are standing perfectly still. This is not how the saberstaff should be used. It is an extension of the body, with the option of a second blade and must be utilised as such. An adaptable weapon with an adaptable body. 


I myself own a weapon crafted in a similar fashion to the previous Lords, longer at the hilt and black in hue. Yet at both ends two crystals power it. Should the hilt be cut down the middle one end will still continue to work, powering the plasma to continue the fight. In theory, this could surprise an enemy almost as much as Tràkata. Of course, two is not needed but it is preferable for the intensity and control of the weapon. 

Notable Saberstaff Efficient Forms

The single hilt lightsaber allows the user to take into battle  a vast array of forms suiting their specific style of combat. The saberstaff is more limiting in its approach, offering a few that effectively work. Of course, standard Shii-Cho is the first form that is both useful on and off the battlefield. As the staff is a juggernaut, a weapon with reach and capability, the wide arcs of Form I and its applicable combinations allows for a greater purpose in defending against blaster fire and multiple opponents. In particular, when adjusting the body in a horizontal grip Shii-Cho can vastly change an opponent's viewpoint of your body zones to provide a wider scope of defence. In application against a single opponent's Jar’kai, a user of saberstaff Shii-Cho can isolate and treat the two singular blades as a multiple opponent, defend and interweave their combinations to provide an opportunity for a Sun Djem. 


Makashi in principle is an odd form to try with the saberstaff, although a bastardized variant can be used to an effect it would be following the linear movement pattern of the forms approach, whilst adapting with the second blades parameters for a Sun Djem alongside the weapon’s natural flourishes. 


As the weapon itself was originally crafted by the ancient Sith, it is by far an aggressive weapon. Soresu more than likely works, but for a Sith it is doubtful that this calm form would really allow for the best optimum use of its range and capabilities. A fall back for Jedi who are overwhelmed and nothing more, taking use of the singular hilt. 


Ataru is by far the most applicable form of saberstaff combat, alongside Niman and Juyo. Other form purists may believe the fallacy that true Ataru is unable to deal with multiple opponents and this is potentially true with a single hilt. However, the double blade allows a vast amount of battlefield control and movement, as long as one focuses on saber combat and does not exhaust themselves through excessive force power usage like lightning. Ataru’s main distinction is the application of the body as a weapon, focusing on weaving and dodging with the odd parry alongside aggressive strikes. An Ataru specialist's ability to get around an opponent's defenses with speed is important, combining this with the double lightsaber blades allows you to change your attack angle at will, providing a wider arc of aggression. An example of its use during the galactic war was through the means of Satele Shan, who cut down multiple opponents on the battlefield with the form’s aggression. Another example of this was Lord Haiyca Verdan who decimated countless foes with the high pressure caused with the twin blades. Both combatants provided their own style and capabilities, but both are inferior to what I offer.  


Djem So is inapplicable, but it's mindset can be mixed with other forms to provide a stable balance of aggression.


Niman is the chosen form of the Dark Jedi Exar Kun, who utilised his adapted blade to great effect. It was also practiced by both Vindican and Lord Rai effectively, spreading the style’s application of force powers alongside the defensive capabilities of Niman with the extended reach of their weapon in one hand. It combines all the individual strengths of the previous forms and channels them through singular wield use to perform deadly strikes. Imagine, if you will, that you have the saberstaff held in one hand with your other hand free for the application of the force; at least two sides of your body are covered with a greater reach than the single blade. Keeping an opponent off your centre and your inner guard offers the perfect defense for the use of force powers like push, pull or telekinesis, as well as the understanding of Sokan to tire an enemy. Niman is a form that is very difficult to master although it is easy to become a novice. Combining that with the length of time that the saberstaff requires, practicing both will see you become useful to Darth Horuset at a later stage. An ambitious Sith might attempt it, but you are wasting your time. I seek the total synchronization of weapon and body - Niman will not provide that. 


I have discussed the aggression of Ataru and its use of the body alongside the saberstaff which offers a distinct advantage, but Juyo has always been the most devastating saber form when paired with a Saberstaff. It is unpredictable and deceptive, the joy of battle and the unorthodox movements alongside skewed combinations make Juyo a potent force when applied through this weapon. Alongside the wider arc, the shifting grip and flourishes of the saberstaff, one can take on many opponents whilst ripping through their defensives like they were simply nothing. Much like Niman, a saberstaff user would need to drill themselves at the tempo required as well as be very aware of their blade at all times. Any fault in concentration will lead to death or cut limbs. As the most potent user of this form within the powerbase of Darth Horuset, I have spent many years training in this blade form. No other can boast my expertise and it is truly the most efficient way to destroy Jedi, Republic and rival alike. 

Rai Style Jar’kai

In a time past when Lord Saud, now Darth Horuset, was but a mere footnote on the Horuset annals, her counterpart Lord Rai developed a style of jar’kai that wielded the double bladed lightsaber in one hand with a singular hilt held in the off hand. This provided an avenue for the wielder to take on multiple opponents whilst also providing various series or combinations involving attack and defense. It is a form that Lord Kalkoran and I have spent time attempting to revive. I am sure that one day we will witness a new generation of Sith try but none will have seen its application the way I have. Perhaps I will find a student who can keep up eventually.


Much like the stories of Sith and Jedi who have taken up the weapons of their fallen comrades, the Rai Jar’kai involves the specific practice of the weapon angles and the manipulation of three blades as opposed to two. Concentration levels are required to wield its destructive capabilities, coupled with an awareness of your enemy. In the hands of a Sith, the emotional focus of your hatred is a prerequisite to channel the full ferocity of its capabilities. 

Sanguinis-Exar Kun style hilt 

The ancient Sith originated the Sith lightsaber or saberstaff and those who have perfected its use came after. Whilst many in our era and before have wielded a blade hilt that was long, there have been those who have a shorter hilt the same size as a singular blade. The length of the blades is still affected by the dual phase emitter, just without the longer clumsy hilt. Exar Kun was the first to attempt this when he refound the ancient weapon. Reports say he revealed it to his original master before slaying him. This shortened hilt is what made Exar Kun one of the greatest force wielding duelists to ever exist. It is his design that I aptly take to bolster my own style. 


The shortened blade can easily be wielded in one hand, and in two. With the shorter hilt the application of a Sun Djem to cut across the hilt is impractical and difficult beyond that of the longer hilt. With these augmented specifications and hilt style I am able to influence the weapon around my body to suit my style of fighting. With Ataru as my main form, the shortened hilt presses my attack with ease, allowing me the space to dodge and weave where necessary. Parrying is indeed easier as handle manipulation becomes tighter, more precise and not as stressed by the longer hilt. The application in Juyo makes the form accentuated in its ferocity. It allows me to take advantage of my environment in a far more devastating manner. The unpredictability of shifting hands, or the differing angles provides an issue for anyone on defense or even attacking you. I feel more adaptable, more agile and even stronger in this variant. However, it has taken years of toiling to create it and adapt it from the source. 


A similar feature in this hilt is the ability to retract and lengthen blade size at will, as well as switch on and off one plasma blade during combat. This should be drilled through the use of your passions and desire to deceive, as many are unworthy of standing toe to toe with a master of this variant. Whilst some might assume that a Sith cannot properly achieve the practicality of tràkata, a saberstaff wielder is very accustomed to its style and its capabilities within battle. The smaller hilt allows for an easier return to the single hilt should you wish and the application of a sudden extra blade in a saberlock. Many thighs and knees have been destroyed in combat against this style which often leads to their demise or the end of the duel. 

Physical Dun Möch

The physical representation of a saberstaff has a terrifying effect, not just because of the low threshold of successful users but due to the wildly unknown parameters that follow the blades twofold action. Much like an imperial battle tank, the imposing size of the weapon is enough to make even the most hardened saber user feel a sudden jerking sensation in their nerves. A Sith must culminate on this. In fact, unless one is a distinguished blademaster one would actually have very little contact with the weapon itself especially if the design is abnormal much like Kun’s or my own weapon offers. Never forget this fact because even if your enemy pretends that they are unphased, most will be totally oblivious to what you can do. 


I have learned many things during my time as a Sith Lord, both as an apprentice to two Darth Horusets and as a master of pathetic wannabes: no one likes surprises. An example of this can be seen in Vodo-Siosk Baas, Jedi Master to Exar Kun, who when confronted by his former pupil was unprepared for the reveal of the ancient sith weapon style despite being a excellent and renowned master duelist. Some might attribute this to Kun’s distinct style being superior and that he was the greatest combatant of that era but the truth is the reveal of the second blade itself is enough to cause mental injury. 

Disadvantages 

If you consider yourself a true practitioner of this style and are even a competent Sith, then there will be ZERO disadvantages. I am aware, however, that many of you thrive under my shadow and are unable to see that which I do. 


Sadly, in order to make this a true lesson I will need to make the average combatant aware of what you give up by traveling down this path. As with any stave, there is a front and a back and both move simultaneously. Consider your orbits carefully as you move each side as the other will follow. For the weak, this will mean accidental death or destruction - an unrefined tool is often a useless one. For the general apprentice, it will be an entirely new frontier as you navigate your attack orbits whilst trying to be efficient in your movement. Footwork is important. A basic understanding of Form IV: Ataru will bolster your comprehension. 


There is also a sweet spot, depending on point of view, when you rotate the blade horizontal past your body. At this point, the blade is perfect for being cut in two, short circuiting at least one of the blades depending on design. 


Understanding and knowing these restraints will provide you with many solutions and many opportunities to take your opponents either by surprise or adapt to knowledge they won’t possess. The saberstaff is an alien weapon to most who barely consider its principles. This can be your greatest weapon.

CONCLUSION

There are none alive who have fought the battles I have fought with this weapon, nor had the tutelage from some of those people considered a master. However, I have transcended them. I have heard their teachings and listened, adapted as a Sith should but gone beyond. I am an innovator who has repurposed a weapon created by a Dark Lord once Jedi and made it part of the Dark Side’s arsenal. Follow my teachings and you too will be useful. Darth Horuset has no need for failure. 

- Lord Sanguinis, Fist of the Horuset Powerbase. 

[The entry ends and you exit this document.]