Sandblade

[Men'Tan Zeran]

Full name: Men'tan Zeran

Species: Ferret

Age: 25

Sex: male

Assignment/Location: Tatooine

Place of Birth: Ferrex

Parents:
Father ----> Men'kren Zeran
Mother ----> Trianatan Zeran

Education: Jedi schooloing

Marital Status: single

Background: Was taken into the Jedi order shortly after being born into a middle class family on his homeworld of Ferrex. He was a powerful Jedi until he realised what his life had cost him. He left the Jedi order to pursue his own dreams. Since leaving the Jedi order, he has made a life for himself being a mercenary on Tatooine. He was so good at the job that one man he worked for called him The Warior in the Sand, or Sandblade. He still uses this title, for he feels it suits him. He never takes a job from someone with un honorable intentions. He no longer wields light sabers, as he feels that something that only a Jedi should do, he also only uses the Force when he needs to.

Quote: "I left the Jedi order to live my own life, why does it always seem like I'm getting myself pulled back into their wars?"

[Men'Tan Zeran]

And here's a quick little picture of him:

[Binary the Great]

Alright... Not to bad on the first read through, just a few things to think about:

Why, exactly, did he leave when millions of other Jedi throughout the millenia decided to remain despite the same temptations? Did Men'tan catch himself falling to the Dark Side and swear off using his force-borne abilities? What of Jedi wanting to bring him back into the fold and Sith or Dark Jedi that would want to corrupt him once more or kill him?

Also, does it have to be Tatooine? Plenty of planets have deserts and beaches that also have sand. Further, you should develop the mercenary part more. Is he magically the galaxy's greatest mercenary? Does he have a rocky start-up or fall in with a guild until he can work more on his own? Does his former connection with the Jedi hurt his non-Jedi work any (tipping off enemies, etc). Also, what especially made the employer desire to name him 'Sandblade' more than anything else? Was it pure drive, or courage through adversity, or did Men'tan slaughter Jawas from dawn through dusk?

[Men'Tan Zeran]

For the reason he left the Jedi order.... I think that he left believing that it was what was best for him, though he does at times miss being a Jedi. As for why Tatooine? That just felt like a good place. (I don't know of any other desert planets, and I'm too lazy to make one up). And why the name Sandblade? Two reasons: One, he had amazing power with his weapons (they are called crystal blades) and he does more work out actually in the desert than gaurd duty. Second, I just like the name sandblade. (I have two non Star Wars characters also named Sandblade, as well)

[Binary the Great]

Back to the Jedi Order, I still think your reasoning is rather weak for leaving. Again, millions of Jedi have undergone similar and harder trials than you've outlined and not left the order 'because it was better for them' or any other reason. Maybe Men'tan did something to be expelled and, through circular reasoning, felt that he left and it was better that way for him?

As for the location, he needn't stay in one place, ne? Perhaps he's worked some in the Arra Desert on Sorrus, or the Derelkoos Desert on Klatooine? Maybe even the Kirdan Desert of Kirdo III or the E'Y-Akh Desert on Geonosis? *sigh* There's plenty of places beyond the 'Tatooine desert, Endor/Yavin forest, etc' if you just look. View Here

Also, I was referring more to the exposition behind the name and not so much whether or not you liked it (that was rather obvious in the fact you chose to use it). You'll need to expand further on where these crystalline blades have come from; the only ones I'm aware of are Sith alchemy (which would, amusingly enough, be gounds for expulsion from the Jedi Order). Also, would he be equally skilled with a vibroshiv, or do these blades enhance his ability?

[Men'Tan Zeran]

I don't yet know why he left the Jedi order, still working on that (made up the bio on the fly) The blades do not give him enhanced skill, but because of their design, he would not be equally as skilled with a vibroshiv. (i will draw them in time) As to what they are made of, they are a rare crystal that forms on his homeworld that when properly tempered, can cut through metal plating, and deflect most lasers. (just enough to be able to stop a lightsaber, but not enough to prevent it from shattering from a particularly strong strike with said lightsaber)

[Binary the Great]

I can understand the desire to have a lightsaber without having one, Hon. I've been there myself, but I will say that only Sith alchemy, cortosis, and the amphistaff (and I think that last one is rather contrived) have actually stopped a lightsaber. Even Mandalorian metal does little more than slow it down by a little. To say there's a new crystal that can hold a candle to a lightsaber is re-writing what a lightsaber can do. I'd strongly advocate reconsidering on that point.

[Men'Tan Zeran]

Okay, fine, can't stop a lightsaber, but still can cut through metal(if sharp enough) and can still deflect arrows.

[Men'Tan Zeran]

It'a not very good, but this is what his blades look like, except more detailed. (It's too late to do any better)

[Binary the Great]

Deflecting arrows is just fine. ^__^ Not too many arrows tend to be used in Star Wars. As for blasters, they would need but be coated with the proper (highly expensive) material to deflect the bolts, and they would still be worthless against stun coils. The crystalline nature should make it alright to cut average durasteel when sharpened properly and swung fast enough, though armor-grade metals are much more durable (Qui-Gon's lightsaber was cutting a like metal, though VERY slowly).

Also, were you looking for the design to resemble Japanese kama?

[Men'Tan Zeran]

... That makes sense. No I was not, more like the punching blades that were used in the King Arthur movie.

[Binary the Great]

www.trueswords.com/images/prod/c/TS-RIDDICK_540.jpg

Is that more along the design of what you're looking for?

[Men'Tan Zeran]

Along those lines, yes. But I mostly suck at freehand on paint. (my avatar was a total surprise to me!)