(ITEMS IN RED ARE PERSONAL IDEAS ON THE QUOTATIONS FROM THE DEVS)

"You won't be able to wear a Jedi robe unless you've become a Jedi."
Haden, June 2001

So they will have Jedi types of robes in the game.  This might be a possible item that can be crafted by Jedi only maybe?  These robes will probably look similar to hooded robes seen on Nomads and the such.

"HandofThrawn & VanHorn, we've already stated that it will be very hard to become a Jedi. We don't plan to randomly choose Jedis or put in a hard cap thereby making it impossible for some to ever get there. We do intend for it to be really really hard. Not necessarily ‘hardcore’ though, meaning a more casual player can still become a Jedi. Blade--yes, Jedi is distinct from Force sensitive. That is how it is in the continuity, therefore that is how it is in the game."
Raph, Jan 2001

Jedi will not be “hand picked” by Developers/CSR as they will not be random.  Nor are they going to limit servers by placing a cap on how many Jedi can be on the server.  Casual players can get the Force Slot as it does not require you to be a hardcore gamer to get it.  Jedi will be different then Force Slot.  So one would assume you will have the choice of going Jedi or not if you do open your slot.

"Lightsabers will have all the same capabilities as those seen in the film, but a lightsaber doesn't automatically confer special abilities to the wielder - a Jedi will still need the proper skills and training to master things like ‘blaster reflection.’"
Haden, Jan 2001

Lightsabers will allow you to do the same things as seen in the films, but you will have to “learn” the skills needed to do some of the special moves.  This leads us to believe that their will be a set skill tree or trees regarding Saber Skills.

"Yes. Any character, regardless of species, has the potential to become a Jedi."
Haden, Jan 2001

Each player no matter what they do has the potential to open their force slot.

"We're assuming, for now, that a Jedi could wear heavy armor (although it might restrict movement to some degree)"
Haden, Feb 2001

Jedi will be allowed to wear armor such as everyone else (ubese, composite, etc) though they might place a mod on the skills with which the Jedi can do things.  Such as a –15 mod to Saber Skills for wearing composite.  As an example.

"You're guessing wrong. It doesn't play a major role in determining who becomes a Jedi. It could play some role for some players, but not everyone who role-plays will become a Jedi, and some players who do become Jedi may have never role-played at all."
Haden, Feb 2001

The Developers/CSR have no tracking in place to determine who Role-Plays or who doesn’t.  So this is not a factor in determining the opening of your FSCS.

"Role-playing is not a limiting factor to becoming a Jedi. Hope that's clear enough now."
Haden, Feb 2001

The Developers/CSR have no tracking in place to determine who Role-Plays or who doesn’t.  So this is not a factor in determining the opening of your FSCS.

"Darfnader has an interesting thread going on whether lightsabers will cause instant kills... in general, we're trying to avoid instakills, because they're susceptible to lag. So our thinking has been centered around, ‘if it's what we normally think of as instakill, then it should be a few solid hits.’ That should provide enough of a buffer to be playable while still giving the sense of massive power."
Raph, Feb 2001, retained for the amusement factor

You will not be able to instant kill most players with your lightsaber.

"We'll we're really keeping Jedi, the Jedi System, under wraps right now because we want Jedi to be rare and mysterious in the game. We want it to feel like it does in the movies where Jedi are kind of a rare breed. We will say that really the core of it is becoming Force Sensitive. Once you become Force Sensitive your progression through the Jedi ranks is pretty straight forward and follows a lot of the rules we've established already for some of our other skill systems. But the Force Sensitivity aspect is the thing that we're not really talking about. We do have a system in place, it takes into account a wide range of variables, it's different for every player, and no player is excluded from it, so you can't make a wrong choice when you're making up your character that will keep you from becoming a Jedi. That's not the way it works. Everybody has an equal opportunity."
Haden, XGR Interview

Once you become Force Sensitive then it is really an “open” path as to what is expected regarding the rules of raising up in level as a Jedi.  A lot of the rules for normal players apply.  This leads one to think that the skill trees and trainers are similar as far as that aspect goes.  The system that is currently in place for becoming FS has a wide range of variables, so no one thing will allow you to become a Jedi.  You can’t be excluded while making up your character, but certain things may disqualify you later on as your character grows.  Everybody has an equal opportunity to becoming FS.

“EP: How do you address Force powers and other Jedi tidbits?

HB: Jedi is classified as a profession, since we've taken Force powers and grouped them into skill sets, that can only be accessed once you've followed in Luke's footsteps. We're not revealing how you can become a Jedi, ever, but people will eventually catch on. You can't just start as one, it has to be earned through a relatively mysterious process. There will be some skill involved, probably a little bit of luck. Not everyone who attempts to become a Jedi will, that's just the plain and simple truth. Some people who never thought they'd be a Jedi may become Force sensitive...it's all just based on their actions--there's a definite progression. Your activities can and will affect this process, and likewise, certain things may disqualify you.”
Haden, Electric Playground Interview, Dec 2001

Jedi is set as a type of profession and the skills are set up into sets.  This is the same as if you were just playing a regular profession.  So one could safely assume that you will require a trainer and skill points.  You can not just start as a Jedi once your FS is open, you will have to earn it through a type of mysterious process.  You will need skill to complete the process, and a little luck.  It is based on the actions of your character and there is a definite progression.  You can be disqualified by certain activities if you are not careful.

"In terms of the Jedi system and information about it, if we find that we're being too restrictive, we can always loosen up later - it's much more difficult to tighten controls after launch."
Haden, IGN Interview

They may loosen up regarding information on the system later on as time passes if they feel that it is being too restrictive.

"Lastly, a few pages back Bajeezus had a thread about whether or not being Force-sensitive would be common. The answer is no, that will be very very very rare too. Not as rare as Jedi, since many Force-sensitives won't make it to Jedi, but still very very very rare."
Raph, April 2001

This quote leads us to think that you don’t start as a Jedi when you become Force Sensitive.  That even though being attuned with the force is rare, Jedi will be rarer.

"Just to answer DarthJeedian's issue on ‘still being worked out’--the core system on how people would become Force sensitive and eventually Jedi was worked out as part of that master design doc that Lucas approved several months ago. There are still small details to be sorted out, but we're progressing through that; meaning, I could theoretically explain the system to you right now. We also already built the Jedi skill tree. Sure, stuff is subject to change, but I don't see it as likely that we'll redesign the whole system."
Raph, April 2001

Jedi skill trees are involved which further back up the theory that you will have skill trees, skill points, and a trainer.  Very similar to average professions. 

"Jedi in this game are definitely intended for the powergamer achiever types, it’s the ultimate challenge the game has to offer, and the ultimate power reward the game has to give. In many ways we did explicitly model it after hardcore mode in Diablo II."
Raph, April 2003

Jedi are meant for hardcore gamers to achieve as a ultimate reward.  Though the casual player could get it, it will probably take them a considerably longer amount of time to do so.  They modeled it similarly to Diablo II and it’s Hardcore Mode.

"3) Players will *not* start out as Jedi out of the box. You can *not* buy the game and ‘choose’ Jedi like you'd choose your species. I think that was pretty clear in my post and has been clear for months now... This has to do with continuity insofar as we wanted Jedi to be rare and mysterious, and wanted to make becoming a Jedi difficult, all of which fits with the continuity. From a design pespective, we wanted to make the path hard to scoop."
Haden, Sep 2001

They created it so you could not chose instantly to become a Jedi and created a design that would be hard to recreate or scoop.

"4) I don't see characters ‘becoming’ Jedi during this time period a contradiction because we have a mechanic in place that makes sense given the continuity. We're not sharing it yet, but the way that a Force sensitive goes about becoming a Jedi makes sense."
Haden, Sep 2001

This quote is very interesting as it is mysterious.  The way the system is set up makes it so it would follow along a particular storyline within the game.  Not necessarily anything that is been in the SW universe before, but will make sense.  Such as the theories regarding the Holocrons will teach you or the “hidden” Jedi on multiple planets.  All of these things could make good sense regarding the timeline that this is based on.

"Jedi: Nobody can choose to be a Jedi out of the box. This was a conscious decision that we made in an attempt to preserve the continuity. While it’s clear that there are some Jedi lurking around, there aren’t thousands of them, and a shard/galaxy is likely to have a ‘realistically’ small number of Jedi."
Haden, Sep 2001

This lets us know that they do in fact have interactive Jedi that are “lurking” or hidden in the game.  Though there are not a lot of them, they do exist.  One of these such Jedi are the two that are located on Dantooine at the temple of the Jedi.

"Basically, becoming a Jedi is meant to be a major achievement in the game. Without giving away too much, by achieving specific things in the game with one character, you can basically unlock a second, ‘Force Sensitive’ character slot on that same server. We're not revealing how this second character slot is achieved (although I'm sure players are going to figure it out, probably more quickly than we anticipate, and post the ‘secret’ online). Your Jedi character lives in a world of constant danger, and when a Jedi dies, he's permanently dead (your other characters will respawn at a cloning facility). Jedi are also targets for NPCs and potentially other players. This will make surviving as a Jedi long enough to advance to Jedi Knight or Jedi Master status very difficult."
Haden, IGN Interview

Your FSCS will be opened through your “Main Character” through achieving certain things with that character.  It will unlock a second Force-Sensitive character slot on that same server.  When your Jedi dies, he/she is perma-dead.  Jedi will be targets for NPC (Mara Jade, Boba Fett, etc.) and potentially for other players.  Potentially sounds as if it means that certain things you do with your character (lightsaber, force powers, etc) will attract attention making you have a TEF.

"We know that players are going to master the Jedi system eventually, and that's probably fine as the servers mature. However, at least initially, we really wanted Jedi to be scarce both to serve continuity and design. During this time period, there aren't very many Jedi out in the galaxy, so it didn't feel right to have most of the player base become Jedi (which would be the case if Jedi were a starting option or even moderately easy to obtain in-game). We also didn't want to ‘dumb down’ Jedi in order to balance them against other types of characters. Jedi are portrayed in the films (especially the prequels) as incredibly powerful and skilled. We knew that Jedi didn't necessarily need to start out as formidable as the film Jedi, but they needed the potential to become that powerful. So, they need to be rare so they don't completely unbalance the game. Finally, we really wanted a significant goal for players to achieve in the game, something that might be considered the pinnacle of achievement. Becoming a Jedi Master is going to be both difficult and rewarding, and I imagine that playing as a Jedi character will become part of the elder game."
Haden, IGN Interview

This quote just restates as to why they are making Jedi rare.  It also informs you a little bit on to how the Jedi will relate to other classes, as they will be more powerful then any other class in the game.

"They will be very hard to become, and very very very rare. And we will continue to adjust the system to keep it that way. (I know, here I go tantalizing ya withuot any concrete details again... )"
Raph, Dec 2000

The Developers may change the “system” on becoming a Jedi in the future to keep the Jedi rare.

"We will not be choosing who is Force sensitive randomly. If we did this, everyone would be Force sensitive because they'd all try over and over until they got it."
Raph, April 2001

The Developers will NOT be hand picking players.  This removes the theories that the Developers will be walking around handing it out to random players, random selection at character start, etc.

"We will not be letting players choose to be Force sensitive at character creation. If we did this, everyone would be Force sensitive because who's gonna turn down power if it's offered on a platter?"
Raph, April 2001

Quote explains itself.

"We will not be making Force sensitivity be dependent on time invested. If we did this, everyone would be Force sensitive eventually."
Raph, April 2001

To become Force-Sensitive will not rely on the amount of time you have played or been in-game.

"Everyone can potentially become a Force-sensitive individual and eventually a Jedi."
Raph, April 2001

Everyone has an equal chance at becoming a FS character and on to the eventual Jedi status.

"We're not disclosing how we plan to do this, but I do think that given these four pieces of information, all you smart folks on this board can puzzle it out--and these aren't new pieces of information, either, you've had them for quite a while."
Raph, April 2001 (re; above)

A very mysterious post regarding the four previous hints given by Raph.  He states that the smart folks should be able to puzzle it out from just these four hints and that the hints themselves are nothing we didn’t already know.

"Oh, and just to restate--we believe our system meets all the above and still makes Force sensitivity very very very rare."
Raph, April 2001

The system that is in place meets all the above requirements for the “four hints” and still makes becoming FS very rare.

"Lastly, because so many want to be a Jedi, we have to let everyone TRY. But it's going to be very very very difficult, and hence Jedi will be very very very rare"
Raph, April 2001

Once again, everyone will have an equal opportunity to become FS and to eventually become a Jedi.

"The game will never bar you from being a Jedi. It remains achievable at all times. [...] I think the ‘anyone can be President’ analogy is actually a pretty good one..."
Raph, April 2001

This states that the game will never bar you from being a Jedi, yet doesn’t give any information on if certain things might slow down the process or hinder you in certain ways.  Though becoming FS may be achievable at all times, it does not necessarily mean that doing certain things will make you have to “repent” and fix problems you may cause for yourself.  An example for instance, you kill a townsperson by accident, to fix this you may have to run 5 good focused missions for townspeople. 

"Being a Jedi is not the end goal of the game. It is a way of playing the game whilst on the WAY to a goal. A way that many of you wish to pursue, which is great. It's also a way that many of you may not be able to pursue. We have ALWAYS stated that Jedi would be very rare. The only new piece of information you got today was that force sensitivity would likewise be rare."
Raph, April 2001

Many people may not be able to pursue becoming a Jedi.  This area is quite secluded on the meaning behind what is being said and is easily misinterpreted.  Not being able to pursue has many different meanings.  One might be that you can be hindered, as stated above, from doing your “checklist” to becoming a Jedi.  Another, might mean that certain things will so greatly hinder you that it will become highly improbable that you will become a Jedi or even FS after that point.  Once again, a good hint that is generally misread.

"Is the game going to exercise a degree of control over whether you become a Jedi? Absolutely. After all, it also exercises a degree of control over whether you become anything else in the game. Will those who wish to become Jedi be able to work towards it? Yes. Will they for sure make it? No, it is not guaranteed. But the opportunity is always there should they decide to travel that rough road. We intend to keep Jedi rare, and we will tweak the system on an ongoing basis to ensure that they stay that way (again, something we have stated before). Yes, it is our *opinion* that Jedi will be very very very rare, but we're also planning on working until they ARE because otherwise we would not be faithful to Star Wars. (And yes, we believe we can make it fun to boot). BTW, being a Jedi or Force sensitive in the time period the game is set in ain't no picnic."
Raph, April 2001

A good quote with decent information, some of which we already knew.  They once again emphasis on the rarity of the Jedi in the game, but again state that the opportunity is always there.  They again inform us that they will tweak on the “Jedi/FS system” to ensure that they stay rare.

"I only answered what seemed to be a very simple question, which was ‘is everyone going to be Force sensitive.’ The answer is, basically, ‘No.’"
Raph, April 2001

Quote explains itself.

"There will, without a doubt, be people who buy this game because they want to become Jedi and the fact that those players can't choose a ‘Jedi’ class out of the box is worrisome to me. I never really think ‘Gee, I hope we're not making Jedi too common’ (although Raph probably does), but the thought that we're making them too rare makes my stomach tie itself into knots."
Haden, May 2001

A self opinion quote by Haden regarding his point of view on Jedi rarity.

"No. Definitely not. There's no ‘camping’ involved in the Jedi equation. In fact, staring at a wall or repeating any action over and over again is totally antithetical to the methods for becoming a Jedi."
Haden, May 2001

A great quote that dispels sooooooo many theories and rumors floating on the boards.  It states to you that NO CAMPING is involved.  No waiting for special badge mobs to spawn, no time orientated mobs waiting to spawn, and none of the such types of camping that make Everquest a popular game.  It just isn’t involved people.  Staring at a wall or repeating an action over and over again (killing dark jedi, tipping people money, etc) is totally opposite of what is needed to become a Jedi.  So one could assume (such a deadly word) that you have to do single acts while exploring to make your way down the path.  As those would be the types of things that would be opposite of the repeat action and staring theory.

"See below for more on this, but basically there's no way that the PA members or the Jedi hopeful could determine how close that character is to becoming a Jedi, or what that character needs to do to achieve Jedi status."
Haden, May 2001

Simple enough, there is no way to tell how close someone is to becoming a Jedi or what that character will need to do to achieve status.  As of right now that is.  In the far future the formula might be scooped and then it would be easier to determine “most” of the factors needed therein to become a FS or Jedi.

"Will Jedi rarity be enforced, or simply delayed? Delayed, but hopefully ‘delayed indefinitely’. We've already stated that we don't want to put numeric caps on the Jedi population, so we won't enforce rarity. We're hoping that the system does keep Jedi rare over the long haul, but in a fairly organic way. Again, Beta will start to prove if we are right in our assumptions."
Haden, May 2001

The Developers state that they don’t want to place Numeric Caps, but not that they won’t.  So if things do seemingly get out of hand this might be a temporary fix for them in the far future.  They are simply stating that they hope the system they have in place will keep them rare enough that they won’t have to do this.  Also, a reference is made to beta at the end of the quote.  Possible that meant for their internal testing?

"In terms of the ‘mysterious’ part of the equation, even the Jedi herself probably won't know exactly how she got there."
Haden, May 2001

Quote explains itself.

"Create a system that can't be ‘scooped’ and described on a spoiler site in detail. Again, I think this is covered in our current system. No two Jedi will have achieved that status in exactly the same way, and many players who become Jedi might not know exactly how they did so. Even if a player could pinpoint how she became a Jedi, there's no guarantee that another player would receive the title by following the same path."
Haden, May 2001

Again, another mysterious quote.  No two Jedi will have achieved that status in the exact same way.  Many won’t even know how they got there.  Even if we do figure it out, it won’t guarantee that another player can get it in the same way.

"Create a system that has the right amount of chance in the right places. We could have opted for a ‘random’ Force tag upon character creation, but then players would just keep creating characters until they became Jedi. We didn't want the flip side of that, where a player is just walking along one day and *ding* they're suddenly infused with the Force out of the blue because they were selected randomly. Chance does play a part in the system, but in a way that makes sense and seems well-balanced (ah, Beta)."
Haden, May 2001

Very interesting quote, one of my favorites.  The right amount of chance in the right places.  They state that chance does play a part in the system.  If not a large part then a small part in the very least.  But, in the way that it is place inside the system in makes sense and is well-balanced.  Meaning it is balanced enough that hardcore and softcore will be able to have this type of chance equally.  Making sense will mean that it follows a particular storyline with how to become the Force-Sensitive.  Remember, there are Jedi around.  Many of them lurking in hidden places at this time in the story.  Yoda, Obi-wan, and even the two on Dantooine near the temple.  Though their may not be thousands of them, they are around.

"Star Wars Galaxies will have both Force sensitives and Jedi. Up until this point, we've been using the terms interchangeably, but we would like to call out the fact that both types of characters will exist. In my post yesterday, I made mention of ‘becoming a Jedi will be blah blah blah,’ when, in fact, it would probably be more correct to state ‘becoming Force sensitive will be....’"
Haden, May 2001, amending above comments

Haden corrects himself regarding his wording on the Jedi vs. FS meanings.

"Becoming Force sensitive will be rare and mysterious. Capitalizing on that Force sensitivity to become a basic Jedi will be difficult and also a bit mysterious. Once a player attains the status of ‘Jedi,’ progression within the Jedi ranks will be pretty straightforward."
Haden, May 2001

Quote explains itself.

"The new slot is on the same server as the character which unlocked the Jedi slot."
Raph, Jan 2003

The new character that you will create which is imbued with the Force will be created on the same server that your main character which unlocked it is located.

"Most of you will never make it to blue glowy. You'll die. Trust me. If we do it right, most of you will never make it to Padawan."
Raph, Jan 2003

Again the reminder of the difficulty of the path of a Jedi.

"We're not revealing how you unlock a Force sensitive character slot, but anyone can do it (eventually)"
Haden, Apr 2003

Again, each player is given equal chance on unlocking this.

"Force sensitive people get pvp temporary enemy flags (TEFs) when they use their powers, and there are some additional rules to it, but I do not think you are 24/7 pvp, depending on how you play your character of course."
Q-3P0, Feb 2003

A good tidbit of information.  If you use your force powers or some additional rules (probably having lightsaber out, etc) then you get a TEF. 

"Q: What is a blue glowie, and what can a blue glowie do?
A: They glow. And they chat. They are a trophy. "
Raph, Feb 2003

Quote explains itself.

"Q: What are the capabilities of ‘Blue Glowies’?
A: They can chat, and they glow!"
Raph, Feb 2003

Quote explains itself.

"A Jedi isn’t really a ‘character’ in the sense that your main is. He has more in common with Crash Bandicoot than he does with a roleplayed personality. He starts out weak like any newbie, but permadeath enabled. You’re gonna start him over dozens and dozens of times. And he’s going to spend his life in hiding. This is simply put the toughest thing to do in the game."
Raph, Feb 2003

Your Jedi (FSCS) starts out weak like any other newbie in the game, but they are permadeath from the start of it.  You will learn how to hide with your character because of this.

"Q: What are the odds of unlocking a Force Sensitive character slot? For example, out of 100 people, how many will unlock the slot after 3 months of casual play?
A: After three months of casual play? Zero."
Raph, Feb 2003

Again the rarity of the situation.

"I’ll state that I believe that there will be a ‘recipe’ that any character can follow that will probably guarantee that you unlock the slot. But with average play times per week, the recipe should take approximately a year."
Raph, Feb 2003

Interesting quote that explains itself.

"That slot will have permadeath regardless of what the character in that slot is doing."
Raph, Feb 2003

Even if you chose not to follow the path of a Jedi, you still are permadeath with that slot.

"You’re only attackable by non-enemies for a few minutes after you use a Jedi power. The life of a Jedi during this time period is definitely one of living in hiding, and choosing the right moment to use your powers. If you attract too much attention, you’ll not only risk attacks by other players (that should be the LEAST of your worries—a Jedi Knight can pretty much take out a whole group of players) but by NPCs that Darth Vader sends against you. And THOSE will definitely be a challenge. Let me know how you do against Mara Jade in one on one combat."
Raph, Feb 2003

Your TEF is only a few minutes long.  You can attract attacks from people such as Mara Jade, Boba Fett, and more as far as NPC are concerned.  Player Characters will be of little worry as a Jedi Knight will be able to handle a group of players with ease.

"Correct. But I'd also say that there are aspects of the game that you have to play in certain ways to get to. There are some experiences the game has that are PvP only. There are some that are nonPvP only too. There's other blockages; Jedi for example calls for a particular playstyle, and not everyone will experience that part of the game unless they adapt their playstyle (and we are in fact counting on the fact that they won't be able to)."
Raph, Sep 2001

Odd post hinting that people who don’t like to PvP might need too to obtain certain aspects of the Jedi role.  They are counting on the fact that some people don’t like to PvP cause they want to keep Jedi rare.

"Some stuff related to Jedi. Just a few last ends to tie up. This system has been pretty well-hammered out for months now"
Haden, July 2001

Quote explains itself.

"The lightsaber is just an example of a rare and special item. But, not being able to insure it does make sense. A Jedi needs to build his or her own lightsaber. Being able to retrieve it by simply cashing in your insurance doesn't seem to capture the sense that this is the Jedi's own personal and special weapon."
Haden, Aug 2001

You will be unable to insure your Light Saber.  This makes sense, but I am sure you won’t die will ya.  –grin-

"Just because we are classifying Jedi as a profession from the game perspective doesn't mean it is as simple to pursue as other professions. The classification really means that the Jedi skills are part of the larger skill system, meaning that Jedi may need to give up other skills if they want to completely focus on Jedi ones."
Q-3P0, Sep 2002

The Jedi Skill tree might be like the BH skill tree, where it requires a large, if not the whole, portion of one’s skill points.

"So, while I don't think characters in SWG should suddenly ‘become’ Force sensitive, I do think it's appropriate for characters to ‘become aware’ of their connection to the Force."
Haden, Sep 2001

This hints that their might be a “sign” system where you are pointed in the direction appropriate for you to become Force-Sensitive.  Similar to reading the description on the Jedi Holocron Splinters and it stating that it seems familiar to you.  Or certain NPCs commenting on the force and what not.

"We have a good sense of the steps needed to become force-sensitive and then Jedi."
Raph, Nov 2001

Do share with us then… please… -grin-

"I think we've already said that the Jedi system utilizes the skill system mechanics. The skill system doesn't influence how you become Force sensitive, however - the Jedi disciplines are only available once you've reached that point"
Haden, March 2002

Skill system doesn’t influence how you become FS.  Therefore the theories on becoming FS has to deal with a random choice of you skill tree upon starting the game is poofed.  The Jedi Disciplines however are effected.

"If we described a road map to becoming Force Sensitive, everyone would soon be a Jedi."
Haden, March 2002

Quote explains itself.

"Well, the principle reason for the unlocked slot is to adhere to our design goal to make Jedi rare."
Q-3P0, Feb 2003

Quote explains itself.

"We are currently planning to have holocrons in the game--we see them as a way of transmitting Jedi knowledge."
Raph, March 2001

Quote explains itself.

"I would guess that it will take most players months just to get a Force sensitive character, and after that, several months to succeed at getting to Jedi Knight—assuming they don’t die on the way."
Raph, Feb 2003

A time frame from Raph concerning FS and Jedi.

"Before you can become a Dark Jedi, you need to first work your way up to a certain place in the ‘regular Jedi’ ranks, so it should be some time before the first players are even eligible for this dubious honor."
Haden, Feb 2003

This quote makes it sound as if you don’t “fall” as a Dark Jedi, but work you way up to it.  Another assumption is that you work from Padawan Learner to Jedi Knight/Dark Knight, then on to Jedi Master/Dark Initiate.  Or, something along those lines.  That the skill tree branches at a certain point.

"They [Dark Jedi] won't be there at launch, but truthfully, we'll likely still be testing the Jedi system at launch."
Haden, Feb 2003

Dark Jedi are now currently (October 2003) in game.

“I will say that the game mechanics the team has devised are designed to make becoming a Jedi difficult (but not impossible). And because of the mechanics, the Jedi population should fluctuate over time, but will organically remain relatively small.”
Haden, Dec 2000

Again with the rarity.

“Yes, it's been difficult to devise a Jedi system that really works, but it's been worth the effort.”
Haden, Dec 2000

Quote explains itself.

“Only Jedi can manufacture lightsabers. A Jedi needs to turn inward and draw upon the Force in order to assemble the weapon; those without the proper training and a strong connection to the Force simply can't build lightsabers. By this rule alone, we limit the manufacture of lightsabers to Jedi only.”
Haden, Dec 2000

This leads one to believe that the Jedi will be able to build certain things, lightsaber included, that only Jedi can build.  This might also include their robes and other Jedi-like items.  I am also thinking the way to fix or rebuild the Holocrons might hold key to this also.

“Acquiring the necessary components to build a personal lightsaber is a daunting task, and drawing upon the Force in order to actually construct the weapon is equally difficult.”
Haden, Dec 2000

Drawing on the force might open you for TEF and to build your saber might require you to be in certain public places, therefore making this task extremely difficult yet rewarding.

“We're assuming that, in general, the Empire has a negative view towards any and all Force wielders. Aside from a few special lackeys (Mara Jade, for example), the Emperor and Vader likely view other Dark Jedi as potential rivals or unpredictable wild cards to be eliminated.”
Haden, Jan 2001

Again, you will be hunted.

“We've already stated that it will be very hard to become a Jedi. We don't plan to randomly choose Jedis or put in a hard cap thereby making it impossible for some to ever get there. We do intend for it to be really really hard. Not necessarily ‘hardcore’ though, meaning a more casual player can still become a Jedi.”
Raph, Jan 2001

Balancing is key.  Both sides of the spectrum, hardcore and softcore, can get Jedi.

“We have to limit Jedi in order to remain faithful to the setting. I understand your concerns though. Our goal is that casual players can become Jedi--in other words, being hardcore is not our selection mechanism. That said, Jedi will be rare.”
Raph, Jan 2001

Again, balancing is key.

“You will be able to deactivate your lightsaber, but carrying the hilt around might still attract attention.”
Haden, Jan 2001

This sounds as if even carrying the hilt will cause you to get a TEF.

“We're recognizing, in the game, that Jedi often build their lightsabers as part of training. In more recent sources published since the release of the SWE, it is suggested that Padawans *must* build a lightsaber at some point in order to pass on to Jedi Knight status.”
Haden, Jan 2001

Sounds as if one of the requirements they are putting in to become a Jedi Knight is going to be the construction of a light saber.

“We don't want to make building a lightsaber a terrible ordeal that takes hours and hours of your (real) life, but we do want to make you feel like you've achieved something special when the lightsaber is complete. That'll be a fun balancing task for us”
Haden, Jan 2001

Won’t be as hard as getting a Force Slot open?  Heh heh.

“The false assumption is that time is a limiting factor in becoming a Jedi. Or rather, that it is THE limiting factor. There are other things we can and will use as limiting factors.”
Raph, Feb 2001

Time plays no role in the factors to becoming a Jedi.

“The Jedi system, as we envision it, will lead to role-playing, which is also important to us.”
Haden, Feb 2001

Interesting quote.  It sounds as if you must play your role, in hiding etc.

“You need to seriously role-play to become a Jedi. Totally untrue. We can't really track it, as I've noted, so we can't use it as a determining factor in whether or not your character becomes a Jedi. I will reveal that becoming a Jedi will involve different things for different players: Some players might find that role-playing was a significant factor, others will feel that exploration was the key, still others might not know exactly what they did to become a Jedi. Let's all say it together: *It will be a different experience for everyone.* Those things that are required of everyone to become and remain a Jedi will make sense within the context of what a Jedi represents in the game, but they will never involve ‘chatting’ as a Jedi.”
Haden, Feb 2001

Roleplaying is not trackable therefore not a factor.  Some players may find that role-playing was a significant factor (sounds as if we might need to start thinking like a Jedi) or that exploration was key (sounds as if we must visit multiple POI).

“That the Jedi system, or the game as a whole, will enforce role-playing. That's not what I said, and it's not our intention. Once you become a Jedi, certain actions may cause you to slip toward the dark side, but this doesn't involve chatting in any way and we won't prevent you from doing what you want.”
Haden, Feb 2001

Quote explains itself.

“Well During this time period the Jedi are hunted by the Empire. So if you flaunt your Jedi power, we will send Boba Fett, Mara Jade or even Mara Jade after you.”
Raph, E3 2002

Once again, we will be hunted.

Undated quotes; from 2002 forward

"Jedi are a tough nut to crack, that’s for sure. They’re iconic to Star Wars. Everyone wants to be one. They are only special if they’re rare and powerful. Whoops, sort of a Catch-22 on that one. Our policy all along has been to say that they will be very very very rare, and not to explain how you become one."
Raph

Quote explains itself.

"Do you define maxing out as having spent all your skill boxes? Well, that doesn’t include Jedihood, and it doesn’t include the other 9/10ths of the game. Let’s assume you mean 'time to max out a single character, spending all skill points and achieving an elite profession.' .... We’re looking for around 3 months there. Of course, if you want to REALLY max out and cover all the ground in the game, you’re talking about ten times that."

"There are things that are similar between our system and the Hardcore of Diablo 2, but there are also a lot of things that are not comparable. My question to you is although the leader boards show a lot of players over 90th level, what is the relative percentage of those compared to all the people who bought Diablo 2. I think even though a lot of people achieved over 90th level, it is still in a small minority of the total number of players."
Q3P0

Showing that even if you’re the elite of elite it may hold no relevance over becoming a Jedi.  This quote also sounds as if becoming a Master Elite Whatever won’t be a factor in the equation.

"You may have a misapprehension. You're not going to get to blue glowy. It's too hard."
Raph

Ouch…

"Our solution was to devise a system that would allow any player the opportunity to work towards this particular goal but at the same time make it challenging enough that only those who are serious about playing the character type would succeed. Jedi are potentially more powerful than other character types and with that extra power comes extra risk."
Q-3P0

Again they emphasize on the power of the Jedi.

"Given how often we think Jedi slot characters will die, we don’t see it as that big an issue."
(Raph, re: whether or not the FS slot cirvumvents SCS)

Quote explains itself.

"Point blank answer: No hints on unlocking the force sensitive slot."
Q, response to "Point blank question"

Quote explains itself.

Haden Blackman (Oct 2003): We've yet to see any Jedi in the game, though there are some players that are close to unlocking that Force-sensitive slot. The path to becoming a Jedi is extremely difficult. But we've seen in the game -- as in the Star Wars expanded universe -- that adventurers have located ancient historical artifacts known as Jedi holocrons in certain corners the galaxy. These extremely rare devices are a repository of the knowledge and teachings of the ancient Jedi Order. They may eventually be useful in illuminating the arduous journey of both mind and body that is becoming a Jedi.

This I believe to be just a message stating that they did indeed add holocrons.  It does not state or even hint at it being FSCS related or specific to Jedi.  The world may never know.

BUMP

This is an excellent post.

Thanks.

---

R2D2 wrote:
"You can’t be excluded while making up your character, but certain things may disqualify you later on as your character grows."

What is the disqualify part based on?

---

I saw that and went Hmmm... as well.

But then I saw this quote as well:

"The game will never bar you from being a Jedi.  It remains achievable at all times. [...] I think the 'anyone can be President' analogy is actually a pretty good one..."

Raph, April 2001

So now its time to beat my head on the table and break out Jedi Academy to quell my addiction, lol.

I had a really interesting thought one night.  It is just an odd thought but here it is regardless.

Medic ====> Master Doctor
but in doing so you don't sit in one medical establishment.  But bounce from city to city.  It can flag you for entering certain cities so your not "sitting in one medical center" but you never once have to enter combat or the such.  Maybe you must go through so many cities or places on advance planets to do it?

Just a shot in the dark.  I doubt anyone has tried this.  Healing in a different city all the time.  Same for entertainers and the such.  Interesting?  Stupid?  Insane?  Welcome to the Jedi forums... heh heh