Force form

"A Jedi's strength flows from the Force."

- Yoda

Force forms were meditative battle stances that served as alternatives to the various forms of lightsaber combat. While all Jedi were taught to connect with the Force, and while most lightsaber styles relied on this connection to at least some degree, the Force forms enhanced a Jedi's power to feel and control the Force, allowing one to reach beyond what most could in the midst of combat, at the expense of physical ability. They were popular among Jedi Consulars and others who relied more on the Force than on the lightsaber, even when in battle.

During the time when the Jedi Exile returned to the galaxy, there were four major Force forms:


 * Force Channel&mdash;embodying the standard meditation techniques learned by all Jedi, Channel was the only Force form generally utilized by non-Consulars. Kreia described the technique as "a gift", as it provided a modest boost to one's connection while carrying no real vulnerabilities.


 * Force Potency&mdash;Potency was offensive in its very nature, enhancing a Jedi's ability to strike others with the Force. One could attack foes more powerfully, but doing such quickly left the Jedi feeling drained. It was most compatible with adherers to the dark side of the Force, as Force "attacks" were usually manifestations of hatred or other dark emotions. Even so, a light Jedi could use this form to decisively resolve a conflict if speed was the priority.


 * Force Affinity&mdash;Affinity was the ideal form for a Jedi who was required to maintain a steady focus on the Force. It allowed the Jedi to rest in his or her connection in even the fiercest fight, in a manner that would normally be available only in peaceful meditation and away from distractions. This was an endurance form for the Jedi; one could remain guarded while an enemy expended energy and eventually tired. For this reason, it was most effectively used in alternating cycles with other Force forms, with the Jedi recovering strength before launching a counterattack against a weary opponent.


 * Force Mastery&mdash;despite its impressive name, the Mastery form was not limited to those with vast expertise in the Force – though its practitioners would hope to convey that idea. One's command of the Force would indeed have more powerful effects, enhancing the Jedi's own physical abilities for a sustained period while weakening the enemy's resolve against Force attacks. However, the effort of this form severely weakened its user, not only draining the Jedi but also limiting his or her ability to defend against the Force powers of others. Some who were not very proficient in the Force would assume this form, appearing to have more of a mastery than they actually did.

Behind the scenes
Unlike lightsaber forms, the different Force forms only appear in Knights of the Old Republic II, and most of them only appear if the player follows the class of the Jedi Consular or Jedi Master. Even within the game itself, the Force forms seem to be an afterthought; they do not appear in the game manual alongside the lightsaber forms, and dialogue in the game will have a Dark-sided Jedi Exile learn the Jedi Masters' "lightsaber" techniques, even if they are using Force forms.

Appearances

 * Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords